Beauty Palette Alert!

Try stopping me declare my love for Sleek Make Up and you may get cut down with an unfriendly glare because these Sleek Beauty Geeks have done it again and no doubt always will; bringing affordable make up in high quality (yes, some of you BIG brands should be ashamed of yourselves) and richly pigmented too in luscious 'pro-esque' palettes, namely with their new collection (out next month), Vintage Romance 141 for eyes.

Sumptuous shades that would suit the masses with a spectrum that flow from day to night, yes, even brides with a divine mix of silk finishes in golden taupes, modern muted pink hues as well as deep midnight blues and shadows of sheeny grey.

TOP TIP: I suggest you put a reminder in your calenders girls for 6th September 2013 because the entire collection of soft, romantic blushers and more will be sold out before you know it!

Beauty Alert: Merumaya Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel!

We all like to see remarkable effects from our skincare, though some brands make promises that do not and cannot deliver.  There may well be the 'face' of the product who is someone we like and aspire to, then at this point we can be easily persuaded.  Personally, I'd rather there were no 'face' or big budget campaign, just a little more integrity, especially in the skincare market, which is why I pay attention to Merumaya, who are paving the way to 'Integrative Effective Skincare', hurrah, a more no nonsense approach!
I've written about Merumaya's Melting Cleansing Balm before, see here, and had the pleasure of meeting the forward thinking and true expert in her field, Maleka Dattu where her approach to beauty is simply marrying the most efficient ingredients innovatively, whether they are from science or nature, to produce a range that is balanced for all skins whilst actively addressing skins needs.

That was enough for me to try out another product and one that I felt my skin was craving, that was the gentle workings of Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel, devised of 'Glycolic Acid intergrated with Pomergranate Enzymes' which steer skin towards clearer, refined skin with clarity.  If the word 'peel' puts you off then I'd like to reassure you there is no 'surgical' peel-like effect whereby layer after layer of your skin flakes away; the colourless gel, applied to skin for 3-10 minutes before rinsing is gentle exfoliation efficiently sloughing off the dreariness to make way for brighter skin.
I'm lucky enough not to have any major issues with my skin, however, I am still seeing signs of refined pores and lustre which is an uplifting addition to my routine 1 or 2 times a week.

Have I got you hooked to Merumaya?

Colour Alert!

I love coral, I do, I really do!  I can be seen wearing a lot of it, maybe too much but who cares, its a great colour that pops out and smacks you between the eyes and most certainly cheers you up.  This is why I've loved wearing newly launched Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer in Candy Coated Coral (great name for a great shade) as its the perfect kind of coral against my dark skin and has given my toes a lovely sunny finish.  Let's try keeping Summer here for a bit longer and wear more colour, agree?
Which Morgan Taylor shade will you be wearing?

Probably the Best Deep Muscle Massage in London!

Almost 20 years as a Make Up Artist comes with a palette-full of downsides. I know, sorry to burst the 'most enviable job' bubble but when you stand for long periods of time (sometimes up to 12 hours and then some), carry heavy bags and cases full to the brim of tools, products and suchlike from job to job it puts an almighty strain on your body; mainly back, neck and shoulders.  I know us Make Up Artists' are not the only profession trying to avoid the use of support tights but how else do we ease the aching legs, numb crushing toes and lop-sided shoulders (yes, it happens!)

Lucky ole me, I was introduced to the Nail, Beauty, Massage destination that is Boutique Spa in West London and booked in for their one and a half hour Deep Muscle Massage using leading British Spa brand, ESPA , which hand on heart, is probably the best massage I've ever had!  An over zealous declaration you might think, however, how can I be so wrong after spending many years pouring into various treatment rooms across London, pointing out an endless list of aches, pains and stubborn knots to 'the experts', who have tended to pound at my weak muscles with pressue and vigour, leaving me wondering if more pain is really a good thing or should I be concerned.  I left Boutique Spa invigorated after 90 minutes with therapist Anna, who expertly massaged away my knots carefully without causing me more soreness or strain; it merely made me doze off due to her methodical massage technique using ESPA Fitness Bath and Body Oil, which she allowed me to choose according to it's qualities and scent.  The aroma was subtly soothing with a warm bite of Indian Bay and Clove Bud which washed over me as the perfect oil to ease my tension then drift into a Lavender haze.  In all, the experience made me want to go back for another Deep Muscle Massage on a regular basis and have more of the treatments on offer!

The environment is that of sheer elegance and calm, which when you think about it should be the ambience for beauty and pampering.  I was impressed by the wall of nail varnishes by OPI, Essie and Morgan Taylor displayed along one side surrounded by the Mani and Pedi stations and towards the treatment rooms where the waxing, facials and massage take place.

The other wall was an array of ESPA products ready to purchase and if you haven't tried this brand before, you must, it's nothing but pure luxury!









If ever there was a place best described as 'The Best Top-to-Toe Beauty Spot in London', then this is it!