Summer Beauty Picks

We have tested a few beauty products that are perfect for summer.

Rococo Chichi have a new range of natural shea hair butters. They can be used as pre-wash conditioner, as a treatment before blow drying or as sun after care treatment to help your hair back to its healthy, lustrous and hydrated state. They are free from chemicals, preservatives, parabens, SLS, artificial colours and perfumes. We tried the…

Rosemary Whipped Shea Hair Butter (100ml) £7.95
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A great natural shea butter, Rocco Chichi’s nourishing rosemary whipped shea hair butter stimulates the scalp, and softens, fortifies and revitalises lacklustre hair. Naturally scented with rosemary scented oil, Rocco Chichi’s Rosemary Whipped Shea Hair Butter increases the circulation to the scalp and is therefore effective for promoting hair growth; just perfect for those who want flowing hair that smells divine.

This smells amazing and was a good hair butter. It is handmade and softened dry hair. I would just use a little to stop hair looking greasy.

Unscented Whipped Shea Hair Butter (100ml) £7.95
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This luxurious moisturising Rococo Chichi’s Unscented Whipped Shea Hair Butter wave’s goodbye to split ends. Perfect as a pre-wash conditioner; just massage well into your dry hair and scalp and leave on from anywhere between twenty minutes to an entire night, shampoo as usual, and hey presto beautiful looking hair.

This is good for split ends. Leaves hair looking better and split ends less noticeable.

Thea Organic Enriched Skincare Age Revival Uplifting Face Creme
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We liked this creme, it smelt nice and left skin looking healthy. The 15ml tester we used was not enough to conclude whether it would leave a lasting difference to skin but it is rich, 100% natural and has no chemicals. This British beauty brand left a positive impressions on us. Here is what they say:

Firm your skin and reduce wrinkles with this indulgently rich, smooth and easily absorbed unity of age-defying natural ingredients that feed moisture and nutrients deep in to the skin, restoring elasticity and stimulating circulation. With 78% high performance organic ingredients, this creme targets areas that are prone to premature ageing such as the cheeks, forehead and neck

The result: firmer, plumper, softer skin with a healthy radiance.

Organic Aloe Juice attracts & seals in moisture, encourages new skin cells to grow & enhances circulation.

Organic Coconut, Jojoba & Avocado Oils highly nutritious & hydrating, deeply penetrate, balance & moisturise, plump the skin & clean pores.

Organic Rooibos Tea powerful antioxidant slows down the aging process by purifying & regenerating the skin, protecting from free radicals.

DMAE a B vitamin derivative proven to reduce sagging on the face & neck & stimulates cell growth.

MSM organic sulphur, essential to the health of skin cells. Helps repair, replace & strengthen mature skin, reducing wrinkles.

Sweet Basil Essential Oil removes excess oil, moisturises & rebalances the skin

Lavender Essential Oil balances skin tone, hydrates & purifies.

Fresh Ginger Essential Oil stimulates circulation & revives mature skin.

Vitamin E one of the best anti-aging vitamins. Protects, repairs & feeds mature skin with a naturally occurring SPF of 6.

Buy their products here.

The Bakewell Soap Company May Chang Multi Purpose Balm
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This is a handy multipurpose balm. It is uplifting and has a great zesty lemon citrus smell. The lemon smell is quite strong but I like it. It is made fresh with naturally antiseptic and anti-inflammatory oils that help clear oily skin. It is a soft balm that melts into skin. Very handy and really works. Here is what they say:

An all-natural balm for hands, nails, lips and body with soothing Hemp, Walnut and uplifting May Chang Essential oils.

Commended by the experts at the ‘Free From Awards’, a bright and uplifting natural balm with zesty lemon notes. Naturally antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and rich in replenishing Vitamin E. This multi-purpose balm has been specifically formulated for oily skin.

Contains Hemp and Walnut oils rich in Omega 3 – essential for healthy skin and nails. This pocket-sized balm is perfect to use on the go!

Petrolatum and Parabens free. None of our products are tested on animals. Each product is made in accordance with our Environmental Quality Mark accreditation.
made from:

Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Beeswax, Hemp Oil, Walnut Oil, Pure May Chang essential oil, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, natural vitamin E.
dimensions:

Available from notonthehighstreet.com

DenTek Floss Picks Case

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These are great and handy. Flossing makes a huge difference to the teeth. The cases are perfect for traveling or just popping in your bag. Floss picks are also so much easier than actual dental floss. They come in different colours too.

Available from Boots or Amazon.

What are your summer beauty essentials?

Millie Mackintosh Reveals Beauty Secret To The Perfect Pins

Her perfectly toned and tanned pins have dominated the fashion and beauty headlines since starring in hit TV show Made in Chelsea.

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This weekend Millie Mackintosh revealed the £8.99 leg make up behind her gorgeous glow that keep her perfect pins looking flawless; Cocoa Brown’s Lovely Legs.

Millie wrote as she was getting ready for her evening; “Getting ready for tonight @CocoaBrownTan #LovelyLegs #LegsMakeUp #BestTan”.

Cocoa Brown Lovely Legs is online at www.superdrug.com and in UK Superdrug stores nationwide.

BackBliss Lotion & Cream Applicator Review | Summer Picks

I am double-jointed and can reach every part of my back. This is a rare skill however and my doctor does tell me off for ‘overstretching’. So to stop annoying him, and for those without freakish joints, we thought we would review the Backbliss Lotion & Cream Applicator. A great beauty pick for summer.

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The BackBliss Lotion Applicator is a device to help you apply sun lotion, cream or after sun to that awkward middle part your back to keep your back protected in and out of the sun. When Caroline Wagstaff, 55 the product’s inventor from Windsor, Berkshire, appeared on the BBC2 show Dragons’ Den the Dragons thought BackBliss was ingenious!

‘Sun care has improved enormously over the years but it is still difficult to get all this good stuff in the right places’ says Caroline.

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Now anyone planning to enjoy the sun here in the UK or abroad can easily and regularly apply SPF to their backs to protect themselves from the suns harmful UV rays and get a safe and healthy suntan.

Applying stuff to your back is difficult even if you are on holiday with someone else. Your partner, friend or colleague is not always willing to cream your back, they are not always by your side, they often do it begrudgingly or simply not very well. Sometimes you just don’t want to ask them again!

Why BackBliss?

Compact and lightweight, easy to use – take it to the beach, salon, pool or gym

Fun, funky and functional! – Available in blue or charcoal (and pink, purple and clear!)

Hundreds of uses – self tan, sun and after sun creams, body lotions and butters, moisturising cream, medical treatments and ointments.

No wastage! Patented pad material doesn’t absorb lots of lotion – only use the amount you need.

Hygienic Replacement Pads – are washable and long lasting.

Ergonomically tested – BackBliss’s patented design perfectly moulds the contours of your back

RRP Single Pack £11.99, Double pack £19.99.

Some genuine customer reviews

Just what I needed for my holiday. I cannot believe I hadn’t thought to search for this product before. I was able to apply my sun tan lotion (and after sun) easily all holiday.

Gemma Cairns

I wish I had discovered BackBliss ages ago. I’ve had difficulty for a few years due to a stiff shoulder and I hated asking my grumpy husband to rub moisturiser on my back.

This device is a fantastic solution if, like me, you need to regularly apply prescription creams to your back. I shall also use it for sun lotion.

So what did we think?

It really works. It stops you straining or hurting a muscle or having someone you don’t like rub cream into your back. It is also good if you have an itch. It comes with a suction hook which you can attach to the shower and the packaging is handy for traveling. It also comes with a spare pad. This is a very good invention and ideal for people with bad backs too. A highly recommended summer pick. Good stuff.

 

 

Fushi Virgin Marula Oil Review

I fell in love with facial oils last year after being sent some to review. I never thought I would like putting oil on my face; it would be too slick and greasy. But it actually makes a huge difference and is lighter than some moisturisers. Another benefit is that you tend to massage it in rather than just put it on, which also makes a huge difference to skin.

 

Fushi Virgin Marula Oil

Facial oils tend to be natural too, and Fushi Virgin Marula Oil is so natural that you can actually eat it. Perfect for sensitive skin and for those who are sick of putting chemicals on their face.

 

Fushi have a large African oil range, all of which are perfect for protecting and reviving skin and hair from the damages caused by the summer sun and the environment.

 

Fushi Virgin Marula Oil Review

With a higher antioxidant level than Argan oil, Marula Oil works in two ways to help fight the ageing process; protecting the skin against damaging free radicals and also visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

 

Marula oil is often known in Africa as a “miracle oil,” Marula Oil has been revered among African women for hundreds of years for its powerful moisturising and anti-aging benefits. This prized oil is extracted from the fruit kernels of the Marula tree from Kenya. Marula oil deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin and is quite unique due to its super rich content of fatty acids, vitamins C and E. Marula oil is thought to have a richer content of antioxidants than even Argan oil. It is ideal to use to protect the skin from aging, for fine lines and crows feet. A light non greasy oil, Marula oil is absorbed easily and is the perfect anti aging night oil for the face and neck area. It is most effective at protecting the skin from those damaging free radicals that accelerate aging.

 

It says it is perfect for mature skin types but I am in my twenties and I still love it. I don’t have any wrinkles yet but I have noticed some enlarged pores and a few fine lines forming. After using the marula oil I have noticed a significant difference. Even my fiance remarks that I am ‘glowing’. It is also great for dry skin as it really hydrates.

 

The smell isn’t great but it is bearable and doesn’t linger for too long and a little of the oil goes a long way. I don’t use this during the day as it leaves the face shiny and I am just not sure it would work but it is my current night oil of choice. I love it and it is organic, cold-pressed and fairtrade. Sigh, I’m in love.

 

You can buy it from the Fushi site.

 

 

Lusardi: My Miracle… The Cream of Luxury Skincare

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When Linda Lusardi launches a skincare brand, you sit up and listen. Known for her youthful appearance and elegant style, it was inevitable that she would create a skincare range that reflects her personality… and Linda takes no prisoners when it comes to putting her name to a product, it has to be top notch. But this isn’t Linda’s first step into developing a skincare range, in fact, she launched her initial skincare range ten years ago, but this additional range was launched about two and a half years ago. When I asked why she felt the need to set her mind on a new skincare venture, she told me that it started just through the frustration of not finding anything for herself that was in the price range she wanted. With Ideal World (www.idealworld.tv), her team sourced the manufacturing base for La Prairie, Crème de la Mer and Bulgari in Switzerland, and using the same technicians and chemists, brought to the market products that were on the same level of quality both in their ingredients and packaging but at an affordable price point. But one vital ingredient is key to Linda’s range… edelweiss. Mixed with glacier water, hyaluronic acid and almond oil, it is a key ingredient due to its natural protective qualities.

Linda explained that because millions of pounds aren’t being expended for endorsement by a Hollywood celebrity to put their face on the products, advertising in glossy magazines and selling it in Harrods, she’s able to keep the profit margin down and bring it at a high street price that you would pay for a normal cream in Boots, but you’re getting a really luxury range with expensive active ingredients. The range was showcased at the Anti-Ageing Health and Beauty Show at Olympia in May, Linda told me “The women trying it just loved it, it’s just a divine cream and if you’re spending that amount on a cream now on the high street, then you’re not going to be getting the amount of ingredients in there that you’re getting in mine. On screen (Ideal World), I battle to try and say you’re getting exactly the same quality of product as those ones that are charging like £100 or £300 a pot, but it is hard to convince people that what they’re getting is the same, if not better.”

Linda has a strict daily beauty regime, at night to remove her make-up she uses the Caviar Cleanser and Radiance (£17.99 120ml + £4.99 P&P) and a hot large muslin cloth (sold with the product) which is slightly abrasive to the touch, exfoliating and cleansing with almond oil and beeswax as well as the caviar, glacier water and edelweiss. So it moisturises, cleanses and exfoliates all in one go, then applying Recharge Night Cream (£29.99 50ml + £5.99 P&P) and Restore Eye Serum (£24.99 15ml + £4.99 P&P). In the morning she doesn’t always use the hot cloth cleanser but might just use the cleanser on its own without the cloth, just to wake her face up and cleanse, then Eye Serum and Line Lift Serum (£24.99 30ml + £4.99 P&P), which both contain a tightening agent that really lifts the face and makes it plump up and makes it feel fuller, disguising the lines but still putting all those lovely ingredients in as well. An important product is the Outstanding Caviar Neck and Decollete Cream (£24.99 50ml + £4.99 P&P), which is used night and morning, perfect for tightening those important areas which are often forgotten. A swift application of 12hr Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream (£24.99 50ml + £5.99 P&P) and off she goes! Most day products have a UVA/UVB filter, which is very important for me, the sun is extremely damaging and this range makes sun protection a priority.

We remember Linda Lusardi as a former model, she is an actress, TV presenter… the list goes on, and recently appeared on ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’. She told me “I didn’t think I’d get to the show because I did break my foot in about the second lesson so I had a Beckham boot on for six weeks, I was filming Emmerdale, hobbling on my boot and then they said no, you’ve still got time to be in it, you’ll just have to catch up!” Linda made it to week seven, a braver woman than I! But would she consider ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ if approached? Linda said “Oh, I’d aboslutely love to do it! I’d love to be able to dance like that because I’m quite agile and I’d just love to be able to move in those beautiful dresses.”
Watch this space…

The complete Lusardi: My Miracle range is available exclusively at www.idealworld.tv
Linda is appearing as Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the New Theatre in Cardiff later this year.

La Roche-Posay Event | New Anthelios XL Products

I recently went to check out the new products in La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios facial sun protection range. The pimms and prosecco was flowing and the great and good of beauty was hanging out in the garden when they weren’t checking out the amazing range.

I wear sun protection every single day, even when it is snowing. In fact, I was wearing La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios AC 30 SPF to the event, something that made the La Roche-Posay people happy. I am sure it is why people think I am a few years younger than I actually am. I had my skin read by a machine that shows up every sign of aging like sun damage and wrinkles. Apparently I have skin that is younger than someone in their late-twenties. I put it down completely to using sun protection.

Here are some facts:

66% of UK women are concerned about ageing and proactively preventing it.

80% of premature skin ageing is due to exposure to UVA or UVB rays from the sun.

However only 3% of money spent on anti-ageing products is on facial sun protection.

And 70% of consumers use the same sun screen product on their body & face.

Hmm. A little worrying.

I love La Roche-Posay Anthelios as it is matte. Too many sun creams leave the face shiny, sticky and they also feel heavy. Anthelios is a light, matte fluid that makes you feel like you are not even wearing sun protection while protecting you.

AntheliosXL La Poche-Posay

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The new packaging, thicker and shorter, more compact, looks great. You can buy the new Anthelios XL SPF 50+ for even higher protection and Anthelios XL Compact Cream SPF 50+, which looked natural when I tried it on my hand. It is skin perfecting makeup and sun protection all in one. Ideal for busy women and just very cool.

I love the new range and when my Anthelios AC runs out I will move on the the Anthelios XL.

The Secret to Perfect Skin

Image 20-05-2014 at 17.55Ladies do you want the secret to perfecting the youthful glow you always wanted. The anti ageing secrets that no one lets on about and keeps to themselves, well I am going to share with you my all time little secret and thats to add oil to my foundation. Not just any old oil you need a dry oil just like Oil Arganic.

This oil is perfect as it contains 8 skin nourishing ingredients like Argan oil, sweet almond oil and its 100% natural, organic and dries instantly. It is perfect for skin hydration and it can be used all over the body, its even fantastic for nails, hair and dropping into the bath for a sumptuous soak.

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By adding this to your favourite long lasting foundation it will give you a healthy dewy glow, a really moisturised and hydrated boost, but most of all you will look fresher and the fine lines will be less noticeable, that they will almost disappear. I get asked about my beauty tricks nearly every day. Everyone is amazed at my real age and want to know all my little secrets! Well here is the best oil I have discovered recently after being sent a bottle of this to try for a pre tan boost. Whenever I try a new body oil that can be used on the face, one of the first things I do is dash off to get my foundation and plop a few drops on the back of my hand along with the regular amount of foundation. Grab a foundation brush and massage it into my skin. Some work, some don’t and boy does this baby do a brilliant job!

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It blends seamlessly and dries with the foundation so perfectly its just a little gem. I have to say it work so well with most foundations I own too. Even the oil based ones and thats due to the ingredients and it being dry oil.

The properties of this oil:

 

Rich in antioxidants
Prolongs Tan
Ensures perfect fade to your tan
Multi-purpose
Contains Argan Oil
No oily residue
Citrus Fragrance
Oil Arganic, recently voted “Best Tan Preparation” by the Sunday Independent panel review. With its delicate rose and orange scent its refreshing and will create a subtle glow if used on its own. With regular use it can also give improved overall appearance to scars and stretch marks.

Purchase the Oil Arganic here for only £24.99

To follow my daily tweets I am @sarahbacchus and my photographic website is www.sarahbacchus.com along with my little blog www.slbstyle.com gosh thats a lot! Do come and say hello and ask me any anti ageing questions you like.

Interview with Linda Barker

I had the real pleasure of interviewing the incredible and talented Linda Barker recently and she’s ones cool cookie. Fit as a fiddle and has real energy flooding from her. She told me a few of her secrets about how she says so young looking and vibrant. Here is our brilliant interview with the goddess herself!

1. If you could give your younger self any beauty advice what would it have been and why?
Relax it’s all going to be fine. Don’t beat yourself up about small insecurities. This is because looking and feeling good mostly comes from the inside and so being healthy and looking after yourself and not putting too much pressure on yourself is the best way to stay naturally beautiful.

2. I understand you love to work out but what form of exercise do you think is best for women to keep in great shape?
I love cycling and come rain or shine, summer or winter, I love to get on my bike. I cycle wherever I can – into town for a meeting, to the gym, or around the park with my family which is a good chance for us all to catch up with each other whilst getting some exercise. It’s sometimes hard to find the motivation to start up a new fitness regime. I prefer to think of exercise as something you need to incorporate easily into your life, as if it’s too difficult or too much of an effort you wont end up doing it!

3. Who do you regard as the most beautiful woman in history and why?
Liz Taylor, was stunning and very classically beautiful.

4. If you could have had a chat with anyone about their beauty, fashion and style who would it be. Anyone at all, it can be past or present. The type of person you would really want to pick their brains about all their little secrets?
Kate Moss, she is the epitome of style and cool and I always love the way she looks

5. With an enviable figure you could pull of anything but are you going to avoid any fashion trends this season or are you a vivacious give it a go girl!!??
No, I love fashion and love to be able to try out new trends. I am very excited to see Kate Moss’ new collection for Topshop as I love her style.

6. If you could have lived in a past era what would it be and why. It could be you love the fashion or the style of living and decor.
At the palace of Versallie in the court at the time of Marie Antoinette. The architecture and fashions were incredible.

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7. What do you think are the key healthy ingredients to glowing skin and vitality. I love juicing and think raw spinach is amazing for healthy skin but I want to know your secret ingredient!??
I take a daily health supplement drink called Revive Active, which I heard about through some friends of mine who had tried the product after suffering from a long period of illness and they were absolutely sold on the product. They said they felt healthier, younger and fitter than they had in years all from taking this health supplement once a day. They gave me a month’s supply to try and I was absolutely floored by the results. I started taking it in the winter when I usually have the odd sniffle or two, but I was completely healthy all winter while everyone else suffered around me. I’m 52 years old and I have really have noticed how my body has slowed down over the past couple of decades, but since taking Revive Active my energy levels have been through the roof and I almost feel as fit as I have ever been! It is all part of the healthy lifestyle that I lead – eating right and exercising daily, but I feel in the best shape I have ever been.

8. You are an avid runner and a massive inspiration, how do you keep motivated when you are so busy?!
At the beginning of my week, I make a pledge to myself about how I am going to fit exercise into my schedule, even during busy days, and this really helps me to stick to it. I love yoga and find that it is extremely relaxing and definitely helps me to relax when things are getting busy. I try and do yoga two to there times a week but if I can’t get find the time to get to a class, I will try and do some at home. In the summer, I’ll lace up my trainers and go for a run in my local park, or I’ll spend half an hour doing some sit up and squats in my living room! Anything goes really, just so long as I do something!

9. What is your biggest indulgence, from food to fashion and do you have one designers style that you always love.
Shopping! I love to go on a spree. Shopping for clothes, jewellery, healthy food and antiques – I love it all!

10. What is your signature dish, one that makes you feel wonderful every time you cook it. One that you know everyone loves.
I absolutely love Ottelenghi recipes – they use such fresh ingredients and it is very healthy. I also love anything made with quinoa, which is a very high protein grain and is really delicious

11. Where in the world is your favourite place to visit or the most amazing place you have been to that you would recommend everyone to visit at least once in their lifetime.
Bali was incredible, it was where I first went scuba diving and was very naturally beautiful.

12. Name one thing this year that you want to achieve. A goal that you personally want to aim for and accomplish.
I am hoping to do a coast to coast cycle with some friends, and I’m really enjoying planning it at the moment

13. Lastly, what do you do in your time off, to unwind and relax.
My schedule is busy and so I’m often not able to set aside time for a holiday. If I don’t go away, I still make sure that I set aside time to relax and chill out – maybe a weekend away by the sea, or meeting up with friends and family for a picnic or a barbeque. Summer goes by so quickly and so I’m definitely going to make the most of it!
Now ladies we all chat about looking fantastic and purchasing the latest wonder foundation to give you that youthful glow, but I truly believe its whats happening on the inside that is the important thing. With all the stress and strains of modern day living I think we all need a little TLC so after chatting to Linda (who looks incredible for 52 I have to say, she looks almost 20 years younger!) its apparent we need to take a leaf out of her book and look within ourselves, not just learning to keep it real and don’t sweat the small stuff but to really make an effort to do the best we can for our bodies, minds and most of all ladies give our complexions a helping hand. Linda swears by Revive Active helping support her wildly active lifestyle and they are proud to announce the launch of their Feeling Fabulous campaign. Look good and feel good no matter what. Since Linda started to take Revive her energy levels have soured through the roof. When you have more energy you are able to cope better and more importantly it helps you keep active and in turn keeps vitality to an optimum high. Revive Active has been developed by doctors and scientists so its an amazing professional product. All the 26 ingredients are designed to work in conjunction with one another so they will create outstanding results.

I’m off to purchase my first months supply pronto! Linda looks so incredible, she’s witty, fun and a truly stunning lady! I want to thank her so much for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer all the questions!

 

Feeling Fabulous with Revive Active and Linda Barker. Revive Active costs 14.95 for a week’s supply or £59.95 for a month’s supply. Available from www.revivactive.com and all good health food stores.

Follow Linda on Twitter @ReallyLinda visit her website www.reallylindabarker.co.uk for all your home needs too!

Pop me a little Tweet @sarahbacchus if you are loving this lady as much as me!