Soaking away the stress!

Now might not be the time to discuss hot baths, what with this balmy weather but if like me, you have aches and pains all the time and love the comfort of a hot, hot bath of an evening to ease muscles and release some tension then read on.  I was introduced to Ila recently and although its a brand I have known about, I have never looked into it much until now.  The ingredients are sourced with care and the holistic approach really appeals as we all have busy lives but to actively stop, take a moment to recoup mentally and physically is something we don't do enough of.

My bath times are just this, I can take a breathe, mull over my list of things to do but most of all, leave the stresses behind me and soak away the stress.  Ila Inner Peace has added another dimension to my bath times due to the warm and captivating scent of the crystal mix of Rose Otto and Sandalwood, very musky and stimulating in the most soothing way possible.

The rich salts, shown here, make bath times extra special and the name Inner Peace certainly sum up the active nature and aim of a good bath.

The beauty behind science and nature!

'Science and nature', we've most definitely heard that combination before but who is balancing the two well enough to assist towards healthy skin. ar457 follow the notion and 'fuse an ancient beauty secret and cutting edge cosmetics using the latest discoveries to enhance and refine a natural miracle' and I think they have nailed it quite frankly.

I was introduced to the brand last year and wrote a post about the Metaserum Elixir, a truly overwhelming serum with the powers of Argan oil and new technology. I was converted then a there, I wanted to test more.

ar457 have been generous in allowing me to discover the entire range, which I can wholeheartedly say has been a unique experience as formulations consist of textures from rich, balmy creams to grainy emulsions and yes, predictably oils.  I'm not going to tell you about all the products but the ones I am most impressed with.

I began with the Skin Cleanser, a good place to start.  I know there are popular oil cleansers, some award winning but my skin has never like these much, however, the almost dry oil formulation removed every trace of daily grime remarkably well, though not to be used to remove eye make up.  Skin Cleanser left my skin ultra soft with no sign of breakouts (something that has happened in the past).  Using this day and night has kept my skin feeling subtle and never dry or stripped of its natural oils.


 I found the boost from using the Regenerating Care after cleansing the ultimate in hydration!


I do love an eye cream, I don't expect it to banish lines but one that keeps my eyes puff-free in the mornings. I was sceptical with Long Lasting Eye Contour because it pumps out a light emulsion not a gel, which can be more soothing but I needn't have feared a thing, it left my eye area dewy, hydrated with no signs of additional water retention.


Finally, for the body, a spray oil, Silky Oil, a welcome surprise and what a scent.  I can't quite put my finger on the aroma but I adore using this after a shower to lock in moisture.  One would think it might feel oily, sticky or slippery on the skin, no, it absorbs well with no signs of staining clothes for those of you who might be unconvinced. This is a firm favourite!

There is plenty more to say about the range but I would love to hear from those of you who have tried ar457 or keen to experience this exceptional fusion of science and nature.

All kinds of smoky eyes!

If you consider Givenchy more a fragrance brand than a make up one then please think again!  I've been using Givenchy for almost a decade and time after time my heart melts for the Prisme's, quadruplets of colour in the shape of blushers, pressed powders, 

powder foundations and eye shadow quads and mono's.

The mono's are available in the perfect 'smoky' alternatives, greys, plums as well as these, shown above,  Casual Khaki on the left, Dressy Indigo, the right, are clever quads of the same shade, which some might think a bit of a waste but look again, they are all kinds of textures.  I say, this is genius on many levels especially as we tend to fall in love with a shade that suits us over and over again,  therefore this is a super solution where one can really experiment and nail that up to date smoky eye.  For a matte effect, choose Mat on the bottom left and top left for a Light Pearly finish, not too shimmery but enough to create a soft focus effect.  Top right is an Intense Pearly finish which reveals a great smoky shade on its own and lastly, bottom right has all the shimmer, sparkle complete in Sequined, multi-faceted colour.

1 colour, 4 finishes and 1 immensely happy Make Up Artist!

Shhhhh! Debenhams have included them in their current sale!!!

Operation Thick, Voluminous Hair!

Countless clients ask about haircare products to give their hair a helping hand to appear thicker, it is an all too common problem these days but there are solutions.  I have written much about hair loss but which products really do have the glam-factor when it comes to styling?
Lulu's Operation Glam, High Profile Thicken & Lift Spray has been doing the trick for many of my clients in assisting their hair to retain hold and lift at the roots, as many of us are aware, roof lift is essential in disguising weak, sparse areas, especially around the hairline.  I love this product.  It smells good and yes, I am a snob when it comes to haircare fragrances; not only do we want our locks to smell nice but we spray these formulas in close proximity to people and often badly ventilated rooms therefore, it has to be an inoffensive odour.  This thickening solution is not heavy nor sticky, so comfort is a bonus and with added value, it does as one would expect, lasts for hours, leaving hair looking natural with a volumising effect.
Read and shop here.

Poker Straight Hair Alert!

 
Small, pink and a handy hair product for those of you aching to keep your hair slick without humidity getting in the way....Lee Stafford's Poker Straight Dehumidifier spray is a new must-have in my hair kit, saving me time on set and keeping unwanted frizz at bay.
Available in Boots NOW!