Category Archives: Beauty & Grooming

P20 Sun Protection Review: Once A Day Sun Protection

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P20 Sun Protection, sun protection, one application, lasts all day, beauty review, I am completely obsessed with sun protection and I think it has paid off. People are usually surprised when I tell them I am in my late-twenties. But it is not just wrinkles that it stops, it also protects you against burning and skin cancer.

Despite my love of sun protection, it sure is a pain. You have to reapply a lot and it usually explodes in your bag. Pretty annoying.

P20 Sun Protection is different. On the box it says it is water resistant, quick drying and lasts for 10 hours. I am pretty impressed and decide to review it.

It is a clear spray, always good to stop you looking like the joker from Batman. It does dry quickly. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It doesn’t leave any white marks and doesn’t have any fragrance, colourants or preservatives. This is the perfect sun protection for me as I am always so busy and you can just apply and go.  You can also buy it in a spray.

I can recommend P20 Sun Protection. It works and it is fuss-free. Perfect for even my sensitive skin. Good stuff.

What they say:

“After over three decades of success, the new range of P20 which launched in 2013 comprises 3 new products. SPFs 15, 30 and 50+ join the iconic SPF20 – providing long-lasting protection for all skin types.

 

Active 15 minutes after application, P20 contains both UVA and UVB filters, providing broad spectrum sun protection for up to 10 hours and uses a unique, alcohol-based formula that sets it apart from traditional cream-type sun products.  The very water resistant formula is clear, non-greasy, fragrance and paraben free, to provide the ultimate coverage.

 

The long-lasting formula is clear, fragrance and paraben free and is available in SPFs 15, 30 and 50+ as well as the iconic SPF20. The new range is available in both 200ml and a travel friendly 100ml size from all major grocery and pharmacy retailers.  The RRP (recommended retail price) of P20 is 100ml £13.29 and 200ml £24.49. Available from Superdrug and Ocado”

Fresh Therapies Natural Nail Polish Remover Review

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natural nail polish removerI absolutely love natural products. When it comes to nail polish remover I wasn’t expecting anyone to come up with a natural solution, but I am very happy they did. Nail polish remover in particular smells pretty awful. I always cannot help wondering what the hell is in it and whether it is damaging me.

So does this natural nail polish from Fresh Therapies actually work? Thankfully yes, as I was really rooting for it. Even better is that you can buy sachet wipes that do all 10 nails. They really work and are perfect for traveling. Frankly the idea is so genius I have no idea why no one has thought of it before. I will be stocking up.

This is the UK’s first natural nail polish remover and it has a milder natural formula and the smell has a slight hint of lime. I think this will be my nail polish remover of choice from now on. It works, smells great and is much better for my nails and the environment. The travel wipes are one of my favourite beauty buys of 2014. Great stuff.

A great way to remove your nail polish naturally. It has no harsh chemicals or toxins and is so much safer for the health of your nails as well as the environment

Great for people like me who have sensitive skin or allergies. It does not strip some of the natural oils away from your nailsnaturalnailpolish or cuticles as some conventional removers do, which in turn can lead to your nails becoming dry, dehydrated, weak and brittle.

It is not tested on animals and is also suitable for vegans, winning Best Beauty Vegan Product 2013. Beating the likes of Lush Cosmetics to the prize!

The 50ml Glass bottle can be purchased for £8.99 and the Box of 10 individual sachet wipes retail

£7.99. Both can be purchased from www.freshtherapies.com

A mini sample can be obtained from the website too. UK residents only

 

Feel Good: How To Change Your Mood And Cope With Whatever Comes Your Way

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feel good

By Dr Shane Pascoe & Dr Graham Law

Published by Capstone, February 2014

Paperback, £10.99

 

 

If you are feeling down, overwhelmed, stressed or depressed then this book takes two of the ‘it’ therapies of the moment- Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- and combines them to get you back on your feet and keep you there.

It is easy to read and apply thanks to its invaluable post-it technique and lay out. It also has an entire chapter on relaxing and the stuff on confirmation bias is very interesting. The book is like you are being talked to and supported by a friendly, intelligent and concise friend.

The book is actually fun and enjoyable to read, surprising considering its subject matter. It has a unique combination of science and psychology which really works. It also has exercises and is practical and accessible.

A very good and helpful book.

Feel Good: How to Change Your Mood and Cope with Whatever Comes Your Way

Mood can affect every aspect of life, from performance at work to personal relationships. Being able to take control of moods, rather than have moods control them, is something all the most successful people have in common.

In their new book, authors Dr Shane Pascoe and Dr Graham Law combine techniques from two powerful, complementary therapeutic approaches – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness – to help readers keep their spirits and confidence high and instil a more upbeat, positive, can-do attitude, come what may.

Packed with practical information on how to start feeling happier and more positive about life, and optimise how you deal with people and situations in life and at work, this expert guide to beating stress and anxiety is designed for quick reference, letting readers access practical information relevant to how they are feeling at that moment.

Individual chapters cover areas including anger, self-efficacy, distress, unhappiness, well-being and happiness, self-esteem, leading a balanced lifestyle and relaxation techniques. The book finishes by discussing “Where to go from here?”.

 

For those that are feeling overwhelmed, overstressed, or just plain down about life, Feel Good is a practical, inspirational guide to help manage moods, improve outlook and beat stress and anxiety.

 

Feel Good: How to Change Your Mood and Cope with Whatever Comes Your Way

Don’t Touch My Locs Clothing Line

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dtml luke trpLast week I reported on my visit to Camden and why it has deserved its reputation as ‘quaint fashion capital of London’. Even better, I wrote about Fashion Meets Music (FMM) a social enterprise determined to make the fashion business more accessible for new designers. Hopefully you took my advice and headed over there and got yourself a bargain.

This week I am writing about DTML, a unique brand with a distinct and special statement, and I get talking to the one very exceptional lady behind it to find out why her brand is not only distinctly urban but carries an underlying message which people can relate to.

Ms Kinky Locs is founder and creator of ‘Don’t Touch My Locs’ a brand that has been over a year in the making. The big question I had to ask of her was knowing what challenges exist in the fashion industry what made her decide to start up her own unique brand and go at it alone? Looking at her she pauses for almost a serene moment before pointing to her hair where lustrous natural locks flow without a hint of extensions. “I got fed up of strangers so intrigued by my locs touching them without permission, I felt they were coming into my ‘private space’ as I wouldn’t go up to a stranger and say ‘Oh, I love your bottom and touch it!’” We both laugh; she has a point.

dont touch myLooking at the logo, you can see that the ‘O’ in Locs is changed; to some people it almost looks like the letter ‘E’ to the point where you could be forgiven for thinking the logo reads ‘Don’t Touch My Legs’. It is only when you look closely you realise that it is in fact the ‘Gye Nyame’ character which is from the Akan symbol, meaning for ‘except God’ this is entwined with African heritage / UK roots. “I wanted something that represents me and feel the logo is a strong statement. I hope it’s something that everyone can connect with in one way or another…to some the ‘Gye Nyame is a pretty or clever image used in place of the letter ‘O’ to some it is a deeper meaning that they should not feel awkward in telling others ‘Don’t touch My Locs!’”

“I have not seen anybody utilising the Akan symbol(s) in the same way i.e. on the high street incorporated into Urban wear.” She explains. I have met people with Locs that said they wish they had a t-shirt that said what they really wanted about warding people away from touching their locs! I love the fact that this is an abundantly clear statement. A young boy came into the pop-up store in Camden & was of Ghanaian heritage, he saw one of the snapbacks (baseball caps) and wanted one. His Father went on to tell me his Son was keen to have the cap because he’d never seen a baseball cap with something he could relate to that wasn’t ‘Americanised’ for example with New York labelled on it! This young boy pointed out the brand is unique!

dtml boy thangSo who is the brand ultimately targeted at? “It’s for every body and anybody that simply likes it! Fashion is what the individual perceives or makes it for their own pleasure. The brand is very much unique and I hope it gives people that ‘extra’ pep in their step, clothing that provides that ‘feel good’ factor. My aim is to provide you the customer with quality clothing and I purposefully want to make it accessible to all.

So what does the clothing range consist of? Well looking at the stock I saw a range of Heavy duty quality Cotton T-shirts for Men, Women, Unisex Varsity Jackets, Baseball caps, long sleeved tops and Strong Canvas bags. However, pointed out the aim is not limit the range to Urban wear only…

What is next for you I ask her, I was told that this brand exists solely online and is in effect ‘made to order’. Kinky Locs explains “I aim to hit Natural Hair exhibition at The Westminster College on the 6th April 10am till 5 pm.”

So there you have it, if you are tantalised by the style, if you want to wear clothing that is not only fashionable but carries a message – drop Kinky Locs a line at:

dtml96@yahoo.co.uk

For more info on the clothing email:
dtml96@yahoo.co.uk

Photography by Active 8 Images
www.active8images.com

and Julie Vaccalluzzo

Models:

Anastasia May

Luke Yohn

INFECTA – Alika

Max Bennett

 

Want  to see more – check out the showreel below

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Westlab Pure Mineral Bathing Himalayan Salt Review

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We are on a health kick here at Frost, reviewing different products and trying out different exercise routines. Shortcuts are always welcome, which is why we reviewed bath salts, which are used by celebrities to detox and beat the bloat.

Specifically, we reviewed Himalayan Pink Salt from Westlab.

This salt is beautiful. A wonderful pink colour. It is easy to use of course, you just put it in your bath 100-200g for general wellbeing and 1kg for detoxification.

It sure makes the bath look pretty and after the bath it makes you look slimmer and your skin feels very soft. The benefits are immediate and only get better with long term use. We are sold and will be buying salt in bulk in the future. This is good stuff. We recommend you add salt to your beauty routine.

Himalayan salt is packed full of minerals, known for its detoxifying properties, Westlab have a mining company in the Himalayas where the salt crystals are dug out of the mountains to make our amazing scrubs, bath soaks and salt lamps. Westlab Himalayan salt can be a great and incredibly detoxifying bath salt just on its own.

The book Salt & Water by Dr Barbara Hendel claims that a 30 minute soak in a bath filled with 1kg of Himalayan Salt has the same detoxing effect as a three day fast.

Harvested from high in the Himalayan mountain range, Himalayan pink salt isn’t just pretty to look at, it’s good for you, too. Himalayan pink salt can be used for cooking, in spa treatments and in cosmetics. It can also be used as a natural healing treatment.

The magic of the pink salt

Himalayan pink salt isn’t any normal salt. It contains 84 minerals and trace elements that are highly beneficial for the body including magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium and iron, according to the website The Greater Green. “Regular consumption of Himalayan pink salt provides essential minerals, trace elements, balances electrolytes, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the body’s pH, normalizes blood pressure, and increases circulation and conductivity,” according to the website.

The salt sometimes comes out in a reddish or pink color, with some crystals having an off-white to transparent color. It is commonly used for cooking similar to regular table salt, brine and bath products.

 

Bohemian Chic Minerals Blusher And Lipstick Review

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I am a huge fan of natural makeup. We are becoming more aware of all of the nasty chemicals in certain products and brands. Add in the trend for veganism and cruelty-free products and Bohemian Chic Minerals certainly sounds like a winner. Mineral makeup is also huge now and very on trend. But does it work? Let’s find out.

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I reviewed the Bohemian Chic Minerals Blusher in Nude and the lipstick in Coral Reef.

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Both colours are beautiful and the product goes on beautifully. The blusher blends very well and gives a very healthy pink/nude glow. It looks great on.

The lipstick is also a beautiful colour and goes on well. Both products are of a very high quality and don’t have that terrible ingredient of carmine (which is a crushed beetle!) or Oxychloride (a by-product of refined lead and copper), making this brand excellent for people with sensitive skin and a conscious. Highly recommended.

 

A New Era for Natural Make-Up

On a mission to provide a range of modern make-up that is completely chemical free, Jameela Kosar has found the solution with the creation of Bohemian Chic Minerals. Having tried an abundance of mainstream make-up which reacted to her sensitive skin, Jameela found herself looking for a way in which women can indulge their love of make-up without affecting their problematic skin.

Having stumbled across mineral make-up, Jameela felt she had found the answer to her prayers, until once again her skin irritation returned. After extensive research into the benefits of mineral make-up, Jameela discovered that whilst most of the minerals are beneficial to the skin, two ingredients are not so good. Bismuth – Oxychloride (a by-product of refined lead and copper) and carmine (crushed beetle). Not a fan of using crushed beetle in her daily skincare routine, Jameela decided to create her own make-up brand. One that is suitable for the most sensitive of skins, without compromising on style. Bohemian Chic Minerals was born.

Chemical free, bad minerals free and animals (including insects) free, Bohemian Chic Minerals is suitable for both vegan and halal users. Combining ingredients your skin will love with trend aware products, the collection boasts an impressive range of foundations, primers and concealers, as well as blushers, bronzers and body shimmers. In addition there is also a vibrant array of eyeshadows, eyeliners, lipsticks and glosses,

Designed to make women feel beautiful in a guilt free way, the collection is 100% pure and natural and is paving the way for a new generation of all available in a range of seasonal shades. natural make-up.

 

Clothing with a Conscience

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3 of a kindIf most people are honest the words Unique, Quality and Fashion don’t necessarily sit well with the words Social Enterprise. If history is anything to go by then even when the prices have been sky high those people at the front line, those doing the labour rarely receive a just reward for their work. Furthermore, up and coming designers have been consistently undermined in their efforts to get a foot through the door.

However, a change is coming and over the past number of years there has been a growing movement of people; social enterprises that are determined to give quality clothing designers a space where they need it. The result has been a continued entering of new and even radical styles and, if you know where to look you can get your hands on a few quality pieces that few others will own.
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Ms Dennica Abdo is founder and creator of Fashion Meets Music (FMM); a Social Enterprise showcasing designers, artists and talent in the form of pop-up-shops, events and workshops. Established in 2013 after their events in LA meshing fashion shows, artist performances and vendors, Fashion Meets Music is on a mission to bridge the gap between the Indie and Mainstream worlds and provide opportunity for previously unrecognized talent. The FMM team seeks out extraordinarily talented fresh faces, creating a link to movers and shakers, decision makers and industry professionals. Its aim is to give upcoming designers and artists a place to be seen and heard, a platform to excel.

For many designers FMM is an essential crucial step on the retail ladder in a shop setting where they can test their brands to the public. gain exposure, have a chance to be involved in creative workshops, events, involvement in fashion shows and gain many images for their portfolio/social media platforms.

FMM Event“Our pop up shops have ranged from 10 days to 5 months and our designers are usually with us for the whole duration of the pop up.” Dennica explained “We have been really lucky here in terms of getting a decent length of lease property. Our goal is to find a permanent venue that will house numerous the emerging designers and also serve as an event space for performers, artists, talent and creative and business workshops…”

So what of the stock? Well the Camden Store boasts a strong line up of designer’s brands and from what I could see it was flying off the shelves but they include:

This Lil ole thing (Designer vintage wear, sales to charity)
The Faraway Tree (Reconstructed bags, denim, hessian and accessories)
CTAM (scarves)
ME Clothing (clothing, hats)
House of Loulee (Adult, childrens wear, African fusion)
UP CKLD (Recycled, upcycled)
Fashion Cosmetics (Beauty Products)
Don’t Touch My Locs (Printed Tees)
Ricalyce (Snapbacks, Beanies)
FaeFae (Printed wear, Beanies)
Nadia & Zehr (Clothing, Accessories)
Denim Recon (Our instore tailor, Denim wear)
Fly Girl (Printed wear)
Dirty Stag (Printed wear)
Modu Designs (Printed wear, snapbacks, beanies)
Jaime (art, sculptures)
Les 2 Coquettes (Printed wear)
Funk E Angels (Bags)
T & T (Jewellery)
Lola (Clothing and Jewellery)
Cherie Love Angel (Clothing)

Each sale not only creates profit for the designer it has diffused benefits by providing encouragement and builds drive to further create more items in this way FMM is as consumer driven as the fashion market it is a part of.

So what is the future for Fashion Meets Music Dennica? “Well…we plan on holding more events, running more pop ups and we are constantly on the look for new, unique talent and always looking for establishments that we can collaborate with. We are also currently on the lookout for permanent premises that can house retail, events and workshops. In the remit of Fashion and Music – what we do is very much needed.” No one can say that Dennica doesn’t say it how it is.
At the moment Fashion Meets Music is located at 69 Camden High Street – but you better get your groove on before they move on. Check them out too online:

www.fashionmeetsmusic.com
www.facebook.com/fashionmeetsmusicpopup
www.twitter.com/fmmpopup

Big Thanks to Active 8 Images (active8images.com) for the shots

Next week we are covering DTML – A fashion brand in the making.

Keep your Search Bar on Frost – it’s going to be hot.

 

Nicki Waterman’s Sport Relief 7 Day Diet Plan

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Sport Relief is back again in March 2014 and promises to be even bigger and better. For the first time ever the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games will take place from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd March 2014.

The public can join in with the fun and games by running, swimming or cycling their way to raising cash at over a thousand venues around the country, including the landmark events at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Celebrity fitness expert Nicki Waterman has created a diet plan to help those training for the Games.

For those wanting to prepare for the Games, whilst sporting the new look in the kitchen, the specially designed Emma Bridgewater apron as worn by The Great British Sport Relief Bake Off ‘Star Bakers’ is available to buy from HomeSense and TK Maxx stores, for £12.99 with at least £6.50 going to Sport Relief.

Celebrity fitness expert Nicki Waterman says, “All the money raised from Sport Relief will be spent helping some of the most vulnerable people in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries – who wouldn’t want to be part of such a brilliant charity.”

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Emma Bridgewater has created two limited edition aprons for Sport Relief available from HomeSense and TK Maxx stores

Main meals need to be based on slow release energy foods. These help to provide the energy needed to re-fuel exercised muscles.

In practice this means having things like porridge for breakfast, or other oat cereals like, sugar-free muesli or a couple of slices of granary bread with two boiled or poached eggs and a glass of fruit juice.

For lunchtime, it is a good idea to use tortilla wraps and pitta bread as the basis of your meal, adding to them some lean fillings like roasted chicken, reduced fat hummus or some avocado or cottage cheese; all with lots of salad.

At dinner-time, pasta and noodles or new potatoes make a great base to your meals. To these you can add some baked or grilled fish, lean meat like grilled steak or vegetarian options, or stir-fries with a meat substitute.

The next part of the plan is to ensure that you have the right snacks before, during and after you exercise.

About an hour to 30 minutes before you train, try to have a banana and a glass of juice or a handful of dried fruit and some water or a cereal bar.

When you are actually exercising, have another small snack once you are 30 minutes in. This can be an isotonic sports drink, which will give you a little energy boost to keep going beyond an hour.

Once you have finished, try to have another snack like a banana sandwich or a cereal bar within 30 minutes of finishing. This will start the process of beginning to refuel your muscles.

This may sound like a lot of food and if you try this pattern and find that you are actually putting on weight, then cut back on serving sizes at main meal times.

If you find on the other hand that you are shedding too much weight, have slightly larger servings at meal times.

Remember, it is quite common for female runners, cyclists or swimmers to end up with iron-deficiency anaemia. Try to include foods like bran flakes, baked beans, wholemeal bread, prunes, cashew nuts and lean red meat.

If you know that you do not eat these foods regularly, it may be worth considering a multivitamin and mineral supplement with around 10mg of iron a day to help keep levels topped up.