Nip + Fab 'Lip + Nip Fix' Review

I originally got this as part of a Nip + Fab box set and was so impressed that I bought an additional one of these - I didn't realise at the time that just on tube lasts months and months so between the two tubes I've probably got a years supply now!

Anyway... This balm is SO similar to Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream but for a fraction of the price. One tube of this Nip + Fab balm costs around £8.25 but if you keep a look out for the box sets, you can often catch them online for a reduced price. The box set I got in a sale costs £8.50 for 4 full-sized items including this!

Anyone who hasn't used Eight Hour Cream before may not understand the texture of this - both are thick, kind of sticky and don't just smooth on like a lip balm. The Nip + Fab one is so thick that it's sometimes hard to squeeze it out of the tube - the only downside to this product I've found so far!

A lot of people are put off by the texture but for both of these products, the texture is what makes them work really well. This balm stays on for absolutely ages and is really amazing at healing dry, burnt, chapped or damaged skin. I smother it on to my lips before bed and wake up with baby-soft lips in the morning, and it's also great for soothing burns or a rage of other skin ailments.

The balm even has the same sort of smell as Eight Hour Cream. A lot of people really don't like this smell so make sure you don't mind it before you buy! I personally don't have a problem with the smell and it's not something that anyone else can smell on you anyway.

The beauty of this balm is that it is ideal to keep in your handbag in emergencies. During winter, it's been a real saviour for dry lips and it's so handy to keep it nearby in case you notice some dry skin or need to add a little sheen to something. A little goes a long way and you can use it anywhere on your body that you think could benefit from some deep moisturisation. Just be careful that you don't get in on your clothes because it's really sticky!!

You can get this now from a range of stockists including Debenhams and ASOS.


xo

Tria Rejuvinating Laser

Would you trust yourself to zap your own face with a laser...?

The Rejuvinating Laser from Tria is now available to buy so you can administer your own laser treatment at home. Tria claim that this product can give you salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own home - I think a lot of people are generally skeptical when it comes to salon treatments at home. How good can it be if a certified beautician isn't doing it, right?

However, so far it's received really strong reviews and has built up a celebrity following with the likes of Kate Moss and Kim Kardashian zapping their own faces. 

There's also a lot of professional research behind this product. The handheld device uses fractional laser technology (the same as they use in clinics) to blast away fine lines and wrinkles, as well as help with discolouration and skin texture. 

Skin lasers work by creating light energy, which stimulates collagen production - and we call know collagen is a powerhouse when it comes to skin plumpness and elasticity.

Tria say this is really easy to use at home and rather than going for one heavy laser treatment at a clinic and then having a few weeks break, this laser is designed to be used for a few minutes every single day over an eight week period. 

I won't be trying this out - I'm 23 so wrinkles are not really an issue, but I'd definitely be intrigued to give it a go in a few years time.

The laser costs £450, which seems expensive but when you think just one salon treatment could cost you that amount, it suddenly seems like much better value. The people who will get the most benefit out of this are those who either already go for laser treatments at clinics, or anyone who is thinking about doing so. If you're happy to hand over £450 you might as well get something physical in return that you can keep using...

You can buy this now from Selfridges or the Tria website.

xo

Micropedi Review

I actually got this for Christmas so I've been using it for a few months now and thought I'd write a review. This isn't the most glamorous of products but it is something that really works and can quickly become an essential item.

Micropedi is a handheld electric device, with a micro-mineral roller which basically gets rid of any dry, cracked or hard skin on your feet it a matter of minutes.

When you buy the Micropedi, you get a roller with it but you can also buy the rollers separately when yours starts to lose it's texture. There are two roller types, one normal and one extra coarse. I've only used the normal roller and it's SO effective, I'd only recommend going for the extra coarse roller if you really need it.

The device itself is actually really light and easy to hold. It's battery operated so you don't have to worry about plugging it in or annoying cords getting in your way. The battery power seems to last really well in this, too, considering how much power you're getting out of it.

It couldn't be easier to use the Micropedi - you literally just switch it on and hold it so the roller is against the sole of your feet. Problems areas would typically be heels and the ball of your foot, but this works all over your foot (although I wouldn't recommend trying it on the top of your foot!).

The roller gets rids of any hard or dry skin in a flash - you only need to do this maybe once a week max, and to do both feet probably takes maximum 10-15 minutes, so you don't have to commit very much time to it at all.

The effect is really impressive. Anyone who regularly wears heels, or trainers (or really any shoes!) will undoubtedly have some hard skin on their feet that could be smoothed away. 

If you get a pedicure done in a salon, they'll rub away at the soles of your feet with a pumice stone or something similar for ages, and you'll never get the same effect as you will using this. I honestly think there isn't a better gadget out there for smoothing your feet and the biggest plus is that it's so quick, easy and efficient.

In the run up to Summer we'll soon be baring our feet in sandals and flip flops so having this to hand to make sure your feet are always smooth and presentable is really handy.

I'd recommend this to anyone who wants smooth and soft feet. The Micropedi costs around £40 but it's often discounted in various places so it's worth shopping around. 

Have any of your tried this? Would you recommend it too?


xo

Givenchy Mister Radiant Made To Measure Glow

Givenchy originally released Mister Radiant in Summer 2011 to rave reviews but they have recently relaunched it with a slight packaging change (the bottle used to be translucent and is now transparent). Other than the bottle, I don't think the product formula has changed very much at all.

Mister Radiant is a lightweight, clear gel which you apply to your face for a really delicate, healthy glow. 

The concept of this product is that the gel is full of tiny little bronzing beads in a variety of colours, which burst as you rub the gel into your skin and leave you with a very light tan  - the idea is that you look radiant and healthy after using this.

This is quite a versatile product and will be really useful in the run up to Summer when you need a little extra colour on your cheeks but a full-on tan looks too unnatural. The lightweight texture means it can easily be worn under foundation if you're not ready to go bare-skinned. 

If you are lucky enough to not need to wear a foundation or base, you can just rub a dose of this into your skin for a little glowy, warm look and off you go. 

If you have pale skin, you can go a little heavier and layer it up for more of a tan - the shades it produces are so natural and really sit well on the skin, with no tan line or orange tint!

You can get this now for £25.50 at a variety of outlets and at Harrods online. I think this is quite good value for the quality of the product and considering how useful it will be between now and he end of Summer! I'm definitely going to use this to warm up my skin before the sun arrives, and throughout Summer as a light, glowy base.



xo

Foods for Healthy Hair

'You are what you eat' is a very true saying - I'm a strong advocate of eating a healthy, balanced diet because everything you put into your body has an impact on your outer self.

Many of us are guilty of buying into or overloading on expensive products in the never-ending search for perfect skin and hair, forgetting that focusing on what we're eating can help us achieve these goals naturally.

Now, I'm not saying that eating certain foods will give you great hair no matter what, and I definitely think there are many products out there which can improve your hair. If you mistreat your hair, overstyle it or use heated appliances all the time, eating well won't have the same effect because your hair is being neglected from the outside.

But, teaming a good diet with good haircare can help you achieve heavenly hair much quicker.

Below, I list some of the top foods for healthy hair....


1. Fruit and vegetables

I know, I know...This one is obvious! But it's also one of the most important food groups for your hair. Leafy, dark green veggies (think spinach and broccoli) are high in iron and calcium and fruits that are high in vitamins A and C are essential for the production of sebum - an oil which your hair follicle generates to keep your hair conditioned and shiny. Fruits which are high in these vitamins include strawberries, oranges and kiwis - and they're great for keeping a cold at bay too!

2. Nuts

Not only are nuts a great, easy snack for mid-afternoon hunger pangs, but they're really good for you and provide a big dose of zinc which keeps your hair strong and prevents shedding. Brazil nuts are especially good for scalp health, whilst walnuts, almonds, cashews and pecans all provide healthy hair minerals.

3. Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are amazing at rejuvenating both hair and skin and help your hair get that enviable, mirror-like shine. The best source for these is fish - so stock up on salmon, mackerel and sardines for the best impact.

4. Low fat dairy

Your hair needs calcium if you want it to grow and the best source for this is low fat dairy products such as skimmed milk and yoghurt. Yoghurt in particular is not only a great source of calcium but also protein which helps your hair stay strong and resilient.

5. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and are loaded with other hair heroes such as iron, zinc and sulfur which makes them a great all-rounder for a happy head.

6. Sweet potatoes

Swap out your normal potato for a sweet potato and you'll be helping yourself to a higher intake of vitamin A. Low vitamin A levels can lead to an unhealthy scalp which inhibits hair growth and makes your hair dull so filling up on sweet potatoes is a great way to ensure your scalp is in top condition.

7. Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the best fruits you can eat for your hair because they are loaded with Vitamin C which prevents hair breakage. Mix some blueberries into low fat greek yoghurt and you've got a yummy, hair friendly snack.

8. Poultry

White meat, such as chicken, contains high levels of protein as well as zinc, iron and B vitamins. Poultry is also rich in cysteine - an amino acid promotes hair growth by helping to increase the thickness of each strand of hair. Cysteine can also be found in eggs, garlic, broccoli and red peppers.

9. Grains

Great for a hit of iron and zinc. Whole what bread also provides essential B vitamins which help carry oxygen to your hair, increasing growth rate. 

10. Beans

A lot of people don't realise how good beans are for your hair and skin. Kidney beans and lentils contain high levels of protein to stimulate hair growth, and beans also contain lots of zinc and biotin - perfect for preventing breakage.

What are your top tips for healthy hair? Share your ideas in the comments box below.



xo

Dior Claridges 48 Palette

Continuing the unintentional Dior theme today...

Alongside the My Lady palette which I posted about earlier this week, Dior launched an eyeshadow and gloss palette inspired by Claridges in London. The hotel was the location for the launch of the very first Miss Dior fragrance back in 1948 – it couldn’t get more glamorous than one of the most famous hotels in the world pairing up with a worldwide fashion powerhouse.

If you’ve ever been to Claridges you’ll know that it has a real art deco theme to it – think checkered and printed floor tiles, timeless chic furnishings, chandeliers, marble and ornate banisters. This palette draws on those themes to create a houndstooth printed eyeshadow in pastel pink and grey – both really flattering colours with a hint of shimmer to brighten the eyes.

You can’t see it in this picture, but the gloss is a fresh, pink, subtle tone – also really wearable.
Inside the palette, there’s a mirror for on-the-go touch ups, as well as two applicators.

It’s an expensive item at £52 and is available now exclusively at Harrods.


Liz
xo

111 Skin Celestial Black Diamond Cream

Continuing the black diamond theme... This night cream by 111 Skin claims to contain black diamond particles. The supposed benefit of this is that this allows the 3 key ingredients to penetrate the skin deeper. 

111 Skin Celestial Black Diamond Cream, £599

Among the 3 key ingredients are collagen and hyaluronic acid - so far, so good, except that both of these are now common in many skincare products that don't contain diamonds and already work well, with lower price tags...

It also contains Vitamin E - which again is great for your skin, but hardly groundbreaking in the beauty world.

The black diamond element of this product is what the brand are using as the main selling point, and no doubt to justify the £599.00 price tag!

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the use of diamonds in skincare. Lots of sources say diamonds have 'healing powers'  and improve your well-being, but the only proven skincare benefit of any type of diamond is it's exfoliating properties once it has been ground into a powder and added to cream. 

The idea behind this is nothing unique to diamonds at all - simply that exfoliating before applying products allows the products to sink deeper into the skin. But that is possible with many exfoliating products - not just diamonds, right?

Don't get me wrong - I'm sure this product is quite good based on the ingredients list, but not because it has diamonds in it.

So what do you think? Would you pay hundreds (or thousands) of pounds for genuine diamond products? Or do you think it is all a big marketing stunt to get consumers shelling out for a product which has no major or unique benefit?


Liz
xo

MAC Archie's Girls - More previews

Hi everyone!

A lot of the Archie's Girls collection is available on the Selfridges website now and it should be live on the MAC website soon, so I thought I'd share a few more of my favourite items from the collection...

Betty Lipsticks in (from left): Girl Next Door, Betty Bright and Oh Oh Oh

 The Veronica lipsticks are much more in my colour range than these Betty ones, but they are growing on me each time I see them. The Betty shades in this collection are probably more everyday colours - very girly, peachy and pretty. Having seen swatches of these, my favourite of the above is Betty Bright which is a vibrant peach colour. 

Betty Polish in PepPepPep

Pearlmatte Face Powder in Veronica's Blush

 I am loving the look of this face powder - the cute design has reeled me in! This face powder combines pearlized and satin shades and can be used as a blush or highlighter also.

Veronica Powder Blush in Prom Princess

 This blush is a mid-tone pink berry with a satin finish. The pigment in these blushes is really good so you only need a tiny amount.

Veronica Polishes in (from left): Past Curfew and Double Trouble

If anyone has got anything from this collection already, let me know by leaving a comment - I'd love to know your thoughts.

Liz

xo

Estee Lauder Zodiac Powder Compacts

How fabulous are these...

Estee Lauder's Zodiac Powder Compacts all come with a translucent powder inside plus an extra refill for when you run out.

These come in presentation boxes which makes them perfect for gifts and they also feature a velvet pouch to keep them in so they don't get scratched.

 Each compact also has a coloured birthstone in the clasp to match the zodiac sign. 

I really like these - they are the perfect indulgent gift for a friend or relatives birthday and cost £65 each from the Estee Lauder website.

Liz

xo

Estee Lauder French Nudes Collection

These polishes are heaven for any nude enthusiast. There's 5 different shades in this collection, so there should be something for everyone.

From left: Diabolique, Nudite, Bittersweet, So Vain, Ballerina Pink.

Estee Lauder claim these all have great pigment and leave a glossy finish even without a top coat - you can see them swatched over on one of my favourite blogs 'British Beauty Blogger' by clicking here.

 Inspired by Parisian fashion, these are all very elegant and easy to wear shades. I am particularly liking the look of So Vain, as well as Bittersweet for a darker spin on a nude nail.

Each shade is designed to compliment different skin tones so everyone will have their own favourite, but I don't doubt these will be very popular when they launch.

The collection is set for UK release in March and each bottle will cost £14.50 each.

Liz
xo

Marc Jacobs Autumn/Winter 2013 New York Fashion Weel

Marc Jacobs shows are always one of my favourites and this season was no different. The collections always showcase a kind of grown up but fresh look and this season the look was very simple and sexy.

On the catwalk, the Marc Jacobs girl adorned simple, masculine styles in the form of belted coats, pyjama-style slinky shirts, and neat blazers worn at times with very little else! But there was a touch of Hollywood glamour at play here too, with vintage-style fur coats and throws, t-bar shoes and mid-length metallic dresses. 

Backstage, dark wigs were cut into a style approaching a mullet but just a bit shorter, all featuring choppy semi-side fringes and adding a touch of vamp to the whole look. Think modern day Joan Jett for this hairstyle.

The wigs were styled with small differences on each model, all individually cut with a razor. If you look at the models pictured above they are all slightly different. Some had more volume and messiness whereas others were sleek and almost pixie-ish from the front. 

A wet-look product was applied to each wig for a high-shine effect and some of the models wore bands around their head to add to the grungy, edgy look.

The make-up was created using Nars Radiant Cream Compact Foundation for a nude and glowing base. The smoky eye was created by blending a couple of matte shadows together- a dark, warm brown washed over the lid and smoked out using black and white shadows to achieve that mid-grey wash around the edge.

The shadows have been applied around the entire eye and used to line the lower lash line too - grab a liner brush for this part, then grab a good eyeshadow blending brush to blend everything together, moving it upwards towards the brow and out beyond the inner corner of the eye towards the bridge of the nose.

The lips were kept nude with just a hint of gloss  - perfectly simple and clean next to the grungy eyes.

Marc Jacob's shows are always a peak into what the 'cool' girls will be wearing next season . The collection itself is the perfect balance between glamorous and cool, elegant and edgy and is the ideal look for Autumn/Winter.

Liz
xo

Anna Sui Autumn/Winter 2013 New York Fashion Week

Anna Sui Autumn/Winter 2013 show was ALL about the sixties. The clothes themselves were the epitome of sixties fashion with textured, patterned fabrics, bright, clashing colours and graphic accessories.

The whole show was colourful, playful and very retro.

The hair and make-up for this show was very fitting for the sixties look, with voluminous, bouncy hairstyles and the classic cats eye done with a modern twist...

Photo courtesy of @patmcgrathreal

Make-up artist Pat McGrath created a monochrome look for the face which offset the bright colours of the clothes perfectly. The cats eye was achieved by applying a black pencil along the eyelid, exaggerating the shape by increasing the width and arching the tip up towards the brow (leaving about half an inch between the liner and the eyebrow).

On the bottom lash line, a black liner was used to create a dotted line. This reminds me of the Clarins 3 Dot Liner, but in this case it was done using a pencil. Nonetheless, it adds something really different to the look, bringing a dose of modernity to an otherwise very retro look. The rest of the face was kept clean with a sheer, matte base and nude, shiny lips.

The hair for this show was very Catherine Deneuve (an inspiration for the show I believe) - bouncy, shiny hair with great height. The hair was very fresh and young. Longer styles were pulled into high ponytails, teased at the roots for volume then rolled under into a big bouffant.

I actually really loved the way they styled the shorter hairstyles for this show. Models with shorter hair were styled with a chic and classic bob. Volume was applied at the crown by backcombing the roots underneath the top layer of hair and a full fringe was clipped in which framed the face (and dramatic eyes) perfectly.

Photo courtesy of @patmcgrathreal

Gorgeous!

Liz 

xo

Kerastase Initialiste

I've been wanting to try this product for a while now and finally purchased it a few days ago.

With a £40 price tag, it's not the cheapest of hair products, but the benefits that it promises to deliver are far too inviting to ignore...

I'm always on the look out for hair products that can keep my hair in good condition. I have medium-long, thick, dark hair and use heated appliances every day. Inevitably, this does give me split ends and dryness - so my hair is a good test for this product.

Kerastase promise thicker, shinier and stronger hair with up to 93% less breakage. The serum contains plant stem cells, which are meant to build and repair your hair. The clinical studies carried out on this product showed that applying it 3 times a week for a month delivered better overall hair quality, thickness and softness.

With all of the research and statistics behind this product, I was sold!

I have only used this twice so far but am already impressed with the results. There is no dramatic change in my hair, but then I wouldn't expect that this early on. However, my hair does feel a bit shinier and thicker, making it easier to style and giving it a glossy, bouncy sort of look.


The bottle comes with a dropper and you apply 2 pipettes (fine hair) or 4 pipettes (thick hair) directly to the scalp after washing and towel drying your hair, massaging it in to ensure full coverage.

The serum itself is a non-oily texture so once this is on your hair, it leaves no residue and once your hair is dry you wouldn't even know it was on - except for the lovely apple smell!

I'm going to try and regularly update you all on how this product is working, maybe every few weeks so I have time to notice a difference! At the moment, I would recommend it for the way it makes your hair feel alone, but I will let you know if I start to notice a real difference in the structure and quality of my hair.

Let me know if you are trying this product and what you think!

Liz
xo

Valentine's Day Make Up

Whether you like Valentine's Day or not, it's hard not to feel in love with these Valentine's themed beauty products...

This super cute lipstick by Marks & Spencer Limited Collection is only £5.00 and comes in a light pink or rose shade. Easy to wear, pretty colours. They remind me of the Paul & Joe 'cat head' lipsticks - both are adorable and a fun twist on a product many of us use every day.

Another product in this line from Marks & Spencer is this multi blush, which comes in at just £6.00. It features little hearts in various shades of pink for a rosy glow.

MAC's Archie Girls collection will be launching in the first week of March and I'll be snapping up this eyeliner along with a couple of other pieces. The packaging for this whole range is really cute and a lot of the products look really wearable.

This is the Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner in 'Black Swan'.

For the brave ones amongst us, these heart sequin eyelashes from ASOS (£15) are a really bold and creative way to get in on the love theme. These do not look particularly comfortable...However they undoubtedly add something different to a look!

Last but not least, heart decoration for the lips in the form of a temporary lip tattoo! This is another piece from ASOS and costs £10. Probably not an item to wear on a date or if you plan on eating anything (!) but for a girly night out with friends these are pretty fun.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Liz
xo

Autumn/Winter 2013 Trends from the Catwalk: The Dark Lip

Fashion week is upon us and first on the schedule is New York which has been taking place over the last week.

Beauty at New York Fashion Week is typically very groomed, polished and immaculate. Beauty-wise it's a great place for fashion week to start because it always features the key trends.

One trend in particular that has popped up on various catwalks this week is the dark lip - namely at Vera Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Derek Lam and Zac Posen. This is a beauty trend which comes round time and again but is a really beautiful autumn/winter look.

Vera Wang Autumn/Winter 2013

  

Derek Lam Autumn/Winter 2013

 The best thing about this look is how easy it is to achieve. A strong, dark lip looks best with pared-down make up on the rest of the face so you only need minimal make up elsewhere.

3.1 Phillip Lim Autumn/Winter 2013

To achieve this look start with a seamless, neutral base. Buff in any foundation until you have that 'no make-up' look. Apply concealer only where needed for added brightness, add one coat of mascara on the eyes and then move on to your lipstick.


There are a few different shades to try in this trend, depending on your skin tone and hair colour. Darker skins can carry off bright wines, plums and reds, whereas pale skins should stick to more muted tones of brown and pink. Olive or medium skin tones can pull off the dark lip easily - brownish reds, burgundies and aubergine colours are your best friend for this look!

If this trend scares you, try a gloss first to ease yourself into the trend.


A few recommendations...

MAC Lipstick in 'Cyber' - an intense, dark purple with a satin finish

MAC Lipstick in 'Dark Side' - a full-bodied dark grape shade

Nars Lipstick in 'Fast Ride' - a vibrant shade with a velvet finish

Dior Rouge Lipstick in 'Hypnotic' - a long-wearing, buildable burgundy shade


Let me know if you have any favourite dark lipsticks that I should try!


Liz
xo

Diane von Furstenberg Autumn/Winter 2013 New York Fashion Week

I am a big fan of Diane von Furstenberg, not only because she creates beautiful, womanly clothing but because she has always been about empowering women. Her clothes have all the glamour of the seventies but with a clean, modern twist.

Some of my favourite outfits from the show...

Diane von Furstenberg Autumn/Winter 2013 at New York Fashion Week

The make-up for this show is my favourite from NYFW so far. James Kaliardos, who created the look for Diane described it as "Life is the party...how you get up in the morning, and feel great" which I think is the perfect description for this look. The pink lipstick is so vibrant and fun, and seems to suit every model regardless of hair or skin tone.

The whole look was created using MAC products. The lips were created by using MAC Chromographic Pencil in 'Magenta' all over the lip to give them that bold, matte colour - this isn't available in the UK but MAC's standard Lip Pencil also comes in Magenta. Face and Body foundation was applied lightly to the face, using a slightly different shade on the temple and cheekbones for that warm and 'real' skin appearance.

MAC products

For the eyes, MAC's eyeshadow in Omega was applied very lightly to the brow, and a highlighter was applied along the cheekbones to give skin radiance.

I really love this look. The clean and perfectly highlighted skin complimented the power lip perfectly, and the simplicity of the look allowed the lip to stand out without making the whole thing look too 'done'.

I hope you like this look too! I'll be featuring a few other Fashion Week looks on my blog so if there are any that you love and want to know how to recreate, leave me a comment!

Liz
xo