Spring Beauty 2013

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

The bulbs are pushing up, we’ve had one or two days that could be classified as “spring-like” and the new season’s beauty offerings are wending their way onto the counters as fast as you can break your chocolate prohibition in Lent.

This spring there seem to be two key trends; nude faces and nails with a pop of shocking pink lipstick and nude everything but strong eyes, either in pink or blue (reminds me of the 70’s).  Here are some of my spring 2013 favourites:

Revlon Baby Sticks

Cheeks pop with these brand new Baby Sticks in a choice of three colours.  You’ll be seeing a lot of these colours in spring summer 2013.

Price:  £6.99

Stockist: superdrug.com

Top Shop Air Kisses Nail Polish

Spring colours are punchy this year and this new colour collection from Top Shop will see you through to summer.  Try Air Kisses, it will set off your pastels a treat.

Price:  £5.00

Stockist: topshop.com

Clarins Limited Edition Face & Blush Powder

Isn’t this sensational?  Isn’t this just what your spring make up bag is calling out for?  Suitable for all skin tones this is a trio of fresh, complexion boosting shades to give skin a beautiful, even tone.  It says it also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and imperfections leaving skin looking even and radiant and it’s pretty…

Price:                          £30.00

Stockist:             clarins.co.uk

 

Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick

This is another expensive lipstick, but here’s why you are buying it.  It’s got great pigment so doesn’t “weaken” as a colour on your lips, it had volumising oil to plump and smooth and it helps reduce vertical lines on lips.  Cheaper lipsticks are unlikely to do all that and the colour is spot on for spring.

Price:                          £23.00

Stockist:            houseoffraser.co.uk

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm

I know, it’s just not done putting two Clarins products on the same page.  I fought with myself over this but they are just both too good (no, I’m not on commission, no relative works there).  These are just fabulous, with a transparent plastic outer and neon colours popping away, these lip balms are the future.

Price:                        £18.00

Stockist:                   clarins.co.uk

 Organic Glam Eyeshadow Palette

I will do a whole feature on organic beauty soon as there are some brilliant brands coming through.  Organic Glam not only make one of my favourite fragrances (Oud) but their new colour cosmetic range is bang on trend.  Lilacs, plums and purples are all in the mix with the hot pinks so if you love organic, check this new range out.

Price:                        £30.95

Stockist:            theorganicpharmacy.com

Rimmel Glameyes Mono Eye Shadow

This shade is spot on for spring and isn’t nearly as fierce when you put it on as you might think.  Go with nude lips and skin with this colour popping against dark lashes – very glam!

Price:                        £4.49

Stockist:            rimmellondon.co.uk

Laser Lipo Results

To be honest, it does seem strange having Laser Lipo in December, when everyone else is in party mode.  However, I’m trying a treatment that claims to do what surgery does without the surgery.

So, I'm down to my underwear with my hands behind my head whilst the lovely Teresa takes the before photo.    She kindly didn't include my head so when I look at the photo I can be quite clinical about the extent of the challenge, which seems to be bigger than I thought, but Teresa is absolutely undaunted.  She is one of the most enthusiastic therapists I've had and is absolutely committed to getting results. 

The machine is very mild.  You don't feel a thing.  I lie down on the couch and a plastic paddle is strapped to my stomach with an elastic belt and two little attachments are placed at the top of my legs (lymphatic drainage).  You then stay there and the machine does the work for around 30 minutes.  Theresa then pops me on a vibration therapy machine, which wobbles me at incredibly fast speeds with tiny movements.  It really brings the blood to the surface of the skin and Teresa is adamant that for best results you need to follow up the session with some work on a cross trainer or treadmill to get the metabolism going.

It’s odd; I lie here and the work is done but according to Teresa there are around 500 fat calories floating around my system that now need burning off.  The vibration training is fantastic, I know it is.  I know that for osteoporosis and other bone conditions this is a brilliant treatment and I know it works.  However, to be really frank when I’m on the machine I feel a bit sick.  But let’s do the maths – a few minutes feeling not great versus bone strengthening and fat loss?  It’s a no brainer.  The answer is to nut up and do it as not everyone feels this way and the benefits outweigh me being pathetic for a few minutes.  I daren’t even think what I look like in underwear, shoes and vibrating - it’s not a look I aspire to.

It’s true that the best results are gained from a course of 10 and you have to do 2-3 each week to get results.  You also have to lay off alcohol, reduce your carbs and eat sensibly for best results.  I've heard many times people say "but if you do the exercise and diet surely the weight will come off anyway?"  However, what we are talking about is spot reduction, which is very difficult to achieve. 

I stick - more or less - to the programme and there's definitely a difference.  I haven’t done a full course because of time pressures in December but I can see how this really works.  The contour around my stomach & the definition is clearly noticeable.  Teresa says "The clients who do the programme, watch what they eat & drink and exercise after each session always get great results.  Pretty much anyone who doesn’t get a result isn't sticking to the programme.”  If you’re investing in this, do the work.

If you've got specific bikini body issues then I'd absolutely recommend this.  It's a treatment that works with a therapist who really cares – what more do you need?  Go visit the website and you’ll be a believer too, just don’t look for my photos!

www.laserlipo-beauty.co.uk  

Cottesmore Golf & Country Club, Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, Crawley, RH11 9AT

Laser Lipo - The Start of the Course

Which of us doesn't look at our body and find faults?  Too fat, love handles, jelly belly, thunder thighs, back fat, bingo wings....I've probably got all of these and more.

However, I've now lost a stone and with a stone and a half to go, I'm utterly bored by the whole process.  2012 was meant to be the year I lost all the weight I wanted to and 2013 is meant to be about the actual shape and condition of my body - firmer, more defined - you know the drill.

So, not having quite achieved the target set in 2012, I've moved onto 2013's target as it might give me the impetus to lose the remaining fat.

December is a tough time to start a body reshaping programme but in past years I've used this month as an excuse to start indulging in treats as early as possible before the party really starts.  Not this year.  If I'm to print reviews of treatments in January, they need to be completed before Christmas.  So here I am, starting my first Laser Lipo treatment with the lovely Teresa at www.laserlipo-beauty.co.uk

Not me, my stomach is so bad I can't bring myself to put it up here, but it gives you an idea.  On the left, before, on the right, after a course of 8 treatments (4 weeks)

Laser Lipo claims to be able to sculpt arms, backs, thighs, bottoms and stomachs without surgery but there is a downside, you have to put in some work.  You have to do fat burning exercise and the more you do the better the results.  You also have to be pretty sensible on the diet front, but it's not completely restricted, just very sensible.  Not much really after 6pm and no carbs after 5pm.  I'm unconvinced on the science of the no carbs thing, but I'll go with it for now.  What I do know is that eating late is bad for you.

So, after the humiliating photos in pants and bra (so awful I can't tell you) I'm on the couch, a belt is strapped around me, two pads placed on the problem areas and two much smaller ones on my groin (to help drainage into the lymph glands) and each area is blasted for 10 minutes.  So gentle is this treatment that I don't even know it's happening.  After 40 minutes (4 different areas), I'm taken off the machine and popped onto a PowerPlate for 10 minutes.  I'm now in bra, knickers and trainers...vibrating...a lot.  My husband and best friend laugh until they're nearly sick at the image when I tell them.  The PowerPlate is actually pretty unpleasant at first, but a walk in the park compared to surgery, so I keep this thought in my head.  At the end, I'm red all over from the circulation boost and Teresa tells me that my metabolism should be revved up but I need to get back and do some interval training for 30 mins.  She may have said more than 30 minutes, but 30 mins is the blast I'm giving it.

So, currently, I've lost 4 cm's off the stomach/hip area, but what it has told me is that I've got complacent with my exercise.  I need to seriously ramp it up for 2013 in terms of intensity - oh good...

The science behind Laser Lipo is quite good and there are no side effects, no potential of being burnt as you can with lasers during IPL (hair removal with lasers).

Here's the bumpf from the Laser Lipo website:

"Cell Breakdown
The breaking down of the fat cells starts when the laser penetrates the skin and makes contact with the fat cells. Pores form on the cells causing them to 'sweat'. The water, Glycerol and free fatty acids emerge from the cells and then occupy the space beneath the fatty layer in the skin.

"Lymphatic Drainage
The fat cells reduce in size and the lymphatic system then removes the fatty liquids through the venous system, where they are processed in the same way as fatty foods that are digested. Not only is the procedure quick, safe and pain-free, it is also healthy.

"After Care
After Care advice encourages clients to follow a sensible health and exercise routine. The Laser Lipo procedure does not harm the body in any way and will still maintain its ability to store fat in the areas where the work has been carried out. This is an important health factor as it prevents the fat being stored in different parts such as around the heart or other vital organs. If clients eat sensibly and regularly, combined with exercise, the body shape will retain the effects of the Laser Lipo treatment."

Treatment number 2 on Saturday - I'll let you know how I get on.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

It’s time.  Christmas lights are in the shops, I’m a Celebrity is back on TV and the family debates about who’s going where for Christmas lunch are in full swing, so dig deep and make a start.  This week, here are my favourite presents for Christmas.  Next week gifts under a tenner – enjoy.

FOR NANA

Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Collection of 9 Bath & Shower Oil blends, is a real treat that will last for months.  Expensive, but club together and she will love it!

Price:                                    £50.00 

Stockist:                        www.aromatherapyassociates.com

L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream is a best seller and not just for Nana’s.  This set contains three 30ml tubes, each just a joy.

Price:                                    £20.00

Stockist:                        www.loccitane.co.uk

FOR MUM

Anything from Jo Malone will ensure you are let off the washing up, but try this beautiful Fragrance Layering Collection - bath and body heaven.

Price:                                    £38.00

Stockist:                        www.jomalone.com

Caudalie’s Premier Cru Ultimate Anti Ageing Gift set is luxurious enough not to say, “we can see your wrinkles”, but rather “we love you enough to give you these beautiful, clever products”.  Created using the Polyphenols from wine production, this is fantastic skincare at a great price.

Price:                                    £49.00

Stockist                        SpaceNK or uk.caudalie.com

FOR SISTER 18+

This is an absolute no brainer.  Purchase any Jimmy Choo 60ml Eau de Toilette fragrance and get this beautiful Jimmy Choo shoebox as a free gift with purchase.

Price:                                    £44.00

Stockist:                        Nationwide, subject to availability

FOR TEENAGE SISTER

Kim Kardashian Miniature Kollection has just hit the shops.  It includes 4 of their best selling fragrances in miniature making them perfect for handbags.  

Price:                            £19.99

Stockist:                        Debenhams

FOR GRANDAD

Molton Brown’s Lyra Gift Set will set Grandad up a treat.  Over excited kids, chefs on edge and having to play with new fangled toys – all of this will fade into the distance as this three-step deep-sea regime washes, soaks and soothes his skin.
Price:                            £49.00

Stockist:                        www.moltonbrown.co.uk

FOR DAD

Not many dads retain their hair after seeing the bills for Christmas, so help him save money with this fantastic grooming tool to maintain a short haircut at home.  Easy Cut has unique rotary blade technology and a surround comb guide making it foolproof to use with a perfect even finish.
 Price:                                    £40.00 

Stockist:                        08705 133191

FOR BROTHER 18+

Cowshed’s Bullocks for Men Duo Gift Set features a Bullocks Bracing Body Wash and a Bullocks Soothing Moisturiser.

Price:                                    £28

Stockist:                        www.cowshedonline.com

FOR TEENAGE BROTHER

Bulldog for your Mug is the perfect gift set for a teenager.  Natural ingredients to help keep skin in tip top shape and a mug in which they can bring you tea (you can but hope!)

Price:                                    £8.00

Stockist:                        www.Boots.com

BARGAIN BEAUTY

BARGAIN BEAUTY  

The billion pound beauty industry wants us to buy the latest, most exciting, most marketed products they have.  However, canny girls have been finding beauty bargains for years and these days there are more to be had than ever.  If you’ve more beauty demands than dollars, here’s where to look to maximise your hard earned cash with genuine product that’s just calling to you from the stores.

SAVERS

Location:  Bognor Regis, Crawley, Horsham, Worthing

Online:  www.savers.co.uk

Savers specialise in mass market branded goods such as Olay, Radox and Eylure, but if these are your beauty wardrobe staples then rush to Savers as you can save a fortune.  They have amazingly priced beauty box sets for Christmas too.

Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-Pod is a 3-in-1 anti ageing eye product.  A little squeeze resurfaces skin's appearance, fills in lines and wrinkles and reduces puffiness.

Size: 12 ml

RRP:£ 29.99

Savers Price:  £5.99

BRAND ALLEY

Online:  www.brandalley.co.uk

Online portal with very genuine stock. However, they don’t buy it until after the sale, which means you can place your order and then be disappointed, but that’s the risk you take to get a bargain.  Brands include Tweezerman, with up to 50% off RRP.

SECRET SALES

Online:  www.secretsales.co.uk

Online store, similar to Brand Alley hosting fashion and beauty bargains.   At the time of writing, Bellapierre Mineral Make Up is up to 60% off but just keep a check on the site, big brand names unload here regularly so there are bargains to be had.

Size:

RRP:£ £12.99

Secret Sale Price:  £6.00

        

POUNDLAND

Location: Crawley, Horsham

Online:  www.poundland.co.uk

Poundland negotiate hard with their suppliers, but the benefits are all yours.  Look online to find their current beauty bargains including Schwarzkof, Alberto Balsam and Johnson & Johnson all at just £1.

Johnson & Johnson Baby Moisturising Bath

Size:  200ML

Poundland Price:  £1.00

                                

TK MAXX

Location:  Horsham, Worthing

Online:  www.tkmaxx.com

Brand driven, TK Maxx only buys quality products and gets a great price for their consumer.  The beauty buyers are driven by quality and this store consistently delivers.  However, once it’s gone it’s gone.  Current bargains include Chanel Cristalle EDT Fragrance.  One of my favourite Chanel fragrances, Cristalle is fresh with citrus and floral tones making it the perfect everyday fragrance.

Size:  100ML

RRP:  £64.99

TK Maxx Price:  £49.99

           

WAHANDA

Online: www.wahanda.co.uk

If you’re after a spa day treat, here’s where I’d start.  You need to choose the “50% off spa days” tab and none of the West Sussex spas are currently offering deals, but there are other spas not too far away that would make a great girlie day out, so dive in.

West Sussex Spas:  Alexander House, Ockendon Manor, Park House Hotel

TRAVELZOO

Online:  www.Travelzoo.co.uk

Mainly a travel site, I found my spa bargain of the year here.  I got an overnight stay in a beautiful 5 star spa, supper, breakfast and a treatment for two for just £59.00 in January this year– bargain of 2012!

Night Workers

NIGHT WORKERS

Wouldn’t it be great to have someone work on your beauty problems overnight to create a perfect canvas for the morning?  I’ve chosen some of the most innovative products on the market that work on specific tasks rather than simple night creams. 

Bare Minerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment

This dust-on powder works at night to visibly reduce pores, increase firmness and improve skin elasticity.  Interestingly, there are four shades to choose from so it’s a great excuse for “make up” in bed and it’s packed with vitamins to condition skin and Emblica Fruit to brighten your complexion.

Price £45.00

Stockist:  www.bareescentuals.co.uk

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

We all know that skin works hardest to repair itself at night, so it makes sense to put the most powerful repairing ingredients on your skin before sleep.  This award-winning product works to repair the damage from pollution and lifestyle with proven Hyaluronic Acid, which is one of the best ways to attract and retain moisture in the skin.  Many, many people swear by it.

Price £45.00 for 50 ml

Stockist:  www.esteelauder.co.uk

Renewal Lash Serum by L’Oreal

Lash serums are the perfect night worker.  Apply to the lash line at night, sleep and within a few weeks you have longer, thicker lashes – absolute bliss.

Price:  £10.99

Stockist:  www.loreal.co.uk

Redken Argan-6 Hair Oil

Argan oil has been one of the big beauty success stories and this delicious hair oil contains omega-6 enriched oil that provides deep conditioning and lasting suppleness to intensely nourish dry, brittle hair. Apply to slightly damp hair to intensely soften hair overnight, safe in the knowledge that this oil is designed not to come off on your pillow.  In the morning, simply wash hair for super shine all day.

Price:  £24.95

Stockist:  www.redken.co.uk

Jasmin Martin Makeover

Jasmin Martin, 20, has just been promoted to a new role at the West Sussex County Times.  Jasmin felt it was time for a makeover of her style and said, “I’m thrilled that I’ve been promoted to Reporter, but it’s meant a whole re-think of how I look.  My job now means instead of being behind a desk all day, I can be called away at a moment’s notice to report on local news.  One minute I’m in a muddy field, the next at an awards event so I felt I needed a makeover of my style to fit in with the demands of my new job.”

Jasmin’s regular style is smart/casual and she said “I like looking smart, but not too over the top.  Usually, I shop in New Look, H&M or Primark but I wanted to try different styles to see what worked.  My hair, frankly, needs smartening up and usually I wear very little make up.”

We sent Jasmin off to see Huw and the You by RUSH Horsham team to get some TLC for her hair.  Her stylist, Marcos Garcia, discovered that Jasmin wanted to maintain many elements of her current style, but also wanted to make the fringe more of a focal point.  Marcos proposed that keeping the length, but creating more shape around the face, to be softer and more stylish. 
 Jasmin’s hair was washed and given a Kerastase treatment specifically for her hair type to give strength, shine and conditioning.

Marcos said “Jasmin had a very definite idea in her head as to what cut and style she wanted which made my job much easier.  Through listening to her ideas and then combining them with my own we managed to agree on a haircut which not only kept all the length which Jasmin had asked for, but also created a much more fashionable style with the stronger fringe and looser curls.”

Jasmin’s verdict?  “Marcos was really friendly and I felt like I’d known him for ages.  He genuinely listened to what I said and has given me a fantastic cut that I can do loads with.”

We brought Jasmin into the studio after her cut and set about her make up with Karen Loraine of the Make Up Box Studio.

Karen chose to blend purple shadows with soft highlights on Jasmin’s eyes, adding soft pink lips, concealer and an airbrushed foundation and blusher.  She used a silicone primer before applying foundation in order to diminish the appearance of fine lines and a rose blush, to bring out Jasmin’s great skin.  Karen’s assistant Claire Cook applied Jasmin’s lipstick to finish the look.

Jasmin said, “I loved the make up that Karin Loraine did on me.  I usually wouldn’t spend that long on my make up and I wouldn’t try purple lipstick but her skills are fantastic and the result was brilliant.”

Jasmin was styled in a glamorous cocktail top from Georgedé, the Paris-based fashion house, with a flattering cut and trimmed with French lace and tiny sequins.  The lovely green and pink colours set off Jasmin’s beautiful skin a treat.

JASMIN’S VERDICT

“I loved every minute of the makeover!  Trying new make up and a new fashion style were brilliant and pushed me outside of my usual choices and I think the results were great.  Thank you so much to everyone for their help, it was a wonderful experience!”

  

WITH THANKS TO

You by Rush Horsham www.rush.co.uk 01403 887 713

The Make Up Box Studio www.themakeupboxstudio.com 07810 848208

Georgedé www.georgede.com