Tag: #beautyblogger

Tried and tested: KeraStraight Intense Boost Protein 30 Day Conditioning Treatment

Leave a comment

logo-kerastraight

As you probably remember, I recently tried a few haircare products from the KeraStraight Volume Enhance range. I liked them so much that I decided to try a signature KeraStraight Intense Boost Protein 30 Day Conditioning Treatment at Trevor Sorbie salon in Covent Garden in London.

Do you struggle with hair that is:

  • Dry / Damaged?
  • Curly / Wavy / Frizzy?
  • Too Thick / Takes Too Long?
  • or all of the above?

If your answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, than you should definitely give this express treatment a go. KeraStraight Intense Boost Protein Treatment contains the most advanced proteins and lightweight moisture encapsulation on the market today to repair and rehydrate hair from the inside out.

Treatment:

My KeraStraight treatment took only around 35 minutes. My hairdresser started it with washing my hair and then he applied KeraStraight Protein mask and dried my hair as the mask is heat activated. Once my hair was dried he rinsed off the mask and blow-dried my hair.

Result:

I loved the results of my KeraStraight Intense Boost Protein Treatment. My hair feels stronger, healthier and is definitely more manageable now. KeraStraight treatment is a perfect solution for everyone who finds their hair hard to manage and wants to give their hair some intensive repair and boost. I would definitely want to try more KeraStraight treatments soon!

You can see the results of my treatment on the picture below:

img_6207

Price:

Price of this treatment depends on your hair length, area etc. You can find a KeraStraight Salon near you by clicking the link listed below:

https://www.kerastraight.com/pages/find-a-salon?locale=en

I hope that you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and Tested: Eyelash extensions at Yasmin Tans & Lashes in London

Leave a comment

In preparation to my honeymoon I decided to have eyelash extensions to help me look my best, even when I am bare faced. I was recommended to visit Yasmin Tans & Lashes run by an expert spray tan artist and eyelash extension specialist. She has over 5 years experience in the beauty industry and she has recently opened her own tanning and eyelash studio. It is located at Reveal Salon which is just around a corner from Farringdon station and within close proximity of Chancery Lane station and Barbican station.

When I arrived at Reveal Salon I was welcomed by a receptionist and a few minutes later Yasmin invited me to come to her room. She was extremely friendly, smiley and she prides herself in being an absolute perfectionist. She is a fully qualified, highly experienced Lash Technician and she guarantees her clients absolutely no damage to their natural lashes.

Treatment:

The treatment takes around 1.5 hours and it lifts the natural lashes from the root creating extra length and volume to your natural eyelashes without the use of extensions, adhesive or mascara. You can see my before & after photo below:

8cab93b9-d0f7-470f-891d-cf95d7a4a17b

Result:

I love my eyelash extensions. They are perfect for opening up the appearance of your eyes. As the effects last for up to 6 weeks these eyelash extensions are great for everyday, special occasions and holidays. Having them done is the perfect way to achieve long lasting, glamorous lashes without the need for mascara!

img_6269

If you wish to try them then Yasmin gave me a discount code for £20 off to all my readers. Please insert 1stclasslouge while checking out to benefit from this discount. 

You can book your appointments here.

Address:

Yasmin Tans & Lashes
11 Eagle Court,
Farringdon, London, EC1M 5QD

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

 

Tried and Tested: Laila London 100% Natural Organic Activated Charcoal Tooth Whitening Powder

Leave a comment

This week I would like to tell you about the natural tooth whitening powder from Laila London.

logo

Brand:

Laila London is the leading brand for natural tooth whitening powder and skin care products made entirely in the UK. I came across its 100% Natural Organic Activated Charcoal Tooth Whitening Powder on Amazon where it was No1 in teeth whitening and beauty product. As I recently had my teeth whitened and wanted to keep the results for longer so it was a no brainer and I decided to try it.

actoivatedcharcoaltoothpowderwebsite01

Product:

Laila London 100% Natural Organic Activated Charcoal Tooth Whitening Powder is a natural solution to promote healthy teeth and gums without any toxic ingredients, preservatives, foaming agents, fluoride or artificial colors. Its formula aims to give you clean and healthy teeth and freshen breath.

Ingredients:

I read on Laila London’s website that: ‘The main ingredient in Laila tooth powder is Coconut Shell Activated Charcoal know for tooth whitening and removing impurities.’

In addition product contains:

  • Activated Charcoal – to remove toxins.
  • White Kaolin Clay – that helps to whiten and polish teeth.
  • Calcium Powder – to provide minerals and whiten.
  • Cinnamon – to discourage bacterial growth in the mouth.
  • Peppermint – to soothe the gums and freshen breath.
  • Lemon powder – to freshen breath.

Result:

Laila London 100% Natural Organic Activated Charcoal Tooth Whitening Powder really works. I’ve been using it for slightly over 2 weeks and my teeth looks whiter and healthier. In addition, it freshens my breath and I love the fact that it is 100% natural so it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.

Price:

£10 for a jar.
Website:

www.lailalondon.com You can also buy it from Boots throughout the UK and Amazon.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and Tested: Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Make-up range

Leave a comment

As some of you know, a couple of months ago, I reviewed some body care products from Joan Collins Timeless Beauty range.

As I really liked their textures and how they looked on my bathroom shelf, I decided to try some make-up from Dame Joan Collins.

I ordered some foundation, concealer and a combined bronzer & lipstick palette.

So how is Jane Collins’s make-up range?

I applied FIRST BASE foundation after my regular Laura Mercier make-up primer. The formula of this skincare foundation includes Hyaluronic Acid & UV filters and is completely paraben free.

FIRST BASE has a light to medium coverage and natural finish. My skin looked smooth, flawless and radiant.

Next step, was to cover some small irregularities using FADE TO PERFECT Concealer. What I really liked about this product is that it can be used all over the face so you do not need to buy two concealers. Firstly, I used it under my eyes to reduce dark circles. Subsequently, I used it to cover any imperfections in the skin. It has a great velvety texture is easily blended.

After I applied some loose powder, it was finally try the SUMMER KISS COMPACT DUO Lipstick & Bronzer. It is definitely my favorite product from Joan Collins’s range.

The bronzer made my skin look fresh, relaxed and I looked like I just came back from the holidays. DIVINE LIPS Lipstick added some more glamour to my look. I absolutely love, love, love the packaging. Both products are placed in a totally glamorous, golden, luxurious Compact.

I finished my look with one of my Dior eyeshadow palettes. I hope that you like it!

X

Pauline

Tried and Tested: KeraStraight Volume Enhancing Shampoo, Conditioner and Style Root Lift Spray Gel

Leave a comment

I have recently came a new range of haircare products called KeraStraight. As I straighten my hair quite often I decided to give it a go.

Brand:

KeraStraight is a British company, launched 7 years ago in 2009. It produces innovative hair repairing treatments and products in addition to the award-winning KS Ultimate treatment that repairs and straightens hair at the same time. The range consists of some quick-fix 30-day treatments, luxurious supporting shampoos and conditioners and a small range of highly innovative styling products.

Why should you use KeraStraight:

According to the producer, the range:

  • Is suitable for all hair types
  • Straightens & repairs simultaneously
  • Eliminates frizz
  • Strengthens hair, to the very last tip
  • Is humidity resistant
  • Is Formaldehyde free

img_4109

Products:

KeraStraight products focus on straightening and repair. I have fine hair so I ordered these 3 products from KeraStraight website to add some extra volume and strength:

  • KeraStraight Volume Enhance Shampoo

img_4110

This shampoo contains a blend of volumising and conditioning ingredients as well as a specially formulated KS Complex. This innovative compound, made from African and Amazonian fruit and plant extracts, protects against environmental stresses, helping you benefit from longer-lasting flawless results.

  • KeraStraight Volume Enhance Conditioner

img_4111

I used KeraStraight Volume Enhance Conditioner after shampooing my hair with the shampoo from the same range. It is made from a luxurious blend of natural conditioning ingredients, proteins and essential volumising ingredient pro-vitamin B5 in addition to the specially formulated KS Complex.

What I really loved about this conditioner was the fact that its natural ingredients help to detangle hair and protect it against breakage.

  • KeraStraight Style Root Lift Spray Gel

img_4112

Once my hair was freshly washed, it was time to style it J I used the KeraStraight Style Root Lift Spray Gel. This product builds incredible body and strength. It has heat-activated proteins that expand within the structure of the hair as it dries, delivering extra volume, strength, hold and support.

Results:

All KeraStraight products are designed to maximise the longevity and benefits of KeraStraight treatments. Even though, I never had KeraStraight treatment, after I used the products, my hair looked thicker, fuller and seemed stronger. In addition it was straight, soft and manageable. As KeraStraight range is free from harmful chemicals you just know that it gets the best natural ingredients available.

I will definitely want to try some other KeraStraight products in the future!

I hope that you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and tested: Nugg 8 Piece Ultimate Multi-Masking Set

Leave a comment

As some of you know, I recently got married. I will be going for my honeymoon in December so I am trying to prepare my holiday-size friendly set of beauty products. I came across a luxurious mini-masks from nugg that aimed to help hydrate, soothe, and refresh the appearance of your skin.

img_5573

‘nugg’ is renowned as the face mask authority and cutting edge technology that ensures your skin is nourished with only the finest, over 90% naturally derived ingredients.

The nugg set I received is perfect if you wish to try some different types of face masks in small, travel friendly packaging. It contains:

img_5570

  • 1 x Deep Cleansing Face Mask (10ml) – to help you give your complexion a deep clean and the appearance of a shine. Definitely my favourite mini mask as I have a combibation skin. It removed the excess oil from my face and my complezion was left shine-free.
  • 1 x Exfoliating Face Mask (10ml) – exfoliating mask pod to help your skin look smooth and clear. Amazing if you do not want to carry both exfoliator and mask with you as it combines the power from both products.
  • 1 x Hydrating Face Mask (10ml) – moisturising mask pod to help revitalise dry and dehydrated skin.
  • 1 x Anti-Aging Face Mask (10ml) – mask pod to help revitalise mature skin and add some extra radiance to your skin. Great for the days when your skin feels dehydrated.
  • 1 x Soothing Face Mask (10ml) – a soothing mask helping to balance and hydrate troubled or sensitive skin
  • 1 x Revitalizing Face Mask (10ml) – to help you achieve the appearance of a vibrant, radiant skin.
  • 1 x Intense Boosting Lip Mask (7g) – a 100% natural and vegan lip mask to help hydrate and soften your lips. I applied it to my lips for 20 minutes and my lips felt extremely sofy and plump afterwards.

img_5572

  • 1 x De-Puff Eye Mask with 6 Under Eye Pads (1.3ml) – it contains 93% natural ingredients and it will help to hydrate, soothe signs of puffiness and rejuvenate the skin for a refreshed look and feel.

img_5571

Verdict:

I really enjoyed using nugg masks. I will definitely take them with me on my honeymoon and any other trips when I need to control the amount of products (and their weight)!

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and Tested: ‘TEN EFFECTS’ Timeless Beauty Skin Treat & Make-up Fixer, JoanCollins

Leave a comment

As some of you might remember, I have recently tried the ‘I AM WOMAN’ Dry Oil Body Polish from Joan Collins. I really enjoyed using this product thus I decided to try some more products from Timeless Beauty Collection.

This week, I would like to tell you about TEN EFFECTS Skin Treat & Make-up Fixer.

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

Ten Effects revolutionary skin treat & make-up fixer aims to revise and rejuvenate your skin whilst at the same time setting make-up in place. It is a luxurious product that uses a unique blend of 7 natural ingredients:

  • Allantoin  that exfoliates and rejuvenates,
  • Red Algae Gel and Frescolat MGA that calms and soothes irritation,
  • Organic Rose Water  that tightens pores and reduces redness,
  • Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerine that hydrate, moisturise and diminish the appearance of fine lines,
  • Vitamin E that protects and revises skin.

Application:

This 7 in one product comes in a travel friendly bottle with spray. I used one spritz over my make-up. It locked my make-up in place to create long-lasting and flawless coverage. It can be used anytime morning or night and if you use it regularly then it will add some extra radiance, hydration. As I have a combination skin, I really like that Joan Collins’s Ten Effects not only fixes my make-up but also minimises my pores and tones my skin due to a pH balancing layer.

Skin type:

Joan Collins Ten Effects revolutionary skin treat & make-up fixer has been formulated for all skin types.

Price:

£20.00 for 100ml

Website:

Joan Collins Ten Effects revolutionary skin treat & make-up fixer is available at:

www.joancollinsbeauty.com

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and tested: ‘I AM WOMAN’ Dry Oil Body Polish from Joan Collins Timeless Beauty

Leave a comment

I have recently heard about a new range of beauty products that are inspired by Dame Joan Collins’ skincare ethos. This week, I would like to tell you about the ‘I AM WOMAN’ Dry Oil Body Polish from Joan Collins Timeless Beauty collection that I decided to try.

It is a completely brand new addition to Joan Collins Timeless Beauty collection of care, beauty and body care products.

SONY DSC

SONY DSC

I AM WOMAN Dry Oil Body Polish is a luxurious at home spa treatment that contains:

  • Himalayan Salts famed for their natural purity and high mineral content to leave skin softly subtle,
  • Kiwi Seeds packed full of Vitamin C work to keep skin youthful and vibrant,
  • Avocado, Golden Jojoba and Olive Oil which are blended into the salts for optimal exfoliation and hydration of the skin.

This lavish exfoliator combines nourishing minerals to remove any dead skin, make your skin smoother, softer, hydrated and scented with the subtle fragrance of ‘I AM WOMAN’ Eau De Parfum .

Application:

I applied this luxurious scrub in shower to damp skin using gentle circular movements. When I rinsed it off my dull and dry skin looked refreshed, soft, hydrated and had a subtle smell of the fragrance of I AM WOMAN.

Skin type:

I AM WOMAN Dry Oil Body Polish has been formulated for all skin types.

Price:

£18.00

Website:

‘I AM WOMAN’ Dry Oil Body Polish is available at www.joancollinsbeauty.com

Overall result:

I have never tried Joan Collins products before so I was really pleased with the results I achieved with this luxurious exfoliator. I am using it daily now during the evening and my skin has never been so smooth and glowing. I will definitely try some more products from Joan Collins’s range soon!

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

 

Tried and Tested: Paul Mitchell’s Styling range and Oxygentix Acne Control Foundation

Leave a comment

This week, I would like to introduce you to a few products from Paul Mitchell’s styling range in addition to Oxygentic foundation.

If you are reading my blog regularly then you should already know that I have become a massive fan of Paul Mitchell’s hair-care range thus I wanted to check if his styling range is as good as his shampoos and conditioners.

I ordered the following 4 styling products:

  • Paul Mitchell’s Flexible Style ‘Sculpting Foam’ – Enhances texture with long-lasting memory while at the same time it helps to control frizz. It also adds shine and balance moisture as it contains Hawaiian awapuhi which helps to prevent moisture loss. Its styling and bodifying agents combined with panthenol provide a touchable hold.
  • Paul Mitchell’s Express Style ‘Quick slip’ – Provides flexible hold, adds definition, conditions and helps protect hair as it contains some softening conditioners and UV protection. This amazing product left my hair looking and feeling healthy.
  • Paul Mitchell’s Express Dry ‘Stay Strong’ Hairspray – Strong-hold spray that offers the ultimate style support and provides maximum control and volume.

image

  • Paul Mitchell’s Express Dry ‘Dry Wash’- Dry Waterless Shampoo. Its dry formula instantly left my hair looking and feeling freshly washed.

dry

I decided to try them during my recent trip to Paris. After I washed my hair, I applied Paul Mitchell’s Flexible Style ‘Sculpting Foam’ to the roots of my hair to lift them up and add some volume. I also applied a few drops of Paul Mitchell’s Express Style ‘Quick slip’ throughout the length of my hair and then I dried it. Once my hair was blow-dried, I applied some hairspray to keep it in place. It has some humidity-resistant ingredients to help fight frizz so even though it was 29 C degrees in Paris my hair remained bouncy and looked healthy during the day. As evidence, I am posting a couple of photos taken in the morning, in the afternoon and during the evening.

On our last day, I was too lazy to wash my hair and style it so I sprayed a bit of Paul Mitchell’s Express Dry ‘Dry Wash’-my lifeless hair, not only looked revived but also smelt lovely. What I really liked about it was that it has colourless formula which leaves no residue.

Verdict:

I really enjoy using Paul Mitchell’s products-they are cheaper than some other hair care ranges that I used to use and the same results. You need to try them!

Secondly, I would like to tell you about Oxygentix, the world’s most breathable foundation. Oxygenetix, known for its original breathable foundation launched its first treatment foundation product, Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation recently. It is clinically proven to treat acne. As I had a very stressful few weeks and got a few breakouts I was really looking forward to trying a sample of this foundation. As I worked for Christian Dior previously, I was loyal to their Capture Total Serum foundation for ages but the concept of breathable foundation intrigued me thus I decided to try it.

image

Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation helps clear the skin as it contains 2% Salicylic Acid and uniquely delivers proprietary acne control ingredients through a patented, breathable delivery system. The hero ingredient in all Oxygenetix products is the pro-healing, patent-pending Ceravitae a super charged oxygen complex that promotes collagen cell production and connective tissue growth in compromised skin. Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation’s are available in a wide array of 14 shades so they would fit most skin tones.

oxygent

Formula:

Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation has Aloe Barbadensis gel-based formula that provides anti-bacterial qualities due to the fact that it contains 2% Salicylic Acid. It took three years in the making and it is transfer and water resistant, which allows it to stay on for hours even in humid environments.The product should only be used until the acne has cleared, then the original Oxygenating Foundation should be applied.

image

Verdict:

I really like Oxygenetix Acne Control Foundation as it has a really light texture and medium coverage. Its natural components make it virtually a second skin and foundation doesn’t leave a ‘fake’ powdery residue on my face. Using skincare products to eliminate acne and then applying a heavy, nu-breathable foundation, is a step in the wrong direction. Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation will not only helped me to  conceal acne but also helped me to clear it. My face now looks fresh and young and the blemishes that I recently have seem like a bad dream that luckily ended.

image

Price:

£52

Website:

You can get some more information about the whole range of Oxygentix Foundations on the official website:

http://www.oxygenetix.co.uk/

I hope you enjoyed reading this review!

X

Pauline

Tried and Tested: LIQ C Serums and Eden Semilla’s essential oils

2 Comments

To start with this week, I would love to tell you about the LIQ C Serums that I tried recently. LIQ C is a brand of LIQPHARM – a cosmetic company operating out of Poland. I am a fan of Eastern European beauty so when I found out about this brand and the fact that it collaborates with the prestigious Medical University of Gdansk laboratory I couldn’t resist trying its products. I decided to try LIQ CC Serum and The Vitamin E Night Serum-Mask.

image

Firstly let me tell you about the LIQ CC Serum.  As I have combination skin, I decided to go for a light version of this serum. It provides deep skin revitalization due to the fact that it contains 15% of the active vitamin C. As part of my morning skincare routine, I applied two drops of these serum under my moisturiser and my skin looked fresh and radiant. As I got married recently, I have had a few breakouts due to stress.  After a week of using this serum they all faded and the serum improved the clarity of my skin. I really like what I achieved in such a short period of time- the texture of my skin has softened, the tone has improved and my skin has taken on a luminous glow.

image

Secondly, I tried the Vitamin E Night Serum-Mask which is suitable for all skin types. It relaxes and soothes your skin while you sleep due to its Bi-Phase consisting of 15% Vitamin and Hyaluronic Acid. This luxurious night-time Serum-Mask transformed my skin overnight and left me with a brighter, refined complexion.

image

Verdict:

If you wish to try a range of good quality, affordable cosmetics that will give visible results then you should definitely put LIQ C products on your shopping list.

Website:

All LIQ C products can be ordered directly from LIQ C official UK website:

https://www.liqc.co.uk/

and also from Amazon.co.uk:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/LIQC/b/ref=bl_dp_s_web_10354561031?ie=UTF8&node=10354561031&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=LIQC

Price:

£17.90 for a 30ml bottle that should last at least a month. Very affordable.

image

Secondly, I would love to tell you about the essential oils I recently ordered. As some of you know, I love all kinds of oils and I use them on my body, face and hair.

I recently came across the essential oils range from Eden Semilla and decided to try a selection of different oils to find my new favourites. So, how can you use them? The essential oils can be used in many ways and you can:

  • Add a few drops of oil to a warm bath.
  • Make a hot or cold compress by soaking a towel or cloth in water, adding essential oils, and then applying to the desired area.
  • Add oil to a lotion or moisturizer and then apply to skin.

Eden’s Semilla Essential Oils collection contains 12 of the most popular plant extracts used by aromatherapy professionals? I ordered 8 oils from the sets described below in addition to 4 separate oils. They were packed in a nice small box so you could easily store them. All Eden Semilla Essential Oils are 100% essential , pure and natural. They are sourced from A Grade plants and extracted using the most up to date manufacturing processes of steam distillation or suppression. These luxurious, reasonably priced oils all had a powerful aroma and were all of great quality.

SET 1 consisted of these oils:

  • TEA TREE – well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds. It is great for treating any spots and I previously used it on my blemishes to reduce the redness.
  • LEMONGRASS – is used as aromatherapy to relieve muscle pain, externally to kill bacteria, ward off insects, and reduce body aches, and internally to help your digestive system. Great to add to your gym kit.
  • ROSEMARY – is part of the mint family. In recent research, it’s been shown to boost nerve growth factor and support the healing of neurological tissue and brain function.
  • FRANKINCENSE- is known to help relieve chronic stress and anxiety, reduce pain and inflammation and boost immunity.

image

SET 2 consisted of these oils:

  • PINE TREE – known for its ability to reduce inflammation and associated redness, protect against sinus infections, clear mucus and phlegm, cure skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, boost the immune system, fight fungal and viral infections, stimulate the mind and body, and protecting your home and body from a wide variety of germs.
  • LAVENDER – most commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body.
  • BERGAMOT – is great to use while showering-inhale it deeply to experience its calming aroma while enjoying its purifying skin benefits.
  • CINNAMON – can be used as a tonic and digestive aid.

image

I also received these 4 separate oils:

  • Sweet Orange – has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, and diuretic properties. The oil can also help heal wounds to prevent any fungal or septic infection while disinfecting the lesion.
  • Eucalyptus – well-known and wide ranging, and its properties include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial.
  • Sandalwood – The health benefits of Sandalwood essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, disinfectant, emollient, expectorant, hypotensive, memory booster, sedative and tonic substance.
  • Peppermint – gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically.

image

Please note that these oils were given to me by the seller for an honest and unbiased review, in no way has this influenced what has been written.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review.

Thanks,

Pauline