The Status Quo of Healthy Hair.

I've been getting some compliments about the condition of hair of late, I'd like to think my diet supports the strength, look and feel of my hair but with environmental damage less and less out of our control, the shampoos and conditioners we choose should be caring, kind with genuine results.
I've never tried organic hair care before and to be honest, I wasn't expecting a lot but Organic Care Systems Status Quo has been a welcome addition to my bathroom routine.

 I have colour treated hair so I want to maintain the colour, this is where this range excels as it 'helps reduce colour fade', plus 'leaves the hair smooth, naturally soft and protected from uv damage'.  For me, it does this and more, my hair feels silky, clean and the gentle cleansing lathers up and rinses out without residue.  The biggest bonus yet is that my hair looks like this, shiny and very glossy without harsh ingredients, instead certified organic extracts and oils.  The perfect balance to maintaining healthy hair!

Avon's calling me!

Here they are! The fabulous products I have been raving on about.  Firstly, Avon Glimmerstick in Blackest Black, one of five shades now on offer, which is a truly drag-free black.  The twist up liner looks like many liners on the market but what I love about it is the fact that it lasts and lasts without budging and doesn't fade for 24 hours, although they underestimate by saying 12 hours.  If you haven't mastered gel liner yet or prefer a good old fashioned eye liner pencil then this is for you.

Secondly, I've been wearing the Glimmerstick with Avon SuperEnchant Mascara, currently on special offer, which claims to maximise lashes to appear fuller and longer and oh boy, this mascara does that due to it's enormous hour-glass wand which makes application very easy.  Does it stay in place?

I really put it to an extreme test after wearing it all day by taking a shower, hot, steamy, the lot, it did hold up well with minimal smudging, so it's a relief to know it would go the distance in spring showers! Ding Dong, happy shopping!

Sun damage? No way!

I'll be damned if I get more wrinkles from extreme sun damage.  Don't get me wrong, although I have an all year round tan and believe you can't beat some Vitamin D rays for a mood boost, I would never been seen without sun protection.
Clarins 50+ not only tames unsightly lines due to dehydration this face cream cleverly adds SPF coverage at a scorching 50!  I've heard many a person claim sun lotions reveal a pasty white tinge, not this one as its refined enough in a light formulation, which is easily absorbed and comfortable so would be non-sticky in any sudden sand storm.

Chubby never looked so good!

Yes, another blog post about Clinique Chubby Sticks, another gleeful mention and why not!?
These fruity balmy delights are super smooth and moisturising; ideal to whip on whilst having fun in the sun and a speedy way to enliven any skin tone.
I've been wearing two of eight shades non-stop, the first I tested being Mega Melon, its an easy daytime nude for darker skin like mine.  Sometimes nude lip colour look starkly pale or often grey if too beige in tone so I was more than happy to find Mega Melon a suitable nude.
For those brighter days when I fancy a pop of pink I grab Chunky Cherry which makes my teeth look whiter (result) and speeds up my minute make-up routine even more (double result).

If you're partial to a weightless foundation with a decent sun factor during this glorious weather, then begin with Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 , I guarantee easy application and you're sure to find the right shade, there six, from pale and interesting to forever blessed with colour.  This product is like a hidden gem of coverage packed into a hydrating cream, so why not discover why I love using it on photoshoots.
Don't huff at the sight of more blogs about Clinique Chubby Sticks, we are not raving on about them for nothing!

Natural Beauties!

I've been testing more natural products in my kit, namely Neal's Yard Remedies cosmetics.  The collection is small but a welcome relief to loyal users, who have been demanding a 'no fuss' make up range with organic and mineral ingredients.
There are plenty of beauty myths around 'natural' make up brands, 'wishy-washy', drying and bland.  Well, although minute, this range is simple and so far has decent essentials: eye shadow, eye liner and lip gloss.
The eye liners glide on well with the added bonus of being smudgeproof, though on my skin the black doesn't quite look so true, which is a shame for me and anyone with olive to dark skin tones.  Eye shadows add a subtle wash in very neutral shades but the best product of all in my opinion has to be the lip glosses.  They have a balm-like texture, really exquisite to apply with surprisingly good staying power and without a 'gluey' feel, English Rose being my fav!

The absolute final big reveal - long lashes!!

Quick picture to prove that M2 Beaute really does achieve remarkable results.  My lashes have never looked so long with a natural curl and less use of eye lash curlers plus I love not wearing mascara so I can flutter to my hearts content!

And just so that you can compare here is a another picture.  I hope you agree this lash system is well worth every penny.

8 days, 24 supplements and 16 applications.

One week and one day of trialling what I believe it is a truly sensible way to care for skin inside and out.  But before I tell you more, what state was my skin in?
I have a healthy enough diet, though a real weakness for chocolate, pretty good nonetheless, no wheat/gluten, very little dairy and I believe these deductions assist in me having well behaved skin.  I drink plenty of water but still find my skin lacks that plumpness it used to have and yes, this is called 'the ageing process'.  Boring but true!
I have embarked on this trial, taking three supplements a day (which was approved by my Doctor), this slightly less than the recommended requirement but each week I will step it up to the ideal dosages and to be honest I just felt a little cautious as to how I might feel physically with new supplements as I usually take 13 supplements a day of vitamins, minerals and much needed medication. Alongside these unique dietary supplements I am using a cleanser and moisturiser all of which are by the brand Priori which I am gradually falling in love with.  Clever technology and advanced approach to skincare indeed.

The Dietary Supplements Priori Advanced AHA - nourishes body and skin and stimulates metabolism, CoffeeBerry - antioxidant and improves circulation and Idebone -  enhanced anti-ageing abilities such as energy, protects cells and organs.  These all work alongside their own product range so I am hoping for 'remarkable' results by taking all supplements plus using  Advanced AHA Gentle Facial Cleanser and Skin Renewal Cream.  Advanced AHA is a skincare system which says "works by improving skin health and fitness through internal moisturisation of the skin".   Is it too soon to say 8 days in?
Actually no, its not!  I really do see clearer pores, some plumpness and I love wearing the moisturiser, so soft, lightweight and 24 hours of hydration.  As for the supplements, so far so good.  I did have a moment on day 3 when I decided to take them in the morning after breakfast as they say 'preferably with a meal', unfortunately,  felt my heart fluttered uncomfortably so lunchtimes or dinner time is more suitable for me.
More updates to come...

Plucking good tools!

 

You wouldn't try plucking and grooming your brows with a pair of pliers, would you?

Tools are a vital part of beautifying and preening and I would be lost without my Tweezerman Tweezers and accessories for myself and my kit.

The picture shows my very own tweezing tools, one point tweezer, one slant tweezer and 10x Magnifying Mirror making the whole plucking experience quick, easy and effective.  I tend to perfect my brows whilst in the bath or afterwards, as pores/roots are open and I can precisely remove those stray hairs effortlessly.

Tweezerman tools are a worthy investment and remember they have a free sharpening service so you'll never have to throw away a blunt pair!

Gleam and clean!

I'm forever getting asked, 'Have you had your teeth whitened?'  To which my reply is always, no, I just brush my teeth like everybody else, twice daily, sometimes 3 times a day on a long shoot day.  But maybe I don't have the same routine as everybody else and I certainly don't have a secret formula.

For over 10 years now, I have been brushing my teeth with an electric toothbrush, my first Oral B Braun was given to me by my sister for my birthday, I'd always wanted one and nothing compares to this cleaning system as it really does feel like you've newly sprung teeth, squeaky clean!
I've upgraded a few times and what with some amazing half price Boots offers over the years and currently in store now,  I've settled on my 2 year old  Professional Care Oral B Braun set.
 
Toothpaste?  Yes, there is a minefield of toothpastes promising all sorts...whiter than white teeth, tartar control, 24 hours of oral hygiene.  Personally, I think if you weren't blessed with white teeth from birth then you've little chance of achieving a Hollywood smile cheaply and after all, its about dental care and hygiene.

However, I have found a toothpaste I like and would be hard pushed to try any other brand at this stage because Blanx really does work for me.  I am an avid coffee drinker, I drink mine black and my tea too, so stain removal is a must.  Over the years my teeth have become more sensitive and I find this seems to keep that problem under control.  The one snag is price, at almost £8 you may have to think long and hard but consider it a long term investment, plus it lasts for months so likely to work out at under £3 per month.


Along with my trusty Oral B Braun Electirc Tootbrush and my new Oral B Floss Action head, which looks large and awkward but really does get into those nooks and crannies, I shall hopefully continue to have healthy teeth, regular check ups and relief at sharing a simple way to have gleaming teeth.