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Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Helene Red Lipstick & Nail Lacquer Review

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joancollinsmakeupreview

I have always thought that glamour was underrated. I don’t like that a lot of people don’t tend to make much of an effort when it comes to glamour anymore, or being well dressed. Men and women alike. In the spirit of full disclosure, I can count myself amongst them sometimes. Too often in fact. Joan Collins has always been glamourous and while leaving the house everyday with a full face of makeup is too much of an effort, she really does inspire me to try harder.

She has launched a new beauty range, Timeless Beauty. It is all very impressive. The range has a lot of gorgeous stuff in it. The PR person sent us Lipstick & Nail lacquer in Helene to review. This is what Joan says:

“Lipstick is, to me, the Queen of cosmetics. It brings a hit of distinctive colour that lifts the face even when wearing no other make up. Lip colour itself can be a statement, can say something about the wearer and how the world sees them. I named my lipsticks after characters I have played as they reflect some aspect of the character’s persona.”

The lipstick is gorgeous, great packaging which just screams glamour. The colour is a luscious red cream with a hint of blue undertones. I never usually wear red lipstick. My lips are too big and don’t need anymore attention drawn to them, but this is beautiful. It is long lasting and also hydrates. In fact, it was tested and shown to improve hydration levels in the lips after 30 days.

Joan’s Tip: Look perfectly groomed by matching up lip and nail colour.

Next up was the nail lacquer, also in Helene. A matching red. Joan said:

“I don’t feel dressed without nail lacquer. It’s as essential to me as lipstick. I love the style of this bottle, elegant and practical with a long tapered cap that’s easy to hold, and, helps balance the brush when applying. The ribbing improves grip and ease of opening and closing.The colours are my personal favourites and I wear them all switching one to the other to reflect my mood, the effect I want to make, or simply to compliment my outfit.”

This is the same beautiful colour. The packaging is just gloriously stunning and glamorous. The nail lacquer is easy to apply. It is a smooth, self levelling colour that covers imperfections and leaves nails looking sleek and chic.

I love these and Joan’s Timeless beauty range. It brings a rather wonderful touch of glamour to life. Which makes it worth making that extra effort for after all. I may become more like Joan yet.

 

 

October’s Health & Beauty Picks

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Here is our October Health & Beauty Round Up. Our Top Picks This Month.

healthandbeautypicks

Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser (£16.50) is the latest skin saviour from Nourish. This truly multi-tasking treatment is a cleanser, mask and facial – all in one. Brilliant for busy women. 81% Organic and it really works. It even has the two ingredients of the moment in Kale and Argan Oil.

Created by Dr Pauline Hili, the pioneer in results-driven bioactive formulations, this latest addition to the Kale & Argan Treatment Collection renews and mattifies the skin, leaving it looking rejuvenated and healthy.81% organic and Soil Association certified. A ‘turbo natural’ 3 in 1 treatment: cleanser, mask, enzymatic facial

 

Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser launched exclusively in Debenhams nationwide, also available from nourishskinrange.com, liv.co.uk, feelunique.com, Planet Organic, and other premium health stores, e-railers and pharmacies nationwide. Truly brilliant stuff. 

herpatchcoldsores

Herpatch Serum is brilliant for cold sores. Many of us get these annoying and painful things when we are run down. Herpatch has an instant effect and treats every stage of the cold sore. It also protects and conceals. It is brand new and unique. It helps along the healing process in as little as two days. It also forms an invisible film to stop the virus spreading. It costs £7.99 from Boots and boots.com

 

We were very impressed with ColdZyme, which is the first clinically proven product to be developed with the unique Trypsin enzyme (found in deep sea cod) which works to counteract infection and trap the cold virus in the mouth and throat before it has chance to take hold.

While most other cold remedy products only help reduce the symptoms of a cold (at best – since only very few of those have any documented effect), the ColdZyme Mouth Spray is acting on the cause of the disease itself. The spray is suitable for adults and children from 4 years+. One bottle of ColdZyme® 20ml is enough to treat three common cold episodes and ColdZyme® One Cold 7ml is enough to treat one cold.

ColdZyme® 20ml £15.99 and ColdZyme® One Cold 7ml £9.99 will be available from Boots stores nationwide and www.boots.com from beginning September 2014

HOW THE ColdZyme® SPRAY WORKS

The scientific breakthrough has led to the global patent protection of trypsin from artic deep sea cod and its use as an active ingredient and ColdZyme® is the first over-the-counter, preventative cold treatment to use the enzyme. The easy to use oral spray targets the mouth and throat where the cold virus takes hold and multiplies. It works by coating mucous membranes, creating a protective enzyme barrier that acts on the cold virus, trapping them and disabling their ability to bind to human cells where they would normally start to cause typical cold symptoms. The spray will also help to shorten the duration and severity of symptoms when used during the early stages of an existing cold.

 

BRYT Remove is water-based and fragrance free. We were very impressed with this makeup remover. It removed everything and is great for sensitive skin. This hard-working cleansing solution whisks away all traces of make-up, including the most stubborn eye make-up, while respecting the delicate eye zone, thanks to the inclusion of nourishing Olive and Almond oils.

In keeping with the range, BRYT Remove also features the innovative Advanced Phytoscience System (APS), which includes pure Aloe Vera, healing Allantoin and rich ‘super-antioxidants’ extracted from organic Australian wild-harvested plums Kakadu, Burdekin and Illawarra – these super-fruits contain up to five times more antioxidant power than blueberries. Aloe in its purest form soothes and calms the, while nature-mimicking Allantoin will heal and treat the BRYT Remove Eyes & Make-up, £10.50 for 100ml

BRYT Skincare is available at Sparks Yard, Arundel; Food for Thought, Guildford and online at www.brytskincare.co.uk, www.myfabulouscollection.com. Selected products will also be available from 110 Waitrose branches nationwide

teatreerescuesalve

Purepotions has a wonderful tea tree rescue salve. This is brilliant for spots, bites, fungal conditions and cold sores. It is cooling and natural. Keep one in your bag at all times. £4.65 for 15ml from www.purepotions.com

 

We are always sick of waiting for our nails to dry. It takes ages and they inevitably smudge. Which is why we jumped to try The Ultimate Fix. It high-speed nail polish fixer that creates amazing The Ultimate Fix is “ecstasy for nails”. Does it work? We think so.

“I couldn’t live without The Ultimate Fix as it halves drying time, helps polish last and smells great. It’s a ‘mani must have’” – Stephanie Staunton, Celebrity Manicurist and Brand Ambassador. Stephanie’s clients include Helena Bonham Carter, Scarlett Johansson, Leona Lewis and Mila Kunis.

Beauty Narcotix’s The Ultimate Fix was also endorsed by UK Top Beauty Blogger Fiona Klonarides’ 2014 The Beauty Shortlist Awards, who made the fix a Finalist in the ‘Best Nail Product’ Category.

The Ultimate Fix is available at Selfridges London (Beauty Workshop Ground Floor), Urban Outfitters (Oxford Street), www.BeautyNarcotix.com and www.sallyexpress.co.uk.

The Ultimate Fix (50ml) will treat approximately 12 manicures or pedicures, and retails at £9.50. It is also available in 200ml size, treating approximately 50 manicures and pedicures, and retails at £17.

 

Everyone could do with a bit of help sometimes and vegans and vegetarians may find it harder than meat eaters to achieve a balanced diet. We reviewed Sublingual Vitamin B12 and Korean Ginseng from Veganicity. Veganicity.com has a range of supplements is 100% Vegan Society registered, which means that not only do they meet very strict criteria regarding the complete absence of animal products or derivatives, but are also 100% ethically produced. They have a lot of different vitamins on their website.

Korean Ginseng gives you energy from nature. Vegan Korean Ginseng, naturally containing ginsenosides, to normalise the body, maintain a healthy immune system and keep stamina levels.

Vegan Vitamin B12 in a Blackcurrant methylcobalamin sublingual form, to help body development, boost physical and mental alertness, maintain a healthy nervous system and keep many other essential processes going. Both help give natural energy over the Christmas period. 

 

Got a tattoo? One of the first all-natural, water-based creams has just launched in the UK. It is great stuff and really works if you have a tattoo that needs some TLC.

Formulated to help reduce irritation, heal soft tissue damage and hydrate recently tattooed skin, the lightweight creamy gel, from makers – Pig Fat Pomades – sinks into the skin instantly and leaves a non-oily finish for all new ink owners.

The natural blend of antioxidants includes Borage Seed Oil, an anti-inflammatory; Arnica Montana Flower Extract, which has long been used to treat bruising, soft tissue damage and the shock of impact (like a tattoo) and Jojoba Oil which gives thecream its soothing and moisturising properties. As a water-based product, which hasn’t been tested on animals, it won’t stick to clothes, won’t trap heat and won’t drain colour.

Paul Johnson, Pig Fat Pomades founder, said: “When a friend of mine had a gorgeous tattoo done, he spent a lot of money on a cream which was full of chemicals, yet was little more than a moisturiser with some grape seed oil. I knew it would be possible to make something more effective, more natural and more affordable – so we got to work.”

Tattoo Cream is currently available at www.thegroomingclinic.com and www.menareuseless.com and at selected tattoo studios. The RRP is £10.95 (58g)

 

What do you think?

 

 

Fushi Virgin Marula Oil Review

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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.

 

 

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Mask | Beauty Review

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My mother got me started on face masks. The ritual of using a weekly face mask and relaxing was something we did before I grew up and moved out. It is something I really miss and is one of the reasons I think I get compliments about my skin.

I still use face masks, but finding the time has become a bit harder. Recently I have been making sure I fit it in and have been using Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Mask. Bee Venom? Yes, it is one of the the hot new ingredients now. Kate Middleton and Millie Mackintosh are fans. Did I like it? Read on….

I like the texture of the mask, it is quite thick and goes on well. It is like a thick moisturiser. Then when it comes off it flakes a little. It is also white so you don’t have a bright green face.

It really gives a boost to the skin. After I had used it only once I was asked by a friend if I had had a facial. She said I looked ‘rested’ and that my skin was glowing. Manuka claim it reduce wrinkles and scarring and it is not just a modest boost. It really, really works. It may cost £49.99 for 50ml, but it is completely worth it. One of the best face masks I have ever used, and I have been using them for years now.

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Mask is definitely something to but on your Christmas wish list.

Natasha Hamilton has been very busy of late with an extreme juice detox, training for a charity cycle through India for cancer and the greatly anticipated ‘big reunion’ with Atomic Kitten in 2013 so it is no surprise she needs some time to relax beforehand. We can reveal that Natasha likes to unwind with Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Rejuvenating Face Mask, in fact she took to twitter to let us all know… “just chilling at home with my Manuka Doctor Face Mask”

Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Rejuvenating Face Mask (£49.99 50ml), harnesses the power of Purified Bee Venom to help stimulate collagen growth, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and renew damaged skin cells, leaving skin looking visibly younger.

Suitable for all skin types, apply the mask to thoroughly cleansed skin and leave on for between 15 and 30 minutes depending on your skin type. Remove any excess with water to reveal a glowing and youthful complexion.

Purified Bee Venom is a potent combination of minerals, peptides and amino acids that help to encourage cell regeneration and boost collagen formation. This, combined with moisturising UMF™18+ Manuka Honey, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, deeply nourishes the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of scars and renew damaged skin cells.

Dr Sang Mi Han, who is the world’s most eminent bee venom expert, has been researching the subject for over 12 years, proving that this potent combination of minerals, peptides and amino acids works on all levels of the skin, to encourage naturally occurring cell regeneration and boost collagen formation.

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Mask is available from Holland & Barrett or Superdrug.