Friday 21 October 2011

John Carne Knightsbridge1st Anniversary Drinks evening - You're invited!



Do you remember my fabulous hair makeover?

The John Carne hair boutique in Knightsbridge are now celebrating their One Year anniversary. Congratulations!

This Wednesday 26th, from 6pm they'll be holding a drinks and canapes evening - so if you are in the area, please come along! (I am definitely going to try and make it if I can.)

Ellie and Sean are so adorable and really know their art. If you get an appointment you'll get the full luxury treatment guaranteed.

How to prove your concealer is the best...



Yes Kat Von D thought of it first, but Zombie Boy's conceptual tattoo really has become his very identity. Dermablend have shot a promotional video which seems to literally erase everything. It almost looks too convincing; a makeup remover - let alone the makeup itself - that wipes off in one go like that?! But apparently it's true.

This is a great advert, it certainly makes me want to try Dermablend again. I tried the concealer years ago but don't remember what I thought. (The fact I never re-bought it seems to hint I found some fault; nevertheless, this demo makes me want to give it a second chance pronto.) Poor Rick Genest, it looks like a very uncomfortable makeover/ makeunder. He did a great job and I think his natural charisma helps any brand.

Dermablend's rather hackneyed "Go beyond the cover / How do you judge a book?" tagline doesn't really break new ground, and seeing Zombie Boy's little scrawny physique undermines his awesome image, just a tad... But, I still say this is a Great Advert.

What is the best way to prove a concealer's performance? I suppose covering a tattoo is more palatable than a graphic demo of covering up acne scars and port wine stains...? Does it convince you, or would you rather see genuine skin complaints erased?

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Illamasqua Debut Fragrance sounds interesting....



"I am bottled Midnight," promises the advert.


The bottle sits on its side and has a sweet silver snail perched on top. There are lots of octopuses in the Alex Box artwork. It's a unisex fragrance (these are usually my fave) and it's an EDP! It's £59 for 75ml. Out from 20th October in time for Halloween, it's already available to pre-order online. To celebrate the imminent launch, you could win tickets to the Masked Halloween Ball organised by The Last Tuesday Society which is now sold out! It looks so much fun, I'm jealous. You get 2 tickets, £200 spending money, and a dance lesson on the night! To enter this competition and be in with a chance of winning a place on the guestlist to the decadent party, simply visit http://www.illamasqua.com/maskedball/

But HURRY! Competition closes online at 11.59pm GMT Wednesday 19th October 2011. Winner to be drawn at random and notified on Thursday 20th October 2011. This competition is open internationally.

Link
TOP NOTES: Black Davana, Opium Flower and Belladonna bewitch the senses into uncontrollable lust and passion.

HEART NOTES: Poison Hemlock, Datura and Queen of the Night blossom, caress and kiss.

BASE NOTES: Aromas of Frankincense, Oud and Myrrh, addictively mesmerises and captures the senses.

Flitting playfully from floral to a woody balsamic, the rich and exotic opening notes of Black Davana casts a magical spell of desire across the senses. This compelling burnt orange bloom base is highly prized the world over for its ability to enhance the wearer's natural perfume. The subtle mustiness of Poison Hemlock haunts the background tone of Freak, adding alluring depths of mystery. Datura, the Moonflower, an intoxicating scent that has long been used as a heady aphrodisiac. The exquisitely rare Queen of the Night blooms fleetingly for a single night each year, and completes this daringly provocative concoction with its warm, soft floral scent touched with sweetness.

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Great new haircare finds! (For mangled highlighted hair)

I have been experiencing the novelty of smooth, shiny hair... And in addition to my treasured Schwarzkopf BC Silver shampoo and the divine smelling Seah Blossom Wrap Conditioning Lotion, I think I've found another couple of wonder products. One is a professional product and comes in neat capsules that dare I say looks appetising?!

Firstly, those capsules:



This is a new haircare range by Indola, called Innova and these are the Repair Capsules. The range pitches itself as 'Think Smart. Think Indola' and aims for the young, trendy and discerning. You get 30 capsules, 1ml each. [£10.99] I used 1 capsule on my short hair - so thick or long hair might need more than one. As soon as I put it in (damp hair) it became instantly manageable. Blow drying it straight was a breeze. I love Clynol Look At Me Centre Stage Smoothing Styling Cream for that purpose - but these capsules are a rich, intense version for me right now. Top marks. I adore them and especially enjoy twisting their little tails off to release the oil!

Next is the much-advertised L'Oreal Elvive Full Restore 5 60 Second Saviour [£4.99, 200ml.] I was skeptical, having confined myself to exclusively salon-grade ranges. But I must say, from the very first use, it works. It seems to really nourish my hair, and for the low price point, this is a solid buy for anyone. And it really does work within 60 seconds!



Now my other Indola Innova recommendations are the Non Aerosol Spray [£7.70 for 300ml] which is part of their 'Finish' range. The collection is divided and colour coded accordingly. There's 'Colour', 'Repair', 'Hydrate', 'Specialists', 'Setting', 'Texture', and 'Finish.'


I like this because it delivers a good hold without harming the environment! For some reason I feel inordinately guilty about using aerosol spray cans! And now I can heartily recommend you switch too. It still smells reassuringly like hairspray and although it squirts out the product, it dries instantly and never gave me a heavy or lacklustre result. My favourite is still the Clynol Look at Me Delicious Boosting Hairspray, but I am going to try and just use this one now!

And, from the 'Setting' range I decided to try the Thermal Protector

[£7.70 for 300ml]

I always blowdry my hair with my divine most treasured possession (the hallowed Parlux 3200) and thought it might be wise to protect my hair for once. This contains moisturising silk extracts and wheat protein, and hopefully it did help...

So finally, I might give you a quick and hazy shot of my new hair.





I just had it coloured with bleached highlights and permanent hair dye. It was actually done using a base colour from Schwarzkopf Igora, so I will be interested to see how that lasts - I'm usually used to Wella Koleston. It's darker than it was, now it's a rather ashy brown with a few cool toned blonde streaks... I'm not sure if I like it all that much as yet... But, at least it looks shiny and surprisingly smooth at all times, thanks to my latest finds.

Let me know if you try any! Or any other hair saviours....?

(For more information about Indola, visit www.indola.com or call 01296 314 000 for stockists.)

Make up Gaming

Just found this and it is so brilliant! La Roux Tigerlily soundtracks a myriad of Dior treats. I was never into video gaming but maybe that was before they came in makeup promotion versions...
Link


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsJJ3iNA0_4&feature=player_embedded


It's a stark contrast to their current J'Adore ad, which shamelessly plunders old Hollywood archive footage. (Apparently Marilyn Monroe shunned Chanel no.5 and is actually a Dior advocate now.)

Monday 3 October 2011

Kleenex Skincare: Review


I would put a gratuitous picture of Tom Hardy... No, purely for academic purposes. But instead let's just have this one. In fact, apparently Kleenex began life not as a simply functional tissue, but as a beauty product. And now they have launched eye makeup remover wipes (24 wipes, £2.99) Facial cleansing wipes (24 wipes, £2.99) Facial Cloths (30 cloths, £1.99) and Shine Absorbing Sheets (50 sheets £2.99)

I have been testing the range and actually noticed yesterday in Superdrug that these were all Half Price, making them even cheaper. The price point is great. I have really enjoyed the cloths as they are so multifunctional. They are gentle and thick - perfect for eye makeup removal, toner, or especially for nail polish removal without making any mess. I think these are an excellent addition to the Kleenex brand.

The eye makeup removal wipes are designed for Sensitive skin and were very gentle. However I found I had trouble taking off ALL my heavy eye makeup after a night out; for everyday mascara removal these are fine though. The Facial wipes were a similar story but they did remove everything eventually and my skin felt very clean after. Because these are not too moist, they never leave a film on your skin.

The Shine Absorbing sheets are deep purple colour, and I enjoy carrying them in my handbag. I need quite a few on my shiny forehead but for normal people these really do stick to your oily patches and don't seem to remove foundation, so that's a relief!

My favourite, and certainly the item that harks back to Kleenex's roots, is the Facial Cloths. These are soft and quilted and I think every household needs them! I am off to Superdrug in the hope that I can stock up pronto.

Available from Superdrug and other selected stores. See Kleenex.co.uk for stockists.

BCA Breast Cancer Awareness - Products and WEBSITE

Estee Lauder have JUST launched their new website, where you can light the whole world pink! Click here to see how it works... http://www.facebook.com/BCACampaign and “Shine A Light on Breast Cancer.”

As it is now BCA month (every October) it's that time of year when limited edition pink goodies come out. Never before has being greedy been so admirable. I have already shown you the Elizabeth Hurley 'Lavish Pink' lipstick ensemble, and mentioned the Evelyn Lauder counterpart. Now for the other treats...

Aveda Hand Relief™



DESCRIPTION: Incredibly rich moisture therapy soothes dry hands,
leaving them noticeably softer and smoother. Hydrating plant-derived
emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids as well as antioxidants,
including vitamins A and E, help diminish signs of ageing and provide
optimal relief. For the month of October the limited edition Hand Relief
is specially packaged in a 150ml tube featuring a pink ribbon design.
SIZE: 150ml
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £17.50
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
Aveda will donate £2 with the purchase of every BCA
dedicated Hand Relief purchased during October in the UK
to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
AVAILABLE AT: This limited edition Aveda Hand Relief
is available in Aveda salons, spas and stockists and online
at www.aveda.co.uk from 1st October. While stocks last.


Clinique Great Skin, Great Cause


DESCRIPTION: In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Clinique
has created New Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector
50ml with a special edition miniature picture frame key chain adorned
with a heart-shaped ribbon charm.
SIZE: 50ml
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £52
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
From every purchase of this special edition Repairwear Laser Focus
Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector sold in the UK during October,
£4 will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
AVAILABLE AT: Selfridges. While stocks last.


Clinique Great Lips, Great Cause


DESCRIPTION: To help raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness
Month, Clinique has created a limited-edition collectable key ring.
The Great Lips, Great Cause key ring features a heart-shaped ribbon
charm, Clinique “C” charm and three mini-Long Last Glosswear SPF 15
glosses in best selling Clearly Pink, Air Kiss and Cabana Crush.
It is the perfect opportunity to look good while doing good.
SIZE: 3 x 1ml
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £15
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
From every purchase of this limited edition
Great Lips, Great Cause key ring sold in the UK
during October, £2 will go to The Breast Cancer
Research Foundation®.
AVAILABLE AT: Clinique counters at Boots.
While stocks last.


DARPHIN Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum


DESCRIPTION: Following Pierre Darphin’s expertise, creator of the first
serums in 1958 in his Parisian Institute, Darphin has stayed true to its
legacy while developing new formulations processed through an approach
of a pharmacist and tested in the professional Parisian Institute. The Intral
Redness Relief Soothing Serum is Pierre Darphin’s original formulation
and is dedicated to sensitive skin prone to irritations. It has been designed
to help diminish the appearance of redness and quiet the appearance of
irritations as it softens skin.
SIZE: 30ml
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £46
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
£5 from each Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum purchased
in the UK during October will be donated to The Breast Cancer
Research Foundation®.
AVAILABLE AT: For stockists call 0870 034 2566

Donna karan cosmetics
Limited Edition Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Candle


DESCRIPTION: Like the luxurious
fabric that inspired it, Cashmere Mist
is a fragrance that evokes passion.
Women simply love it, seeking to
embrace their senses with it in every
way imaginable. Light up an evening
with the aromatic sensation of the
Cashmere Mist Candle that instantly
seduces any room. An elegant accent
to every decor, the lightly fragranced
candle comes in a classic cylindrically shaped
frosted glass, burning for
approximately 36 hours. To support
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®,
this limited edition of the Cashmere Mist
Candle will include a Pink Ribbon deco
on the carton.
HEIGHT: 5.08cm
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £29
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
Donna Karan Cosmetics will make a donation of £1
for each Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Candle purchased in the UK during
October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation*.
AVAILABLE AT: John Lewis Partnership stores and Harrods, Knightsbridge,
London. While stocks last.

ESTÉE LAUDER Perfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum
with Pink Keychain


DESCRIPTION: In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
a limited-edition pink keychain has been added to Perfectionist [CP+]
as a way to show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
This powerful wrinkle-correcting serum dramatically reduces
the appearance of lines, wrinkles and age spots.
SIZE: 50ml
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £62
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
Estée Lauder will donate £10 with the purchase of each
Perfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum with Pink Keychain
in the UK during October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
AVAILABLE AT: All Estée Lauder counters. While stocks last.


ESTÉE LAUDER Ribbon Pin


DESCRIPTION: This twinkling pin is a simple, elegant way to show your support
of Breast Cancer Awareness. Covered in deep pink crystals with a jewellery pin
backing closure, the pin is packaged in a newly designed Pink Ribbon carton.
We know that breast cancer doesn’t just affect women.
That’s why this year, a blue stone has been added to our
pin to represent the approximately 1% of all people
who are diagnosed with this disease that are men,
and the countless men who are impacted through the
diagnosis of a loved one.
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £10
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
Estée Lauder will donate all of the recommended retail
price of all pins purchased in the UK during October,
less VAT, to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
AVAILABLE AT: Selected Estée Lauder counters. While stocks last.


JO MALONE Red Roses Body & Hand Wash


DESCRIPTION: Blended from seven different types of roses
from around the world, Red Roses is a clean voluptuous
scent with a heart of crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon.
Enjoy it as it unfolds like a bouquet of freshly cut flowers.
SIZE: 250ml
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £30
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
Jo Malone will donate £5 with every purchase of
Red Roses Body and Hand Wash purchased in the
UK during October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
AVAILABLE AT: All Jo Malone UK boutiques and concessions,
jomalone.co.uk and Jo Malone Express Mail Order.
While stocks last.

ORIGINS Make A Difference™

Skin rejuvenating treatment
DESCRIPTION: Designed for all skin types, this uniquely
textured cream-gel moisturizer helps restore and rejuvenate
the appearance of damaged and dehydrated skin.
Make A Difference™ contains a clinically proven plant
complex including Rose of Jericho, Trehalose and
Padina Pavonica, which prepares your skin for maximum
repair and helps it rebound from dramatic dehydration.
Micrococcus Lysate, a resourceful, light-resistant oceanic
flora, helps repair an ageing appearance due to UV and
environmental exposure. Skin can resume a youthfully
smooth look and feel as hydration returns to its optimal level.
SIZE: 30ml
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: £21
AMOUNT OF DONATION:
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
during October, Origins will donate £3 from every
UK purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.
AVAILABLE AT: All Origins counters. While stocks last.

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