JULY BEAUTY EDIT

From miracle hairbrushes to an egg mousse for the body, you’re in for a treat with our July Beauty Edit!

Protect your skin from free radicals

Daytox Natural Day and Night facial oil is a light, dry oil that easily absorbs into the skin. This must-have contains vitamins E and C to help fortify and strengthens the skins natural barrier, and almond oil, a powerful natural antioxidant that prevents the effect of stress and harmful ultraviolet radiation rays to the skin. We’re assured it’s fab for the fight against pollution on the skin too.

£24 – Ocado

 

Turn up the TLC with this meringue-like mousse

 

Too Cool For School Egg Mousse Body Oil magically transforms into an oil that absorbs deep into your skin for ultimate hydration. It instantly softens rough skin for cashmere-soft smoothness and is a cocktail of five botanical oils creates a protective moisture barrier without clogging pores. Egg yolk extract and albumin in egg white extract work together to boost the skin’s natural ability to repair and regenerate, supporting natural cell turnover and collagen production for firmer, more supple skin.

£24.50 – Boots

 

Soothe your strands with GHD’s hot brush

Known as the ‘super brush’, this invention gives ‘I woke up like this’ salon worthy hair. Not yet available here in the UK but you can pre-order this hot commodity (pardon the pun) which makes it worthy for our wishlist. This one will tames and smoothe dry hair, reaching 185 degrees and eliminating frizz in just a few strokes. So, miracles do exist.

£139 – GHD

Summer scented setting sprays

There are few things more iconic on the beauty scene than MAC’s Prep + Prime Fix + Extensions. So, what have the beauty boffins gone and done this time? Given us five, yes five, limited edition scents of the miracle mist, each still leaving you with that soft sheen. Choose from cucumber, watermelon, Peony, Pineapple or white tea.

£12.50 – MAC

Lift the lashes with Too Faced

If it gets a thumbs up from Huda Kattan, then it gets a thumbs up from us! Too Faced have kept pretty loyal to their absolute wonder mascara that was Better Than Sex until this super recent surprise drop. With endorsements FLYING in for the soon-to-be fan favourite, the formula is described as “a revolutionary creamy mousse, developed with a special blend of whipped melting waxes (waxes injected with air)’. This blend will give you a ‘ weightless super lash’ and volume like no other.

£22 –Too Faced

 

 

DISHING THE DIRT ON…DERMAPLANING

Quite literally, this will leave you with a dish of dirt that comes straight from the pores.

Dermaplaning is the latest skincare treatment on our radar and we were lucky enough to try it for ourselves at Regent’s Street Aesthetics, with the fabulously talented Aesthetics Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Regents Park Aesthetics, Kay Greveson.

We’ve rounded up some of the common questions (that we had ourselves too!)

What is dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is an intense exfoliating treatment which using a surgical scalpel to scratch away the dead skin, dirt and impurities

What results can I expect

The beauty of dermaplaning is that it has multiple benefits. First and foremost, the skin exfoliation. The process completely removes the dead, dull skin cells at the top of the skin and leave you with glowing, fresh skin that is super, super soft. because dead skin cells are taken off during treatment, your usual skincare will penetrate deeper and have a better effect. In addition, it combats that niggly, annoying peach fuzz

Is it painful

Not at all. There are some light scratching feelings but nothing painful. If anything, it’s quite relaxing

How long does the procedure take

You’ll be in an out within 45 minutes – simple and easy

What’s the aftercare

In the 24 hours post dermaplaning, you should avoid moisturisers with active ingredients (like salycillic acid etc) but after 24 hours, you should apply hydrating moisturiser to help the new skin cells get off to their best start. It’s really important to use a high SPF in your moisturiser and makeup because you’ll need extra protection from UVA and UVB rays

How long do results last

Your average skin cell cycle is 6 weeks therefore repeat treatments only need to be done every 6-8 weeks. This can be longer if combined with skin peels

Will my hair grow back darker

Facial hair does not grow back darker as the hair on your face is vellus hair which cannot transform into terminal hair follicles (like the hair on your legs)

Who would benefit from dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is great for everyone. The treatment is suitable for all skin types and can also be done during pregnancy and breastfeeding

How much does it cost

Prices vary depending on where you choose. At Regent Street Aesthetics, a session costs £80 or you can buy packages including a skin peel or microneedling from £120

Where can I book

Book in at Regent’s Street Aesthetics: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15220636

 

MAY BEAUTY EDIT

Check out our top beauty buys for May – you won’t be disappointed!

Glossier Bubblewrap (£23)

This bombshell is a bit of game changer if we do say so ourselves. Bubblewrap is an ultra-hydrating eye and lip plumping cream. Under eyes and lips will appear fresh, smooth, and hydrated and technically, it’s two purchases in one!

Visit Glossier website to buy

Urban Decay Game of Thrones Eye Shadow Palette (£45)

GoT plus beauty – what more could we want? This 20-shade palette of ultra-blendable matte, shimmer and metallic eyeshadows is full of rich, bold shades. Bringing together earthy neutrals, frosty shimmers and smoky metallic alongside four transformer shades.

Visit Look Fantastic to buy

Golden Krocus Ageless Saffron Elixir (£69)

Korres Golden Krocus Ageless Saffron Elixir Serum is infused with the immense antioxidant power of 1-day fresh Greek saffron to help slow signs of ageing.

Visit Feel Unique to buy

Sesderma Acglicolic Classic Body Milk (£35)

This body milk renews, regenerates and hydrates the skin. Its milky texture not only feels amazing, it’s cooling and smoothes the skin.

Visit Amazon to buy

Embryolisse Complexion Correcting Skincare CC Cream SPF20 (£25)

Embryolisse CC cream contains SPF20 and is a brilliant solution as we approach the warmer weather. Formulated with self-adjusting pigments, it re-plumps the skin and delivers a soft focus effect to blur the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dilated pores.

Visit Boots to buy

 

FRIDAY FOCUS: VEGAN BEAUTY

Our love for cruelty free beauty products is an all-year-long affair, so check out our top beauty picks below.

For the skin

Embryolisse CC Cream – £29.99

This skin perfector adapts to skin tone and offers a ‘second skin’ veil. It contains super ingredient Hyaluronic Acid which fully hydrates and will leave you with radiant skin

Daytox Vitamin C Serum – £29.00

The Daytox serum packs 10% Vitamin C (which is directly linked to giving you a radiant complexion). It also balances the skin tone and reduces dark spots

For the hair

Shea Moisture – 10 in 1 renewal Shampoo – £10.99

A superfruit beast that’s rich in antioxidants and nourishes, protects, hydrates and, imporatntly, smells absolutely fantastic!

For the body

Misguided Babe Power – £28.00

As part of the new Misguided eu de parfam range, its Babe Power scent has notes of grapefruit zest, sour cherry, pink pepper, crisp apple, pineapple and rhubarb

For the nails

Butter London Patent Shine 10x -£15.00

A range of varnishes available in 46 rich and beautiful colours. These products are chip resistant and leave a great gloss

Friday Focus: GREEN TEA, INFUSE ME!

What better way to kick off a Friday than with a splash of tea…?

Green tea is the elixir of skincare in our opinion. To name just a few, it has the benefits of fighting UV damage, contains anti-ageing properties, reduces inflammation and is perfect for sensitive skin which is why we’re seeing it pop up more and more in the cosmetic and beauty industries. We’re giving the rundown below of our favourite green tea infused products.

 

L.A.B 2 BRUSH KITS

A UK first, this range is infused with calming Green Tea powder. With super high quality synthetic fibres and ultra plush bristles, this range provides beauty junkies with a completely flawless finish without any added guilt. Each brush is anti-microbial, meaning they can stay fresher for longer and is permanently infused with ‘good for you’ ingredients and a unique cocktail of vitamins and antioxidants including vitamin C and E.

GLO SKIN BEAUTY – CONDITIONING MIST

This conditioning mist is a refreshing and hydrating toner that soothes the skin.  Hyaluronic Acid (a new big contender on the beauty scene) is used to attract and maintain moisture in dehydrated skin and there’s chamomile which will support the skin’s natural barrier.

The chamomile also provides antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties making this ideal to help clear skin. This skin toner calms, smoothes and balances the complexion.

 

BEAUTYPRO REJUVENATING COLLAGEN MASK WITH GREEN TEA EXTRACT

Facemask. One of our favourite words. Whether it’s a sheet mask, bubble mask or mud mask, few things beat that refreshed and relaxed feeling that comes post face mask rinse.

The BeautyPro collagen mask is a dual-function mask which rebalances oily t-zones, hydrates dry areas and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s a 15 minute treatment that’s suitable for all skin types. What more could you need!

ELIZABETH ARDEN GREEN TEA HONEY DROPS BODY CREAM

Drench your skin in lustrous moisture with Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream. It’s a super hydrating, all-over body cream, ideal for dry skin.

Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream from Elizabeth Arden is infused with a blend of real honey and fragrant green tea extract, to help calm and condition your skin. It helps lock in moisture, leaving your skin silky smooth and beautifully scented.

We feel refreshed already!

 

FUJI GREEN TEA HAND CREAM

Perfect for on-the-go hydration, don’t leave home without this hand cream. Infused with the refreshing scent of Fuji Green Tea, the light, gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, helping to soften and protect your hands. Dreamy.

DAYTOX – THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

 

Detoxing. Reminds you of hard work, right? It includes sacrifice, deprivation and most importantly, dedication.

Enter, Daytox.

We’re all for a new skincare range which makes life easier and Daytox claims to do just that. The products gradually help to detoxify the skin and restore its youthful, fresh appearance while promoting the skin’s natural detox process too.It also protects the cells against free radicals, which accelerate the ageing process.

The skincare range includes:

  • DAYTOX Peel- Off Mask, £20
  • DAYTOX Volcanic Mud, £20
  • DAYTOX Facial Tonic, £10
  • DAYTOX Vitamin C Serum, £29
  • DAYTOX Rich Cream, £26
  • DAYTOX Eye Wonder Serum, £24

The DAYTOX skincare range is available from Waitrose and Ocado

 

JUMPING ON THE BAMBOO BANDWAGON

Every day we are learning about new trends, ingredients and ‘game changing’ science that will be the answer to our beauty worries.

The latest one to land in our inbox is Bamboo – one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet.

So, what are the supposed brilliant benefits of Bamboo?

  • Promotes healing – Bamboo contains methanol that boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties that soothes and regenerates the skin.
  • Enhances radiance – Bamboo actually contains 70% natural silica – an organic compound that’s essential for the body and maintains the elasticity in the skin to keep your skin looking healthy, supple and radiant.
  • Strengthens & repairs – Bamboo extract can help to strengthen the outer barrier of the skin that protects it from bacteria and environmental pollutants. A stronger barrier makes it easier for the skin to fight off particles that can potentially damage and prematurely age it.
  • Reduces melanin production – Bamboo extract can reduce melanin production, helping dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation fade away. Great for repairing skin after the summer months.
  • Hydrates skin – Thanks to the proteins, lipids and amino acid that it contains, bamboo is an unbelievable natural skin hydrator.

 

LET’S GET BAMBOOZLED!

Give these products a try

Naturaline Swiss Cosmetics Bamboo Body Lotion (£8.99)

Extracts of organic Bamboo optimises the moisture balance and elasticity of the skin to leave it smooth and supple.

Korres – Water, Bamboo and Freesia Eau de Toilette (£30)

Opening with fresh Bamboo, the EDT develops into notes of aromatic Freesia and Lotus Flower, before settling on a Sandalwood base. The unique formula is based on Water, one of the primary elements of the universe, and a symbol of purity and clarity.

Eborian – Korean Skin Therapy (£29)

BAMBOO MATTE is a 2-in-1 hybrid moisturiser that combines a sensation of intense hydration with a matte finish in one single step. Captured in a fine cream with a powdery effect, its Bamboo Waterlock complex protects the skin barrier from drying out while the Bamboo powder makes an excellent natural mattifier, to leave skin shine-free and matte.

 

Last Minute Ideas to Celebrate Romance

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner we thought you might appreciate our romantically themed idea’s list without the added Teddy Bears, chocolates or Champagne.

Novel Beauty-Clever Skincare and Cosmetics

This week, we had the pleasure of meeting the talented founder behind Novel Beauty. The idea behind Novel Beauty was to create skincare products for Men & Women which ‘reads you’. Nneka, the brains behind Novel Beauty explains she wanted to create a product which responded to each person individually and the way Novel Beauty have achieved this is by using active natural ingredients that respond to your body as an individual. In keeping with their brand message of letting their products read you, the luxurious, all-natural range are encased in a luxurious refillable book which are designed to fit in to anyones home proudly and elegantly.

With both gifts for Men and Women, Nneka herself recommends the romantically themed Poor Man’s Rose bath and body set;

Poor Man's Rose Bath & Body Set

This collection includes Stream of Consciousness, a raw sugar scrub which polishes and conditions the skin and Platonic Dialogue, a daylight cream with the vitamins of Aloe Vera, seaweed, sesame, apricot and the romantic geranium rose oil.

Novel Beauty is available through www.novelskincare.co.uk and through notonthehighstreet.com

The Bellavita Valentine’s Day Hamper

Because we all know the way to a loved one’s stomach is through food. Italian food heroes Bellavita are encouraging us to spend Valentine’s day the Italian way with a Valentine’s selection which is designed to bring a touch of Italian romance to your evening. Bellavita have designed their hamper with the idea of taking the stress out of creating a romantic meal for two. The ingredients, which are sourced from independent Italian producers are enough to prepare a three-course meal for two with a recipe card included. Ok so it wouldn’t really be a Valentine’s meal without the addition of bubble and chocolates but at £39 for the entire hamper, we think that we’ll skip the reservations and rustle up our own Italian feast courtesy of Bellavita.

Valentine's Hamper

The hampers can be purchased both online and in store:
Bellavita Shop, 11C Dock Street, London E1 8JN
www.bellavitashop.co.uk

Pamper yourself at Duck and Dry

If you’re planning on a night of romance, a night with your best friends or simply a night of beloved ‘me time’, Duck and Dry are here to make sure that whatever you do, you will leave feeling damn good. After successfully opening their first salon in Chelsea, Duck and Dry have opened their new flagship in London’s Oxford Circus and will be on hand to offer you a choice of 8 signature blow dries and 8 up-dos in their stylish and energetic salons. This unique and buzzy space is designed with YOU in mind and will not only leave you with luscious locks but also pampered and party prepped. Get your hair-styled in a styling pod, enjoy a drink at their Prosecco bar and for groups, you can even enjoy getting ready together at a group styling table. There is a fitted DJ station and the eclectic and vibrant decor all designed to make you feel good. So, whether you’re celebrating the day of romance or simply just celebrating being so fabulous, Duck and Dry are on hand with their superstar stylists…

349A9635

…for one day only, February 14th, make up brand Lin & Lo will be offering complimentary express make-up services with all blow dries at the new West End branch.

To learn more visit; Duck and Dry

And to book an appointment visit; https://www.duckanddry.com/booking