The Secret Beauty Blogger

Crystal Clear

2012-01-28T14:20:00.002Z

For those of you have been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I'm constantly on the quest for clear skin. I've tried supplements before and to be honest have never really noticed much of a difference, so have always concentrated on topical solutions to either prevent or treat. My skin problems are hormonal (definitely stress related through working in an environment with constant deadlines) so I've just always assumed that that can never change unless the stress is removed which is only going to happen if I give up the job I love!

So when Pantothen sent me 3 months' supply of its natural acne solution (RRP: £29.95 for one month's supply) I just took it on and off without giving it a proper try, as any supplement I'd stuck to rigidly hadn't really done anything. For some reason though, I decided that as of January (New Year, New You and all that) I'd really knuckle down and try anything to help my skin. I'd forgotten I'd even been sent Pantothen until a couple of weeks ago so decided to give it a proper go. You have to take one tablet four times a day (they recommend morning, afternoon, late afternoon and evening) with water and should start noticing the difference within one or two weeks. Once I got into the habit of taking the four a day keeping one pot on my desk and one in my handbag, it becomes second nature, so much so that when I realised my skin has been really clear for the past week it took me a while to realise that it must be down to Pantothen! It may just be a coincidence, and I'll keep you all updated but at this time of year my skin is usually in meltdown after having two weeks off work over Christmas and struggling to get back into the swing of things.

So, how does it work? The website will tell you better than I can but it's all down to increasing the natural chemicals in the body that break down oils before they can cause breakouts, and the great thing with this is that it does it naturally, by working with your own body chemistry. I've taken the video below from the website to help explain as, to be honest, I don't really mind how it works as long as it's getting the results I want!

Secret Beauty Verdict: So far, so good. Obviously using the correct skincare regime and having a balanced diet to include the essential vitamins to build a healthy skin is essential, but that's something I've always done yet have still struggled, and the only thing I've done differently recently is taking Pantothen every day!

DISCLAIMER: I would just like to point out that I've noticed the company has been advertising through Google on my blog, but I absolutely PROMISE you all that this has nothing to do with it, I try not to let companies send me products specifically for the blog unless it's something I think I can benefit from, and if I don't get results then I simply don't post about it!

Quick-fire recommendation: Buddha Beauty

2012-01-09T21:03:00.000Z

This body lotions is one of the best I've found, and having dehydrated skin means I have tried A LOT! The Buddha Beauty Company approached me for the magazine I write for as I hadn't heard of them before, but loved the concept of the product range: inspired by the many places the founders have travelled resulting in a gorgeous range of products which are natural and certified organic.

The Lemongrass and Bergamot Organic Body Lotion (£12.50 www.buddha-beauty.com) smells amazing and natural (although it may be a bit too strong for some) using Lemongrass to lift with Bergamot to bring balance.

I absolutely love everything about this lotion, the smell is gorgeous, it sinks in beautifully and really hydrates immediately. It also leaves the skin looking amazing with a lovely sheen without being greasy and this has lasted me a good 6 months using it almost daily - pretty great value I'd say!

Secret Beauty verdict: In my eyes this product is perfect although the fragrance could be slightly strong for some, but I LOVE it and everything about it!

If it's good enough for Madonna...

2011-03-26T12:59:00.001Z

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, then you’ll know I’m on the eternal quest to find ANYTHING that keeps my skin clear and have tried hundreds (probably not even an exaggeration!) of products to try and combat spots…so far, my must-haves that I am NEVER without are:

As well as using at-home care to clear my skin, I am lucky enough to be able to have regular facials due to working on a beauty magazine. I really feel that if you can afford to have a facial once a month, then it’s so important, and if I’m not doing it though work then I pay for one to keep my skin as good as it can be. It just helps you really get to know your skin and keep tabs on it, and keeps it in optimum condition.

Having facials so regularly means I kind of get used to them and they’re always great, but I think of them as maintenance really, so when I went along to try the Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Infusion facial, I wasn’t expecting anything different. Oh how wrong I was!!

The facial itself is very different, using a ‘wand’ which produces pressurised oxygen to glide over the face, pushing the product applied deep into the skin with amazing results. My lovely therapist, Michelle Peck (Madonna’s facialist who calls on her and her Intraceuticals machine to travel with her when she tours), did half my face to show me the results, before the she did the rest. The half she did was incredible; me cheekbones were popping out, my eyes looked bigger and my skin was GLOWING, and that was immediately, imagine having it regularly to keep that up! I’d had a breakout that morning too and had a few nasty blemishes that had popped up, and although this was an anti-ageing facial, Michelle said I’d probably notice a difference the next day with them too.

The science bit - shows the wand and the 'bubble' of oxyen

I actually couldn’t believe it the next morning – my skin was clear!! And any pigmentation was practically gone too – I’ve never experienced that after a facial before, no wonder Michelle and Intraceuticals treat most of Hollywood! The results last 5 – 7 days, and these are expensive treatments which means it’s hard to keep them up regularly if you’re not an A-lister, but when Michelle does the celebs pre-Oscars (literally 20 minutes before they put their make-up on) and suggests having a treatment the morning of a big event (I’m going to try before my wedding later on in the year), or at least the day before to ensure glowing skin and an amazing bone-structure.

Secret Beauty Blogger Verdict: The treatment itself was lovely, really relaxing and the cool bubble of oxygen felt amazing on the skin – if you can experience this treatment yourself then you must – it’s unlike anything else out there and the results are incredible!

All about Avon

2011-03-14T13:30:00.003Z

I've never had any huge opinions about Avon Cosmetics, having Reese Witherspoon as the face of it didn't really change the fact that I felt it was aimed at old ladies not wanting to leave their house to buy make-up if I'm honest!

That was until I picked up the Avon Supershock Mascara (RRP £8, although when I went on the website just now it was on offer for £5) in a goody bag at an event. I'd just run out of my trusty everyday Maybelline Volum' Express Turbo so thought I'd give this a go until I got a new one...and it was FABULOUS!

My one make-up staple is mascara, I've tried so many (see here) so am very critical, but I am an absolute convert now. It doesn't clog at all and is a lovely consistency, and it really does boost your lashes. I only really need one coat in the day but if you layer it gives an amazing effect and lasts: no smudging, flaking or clumping.

Secret Beauty Blogger Verdict: Try this product if you can, I really wasn't expecting the results I got and will be buying this from now on!

For the man in your life...

2011-03-13T18:20:00.000Z

I asked Mr Secret Beauty Blogger to trial the TwinLuxe range of products for me as, although they can be used on female skin, the range is aimed at the male market with a high-end feel. I can’t say much more apart from I really love the packaging and smell…so over to him!

Note: You may also be able to tell that I have trained him well and he now loves the male skin products; it might help that he gets them for free as I pass them on when we are sent them for male features in the magazine, but all the same, he knows the right routine!!!

PRODUCTS TESTED

Daily Detox Face Wash & Mask

Instant Energy Mist

Booster Serum

Daily Detox Face Wash & Mask (List price = $38)

Of the three products, this is the one that I have used most regularly, as I have been using it once in the morning as a face wash and once every evening as a mask. I have really noticed the difference, as my skin has been clear and on the whole (touch wood) spot free. To me, the sign of a good face wash is not only feeling like your skin is clean, but that it hasn’t been harshly dried out like so many high street brands tend to do. This wash really does manage to detox the skin and leave it feeling moisturised after use as well.

The price of the wash is reasonable to say the least. Considering I have been using it morning and night, it has lasted me at least a couple of months and it is still going. This is always one of the most noticeable differences between high street products, and luxury brands. Although you pay more, they do last a lot longer and they leave your skin feeling so much nicer.

The mask is a really nice element of this product, as it works so quickly. All you have to do is moisten the face and apply a thin layer of the product and leave it to work its magic for just a few minutes. It is good enough to leave your skin feeling like you have had a face mask on for 15 minutes, perfect for anyone with limited time.

Booster Serum (List price = $76)

In the past my skin has been fairly prone to shaving rash, with my neck being the worst hit. This meant that I would try and avoid shaving on a daily basis in an attempt to avoid the inevitable irritation. This Booster Serum however has changed that and by using it both pre and post shave, I find that the shaving rash can be avoided, which is a revelation. The protective barrier it offers during the shave really does help the razor glide over the skin, rather than feeling a little battered and sore.

The one element that I would change with regards to this product is the packaging, it is just not that user friendly. You press the top down and the serum explodes like a little volcano. This wouldn’t be a problem if it worked upside down with the serum falling onto your palm, but it doesn’t and you end up having to wipe the serum from the top of the product and after a few months this ends up looking grotty.

Having said this, once you have overcome the packaging, the product works really well and anything that helps avoid shaving rash has to be worth the money.

Instant Energy Mist (List price = $26)

This is a strange product, as to be honest I wasn’t expecting a huge amount from it. I thought it would be more for show than having any real benefits for my skin, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the soothing mist really does provide a refreshing boost to your skin.

This product has now become an integral element of my post shave regime. I use the energy mist after I have applied the booster serum and before my regular moisturiser. Often after shaving I find that my skin is in need of refreshing and the cooling effect of the mist helps to really relieve the skin.

One of the huge plus points of this product for me is the matt finish that it provides, as I prefer my moisturisers not to feel too greasy. When using this product on its own, often in the afternoons to give my skin a bit of a boost, the finish is such that I feel confident that my face doesn’t look shiny or greasy.

www.twinluxe.com

Rapunzel - eat your heart out!

2011-02-21T17:10:00.000Z

For all those girls out there who moan that their hair never grows past a certain length, or grows too slowly, I’ve found the answer!

Michael Van Clarke (brother of Nicky, I think he’s added the ‘Van’ bit in or Nicky’s taken it away!) 3 More Inches Shampoo (£17), Conditioner (£17) and Pre-Wash Treatment (£29) is absolutely amazing! I went and had a haircut with the man himself in December (which was one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had btw, and I’ve had A LOT in this job!) and he very kindly gave me the products. The PR told me how amazing they were if you used the regime properly, but I thought it was just the usual so didn’t actually do much with them.

I then started using them properly at the beginning of January, and didn’t really think much about it until the amount of comments people have been giving me about how long my hair is looking over the past couple of weeks. I completely didn’t think to put the two together until I met up with some other girls in the beauty industry who, strangely enough, were both using the regime as well and were saying how much it worked for them. One has short hair and commented on the thickness of hers now (she used to always have extensions for volume but doesn’t need to anymore), and the other was saying about how much stronger her hair was – it was only then that I realised actually my hair had gotten quite long, quite quickly, and definitely wasn’t as split as it used to be, and that’s only after about 6 weeks!!

I realise it’s expensive but it should last a good 4 months at least and honestly is amazing. The Pre-Wash Treatment should be used at least an hour before you wash it, but I’ve been putting it on overnight, or through my hair when I’ve worn it up knowing I’ll wash it that evening, and because the creamy consistency dries nicely, it doesn’t leave any residue or actually make you’re hair look greasy. I only wash my hair 2 – 3 times a week so have been using this before every wash, but it should be used around twice a week.

I can’t explain properly how it works, I just know that it does, but for those of you who like the science bit, here’s what they say:

“Hair is a complex structure of hard and soft proteins with a delicate moisture balance. Once out of the scalp it is no longer part of the living tissue and so cannot repair itself. From here it starts to suffer the wear and tear of everyday living – UV light, aggressive heat styling, poor quality products, seawater, chlorine, hair colourants and other chemical processes etc. These cause damage to the surface and interior. As the molecular bonds start to break, the mass begins to leach away. As more of these protein bonds are lost, the hair is less able hair is to hold moisture, and the more brittle it becomes. This accelerates the loss of further bonds and so the degenerative cycle speeds up. Hair then ages rapidly.

This unique complex of naturally derived cashmere proteins in a blend of select conditioning agents penetrates deep into the hair shaft; repairing broken bonds and helping to protect the hair from further disintegration. The natural cashmere proteins and amino acids closely match the molecular structure of human hair so fit better in the gaps and hold longer. A stitch in time saves nine. After shampooing, 3 more inches Conditioner then provides a further protective seal on the surface.

Following the 3 more inches System slows down the aging process so your hair stays healthier and grows longer before it dries out. It will be easier to manage, more vibrant looking, and hold its colour for longer, giving you more inches of youthful, silky, supple, sexy healthy hair.”

Secret Beauty Verdict: I’ve tried so many haircare regimes to strengthen my hair and this is the only one where I’ve seen a noticeable difference, it is expensive but if you really want longer hair then it’s definitely worth it!

Hot New Hair Trend!

2011-02-02T14:45:00.002Z

I’ve just heard about this great new colour technique Brett Walker of Michael Barnes salon on Shaftesbury Avenue, London, has introduced into the salon (although not created) so thought I’d share!

It’s called the Ombre and is due to be one of the hottest hair trends for 2011. It looks gorgeous and the best thing is it is extremely easy to manage and cost effective as the whole point of it is to have ‘roots’!

The colour is placed underneath the top layer of hair as Brett explains: “The difference between Ombre and normal highlights is that they are placed through the underneath layer so the hair looks as if it fades from dark roots and gradually gets lighter through the length and ends.”

Rachel Bilson, Alexa Chung and Drew Barrymore are already champions of this technique, and if you have a look around there are plenty of other celebs rocking this style! I personally think it works best with a bit of texture in the hair, so stock up on your salt spray!!

Lisa Shepherd's Hair Detox

2011-01-01T11:00:00.070Z

Happy New Year blogettes!! Hope you all had a suitably fabulous Christmas and are now ready for the detox...I spoke to the amazing Lisa Shepherd (you may know her as the colourist extraordinaire from 10 Years Younger) to get her advice on how to detox you hair. This is something that never seems to get a mention, as it is skin and body, so I thought it was about time to think about this too! Let me know how you get on if you try it!

The Six Step Regime

1. Gently does it

Give your hair a break and try a month long hair detox by using a shampoo which is specifically designed for a dry scalp and dry hair. This will feed some moisture back into your tired and dry scalp, relieving it of any tightness and possible flakiness caused by toxic overload.
Secret Beauty fave: Start with Clynol Speciality Clear Shampoo (RRP £8.45) to completely detox the hair, and use once a week to get that squeaky clean feeling, then use a moisturising shampoo such as Alterna Hemp Organics Repair Shampoo and Conditioner (RRP around £20 each) every wash.

2. Restore moisture
Once a week treat your hair to a conditioning treatment once you've washed your hair. Leave this on for at least 5 to 10 minutes and wrap it in a warm towel to lock the moisture in. When it comes to drying time, try and leave it to dry naturally.
Secret Beauty fave: All Aveda treatments are excellent, so go for the one that suits your hair best. I love the Aveda Color Conserve Strengthening Treatment (RRP £17) but for those with less time, the Goldwell Dualsenses 60sec treatments (RRP £9) are AMAZING and come ina variety of options for every hair type.

3. Ban the heat

Avoid using straightening irons for a month. This will give your hair a chance to regain some of its own moisture to regenerate shinier, healthier hair. Use a serum to flatten and smooth any split ends which may also have occurred through all those blow dries.
Secret Beauty fave: I swear by serums but some can be slightly heavy. Wella Professionals' Pure Glamour (RRP £11.79) is a really lightweight serum and one of my 'can't live without' products, it also lasts for ages as you only need to use a small amount to tame those tresses.

4. Bin the daily wash

Try not to wash your hair everyday and stretch it to every other day. This will give the natural oils from your scalp a chance to slide down the hair shaft, reviving the dry ends.

Secret Beauty fave: For those of you who hate the thought of not washing your hair everyday - use a dry shampoo, I LOVE them! If you want to blow the budget then Alterna's Caviar Dry Shampoo (RRP around £20) is lovely and you only need the smallest amount, however, it's not the easiest product to use as you tip the powder formula onto the roots through the nozzle dispenser, so it can be a bit tricky to get right! Apart from that though, and at the other end of the scale (although don't judge this one on price - it's definitely the best out there by far), is James Brown's Hair Reviving Dry Shampoo (RRP £6.99), haven't got a bad word to say about this one!

5. Get the right temperature

Wash in and rinse off shampoo with hot water as this will swell the hair and open up the cuticle layer. Use cool water for the final rinse after conditioning as this will close the cuticle and lock in the benefits. An energising scalp massage is also effective as it activates circulation and stimulates the oil glands.
For more on 'how to wash your hair' (sounds patronising but is actually v interesting), then check out my earlier post here.

6. Trim to win

Have regular haircuts or trims at least every 6 weeks in order to keep your hair healthy and shiny as split ends are a major cause of dry hair.

Top Tip

Central heating is a major cause of flyaway hair, it can really dry out your locks. To prevent dehydration to your hair and skin, sleep with a bowl of water under your radiator which adds moisture back into the atmosphere!

Nice and Natural

2010-12-21T17:55:00.000Z

I have just tried the most amazing shampoo and conditioner so thought I’d share! The range has been successful in the States now for around 10 years, but is new to the UK. This exciting new range is Privé, launched by French, US-based hairdresser, Laurent Duforg, whose celebrity clientele include Gwyneth Paltrow (he is the man responsible for chopping off her blonde locks), Tea Leoni, Teri Hatcher, Sharon Stone, Uma Thurman, Johnny Depp, and, ummm…the Hilton Sisters among others!

Inspired by nature and using only the finest ingredients, each Privé formula features a unique herbal blend which Laurent himself personally developed, which then led him to expand the line with the Concept Vert products (which is what I’ve been using). This haircare line is eco-friendly and organically enhanced, free from sulphates and parabens (so perfect for the Keratin treatment fan) and uses a special technology with the packaging meaning you get more for your money: the products come in a unique aerosol can and this new technology means that they’ve literally squeezed twice as much product into the (eco-friendly recyclable/re-usable) packaging, and you can even take these back to the salon once they are empty, who will then send them back to Privé for them to be re-used, very green indeed.

The Concept Vert shampoo and conditioner (just under £20 for each) I’ve been using don’t contain any nasties, which means that they don’t lather like other shampoos, which can feel strange to begin with, but as long as you rub the product in your hand for a bit and make sure your hair is really wet, then it foams up quite nicely! After just one use I couldn’t believe how soft and shiny my hair was, and it even made the colour glow – I got so many compliments!

There are a whole host of amazing products within the line though, but one that stands out for me and is amazing on the hair is the Shining Weightless Amplifier which is a lovely lightweight foam which adds gorgeous texture and body to the hair. This product was actually created by Laurent for Uma Thurman when he couldn’t find the exact product to work in her fine hair!

I’m currently working my way through the range so will make sure I report back with the other hero products, but this really is such a gorgeous brand. The packaging feels high end, the products smell amazing, and the results are more than I ever thought possible!!!

Lovely, lovely Liz!

2010-11-13T21:00:00.002Z

I’ve wanted to blog about this for ages but thought I should wait until I’d used the regime properly...I am of course talking about Liz Earle! I’ve used trial sized samples of the products a while ago, but only kept them in my ‘overnight’ wash bag so never really got the full effects of the regime. I’ve now finished the Cleanse and Polish which is why I’m blogging about it now but the results were amazing!

I’ve been using the famous Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (Happy 15th Birthday btw!), followed by the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and finally the Skin Repair Moisturiser.

So, step one is Cleanse:

The Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser has won so many awards and it’s easy to see why. The highly concentrated, plant-based cleanser has a two-phase action: phase one is the cleansing and phase two is the polishing. The cleanser is a gorgeous, creamy consistency that you massage into dry skin and looks almost like moisturiser as it disappears completely, removing make-up and even mascara (although I still remove my make-up first, just in case), and it smells lovely, not too much of a scent but still gorgeous. The muslin cloth that is provided gently exfoliates and removes the cleanser and really leaves the skin ‘glowing’, there are actually two cloths provided so when one is in the wash, you can still polish!

Step two, Tone:

I can never really tell whether a toner actually does anything or not, and I’ve had conflicting answers from any beauty expert I’ve ever asked, but when something is as natural as the Instant Skin Boost Tonic I’m sure it can’t be bad for you! The blurb says that it adds a fine layer of moisture whilst revitalising, soothing and brightening. I like to use a toner purely to make sure that I’ve gotten rid of every last trace of make-up but always use natural ones as some can dry out the skin, which may be why this one feels so lovely as it adds moisture.

Step three, Moisturise:

I LOVE the Skin Repair Moisturiser - it feels really thick to the touch but on the skin it sinks in beautifully and really hydrates which is apparently due to the avocado and borage plant oils – nice! I’m using the normal/combination but it is also available in dry/sensitive and also Light for combination/oily skin.

The reason I waited to use it all until I blogged is because I noticed a difference so quickly that I thought it must be a coincidence rather than the product, but my skin has stayed really clear and hydrated, until I ran out of the cleanse and polish and it’s started to break out again so I’m convinced it’s due to this. The cleanser lasted me about 8 weeks using twice a day, and at £11.50 for the bottle size I had, I don’t think that’s a bad price at all! I think the Tonic and Moisturiser are going to last me twice as long so I’ll be getting down to Liz Earle for a new Cleanser sharpish!

Usually I just put the RRP within my post but there are a few choices for the prices so there’s no excuse not to try them out!

Cleanser:

100ml pump starter kit with 2 muslin cloths and a zip-up bag: £13

100ml pump: £11.50

100ml pump x 3: £31.50

200ml tube starter kit with 2 muslin cloths and a zip-up bag: £31.50

200ml tube: £21.50

Muslin cloths x 3: £3.50

Skin Tonic: 200ml bottle: £11.50

200ml bottle x 3: £31.50

200ml spritzer: £11.75

200ml bottle and 30ml spritzer: £15.75

Moisturiser:

50ml jar or tube: £17.25

All of the above are available in travel sizes or the Essentials Try-Me Kit is £21.75 which includes a 30ml Cleanser, 50ml Tonic and a 15ml Moisturiser in both normal/combination and dry/sensitive. Also included is the muslin cloth.

Easy styles for long hair...

2010-08-26T16:30:00.000+01:00

I just received the following formspring question so although it's a bit of a re-hash of things I've featured before, I still think they're all very relevant!

"Please can you give me a few tips for quick and easy hair styles for long hair? Thanks."

My most recent discovery has been the fishtail plait, I realise it's been around for a while but I've only just been able to do it! Click here to see my proper post on it but plaits are still very now and even if it's not fishtail then a side plait looks gorgeous, and I personally I think the messier the better. This Miu Miu one uses extensions for the length and thickness, and also a middle parting, but I think a side parting (opposite side to where the plait falls) is a really wearable version of this. Try plaiting a nice printed scarf into it too, that always looks lovely. See here for the trend piece that featured Miu Miu and a few others...

Still going along the plaits line is the Hippy Hippy Chic post I did a while ago, have a look here but this is quite an easy look for long hair as seen below on the queen of hippy-chic - Pixie Lott. I wear it by scrunch-drying my hair to keep it's natural wave, and then take a plait from either side of my parting and secure at the back of my head. Little random plaits all the way through the hair works really well too.

Another trend piece I did here was on buns, which again are still on-trend and really achievable, check that post out here; the image below is my favourite out of them and was from the Matthew Williamson show. This is easily created and works best with wet hair: Simply make a diagonal parting starting from where the centre of your eyebrow is to the back of the head on the other side under the ear, then make a ponytail in the centre of each section and secure tightly. Wrap both sections around each other and pin securely underneath, as well as anywhere it doesn't sit flat to the head.

So, I hope that's a few styles to keep you going, it is a bit of a re-hash but if you click on the label for hair tips or hair trends, you'll find a few there!

Ready, Get Set....Go!

2010-08-24T17:24:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to meet celebrity make-up artist Dani Guinsberg the other week who showed me lots of clever highlighting and contouring tips and tricks, as well as the must-have products to create these (MAC Sculpt is a-ma-zing for contouring btw). One product she showed me was a professional make-up artist must-have but not available on the high street and that was Ben Nye’s Neutral Set Powder. I bought mine for £5.95 from screenface.com, a website for stage make-up artists but it is basically a completely translucent face powder to set make-up for theatre actors or those on long photo shoots and it works so well!

I was a bit worried as the powder is completely white, but when it’s on there really is no colour as so many make-up brands’ translucent powders do actually have a colour in them and they don’t work all that well at setting make-up for the whole day either. Dani told me that she uses this on brides all the time once she has finished their make-up as it really will last all day, is tear-proof for the ceremony and sweat-proof for when the newly-weds are strutting their thang on the dancefloor too!

So, she sold it so well to me that I just had to try it for myself and I love it! I still use my trusted Estée Lauder Doublewear foundation which never fails and always stays in place, but what I love the Neutral Set for is to keep the rest of my make-up on all day, especially concealer as I find this slips off so easily, but is great to set blusher and eyeshadow too! It’s also great for removing shine and keeping it at bay so for those who suffer from oiliness, a bit of this on in the morning should sort you out! It’s not the easiest to keep in your handbag all day though as the powder is in a sort of talcum powder type container that you tip onto the back of your hand and use a big powder brush to dust all over, but used well in the morning really should work!

Another tip she taught me, which I didn’t know but makes perfect sense now she’s said it, is to only apply powder on top of powder, or liquid on top of liquid for a seamless result. So, I use a liquid foundation and have then been applying a powder blusher/bronzer on top of this, but to make it look much more natural I should be either use a liquid blusher or bronzer OR apply a face powder over my liquid foundation to then be able to use other powder products on top! Liquid on top of powder works a bit easier than the other way round, but if you can use all the same then you should apparently.

Anyway, short but sweet post with a couple of tips thrown in the mix too!

Secret Beauty Verdict: This should be in your make-up bag along with all your other essentials – such a good price and will last ages!

I'm bored beecause of stretch marks. I know they can't be removed forever but is there any good product that can improve the skin and make them disapear a little bit? thank u so much.

2010-08-18T09:44:00.001+01:00

I know the feeling! I've found Bio Oil to work really well for mine, they don't disappear but they do get better the more you use it - it's also great for scars. The best thing to do for them is to keep the skin really well hydrated so drink lots of water and use a rich moisturiser or body oil on them regularly which should hopefully make them fade slightly. Sorry not to be of more help - they're tricky things to get rid of!!

Ask me anything

Hi SBB, I'm totally beauty clueless and your blog is a life saver for me. Do you have a recommendation for a good concealer that's not hugely expensive? I've been using MAKE UP FOREVER lift concealer, but it's quite pricey here in South Africa. Keep the

2010-07-23T17:36:00.001+01:00

Hi! I use Estee Lauder double wear concealer as it stays on all day and I don't have to worry about it, but it isn't the cheapest although it does last a long time and is well worth the money. Cheaper brands that are always really good are Maybelline, especially their Dream Mousse Concealer and I really love Max Factor products. Revlon's ColorStay Blemish Concealer is also supposed to be really good, although I haven't tried it myself. Hope that helps, give them all a test in store and see what you think and thanks for asking! xxxxx

Ask me anything

Prepare to Bare...

2010-07-21T12:37:00.003+01:00

So, summer holiday season is in full swing but did you know you need to really prep your skin before trying to get that perfect tan? You shouldn’t just slap on the sun cream and hope for the best as Sally Penford, Education Manager for The International Dermal Institute told me when I spoke to her.

We all know how to spot the Brits abroad don’t we? we’re usually bright red and sunburnt (possibly with a few nice bright white tan lines), standing out from our olive-skinned, healthy-looking European counterparts, and I include my self in this burnt Brit category too! So how to keep skin healthy in the sun? Here are Sally’s tips:

Use a dry body brush to stimulate circulation and boost lymphatic movement. During the winter, your body is more sedentary and consequently circulation becomes increasingly sluggish. By removing toxins and waste through brushing it is possible to improve cellulite and conditions such as keratosis pilaris. If your skin goes bright red, you are brushing too hard. It is important to stimulate the lymph and not the blood.
Exfoliate! Remove dead skin cells in either the bath or shower. Use exfoliating body scrubs with circular polyethylene beads as a mechanical abrasive to literally slough dead cells away. Alternatively, if your skin is sensitised or you suffer from eczema, soak in the bath with Dead Sea salts to avoid scrubbing. The most effective exfoliation is a combination of mechanical scrubbing and soaking. Avoid old fashioned loofahs as they hold water and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Try a more modern exfoliating cloth such as a Buffing Cloth which can be put in the washing machine and dries very quickly – ideal for travelling.
Don’t forget your hands and feet which are on display during the summer. Try an express hand or foot skin smoother by massaging salts and oil, or a hydroxy acid based exfoliant into hands and feet. Rinse off with hot steam towels and follow with a multivitamin hand cream.
Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise! Choose your body moisturising cream in the same way you choose your moisturiser for you face. Choose between a lightweight, oil free, hydrating body moisturiser or a richer, nourishing blend with essential oils or even Hydroxy Acids for 24 hour exfoliation. Such creams are recommended for people who suffer with dry flaky patches and keratosis pilaris (the red bumpy bits) on the backs of arms and thighs.
Now your skin is fully prepared it is vital that you protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun – no matter how many clouds it is hiding behind. With so many effective self-tans on the market, there is no excuse to sunbathe. Products with dihydroxyacetone provide a natural-looking, sun-free tan and often with added SPF for maximum sun protection.
When choosing a sun protection cream, look for products which are oil-free to avoid congesting the skin. Those which contain anti-oxidants will protect the skin against free radical damage, therefore delaying the signs of ageing. The International Dermal Institute has produced a DNA microcapsule, which contains a complex of Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (vitamin C) and Tocopherol (vitamin E) that is triggered to release anti-oxidants when exposed to ultraviolet light. This new technology offers enhanced photoprotection and free radical protection against the sun’s rays when it is needed most. (We may have applied sunscreen in the morning but not be exposed to the light until lunch time). Creams with anti-inflammatory botanicals will reduce the redness caused by UV which can lead to a cascade of events resulting in premature ageing. The FDA in America advises a minimum SPF of 15 and a maximum of 30 to be used at all times. An SPF of 15 will block 93.6% of UVB rays and an SPF 30 blocks 96.6%. The higher the SPF, the more chemicals are used which can results in increased sensitivity. Look out for products with physical rather than chemical sunscreens (such as Dermalogica’s Super Sensitive FaceBlock SPF30) if you suffer with sensitivity. Always check whether the sun protection you choose provides full spectrum block against UVA, UVB and infrared rays.

UV causes up to 90% of skin ageing so by following Sally’s simple rules you can have younger, healthy looking skin whilst still enjoying your holiday!

Sunscreens work in two ways:

• Chemical Sunscreens such as Avobenzone and Octinoxate absorb UV Rays lowering the energy level and releasing energy as heat.

• Physical Sunscreens such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide reflect the sun’s rays and because they are non-chemical, they can be less irritating for sensitive skins.

The SPF (sun protection factor) of a sunscreen is a laboratory measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen against UV-B. The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers. The SPF indicates the time a person can be exposed to sunlight before getting sunburn with a sunscreen applied relative to the time they can be exposed without sunscreen. BUT, the SPF is not a fail-safe measure of skin damage because skin ageing and invisible damage is also caused by UVA. Most conventional sunscreens do not block UVA as effectively as UVB and not only will UVA cause breakdown of collagen and damage to elastic fibres (therefore reducing the supple, youthful look of skin) but according to a 2004 study which Sally told me about, UVA causes DNA damage to cells deep within the skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer. To check that you will be completely covered for both UVA and UVB protection, look for ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and Oxybenzone.

Here are a few of my sun screen faves:

Dermalogica’s Multivitamin Bodyblock SPF20 (RRP£28.30 for 125ml) is a nourishing body moisturising sunscreen with ProVitamin B5 to help skin recover from previous damage while Vitamins A, C and E fend off free radical damage. It is expensive but feels just like a moisturiser on the skin and not greasy at all, plus the concentrated formula lasts ages and smells amazing.

RAD Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 15 (RRP 15.95 for 75ml) from Environ contains small amounts of two low-allergy chemical sunscreens together with high levels of titanium dioxide, a natural reflective filter, plus a complex of antioxidant vitamins (C, E and beta-carotene) to guard more effectively against both UV-A and UV-B rays. This may be cheaper than Dermalogica but it comes in a smaller tube so the prices are quite similar. Again, this leaves no greasy residue and feels so light on the skin, however I like the Dermalogica consistency more for some reason, and RAD doesn’t smell as good!

Ahava’s Mineral Suncare range (from £18.50 RRP for 250ml) contains natural moisturisers, soothing aloe vera, and other plant extracts to helps repair sun damage as well as algae seaweed which is rich in vitamins to fight against the free radical damage that contributes to skin ageing. My favourite is the SPF 30 Lotion to really keep me protected, but it does come in 15, 30 and 50 in the lotions and 15 and 30 in the sprays, as well as a face specific SPF 50 and a gorgeous face and body aftersun balm – I’ll never go back to Soltan aftersun after using this one!

I realise none of these products are that cheap, but when it comes to protecting your skin against cancer, I don’t think you can put a price on it! There are loads of other great suncare products out there, these are just some that I’ve tried this year and been really impressed with. Obviously your usual suncare will work, but these are more expensive for a reason as they are comfortable to wear, great for your skin, and the concentrated formulas mean they last much longer than the average supermarket brand.

Secret Beauty Blogger Verdict: If you can afford to go for the Dermalogica sun products then do but otherwise the Ahava ones are still great and about a third less.

Stockists: www.dermalogica.com/uk

www.vitaminskincare.eu

www.ahava.co.uk

Fishing for compliments

2010-07-21T09:53:00.001+01:00

Today I am rocking the side-swept fishtail a la Blake Lively- and I did it all by myself! It actually isn't hard at all, I've just shied away from it as it looks so difficult until a lovely hairdresser showed me how to do it!

I don't have step-by-step imagery so I'm going to have to try and explain in as much detail as I can, although it is pretty simple and I'm probably way behind many of you out there!

To do a side plait, pull all the hair over to the side you want it to fall on and split in two, almost like two ponytails.
holding both 'ponytails', take a thin strand of hair from the outside edge of one, and and pull over to meet the inside edge of the other, add this to that 'ponytail'.
Repeat from both sides all the way down and secure.

It really is that simple, hopefully it makes sense and it can be fiddly trying to keep the two 'ponytails' separate whilst also adding strands, but once you get the hang of it it works really well. I prefer wearing it slightly messy and loose anyway, so have just put a kirby grip in the middle of the nape of my neck to keep some of the hair pinned in, and let the layers I have anyway fall around my face. It is also much easier doing it yourself at the side, as it's handy to look in a mirror.

Shape up in 6 weeks

2010-07-12T09:56:00.004+01:00

I finally got round to watching Sex and the City 2 yesterday and it made me come away wanting two things: 1) a beautiful designer wardrobe and 2) to look as good as they do even now, never mind when I’m their age! I definitely can’t afford option 1 so today I kick off trying to achieve option 2!!

I’m going to start the 6 week Slendertone plan today ( I go on holiday in 7 weeks) and if it’s as good as it says then hopefully I’ll notice a difference. I’ve taken a before photo but think it makes more sense just to compare at the end. My waist measurement at the moment is 29…so we’ll see what happens in 6 weeks’ time!

I Already eat healthily by following the GI diet anyway, so they do offer dietary advice which I’ve included below but I am going to follow their exercise tips. Each session with the Slendertone is the equivalent of 120 sit-ups, so I’m sure that by using it alone it would make some difference, but obviously a big part of the plan which will make the majority of the difference is simply eating healthily and exercising as they suggest below – even if you don’t have a Slendertone then it’s probably worth trying the 6 week challenge anyway!

The plan has been devised by Elise Lindsay, Colleen McLoughlin’s personal trainer, and here’s what she suggests:

The 6 Week Plan

Two different 30 minute workout plans (30 minute = minimum requirement) to be done 3 times a week and should be alternated. For example:

Week 1 (workout 1, 2, 1)

Week 2 (workout 2, 1, 2)

(Repeat over six week period)

Exercise 1

Skipping - 1 minute (You do not necessarily need a rope for this! Just imagine it as you skip). Heel to bottom.

Step ups - 1 minute on your right leg, 1 minute on your left. Using the stairs and alternating legs, step up, up, down, down.

Half jacks - 1 minute. Step to the side with the right foot and put your body weight on your right leg. At the same time, lift both arms to the sides. Bring the foot and arms back to starting position. Repeat for either side for 1 minute.

Leg curls - 1 minute. Lightly kick the heel in towards the bottom. In this exercise, you will be moving sideways. Step to the right, left foot behind right, step to the right, leg curl with the left leg. Place the foot on the floor to the left, right foot behind the left, step to the left, leg curl with the right leg. Repeat.

Knee and kick combo - 10 minutes approx. Imagine you are smashing something with your knee as you lift it up. And when you kick imagine trying to push a door open with the sole of your foot. Don’t lock the knee when you kick. Do it with the right leg first and repeat on the left.

Wide squats - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Stand with feet slightly wider than the hips and knees in line with the toes. Keep the weight in the heels. Bend at the knees whilst sending the last bone in your spine backwards while maintaining a flat back. Breathe out as you return to standing, slightly squeezing the abdominals and gluteals (bottom!) as you lift the body.

Seated or standing reverse fly (small weight, like a tin of beans, required) - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Sit on a chair, lean forward from the hips with arms lengthening down to the floor and palms facing inwards. Hold a weight in each hand and lift arms out to the sides to shoulder height, nip the shoulder blades together and return arms to the sides.

Press ups (chest press as an alternative option) - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Start on all fours, with hands directly under your shoulders, fingers pointing forwards. Engage your abs and push your body weight into your hands, bending the elbows to lower the upper body in a straight line from the hips to the floor. Push the hands into the floor to lift the body back up.

Chest press - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Lie on your back on the floor with knees bent and feet flat on the floor, parallel with the hips. Hold a weight in each hand (tin of beans will suffice). Have elbows on the floor at chest level, palms facing forwards, knuckles pointing towards the ceiling. Keep elbows in line with the wrists, push both hands up and extend the arms over the centre of the chest. Lower them back down and lightly touch the elbows to the floor.

Lateral lift (small weight required – tin of beans will be fine) - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Stand with your feet hip distance apart and hold a weight in each hand with arms by your sides. Keep the arms straight and lift them out to the sides to shoulder height. Do not lock the elbow. Lower arms with control.

Lunges - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Stand with feet hip-width apart, with one foot forward and one foot back. Lift the heel of the back foot slightly off the ground. Lower body down, not forwards, until you adopt a right angle with the back knee. The front knee should bend so your knee is above the ankle, not the toes. Straighten back to the starting position.

TOTAL: 30 minute workout

Exercise 2

Boxing combo - (Jabs/half jacks) 5 minutes. Jabs - A quick punch, pushing arm out from shoulder in front of you, turning slightly at the torso. Half jacks - as before.

Skipping combo - 5 minutes. You don’t even need a skipping rope for this! Just imagine it as you skip. Heel to bottom x 8, travel forward 8 steps x 4, on the spot x 8. Repeat.

Grapevine / kneelift - 1 minute. Step to the right, left foot behind the right, and then lift the left knee. Return foot to the floor and repeat on the other side.

March and kick combo - 5 minutes. March on the spot x 3 and alternate with front, side and back kicks, repeating on each leg.

Easywalk right and left (into powerful squat position at the end) - 2 minutes. Imagine walking forwards and backwards in a box on the floor then drop into a deep squat position.

Bicep curl - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Stand with your feet shoulder distance apart with a weight in each hand. Arms by your sides. Keep elbows into the sides bending them to lift the weights. Lower arms back to sides and repeat.

Tricep dip - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Place a chair against a wall and sit on it with knees bent and feet hip distance apart. Place hands on edge of the chair with fingers pointing forward and straighten the arms to lift the bottom off the chair. Bend the elbows directly behind you to lower the body, then push through the arms to lift back up.

Wide squats - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. As before. Repeat x10.

Chest flies - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Lie on your back with a weight in each hand with arms outstretched above the chest. Lower the weights sideways to shoulder level and return to starting position. Do not arch the back. Keep the abs engaged.

Back extension - do for 1 minute, repeat 3 times. Lie on your tummy and slightly lift upper back from the floor with your hands behind your back. Engage your abs, don’t overarch the back.

TOTAL: 30 minute workout

Additional outdoor activity option: 15 minutes walking / jogging.

General Tips

• Take a picture (day 1) front, side and back. Write down what you see.

• Write down what you want to be and what you want to achieve.

• Keep a food diary.

• Stay focused and positive.

• Eat slowly.

• Exfoliate 2-3 times per week.

• Maintain correct posture whilst either at work, outside or inside.

• Perform your household jobs with a stop watch and try and do a little quicker than normal.

• Perform mild exercises to a TV programme of your choice.

• Time a brisk walk/jog route. Aim to complete in the same time or better each time.

Slendertone Toning Tips

• Remember, five Slendertone sessions every week for the first six weeks! For maintenance - 3 times a week.

• If you miss a day, don’t worry, just be sure to do a session the day after.

• Use the highest toning intensity you can - there are 99 levels - the more you push yourself, the better the results you will see!

• For the best workout, increase the toning every five minutes during a session e.g. first five minutes level 50, last five minutes level 70.

• Use your unit once a day only, extra sessions on the same day don’t mean extra results.

• You can walk and tone with your belt to get a two in work workout, toning + cardio!

• If you are sporty, the best time to do sit-ups is straight after a Slendertone session - this gives even better results!

• It is better that toning sessions be completed before a large meal than after.

• Remember to take two rest days each week so that your muscles have time to recover.

Dietary Advice

• Reduce all carbs or eliminate after 7pm.

• Cut down on daily red meat intake.

• Abide to an alcohol curfew of 10.30pm.

• Eat less sugar.

• Eat more fruit and vegetables.

• Replace all snacks with vegetable and fruit.

• Drink boiling water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning.

• Cut down on portion sizes.

• Make healthy soups and stews and replace your potential high-calorie lunch.

• Eat a good breakfast and enjoy it.

Exercise Tips

• Do a 5-10 minute stretch at the end or the beginning of the day.

• Do an extra 15-30 minutes cardio (this may be divided throughout the week).

• Perform 5-10 extra tricep dips twice a week.

• Perform 30 wide squats on top of your weekly exercise programme.

• Go for a brisk walk before dinner.

• Find a friend or join a group: doing exercise with other people is a great way to stay motivated.

• Take the stairs instead of the lift.

• Replace a car journey with a walk/run.

• Take away the TV remote .

• Do a family activity.

I've signed up on the website for motivational emails etc but will let you know how it goes in 6 weeks' time, if anyone fancies joining me on the challenge with or without the Slendertone then keep me updated with how you're doing!

Wish me luck girls!

SBB xxx

For more information see www.slendertone.com and download your own 6 week challenge.

Bronzing beauties

2010-07-09T12:50:00.000+01:00

It’s that time of year when all of the fake tan and bronzer samples come in to the office, and there have been a few that I’ve been really impressed with, so here’s my pick of the bronzing bunch…

One product that really surprised me was the Miners Bronzer Blend Collection (RRP £3.99); one bronzer and highlighter blend compact, and one bronzer and blusher blend - which I really think gives my make-up bag staple, Benefit Dallas, a good run for it’s money (and is £20 cheaper!). The highlighter blend is a mix of bronze and gold which looks great on already sun-kissed skin and would be nice for evening holiday make-up with a slick of mascara and lipgloss, whereas the blusher blend is a fab everyday product made up of bronze and pink to add a touch of sun to the skin with a lovely rosy flush too.

L’Occitane’s Mine d'Or Peony Healthy Glow Face Powder (RRP £19.50) is made up of gold, coral pink, and bronze pigments which give a natural glow to the skin and can be layered for a darker look. This looks gorgeous over a dewy base and I sweep one layer all over for a daytime look, and a bit more for the evening or when I have a tan. I’m also a sucker for pretty looking products so love the peony design.

On the fake tan side, Famous Dave’s Tanning Mousse Gold Edition (RRP £25.99) gave amazing results on both face and body – absolutely no streaks, even on my legs where I never ever get it right! Using the tanning mitt definitely helped, so it could be completely down to that but the colour guide in the mousse was really helpful to see where I’d applied it and it was such a natural shade when I washed it off in the morning – it did confuse a few people in the office the next day who wondered how I could have gotten so brown so quickly, but that must mean it looked too natural to have come from a bottle! It contains natural ingredients and anti-oxidants, including anti-ageing pomegranate extract, aloe vera and Vitamin E and my skin did feel lovely and soft afterwards, with pretty much no smell at all. It faded really naturally too without going patchy as so many other ones do and lasted about 5 days.

I still love my Rio Blush as written about in a previous post, but St Tropez launched their Wash Off range at the end of last year and this line-up is fab. The two products I tried were separate for the face (RRP £10) and body (RRP £12) and initially when I started putting it on I had a little panic as it comes out so dark, but when smoothed all over it’s a lovely natural shade. I actually prefer using this in the day to the Rio Blush as it doesn’t have a shimmer and leaves the skin really soft.

Stockists: www.famousdave.co.uk

www.miners.co.uk

www.st-tropez.com

http://uk.loccitane.com

Please nominate me!

2010-07-07T21:14:00.001+01:00

Hi my beauties,

Just a quick post to say that it would be amazing if you wanted to nominate me in the first ever Cosmo Blog Awards in the beauty category!

No pressure, but if you have a minute to spare to click on the link below then I'd love you forever!

Thanks girls and guys,

Secret Beauty xxx

Lust-have of the month

2010-07-07T11:17:00.001+01:00

I absolutely love these gorgeous Chrome Styling Irons from Ionika (RRP £69.99) but can’t decide which I like best!!

Available in gold, red, pink and silver, they also feature ‘ion’ technology that helps hair to absorb vitamins and minerals apparently, so technically – they’re good for your hair!! The bevelled edges also mean you can curl and flick with them too.

Stockists: www.ionikapro.com

Formspring Questions: Mascaras

2010-06-24T16:43:00.002+01:00

"Hey Goddess of Gorgeousness! I'm looking for a mascara that takes its promises. I mean I don't really trust all the mascara ads about lashes looking like they have extensions. But I still have hope: and her name is SBB! I'd like to know what's the best..."

Flattery will get you everywhere! I feel that I’m always on a quest to find the best mascaras so here’s my rundown of the best (and a couple to avoid), and remember to always use curlers first - it really does make all the difference…

At the moment my absolute fave is Diorshow Iconic (RRP £21.50), gorgeous consistency, it makes lashes uber long and doesn’t clump, flake or smudge – definitely one I tell everyone to get and I’ve never tried anything better than this - which is probably why I’ve stuck with it for so long!

YSL Everlong Mascara (£21.50) is also fab, pretty much all of the above with the consistency etc, it just doesn’t make lashes quite as long as Diorshow, although I do love the classic packaging for the make-up bag!

On the cheaper end of the scale I find Maybelline Volum’ Express Turbo Boost really good and this is the one I use on a daily basis, and use the posher ones for important meetings/evenings out etc. This doesn’t clump at all and really gives lashes a boost, it just has a slightly thinner consistency than the above two and doesn’t last as long but still gives the others a good run for their money.

L’Oreal Telescopic (RRP £9.99) is another slightly cheaper one that works so so well, I just hate the brush! It’s more of a plastic comb that is so hard to get used to, and to start with I always had to make sure I had an eyelash comb to use afterwards, and I also had a tendency to poke myself in the eye with the brush, BUT once you get used to it (and also perhaps when the tube gets emptier as there is less in there) it is absolutely fab and gives an amazing false lash effect.

These are the best I’ve used and tried which cross all budgets but I’m sure the beauty addicts out there will have tried some that I perhaps haven’t and they really like, but personally these are the best out of the millions I’ve tried!

I’ve recently been sent L’Oreal’s Extra Volume Collagene (RRP £.9.99) which claims to give up to 12x more lash impact without clumps but I was really unimpressed with this as the consistency was awful - really watery, it clumped and my lashes definitely weren’t 12 times longer!

Another mascara I was sent and thought would be great was Too Faced Lash Injection (RRP £.13.50), this consistency was almost too thick and although it did make my lashes look a bit longer, they clumped quite easily and it flaked all day! I’d look in the mirror halfway through the day and have little black dots on my cheekbones from the mascara flaking – not a good look!!

Hope that helps and feel free to chip in with further suggestions beauty babes!

Ask me anything

So simple!

2010-06-18T17:25:00.000+01:00

A product recently arrived on my desk for consideration for the magazine which I really didn't think could be as good as it claimed, but I was wrong...I'm very impressed!

The product in question is the Poreclens (RRP £9.99), a cleansing mitt that claims to remove all types of make-up using only water. With a claim like that i just had to try it, completely expecting it to do absolutely nothing...basically, you simply wet the mitt and wipe your make-up off with it - and it works!!

I was wearing my trusted Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, which has the strongest staying power I have ever experienced, as well as waterproof mascara (which I really didn't think would budge) and everything came off so easily! After you have wiped your make-up off, you use the other side to get rid of any traces, and there was hardly anything there! Absolutely amazing and it works as it is made up of Micro fibre, which is apparently the only material to break the surface tension of oils that bond makeup to the skin.

It does say that you just use that and then can put moisturiser straight on, but because I breakout so easily, I basically just used it in place of my usual make-up remover and then washed my face as normal.

Secret Beauty Verdict: Absolutely amazing and I really wasn't expecting it to be. I won't use it everyday in place of make-up remover, but definitely on holiday, at the gym or when I get back from a night out a little worse for wear and want to get into bed as quickly as possible!

Available at www.lorenclarke.co.uk

Blog review part two…

2010-06-18T17:02:00.000+01:00

So, the second product I was sent to review was the Cellu-smooth from The Beauty Works Ltd (RRP £49.99) which claims to “melt away cellulite with the latest treatment to help tackle the stubborn orange peel effect using ultrasound waves to break down the fatty deposits, so no more vigorous pummelling or harsh scrubs!”

What they say: “Cellu-Smooth is a unique and painless ‘Anti-Cellulite’ home treatment system, offering a new effective way of removing cellulite. Previously only available through specialist Beauty Clinics this form of treatment involves the use of ‘Ultra Sound’ waves to mobilise the fatty deposits, improving the skin condition and reducing the ‘orange peel’ effect of cellulite. The Cellu-Smooth will improve the body shape by reducing cellulite, firming and improving the skin condition. The fatty deposits are mobilised allowing them to exit the body naturally via the lymphatic system. When used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise Cellu-Smooth will help speed up treatment and improve body shape and will help give your skin a healthier and smoother appearance with visible results after two weeks of daily use.”

What I say: The claim is pretty accurate. I used this in the couple of weeks before I went on holiday and have been using it since I got back and really love it. Before this I had been using a cream from Comfort Zone which had great results, but is a bit annoying as it heats the leg up, then cools it down and takes a while to sink in and calm down before you can get dressed. What’s great about this is that apart from the gel you apply, there’s no mess or discomfort at all, you just apply the gel to the area you want to target, and rub the machine in circular motions all over for 15 minutes. The one downside to this is that the first few times I did it in the bathroom for 15 minutes on each leg, which is extremely boring and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to keep it up for the 2 weeks before I went away, but then realised that it’s much better to do it in front of the TV or something! It still is quite a commitment to do this everyday for that long, so may not be the best for some people, but as I mentioned before, any creams you use take about that long before you can get dressed anyway, and only have a temporary effect whereas because of the technology used with this, the results do last and because I put up with it initially, I only need to use it once or twice every two weeks to keep it up!

Secret Beauty Verdict: Initially a bit of a slog, but once you’ve got through the first couple of weeks and only need to top up, it’s well worth it. The price is actually cheaper than most creams on the market too – bargain!

Available at http://www.thebeauty-works.co.uk

Blog review part one…

2010-06-18T16:47:00.001+01:00

Hi bloggettes, I’ve recently been sent a few bits to try out to review specifically for the blog, and it’s taken me a while to put these reviews up as usually I just review products that come into me via the magazine to test and write those posts whenever I have time so am going to make sure I get these up as soon as I can which is why this is part one! I wanted to be completely honest with you about where these came from, as I’d hate you to think I’d lost my integrity.

So, the first bits I got sent were from Malaysian based skincare company, Cellnique. They asked for my skin type and any concerns I have (can be dehydrated and prone to spots) and then sent me the following products…

Advanced Bio Renewal Masque (RRP $51).

What they say: “This unparalleled scrub masque is formulated with bio-captured fresh fruit enzymes and acids complex. It works effectively in exfoliating dead cells, optimizing cellular renewal performance and deep pore cleansing, thus revealing a softer, fresher and healthier skin.”

What I say: “I really, really loved this masque. It has quite a strong pineapple scent which may not be to everyone’s taste, but the results are amazing – I’ve honestly never tried a product with such incredible, instant results. You use this masque once or twice a week, applying it to dry skin and then after 10 minutes, massaging it into the skin for a few minutes with wet hands which turns it into more of a facial scrub, before washing it off. It may not be great for sensitive skins as initially when you apply it, it does sting slightly, but then this sensation goes away very quickly, and is also supposed to happen! After the very first use my skin felt softer than it ever had afterwards (which is where the stinging comes in I guess as it is a mild, home version of the chemical peel), and the couple of red spots I had on my chin had calmed down, and then almost disappeared the next day! I hadn’t heard of the company before so was slightly sceptical, but I’m so glad I was sent this product and would definitely buy it once mine runs out.

Secret Beauty Verdict: Unless you have sensitive skin, this is really worth trying to get rid of spots, dead skin cells and help with cell renewal.

Intensive Hydrating Complex (RRP $61).

What they say: “A lightweight formulation with high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid and Essential Amino Acids. Helps bind moisture to restore elasticity of the skin. It thereby minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and helps deliver an instant supple and smooth skin.”

What I say: When I first tried this out a couple of times, I wasn’t that impressed to be honest, but then I literally just tried it when I remembered to – so what did I expect? I then started using it properly as part of a skin regime and I have to say I was really impressed. I applied this feather-light serum after cleansing, but before facial oil (which is before moisturiser) and my skin has felt great since. I’m not sure how different this is to other serums out there, but it has definitely helped to hydrate it (more so than before I used it), and when it goes on it does tighten the skin instantly, which automatically feels like it’s plumping any lines! Another good thing with this is that you can use it around the eye area which you generally can’t do with serums, and the tightening effect around there is lovely.

Secret Beauty Verdict: Really nice serum which does work well, although I’m not sure how different it is to similar (perhaps cheaper) products out there.

Cellnique also have offered Secret Beauty Blogger readers a sample of their Skin Action Sebum Gel (3ml) to the first 50 readers that email their full name and shipping address to fbfreesample@cellnique.com with the subject secretbeautyblogger.blogspot.com. The T&Cs for this offer are as follows: Valid 1 week after this product review has been posted (so send before the 25th June) and the sample delivery will be within 4 – 6 weeks.

Quench thirsty skin

2010-06-13T22:06:00.002+01:00

It’s been a long time coming but I’m finally answering Dana’s question...!

“I have really sensitive skin, quite dehydrated in winter with red and dry spots around my nose and mouth. Is there a moisturizer out there you would recommend? Maybe the specific line of products? I've already tried Vichy and Avene but wasn't impressed with the result...”

I find Dermalogica products great for this type of thing and it may be worth going in to get a free ‘skin mapping’ consultation which will really look at your skin with their recommended products but they’re not pushy and will happily send you away with samples. Something I’d really recommend of theirs is the Skin Hydrating Booster (RRP £47) on the driest areas...

...followed by Skin Smoothing Cream (RRP £40).

I know this seems quite expensive but I find the products really do work and last for such a long time.

If you’re looking for natural products (which would also be really good for your skin if it is sensitive) then look out for anything with Rose in it as this is great for dry skin. A night cream would also work well and I’ve mentioned Weleda’s Rose Night Cream (RRP £9.50) before but this is such an excellent product, and I’m pretty sure their day cream would be fab too. Weleda products are also much cheaper than other products mentioned in this post and definitely work well.

A couple of other rose-based products that work wonders are Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Hydrating Mask (RRP £28.50) which is a lovely gel mask that can either be used as a treatment a couple of times a week, or applied before bed and left on to really hydrate overnight.

Their Renew Rose and Sandalwood Facial Oil (RRP £34) deserves its own review as it has completely changed my skin. I’m using a couple of drops both morning and evening after a hydrating serum and before moisturiser and it’s even gotten rid of my spots! It is absolutely amazing and if there is one product out of everything I’ve mentioned then I’d say it should be this!

I realise this is quite a big list and you may want to stick with one range, so if you do then I’d say Weleda is excellent and is also really reasonably priced, although I’d still say get the Aromatherapy Associates Oil if you can, and if you’re happy to spend a bit more money (which if you can then is really worth it) then go for the whole Aromatherapy Associates Rose range. Do pop into a Dermalogica place for a free skin mapping anyway just to see what your skin is doing!
Hopefully that helps and obviously this is just my preference, but I can’t see how these products couldn’t work on everyone else’s skin with amazing results!