Review: Amargon Hair Therapy Products

After having an awful time with my scalp from using Pantene, I contacted Amargan directly to see if they would kindly send me some samples to test and review as seen their advert in the Salon Mag which I get, stating that their products contain no Sulphates and Parabans and can soothe the scalp (alleviates itchy, dry scalp ).

After describing my condition, and them telling me all about Amargon Hair Therapy, they decided to send me a full size cleanser and some hair oil. I received the package a few days later fantastically wrapped to find inside a full 300ml Nourishing Cleanser and 4 30ml size hair oils ( I was very pleased and grateful ).

I have used the cleanser and oil now for a week and here are the results:


The first result is instant after the first wash. With having long coloured hair half way done my back, I was a bit wary about not using a conditioner to get rid of tangles, however, I was very surprised to find that cleanser not only cleaned my scalp and hair wonderfully, it wasn't tangled or knotty like other shampoos leave your hair afterwards. It also lathered up nicely and washed out leaving your hair squeaky clean and light.
I also used the oil afterwards as directed, massaging it into my scalp as well as my hair. The results were instant with this too, leaving my hair feel nourished, healthier and glossy - WITHOUT any oil residue.

I wash my hair every other day, like I have always done and not once has my hair felt tangled after washing.
My hair is noticeably more healthier now with a gorgeous shine. My itching scalp has gone and my hair feels more softer yet stronger.

You can also use the oil as a serum before hair drying/straightening to help protect your hair from the heat elements.  It also helps with frizz and spilt ends.

What is Amargon Oil?

 Amargon oil comes from the nut of the fruit of the Argan Tree, which only grows in Argana, South West Morocoo. The oil extracted from the nut contains essential fatty acids and rich in tocopherols ( which works like vitamin E ). This oil mixed with today's technology gives Amaragon Hair Therapy Oil its outstanding qualities to improve hair health and protection against today's environmental effects.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who colours their hair, uses heated hair products, has weak, damaged hair.

For more information on Amaragon Hair Therapy visit www.amargan.co.uk 

Amargon Hair Therapy is available though Salons and authorised stockiests.

Review: Biotherm Skin Ergetic

As a mum who juggles between looking after my 2 1/2 year old, running my own business and working for a beauty agency with temporary assignments, I often have lack of sleep and using too much energy thus my skin can reflect this.

I was kindly given two sample sachets of the new Biotherm product, Skin Ergetic 2 weeks ago and since using it every morning, I have seen a marked improvement to my skin's appearance and tone. Often looking dull and an unbalance skin tone, since using the serum it is corrected my skin tone, the appearance looks more young, fresh and bright as well as having a smooth feel to it. The serum has also given my sensitive and dry skin a new life as not once since using it has my skin felt dry and itchy though the day.

Skin Ergetic contains 99% ingredients of natural origin ( broccoli - soy protein - botanical cells from apples ), 100% natural origin fragrance and if free off Parabens, Mineral oil, Synthetic colorant and Tested on sensitive skin ( as I have sensitive skin I know this first hand and definitely recommend it ).

The formula isn't activated until you first use it, by just one click of the capsule where the pure state of the broccoli is stored giving you 3 months of pure concentrated effectiveness.

The price is just right too at just under £40 for a 50ml! ( £37.80 ) for a 3 month supply. I will certainly be adding this product to my beauty regime!

For more info on Biotherm or to buy any of their products visit - www.biotherm.co.uk

Lip Ink, Organic Semi Permanent Lip Colours

For those who love lipstick, liner liners, lipgloss this product is something you got to give a try!
I don't wear lipstick unless I am going on a night out, even than I mainly where a lipgloss of light colour, however with over 50 colours from Nudes, deep red, to wacky bright colours and a wide range of lip products ( lip ink colours, lip gels and lipsticks, Lip Ink® lip liners, lip shines and moisturisers and 3D LipMax Lip Volumiser ), I knew there be something I would feel comfortably wearing all day.

Lip Ink was created in 1995 and  backed by multiple patents and industry awards. It is a waxless, waterproof, smearproof, and ultra-durable, natural liquid lip color and is organic too!
All the products are made with no added preservatives, using pigments, 40 natural herbs and botanicals including goldenseal, chamomile, rosemary extract, seaweed, calendula extract, beta carotene, Vitamins E, C, B-.

The colour also speeds up natural lip exfoliation of dead skin cells - revealing softer, smoother, younger-looking lips in their natural state.

With Lip Ink you get a colour guide to match the perfect colours suited for your skin tone, eye colour and hair colour, ( if you go to the website you can use a selection of models with some colours, or you can speak to Simone personally for a consultation ).

You are also advised if your new to Lip Ink to order a sample pack which includes the Off solution, Shine and the colour you have chosen.

 I was given the colour Nude to try which I found was nice and would look good once my face was done up with makeup. I only used one layer here ( you can layer up the colour to 3 layers to achieve your perfect shade ).

Three days later I decided to try it again, this time with the three layers.

As you can see from the second photo, you can increase the deepth of the colour to your liking by choosing how many layers you wish to put on.

Instructions on how to use the kit was very clear to understand.
 You use the Off solution to clean your lips, than splash with water and pat dry.
 The shine moisture is than used as a base conditioner and massage thoroughly on your lips.
You than apply the lip colour to relaxed lips sweeping it slowly in one direction. If your going to layer the colour to achieve a more vibrant colour - you allow the colour to dry for 10 secs before each application.
The Shine is than used to finish  which you can either blot to leave a Matt look or add a little more for a shine/glossy look.

Remove LIP-INK® COLOUR by using the OFF solution on a cotton ball, make-up pad or a warm, lightly moistened, dark-coloured wash cloth. Press to the lips and leave for a few seconds for the OFF solution to break down the pigment. Gently dab the lips (never scrub) to wipe away the finish, flipping the pad, or cloth as you do so. After colour is removed, splash lips with water and pat dry.

The colour when applying creates a slight tingly sensation for a few secs, this reaction is normal. The sensation is due to the natural, organic, botanical and herbal ingredients.

What was great about this product is that it didn't feel like you had anything on your lips, and you could drink, eat, kiss without any colour coming off. I would totally recommend this to any one who uses lip colour every day.

For more information on LIP INK, or to order visit www.lip-ink.co.uk

Benefit Cosmetics Boutique Beauty Bars

I moved to Aylesbury nearly 3 years ago and before that I had never seen a Benefit shop, just pictures and write ups in magazines, and so I thought I'd pop in and see what they had on offer in our local boutique last Thursday.

I introduced myself to one of the girls that I was a beauty blogger and was wondering if they were able to supply me with samples to review about. The friendly staff member went and got the manager, Laura who kindly offered to demonstrate what services they offer and supply me with a little bag of samples. So I booked myself in for Saturday afternoon treat when I was able to leave my daughter with my partner so I had no distraction and enjoy being pampered.

On Saturday I was pleasantly greeted by the staff, and was told my Laura that Hannah a brow expert will be doing a wax on my brows and than herself will do a makeover on me. I had never had my brow waxed so I was quite excited to try this out.

Hannah explained how the process work, by mapping out my brow first showing me in the mirror how they achieve a perfect brow shape. She committed how perfect my shape was already which was a lovely compliment. Hannah than proceed with the waxing, which was rather pain free! and was surprised how little the redness was afterwards. Hannah than applied some soothing Aloe Vera to help moisturise and sooth the area.

Laura than took over to do the makeover. She explained that she would do half my face first going though step by step what she was doing so I could see the contrast of the look with my natural bare face on the other. Laura decided we would go for a smokey eye look, which I was thrilled about as I love that look but never really seem to get it right myself.

To start of with Laura applied to different colour powder foundations samples on my cheek and asked which one I'd preferred - a more skin matching tone or a slightly darker warmer tone. We both decided the natural one would look best.  The "That Gal Primer" was than put all over my face which you can wear under makeup or by itself to invigorate and brighten. " Hello Flawless Foundation" was applied and than a natural brow pencil ( which I was daunted about first as never got the hang of doing this either ). Laura demonstrated how to apply the brow pencil really well and made me feel confident in trying this myself at home.

Next were the eyes using the "Smokin' Eyes" kit which comes sultry shadows, highlighters, brow enhancers and a step by step instructions on how to create this wonderful look. Laura again demonstrated how to do this step by step showing me each step with the mirror, so that when I want to create this again at home, I would feel confident in doing so.

The "Erase Paste Concealer" was than applied under the eyes which helps with any dark circles, discolouration, and eyeshadows ( this is a product I definitely need as a mum! ). 
"Bad Gal Lash " mascara was used for my lashes which is a dark, inky mascara to give thickness and length to your lashes ( I have naturally long lashes and this made them look even longer! )

To compliment my sultry eyes, "Hoola Bronzer" was applied in a number 3 shape around my face, starting from the forehead, to my nose and than round to my chin. This created a lovely warm, natural 3d effect to my face without making it looked  really tanned. To give my cheeks some definition, the new "Bella Bamba 3D Blusher" was applied.

To finish the look off  "Foxy Lady" lipgloss was applied to my lips. I love lip gloss ( but hate lipsticks ) and was pleasantly surprised how NOT sticky this one felt. It gave a lovely shine to my lips.
I was than given a choice of the fragrance to chose from which I chose "Gina" - smells a bit like Amor Amor.

I really enjoyed my experience and the look that Laura gave me. I would definitely recommend going in to the store and using their beauty bar services and as well as buying the makeup.

Aylesbury Benefit beauty bar offers:

• Facial Waxing
• Tinting
• Body Wax
• Men's Waxing
• Lashes
• FAKE BAKE
• Bridal Packages
• Pamper Parties 

Aylesbury Benefit Store is situated on the High Street opposite WH Smiths.

For more information on Benefit Cosmetics and to find your nearest boutique visit 
www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Aqua Sheko in Soho, London - Guest Review

Originally originating from Turkey and practised all over the Far East, fish spa treatments are relatively new over in the UK and so I asked one my friends who had recently visited a fish spa in Soho, London to write me up a review.

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My friend & I are members of Groupon and had seen this as an offer, but we didn’t book it at the time.

We had a day booked off work to go to a show in London   We had lunch first and then decided we would try the Garra Fish as it was in the area of the theatre.

We were taken downstairs to the therapy room, it was a dark room, but very nicely decorated with orchids and small ceiling lights.  The ceiling was reflective and the whole room was very relaxing.  There were 10 fish tanks which were lit from underneath the glass tanks.

We were first asked to take our shoes and clothes off!!!  We laughed, they guy was foreign and didn't mean clothes, but in fact socks!!! That made the rest of the experience so much more fun and relaxing!

Our feet were first washed which felt really strange that someone else was washing them!  He dried them off and put white towelling slippers on our feet.

We were taken to the tanks which are placed on the floor below the very comfy seats.  He told us to put our feet in!  No abrupt, but just quite literally!  We were a little hesitant, as we weren’t sure what the fish were going to do!  Well they swarmed towards our feet and legs as if they hadn’t eaten for months!!!  It tickled and we laughed, my friend is quite ticklish and we were just laughing so much!  After a while you got used to the feeling.  It actually felt like pins and needles moving around your feet and legs!  They stick to your feet and legs with their little sucker mouths!  The most ticklish was when they tried to get in between your toes.  My water was about half way up my legs and they were suckling all the way up – thought they were going to come out of the water!

You could actually see little particles of skin floating in the water.

About half way through the treatment, we were asked if we wanted a Chinese herbal tea.  We were given a menu listing a whole range of different teas!  One that looked quite unusual was where there was a flower in the bottom of the glass which opened whilst getting hot in the water.  The centre of the flower was red with what looked like white berries.  They brought the glasses out with a cloth/serviette to hold the glass with.  This was an unusual flavour, but not unlikeable at all.  In fact I knocked back the last of it too much and swallowed the dredge, I suppose that’s what you would call it, at the bottom!  That wasn’t so nice!

The men then came over to us, dried our feet and put the slippers back on.  We were sat on very very springy and comfortable black leather recliners.  We then had to endure a most wonderful, relaxing foot and leg massage!  It was gorgeous, along with the men!  I think that was the best part!

We were supposed to have 15 minutes of the Garra fish and 10 minutes of massage, but I’m sure we were in there for about 45 minutes!

Our feet felt wonderful afterwards.  I could feel my feet slipping around inside my socks and boots and I felt like I was walking on air.

We came out like two little giggling school girls.  It was such a fun experience that we’ve already booked up for more with our friends who haven’t yet tried this! 

Since this experience, we’ve had a boutique open in our town offering the same treatment.  You won’t be able to keep me away!

We had a very enjoyable day, finishing off with a show.

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 For more information or to book a Garra Fish treatment visit http://www.aquasheko.co.uk/contact.html

Bare and Beautiful, Shea Butter Bath Truffle Strawberry and Banana- Review

I came across this wonderful company whilst searching for some natural bath products to retail on my website and for use for my little girl who loves baths.

I asked whether she would send me a sample to review in exchange for some fab PR. I was very pleased when she accepted and was sent a sample of the Shea Butter Bath Truffle in Strawberry and Banana.

The product was beautiful wrapped with a tight plastic packaging around it to keep it fresh and from damage, than presented in cellophane and ribbon with the product label and ingredients.

The smell is gorgeous, remains me of strawberries and banana custard, and looks a bit like a slice of marble cake with pink and yellow colours.

The product does enough to do around 3 baths, so you only need break of a 1/3 of it and than crumble it into a warm running bath. The product has lashings of Shea Butter and so it floats around slowly melting in the bath - ( as you can see from the video ), and gives a slight yellow colour to the bath water ( which you can also see in the video ) - this is the Shea Butter melting in the water. Please note it does not fizz like a normal bath bomb due to the high butter content... They are made with normal bath bomb mixture and lashings of Shea Butter.

The bath was felt and smelt wondering leaving my skin afterwards really moisturised from the Shea Butter
( which is great as I love my baths hot! ).
It does however leave your bath slippery so be careful coming out of the bath, and would advise giving it a rinse down soon after and a quick clean as it will leave a residue around the bath.

In all I loved the product and would certainly try more of the range and recommend to other people.
All of bare and beautiful products can no nasty chemical like SLS, Parabans and so would definitely use these for my little girls bath knowing they are safe and kind for her skin ( I have saved some for her too ).
Each one is handmade my Sarah, the owner and founder of www.bareandbeautiful.co.uk and not only are they gorgeous looking, they are very reasonable priced too.

For more information or to order any of Sarah's wonderful bath products visit www.bareandbeautiful.co.uk

Difference between a Serum/facial oil and Moisturizer

As a NYR Organic independent consultant, I am often asked the questions what are the difference between a facial serum/oil and moisturizer, and why we advise you to use both.

To avoid giving my host and her guests a load of scientific jargon, I always explain in simple everyday terms.

" would you go out in a dress without your underwear on? " the answer is always no with some laughs.

I than ask them to imagine the serum or oil ( depending on your skin type or what you want out of it you would use one or the other ), as the underwear and the moisturizer as the dress. They compliment each other as the serum or oil penetrates the skin deeper than a moisturizer does and so giving you extra benefits and protection, again depending on which serum/oil you use with the moisturizer you chosen for your skin type.

For those who would like to know the science behind this - the difference is:

A serum or oil has smaller molecules than a moisturizer has which means it can penetrate into the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin providing it with extra nutrients, moisture and other benefits depending on which serum or oil you have chosen ( for instance anti- aging ).

The difference between a serum and oil is :
Serum is a thick liquid concentrate, made out of extractions of natural ingredients. They are water based which makes them lightweight and absorbed quickly into the skin. It’s quick absorbing formulation helps the ingredients to be delivered deeply through the skin’s pores for maximum active potency.
A facial oil is a concentration of pure oil extracted from plants and herbs and are ideally used to provide nourishment for combination to dry, rosacea, mature, fragile skin types. It’s botanical concentration means it is rich in vitamins, essential oils and antioxidants.

But won't a facial oil make my skin look greasy? I am always asked this question too and so I always use the facial oil to demonstrate at parties or pamper evenings. It is often assumed that because it is only most people associate it as being greasy like cooking oil or car oil. On the contray it is quite the opposite, and the skin readily drinks the oil into the deeper layers, leaving your skin grease free with a lovely soft feeling and glow.

So why than use a moisturiser?
Well you have only put your underwear on remember!  The moisturizer ( the dress ) complements the oil/serum by giving you extra nourishment on the outside of your skin, and protecting it from the environmental damage and maintain the moisture balance within the skin.

I hope you have found this article helpful and welcome any comments.

Buy Neals Yard Remedies product here

I'm in love all over again! Review on Jimmy Choo's new fragrance

OMG! I am so in love with this new fragrance by Jimmy Choo.

As I was in town today, doing some posting, I thought I'd pop in to the Perfume Shop where I had been temping over the Christmas period and say hello to the girls. To my delight on the front counter on display was the debut fragrance by Jimmy Choo.

I had read before Christmas the fragrance was being launched, and had already entered a competition though the Debenhams Facebook page to win one ( I however, wasn't successful :-( )

So as you can imagine the excitement going though my body - I just had to smell it - and I wasn't disappointed - I have just fallen in love all over again!  The fragrance has got to be ( in my opinion ) the most gorgeous smelling perfume out there at the moment. It has a sweet but soft sweet ( so not sickly sweet ) smell to it and the bottle is simple but elegant.

For those into the fragrance families it falls in the the fruity chypre family together with warm, rich woody depths. It consists of :

• Heart notes of Tiger Orchard
• Tops notes of  Pear Nectar and Sweet Italian Orange 
• Base notes of Toffee and Indonesian Patchouli

Available in 3 sizes  - 30ml, 50ml and 100ml ( prices start from around £38 ).

If your one for the accessories to compliment your perfume - a shower gel and body lotion is also available. This is a good way of making the fragrance smell last longer.

The fragrance is a must for any women who wants to feel glamorous, confident who loves fashion and fun.


Jimmy Choo Offical Website
Jimmy Choo Official Website
The Pefume Shop

Thermae Spa - Hot Stone Massage Review

As part of my health and beauty blog, I want to include some reviews on treatments, Old and New, and so I start my first review from  a friend, Claire in Wiltshire who had a wonderful first experience of a massage treatment - Hot Stone at the Thermae Spa in Bath.

I went to Thermae Spa in Bath ..... this was my first time at a spa and my first ever time having a massage type treatment, I was unsure what to expect. I chose the hot stone treatment because i often use heat to relieve pain myself in the form of a hot water bottle or wheat bag, generally for shoulder neck or back pain but also toothache.

  The staff at the centre were lovely.... the treatment lasts about 45 minutes and starts with you laying on warm stones carefully placed to line up with your spine. Then stones are placed at other points on your chest and neck hands and toes. The treatment starts with a facial which I hadn't expected but also uses stones to massage around the temples. A shoulder, neck, chest, hand and foot massage are also included and by the time it got to the end, I was more relaxed than i ever had been. It's a very calming experience although the style of it doesn't do much for the lower back which is a shame.

After the treatment i then spent the rest of the afternoon shared between the roof top pool as it was a very cold day but also sunny so it was lovely to relax in the warm spa water, and there other facilities a jacuzzi and steam rooms.

In all a lovely day and I would definitely go back and would probably spend a whole day there and sample more of their treatments.

  Thermae Spa is situated in the heart of bath, combining old and new with the Natural Thermal Waters, Cross Bath and the New Royal Bath for a special spa experience.

They offer over 50 spa, health and beauty treatments, including specially designed packages.
Please note that treatments have to be booked in advance and can only be booked along spa sessions.

For more info or to book visit