Top Beauty Products

There are millions of beauty products out there, so Frost did the hard work and sourced the top beauty products for September.

The Nail Polish and lipstick.

Gothic Glam from Collection. From the 25th of September the Gothic Glam Collection will be available in Superdrug. Perfect for vampy dark nails and statement lips. There are three new shades of lipstick and four darkly chic nail colours. At £2.99 for the lipstick and £3.19 for the nail polish, you can afford to experiment.

The Health Kick

We reviewed Krill Oil. Full of Omega-3 fatty acids. Harvested from Antarctic krill, a shrimp like crustacean that lives below the ocean. Full of DHA, EPA’s and astaxanthin. Our writer had less joint pain and an improvement in their back pain. They also think their memory improved. Sounds good. www.krilloil.com

The Calmer

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During these hot summer months  Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray has been a godsend. Cooling us off and improving our skin tone. This 50ml can is even small enough to take traveling. It is perfect for planes. Celebrity fans include Gwyneth Paltrow who says it is a ‘soothing water spray for irritated skin. It’s also good as a quick refresher on a hot day. I know lots of makeup artists who use it, as it helps set makeup.” and Sophie Dahl says it keeps her skin from getting dry. Angelina Jolie is also a fan. It is only £3.15 for the 50ml spray and £6.50 for 50ml. Bargain.

The Unsung Beauty Hero

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How many times a day do you think you touch your face? Research shows that we touch common objects 3.3 times per hour and our face 3.6 times. The germs transfer to the face and may lead to skin irritations, bacterial and viral infections. Step in Cuticura and its range of antibacterial skin care solutions.

I always carry their Cuticura Anti Bacterial Hand Serum in my bag. Especially as a women’s handbag is supposed to have as much bacteria as the average toilet. Ew. It protects hands from germs for up to 8 hours. It kills 99.99% of germs and only costs £3.49 for 200ml. Unlike other antibacterial hand gels, it also keeps hands soft and smells nice.

I also love their Cuticura Hand Hygiene Anti-Bacterial Wipes Which I use to clean my makeup bag, brushes and my handbag. I also use their Anti Bacterial Hand wash. It is good for my dry skin and also protects for up to 3 hours. They cost £2.49 from Sainsbury’s, Superdrug and independent pharmacies.

The Toxin Free Nail Polish

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Toxin Free Nail Polish is huge now. People are taking much more care about what they put on their face and nails. Dielle Nail polish is made in France and free from toluene, formaldehyde, DBP, camphor and pthalic acid. Great quality and the polish will dry in seconds. www.dielle.co.uk

The Tough Love

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The Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter Tough Stuff Body Scrub may have a very long name but just call it CB Tough Stuff. These great sachets from tanning brand Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter tackles rough areas for a smooth silhouette. It also removes stubborn old tan and prepares skin for the next application. This scrub from the best-selling Irish brand is perfect for knees, elbows, feet, ankles and hands. £4.50 for 50ml X 2 at feelunique.com

The Vegan Multi-tasker.

steamcream, moisturiser, beauty, tin, beauty review

I saw Steamcream being made recently. It was pretty cool. They use the finest 100% vegan, fresh ingredients. This amazing moisturiser is made with steam, this unique method creates a super moisturising cream with added essential oils. Available in over 25 countries and suitable for sensitive skin. The beauty elite love it. Available from Selfridges and John Lewis.

The Exfoliating Body Cream

Top Beauty Products

Docteur Renaud Peach Exfoliating Body Cream. Brilliant stuff that leaves you silky smooth. Helps with lumps and bumps. Just really good stuff that works. Available from Marks & Spencers.

The Organic Balm

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Niki’s Organic Balm’s are a blend of organic oils, essential oils and beeswax. Niki trained as a homeopath and a reflexologist. She was surprised how many balms were petroleum or mineral based oil. She bought beeswax, oils, essential oils and started making her own foot balms. Her balms are antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. They smell fantastic and she now has a few different varieties. Her original balm is good for everything from cold sores, insect bites and cracked heels. I talked to Niki’s son about her balms and the family passion really came through. Great balms that work. http://www.nikisbalms.co.uk

The Water

Volvic Tropical-Fruits-50cl review

Keeping hydrated is very important for good skin and health. Volvic Touch of Fruit’s newest edition, Tropical Fruits Flavour tastes great. Combining Volvic Natural Mineral Water and a tasty blend of pineapple, mango, and passion fruit flavours, it made us feel like we were on holiday. Great when you want something more than water, watch out for the sugar content though. 

Volvic Touch of Tropical Fruits is available in 50cl and 1.5l bottles from Tesco and independent stores (RRP 80p for 50cl, and 99p for 1.5l.

 

What is your top beauty product?

Top Beauty Tips for Brides

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Photo credit: TrueMalyugin

We have some Top Beauty Tips for Brides from highly experienced facial therapist Amanda Elias; the brains behind effective yet affordable skincare brand, Bravura London. Amanda really knows her stuff so enjoy.

How to Prep Your Skin for a Wedding

Don’t try any new products, skincare, hair care, make-up, even washing powder 3 weeks before your wedding, any kind of a reaction could take a couple of weeks to calm down and that’s the last thing you need before your big day!

Don’t leave it until the last minute to think about your skin, the longer you have to correct any skin issues, the better! Using products that contain AHA’s will help to remove dead skin which tends to leave our skin looking dull and lifeless, removing this dead layer will leave your skin looking fresher and more vibrant.

If you’re getting married abroad, make sure you wear SPF 50 as soon as you arrive and re-apply regularly. Don’t risk sunbathing, you don’t want to get married looking like a lobster! Don’t forget your ears, lips and the back of your neck.

To avoid any fake tan disasters before your wedding, book yourself in for a spray tan the day before, you’re a lot less likely to end up with any streaky patches. Make sure you have a trial tan before the big day to make sure the colour suits you and to avoid any chance of a reaction.

Make-up sits better on exfoliated skin, using a cleanser that contains AHA’s daily can help to remove the dead skin so that your foundation lasts longer.

If you suffer with blackheads or hormonal spots on your chin, try using a salicylic acid product daily. This will help to exfoliating the skin and clear out the pores, salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect so it’s great for spots that can also become inflamed.

If you have a lot of redness left over from acne, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a short course of hydrocortisone which can dramatically help to reduce the discolouration.

There’s going to be a lot of focus on your hands on your big day, to keep your hands and nails in peak condition, massage sweet almond oil in to your hands and nails daily, a month before the wedding. By your big day your nails will be stronger and your hands will be supper soft. If your hands tend to be flaky, mix a little olive oil and sugar, gently massage in to your hands, wash away and then apply your sweet almond oil.

Don’t forget your lips, wear a good quality lip balm and re-apply regularly throughout the day, especially before bed. Do this for at least a week before your wedding and your lips will be super soft and kiss ready.

Do you have any beauty tips?

SBC Leg Soothing Gel Review

SBC Leg Soothing Gel ReviewSBC Leg Soothing Gel is a refreshing water-based gel which is great for tired and over-worked legs. I had never heard of SBC before but I loved the packaging which was simple but effective. It has arnica in it which speed up healing and is good for getting rid of bruises a bit quicker. It has a lovely smell and a little of the product goes a long way so it lasts a long time.

The ingredients are all natural, it has menthol, camphor, witch hazel and arnica. It gives an instant refreshing feeling when I put it on and in the long term made my overworked legs feel better. I injured my back at the beginning of the year so have been mostly exercising my lower body, this gel takes the strain of my poor legs.

The gel absorbs quickly and leaves legs cool and soothed. It is not sticky after application and the directions even say you can put it on over tights or stockings. It comes in an easy dispensable bottle and is a lovely blue-green colour.

Would I buy it? Yes. Good stuff.

Ethics: Not tested on animals.

Available from QVC UK and here

Amy Childs’ Lashes | Beauty Review

I received a pair of Amy Childs’ Heartbreaker lashes to review. They look great in the packaging, very glamorous.

I have never put fake lashes on before and wasn’t sure if it would be hard or not. To be honest, I did find it very tricky. Until I got the hang of it that is. It is like applying eyeliner, hard at first but after a while you can do it quickly and with precision. The lashes are really long and dramatic. You could either wear them for a big night out or cut them down. They are also wide but you can easily cut them down. They come with adhesive and can be used again and again.

As you can see in the pic below they are very big. I got mixed reactions, some people loved them, and others thought they were too big and should be cut slightly. Whatever you decide they are good quality and value for money. £8 including P &P. A cheap and great glamour hit.

Catherine Balavage reviewing Amy Childs' lashes

Get A ‘Lash In A Flash’ With Amy Childs’ Lashes
Need a quick beauty pick me up or if you are heading from the office floor to the dance floor and want to change your
look dramatically, then look no further than Amy Childs’ Lashes for a ‘lash in a flash’! A fabulous collection of lashes with
eight different designs to suit every girl and every occasion, Amy’ strip lashes are perfect to change your look instantly.
Durable and long-lasting Amy Childs’ Lashes are designed to be worn over and over again. Wanting to make the modern
girl feel and look beautiful, these lashes are exactly what Amy stands for, whether you want to look glam or natural.
Available in Flirt 2, Temptress 1, Heartbreaker 2 & Tease 1
From elaborate, sexy and seductive styles to subtle, pretty and elegant designs, the real question is will you be a Flirt,
Tease, Temptress or Heartbreaker tonight

www.amychildsofficial.co.uk

 

Pre Cannes Festival 2013 | Social Diary

May 2nd saw the Pre Cannes Festival. The press release said, “With the very special participation of celebrity guests Carol Cleveland (Monthy Pythons), Patricia Inder (John Lennon’s & Lemmy of Motorhead’s). And Jonathan Hansler (Axed the movie, Cadbury ads), British actress and writer Catherine Balavage, Zoe Griffin author of the book “Get Rich Blogging”, Andrea Iervolino the youngest and most successful Italian producer all the way from Italy.”
Yes, yours truly was honoured to be presented for my acting work. I was quite thrown when Paola Berta told me I would be presented at the event. Lots of thanks to her and congratulations on the event. I was interviewed by Fashion TV amongst others and I had a wonderful time.
Catherine Balavage being interviewed by Fashion TV.

Catherine Balavage being interviewed by Fashion TV.

The event was held at No 5, 5 Cavendish square. It is a beautiful and classy venue. I mingled with Zoe and actor Jonathan Hansler while Fabio Tedde & Paul Wiffen played piano.
Pointing out the Frost logo. We have sponsored the event for the past two years.

Pointing out the Frost logo. We have sponsored the event for the past two years.

I bumped into the vivacious and beautiful Zoe Griffin, author of “Get Rich Blogging” and owner of excellent blog Live Like a VIP, who were kind enough to mention me in the coverage of the event.
I also had a great chat with the makers of new energy drink Think Drink, an energy drink that is natural and tastes great. We also chatted with Delights of Italy who make amazing cupcakes and entirely edible flowers. They were beautiful and delicious.
We also saw some great films from the Cannes Short Corner Official Selections.
SOMEBODY TO LOVE by Braine Hownd FilmsCAVIAR 2 by Beluga Films

COLONEL BADD by Tiger Dreams

UNSPOKEN by Oakman Films

KIR ROYALE by Beluga Films

edibleofflowers frostmagazine

There were also great talks from marketing specialist Kathy Ennis, LA producer and entrepreneur CHRISTIE HSIAO of SERENITY  MEDIA GROUP, British actress and theatre producer VICKY MCKELLER, Gentiane Piovanacci, editor of MAMARAZZI news magazine, popular french artist LADYKAT and from Spain, Mac Chakaveh, president of the MARBELLA FILM FESTIVAL.

 

Keep an eye out for more photos from the event.

Egg In A Cup | Snack Ideas

Egg in a cup is one of my favourite snacks, but not many people know about it. The name pretty much says it all. It is just an egg (or two) in a cup, with some butter. I had this all the time when I was growing up.

Just take two eggs, boil them for seven minutes and then peel them. Put the eggs in a cup and then take some butter and smother them in the butter. Cut them into sections of four or six and then add more butter. Mix the egg and butter well and then eat!

It really is a low calories snack (if you are economical with the butter. I never am) which you can make in 10 minutes. Try it and let us know what you think.

photo(17)photo(16)photo(18)photo(19)Egg in a cup

The Five Worst Things A Woman Can Do

GillianPublicityShotPeople can be their own worst enemies sometimes, and women are no exception. In fact, I believe women can be very hard on themselves. So I have made a list of the top five worst things a woman can do to damage her life.

Settling Down With Someone You Do Not Love.

The biological clock is probably the worst thing that ever happened to a woman. It can make us go a bit crazy. A male friend once described woman in their mid-thirties as ‘terrified and terrifying’. Quite unfair and he was about the same age himself. Worst than that, it can make some woman settle for a man they do not love so they can get married and have children. I completely understand this, I really do. Even in 2013 there is a ‘status’ thing between married and unmarried woman, and there certainly is one between the childless and those with children.

The media is full of stories about leaving it too late and this can cloud a woman’s judgement. But deep down, you always know whether or not you love someone. Relationships are hard enough if you do love someone. A relationship chosen because of your biological clock fears will never be a happy one, nor last.

It can also be hard to end a relationship with someone you do not love anymore. The fear of being single is a very real one for a lot of people, but it is only fair on you and the person you are dating. You will both find partners that you are meant to be with.

I came across this amazing quote from Kelly Brook in Easy Living magazine: “I’m not scared to walk away when things aren’t working. I’m not scared of being single, of not having kids. What I am scared of is being stuck in something negative. That is what I am most proud of: having the confidence to know I deserve everything.”

Starve Herself

The pressure to be thin can be tremendous. This pressure comes from the media and other women. It rarely comes from men. If a man loves you he won’t mind if you pack on a couple of pounds.

When I was in drama school I heard stories of women eating cotton balls soaked in orange juice to stay thin. The very idea of it is insane. If you starve yourself your body will not get any nutrients. You will damage your fertility, your health and your hair will fall out. I have heard way too much about starvation diets, that is not a diet, it is anorexia. Let’s stop it now.

Another thing: The whole Curvy versus Skinny thing is a war that should never be waged. Different people are supposed to be different sizes. Diversity is beautiful.

Let a Man Pay For Everything

There is nothing wrong with the man paying for the first date in my opinion. Especially as the women has already probably spent a fortune on a new dress and beauty treatments. However, letting a man pay for everything gives him the control in the relationship. It also makes it harder to walk away if the relationships stops working and you are not financially stable. A woman should always have a means of making money. If not, she has no control of her own future. Virginia Woolf has a famous quote that ‘A woman must have money and a room of her own’. I could not put it better myself.


Judge Another Woman’s Choices.

Woman can be really hard on each other. The truth is that sometimes when we judge it is actually a mixture of envy and admiration. Life does not give everything to one person. When you make a choice another option ends. The grass can seem greener on the other side. When women judge each other it holds us all back. It is time to live and let live.

 

Take Her Foot Off The Pedal

Another thing that some woman do is slowing down or quitting, even before they realise they have done so. When you start to think about children you can take your foot off the gas pedal. This can manifest in not applying for promotions, not going after something with a passion or not following a dream. The expectation of getting pregnant can stop you in your tracks, but do not let it. You never know what will happen in life and maybe you will not want to be a stay-at-home mum. Stay passionate and go after what you want.

What do you think women do to sabotage themselves?

Sunday Times Style Magazine Launches Best Dressed List

A campaign launched today by Sunday Times Style Magazine, features fashion icons: Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Tinie Tempah portrayed as royalty as it heralds the magazine’s re-design and launch of its first-ever definitive guide to the best dressed.

Style best dressed x3

Starting this Sunday, Style has named the 50 individuals who have led fashion with their stylish interpretation of sartorial good-taste in 2013.

The list has been compiled by the Style team, including: AA Gill, Camilla Long, Colin McDowell, Shane Watson, Christina Lamb, Giles Hattersley, Kate Spicer, Tiffanie Darke, Claudia Croft, Richard Gray, Francesca Hornak, Fleur Britten, Michael Hennegan, and of course Mrs Mills. The team also provides insightful commentary on who leads in creating the perfect alchemy between taste, style and personality.

Style Magazine editor Tiffanie Darke says: “The diverse nature of this list demonstrates the importance of fashion in the overall conversation, confirming the role clothes play in creating a visual manifesto.”

“What’s so encouraging is that among the 50 people celebrated, no two share a similar look; they all occupy a different part of the fashion spectrum, using their own taste and judgement to bring together an individual style that serves to inspire.”

In the interests of inclusivity, the best dressed doggies are identified; while the leading playground fashionistas have been awarded special recognition with the under tens given their very own list.

The re-launched Style magazine sees a renewed focus on fashion and more attention given to beauty, as well as a re-design that includes more stunning photography.

Style will continue to be supported by a year-long schedule of brand activities designed to strengthen its position in the industry as a key fashion and beauty brand. Readers will also be invited to attend exclusive Style-branded events, including an upcoming series of Style Conversations. Hosted at the Savoy, Erdem is due to headline in April, with the event being filmed and streamed live across the UK for the first time. Previous conversations have seen major fashion designers such as Valentino, Donatella Versace, John Galliano and Giles Deacon taking questions from Sunday Times fashion writer Colin McDowell.

Speaking about the re-launch, Darke said: “The Sunday Times Style Magazine is already a pillar of global fashion media and this re-launch is only going to consolidate that position. We’re taking the title back to its roots in order to stake our claim as the number one title for women with an interest in high-end fashion and beauty.”

Next week: Nos 25 – 50; the best dressed men, and who leads offenders.