The VeilTattooChallenge #veiltattoochallenge

As some retailers start clamping down on employees covering up tattoos, I was in need to find a good camouflage makeup to hide some of visible tats. I first tried on recommendation the Estee Lauder Double Wear ( the one in the blue tube ). I however, as good as it was for staying on, my natural skin tone was too pale for even their lightest shades and so it would look either too pink or too orange/tanned and so noticeable regards to showing I was covering something up.

As this was so not acceptable, and I really didn't want to have to plasters on ( Yes, employers ask you to cover up your tattoos with plasters, no matter how small or big they are. Which totally defeats the whole camouflage/covering them up as the plasters make it so more visible and hideous. )

So searching on the web, I came across the company Veil - Cosmetic Camouflage, who was at the time doing a veil tattoo challenge. I contacted the company to ask if I could please take part as in need to find a good camouflage makeup for work, but also as a blogger I thought it would also be a great PR coverage for them too.

So a few days later, my sample pack arrived.

In the sample kit I got 8 different shades of cover up creams and the translucent finishing powder.

As a beauty professional, I already knew how to apply the products. Although I found it easier to use the white than the green first on my tattoo. There is a video on how to apply the products if you are not sure how to apply the products to get the perfect camouflage.
The way I did, which is the same in the video ( except I used white, they used green as the base ).

1. First make sure the skin is clean and dry.

2. Apply the base colour - depending on the colour tattoo you may use either white or green or both.
This is done with a patting motion with either a sponge or finger. I used a small concealer brush.

3. Once you apply a layer of the base colour, dust the area with the translucent finishing powder using patting motion again. If you have a powder brush or puff would be good.

4. I than applied the final colour - which for myself was suede. Again using a patting motion apply to over the base colour and start to merge with skin around the tattoo. Once you have it camouflaged dust with the finishing powder.

As you can see, the final result is amazing.

I have attached the video on how they applied the product. Practise makes perfect, so if you don't first get the results you want, try again, maybe use another colour or less product. The key is using very little, that way you get a very natural finish and look ( and not cakey ).

There are two kits you can buy - a light to medium kit or medium to dark kit, containing all you need to camouflage your tattoo for just a special price at the moment of £28 ( RRP is £34.97 )
www.veilcovercream.com

Biotherms New Serum - Blue Therapy

You may remember me writing a blog over a year ago on a product by Biotherm, Skin Energetic. Biotherm has once again launch another fabulous serum - Blue Therapy.

If you are not aware of the brand, Biotherm are an advanced skincare brand in marine aquatics. Founded in 1952, they have been pioneering skincare inspired by the powers of the earths living waters to create skincare solutions that work in affinity with your skin. Experts in biotechnology, they infuse efficient aquatic extracts in fresh, pleasurable textures to make skin more healthier, stronger and radiant.

Blue Therapy is a serum that  definitely shows how marine aquatics work in harmony with your skin. Infusing 3 powerful aquatic ingredients;
L. Ochroleuca, a golden algae from the Celtic Ocean ( Restructuring and Firming )
A. Flos Aquae, a blue algae from Klamath Lake U.S.A ( Regenerating )
Thermal Plankton from the Hot Springs in France ( Regenerating and Soothing )
They work in perfect synergy to smooth the appearance of wrinkles, reduce dark spots and restore the firmness of the skin.

Clinical results have shown results in 4 weeks, and that the serum could repair up to 8 years worth of accumulated visible damage, from the environment, stress or UV.  This is called "the mask of damage" to which 80% of ageing is accounted for and can be repaired. Only 20% of ageing is inevitable and caused by genes.

The Blue Therapy serum has a opalescence like look, with the golden algae showing though the white concentrated elixir. The smell is also Divine, and I find it rather addictive ( can't stop smelling it ). The smell is the natural aquatic, floral scent, " a life scent".

When I first used this I could feel the firming affect the serum has straight away on my jaw line and cheeks, and a little on the fore head. It almost felt as if I was having a facelift, which was pleasant. I have now used this every day and night for 2 weeks, and so the firming action has faded ( this is mostly properly because I had a little lack of firmness in those areas which have now been corrected ).
I also had what I thought was hormonal spots on my neck/jawline for months and couldn't seem to get rid, but now have totally disappeared! Although I have just hit my 30's, and to be honest, I have been very lucky ( plus been using ageing products for years ) have had hardly any lines to correct. However, were I had lost some firmness on my forehead as I mentioned early, I have noticed my skin is tighter and therefore the line that there from the sagging has gone. My skin tone has actually improved alot too.
I would recommend this to anyone who is a sun worshipper, or sunbedholic, anyone with a lack of firmness, anyone who suffers from dark spots or pigmentation. I would also say this be a great base for those with any of the above and first signs of ageing.

The serum is available in 2 sizes - 30ml @ £38 and 50ml @ £52
A day cream with an SPF15 ( a UVB filter) and a PPD 10 in the normal/combi PPD13 in dry (a  UVA filter ) is also available from £45
Biotherm are in selective Boots Stores around the UK.

For more info on Biotherm and their product range, Including Men's visit:

http://www.biotherm.co.uk

Brevity Beauty - A quick yet effective cleansing system.

So who are Brevity Beauty?  It was only a couple of weeks ago I had heard of them, and via twitter!
They had contacted regards to trying out their 3 step cleansing system, and as I love trying new products especially beauty products, you can imagine I jumped at the chance in doing so.

I am not sure when the company was founded by Sue Jones but the background into the products and name of the company is a wonderful story - with Japanese connections and Shakespare ( Brevity Beauty - History and Philosophy
The Shakespare part is the the word Brevity, derived from Polonius’ speech in Hamlet where he stated “Brevity is the soul of wit” . Brevity Beauty's ethos is “Brevity is the soul of beauty”. Brevity means brief, quick and certianly their regime is breif and quick. Which for some of us with busy lifestyles will love without having to compromise on quality and effective skincare regime.

Ok, so what is in the products that makes it so effective yet quick? - Marine Collagen! combined with licorice, geranium and Hyaluronic acid which are all renowned for helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing pigmentation spots and firming the skin.

The 3 Step System:
1) The Cleansing Lotion
2) The Conditioning Bar and Lather Net ( unique and fun to use )
3)The All in One Moisturising Gel

When I received this, I was wondering what the net was for, and it this that makes their 3 step rather unique and fun to use. However, I will explain usage in a second.
The Brevity 3 Step uses a double cleansing system and a combined toner/moisturiser. The cleansing lotion removes any makeup  efficiently and effectively. Apply this to your hands and massage into the skin, than cleanse away with water. You than place the cleansing bar into the net, wet with some warm water and rub the net between your palms to create a foam. Take the bar out, and squeeze the net with one hand from top to bottom to remove the foam onto your hands and massage foam onto face ( do not use the net on the face ). Then just rinse with water and pat dry.  I found my skin beautifully squeaky clean - but not drying like soaps can be. It felt gentle but definitely effective.
Once you pat dry, apply the moisturising gel all over face and neck. The texture of the gel was lovely and my face felt moisturised afterwards.
I have placed the video of how to use the products, as it is best seen!

I have used it for 4 days now, and I haven't any problems with it. My skin has felt really clean, soft and moisturised after using the products. I also liked the fact it was quick, all 3 steps took less than 5 Min's to do, and as mother, and I work full time too, a regime like this is great.
As someone who works in the beauty industry, I know you really need a good 4 weeks to see real improvements on your skin, although some results like I have mentioned are seen instantly, for results on wrinkles, lines, tone of skin etc you would need at least 4 weeks. I would recommend using the products, as they have felt really comfortable on my skin and would continue to use to see the longer term results.
Price wise, I feel they are very reasonable, falling in the same category to other premium brands that offer similar products in terms of marine, or anti ageing.

I believe as I write this, Brevity Beauty are still offering samples out to try their skincare - if you follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

Whats on everyones lips at the moment?.....

Chubby Sticks I hear? Yes Chubby Sticks!

What are Chubby Sticks?

They are the most cutiest looking moisturing lipbalm with a hint of fabulous colour that will live in your makeup bag.

Now as you have read before when I tested out a semi permant lip colour, that I am not a person who wears colour on my lips. Even though I have been told numerous times I have a wonderful lip shape and fullness, and pale ones at that. I am very shy to show them off and so getting me to use a lip colour on a day to day base is rather difficult....... until I met the Chubby Stick!

OMG! I have totally fallen in love with these. They are not a lipstick but gently tint your lip with a gorgeous sheer colour of moisturing lip balm that contains shea and mango butter in them. The butters make the balm feel so mosituring and smooth on your lips but don't give you that feel that lipsticks can leave you with. I feel I am not really wearing anything which is one of the reasons why I love wearing them.

To suprise you even more, my fave colour and the first one I got was the Volumptros Violet. I can't however wear the Pudgy Poeny and Chucky Cherry due to my skin tones on there own but I love the fact you can mix them up with other colours to create your own personal colour.

There are 16 mouth watering shades to play around with, wear on there own or mix them up and create your own shade. I also love that they look crayons and my 4 year old loves them too.

I have as you can see the Voluptous Violet and Bountiful Blush. They Retail at £16 and while stock lasts if you buy two you get a cute little carry case to put them in available in four different colours.
Other colours are:
Oversized Orange ( which is like a coral colour - another fave )

Two Ton Tomatoes
Chucky Cherry
Mighty Mimosa
Pudgy Poeny
Richer Raisn
Fuller Fig
Curvey Candy
Whole Lotta Honey
Mega Melon
Graped-Up
Super Strewberry
Woppin Watermelon
Heaping Hazelnut

Chubby Sticks are available at all Clinique counters and online retailers.

A Yummy Mummy? I am with Mint Velvet!

As you may have read in a previous post, I had moved jobs from the beauty hall of prestigious department store to becoming a concession manager for a gorgeous fashion brand called Mint Velvet. Although having missed the beauty industry, I am now back in the beauty industry. However, I totally loved the clothes from this Fresh, New brand and would love to share my love for it.

 The brand is nearly 3 years old but has gone a long way since they started up 2009 when 3 ladies, Liz, Lisa and Jane decided to set up there own womenswear brand. With an ethos of relaxed glamour and pride in an holistic approach, Mint Velvet collections combine beautiful textures with key seasons looks that are effortlessly translated into wearable and co-ordinated pieces.

Before I joined the company, I hadn't really heard of them - only because since having my daughter and putting a bit of weight, shopping for clothes I totally lost interest in because my shaped had changed and I suppose I didn't feel confident, sexy anymore. So I hide mainly behind sport clothes like bagging jeans, t-shirts, hoddies etc. Although working in the beauty industry brought some of my confidence back, it was Mint Velvet that made me feel like a "Yummy Mummy"!

Swapping my bagging jeans for leggings, skinny jeans and dresses, I can't help but fall in love with a lot of their collections. I have a new passion for silk, which they carry across through their collections from tops, tunics to dress. They have such beautiful collections, I never seem to struggle finding anything I don't like and the collections just get better and better.

Prices are reasonable too, for a high street brand that has such luxurious textiles, designs they sit price wise with Phase 8, Next. They have boutiques which are a must to visit with there iconic Mint Velvet deco across the country and in most House of Frasers and John Lewis.
   

Top cashback site.

Check out TopCashBack.co.uk, I’ve installed their Phone App and it can save you loads of money.

My Referral Link is http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/wiccan_goddess82

GHD Product Review *

Last week I received an email from a company asking me if I would like to review a GHD product for them. Well I wasn't going to say No was I?
So with a very excited email back confirming I would, I was asked to pick a product from the list they supplied me, Either one of their brushes or one of their styling products.

I chose a styling product mainly due to the fact I am using my  hairdryer and straighteners every other day, and brushes and me don't really mix to well either.

So they product I chose was the Straight and Smooth Spray for Thick/Coarse hair, which not only meant to straight and smooth your hair, it also contains the heat protector in it. I chose the Think/Coarse over the Normal/Fine one as my hair is naturally think but i have it thinned out when i get my 6 week hair cut.

"Effortless straightening for thicker hair......

With a high concentration of active ingredients, Straight & Smooth Spray for Thick / Coarse hair makes it easy to create a straight, sleek finish in thick or rebellious hair, while protecting from heat damage. Contains the ghd Heat Protection System. Best for... Thick or coarse hair in need of smoothing; creating long-lasting straight hair without frizz or flatness. To use... Apply 4-6 sprays to damp hair before blow-drying, or on to dry hair before using your styler. Style tip... Refresh your style in-between washes by spritzing over your dry hair before using your styler. "

I received this really quickly, at the end of last week and have used it 3 times since than.  I have used other brands of straight and smooth products, but I have to say this is definitely the best one so far! It certainly delivers what it says on the package/product details of defrizzing from the hair dryer, it also seems to make the hair drying process quicker and much more controlled.

As i have naturally straight hair anyway, for once my hair was actually good enough to not use my straighteners if I wanted to have a little more volume to my style ( I have a graduated bob ), However, I do like it poker straight and not so volumised so I do straightening after blowing drying.

Again I sprayed on a little of the product for the heat protection. The results I noticed were more visible as the day went on actually - mainly because my style stayed in place, no fly aways, no static/frizz ( as sometimes my hair gets these if their humid in the air ).

I am very pleased with the product, the only thing that bothers me a little is that the spray is quite thick ( could be because it is for think/coarse hair ) which is fine for when applying on wet hair. However, I prefer more of a mist spray when using it for dry hair to straighten.

I would definitely recommend this product - as you seem to get such a more professional/ salon use look out of it than ones I have used on the high street.
 I will be definitely be buying this when I run out, however I may try the normal/fine hair one to see if this is more of mist than a heavy spray.

For more information or to buy from GHD visit www.ghdhair.com


This policy is valid from 26 March 2012


 This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations.

 This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

 The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

 This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.


To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

Elemental Herbology | Skincare Trial Kit

In my previous post, I told you I had ordered the LIB Little Beauty Box which 3 samples I choose for just £1.50.

One of the samples I choose was the Elemental Herbology skincare trial kit which consisted of 3 sachets;

COOL AND CLEAR Facial Cleanser

 This ultra gentle facial cleanser will help the skin find its equilibrium. Free of fragrance and sulphates it helps dissolve impurities and balance sebum protection to purify and resolve congested skin. Recommended for all skin types - including teenagers.

• Contains a complex blend of valuable sugar structures from Apple with a nutrient-rich Bio-dynamic Algae to help stimulate cell renewal.
• Green Tea to cool and calm the skin while boosting anti-oxidant activity.
•  
• SLS-Free cleansing agent which creates a dense and abundant foam, gentle for the skin and eyes.
• Water Lily Flower Extract to help the skin combat external aggression – in particular solar irritation.
• Xylitol Glucoside to bind moisture deep within the skins surface layers, making the skin feels soft, smooth and balanced.
• Soothing and cooling properties of Aloe Vera and Bisabolol for powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant and anti-microbial properties.
• Lavender and Tea Tree gently balances sebum.

The cleanser smelt gorgeous, had a lovely natural zesty smell. I really loved the texture of this gel and it left my skin feeling really clean and nourish without it feeling left dry ( which i find some cleanser can do to my skin ). I will certainly be looking at buying this one.

 

I followed with

 

 FACIAL GLOW Radiance peel mask   

This mask helps to gently resolve dull, flaky and congested skin while stimulating the skins metabolism to promote a glowing and radiant complexion. It helps reduce pigmentation and balance skin tone, while purifying the pores and helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles. A weekly essential for all skin types.

• Apple serum, Papaya, Orange Peel, Tangerine and Jojoba beads (micro-spherical, non-abrasive) gently shed dead skin cells to make room for new epidermal growth.
• Encapsulated Vitamin C from the Acerola Cherry originating in the West Indies which has the highest content of Vitamin C among all fruits.
• Kombuchka and diacetyl boldine triglycerides – which have illustrated a remarkable improvement in the skins texture, while visibly reducing pigmentation.
• Vitamin A, C and E, Green Tea and Pomegranate to protect against oxidative damage.
• Pearl Extract used by traditional Chinese medicine to slow down ageing by improving the skins metabolism, while promoting a healthy glow.
• Manuka Honey and Water Lily for a powerful anti-inflammatory action that soothes and calms the skin.
• Pomegranate, Argan, Macadamia and Olive Oil infuses the skin with essential fatty acids, hydrate and nourishes sensitive skin.
• Multimineral Chrono-Energiser compex composed of Zinc, Copper and Magnesium revitalises the skin by ‘waking up’ cellular metabolism.

Again this is a wonderful product! The smell was yet another gorgeous natural zesty/fruity smell and the product felt amazing on the skin.  Recommended to leave on for 4 mins you really felt the product work in a good way. I definitely notice a difference in my skin afterwards too as it seemed alot brighter and fresher. Again I would definitely go and buy this product.

I than applied

SOOTHING OIL FREE Facial Hydrator SPF 12 which is suitable for all skin types. This ultra light formulation helps balance sebum production and protects against oxidisation from the sun and pollution while its anti-ageing actives help repair sun-damaged skin and boost the complexion to impart a healthy summer glow.

• Power-house’ of anti-oxidants: Kakadu Plum, Green Tea, Acerola Fruit and Vitamin A, C and E.
• Sri Lankan Cinnamon and cocoa for a powerful astringent effect.
• Pearl Extract used by traditional Chinese medicine to slow down ageing by improving the skins metabolism, while promoting a healthy glow.
• Oak Apple and Millet stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis to firm and tone the skin.
• Gamma Oryzanol to provide a natural sun protection booster.
• Fresh Pumpkin Cells rich in anti-oxidants help to protect and nourish the skin make them ideal for after-sun treatments.
• Olive Squalane is a botanical lipid similar in molecular structure to human lipids that absorbs quickly without making the skin greasy.
• Multimineral Chrono-Energiser complex composed of zinc, Copper and Magnesium revitalises the skin by ‘waking up’ cellular metabolism.
• Mineral rich Sea Salts help detoxify and purify the body by drawing out impurities through the skin.
• Aloe Vera to cool and soothe.

The moisturiser texture is very light and readily absorbed into your skin without feeling greasy, and left it feeling nourished with a lovely glow. It was also a good base for than putting on makeup.
Again at first impressions, I would go and buy this product.

Overall I was very impressed with my samples and the products were amazing. I love skincare and even though I am always on the look for trying something new, I do have my favourites and this has got to be one of them.

For more info on Elemental Herbology and there range of products visit http://elementalherbology.com