Tried and Tested By Lisa - Tried and Tested By Lisa

Beauty, face, facial, review, skincare, Tried and Tested By Lisa

Imago Skincare Review

November 11, 2018 No Comments

Skincare is never an easy review to do, it takes time to see if your skin has benefitted from the products. I always tell clients that I shall happily do a review but it won’t be anytime soon. To get a true reflection of how the skincare has worked for you you must give it a chance and stick with it.

It’s not often you can instantly know your skin is going to love a skincare range but that is exactly what happened when I started to use Imago Skincare. My skin loved it and it really did not take long until I noticed my oiliness had reduced and my skin appeared brighter and smoother. I took to my group to tell the members how I loved this brand and I was not alone. Many women rave about it which is a testimonial to how good it actually is. It is all handmade and natural so no nasties in any of the products which is a bonus.

This is what Pauline, the creator of these products has to say

I started making skincare several years ago after attending training courses in Forres, Scotland with Kolbjorn Borseth, director of Aromantic skincare. Ever since the training, I have been working towards creating my range of products containing the best ingredients to nourish and care for your skin . The products were designed for specific skin types or needs and are formulated with ingredients to obtain the desired results. I have been known to spend 3 years trying to get a product right. I believe that I have a natural ability to choose ingredients that make the best possible product.

As a qualified aromatherapist, I use well selected essential oils to fragrance my skincare and the oils are specifically chosen to enhance their effectiveness. The products have a holistic aspect in that the essential oils have therapeutic effects, such as stress relief or enhanced sleep. I have been using my products as a therapist for several years and have received very positive responses from my clients, who often comment that they cannot believe the difference to their skin! I am now ready to move into the wholesale market so that other therapists, and their clients, can access the products.

Imago handmade and bespoke products have been in development since 2004. My products are derived from plant and marine sources!

Out of all the products I tried, there is a ”hero” and that has to be the marine active complex, a little goes a very long way. It feeds and plumps the skin and the effects are unreal, giving you a healthy glowing complexion. Apply it like you would a serum, one pump before your moisturiser. It was actually created as an anti ageing night treatment but fans of the product have been using it through the day too. Read on if you like the science…

The following are just four out of fifteen ingredients used in this product. Eco Marine Algae Extract – Tests showed the capacity to stimulate cellular proliferation which significantly increased collagen synthesis by 19.3% using a 2% concentration in only 24 hours compared to an untreated control sample. Even when used at 0.5% there is a gradual increase collagen synthesis of 17% after 72 hours compared to untreated samples. EcoCert approved ethanol is used to make an extraction of Cylindrotheca fusiformis which is an oceanic marine algae. Because of the risk of pollution in the seas, the producer grows the microalgae in a purpose-built eco facility. This not only guarantees the purity of the algae but also means that the eco-balance of the oceans are not disturbed by uncontrolled harvesting. The algae give off gases that are harvested to heat the facility and it is powered by solar panels to give a low carbon footprint. Argan Oil – alpha-tocopherols, carotene, phytosterols and Omega 6 fatty acids. Pumpkin Seed Oil – high zinc content, an excellent lifting oil for dry, mature and damaged skin. high in vitamins A, beta-carotene, B2, B3, potassium, magnesium. It is also high in omega 9, 6 and 3. Said to contain high quantities of vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamins B2 and B3 Pomegranate Seed Oil – Contains Vitamins A, B D and E, also contains Punicic Acid which is known as Omega 5. This rare essential fatty acid is abundant in Pomegranate Seed Oil and this oil is the only known botanical source. Omega 5 has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is a good antioxidant. It tackles free radicals so delays skin ageing making the oil very regenerative and even helps to stimulate collagen production. Studies show that it provides protection from sun damage. Do not consider this to be an oil with high SPF because it is not but studies suggest that if sun damage has already occurred pomegranate seed oil can help to diminish that damage. Pomegranate Extract – help to regulate cell turnover and give the cell time to divide normally and form completely. Arctic Cranberry Extract – provides Essential Fatty Acids and Tocotrienols, offering a three-in-one kit for nourishing, moisturising and protecting the skin in the most natural way.

15 ml bottle – £12

Another great product was the Sooth and Purify green clay mask, it’s rejuvenating, healing, and pore tightening in action – great for shrinking large pores and removing impurities. It contains Herbal Extract of Wild Pansy and Chickweed, which has a synergistic effect and is cleansing, soothing and helpful for spot prone skin. Contains a special formula of 3 plant extracts from the South American Rain Forests which has been proven to show significant improvement to spot prone skin. Comes with a separate pot of green clay to mix with the mask. Green Clay is detoxifying due to its unique blend of minerals. (copper, dolomite, manganese, silica, copper, zinc, phosphorous, magnesium and calcium).

50ml – £12 and includes a 20ml pot of Green Clay

The zesty lime exfoliator was fresh and left skin silky smooth removing dead skin cells. It has Bamboo exfoliant (no plastics to pollute our seas) and coconut butter. Formulated with Lavender water and Castor oil and Jojoba oil to really get rid of all impurities, revealing beautiful, healthy and glowing skin all ready for the application of the marine complex and firm and nourish moisturiser.

60ml – £10

Large open pores are an issue for me so Pauline gave me the pore tightening solution to help reduce these pores and control that oil. I did feel this helped tighten everything up.

100ml £15

The balancing calendula cleanser was another firm favourite. This again helps target problem skin, oiliness and open pores. Your make up literally melts away using this cleanser. Its so creamy and rich and your skin feels gorgeous after use. I like to remove it with water but you can just remove with cotton wool too.

100ml £13

Finally, I used the firm and nourish Moisturiser

Hyaluronic acid has skin rejuvenation properties – it’s nicknamed the fountain of youth. Produced by the body but reduces as we get older. Cucumber extract – contains a host of ingredients to support the skin at a cellular level. Pumpkin Seed Oil -Firms the skin, Lupine Peptides – contains adaptogens to restore suppleness and glow to the skin. Vitamin A -skin regenerating. (these are just a few of the skin nourishing and anti – ageing ingredients in this product.)

50ml £16

To order any of these products you can visit :

Link for 10% discount: Tried and Tested

Website: www.imagonaturalskincare.co.uk

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/shotleybridgeimagoskincare

Beauty, face, facial, review, salon, skincare, Tried and Tested By Lisa, Uncategorized

Comcit Facial at The Powder Room Washington

June 15, 2018 No Comments

I speak about this salon regularly on my facebook group.

If you have not yet visited ask yourself why!. It is beautiful and the treatments delivered are top quality with such friendly experienced staff. Check out some of these pictures of the salon itself before I continue with the blog about my recent treatment.

Last week I visited The Powder Room Washington to have a Comcit facial. This facial is a favourite with all the celebrities at the minute and there is no doubt why. It is one of the best facials currently on the market, with a prescription to suit all skin types, each with different results. The press is all over this facial and you need to try it to believe all the hype, you won’t be disappointed!

Comcit elite the is most exciting skin rejuvenation system yet.

You can choose between

MICRODERMABRASION
Flawless skin in an instant, this treatment offers a safe, controlled method of skin exfoliation and allows superficial peeling of the stratum corneum, reducing its thickness through mechanical abrasion of dead skin cells .this also stimulates new cell regeneration which results in firmer and fresher complexion. super – buffing facial achieves an instant lift. £55.00

H20 GLOW red carpet ready
This is crystal clears most intense hydration treatment yet, giving red carpet ready results. The h20 glow facial delivers freezing cold oxygen throughout the epidermis to nourish and invigorate skin cells, while the comcit micro channelling roller allows hyaluronic acid to reach deeper dermal layers via microchannels; plumping and re-balancing the skin from inside out .the result is brighter, fresher, hydrated skin that glows with a youthful radiance. £75.00

FROZEN FACIAL (the one I had)
The most effective and advanced skin rejuvenation treatment yet, tackling lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation .enjoy a full cleanse and gentle exfoliation followed by our groundbreaking comcit elite treatment, using cryo oxygenated micro channelling rollers to infuse the skin with a potent active infusion serum, tailor-made to tackle the individual’s concerns.
stimulates collagen production while plumping and firming the skin. Treatment is finished with the application crystal clear facemask providing an extra hit of hydration, a truly remarkable treatment. £85.00

It is recommended a course of 6 treatments 1 every 2 weeks. Then one every 1 – 2 months

I had the frozen facial and it was amazing. You can literally go make up free for weeks after having this facial. Your skin also gets better day by day. I have a series of pictures where my skin is literally glowing off the results. This facial was great for getting my skin ready for a special theatre show I was involved in this week. My skin is plumper, more hydrated and dewy. Check out the results!

BEFORE AFTER

AFTER OVER A FEW DAYS (all makeup free)

I honestly can not recommend this facial enough. Do you have a special event or is your skin dull or tired looking?. This will be just the pick up you need. Maybe you have some skin problems that this could help with. I took a picture of the dirty grey crystals that were left behind after my facial, this is all dead skin. the crystals start off white as you can see in the picture.

The salon has recently been renovated too. I love Joannes style, it’s every girl’s dream. It’s so beautiful! Just look at this flower wall and the treatment room where I had my treatment.

Anyone who would like to book a facial can do so by contacting the salon by telephone: 0191 417 9036

NOT YOUR ORDINARY FACIAL

Beauty, hair, Hair Care, review, salon, Tried and Tested By Lisa, Uncategorized

Collective Hairdressing – another award winning salon review

April 28, 2017 No Comments

Well, another day, another award winning Salon visit!

Everyone knows their hair is their crown and glory and I’m always nervous visiting different salons to review, however, I need not have been worried when visiting Collective Hairdressing smack bang in the middle of Newcastle town centre. They are the most reviewed salon in the North East of England due to their unique five step consultation. They listen, advise and educate all clients in the maintenance of their hair. Currently ranked 1st out of 7,355 UK salons as of the 23rd of September 2016. Winners in the English Hair & Beauty Awards 2015 for the Team Service of the Year. As of the 18th of February, finalists in the English Hair & Beauty Awards 2016 for not only Hair Salon of the Year 2016 but also Team Service of the Year 2016. (seriously check these guys out!)

Before my visit, I had a skin test which is most important when going for a colour. The moment I met Paul the owner, I felt immediately relaxed. He is fun, happy and more importantly has years and years of experience and really knows what he is talking about.

Never have I ever had such an in-depth consultation, which consisted of colour matching to my skin tone (we discovered I was cool tones), a discussion on what I wanted to achieve, an in-depth explanation of the products we were going to use and why and the current condition of my hair.

After explaining I wanted a deeper darker colour as I felt I was too light, Paul explained just by going cooler on the same level will achieve this. I also wanted slices of a vibrant contrasting caramel colour, Paul explained this is known as strobing and picked the perfect colour to marry with the dark ash tone. We then discussed the length. My hair was long but quite heat damaged on the ends, I went in not wanting to lose any length but I trusted Paul and understood that losing some of the length will not only make my hair more healthy but would also give me the body that my crazy thick, naturally curly hair needs.

So after The 30 mins consulting Paul was ready to get to work!

Paul started by cutting off the length (he would then finish my cut later). The lightened slices were added and then my all over dark brown colour. This was left to develop while I was looked after with offers of refreshments. The salon has a lovely feel, Paul makes sure your involved in any conversation and all clients speak with each other which is lovely.

The developing time was up and I had a toner applied to my lightened slices of hair at the basin. This is where the magic happens, not only with the toner but with the products used in salon. Collective hairdressing use Loreal Pro Fibre and this was used on my hair when shampooing and conditioning. I did not have the smart bond treatment we hear so much about when colouring, which keeps the condition of the hair throughout, however, I did get introduced to the pro fibre ”restore” range and have since been using this range at home with amazing results. I was very concerned how my hair would be after with the bleaching, but a combination of a good cut and using the right products, my hair is looking and feeling fantastic.

Once toned and washed Paul gave me an amazing blow dry so he could finish the cut. The cut was important for my hair type, curly hair with body needs cut correctly and Paul explained all this. He also wanted me to see my look curly so finished off by curling it for me.

I was over the moon with the results, my new look is much more on trend and my hair looks and feels amazing. I would highly recommend this salon ladies and if your a fan of Loreal products, they sell them all!

Big thanks to Paul and all the staff at collective hairdressing for my new look!

To book an appointment give them a call on 0191 222 1311 or book online via Collective Hairdressing.

hair, Hair Care, review, salon, Tried and Tested By Lisa

Frances Marshall – Award winning salon

February 3, 2017 No Comments

This week I finally got to visit the award winning salon Frances Marshall, located in Sunderland. I became aware of this salon when they won the Sun Fm ‘best salon’ award the same year I won ‘most stylish blogger’. From then I had them on my radar as one I needed to visit. Our paths crossed when once again the guys were up for another award I presented at the ‘made in tyne and wear’ awards and although they did not win they were shortlisted which speaks volumes. The owner, Amelia Hall was a guest on the show I co-host called Chatty Lasses and she was an extremely knowledgeable stylist.

After meeting Amelia on the show, we got talking and agreed next time my colour was due I must visit. I am very picky about who touches my hair but knew I would be in safe, experienced hands.

As a professional salon, I was asked to attend for a consultation and patch test first. Amelia was more than accommodating and allowed me to pop in when it worked for me. Sunderland is a good 40 mins away so I worked it round meetings I had in Durham.

On arrival, parking was a breeze and the salon looked very grand from the outside. I have to say the inside did not disappoint either. It was huge and beautifully decorated. The penny wall at reception stood out to me instantly and I was intrigued to ask how that came about. I was asked if I would like a drink and asked to take a seat. I opted for a coffee and these guys really pay attention to detail as you can see from the photo.

Amelia came over and asked what I fancied. I am one of those nightmare clients who show a picture and say ‘I want that’ which is exactly what I did. I was not going for a huge big change as I did like my colour but wanted it freshened up for my holidays and more ‘stripy’ as I described it. Amelia explained she would apply a dark colour and lighten a few stands so she needed to test my hair. She took some hair so she could make sure it would survive the process and popped some colour behind my ear to make sure I did not have a reaction to the colour. Amelia was confident that my colour could be achieved and I made an appointment for 2 days later.

Wednesday arrived and I was excited to get my hair done. Once at the salon Amelia explained that my hair had lifted well, however, she would be using ‘smart bond‘ to reduce any further damage. Opalex was also an option but Amelia went for smart bond for my hair type. Amelia used a ‘paint on’ technique painting the colour exactly where she wanted it rather than use the traditional foil system. she paid particular attention to blending with the new dark root colour too. I waited patiently for it to develop all the while drinking prosecco, reading trashing mags and getting excited as I could see it taking form before my eyes.

Once developed it was time to pop over to the basin where the colour would be washed off, a toner applied and not forgetting the 2nd smart bond product too. Within the salon, training was taking place for the newly qualified stylists. Frances Marshall pride themselves in a certain standard within the salon and give their qualified stylists further in-house training until they have reached that desired standard. This is why they win awards guys because all staff are at THAT level.

Back at my station Amelia gets to work on blow-drying my hair after explaining she will cut it after as I wanted that blunt cut currently bang on trend. Once dry the colour looks great and is exactly what I asked for.

Amelia is a great girl, lots of fun and an open book like me. I could have sat all day in that salon chatting with her. She has worked hard building her salon, is a great stylist and deserves all the recognition she gets. When it came to the blunt cut Amelia asked if she could use the clippers. Now I’d seen this done before on the internet so was up for giving it a blast. It is one way to get that real solid blunt line but don’t move for god’s sake. Next, she gave me that sexy, tousled, style to finish and I was extremely happy with the result. Check out my new do below and be sure to let me know what you think in the comments. I LOVE it and want to thank Amelia again.

If you would like to book an appointment at Frances Marshall please call 0191 5654080

Visit their website HERE

Keep an eye on training offers on their facebook page HERE

or Tweet them HERE

Beauty, hair, Hair Care, review, Tried and Tested By Lisa

Show Beauty Products

January 29, 2017 No Comments

I was sent some show beauty products to try and test. I was in the process of only washing my hair with conditioner following the ”Curly Girl Method” so the only products that were going to tempt and steer me off track would be these. Show beauty hair products are renowned as the creme de la creme of hair care and I have heard great things about the products brought to us by Tamara Ecclestone . I have also previously had the pleasure of visiting the show blow dry bar in House of Fraser Gateshead for a spectacular blow dry ready for a very special event where I won Most Stylish Blogger 2016.

(huge hair)

Show Beauty do the most amazing blow drys that honestly last all week so I was delighted when I was sent a selection of products to try.

I was sent the products below

Show Beauty Pure Moisture Shampoo

Restore a natural shine to hair with the Pure Moisture Shampoo from SHOW Beauty. The luxurious shampoo provides exceptional cleansing and nourishment to hair, balancing moisture perfectly resulting in healthy and lustrous looking locks.

Formulated with a blend of Caviar, White Truffle and Shea Butter, infusing the formula with Minerals and Amino Acids in order to thoroughly condition and strengthen fibers. A combination of Soy Protein and Pro Vitamin B5 boasts moisturising properties, hydrating hair and helping to control frizz

Show Beauty Pure Moisture Conditioner

Restore the hair’s natural moisture with the Pure Moisture Conditioner from SHOW Beauty. The deeply nourishing formula balances hair’s moisture, resulting in intensely soft and smooth locks.

Formulated with a blend of Caviar, White Truffle and Shea Butter, the conditioner works to infuse hydration to each fiber for added tensile strength and exceptional gloss and shine.

Formulated without parabens and sulphates.

Show Beauty Dry Shampoo

Designed to cleanse and refresh your hair without the need for washing, this Premiere Dry Shampoo from Show Beauty gives your locks a salon perfect look, with more volume and a rejuvenated feel. Formulated with tapicoa powder and rice starch to withdraw impurities and absorb excess oil, this luxurious dry shampoo contains aloe vera, mango, kiwi and ginger to protect against moisture loss and give a subtle, fresh fragrance. K.D.

Show Beauty Finishing Spray

Giving you that salon perfect finish every time, this Premiere Finishing Spray by Show Beauty gives you a weightless, firm hold that lasts throughout the day and night. Formulated with a polymer memory system that keeps hair in place whilst giving your locks a natural look and a brushable finish, this spray contains AC Kerazyme to protect hair against the intense heat of thermal styling. A must have product for picture perfect hair. K.D.

Show Beauty Volume Mist

An innovative volumising hair spray, this Lux Volume Mist from Show Beauty provides your locks with salon perfect style that will last all day. Working to lift the hair from the root, this mist should be applied onto damp hair and will give a natural, brushable finish. Boasting a formula containing a protein rich blend of aloe vera, lavender, mango and kiwi, the Lux Volume Mist is a must have for picture perfect hair. K.D.

(Styled by Hair By Gemma, Show Beauty Hair products used)

I have to admit I love them all, the shampoo is very luxurious and you only need a tiny amount. It cleans your hair so well you can easily go 3 – 4 days without washing again hence why I believe the blow drys last so long too. I’ve never known a shampoo clean as well. The conditioner instantly detangles and nourishes the hair leaving soft smooth locks. The scent of these products is beautiful and lasts for days too.

The dry shampoo is not talc-based so you don’t end up with white hair. It is a fine mist that again smells divine and just prolongs the no shampoo days. I’m all for an easy life as I have long thick hair that takes an age to dry and style so anything I can use that reduces shampooing is a winner for me, plus its better for your hair.

The finishing spray gives superb hold without the ”crunch”. It’s a natural finish that lasts, smells amazing and has heat protection.

The Volume mist is one I would not use that often as I have great volume already, however on trying this product I can see why it would be a welcome addition to anyone who has thin hair that needs a root boost.

One product I didn’t receive but I know is their best seller and the one product everyone talks about was the Show Beauty Pure Treatment Oil so if you have tried this please pop your reviews below. I would be keen to know what you think of it.

Ok so Show Beauty Products may not be the cheapest but they are definitely a luxury brand that delivers results and sweet smelling hair to die for. As I have said, you do not need to use much product so they last a long time. The bottles are beautiful and look amazing on your dressing table so keep them when empty or even fill with other products because they are far too nice to throw away.

If you want to try the products be sure to book a blow dry at any of their blow dry bars located up and down the country. As I have said, there is one in House of Fraser Metro Centre which I can recommend and they also have the hair washing facilities unlike some.

I hope you enjoyed this review, lots of love Lisa xx

eyes, Fashion, review, Tried and Tested By Lisa

CrossEyes Opticians – Newcastle

January 29, 2017 No Comments

If you haven’t already visited the new quirky fashionable opticians in Newcastle and you love your ”eyewear” then get yourself there pronto!

I went along for my eye test after seeing numerous posts of people in really funky glasses. I was due my test and wanted something a little different to my usual heavy black square frames. I had also had a previous bad experience going to a budget designer frame place which resulted in me having a bad fitting, designer, expensive frames that I could not wear as they did not fit my face.

On arrival, I was greeted by extremely friendly smiling staff who were instantly very attentive. The opticians itself was so quirky, stylish, warm and very inviting.

I was taking into a room to undergo my eye test. It was extremely in depth and they have all the latest technology, some of which I had never experienced previously.

After finding out my eyes had not worsened thankfully it was time to pick my frames. I knew I did not want anything like I have had before. The guys were really helpful passing frames which they thought would suit me, giving their honest opinion on each. The service, I felt was so personal. I was not just left to browse the shop floor, I had a one to one service with both members of staff, including the optician himself, helping me choose the perfect frames. The optician would check every frame I tried for fit and tell me if the frames were not fitting well.

I ended up choosing a grey bamboo frame which is so lightweight and trendy. I was not sure about this style, however, the guys helped me choose and they loved them and I have to agree that they were so right. When you try on so many styles it is so difficult to choose and I could have easily picked out at least 5 frames I loved but these just pipped the post for the unusual matte grey colour, bamboo material and that all-important second opinion.

Once the frames are picked, they are to be sent away for the lenses and this takes a couple of weeks. I was very excited when I got the call to tell me my glasses were ready to be picked up

I went to collect and they were adjusted to fit, again the staff were full of smiles and happy to spend time making sure I was completely happy before I left. I love my new glasses and I was keen to share a few selfies on social media.

If your due an eye test or want to purchase some new glasses, I would highly recommend CrossEyes in Newcastle for customer service, price, knowledge and choice.

GLASSES

Eyewear no strength £ 85
Single vision £ 145
Single vision +/-3 £ 235
Progressive £ 295
Progressive +/-3 £ 385

”The CrossEyes concept is built on honesty, dedication and smart design. Through honest and hardworking employees, and low and transparent prices, CrossEyes is able to create an environment where you receive the right guidance when looking for quality spectacles. CrossEyes has hundreds of different custom made frames, which ensures that everyone can find glasses suitable for both their look and personality. At CrossEyes, we do not hide the prices – we display them for everyone to see.

We take pride in our well-made and smart-looking frames. The customers give them personality, and make us look good as well. That’s why we want to make sure that everyone feels good when wearing their new glasses, and that they have made the right choice by purchasing CrossEyes frames. Just by taking a walk through the city our customers spread the concept to the outside world, and for that we are forever grateful.

Our face is your face.

#Ourfaceisyourface is a campaign launched by CrossEyes Eyewear in Denmark. A tribute to our customers -they make us look good.”

Visit the CrossEyes website HERE to book your eye test today.

hair, Hair Care, Tried and Tested By Lisa

Curly Girl Method

January 16, 2017 No Comments

Right my curly girl method!!

My Facebook inbox has been on fire so I thought I would post what I do here in a blog!. Now what works for me may not work for you as there are many factors, hence why you have to Google and study the CG method but here is the basics. So I started my curly girl journey just under 2 weeks ago.

(1st CG wash and I was already ready to give up)

I have naturally curly hair but too much straightening and using the wrong products made me believe I’d lost my curly hair with age and damage, (how wrong was I)?. I studied the method for a while before I took the plunge believing washing my hair with conditioner was just wrong!…(again, how wrong was I)?.

I decided to embrace my curls after having my extensions removed and seeing just how curly my hair had grown in from the root after months of eliminating harmful sulfates and silicone’s, aiming to keep my extensions in tip top condition. You can clearly see from the picture how curly the new hair was coming in and how straight the ends were after years off abuse off nasty products.

The idea behind the method is that you cleanse your hair in a ”final wash” ritual to rid any coatings of shite on your hair. The wrong products leave coatings that weigh our hair down, make it dull, are not water soluble and basically ruin a curly girls life!. I used my clarifying extension shampoo for my final wash. What you use needs to be harsh enough to strip all the crap away so containing sulfates is always good. Next throw away ALL shampoo as you wont be needing that again and instead from this day forward shampoo with conditioner, yes conditioner!!! Crazy right? don’t knock it till you have tried it. I wash with this CG friendly bargain beauty from Aldi and I scrub my scalp till it squeaks and trust me it does.

I then prefer to condition with a different CG friendly conditioner but you would not have to, that’s just my choice, I like tea tree for washing. Please look up products that are CG friendly as there are far too many for me to list and I will only be listing what I use. I use Tresemme un done to condition, it seemed a popular choice!. All CG products are water soluble hence why you ditch the harsh cleansing and smoothing agents in shampoo and styling products, we don’t need them to remove CG friendly products.

I don’t rinse the conditioner fully out and scrunch out any excess water with a micro fibre towel as normal towels are too harsh. I run my fingers through or use a wide toothed comb. I then scrunch in MORE conditioner, yes more! Don’t be scared of the conditioner, it will not make your hair greasy or weigh it down and your curly hair will love it. I then scrunch in either of these two gels which are both CG friendly.

Next is the PLOP, you wrap your hair in a T shirt encouraging the curl (you will need to you tube this). I only PLOP for as long as I have, sometimes 30 mins and sometimes over night, just depends.

Finally I diffuse my hair, its been years since I used a diffuser and it is my new bestie. You can of course let your hair dry natural!

and that my friends is it, you can make its as complicated or as simple as you like but I promise you that just ditching the shampoo and washing with your CG approved conditioner will be a massive game changer !

Love and peace out, embrace your curls, I’m excited to see my results in 6 months never mind just 2 weeks.

Lisa xx

Tried and Tested By Lisa

Metro Radio and TFM Christmas Live

December 1, 2016 No Comments

I can not begin to tell you how ridiculously excited I am about this years Metro Radio Christmas Live!.

Last years fantastic show started with x-factor finalists Reggie ‘N’ Bollie turning up on the tour bus and meeting their fans outside and putting on a great performance. The fun continued inside where we were spoilt with talent with amazing acts like Olly Murs, Lunch Money Lewis, Dappy, Blonde, Ben Haenow, Nathan Sykes and SIGALA to name a few.

This year looks like another great line up including John Legend, James Arthur, Louisa Johnson, Olly Murs, Sam Lavery and with big names being released all the time, you don’t want to miss out. Me and my boys will be dancing and singing the night away. It’s a great night and a perfect opportunity to enjoy a mixture of music and artists within one great North East Christmas party. It really gets you in the Christmas spirit and is fantastic value for money with tickets starting from just £25.00.

You can purchase tickets and find out more information here

Hope to see you all there x

Beauty, review, Tan, Tried and Tested By Lisa, Uncategorized

Skinny Tan Review

November 17, 2016 No Comments

It makes me giggle as I write this review and think about my friend asking if I am skinnier!! Credit where it is due the name is very catchy and may lead people to believe that with a stroke of this tan you lose 5lbs. Sorry to dash your dreams but this is not the case, however what it does do as a fake tan is make you appear thinner and also helps mask any skin imperfections.

Skinny Tan is the first self-tanner that combines a natural tanning active with naturally derived skin smoothing actives to tan, contour and reduce the visible appearance of cellulite!

I was sent the tanning mitt and the Dark tanning mousse that seems to sell out as soon as it comes into stock so I knew I was onto a winner. As we all know I am a tanning connoisseur. After my skin cancer in 2015 I stay out of the sun and rely on fake tans to give me that bronzed look all year round that I love. When I have a tan I feel better and will even happily walk round and video blog without any make up on (just contour your face with your tan ladies). Fake tans have such a bad stigma because they used to be terrible but now tans have really really improved and I must say skinny tan is now up there on my favourite fake tan list!!!

I opened the mitt ready for the evening tanning ritual and I have to say that the mitt alone screams quality. It is thick, double sided and has like a velvet finish. I have had mitts before where the tan seeps through and then stains the hands but you don’t get this with the skinny tan mitt and this mitt will last you a very long time. You can wash and reuse it which is perfect. After giving the mousse a shake I pumped a blob onto the mitt and had a smell. It was a pleasant coconut smell which continued onto the skin once applied. The guide colour was good so you knew where you had applied the tan and it went on effortlessly and streak free, my 9 year old even managed to do my back.

Desperate to see the finished result I jumped in the shower the next morning and watched all the guide colour rinse away only to be left with a gorgeous deep bronzed glow. The tan was dark as I like it, looked like a proper sun tan, streak free and there was no unpleasant smell. Here is me all ready for filming the next day with my skinny tan!

This is the tan 5 days later and as you can see there is no patchiness where the tan starts to fade and I still have amazing colour. Even look at the knees where colour can build or fade terribly, after 5 days skinny tan still looks flawless. I can get irritated by tan too and itch but as this is made with naturally derived tanning actives I have not experienced any problems.

Skinny tan is given the big thumbs up from Tried and Tested and I just cant believe I didn’t try it sooner. To order yours and check out all the products they have to offer pop over to their website HERE

Beauty, hair, Hair Care, Tried and Tested By Lisa, Uncategorized

Irresistible Me Flat Iron ( curly hair )

November 3, 2016 No Comments

A couple of weeks ago I posted a blog (check it out) about these amazing hair straighteners and promised to share with you all a different look created with the same tool.

As you can see I have very long thick hair but that was no challenge for these flat irons. These are beveled perfectly to create amazing curls and because you can adjust the heat setting there is no damage to the hair. Check out this video on You Tube for a tutorial on how to create the perfect curl.

If you want to purchase them yourself then visit here, they cost $149 which is around £122 but if you sign up on the website you get an extra 20% off!

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