Seche Vite - Dry Fast Coat



£9.95 ASOS


I got so fed up the other day. I can't bear it when I nick my nails on something after spending all that time on them - I thought they were dry!? It's been 2 hours already!

After researching for a couple of days I have found that Seche Vite has had some of the best reviews. I have tested out for you and I can confirm that your polish will last longer - absolutely. It also makes my nails feel stronger which is most welcome.

Nail Technology



Note: I did email Seche about animal testing and they wrote back to me immediately. I like that they did. Respect.

Dear Sarah,
We do not test on animals nor do we contract another agency to test our products on animals however we cannot guarantee the policies of our raw material vendors at this time.
We are in the process of obtaining animal testing statements from our raw material vendors.  The European Union passed a law banning animal testing on ingredients and finished products.  The deadline date for testing is set for March 2013.  Cosmetic raw material vendors are more than aware of this regulation so alternative testing has been implemented.
Since we are a global company we are going to ensure that our products meet the standards of the European Union.
The only product in Seche that contains an animal by-product is Seche Vite Cuticle Crème.  This product contains Lanolin which is a skin conditioning ingredient.
If you need further assistance please feel free to contact us again.
Sincerely,
Abigail
Consumer Relations

Free Stuff

Last week was extremely sunny and warm and I was in the mood for a wander. I collected my old pal Zoe from her desk and we set off to House of Fraser in the City. Before we even walked in we were handed a flyer for a discounted facial and a Clarins sample. We roamed around for awhile looking at overpriced clothes and then back to the beauty department where a lady in Lancome handed us more free samples.

Zoe and I contemplated on the bus back to the office - wouldn't it be wonderful if we had spare time to roam all the major departments stores collecting free stuff. You could save a bundle and there is something so satisfying about it, especially if you've just spent a lot of money at a counter. Great for travel and gym bags.

Tip: Kiehl's is wonderful for giving free samples if you ask to try something out before buying. They don't forget if you purchase online directly from their store as well.

Spring Sale

http://www.lookfantastic.com/shop/women/

Thanks Rhian for sending to me. Some good deals here - treat yourself!

Things Not Just For Eating

A couple of friends have got me thinking recently - maybe I don't need to be so easily led down the path of bank account doom purchasing all these skin care products that promise eternal youth. Partner in crime Emma has been experimenting with homemade remedies lately such as applying an avocado face mask (a tasty treat too!).

Things you need to start:

1/2 medium ripe Avacodo 
1 tbsp all natural honey
1 tbsp all natural yogurt
1 cucumber

How to make:

1) Mash the avocado with a fork until creamy. Avocados naturally contain a deep penetrating vegetable oil that is perfect for dry skin. Maybe the most important element of avocado is that it is a good source of potassium, which is known as the youth mineral, so whether you are eating avocados or making a face mask, they can help your skin maintain its healthy and beautiful glow.

2) Add 1 tbsp. of all natural honey to the avocado mash. Honey has the ability to kill germs on the skin and can reduce swelling and inflammation, giving the skin a taught and youthful appearance.

3) Stir in the natural Yogurt. Yogurt is a natural and gentle cleanser and is used in many skin care products. Yogurt also contains lactic acid, which soothes and softens the skin while tightening wrinkles and refining pores.

4) Peel and slice two pieces of cucumber to place over your eyes. With natural gentle astringent properties, cucumber is the perfect addition to your avocado face mask, as it cleans, nourishes, hydrates and helps reduce circles underneath the eyes.

5) Wash your face gently with warm water and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of the avocado face mask to your face and neck. Place the cucumber slices over your eyes and relax. Allow the mask to set for at least 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water, and again, patting dry.

Another tip from Emma after some research was about the seaweed you find in your Miso soup (Wakame). It's jam packed of calcium - (more than disgusting cow juice) so I bought some too and we take a little a day like medicine. It helps to break down cellulite deposits and disperses local fatty cells to improve the body's general health and appearance. It can be used as a face mask which is beneficial for acne prone skin!

Method for Seaweed Face Mask

1. Cleanse face well.
2. Prepare a paste using 2-5 tsps. (13-15gr) with approximately 20ml of hot water.
3. Mix to a smooth paste.
4. Cover face and neck area with a thick layer of seaweed paste.
5. Leave for 20-30 minutes until dry.
6. Rinse off with warm water, finish of with a Moisturiser.

A tasty healthy seaweed salad.

Purchase through Amazon

Product Warning For Your Nails

Important message. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! It has ruined my nails!

I shouldn't have used it anyhow not knowing if it's animal tested or not but I was out of my usual O.P.I. product and had this kicking around in an old makeup bag. I have taken it off today after three days as a base coat and my nails have completely split. I am shocked - what the heck is in this stuff? Whatever it is it's bad - very very bad.

Revlon Multi-Care Base & Top Coat

BAD!

Danielle Scutt - Lipstick Inspiration

Why do I want these shoes!? Why do I want these earrings?! Because they're bloody awesome that's why! I would never have anywhere to wear them but oh I so wish I could carry it off!

Danielle Scutt for Topshop

"In times of economic crisis, the two 'luxury' items which flourish in the women's sector are lipstick and jewellery," says Scutt. "With that in mind, the collection plays with themes of luxury, feminism and surrealism."

Shellac - Welcome To The Future!

My friend Helen from work just came into my office and she had the most beautiful nails. She said she's had this new Shellac treatment done. It was beautiful - her own natural nails. Lasts for at least 2 weeks (circa £25 a pop - some nail salons could differ). Toes are said to last up to 6 weeks.

"Shellac is the breakthrough, patent-pending UV3 technology that combines the ease of wear of polish, with the permanence of gels.  A true innovation in chip-free, extended-wear colour.  Shellac applies like polish—no pots—just a bottle and brush.  And removal is just 10 minutes!  No filing.  No buffing.  No drills."

Interview With Linsey

Linsey is a good friend of mine whom I have known for quite awhile now. I suppose we originally met because she and I shared a boyfriend (at different times and she had him first). It's a strange twist of affairs but I love her - we always have fun (sometimes more than we should). She's an ex-Glaswegian and a muse for me because she always looks amazing and has excellent taste. Oh yes - we also share a love of beardy men. So thank you to my favourite Scot for taking the time out today.


1) What is your evening and morning beauty regimes?

I'm pretty low-maintenance – in the morning I just slap on some Weleda Rose Day Cream and Kiehl's tinted moisturiser before I go out. At night I cleanse and then use Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. It's expensive, but it has a pipette, so it feels like science. I'm a sucker for a pipette.


2) What are some of your beauty tips if any?

Keep it simple. Rather than overload your face with lots of different products, invest in a few great ones. A good cleanser and a great moisturiser/tinted moisturiser is pretty much all you need. And the fewer ingredients the better, especially ones with made-up names such as Boswelox or Youthadrine or whatever.
I gave up smoking recently and have been amazed by the improvement in my skin. I am planning to start drinking water at some point, but it is so very boring.


3) Favourite product?

My favourite product used to be Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil. But since I've given up my job, I'm looking into making my own cleansing oil, using Castor oil, extra virgin olive oil and some essential oils. I'm going thrifty! Argan oil is also great. I think for ladies of a certain age, we need to preserve ourselves in oils :)
My makeup staple is Mac's Brow Set. After some zealous over-plucking in the 90s, I have to draw in my brows every day and this looks the most natural. Apparently you can also use it on your sideburns. (http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/149/305/Brow-Set/index.tmpl)


4) Favourite scent and why?

I don't really like scents too much – I hate when people smell too cloying or unnatural, especially on public transport – I actually think it's just as rude to inflict your stink on other people as it is to have crap headphones – it's nose assault. I sometimes use Kiehl's Musk body lotion. Body lotions give a much nicer, more gentle waft of a smell.


5) What is a complete turn off in a man grooming wise?

Oh, difficult – there are SO many, poor souls :) As mentioned, any overpowering aftershave/scent is horrible (those Lynx effect ads should show actually women running for the hills, covering their noses), as is any kind of complicated hairstyle that needs product. Over groomed can be worse than under groomed.


6) What is a complete turn on?

Simple things – an out-of shower smell, a good haircut, nice shoes. And a beard, obviously.


7) What look do you despise for girls out there - anything you wish would disappear?

I just don't get that weird, super-tanned, mega-makeup'd, ultra-dyed hair look. Let your natural beauty shine through ladies! I also hate people who look young and beautiful – they're just showing off.

Orange Lippy

I didn't think I would ever carry it off. It's been a very hot trend on the catwalks this year so far and I love the futuristic/tropicana look of it. It screams "welcome to Miami" or something like that. I bought Lord & Berry's Mandarino duo pack and it's absolutely gorgeous. It looks good with pale skin too. I prefer in matte rather than glossed up. MAC has a really beautiful one plainly called Neon Orange but sold out on their website already - keep an eye out for it!

Pretty Boys Of Rock

Some boy rockers like a little eyeliner - some like a whole lot more than that. Thanks to the friends that helped me brainstorm this handful. Who else?

The Icon. Nobody does it better.



Not just pretty faces.
Nick Rhodes mastered a look in the 80's and to this day it's rare he's seen without makeup.



George - almost on trend - minus the corn rows. I've seen him around
a couple times, once in Shoreditch with his trademark makeup on and then again without. He's much more interesting with it on. It's amazing work. 



Some strange choices but did it work
for him or what! Glossy lips = 80's icon!




Marc Bolan - Glamtastic.

Little Richard wore eyeliner for exaggerated eyes and foundation with powder for a matte finish.



Eyeliner and more eyeliner!



They tried it without makeup for album "Lick It Up" but had nowhere near the commercial success. Give the kids what they want! 



Brian Molko - While Molko was brought up in a strict household that disapproved of artistic expression (his father wanted him to become a banker) he rebelled by affecting an androgynous image, wearing nail polish, lipstick and eyeliner, and listening to punk.





Robert Smith - he made Goth cool.
Trademark smeared red lipstick, pale complexion, artfully disheveled black hair.
He's sported this look since the 80's and to this day.



I Am A Golden Goddess

Sorry dar-links! I have been busy deciding what next to try out (for your benefit of course). I have been ebaying things I don't want for makeup I do want hence the delay in posts. However - I have a treat for you today! Voila! Behold my new babies! I will be disco chic don't you think?

Gold Member Cream Blush - NARS £20.50.
 Moisture-rich cream finish formula that provides smooth, silky color for naturally luminous skin. Delivers long-lasting color with a velvety texture and blends easily for healthy glowing skin.

• Provides a sheer, flush of color for all skin tones
• Enriched with Vitamin E
• Rich pigments blend effortlessly

Find it works best using a primer underneath. Will come off easily but after applying some fake tan this makes me look - well - radiant! Use on eyes, cheekbones, bridge of nose. More of a highlighter than a blush.



NARS Limited Edition Spring 2011 Desperado Nail Polish £13.50
Featuring a hardwearing formula, it is chip resistant for a glossy, long-wearing finish with added UV protection to prevent discolouration.

I'm in love with this. I would snap it up now - set to be another hard to find item this Spring.