Happy Feet - Nibble, Nibble, Giggle, Giggle…

At dinner last week a friend was raving about a fish pedicure and how her feet had never felt so soft etc, etc.  To my amazement my fiancée immediately jumped into the conversation with "I want to give it a go", must have been all my nagging about his not so soft feet!  Not sure if he was serious, but thinking it would be fun,  I booked us a Sunday foot nibbling session.

Fish therapy dates back to the 1800’s originating from Turkey, where they were discovered in naturally occurring hot springs and spa pools. Belonging to the carp family these fish have no teeth and are renowned for their ability to find and feed on dead or damaged areas of the skin. Fish nibbling treatments claim to naturally exfoliate the skin leaving it softer and smoother, improve circulation and alleviate eczema and psoriasis.

The Experience:

Plunging our feet into a tub full of hungry fish didn’t seem quite right to begin with, as soon as your feet hit the water they start nibbling! I have never been ticklish, but on this instance the giggles overcame me,  my fiancée on the other hand took it all very seriously and was surprisingly calm and relaxed. After about 5 minutes you get used to the sensation, it actually feels like a soothing foot massage, which I  would describe as small but powerful water jets being aimed at your feet rapidly.  The fish seemed to favour one foot over the other, so I took one out now and then to entice them to the other. Once my 25 minutes were over I actually didn’t want to leave this lovely warm water pool full of fish massaging my feet.

Tips:

To target the heals more intensely I would recommend dipping your heals in rather than the whole foot for a good 5 minutes, this is something I didn't do enough, but will definitely be trying next time. I also noticed that it helps to move your feet around now and then, as they can get a bit lazy and drift off, so this encourages them back to the area.

Results:

The bottom of my feet didn’t feel as smooth as expected, a thorough file and exfoliation tends to work better on me, however it worked really well around my nail beds and cuticles, where dry skin was looser and more accessible, my feet did however feel extremely invigorated and refreshed. I had a Fab Fish Pedi Treatment costing £48 for 55mins that included a leg/foot massage, file and polish, so on leaving the lovely Fab Fish salon with gorgeous Essie Lollipop adorning my toes, my feet felt and looked damn good!  This treatment is the perfect prep for post flip flop feet, sending them pampered and preened into winter boot hibernation.

Available at: http://www.fabfishandbeauty.com who offer 10% off  treatments from Tues-Thurs

My Handbag Essentials

There's a reason I have such a big bag....

From the left:  

Eve Lom Hand Cream SPF 10 £22.00 -  Nourishingly rich, yet easily absorbed, for silky smooth and protected hands.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne £36 30ml -  A divine mix of patchouli, frankincense and spicy woods. Seductive and utterly compelling , my new favourite scent!

Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclat Complexion Highlighter £ 20.41- Instantly revives a dull face, adding subtle glow while hiding signs of fatigue.

Dr Hauschka Pure Care Cover Stick £16.95 - A must for quick cover ups, natural active ingredients  also help heal imperfections.

Laura Mercier Baby Doll Lip Glace £18.50 - Just the right dose of colour, for a brilliant gloss and a touch of sparkle. 

Clarins Gel Eye Contour Gel  £20.99 - A truly amazing gel that refreshes a visibly and de-puffs the eye area, diminishing circles. Can be re-applied over make up during the day.

Origins Spot Remover £10.00 - Stop an outbreak while on the go with this transparent super spot zapper. 

Eve Lom Kiss Mix £14.00 - Inject a moisture boost for a gorgeous shine and kissable, soft, protected lips.

Central: 

Clarins Blush Prodige, Miami Pink £24.00 - A brush of warm soft pink providing a much needed glow, comes with a very handy compact mirror and brush.

Myth: Oil based products congest the skin – True or False

People with oily/combination complexions tend to be scared of  using oils within their skincare regime. I most certainly was, thinking they would make my skin oilier, clog pores and cause spots. Well, its time to hold off that oil ban as certain essential oils prove to have quite the opposite effect, actually benefiting problematic skin. 


Geraldine Howard founder of Aromatherapy shares her wisdom to break this myth, revealing the true benefits: 

“In reality oils can have the opposite effect. During my years of working as a therapist, I have found that facial oils containing certain essential oils can be extremely effective in helping to actually regulate oily skin and heal outbreaks. You  simply have to be clever when choosing a product.

While Oils such as wheatgerm, evening primrose, avocado and peach kernal are all rich and nourishing, they are better for dry rather than oily skin. Instead choose products that contain jojoba oil, which is technically a wax and can be used to gently cleanse and remove natural oils and dirt. Equally essential oils such as lemon have an evaporative effect on the skin, drying the skin by drawing moisture out, while binding sebum and helping to dispense of it. Lavender essential oil has both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are excellent for oily skins prone to outbreaks. When combined with ylang-ylang essential oil, which helps regulate the level of sebum produced by your skin, these oils are highly effective skin care products for oily skin

In many ways, oil based products are a far better way to deal with oily skin than soap based cleansers which are too harsh as they completely strip it of its natural oils, when this happens the skin strived to replace it, causing sebum production to go into overdrive making the problem worse.”

Goodbye Brass - Hello Blonde!

Having had highlighted hair for many years, I desire cool fresh blonde tones, which are usually achieved on leaving the hairdresser. Sadly though this colour never lasts, disappearing after a just two weeks and turning into a brassy mess. As a rescue measure, a trip to the hairdresser for a toner has sometimes been necessary, again this wouldn’t last and wasn’t cheap. I am delighted to share my recent colour rescue discovery, a duo that actually work and can be used at home whenever necessary. 

The Aveda Blue Malva Colour Shampoo (£23.00) and Conditioner (£18.50). Containing natural blue malva pigments to take out yellow tones, they work on all hair colours to neautralises brass (yellow/orange tones). Used together just twice a week you can say goodbye to brass and hello to clean, cool, bright blonde!

Other blue pigmented shampoos have also been tried, while they work to brighten blonde, I have found they make my hair very dry and brittle. Over years of trial and error I have found Aveda Blue Malva to be the only blue pigmented product to brighten, nourish and add moisture all at the same time. Not only is it a colour fix it leaves you with lovely soft locks. 

For best effect: 

Apply the conditioner to your hair that has been shampooed with Blue Malva. 

Comb through.

Leave in hair for 2-5 minutes.

Rinse Thoroughly.

Available at: http://www.shoprush.co.uk/brand/Aveda who currently offer up to 25% off Aveda products 

Gold Finger - New Chanel Peridot

Check out this super glam shimmering gold polish launching in the UK this month by Chanel. Part of the new 2011 Autumn/Winter Illusions d’Ombres Collection, Peridot  is a super reflective fusion of gold with gorgeous green undertones that captures the light beautifully exuding a soft irridesent sheen. With a smooth light texture it doesn’t gather or clump, so unlike most metalic polishes Peridot gives great even coverage in just one coat.

The perfect colour to brighten up a winter outfit and flash some glam at Christmas parties this year!

Priced around £17.00  -  for stockists go to: http://www.chanel.com/en_GB

Sun Protection - A Natural Alternative

With the lovely natural Dr Hauschka sun care range permanently off our shelves due to new EU standards, it’s hard to come across a good natural sun cream these days. I have however finally found a replacement that is just as good, if not better.

Green People SPF 25 Organic Sun Lotion Water resistant offers UVA/UVB protection. It is a medium level natural sun care for fair complexions and offers 96% protection, a great cream for day to day use over the summer months.

With Titanium dioxide, natural Cinnamic acid and Edelweiss extract for UVB and UVA protection, Green People lotions also contain antioxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients along side skin vitamins A, C and E (Green Tea, Olive, Avocado and Rosemary extract) to help support the skin's immune system and protect against cell damage while retaining moisture for a long lasting tan.

Free from parabens, lanolin, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants, that can cause clogged pores, prickly heat and skin reactions the lotion suits all skin types, even those with allergies.

I went natural a few years ago as my skin would sometimes react to high street sun-creams with a hot red rash on my chest and unpleasant spot break outs. When I first used Green People I found it a bit thick in texture and was worried it would leave a white film on my skin, however if you take your time and rub it in well it will melt into the skin without leaving a trace. While using the SPF 25 I have never burnt, but still achieve a nice light golden tan and as it feels so nourishing I have sometimes even used it in replacement to my normal daily moisturizer. It has a soft delicate fragrance, but make sure you keep it out of heat and direct sunlight, as it can go off quite quickly, you can usually tell this by the smell becoming slightly musty.

Directions: Pour 30ml sunscreen into your cupped palm then apply to body 30 minutes before exposure to sun then every 2 hours or after swimming.

Did you know:

‘SPF30 sunscreens do not offer twice the protection of SPF15... Applied properly, SPF15 filters out 93% of UVB rays, while SPF30 filters out 97%. Even the highest SPF100 only offers 99% protection against UVB rays. “It is far more important to apply sun lotions regularly and liberally.” Green People

Price £17.95 Available at: www.greenpeople.co.uk 

Draw The Line - Achieve Eyeline Perfection

I am a massive fan of the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, fuss free, slick, easy to apply and water resistant. It gives a flawless defined finish that lasts all day and more. Smudging and budging are definitely a thing of the past with this smooth gliding number.

The perfect line: Dip tip of the eyeliner brush and coat both sides of brush head in the smooth waxy formula. Wipe off excess before applying to eye. Work quickly as product can become transfer-resistant once dry.

From dawn till dusk:                  8.30am

                                                        6.30pm

                                                

Top Tip: ‘Eyeliner is essential when wearing glasses. If your frames are thick, apply a thicker line to the upper lash line so that eyes stand out. If you frames are thinner, a softer line works best.’  

Bobbi Brown

The best deal: In- flight airlines such as BA, offer a duo pack with one Black liner perfect for that sophisticated statement look and one Sepia liner, a great everyday colour that brings out blue eyes beautifully.  The pack also includes one eyeliner brush all for just £24.00.

Price £15.50 each Available at: http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk

Peel Away The Years

When joining a David Lloyds gym many years ago I received some 50% vouchers for Saks, which were lost and found in the back of a drawer during a much needed clearance last week.  I decided to take advantage and had an amazing Elemis Facial, it was still valid!

I chose the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial, perfectly suited to my slightly uneven/spot prone complexion.

Designed by Elemis to target and eliminate:

•            Acne and superficial facial scarring: Resulting in uneven texture of the skins surface.

•            Fine lines and wrinkles: Resulting from ageing, sun exposure and lifestyle factors including stress, nutrition, alcohol consumption and smoking.

•           Uneven pigmentation, such as blotchiness or brown spots: Can occur with age, or as a result of birth control pills, pregnancy or genetic factors. 

How it works: Using three targeted enzymes to accelerate the skin's biological exfoliation process, this 60 min facial is clinically proven to visibly resurface the skin by up to 75% and increase skin smoothness by up to 32% encouraging cell regeneration.

The Treatment process: To start your face will be deeply cleansed and then exfoliated with the infamous Papaya Enzyme Peel,  that uses fruit enzymes to clear dead skin cells.  (A favorite of mine currently replacing all exfoliators on my shelf).  While the potion works its magic you will then receive a wonderfully relaxing hand and arm massage.

Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Lotion is then used alongside three serum applications. Key active ingredients in this lotion include trypsin and pepsin, both natural enzymes that help breakdown dead skin cells.

The first serum is applied before a Tri-Enzyme peel-off mask is smoothed on, this quick-setting mask provides the skin with a deep cleanse and soft exfoliation and helps restore moisture levels. Feeling wet and cool on the skin when peeled off your face immediately feels invigorated and refreshed. The second serum is then applied alongside a soothing cream mask and while it sinks in to the skin you are treated to a neck, shoulder and scalp massage, pure bliss! The final serum is a healing and sealing blend to give the skin a protection boost and finish off the treatment.

Findings: This is without doubt a very effective facial, my skin felt extremely soft, radiant and smooth, imperfections also appeared slightly diminished. I love the relaxing element that the massage brings to this treatment, as one often finds facials that achieve instant results non-relaxing and on the other hand holistic options don’t achieve the same results. This facial has the perfect balance of both, a great one to get your skin into shape for a wedding or special occasion.

60 mins from £70.00 available at: http://www.elemis.com 

London Events - Brand New Beauty Hall at Liberty

Liberty have announced the unveiling of their stunning brand new Beauty Hall next week!  To celebrate they are inviting all beauty lovers to a day of pampering and beauty indulgence on the 21st of July from 12-8pm.

Complimentary mini facials, mini manicures and make-up tutorials will be on offer, along side competitions, free copies of Grazia magazine and desirable gifts with all purchases made. To top it all off complimentary cocktails will be served from 5pm and Grazia's Beauty Editor Liz Hambleton will be sharing her beauty secrets from 5 - 8pm. Beauty Preen can’t wait! Click here for full details 

A sneak peak at the New Liberty Beauty Hall 

The Hot Cloth Cleanse off - 3 on Trial

Nothing feels more satisfying after a hot sticky day than a hot cloth cleanse off to melt away all that grime and make up. These little wonders open the pores to achieve a thorough deep cleanse, giving you an invigorating mini facial experience.

Top Pick: 

Eve Lom Cleanser 50ml £30 / 100ml £50

Celebrating 25 years, this cleanser well and truly earns its place as the original hot cloth cleanser. Although the oily texture initially worried me due to having an oily skin, this is by far the most effective cleanser I have used in a while. With this little ritual in a tub you can easily forget your evening cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisture routine as the Eve Lom Cleanser has it covered in just one go. Suitable for all skin types, key ingredients of clove oil encourage clear skin, eucalyptus oil decongests, hop oil tones, Egyptian chamomile calms/soothes and cocoa butter gives moisture. The specially woven cotton muslin cloth acts as an exfoliater removing dead skin cells and you also get a 7 step massage guide to totally invigorate you face. After my first trial I was left with a soft clean glowing complexion, no oil in sight.  The only negative is the price, but think of all the money you will save on your evening beauty routine, time to declutter those shelves…

Available at: http://www.spacenk.co.uk

A Natural Choice: 

Liz Earl Cleanses & Polish £13.25 – 100ml

The gorgeous smell of this cleanser instantly feels invigorating, it has a lovely rich creamy texture, that feels extremely soothing when applied to the face. Mineral oil and paraben free makes it suitable for any skin type even those suffering from irritations such as eczema. The natural key ingredients are very similar to Eve Lom with added rosemary, almond milk and beeswax to provide a soothing and calming cleanse and polish.

Available at: http://uk.lizearle.com

Amazing Value: 

The Sanctuary Perfectly Polished Hot Cloth Cleanser £10.20 -125 ml

Great value for such an effective cleanser, it has a lighter texture than all the others making it exceptionally smooth to apply. With very similar nourishing key ingredients to the two above it leaves your skin feeling supper soft and smooth.

Available at: http://www.thesanctuary.co.uk

The Squeaky Clean Test

A little test on how much make up/grime was wiped away, this involved going over my face with a normal cleanser with cotton wool after each cleanse.

Verdict: 

 Eve Lom Cleanser:  no visible grime left on face, the perfect thorough cleanse and more… 10/10

Liz Earl Cleanses & Polish: some visible traces of make up, however face felt fresh and smooth. 8/10

The Sanctuary Perfectly Polished: minimal traces of make up, impressive clean at a good price. 9/10

How to use: 

Out of the 3 guides I found the below by the Sanctuary the simplest and most effective to follow: 

1. Place the cloth in hot water, wring out and lay over the face to open pores.

2. Gently massage the creamy cleanser over the face and neck using circular movements.

3. Carefully polish off the cleanser using the warm cloth, be gentle around the delicate eye area.

4. Rinse cloth in cold water, and place over face for 30 seconds to close pores.

Summer Moisture Boost

Moisture gels are a great way to cool, soothe and rehydrate your body quickly and efficiently. Totally mess free, they absorb into the skin a lot quicker than normal moisturisers. I love the Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Hydrating Gel a super moisture boosting potion infused with damask rose water, geranium oil and evening primrose oil, all renowned for their skin nourishing properties. This gel smells delicious and absorbs into the skin almost immediately, leaving it smooth and soft. Perfect to revive sun exposed skin. 

A little bird just informed me that www.aromatherapyassociates.com are currently offering the full sized Renew Rose Body Gel worth £27.50 for FREE with every purchase of a Bath & Shower Oil!

Loving the offer below!