Intensive Pout!

Finally, I have discovered a way of keeping lips flake-free and soft with Clinique Intensive Lip Treatment.  As a habitual lip biter (I know, I know) I endlessly complain about my unsightly chapped lips all year round and fail to find lip balms that actually do the trick.  After using this balm stick for a few weeks, I now have truly lovely lips which now withstand bright summer lipcolours all day long. 

Stockists: 0870 034 2566

To buy online visit www.clinique.co.uk

Hairloss: Part One

Hairloss is no laughing matter and has been the bane of my life for a few years now.  Due to acquiring Hypothyroidism some years ago, my once thick, strong, healthy hair became thin and began receding around the hairline.  Once I'd been diagnosed and popped my Thyroxine, I naively thought it would grow back full and volumonous, how wrong I was.
I am on a quest to find the magic formula and after speaking to many women in the same situation I have found the same response, "my confidence was shattered".  I hear you and whether it's through stress, thyroid problems or worse, waking up to bald patches or fine, lifeless hair is beyond a joke!
Let's see if this is the winning formula:

I am taking iron supplements as I am deficient (as most women are) and this can be a key factor.

Using Michael Van Clarke 3" more inches range with Shampoo and Conditioner to promote healthy hair, which includes a Pre-Treatment.

Twice a week applying, Castor Oil, yes, oil to my hair after washing.  Wrapping my head in cling, then a towel to penetrate for a few hours.  (Not attractive, thank god I've no flatmates!)

And finally, I'm attempting to reduce my hair washing to a couple of times a week.  Hard task after the gym and swim but hey, I am going to find a way back to thick hair.


I'll update soon and see if the mission has been accomplished!

Working my way to Wellbeing.

I have regular treatment for my hypothyroidism and after years of acupuncture with the lovely Sue Cheetham, dietary tests courtesy of Dr Mouton at the Hale Clinic, which I swear by, I stumbled across Pressure Therapy.  Ok, let me explain.  My glands are up the spout, not only adrenals but lymphs too and GP's just dont focus on these for health and wellbeing. 
After a few sessions with Graham at the Notting Hill Acupuncture Centre he commented on my weak lymph glands, er, and what do they do? 
The boring part is generally about fighting infection but the interesting bit was water retention and feeling good and reducing the strain on my glands.  I'd always blamed my heavy hips and thighs on my love of chocolate, poor diet (oh er chocolate then) and thyroid problems.  
Lucky me, I know Sima who has only one of three locations in London offering Pressure Therapy to stimulate weak lymphs into action.  I have now had a course of therapy which basically means lying in a body bag whilst it inflates, so no big hardship there.  The results have been beyond amazing...water retention and cellulite reduced, my poor flailing bust is back to almost their teenage pert years and yes, other useful areas tighten too.  As for my wellbeing, I have more energy and less thyroidal symptoms.  Another course is on its way, hurrah!
For more information contact Sima on 07723338011

Backstage Beauty.

It's always buzzing backstage at fashion shows and Dubai Fashion Week is on heat for the next few days.  L'Oreal are again the proud sponsors who have teamed up with Make up Artist, Sarah Baldry, with 20 years beauty expertise, to create inspiring looks for the catwalk with her vast pro team.  
Sarah has demonstrated fashion forward looks using L'Oreal whilst keeping the concept utterly polished and best of all, worked closely with the designers to produce their own unique finish.   At last, it is good to see some more style at DFW to challenge L'Oreal's high performance make-up.  I have always been a fan and Sarah is equally excitable about the brand that has given her the scope to be creative and discover 'hero' products that will remain in her kit well after the shows have come to a close. 
L'Oreal's Matte Morphose is an essential foundation as it hides imperfections, refines complexions and lasts comfortably under the bright lights and humidity of the UAE.   
"This is by far a must-have.  The souffle texture promotes a seamless, velvety finish on the skin allowing us to work over and over again without looking cakey and better still  little to no touch ups.  Now everyone can achieve perfection!" says Sarah.
Another triumphant product to dash out and buy...off to shop for the five shades...well, when in Dubai!

Take off, Hydrate and Land!

The Easter break is soon upon us, hurrah! The reality is queues, airless flights and jet lag to deal with as well as but dull, dehydrated skin. Fear not, Lisa Hoffman Spa Facials restores hydration with each step, cleverly packaged in miniature tubes, leaving skin deeply cleansed and revived before landing.

Lisa Hoffman Beauty Products are available from Harvey Nichols nationwide

Minerals buff the way forward!

Lily Lolo is a leading mineral brand which already includes a spectrum of shades of foundation to the highest quality and is fast becoming a must-have item for many top make up artists.
Mineral make up is here to stay and Lily Lolo prides itself on being one of the only 100% pure brands on the market. It is so pure it can help improve the quality of skin as it does not clog the pores. One of Lily Lolo’s biggest fans is Nicky Hambleton-Jones who refuses to use anything else!
Loose powder foundations may seem all a bit of a mess but there is one technique to remember…start by tapping out a small amount into the lid, then swirl the powder with a large powder brush or Lily Lolo kabuki brush. Tap the brush on the side of the lid, to remove excess powder, and then apply to forehead, down the nose and outwards in a swirling motion. This ensures an even finish and works with your natural oils to hold the foundation for a longer lasting finish.
The powder is so refined it would be hard to over apply; therefore you can keep applying till all imperfections have been deleted.
Lily Lolo has recently launched lip glosses in 8 sumptuous shades. The range caters for cool and warm complexions such as Raspberry Crush and Skinny Latte. Click on www.lilylolo.co.uk to see more.

Introduce yourself to Dr Organic.

If you’re keen on a holistic organic lifestyle, Dr Alkaitis qualifies to be part of your everyday beauty regime. Unique preparatory techniques are involved in the cult US skincare brand, to purposefully tend to skins vitality.
Organic Replenishing Serum revives skin like a toner, soothing skin by means of the base product, 100% certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel, in addition to chemical and synthetic free ingredients and plant extracts. Applied after cleansing, skin feels cool and firm with the ability to lock in moisture, the ideal travel companion!
Dr Alkaitis’ 9 skincare products emphasises the need to restore balance in the everyday challenges of the modern world, in which we face stress, pollution and changes in lifestyle, thus providing skin with additional qualities, such as treating the prevention of premature ageing and hormonal imbalances.
Dr Alkaitis is available from www.alkaitis.co.uk / 0207 229 7076

Complete your party look.

It's party season, so time to get your look together. Never think more is more, but concentrate on keeping brows groomed and precise - nothing worse than smoky eyes with undefined brows, looks so unfinished.

Add a touch of glamour by applying Eylure lashes. Secure along the lash line or if you prefer a more subtle, sultry look, snip half of the length and add to outer corners. Now get out there and party in style.

Blogging just got beauty-ful

Welcome to my blog! I hope to update you with my world of beauty, fashion and advertising, inspire you with my images and invite you into the life of a Make-up Artist.