Heal Spa Harrogate: The New Place To Be

Healing. It takes time, it takes patience, it takes strength and it takes caring for yourself tentatively. With the newest spot in the tasteful town of Harrogate that process can be made easier to manage as it mixes beauty and relaxation with health, medical and wellness treatments. Heal Spa not only looks as though you've stepped foot into an interior dream but it provides the enriching therapy designed to rejuvenate your body into a dreamlike state!

The Skincare Miracle: Caudalie Vine[Activ]

The Products I'm Currently Testing

As a blogger I'm lucky enough to receive beauty samples left, right and centre but I have to be careful because if I throw them into my blog basket (yes, the products have taken up residence in their very own designated space) then I can easily forget about all the new, exclusive luxuries I have to trial and eventually indulge in. That is until I give myself a shake and my room a revamp and rediscover those bits and bobs absent from my routine. Recently, I've been testing out a random bunch from various brands and I've loved the alternative introduction to my usual. It's been a while since I've mixed it up and I've really valued the change as well as the advances.

Summer Beauty Saviours

Did you survive the heatwave? Yes? Good. It's hard work dealing with temperatures past a certain point isn't it - especially when that point is sitting out in the garden at 10pm because the brisk of air is cooler than your front room with all the windows open and a house representing Bug's Life. When it's hot in Britain, it's hard to handle so imagine how parched your skin gets in its daily exposure to sun (okay, what I really mean is when you're on holiday or enjoying the three days of warm weather at home). 

Instant Effects: The Lip, Eyes and Lash Review

In this day and age, the beauty industry is widening to the extremes. Gone is the acceptance of our not so perfectly rounded features and a three pound lip-gloss from a magazine doing the trick in your daily makeup routine, and hello are the following of trends, constantly wanting to evolve and enhance our natural elements with expensive cosmetics and sometimes, even surgical procedures. That's not necessarily a bad thing, I say go ahead and make yourself feel amazing if you have the funds and really do want to make a change to small part of you that will expand your confidence positively. I, personally, however, would be an absolute wuss and I'd chicken out purely at thought of it going horribly wrong and ending up resembling Pete Burns meets Chewbacca. This is where Instant Effects comes into the equation. When I received an email informing me of the range of products that deliver targeted treatments without the need for any extensive add ons, I jumped at the chance. I was kindly sent the trio but in no way was I obliged to promote - I've just loved using them so much that I had to share my views on this breakthrough phenomenon!

The Body Shop British Rose Collection: Celebrating 40 Years

There's two event emails that raise my excitement levels to an extremity, and that's Lush and The Body Shop. This time it's the latter (although next week is the first option, eeek). Last Thursday, The Body Shop on Leeds Briggate were holding an evening of cosmetic cheer and showcasing to parade their brand new British Rose Collection and to celebrate 40 years of their face, body and soul foundation - and I was luckily invited down, along with plenty of lovely ladies and gents! Greeted with some chocolate nibbles, prosecco, lots of cameras and eager bloggers in their natural habitat, we were left to wonder round until the others arrived and were then given a short but sweet consultation and demonstration of the freshly exclusive products. 

Beauty: the garnier micellar water round up

I'm taking it right back to the start today! Garnier Micellar Water was a compelling discovery made by myself a good few years ago now (yes, right back when face wipes were my only form of cleanser, yikes). Despite its cost effective price, it was an absolute life changer and I believe the simple purifying method is an important must in a daily and nightly skincare routine. If you've been reading my blog since the start (and if you pay any attention to my frequent complaining) you'll know I have extremely oily, troublesome skin that's prone to breakouts most of the time - which takes me on to a realisation of an updated version on the micellar water. Pure Active has been around a while but for slack old me, it took a TV advert to bring it to my attention that there could be an even more beneficial form for my skin type. 

Going natural with Neal's Yard Remedies

How can you say no to natural beauty, wondrous products filled with therapies meant to heal and soothe, a holistic nature, do good attitude, plenty of friendly welcoming, platters of vegan food, delicious brownies, healthy shakes (or a glass of prosecco in my case), flowers upon flowers, dreamy interiors, bright white warm lighting and the opportunity to gain some well needed knowledge (as well as taking up the already cramped space with my eager photo shooting)? When I was asked along to a small blog event at Neal's Yard Remedies in the Victoria Quarter - a place I often do some luxury window shopping in - I couldn't not pop down for an hour to see the notion behind a store I've never really delved in to before.

Wednesday Wishlist: the beauty edit

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Palette | Becca Lowlight/Highlight Perfecting Palette | Chanel Perfection Lumiere | Clinique 3 Step Into-Kit | Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk | YSL Rouge Volupte Nude Beige |  Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream | Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow | YSL Black Opium | Essie After School Boy Blazer | Tom Ford Nude Dip Eye Colour Quad | REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial | Illamasqua Hydra Veil | Bobbi Brown Greige Eye Palette | Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealer

Life: The Body Shop - Spa of the World event

If I had to pick only one stand out blog event host it'd always be The Body Shop, so I couldn't think of a better place to be on a rainy Friday evening back in August. This time, it was in aid of the super glorious new Spa of the World range which is inspired by traditional spa treatments from all four corners of the globe. The collection focuses on providing you with a luxury spa experience but without the hefty price tag and from your own home comfort!

A guide to the summer holiday essentials

Some may say packing to go away is a stressful situation, something I've found to be more than true after the past few days of not having a minute to even breathe away the holiday tension. Deciding on what to take slowly but surely becomes a chore and it's not long till you end up debating (and arguing) with yourself on what contents to accompany you and what to leave behind. Luckily, there's some reliable bits that continuously make their way into my suitcase because they make life that little easier, and are the basic products that will not only allow you to pack light but prepare you for the upcoming sun, sea and sand.

First up are the non-beauty essentials that are a must in my eyes.

A comfortable bikini - I'm a firm believer in comfort, but I'm also a believer in looking your best whilst you strut your stuff on the beach. Having that one bikini that does both means it must be the first thing you pop into your case. Whether it's a new find, or an old favourite; make sure you choose the one that will transform you into the inner babe you really are. 

A staple necklace - despite attempts to pack light, this may fail, but in the jewellery department you are complete if you have a necklace that will pair nicely with every carefully planned outfit. It may sound difficult but there's always a minimal one out there!

A handy bag - this year, it so happens to be my festival inspired fringed bag. Once again, you need to pick wisely in the accessories area to make sure you have room for the rest of your stuff. It's easy to get caught up in the thought you need a different bag for each day and night but taking a casual, yet summery style bag that is suited for both day and night solves the problem.

A good book - the only time I tend to read is on holiday. Having your head in the book whilst the sun glares down and bronzes your torso and the sound of the rippling pool water keeps your ears vacant is somewhat bliss and I find myself getting lost in the intellectual moment. I'm a sucker for romance based young adult books so this is what I always go for but of course it depends on the personal preference. It's probably worth stocking up on 3 or 4 books too as before you know it, you've read the whole thing and still have a week left of relaxation!

A hat - usually a straw sun hat, but the on trend kind, not the middle aged man kind. With my love for hats growing, I'm taking a variety of them with me this year but you get the same effect wearing the same one throughout your vacation. It saves your head from burning and adds that quirkiness to a basic beach outfit. 

Sunglasses - like both the bag and necklace, a staple pair of sunnies is a must. Although the main importance is to protect your eyes from the rays, it's also fabulous if you find a pair that suits you and makes you feel street to chic. Let's face it, we all spend the majority of time in sunglasses so it's fine to invest in a sturdy pair (just make sure you don't accidentally sit on them!).

Now on to the products that you desire to make you feel freshened and wonderful. It's hard to choose just a few makeup and fragrance bits and bobs but the main ones I think you'll constantly reach for are as follows:

A light base - light enough to give you that sheer, glowy look whilst covering your imperfections but enhancing your natural parts. I never like to go too heavy on holiday as I prefer the more subtle complexion so I tend to swap a foundation for a tinted moisturiser, bb or cc cream. I must admit I struggle with makeup when buying for a holiday, especially for the face. As time progresses, your skin gets tanned and your usual colour is no good so upping a shade or two without going too harsh is an ideal suggestion. This year I've gone for Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream in Light Medium as not only have I heard so many lovely things about it, but it has an SPF of 30 so is perfect for that hot weather. 

A bronzer or highlighter - finding a two in one is a bonus! I love to be shimmery and pigmented once my tan builds up as it's the only rare moment I get to escape the natural paleness. Swapping a powder for a cream formula seems to be more suitable as it's quicker and gives you that whoosh of radiance. I'm giving the new Honey Bronze Highlighting Dome a go this year and I've gone for the darkest shade 'Bronze' to give me those bronzed cheeks!

Nail varnish - another tough choice is the amount of nail polish you'll be taking with you on your journey. If, like me, you love a mix of colours but don't want to overdo it then I will forever recommend some nudes, along with some lighter sun kissed colours that will bring out your tan. Essie's Sand Tropez is a gorgeous soft, sandy colour so matches you to the beach paradise and Maybelline's Superstay in Sunkissed is a beautiful shiny peach giving you that pastel finish.

A neutral lipstick - the barely there kind of lipstick is my most favoured for a holiday so what better than to buy Sleek's Barely There True Colour lippy? Its creamy formula gives you that shine and maintains the naturalness of your makeup. Ditching the dark shades and changing to lighter toned shades for the two weeks (or more or less) can add so much definition to the no makeup-makeup look through the day and for a buildable finish at night time, giving a gentle highlight paired with a dramatic eye and cheek creation.

A spritz - perfumes are great but an affordable AND refreshing mist or musk you can keep spraying when you feel you need a top up is the ultimate must have. When they have the scent that reminds you of holidays, it's even better. My utter favourite, Victoria's Secret Coconut Passion, is another re-purchase as I adore the coconut and vanilla smell. Used at each moment from waking up to freshening up on a night, it leaves me feeling sultry. 

As we all know, maintaining a skincare regime can often feel daunting, especially on a trip abroad when all your worries are vanished apart from the worry of keeping up well behaved skin. The sunlight does tend to keep my skin at bay but I still need to take all my regular products with me to make sure I don't prevail a huge break out and/or become an oily mess. However, again, it's hard to try and pack lightly which is why a miniature version of your usuals are super handy. These skincare minis will see me through the duration of my holiday without weighing down my case. From Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish, to Soap & Glory's Clean On Me body wash/shower gel; you don't realise the necessity of those samples or travel kits until you go on holiday!

Taking care of your skin, body, hair and eyes in a hot climate is key. You don't want to neglect the most sensitive and visible parts of your body even if you do require lots of harsh sunlight. Here's some of the products I believe are compulsory to keep your system working.

An eye soother - the sun can be tough on your delicate eye area, you may get soreness, puffiness and irritation turning that sparkle into a negative frown. Liz Earle's Eyebright does the job of soothing any irritability with just one soak, so that will be coming with me this year - but I'm sure there's plenty more products out there that focus on bringing your eyes back to their normal self.

Body cream - peeling is a nightmare, as you see your skin tanning you can be overjoyed with the look of health but the dreaded dry skin just defeats that excitement. I've used after sun lotion for years but decided to ditch that and turn to a moisturising, hydrating, light product infused product with a pleasant scent. The Body Shop's Strawberry Sorbet is a delicious option, with a burst of fruitiness, summer vibes and melting goodness; it ticks all the boxes!

Face mist - sometimes, we just don't have the time to be sprucing up properly so providing a quick pick me up in your beauty bag is a good idea. The lagging feeling of being in the sun all day isn't too refreshing so you need something with a cooling effect to revitalize your face. The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist is a long term holiday staple of mine. The gentle scent and its many purposes (think dampening makeup brushes and using as a setting spray too) makes it an instant winner. 

Sunscreen - the main factor (pardon the pun) of avoiding danger from the sun is applying sunscreen regularly which is why it's mandatory to take along a range of creams, sprays and lotions. I don't think you realise just how much damage you can do to your skin, me included, so it's important to stick to a sunscreen which is going to protect you, not allow you to burn! It's also handy to find the brands that don't aggravate your skin (especially on the face). I can always rely on Jason's Facial Sunscreen to rid of any spots peering through to say hello. 

A clarifying shampoo - it's become a new discovery of mine but one I know will be worth taking with me on holiday because after all, your hair deserves some pampering! All the creams, the sweatiness and the oils entering your scalp causing your hair to be weighed down means leaving time for you to wash your hair in a clarifying shampoo is significant. Lush's deep cleanse I Love Juicy shampoo is a saviour for breaking down that excess sebum, leaving hair feeling squeaky clean!

A surf spray - there's times I love my hair, and there's times I hate it. Adapting to the fact it's naturally straight and still won't form any kind of natural wave, even when in humidity and the 'sea air' is what causes those hatred moments. To produce some body and natural messiness, a surf spray can help give you that beachy look. The Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is so worth the hype and even comes in a smaller form to add to those minis!

So, that's my holiday essentials. I'd love to know yours so let me know if there's anything in particular you can't be without. Now, back to packing...

Bridie x

Beauty: the weird and wonderful products campaign with Holland & Barrett

We hear it every day, that global a-list star's bizarre hidden secret as to why they have that flawless complexion, the shiniest hair, glossiest lips and bright white teeth and when it's revealed, we can't help but turn our noses up. Often it's something we've never considered before but actually, it's an idea to add to your thought process. As beauty worshipers, we're so quick to follow the trend and if that means smothering yourself in lemon juice from head to toe, then so be it. It's more natural, free from harsh chemicals, costs less than your average brand and can prove it's always the unexpected things that can make the biggest difference to your regime.

Holland & Barrett has taken into account all the crazy theories, suggestions, routines and products used by celebrities and have commissioned an infographic on 'Celebrity Secret Beauty Weapons' over on their website. From the simple; Scarlett Johansson and cider vinegar contributing towards her luminous complexion, Catherine Zeta-Jones using strawberries as a teeth whitener, Sienna Miller correcting her hair disasters with tomato ketchup and Halle Berry adding ground coffee to a body wash creating a natural exfoliator, to the almost vomit-inducing gruesome tips and tricks; Victoria Beckham using bird poo based skincare, Louise Redknapp collecting snail gel to remove dead skin cells, Demi Moore allowing leeches to feast on her blood to optimise her health and detoxify her body, and Gwyneth Paltrow believing cream with snake venom injected in works wonders on the elasticity in her skin.

Reading the individual (and extremely unique) working solutions claimed by these stars got me thinking about the strange tactics I use to achieve a dashing look. Truthfully, I couldn't compare to most of the abnormal yet cleverly studied above treatments but I can name four small suggestions on what benefits my skin, hair and body in a crisis. Number 1 is applying talcum powder to my greasy hair, it's such a great alternative to a dry shampoo and in fact I think it lasts longer than a regular put together drugstore product. Number 2 is smearing toothpaste all over my troublesome spots, it really does help to dry them out for them to then eventually vanish. Number 3 is placing two metal spoons and/or cold teabags over my eyes to reduce swelling (on those tearful days and those filled with pollen). It definitely helps to calm and bring down the aggressive irritation. Finally, Number 4, as mentioned before it's just lemon juice everything! I use it on my skin to lessen and heal spots, fade scarring, soothe itching, and to highlight sections of my hair when it's become dull.

However, there's not only my weird and wonderfuls I've managed to point out, there's the beauty tips I've learnt and researched along the way in preparation for this post and I'd love to share them with you all!

1) Use beetroot as a lip stain | the pigmentation will provide a bright colouring that looks rosy fresh.
2) Remove makeup using olive oil | it's less abrasive, filled with vitamins and is a quick fix.
3) Fish pedicures for your feet | I'm sure we've all heard of the little swimmers clearing dead skin.
4) Have a piece of sellotape or a credit card for eyeliner | another popular one, used to make a straight line.
5) Pour red wine into the bath | the nutrients from grapes nourishes skin (just try not to drink it).
6) Place garlic in your nail varnish base coat | this strengthens the nails as a sturdy layer.
7) Use a paper bag to curl your hair | it works in the same way as rags do, formed around your hair.
8) Smother mayonaise on to your hair | this works as a good hydrator leaving it super sleek.
9) Sniff grapefruit oil for 15 minutes to reduce sweet cravings | bizarre, but I could do with giving this a go!
10) Sheep placenta can be used as facials | it's famous for baby soft skin (but sometimes there has to be a limit).
11) Give yourself a caviar makeover | apparently it helps with appearance of stretch marks but I can't help but think it would A) absolutely stink, B) be a waste of money (but I suppose it's okay when you're Angelina Jolie kinda rich).

Can you add to the list? I almost always go down the safe route but now I'm tempted to try something out of the ordinary. If you're willing to go abstract daring or ever have tried any of these before, let me know below!

Bridie x

*this is a collaborative post

Beauty: products I'm currently testing #2

Another month, another chance for me to hoard a group of products together and waffle on about them over on my blog. I'll try and keep these mini reviews as short as possible but if you know me by now, you know the talking can get out of hand. Let's start with the favourites of the bunch, shall we?

La Roche Posay have always been my one holy grail skincare saviour brand I can rely on and their new launch of micellar water proves no different. The La Roche Posay Gelle D'eau Micellaire* is a cleansing product that works as a magnetic field to remove makeup and all impurities. With the name 'micellar water' I instantly thought of the likes of my Garnier and L'Oreal staples so I was unsure on what to make of this solution when I realised it was a pump with a thicker, gel like substance. Going with the flow, I went ahead and used as normal, aside from the fact I massaged into the skin opposed to applying to a cotton pad. I do think this works best as a mild cleanser as it's non greasy, soothing and moisturizing to the skin leaving behind a fresh feel but in terms of removal of makeup, I don't think it's as thorough as I'd like it to be. I still felt like I needed to use something on top of (or before) this to fully rid of the built up daily grime but, what I can say, is that it most certainly improved the balance in my skin, helped banish any redness, does the job of keeping my oily, spot-prone skin at bay and provided comfort with a lovely, delicate richness that's suitable for us sensitive skin types. 

This brings me on to the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, another genius product that leaves my skin feeling soft and super replenished. I've been dying to get my hands on this for a long while now so when the lovely Helen was selling one in her blog sale, I knew I had to snap it up. I've been using it every morning and night and I'm so impressed with the results. I'm new to the whole adding a facial oil into your regime thing. The thought of adding a heavy oil to natural oil within the skin did terrify me but after finally biting the bullet, I've seen it does make the world of difference and found out that actually, it doesn't feel so loaded on to the skin but has a gentle, velvety texture that soaks efficiently into the skin. Not only is it continuing to help even out the blemishes, up my hydration level and refine my complexion but it's also doing a fine job of de-congesting my pores to reveal a brighter, healthier skin tone without those pesky impurities getting in the way. Plus, you only need a tiny amount for it to be effective so it's going to last me a decent amount of time.

Environ is a newly introduced skincare intuition which I discovered at a blogger event a couple of months back. I was kindly gifted stage 1 of the AVST range in moisturiser form and it's safe to say, it's become a product I would feel lost without. This starter product has maintained that bounce of moisture and nourishment my skin needs on a daily basis but without those hidden ingredients that can irritate your skin. I've had nothing but beneficial results with this; my skin is soft without feeling too packed with product, it smooths out my skin and leaves room for a choice of base foundation to radiate. I should really follow up with the continued sequence but to see me through, I'm happy to stick with the one.

I'm a novice when it comes down to hair products, I don't do an awful lot to make sure my hair represents that as a princess (and let's be fair, it could do with some taming most of the time) so I'm always willing to try out some new products to allow my hair to shine with flowing volume. Dry shampoo is always a rescue for when I just cannot be bothered maintaining my hair when it becomes greasy after ONE DAY but I struggle to find one that makes my hair feel nice and refreshed, instead of even worse than when I started. Redken's Pillow Proof Blow Dry Genius Extender definitely rates up with the dry shampoo's I'd reach for in a hurry without having to worry about whether my hair's turned white or appears to be matted. It gives my hair that boost for the day without the powdery feel you can find with drugstore shampoo's but unfortunately, it stays at just the one day. It's said to be a two day extender but my unruly oily scalp says different! I'm still carrying on the hunt for one that ticks all boxes. The Redken Iron Shape 11 is also another little stand out product that helps to strengthen and protect hair. I don't blow dry or straighten my hair often but when I do I love to use the finishing thermal spray as A) it doesn't weigh the hair down, B) helps with frizz and C) keeps the ends of my hair looking healthy and silky.

Finally, we're on to the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation; a foundation I've heard nothing but great reviews about but unfortunately, a foundation I was disappointed by. After switching to high end and finding a few foundations I absolutely love, I've found myself disagreeing with the usual 'hyped' drugstore products so I don't know whether it's just my snobbish expectations (which I apologise for) or my unpredictable skin. It does have great, buildable coverage and certainly lives up to the designed matte finish but I think it's too matte, if that's possible? It tends to be drying and overly clingy to my skin which is unusual as I am a very oily skin sufferer but it just doesn't work all that well for me. I feel as though my face misses that natural sheen; I hate being totally shiny as the day progresses but wearing this made me crave hydration. It's a shame because it definitely amplifies a clear complexion but it's just not doing it for me. Maybe I'll give it another go sometime soon to see if it was just a couple of off days I had. 

Have you tried any of these products?

Happy Friday! 

Bridie x

(I do love having a name that rhymes with the best day of the week)

Beauty: my recent makeup and skincare buys

It's been a while since I had a good beauty splurge, in fact I can feel another one brewing in my bones but until I get my money priorities straight, these current buys will do me fine and see me right through the year (well, apart from the fresh Lush mask with a sell by date of course). I love it when I purchase a group selection of both makeup and skincare products and not one of them disappoints. It's a job well done.

There's no denying, I'm becoming a bit of a lipstick hoarder. I'm a firm believer in the fact you can never have too many shades. One staple nude? Don't be silly, there's at least 20 more with that extra tinge of differentiated colour. Two drugstore lip products I have picked up recently are the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in Don't Pink Of It! and Maybelline SuperStay 24hr in Pink Spice. Both are more of a glossy formula with a simple and typical foam swipe applicator but they are more lightweight with a matte finish, taking away the sticky feeling some other glosses may have.

The Bourjois Velvet Lipstick have a range of gorgeous shades and it was quite difficult to choose a favourite in the 3 for 2 Boots' deal but since my style masterclass I've been warming to some softer toned lippies and eventually ventured for this lovely, rich pink colour which can be classed as a lighter nude. I absolutely love the bold appearance once smoothly applied to the lips. It's a highly pigmented liquid and is extremely buildable giving you the opportunity to choose on the subtle to dramatic scale but the great thing is, it doesn't stay super tacky. It drys easily with a soft, velvety texture and if lips are properly exfoliated, it stays swiftly sleek and doesn't cling to patches. The only negative I have to identify from this is the slightly chemical smell it has to it but apart from that, the staying power is incredible without any smudging, it's comfortable and wearable and the intensity of colour stays vibrant throughout the day. The Maybelline SuperStay 24hr has very similar attributes to the Bourjois Velvet. I love the two-step process of this, starting with the gloss end and finishing with the conditioning balm. Pink Spice was the perfect colour choice for me, a gorgeous, versatile browny-nude which is easily transferable and glides on in quick time. As the applicator has a slight point I find it ideal for precising the shape of the lips giving you a fuller appearance. It's definitely one of those long lasting lipsticks. Not quite 24 hours (especially when eating those oily foods), but for a decent duration indeed. The conditioner side fixes the colour in place giving it a shiny effect with a non-heavy yet sturdy finish and no visible crumbling and when it comes to fully removing, it is a tough cling on.

Moving on to the higher end products; Bobbi Brown is a brand I've been dying to try for years now and I thought it was about time I got my hands on the luxuries. Blogging has been a huge influence on me heading towards the higher end in comparison to the drugstore but I've also found my skin disagreeing with the lower end products since discovering high end. It does work out as more pricey, yes, but I also think it's the quality worth paying for as I've found with these two star pieces. I don't think I need to go into detail about the Bobbi Brown Corrector in Extra Light Bisque as I'm sure you've heard all about it but what I will say is, it's a little miracle worker. I don't know how I ever went without it. Without a doubt, my dark circles are horrendous. Thanks to my insomniac sleeping pattern I rock the zombie look every morning but dabbing a fraction of this on top of my foundation and under my concealer has made a hell of a difference. The peachy tones blur out the blue hue and brightens the whole eye area in an instance and to add to the efficacy, it applies smoothly and without that dry, caking appearance. 

I struggled figuring out what shade would match up to my skin tone in the Bobbi Brown Sheer Pressed Powder but with the colour charts, I braved the risk and went for Pale Yellow. Thankfully, it is a suitable shade for me; yellow based but not at all yellow once applied. The sheerness evens out my skin tone and compliments my pale cast by giving a natural finish without the piled on, cakey look and feeling. It did come with an ordinary puff applicator but I prefer to use a powder based brush for that 'you can't even tell I topped my face up with a dust of powder' emergence. I adore how amazingly smooth and silky my face feels after applying this; not only does it mattify, reduce shine and absorb oil, it also rids of the imbalanced dullness and highlights the complexion giving it that fresh glow. I wouldn't suggest it for full coverage as it is a light powder but that's what I love about it. It contains Vitamin C so hasn't irritated my skin or *tries not to jinx it* caused any breakouts AND the beautiful minimal monochrome packaging is a bonus.

On to skincare now. REN is the one brand I can rely on for sorting out my troublesome skin. I own the Clarifying Toner (and it's my holy grail!) but fancied a cleanser to go with it. After reading some reviews, I decided to go with the Clearcalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser and it hasn't let me down. It's a lovely gentle cleanser with a creamy, lightweight texture and a refreshing, herbal scent. You only need a teeny amount for it to lather and cater for the whole of the face which is brilliant. Never have I had my skin feel so revitalized, tingling and purified. It's almost like a treatment for the skin, whilst deeply cleansing at the same time. Since using it, my pores have noticeably minimised and appear less clogged, and any angry redness has certainly calmed. I always feel so renewed after use, it feels as though it rids of all the lurking bacteria without any harsh stripping of the skin. It's the one product that keeps my skin at bay but doesn't dehydrate, dry out and leave my skin feeling tight like other breakout and blemish combating products can do. Not only has it reduced my spots significantly and prevented me from having continuous monster breakouts but my face looks so much more healthier and luminous. 

Finally, a magic face mask from one of my obvious favourite beauty providers. Lush's fresh face masks are something I always reach for to restore the radiance back into my skin but Catastrophe Cosmetic has become a firm favourite. The ingredients included (wholesome blueberries, and the vitamins and minerals) accumulate the most incredible scent and it feels like heaven when layered on to the skin. It's one of those all round face masks which caters for skin in need of TLC. My skin has moments of lacking moisture and energy but this mask instantly soothes, calms and brings back a clearer, more pure complexion. If I may say so myself, the morning after using this my makeup looked absolutely glowing and I'm pretty certain Catastrophe Cosmetic contributed to this rare occasion. 

Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts?

Bridie x

As this Friday marks my 2 year blogging milestone, I've extended my NARS giveaway/celebration an extra week for all my fellow and loyal readers. Don't forget to get your entries in!

Beauty: The Body Shop goody bag

As I mentioned in my previous The Body Shop post, we were leaving the luxurious event with a heightened sense of smell, experimented hands, a wishlist as big as the knowledge gained and most importantly, a kind gesture of a small goody bag for us to take home and try out some of the newbies (and the oldies). That I have done, and I'm now well and truly blessed with refreshing goodness. In the silver striped sealed packet I was given a sample pot of the Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask, Fuji Green Tea Body Scrub and Body Butter, Virgin Mojito Body Butter, a smaller sample of the Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask and Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser, Coconut Body Milk, Shower Cream, and even a Twinings tea bag thrown in to fit the theme of the night. Aside from my beloved Coconut Body Milk and Shower Cream (thank you TBS for ultimately feeding, reminding me and encouraging my love for coconut and providing me with two of my favourites!), luckily everything handed over was completely new to me. I hadn't tried either sample product which made me eager to give the teeny snippets a go and truthfully, there wasn't anything I was unimpressed by.

As I'd focused on both the Fuji Green Tea and Virgin Mojito range in store, I was desperate to pamper myself after a long, stressful week and all three body samples did the job of unwinding perfectly. Despite the size of the containers and the fact there weren't a ton of product in there, I still managed to identify the positives and the distinctive qualities from just a small portion and the fact you didn't need a huge amount is what I loved the most. The Fuji Green Tea is amazing, it has such a unique, subtle scent which has that cooling, zesty effect on both your skin and your whole relaxation mode. I found the body butter to be much creamier than other body butters I've owned in the past which was one thing that stood out for me. It doesn't have that heavy feeling, it feels much lighter, less greasy and nicer to rub in and it absorbs quickly leaving skin feeling super soft. It also works hard at hydrating that pesky dryness the harsh weather and lack of moisturising can bring (which I'm certainly guilty of, whoops!). The body scrub also has the same effect and when combined together, produce nothing but silky results, making your whole body feel invigorated and as though you've had a healthy detox. It's such a gentle scrub in a gel like formula so isn't harsh on the skin and still feels lovely and mellow when exfoliated in. Used before the body butter and followed up by a thorough moisturise gives you the full skin recovery and I've found them both to be long lasting both smooth and fragrance wise.

I've already raved about the Virgin Mojito range but I seriously can't get over how gorgeous it is. I used a smidgen of the Body Butter sample and smelt so dreamy. I could have sniffed at myself like a curious animal all day. I didn't, but I could have done without fear of looking strange. Like the Green Tea, it has a lighter, fluffier feel and keeps your skin nourished and moisturised. Although in terms of aroma, I definitely prefer this; It's a winner all round in my eyes. I was already persuaded to buy the full sized collection when it becomes available but now I'm pining for the release date so I can go on a mad spree.

With the lathering coconut bath products and the choice of body butters and scrubs, my skin thinks it's in heaven so I had to let my face join in and have its fair share of indulgence. The first product I used was the Honey & Oat 3 In 1 Scrub Mask, a three in one face mask which cleanses, polishes and moisturises. It's said to be directed for normal to dry skin which is why I was a little conscious of piling it onto my über troublesome oily skin but after trialing it I can confirm it works just as well, if not better and more helpful than other aimed oil balancing cosmetics. I used the mask on the night of a bad skin day, my face was in need of a boost and I wanted rid of the gross greasy, cloggy feeling. As I applied the mask I couldn't help but admire the divine scent, it smelt like fresh baked on the day ingredients and certainly reminded me of an oaty porridge with the thick, fluffy consistency and pieces of oatmeal which gently exfoliate the skin cells. The mask does dry into the pores giving you a deep cleanse but doesn't leave you with the hard, clay like aftermath texture. After washing off with a warm cloth my skin was noticeably softer, my face felt soothed, smooth and relaxed. It didn't exacerbate my oils or irritate my skin and it did seem to calm the harshness down. It's a definite pick me up product for when you lack lustre to leave you with a brighter complexion and a radiant, revitalised face satisfaction.

The Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser really reminded me of the Origins Ginzing but just with a stronger, more intense and fruitier fragrance. It had the same effects and a similar ambience when applied. It maintains moisture lightly without that over produce of heaviness and tightness and the texture has a cooling, gel like feel which glides easily onto the skin. It left me with the same energised, zingy feeling and gave me that pop of renewal leaving my skin feeling well rested and saved from dullness. It definitely brightens the completion, so much so that it evens out the skin tone and can bring out all the redness for it to relieve (I still don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing). Obviously, with me only using it a couple of times I've only become familiar with the short term influence but it certainly left me with a glow and I can see it becoming a popular product! 

Finally, we have the Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeing Mask and it works exactly as it says on the tin, giving you a bouncy spring in your step as you're replenished overnight. I have only used this once but I was so pleased with the results. Now, I'm not ancient, I'm still in my youth but this is the sort of product which enhances the natural flush and keeps the young-looking, beaming glow intact. The scent is gorgeous, such a rich pleasant smell which is also gentle and not too overpowering on the skin. It is a little sticky at first but once it soaks into the skin it makes you feel alive and you really can see the difference; my pores and scarring appeared reduced and my face more healthy and highlighted. It even made makeup application the next morning a smoother job as my skin looked plumper and firmer, like that natural freshness you gain in the summer.

Have you tried any of these products or are you (like me) waiting for the day you can purchase and really make the most of the perks?

Don't forget, you can enter my 500 follower giveaway to win a NARS Audacious Lipstick of your choice. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm now going to make a cup of green tea!

Bridie x

Life: the Beauty Matters salon relaunch event

Last week I attended the exclusive relaunch of the Beauty Matters salon in Garforth, Leeds, and as soon as I stepped into the glorious room full of fresh, white interior, crystal lighting and neatly set work spaces, I instantly felt privileged to have been invited. Unfamiliar of the founding of Beauty Matters and what it had to offer, I was intrigued to get to know and soon learned it was an independent, unique brand which focuses on offering a range of non-surgical treatments and products, not just the everyday aspects you come across at an ordinary salon (although those are also available and by the looks of it, completely pampering!). 

After I'd finished eyeing up the extremely appetising canapés, champagne and chocolate desserts we were greeted with, I was ushered to take a look at said treatments on show upstairs and for my entertainment, this is where I spent most of the night. 

The beautiful detail continued throughout with the staple chandelier brightening up the staircase that lead to the many rooms. What made this event stand out from previous opening nights is the way there was an open door to view everything which was tested, along with the helpful, enthusiastic and incredibly friendly staff providing information, so you could receive an insight and learn for yourself as you worked your way around. The first private and peaceful room I had a peek in was the Colonic Hydrotherapy room, something which at first didn't sound like a pleasant experience (and something I don't think I'd personally choose), but something which when contemplating the healthy, rehydrating and detoxing benefits for both digestion problems and bad toxins, became more convincing.

Just across the landing opposite the Colonic Hydrotherapy Room was a popular, and much busier room featuring a first hand demonstration of 3D-lipo. I was desperate to have a nosy, and that's not just because I have many wobbly bits I'd love to lose! To say there was a group of captivated girls gathered round the bedside, the therapist and the lady having the procedure were surprisingly relaxed, professional, instructive and even partial to a giggle or two. We were advised how this advanced, innovative technology actually works and how just eight sessions can treat cellulite, contribute towards skin tightening and remove fat in a non-aggressive way. I was slightly fascinated by how simple it all appeared to be, the machine is held suctioned on the desired areas and is followed by electro and cyro therapy which kills 20-40% of the fat cells in a natural way as they dissolve over the course of several months, backed up with a couple more high target treatment services. The lady everyone had their eyes on assured us there was no pain felt, only a slight tingly, cold feeling. In fact, laying down straight for one hour was probably the most uncomfortable part, and even then you are put at ease. Unsurprisingly, the lipo has had many positive reviews and has taken the celebrity world by storm. It can't be a hard life when you step into a salon and come out glowing, feeling like a brand new (less loose) woman. I'd love to try it out one day!

Next up, we visited the room next door where there was an even bigger queue. Inside there was an inviting, almost extraterrestrial machine ready for us to stick our sweaty faces in (seriously, it was very warm in there) and have some special photos taken which unveiled every little feature in our skin (eeek, a pretty terrifying thought!). As we waited for the exciting skin analysis awaiting us, we were briefed on the promoted Environ skincare brand which linked in to the importance of looking after your skin. Environ is a highly effective vitamin-rich skin care brand from South Africa which claims to make the best skin care in the world, through a philosophy of well researched, scientific skin care. There are a number of methods and rhythmic products that when formed together as a package would most likely become a staple skincare routine. The clinically-tested formulations are packed with powerful antioxidants and active vitamins to help improve the appearance of lines, dehydration, sun-damage, problem skin, uneven skin tone and dryness. Environ products are now available to purchase in the salon and it will now be used in a number of Beauty Matters professional treatments, such as facials.

When it got closer to being my turn to be assessed, I felt myself becoming more apprehensive. As I've developed a dedicated skincare regime over the years, I've become compulsive around keeping my skin clean but it's not always been steady, I don't always choose the right products and to tell you the truth, I was quite scared I was going to get told off for being too lazy, or too heavy on my skin (no, really). It could have gone either way, and luckily it wasn't that bad. Beforehand, I was asked about the problematic issues I have with my skin; I listed extreme oiliness and being prone to breakouts and the analysis confirmed this. It showed bacteria around my t-zone, slightly clogged pores and to my shock, a high amount of sun damage. The lovely lady who held this intriguing lesson (I'm sorry I didn't catch your name) reassured me this is not just an instant thing, it's the daily sun damage over the past 21 years and not just something that's happened recently, but still I'll now be more careful when choosing an SPF, making sure I'm always protected. She also sat with me and kindly answered all of my concerns, gave me fruitful advice on the do's and don't and the skincare products that would benefit my skin type. That then lead to a group conversation about the cosmetic type products I often pile on my skin without second thought and how sometimes they're packed with chemicals and are not so pleasant when your skin could do with a breather. In particular, my trusty Estée Lauder Double Wear which may or may not be the reason I can't seem to shift my spots! As much as I love everything about the foundation, I'll definitely be checking out the recommendations I quickly noted on my phone from this small consultation. Thank you to the staff who took the time out to provide me with some suggestions!

After an hour or so of investigating, I felt it was time to take a break so I headed back downstairs to hear the speeches of the founder of Beauty Matters, Mel, and a lady on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Trust, the charity the evening raffle funds' will go to; another compassionate gesture from Beauty Matters that made the whole experience worthy. Both speeches were short but sweet and really heartfelt. I could feel the passion and commitment to providing a business that reflects an individual's inner glow. Beauty Matters holds any concerns at heart and always puts the key to beauty first. Mel's continued success from Beauty Matters is something she should be entirely proud of. The crowds were building, the atmosphere was busy, and the energy was bouncing off the walls. Seats were vacant with all kinds of characters, classic manicures were occurring and it was time for me to continue my tour of the upstairs!

I can honestly say I never thought as I caught the train to Garforth that day that I would be stood watching every movement of semi-permanent makeup taking place for around an hour and a half but I did, and I enjoyed the revelation entirely! From the stencilling of the eyebrows, to the actual procedure of using pigment, needles and precise techniques; I saw everything and now I'm seriously considering saving up to have my eyebrows reinforced. Miriam Grice was the lady leader on this chatty, laid back, yet explanatory expedition and her amazing work has tempted me to take the plunge into semi-permanent makeup. The end results were exactly how I'd imagined the ideal brow would look; a perfectly arched sculpture with natural hair strokes and a colour shade that matched your skin tone appropriately. The lady having them done was really overwhelmed with joy when she saw the difference and if was such a lovely moment to witness. How a couple of hours of skilled work can change someone's self confidence is incredible and identifies the point of why we step into the world of these continually developing beauty treatments. Plus, not only does it enhance features but it would also save a lot of time!

Before I headed home, I managed to squeeze in a rounded up journey into the rest of the rooms to see where they carried out their standard procedures such as nail designing, tanning, waxing and so on. All rooms were equally as luxurious but one room that stood out for me was the couples room, a calming, hypnotising room filled with soothing music and vibrant lights ensuring a pampering experience and most likely, a snoring pair by the end of it. 

The Beauty Matters salon is one of those new discoveries I wish I'd have known about way back when I was a clueless teen. It has such a beautiful, chilled vibe, spa like feel to it and everyone involved are happy to assist your needs. Speaking to the attendees felt like I'd known everyone for more than just one evening and I was so well looked after by both the staff and the PR team. I had such a brilliant time, it was extremely interesting and I learnt many beauty related educational tips that I never knew before. The turn out was fantastic and it was so well deserved. To top off a wonderful night, I was also kindly gifted with a goodie bag packed with some Environ products to try out for myself, a summary of all the treatments available and even a £10 voucher to go towards any treatment over £40 at the salon. I definitely think I'll be treating myself to some me time in the upcoming months! 

Thank you to the organisers and to Faith PR for inviting me along. You all did a great job of creating a well formed environment that spells out nothing but delight!

Bridie x

P.S. I may have pinched a couple of 'before the madness' pictures from the team at Beauty Matters  purely because the bliss was hard to capture once the people packed in and began blocking any natural picture worthy moments!