Sale Shopping, it's just too tempting

Dress on the left - £22.50 from Asos (Lipsy) Dress on the right - £29 from Asos (Aqua)

Goodies from Lookfantastic

£14.40 Caudalie premieres vendanges moisturising cream

£15.20 Aveda madder root colour conditioner

I also managed to get one of the massive Neom candles in the sale with a £12 discount but unfortunately they have all sold out. Sorry!

I also managed to nab a lovely new camera in one of the just before Xmas sales which arrived yesterday however, clever old me, I forgot to buy one of the SD cards for it thinking that my old one would fit, but it doesn't so I will have to go and get another one tomorrow it's one of those flipping tiny ones - how annoying!

I am hoping that with the flip up option I will be able to take better pictures of makeup and stuff so I can post more pics like that, because I want to but I find it so difficult to take pics of my face.  

Do you have this camera? Is it good?

What have you picked up in the sales?

Christmas Wishes

Just a quick note from me to say I hope you've had a lovely Christmas.  I have been really ill which has been seriously annoying!  Poor old Matt had to make the entire Christmas dinner himself and that was after he had to go and buy all of the food by himself too so I think he did a really amazing job.  

I hope you've all had a good Christmas however you celebrate.  Remember as lovely as being spoilt and getting lots of presents is, it isn't really about that.  Even if you aren't religious it should be a time for showing how much you love your friends and family.  This year I didn't get much so no point doing any sort of present post although I do love reading them so please do give me your links if you have posted about the pressies you have got.  This was my main present, from my mum and I love it

It's called 'Bow' and from www.celebboutique.com and actually there's £10 off in the sale if you like it.

So my plans for the next couple of days are to get better, drink lots of hot toddies and find out if Beechams Ultra actually do work or not.  I hope that they do!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas xx

Universal Contour Wrap Review

My gym is useless. It's really old and while they always profess to be 'doing it up' it's always pretty crap.  And what better time to refurbish the gym than the 2 weeks before Christmas! Just when everyone wants to tone up for their nights out.  

Chrysalis Machine 

In desperation at lack of gym and lack of time I booked in for a Universal Contour Wrap at my local salon called Indulgence in Bexleyheath as I had noticed that Universal offer a guarantee whereby anyone having their first Classic wrap is entitled to the following: That you should lose a minimum of 6” or you will not be charged and that you should maintain a loss of at least 6” for a period of 30 days or we will wrap you again free of charge. Now you do need to follow the aftercare which involves not eating rubbish and not drinking tea or coffee, so that went out the window as soon as I got home as I love tea too much however I did find that I felt lighter and my skin felt very smooth and toned, and also very moisturised.  I did lose some inches particularly from my hips and thighs which are my problem areas being a definite pear shape.


What I also liked about the treatment at Indulgence was they had the rather fancy Chrysalis machine that you lay in while your bandages are on and the treatment is called Classic Elite.  This is the new, advanced and completely unique treatment from Universal Contour Wrap and it combines the inch loss wrap with muscle toning and shaping in just one simple treatment. It's somewhat like a giant slendertone machine effect.  It offers the same guarantees as UCW Classic, with extra benefits as the Chrysalis machine combines electrical muscle stimulation and thermal heat, so the treatment allows for improved inch loss in faster time, while also offering a more pleasurable, relaxing treatment than the original Classic treatment alone.


You are measured before and after and I was marked with a pen so they ensured that the measuring was fair and I was measured at exactly the same point before and after.

HOW IT WORKS...

Before you are wrapped in the Classic clay soaked bandages, the electro-stimulation straps from Chrysalis are wrapped around your waist, stomach & thighs. You are then wrapped in the clay soaked bandages which are quite tight, you find it difficult to walk and do a sort of waddling motion, you are then helped into the Chrysalis thermal blanket for a 35 minute session.

The heat relaxes the body and opens the skins pores allowing the clay to draw out the toxins more rapidly and boost the blood flow. The effects allow for more oxygenation of tissues and lymphatic exchange, increasing the detoxification process.

This heat source combined with electrical muscle stimulation can speed up the treatment process to nearly half the time, allowing inch loss to be achieved quicker.  You may feel a sort of zapping or pins and needles feeling when the muscle toning part is working, which was not unpleasant but did feel a bit weird.

Overall I would definitely get this done for a big event like a holiday, wedding, prom etc. especially if you have cellulite as I found it really did improve the look of mine.  It's pricey and I wouldn't have one very often due to the price, but if you want to know if it works or not then yes it did work for me, even though I don't even have many inches that need losing so I would imagine if you are bigger you would find it easier to lose even more.

This treatment is absolutely not a good idea for anyone scared of being left alone or claustrophobic as you are wrapped up like a jacket potato for half and hour in the Chrysalis machine so don't book in for this if you are likely to have a panic attack!  I was fine in case you wondered!

You can find out more information at Universal Contour Wrap Website

Have you ever had a body wrap? What did you think?

Products launching in 2012

Finally getting a few minutes at my laptop this week to bash out a few posts, if in the middle of the night, makes me feel back to normal again. I feel odd when I don't get to spend much time blogging, sort of like when I miss the gym for a week and I feel just generally wrong.


So I had a scout about about what's the happs for 2012 and have found some new and interesting products which will be launching soon starting with something not really beauty related but the one I am most excited about, I find Davina a bit annoying but her workout dvd's are fantabulastic and she's far less annoying than that smug faced shredding woman who I would like to stab with my remote control for 30 days, I like to call her Jilliam Mc-paininthearse.

Launching Spring 2012, Davina For www.Next.co.uk provides the ultimate workout and post work-out clothing along with a range of innovative everyday shoes which feature dual density mid-sole technology to reduce stress on joints. From aerobics to running, power-lifting to pilates – all in great modern shapes, fabulous colours and outstanding fabrics, there’s something for every activity.

Davina says: “My approach was to concentrate on what I would wear, thinking very carefully about the details that matter to me, like a place for an MP3 player, or reflective strips on the bottoms – essential when you’re jogging in the early morning or at dusk. And I’ve ensured the workout tops are extremely solid and secure so your boobs won’t be bobbing around while you’re working out!”

How excited? Finally someone who actually works out designing the clothes, wow there's an idea! Very excited to get some new bits when this is released.

For Ojon haircare lovers there are two new products out in Jan. The new Ati Rejuvenating Styling Cream (£25 for 125ml) and Ati Rejuvenating Hair and Scalp Treatment (£32 for 110ml) are specifically for thin and limp hair.  The styling cream boosts volume while visibly restoring vitality and healthy gloss to hair and the liquid hair and scalp treatment absorbs instantly to help minimise hair loss while simultaneously fortifying hair to reveal fuller, thicker strands. Both products are available available exclusively on QVC from January 2012 www.ojon.com

Not that I am the biggest fan of Rimmel but they will be bringing out a new Long Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Tint (£6.99) and new Wake Me Up Foundation (£8.99) in 2012. The new lip tint collection is available in six shades and uses a non-transfer formula that they say does not smudge or rub off. Wake Me Up contains SFP 15 and minimises signs of premature skin ageing. Both products are launching nationwide on 25 January 2012.

www.rimmellondon.com

In partnership with Disney and inspired by the character Tinker Bell, Pixi has created its new PixiGlow collection. The range took shape as Petra Strand, make-up artist and Pixi creator, worked with Disney character artist, John Quinn, to re-imagine Tinker Bell into a vintage-inspired beauty. Products in the range will include the Fairy Face Palette (£32), Catching Shadows Crayon (£12), Magic Tink Tint (£12), Fairy Dust for eyes (£10) and the Straight On Till Morning Liner (£9.50). The new PixiGlow collection will available exclusively via ASOS for one month from February 2012, before launching at Boots nationwide and Boots website from March. There will also   be a flagship Pixi store opening in London around the same time. www.pixibeauty.com

This sounds too cute for words! I do love a bit of Tinkerbell.

Korres has put together three limited edition Skincare Kits, each catering for different skin types and specific needs. The kits, priced individually at £19.50, contain mini-size products packaged in a tin ‘wallet’, ideal for travel use. The collection includes: Wild Rose for Hydration & Brightness (normal to dry skin); Pomegranate for Cleansing & Hydration (oily to combination skin); Quercetin & Oak for Anti-Ageing Protection (normal to combination). These will launch into selected Korres stockists in January 2012. www.korres.com

Avon is introducing the Ideal Flawless Liquid Foundation next year. Unlike regular liquid foundations, this new formula uses InvisiBlend Technology which contains OptiLuxe Pigments. This is a new patent-pending blend of multi-shaped pigments that allows light to pass through, reflecting natural skin tone to provide a flawless, natural-looking base. The new Ideal Flawless Foundation SPF 15 will be available in 16 shades from the Avon website, each priced £12, and is set to launch in February 2012. www.avonshop.co.uk

Cosmetic brand MeMeMe is launching a new eye colour collection,Dew Pots Dragonfly for Spring 2012. Available in eight shades from blues to purples and greens to corals, they will be available from 4 January 2012 at Superdrug stores nationwide or online www.mememecosmetics.co.uk

So I hope some of these items have been of interest! And got you geared up for shopping in 2012.

UK Beauty Awards 2011 and tiny mention in the Telegraph

The UK Beauty Awards was  judged by a panel of beauty insiders - editors, professionals and bloggers - and one of the bloggers was me! The finalists and winners were announced on Friday 2nd December at The Clothes Show Live at the NEC which I was very lucky to be given a ticket too and went with two lovely friends Danielle and Mary. Staged in association with Diary Directory, the awards are given to brands considered at the top of their game in in performance and innovation.


Here are the list of the winners and runners up. I've put a little star* against the products I like the best.

Best New Beauty Product

• Winner - L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Scrub

• Silver - Melvita Argan Oil *

Best New Female Fragrance

• Winner - Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

• Silver - Agent Provocateur L'Agent*

Best New Male Fragrance

• Winner - Marc Jacobs Bang

• Silver - BOSS Bottled. Night. Eau de Toilette

Best New Beauty Appliance

• Winner - Clarisonic Plus Sonic Skin Cleanser

• Silver - Reminton Style Professional Pearl Wand

Best New Bodycare Product (luxury)

• Winner - Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare Energising Body Lotion

• Silver - NEOM Organics Organic Body Scrub*

Best New Bodycare Product (mass)

• Winner - Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Ultra-Softening Lotion

• Silver - Gillette Venus Spa Breeze*

Best New Skincare Product (luxury)

• Winner - Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Elixir

• Silver - Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eye Ultra Protection Anti-Ageing Moisturizer SPF15

Best New Skincare Product (mass)

• Winner - Dr Nick Lowe Dermatologist - The Secret Is Out Lifting Super Serum

• Silver - Eau Thermale Avéne TriAcnéal Skin Care

Best New Cosmetic

• Winner - NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil

• Silver - bareMinerals Matte SPF15 Foundation

Best New Hair Product

• Batiste Dry Shampoo With A Hint Of Colour*

• Liz Earle Naturally Active Haircare - Botanical Shine Conditioner*

Best New Men's Grooming Product

• Winner - Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-on

• Silver - L'Occitane Verdon® Energy Moisturizer

Best New Organic Beauty Product

• Winner - Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Concentrate

• Silver - UNE Natural Beauty Breezy Cheeks Blush*

Best Classic Beauty Product

• Winner - Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser*

• Silver - Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

I know it's only a tiny mention above but OMG just to have my name on the Telegraph website was so cool! the full article by Kate Shapland

On another note this is my friends press pass, needless to say they spelled her surname very very wrong haha!  

Have you ever been to the Clothes Show? I was a bit surprised as it wasn't really what I thought it would be like to be honest! I did have a lovely day though.

YSL Shocking Mascara Review

YSL is my favourite brand of mascara so when a new one came out, the 'Shocking' mascara, it went straight on the list of ones to try out (yes never mind that I already have about 10). I love that YSL mascaras smell gorgeous, come in lovely gold packaging which looks so much better than black or neon pink and the mascaras have always worked amazingly for me.

They say "The UK's No.1 Luxury Black Mascara in new shocking formula. New immediate and shocking volume overdose. Exclusive helix-cut brush for maximum load on the brush and immediate and extreme volume on the lashes from the roots."

This was my new mascara love after it's first use.  I love that the Faux Cils mascara really ramps up the volume and length of my lashes and this does that and more.  Your lashes are the blackest of black and look much more glamorous.

As you can see without mascara my eyelashes are almost invisible, so if you had longer lashes this will no doubt make them look amazing.

The brush

You do need to ensure that you wiggle the mascara wand from side to side as you are apply, or just blot the brush on a tissue before using so there are no clumps, as nobody wants clumpy eyelashes!

This mascara gets a 10/10.  I bought this myself in case you wondered.  It costs around £22 but there is currently some money off if you buy from Debenhams here> ysl shocking

Mandara Spa Exfoliating Scrub VS Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow

I noticed that on Timetospa, where I buy my Elemis, that they also sell a brand called Madara Spa.  The Madara Spa seemed to have a version of my favourite product by Elemis, the Lime and Ginger Salt Glow so I thought I would buy it and compare them to save you doing the same!

1 - Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow

First up is my all time fave, the Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow which costs £35.00 for 410g. It comes in a gorgeous red glass jar which looks very expensive and glam on your bathroom shelf. Your skin is so super duper smooth after using this but it doesn't feel abrasive or scratchy at all. It isn't as oily as The Sanctuary's salt scrub but it does contain Kukui oil, Japanese Camellia Oil and Jojoba oil so it's very nourishing. 

It contains lime peel and ginger which stimulate the skin and smell amazing. To apply you just take a small handful and rub onto damp skin in circular motions.  I love how my skin feels after using this, and I haven't found any lower end dupes that compare in terms of scent, packaging and the effects on my skin.

2 - Mandara Spa Citrus Spice Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

The Madara Spa scrub is scented with lime and ginger but also bitter orange and spicy nutmeg. The scent is lovely but I much prefer the Elemis scent which is fresher and more zingy.

This a totally different consistency to the Elemis scrub and I found it a bit difficult to use.  The scrub is quite sticky and the skin needs to be slightly damp but not too wet and not too dry for you to be able to massage it in as too wet and it doesn't scrub enough and too dry and it just goes into sticky clumps. You can see the difference in the packaging but to be honest this doesn't bother me at all, if anything I prefer a plastic pot as you can imagine how painful that red glass Elemis jar when you drop it on your toe in the shower!

Your skin is left nice and smooth after using this scrub but again, I can't say it was as good as after using the Elemis scrub.  So overall the verdict is - so far I have found no replacement for my beloved Elemis lime and ginger scrub, so if you want a beautiful and lovely present for someone at Christmas then definitely get it for them.  But on the plus side - at least I tested it out! 

Quantity: 350g RRP £10.50

You can buy both products from http://www.timetospa.co.uk/ but I got the Mandara scrub for £4 on special offer at Sainsburys! Woo get my and my bargain-basement money saving.

Do you ever try to find lower priced dupes of your favourite products? Any recommendations of good ones?

Blanx Advanced Whitening Toothpaste

Sorry for the dodgy picture, the lovely background of mum's bathroom 

carpet (at least you can see it's clean)!

If you are a regular reader you'll know that I love tooth whitening, whitening toothpastes and anything tooth related (and if you didn't know you do now).   So I was excited to be sent Blanx advanced whitening toothpaste to review.  Blanx say " The first whitening toothpaste to be based on ingredients derived from natural Arctic Lichen. Its non-abrasive formula cleans deeply and gently without damaging enamel, killing bacteria and plaque and protecting the teeth".

If you want to know more about Arctic Lichen and how exactly it works as a tooth whitener you can find out more here http://www.blanxuk.com/how-blanx-works/

It's a bit pricier than my usual toothpaste which is probably why I haven't bought it before when i've been in Superdrug.  I have been pleasantly surprised since I have tested this out and do actually think it's worth the money, perhaps you could alternate it with a cheaper brand now and again to save money.

This makes your teeth feel nice and smooth and your breath really fresh which lasts for ages.  The toothpaste hasn't got that super harsh minty taste that some other cheaper toothpastes have which I think must be due to the natural ingredients, it also has the same taste as other toothpastes with silica so I recognise the taste.

This toothpaste is only £5.99 from Dental Shop! So if you want to save some cash get it from there.  To be honest I prefer the Beverly Hills whitening toothpastes still, they just seem to work better for me, just my opinion though. 

Am I the only one obsessed with whitening?  I might be getting my teeth whitened again next year - have you had your teeth whitened?

Green People No Scent Cleanser Review, Orly Sweet Peacock

Firstly I just wanted to say thank you to all that left comments on my post about Matt's accident, he is doing better and was very grateful to everyone that wished him well.

If you have skin allergies, issues or acne you may well be looking for a pure, organic, fragrance free makeup remover and cleanser that is similar to a Liz Earle or Eve Lom type of thing.  It's taken a long while to find such a product but I finally have and it comes in the shape of the Green People No Scent Cleanser which is sold at around £15 depending on the shop,  for a large 200ml pump bottle.

The Green People No Scent Cleanser is an ultra-gentle, fragrance free two in one cleanser and make-up remover. It is safe and gentle for your skin whether it is young or old. It is so gentle it can even be used to remove your eye make-up. 

I've used it to remove my makeup every night for a week now and the way I get the best results is to apply in circular motions directly onto my made up face, and massage in using my ring finger to massage the cleanser into my eyelashes gently to remove the mascara. Sometimes I use the Eve Taylor rubber facial brush which is the blue bobbly thing pictured above if I really have a lot of makeup to shift. I then use hot water and a nice clean flannel to wipe off my makeup, I prefer white so I can see when all of the makeup is removed.  I prefer flannels to muslin cloths as they are cheaper, easier to get hold of and I find them softer on my face which is very sensitive. I just buy the packs of 2 for 75p from Sainsburys or Asda, much more cost conscious than muslin cloths and better for the environment than cotton wool although you can use cotton wool to remove the cleanser, but I just wouldn't recommend doing it like that.

I use two pumps of cleanser and due to the large size I would say you wouldn't need to buy a bottle more than once a month, probably once every six weeks.

The Green People Organic Base formulations are free from sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, irritating emulsifiers, ethyl alcohol, parabens, synthetic colours and fragrances and all other unnecessary synthetic ingredients.  The Organic Base "No Scent" range is also formulated without essential oils. *Preservatives used are phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid and dehydroacetic acid

Overall I like the consistency and the makeup removing properties of this cleanser, it doesn't irritate my skin or my eczema, it has no scent and handy, clean pump bottle packaging and it's organic.  It removes my current mascara which is YSL shocking, easily and with no black panda eyes the next day. The price is reasonable in my opinion and this could be used by the whole family men and women due to it having no scent.

I give this product a 9/10 and would definitely repurchase. I think this is a great alternative to Liz Earle cleanse and polish hot cloth cleanser for those whose skin can't tolerate that.

You can buy their products on many online natural health shops or natural skincare shops or here http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/?gclid=CP7sj5je_awCFUhrfAod_iuQTA

On another note I did my mums nails the other day in the shade Sweet Peacock by Orly, I even did mine to match!  The colour is so pretty, I just wish my nails were as long and pretty as my mums!

Do you like muslin cloths or flannels?