Nice ideas.

These are some lovely perfume range of the Fragrance Library I came across at a recent visit to the Make Up Store, Carnaby Street, W1.  I thought they'd make a nice present or token for someone special.

To choose the right scent, rather than smell each bottle, you choose by reading the descriptions on the box.  I'm sure most of us might select by colour and seeing as I was drawn to the orange motif of Less Is More, I was pleased to read about pureness and simplicity.  What a great personalised pressie!

Happy Happy Cosmetics!!!

Happy Cosmetics are a jolly good bunch who bring some lovely skincare to the UK market.  I've been  testing a few products from the range which is supposed to enhance my happiness with it's "happiness molecule", plant extracts which stimulate the release of beta-endorphins that work directly into the skin.

I'm not sure they go this far but I have certainly found that I would be happy buy more and to keep using Fabulous Cleanser.  This soap-free formula, which cleverly pumps out foam for a gentle cleanse, is a great way to rid skin of daily grime.  On hot, sunny days I like to get home, foam up with water to take off the surface dirt and then perform a deeper cleanse in the evening.

And for that deeper cleansing routine I would include this Blue Lagoon Scrub, a scrub like you've never seen.

 Delicate beads which slough off dead skin gently and you only need a small amount.  A little goes a long way!  Skin is left feeling utterly clean, smooth and black head free!  

Then Wonder Cream,  perfect moisturiser for locking in hydration, though I found I needed quite a lot to get my skin to feel really hydrated all day, therefore, I would apply a small amount, let it sink in, then about 5-10 minutes later, reapply another 10p sized amount and I'd be happy!

The texture is whipped up to a rich cream and smells so good which is always important with skincare and seeing as this is 60 Euros!  The combination of these products are really good though I do think I'd rather alternate these with other brands so they last that bit longer.

These are also available in Fenwicks www.fenwicks.co.uk 

3D Repair for hair?

I'll be honest, I wasn't going to try this haircare product, not because it was inexpensive or that I was being a snob but because I thought it wouldn't achieve the results I required.

A few months ago, a hairdresser recommended a premium brand and certainly not a cheap one to use on my weakened hair, to reduce unsightly frizz and to condition without making my hair appear lank.  I believed it was working, as it did reduce some of the frizz, though not fully and didn't feel like it had left residue in my hair.  It did make some difference when blow drying as it kept the hair shaft quite smooth.  Though, when I tried Avon Advance Techniques Damage Repair 3D Rescue, a lightweight, creamy fluid, similar to most conditioners, I was most surprised to find it was hydrating the dry ends and taming the shaft of my hair from root to tip.  I admit I assumed something stating '3D Repair' would be a thick, oily consistency and only work on course, dry hair, the opposite to me thick but soft hair but there was not one feeling of greasy residue even though this is a leave-in formula.  I only needed a pound coin sized amount to towel dried hair for reliable results whether I decide to blow dry my hair or leave to dry naturally.
The general condition and look of my hair is replaced with smooth and frizz-free until the next use and to end this blog on a high, Avon Advance Techniques Damage Repair 3D Rescue is currently only £4.50 as opposed to £6.50.

Positano : Part Due!

  I had written a post about 'Positano' not too long ago http://nadiramakeup.blogspot.com/search/label/Positano in which I told you more about my experience on a quick job in breathtaking surroundings, than anything else but what was the job?  

Who was the client?

 I can now reveal that I was sent on what had seemed a vague work trip to Italy in early July, in which I was  thinking I was to be the Make Up Artist and Hair Stylist to Collette Dinnigan for a portrait shoot.  When I arrived in Naples, with the Photographer, David Lotfus it was revealed I would actually be getting Collette and her daughter ready for her marriage to the dashing, Bradley Cocks.  The couple soon told me they wanted a private, relaxed day in exquisite surroundings away from it all.

And here is a photograph of the happy couple, looking radiant and relaxed with Collette in one of her own unique designs, of course!
I have already revealed much of the beauty route Collette requested in my earlier post, which was natural with  a hint of definition and this was achieved with Eylure lashes amongst other beauty favourites!
Collette's tresses are beautiful, long and very long in fact, so then suited a little textured wave, achieved with a tiny amount of Sebastian Potion 9 for some hold, then random tonging with a larger barrell around the front sections.  This complimented the delicate crown she wore and was also the best style in 85% humidity.  I wish more brides would go for such a ethereal, understated look to enhance their real beauty.  Collette made a very elegant bride indeed.

I'd like to wish Collette, Bradley and Estella all the best and much happiness and good health for the future.

The Science of Skin.

As you know by now, I am not going to get into the science part of a product not only because you can access that information yourselves but also I'd like to give you my honest perspective on a product or range.  Basically, does it work and does what it says it will do?

Skin Science is a Scandinavian brand I've seen and heard about but had never hit my radar until I was asked to try them recently.   

There are skincare brands that I totally adore and which you can read about on my blog but I don't love every brand I try, though Skin Science is one I am finding I would never want to run out of!

Ok, so I lied, a little bit of science.  Skin Science introduces 'ultra potent antioxidant Spermine' which claims to achieve visible and lasting results plus 'Spermine is proven to be 25 times stronger than Vitamin E'.  I am doubtful of 'anti-ageing' results from any skincare but what I do believe in is healthy skin and I find the Bio Active 24hr Protective Complex Cream SPF 15 assists in this very well.  Whilst wearing this hydrator in the morning after cleansing, I noticed the initial feeling of moisture in my skin lasted all day.  Gold star for this and for the fact it looks suitably radiant on my complexion too.

I occasionally combine the Complex Cream after applying Bio Active Stimulating Serum as an added boost for my dry skin, I love how this feels and most definitely the toning effect after all they say, 'Thanks to its immediate deep penetration it works on all layers of the skin.' 

These Bio Active Instant Replenishment Complex ampoules in addition to the hydrators are incredibly effective when used two or three times a week after cleansing to saturate the skin with the Spermine and work deeply.  I believe about one third of an ampoule is best applied after cleansing at night so that you have optimum chance of replenishment and repair.   These potent pods can also be used after invasive treatment ie. laser or acid peels.

Remarkable skincare in all from Skin Science and one have to spread the word about and make sure I don't run out of.

www.skinscience.com