SHE'S ALIVE!

Sniff, sniff... I missed you!

Why oh why has it taken me so long to get my shit together! I suppose I had a lot going on in my life over the past couple years. I decided to move from London back to small town Canada which had me in quite a state of panic. So all money spent on beauty was put to the side until I could get myself established.

BUT when I purchased this mascara and then went and told a a couple of friends who then purchased on my advice I thought, you know, that blog was a good idea after all! Spread the word about good stuff for your friends and anyone in cyberspace that might need some help as well. AND my friend agreed with me that it's probably the best mascara on the market right now SO GO AND GET IT MY DARLINGS!

Available at Sephora folks. Smoky Extravagant Mascara.

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara



Simply Marvelous



So I was in Whitstable over the weekend with two of my very good friends who reminded me that I needed to blog. I have been so super duper lazy with it but this product deserves some big shout outs! Holy smokes - it's the best thing since sliced pizza. A free tester came with the Tatler magazine for August (Cindy Crawford is on the front) but after realising how good it is I ran to the House of Fraser at lunch. The sales lady winked at me when I asked for it like it was some kind of secret that only we knew about.

Lancome has always been the leader in mascara as far as I am concerned. I have tried countless brands ranging from cheap to higher end but I always come back - they are the best.

This only comes in black just so you know. It has short bristles on one side to start building but then longer bristles on the other side to lenghten. It didn't clump at all. Came off easily with a wipe.



It's £21. It's not cheap but it will last as you really don't need to use too much. Remember to twist in the bottle - don't pump - that's how it dries out and bacteria grows!

Browmance

Everywhere I go lately I am reminded about the essential eyebrow!

Today my friend Zoe told me about this place - and her brows looked great after a tint and threading - just simply changed her face in a good way - you couldn't see them before she's so fair.

http://www.browhaus.com/uk/

Other mate Linsey decided to forget mascara for her party makeup and just go with defined brows - it was a different and cool look.

I am completely addicted to this show called Desperate Scousewives which made the Scouse Brow famous. I mean these brows are a little mad and crazy but a statement nonetheless!

The girls at work and I discussed earlier today - some friends of friends use a stencil and draw them on. All kinds of looks!

Tangle Teezer

I am loving this product and every girl/boy should get one. I have this problem with my natural curly hair - after the gym it is wet and lank and trying to get a comb through it without washing/conditioning (which I don't have time for all the time) or the beach after a sea dip is a nightmare.

It doesn't pull your hair - it seems to glide through your hair and gives a much needed blissful scalp massage. It claims to make your hair shiner - not sure but it certainly looks smoother and no static! Can be used on wet or dry hair. Don't be shy - painless detangling can be achieved by using a firmer pressure.

1) Always put your Tangle Teezer down on its back. In this way you will minimise the changes of damage to the teeth

2) To clean, gently remove loose hair from teeth (if any) and gently rinse Tangle Teezer with warm water.

3) For a deeper weekly clean, add a small about of shampoo to warm water for rinsing.

4) Dry at room temperature. Do not be tempted to speed dry by putting on a radiator or drying with a hairdryer.

5) Not for use with heated styling appliances.

It's won a few awards such as best buy from Grazia and Cosmo so all these people can't be wrong. 10 out of 10 from me! Excellent gift or stocking stuffer (here for £10).

Update - Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System



Clarisonic Mia in white by Clarisonic. Part of the revolutionary sonic skin cleansing system to cleanse the skin and reduce the size of pores, the brush uses a sonic frequency which micro massages the skin in just 60 seconds, removing dirt and oil while helping to minimise the appearance of wrinkles. The brush is operated on a one button, one speed system.

I was pretty sceptical about spending so much on this little brush but I have to admit it - it's done wonders over 2 months of diligent use.

- My pores are smaller and less noticeable

- My foundation and blusher looks smoother

- My moisturiser and facial oils are easily absorbed

I have used with my own cleanser - I don't think it matters which cleanser you use just don't use an abrasive one with this. Let the brush do the work for you. It has a timer which turns off after one minute of use. I sometimes go for two minutes depending on if I wore makeup during the day. Once in the morning and once before bed. You don't need to press hard - work over forehead, cheeks, chin and nose in small circular motions. It is water proof so fine to keep in the shower. 

The replacement heads are available on ASOS and around £21. Should be changed every three months.  

I think if you can't afford facials on a regular basis like me then this is a great investment.



Odette Toilette's Vintage Scent Sessions - 1920's

What a fun day! Decadent. That is what the 1920's were after all (Art Deco, silent film, women  smoking in public and on film, jazz, flying, golf).  


It took place at specialist perfumery Les Senteurs located in West Marleybone. A beautiful shop with loads of perfume and cologne you can't get anywhere else in London.

Odette is a lovely lady - beautiful and clever she spoke to us about 1920's with a presentation of photos, clips of film, fashion and art over patisserie cake and fizz. 


But best of all we got to have an open discussion about  8 scents originated from that era. Some were rare, some extremely familiar and one unfortunately extinct, and, as Odette eloquently put it, they all had/have their own personalities.


Scent 1 - Tabac Blond from the House of Caron Paris. A masculine mix of cloves and carnation. Things that popped into the heads to describe were decadence, glamour, cigarettes. This was mine and Annie's favourite and the best bit was we got a free sample in our goodie bag. I don't know any women that wouldn't smell good with this on - it smells even better the next morning. Bliss! 


Scent 2 - En Arion 1929 House of Caron Paris. This scent at first was too powerful for me and maybe slightly too flowery but wears off nicely. It was a scent created to show the glamour of air travel (for those that could afford it back then). Amelia Earhart was in mind. 

Tall, slender, blonde and brave

Scent 3 - Nuit de Noel House of Caron Paris. Lapsing, green notes, gummy, liquorice. Christmas was in the name but I didn't really understand that. I suppose we're used to cinnamon, citrus, cloves and pine as Christmas smells. This morning I thought of late nights and boozy parties. Really delicious died down a bit - a tad much at the start. 


Scent 4 - Le Dandy by D'Orsay. Boozy, fruity, woody, pineapple. Not my favourite. Smelled powdery and maybe old ladyish. 


Scent 5 - Nohiba by E. Coudray Paris. Supposed to have been the scent that Josephine Baker wore. Well that sort of speaks for itself. Anne and I thought not as saucy as you would have imagined but very nice. There were exotic tones to it which the 1920's were into at the time (the orient, egypt etc). 


Scent 6 - Shalimar Guerlain 1925. Who doesn't know this. Theatre, Art Deco. Popular for 90 years, Shalimar was created in 1921 and re-released in 1925 in a bottle designed by Raymond Guerlain and made by Cristalleries de Baccarat and launched at the Decorative Arts Exhibition as an antidote against The Great Depression. Guerlain was inspired by Mumtal-Mahal, the women whom the Taj Mahal was built for - again that interest in the exotic. 


Scent 7 - Chanel No. 5 1923. Jasmine, ylang, ylang. Chanel felt the time was right for the debut of a scent that would epitomize the boyish, modern flapper that would speak to the liberated spirit of the 1920s. It was interesting to see how the bottle had changed over the years but the scent remains the same. Always. That is their focus - it's never changed over time unlike others due to changes in regulations on what they can and can't use anymore. 


Scent 8 - Arpege Lanvin. Rose, ylang ylang, peach. Similar to Chanel No. 5. I have one word to describe and that is cloying. It would make me sick if I had to wear it. I don't like it any better this morning. 


At the end I was so inspired to buy a perfume that I loved now I was an "expert". I found one - the major note was amber. I forgot how much I loved amber. Maitre Parfumeur Gantier Ambre Precieux. I am in love with this but at £98 a bottle it's going to have to wait... look at the bottle though.. sigh. 

One last thing. I didn't realise that the creation of the cocktail was 1920's. And it wasn't because they were fun or pretty to look at but they were originally created to mask the horrid taste of moonshine due to prohibition! I just thought I'd share that. 

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System

Pores. I hate you. Mine seem larger lately - like miniature craters all over my nose. I am constantly trying scrubs or masks that promise instant results. I drink a lot of water to help combat clogging but because I wear glasses I have problem areas such as nose bridge and upper cheeks.

I am going to buy this. 

A mere £120.00.

It promises to be a fun and expensive experiment. If it works it could be a good investment. Once again - I am here to help and try before YOU buy!

I will be blogging this weekend after attending this with Annie. Over and out.

Love Bambi.

Nail Joy

I have had a terrible time with my nails in the past. They peel, they chip, I pick at them and then paint to ignore all the flaws.

However - over the last few weeks since I have been taking these supplements from Sainsbury's that were dirt cheap - they have grown and they are strong! I don't know what the deal is as I have always taken multi vitamins but these are really helping. I can't think what else I have done. I have painted them pillar box red to celebrate.

Grow my beauties grow!
Photo taken a couple days after paint job - not the best but I was rushing to get
them painted before one chipped!

Free from Gluten and lactose.

Interview with Dawn

Photo taken by yours truly on Dawn's wedding day.
Holding Merce her baby girl.
Makeup courtesy of M.A.C artist from Sabadelle, Spain.

One of my oldest and dearest friends Miss Dawn was asked ages ago to complete an interview I had made up for her. She finally got around to it last week which was unexpected because she is extremely busy running a business, raising a daughter and just being her which is exhausting in itself. Dawn doesn't do things in half measures and for that I am always in awe of her. She somehow keeps it all together (even if there might be a few hiccups along the way).

Nonetheless I was curious if she has any time for beauty. It would seem not so much. You're still glam Dawny!

When you were pregnant what changes did you notice in your skin the most? How did you combat if at all?

I didn't really notice any skin changes or none that I can remember. I didn't even get stretch marks!

Since you live in Spain, do you use a particular sun care lotion and which one do you like the best?

I like Clinique. They have a product with UV protection with a tint that gives my skin a lovely glow.

Now that you're a very busy mom do you have time for a routine?

Well I try and find the energy to wash my make-up off at the end of the night, when I wear it that is. My makeup bag seems to have become my daughter's favourite play toy and every time I go to use anything it seems to be missing a vital piece. When we have a bath together I have time to shave my legs and put on a moisture mask.

What's changed the most over the last few months - is there anything about your looks you wish you could change?

Lack of time for beauty!

Are there any products that you can't live without?

Face moisteriser.

Your hair is famous (Dawn has the most amazing curly hair). What hair care products do you use and what do you find works the best for your hair type?

Nothing. I have learned to live with consistant frizz!

Vaseline Limited Edition - Crème Brûlée



 Lovers of Vaseline: get excited! Your favourite little round pot just got better! Get it while it's hot - they're going fast.

The limited edition Crème Brûlée Vaseline is available in Selfridges Oxford Street and Manchester Exchange Square 27th Oct - 2nd November and nationwide from 3rd November.

£2.99.

Pixi Flawless & Poreless Beauty Primer

Yes! Yes! Yes! Finally a primer that I can actually see results with! The MAC one I bought awhile ago with factor 50 smells a little too much like sun protector so will use that up in Spain over next couple weeks. It's like I have that fresh faced glow, pores are minimised. Trust me, I wasn't glowing this morning when I woke up. I actually had a guy at work look at me this morning and say "you look well Sarah." I wasn't wearing any make-up - it's the primer I tell you! Thank you Pixi!

Smooths fine lines, pores instantly disappear

Creates a seamless and silky canvas

Skin texture improves for a velvet no-shine finish

£20.50

ABOUT ME: Added willow bark extract for natural shine control, salicylic acid to unblock pores long-term and skin-smoothing silica for flawless makeup application on top

This lightweight formulation also provides around-the-clock moisture and continuous hydration

This is such a light weight primer – when I wear it I feel like my skin is naked

Yet the formulation is most effective at keeping lines to a minimum, pores become invisible and no need for powder to absorb excess shine

Also works great to apply this on top of makeup during the day to even-out skin and refresh my makeup
Some days this is all you need, no foundation needed on top!

Translucent

Fekkai Advanced Silky Straight Iron-less Serum

Ok - I am sorry I haven't been posting much if anyone really cares. I have been on holiday but also feeling lack lustre for blogging. However I was inspired this morning! I don't have loads of dosh at the moment but I thought this would be an investment. For £20 it was an excellent purchase and I highly recommend to those girls or guys that need some help with frizz. I applied over top of a leave in conditioner and blow dried straight just using a big round brush. No need for straighteners afterwards -silky smooth I tell you!

It claims it will fight humidity on my behalf and I think I believe them! It has to for £20 right?

Silky straight ironless serum by Fekkai Advanced. Featuring a lightweight formula, the serum contains concentrated smoothing agents to control frizz, while fighting humidity for sleek shiny hair.

Makeup Party

We celebrated Annie's birthday a few weeks ago and had a girls get together in Stoke Newington at an amazing house partner in crime Emma was taking care of. I thought, as some of my favourite ladies would be there, I couldn't go empty handed. Of course I brought wine and crisps (obvs!), but I had  products (lipsticks, nail varnish, tanning lotion, scrubs, foundations, blushers) that I had double of or didn't work for me after trials and tribulations.

It's so funny when you plonk free makeup in front of girls they kind of go a little mental. There was an initial few seconds of silence as they observed and as soon as I gave the go ahead it was like vultures had descended. Everyone left with a new product and they seemed happier people. I felt I had really done something useful - either by saving them money or making them happier just by trying a new lipstick or blusher which we all approved worked for their skin tone.

I think I might throw a makeup party! Everyone bring what they don't use as long as it's relatively new and clean. It's basically an opportunity to sit around, gossip, drink, eat and do each others nails. Would you come?

Freckles




I have read in numerous magazines/blogs that freckles are the way forward for Fall 2011. I have hated mine since I was a kid. I would give anything to wash them off! But sure enough each year, as soon as a little sunshine hits my face, they multiply and make their appearance. My face doesn't really tan - it just freckles.

However when you look at these lovely ladies you can see the appeal.

If you'd like fake freckles here is the best way forward:

To enhance your own freckles, or cheat a few in, brow pencils work amazingly well. Remember to be very subtle. Apply tiny dots randomly and then pad with your fingers—you’re looking for a light sprinkling across the bridge of the nose. If you keep the tones natural with all the elements of this look together, it will work for every skin tone.

Product: Use a Mac Lip Pencil in Cork or Stone to dot on that "at the beach" look.

How To Care For Your Tattoo

This is my one and only tattoo. Never again. Sometimes it creeps me out crawling up my leg like that.

I remembered the other day that Linsey was coming back to London in a few days to have her first session with Mr. X a well known artist here in the UK. Before you get your tattoo make sure you're up to speed on aftercare: 


Tattoos are given by applying needles to the skin, puncturing it with ink that seeps deep into the dermis, past the first level of skin. This allows the ink to stay on the skin, and is a permanent process. When you first get a tattoo, the skin is extremely sensitive and needs special care, until the "scars" heals. Before receiving a tattoo, make sure you arrive at the tattoo shop free of alcohol, as this can thin the blood and prevent the tattoo from staying on your skin.

Once the tattoo is completed, there are specific steps that need to be taken to ensure it heals properly and there are no faded or incomplete marks or lines.

 
The artist will probably apply a medical bandage directly to it using professional medical tape. DO NOT remove the bandage immediately. It is applied to help stop any bleeding that occurs immediately after getting the tattoo. Leave the bandage on for at least a few hours. When you remove the bandage, be sure to do so with care, and then wash the tattoo very gently with a mild soap to remove any excess blood. Pat the tattoo very gently (make sure you do not rub it) to dry.
 

The skin where the tattoo has been applied will be extremely dry, so you will want to apply a cream to it a minimum of two to three times per day, maybe more depending on the dryness. Within a day or two, you will notice that the tattoo will begin to scab over. Be sure not to itch, scratch, or pick at the tattoo because this can cause damage. Let the scabs fall off naturally. Additionally, you'll want to avoid staying out in the sun for any period of time or swimming in a pool, as both sunlight and chlorine can cause serious damage to an unhealed tattoo.
 

Within about a week or so, your tattoo should be completely healed and ready to show off. However, over the years tattoos can fade without proper care. The biggest reason for tattoo fading is sunlight. It is highly advised that you pay special attention to any areas where you get a tattoo if you plan on being in the sun for any length of time. Always apply a sunscreen, preferably with an SPF of 30 or higher to anywhere you have gotten a tattoo. With proper treatment and care, you'll have a tattoo you can enjoy for years and years to come.

Final note: Think carefully - this is for life. It's extremely painful and expensive to remove!

Ubertan Update

Please, please heed the warnings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/14344727

L'Oreal

L'Oreal really are quite naughty and have managed to cause controversy once again. They have falsely advertised for years. Nothing made me laugh more than those adverts with Penelope Cruz who had eyelashes that extended for miles and miles ("lashes that reach for the stars" in fact) - so obvs fake!

In the news today they're being condemned for "touching up" their models which is misleading. Yes - I agree it's total BS but really not surprised. This is a company that really doesn't have morals (animal testers). They are hugely successful and it's all about the all mighty dollar rather than ethics. But people keep buying into their products. Are we that easy to fool?

Things related to L'Oreal if you feel like boycotting

- Sad to say The Body Shop (however they don't falsely advertise and they still stand by no animal testing). They were bought by L'Oreal on 17 March 2006 for £652m. I guess it was a deal that Dame Anita Roddick couldn't refuse.

- Nestle foods

- Sanofi-Aventis, the world's number 3 and Europe's number 1 pharmaceutical company.

Ubertan Nasal Spray

 

 

Revolutionary

New Tanning System

Ubertan is a revolutionary new nasal self tanning spray product that stimulates an increase in natural melanin production. Melanin is the body's sunscreen, a brown pigment which causes skin to darken providing a healthy and natural full body tan.
Ubertan can be used as a sunless tanning treatment or as an addition to your regular tanning sessions to boost and deepen your existing tan!
Results are even greater with some UV exposure. Increased melanin causes skin to darken instead of burning (red) when exposed to UV rays.

What is Ubertan?

Ubertan is a formula containing a natural blend of Melanin producing Amino and Fatty Acids which is administered daily until the desired colour is reached (typically 7 - 10 days) using the easy to administer nasal spray applicator. Maintaining your new colour is achieved by using the product only once or twice per week ongoing.


OK - buyer beware! I can't believe the lengths people will go to for a tan. This nice lady has done a lot more research. Probably not a great idea.

Interview with Stacy



Hipster

This is an interview I have wanted to do for awhile now. You can find her here. Stacy is a beautiful woman who I've always admired for being extremely confident and sassy and she constantly pounds it into my head that I am too (bless). She loves women and I think if given half the chance she'd try and style the world. She has a knack for spotting amazing vintage clothes. If you need advice or help on styling she's your girl. We met in Vancouver and lived next door to each other for a couple of years. She lives there with her stylish hubby Brad and her two cats Flo and Tilly.

1) You've always been into home remedies - what's your best home made beauty solution?

Tea Tree Oil for pimples. Grape Seed Oil for body oil. Water - drink  AT LEAST two litres a day. A diet of orange veggies and fruit like yams, peaches, mangoes and carrots for a collagen boost. Grapefruit and avocado for a detox. The grapefruit kills the yeast and the oils from the avocado push it out of your body.

2) What scent do you use if any?

Right now I'm using amber resin. Sometimes I wear straight up cedar essential oil or a mix of patchouli, ylang ylang and rose.


3) As a natural Nordic blonde what are some hair tips for those like you?

A good shampoo and conditioner. Nordic blonde's tend to suffer from very fine hair as well. If I don't use a good shampoo or conditioner my hair is tangled beyond belief. I use the Kerastase Volumactive line. I can definitely sympathize with Sienna Miller's bad hair.


4) We share a love of  facial hair on a man - explain why?

Oh yes. I like beards. Not all beards, but certain beards. I don't like a hairy neck, an over groomed beard or an overly thick beard. Beards add definition to a round face and accent beautiful eyes. When a man has a beard I can concentrate on his eyes, after all  the eyes are the caverns to the soul. 


I do not like goatees, soul patches or those billy goat chin tufts. Brad and I have written a new song to ACDC's Back in Black - it's a little diddy called Back In Beard and is about a guy that shaves off his beard for a girl and then she dumps him.


5) What is a complete turn off?

In Men - arrogance - which is really insecurity. Waxed chests and long finger nails. I don't care if you play guitar - it's gross!


In women it would be pseudo stupidity, synthetic perfume, flip flops and ill fitting clothes.


6) What turns you on?

Men - an old fashioned guy who can cook - seafood and vegetarian whole foods. I don't cook at all, I'm the bartender. If you're cooking in your boots and showing a little chest hair all the better.


Women - authenticity, confidence and a command of power tools.


People - manners and respect for the environment.


7) Do you have a favourite product what is it and why?

I use Touche Eclat #2 because I have very very pale almost translucent skin. The joke 'around town' is you can almost see my heart - quite poetic actually. I use it under my eyes. I use Bobbi Brown Liquid Skin foundation on my red nose. It has SPF 15. I don't use foundation anywhere else. I also use Bobbi Brown lipstick whichever shade the British guy at the counter says looks good.


8) Your husband Brad is a handsome devil - what are a couple of his favourite products for men?

He is a handsome devil isn't he.


Brad's answers are: Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream used as shaving cream. A beard trimmer with attachments (ex: nose hair trimmer) and Kerastase Bain Volumactive.

Dreadlock Disaster

I couldn't believe this disaster on the way home last night. I didn't want to get too close for fear they'd attack me. Don't get me wrong - I really love well taken care of dreadlocks and am amazed by them. The sad thing is this guy will have taken years and years to grow these rat tails. Just an unkempt matted mess. An example of what not to do I thought.

Rat tails

Too long!

Now if he'd looked after them they might have looked like this which is rather dishy.