Tried and Tested By Lisa - For the love of beauty

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!

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

Irresistible Me Flat Iron

October 12, 2016 No Comments

Living in a house full of boys there is nothing I love more than taking myself off for a little ”me” time and ”me” time for me is what I call ”faffing”. Faffing with make-up, faffing with hair, I just love faffing!!! My popular Facebook group tried and tested came about after a night of ”faffing” creating hair styles with a new hair tool i’d purchased, so you can imagine my delight when I was sent this new generation of flat iron from irresistible me.

They were delivered within a couple of weeks and packaged well, the box is stylish and would make a great gift. The flat iron is bright red in colour and lights up with led lights when in use. It has an american 2 prong plug so you will need to grab yourself an adapter. I got mine from the pound shop. All the functions listed on the box looked impressive so I was very keen to give them a blast

a 360° mobile cord that swivels around following your every move
a thumb print and cool tips for a steady grip and to avoid burning your fingers
all buttons are on the inside so you don’t accidentally change the settings
shuts down automatically in 30 minutes
gets hot (450F/230C) really fast, in up to 15 seconds
intelligent heat display that lets you see the temperature all the time
it is super light and comes in a beautifully designed box with magnetic closing that you can use to store it
it automatically changes the temperature display to Celsius or Fahrenheit, depending on the supplied voltage, making it perfect for travelling
the 1” floating plate self-adjusts, eliminating any pressure points, so that the iron can work through your hair smoothly without pulling

Warranty: 1 year guarantee

I have very thick naturally curly hair so it takes a good flat iron to tame it. The good thing about these is the variable temperature control so you can have the cooler setting for thinner or damaged hair, however I ramped them up to 230 oC because my hair needs heat!!!. They have a great clamp on the hair but also glide effortlessly with no snagging. They ironed out my hair in no time and i’m sure you will agree that the result is impressive.

Stay tuned in to my blog for more styles with this fantastic flat iron and 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!

Beauty, Brows, eyes, Tried and Tested By Lisa, Uncategorized

Benito Bloggers Event – Debenhams Eldon Square

September 2, 2016 No Comments

So last night I was invited along to a blogging event for Benito in Debenhams, Eldon Square.

Who is Benito?

”Ahh it all happened so quickly…

He’s always stared into the eyes of fellow beings that passed his way, with a strong sense of admiration. The windows to the soul often shone with beauty but the brows and lashes, not quite so!

In a flashtastic moment he knew what had to be done! He must provide perfect brows and lashes for all… But how?

With a passion to trim, tint, tweak and tame the world’s unkempt calamities this fashionista and renowned beauty tourist travelled the cultural corners and brought to these naïve shores the simplest, quirkiest and most perfectifying skill of threading!

Great brows for all!

Benito designed, devised and pioneered the brow bar concept and now loves to shout from the highest vistas all about the Nation’s number one Brow Bar. With an ever increasing Nationwide coverage of over 30 Brow Bars and counting, all offering an express walk in WOW service of choice and convenience!”

They offer high definition brows, tinting, waxing, threading, gents brow management, lash extensions and packages. I had my brows threaded last night and I love them. I thought my brows were not too bad until I saw the end result. Check out the picture below where I have one brow done and one untouched. I look like I’ve had a stroke down one side of my face. The brow that has been threaded has completely lifted the appearance of one side. Brows frame the face and a good brow makes a HUGE difference. If there is one thing I cant live without,its good brows!

There is a protocol all Benito therapists follow so you receive the same great service at each and every brow bar. Check out the end result. The threading is so precise and lasts so much longer than your average wax. Threading can grab the tiny hairs that wax cant too.

Benito treated us to some fizz, gorgeous branded cupcakes and a fabulous goodie bag full of branded goodies of their staple orange colour.

Benito currently have a half price offer on for semi perm eyelash extensions throughout September

Eyebrow threading costs just £13.00. I will be back to get my brows tinted and will certainly return for threading in the future.

Thanks so much Benito for inviting me and making my brows ”on fleek”

Find your nearest Brow Bar HERE

health

Lifestyle Change for Mrs Tried and Tested

August 31, 2016 No Comments

I’m sure many of you will understand the weight gain battle for busy women with busy lives. The constant grabbing food on the go and no time to cook a healthy meal from scratch. I put pressure on myself to get to the gym but then I neglect my business, housework, children, husband in the process all whilst trying to lose weight. I am fit, its not about getting fit for me. I feel I chase my tail constantly and it was making me miserable. Today I made a lifestyle change, I decided to stop putting so much pressure on myself to get to the gym and instead just go when I have some leisure time free and I already feel like a weight has been lifted. How many of you suffered that guilt feeling for not going daily? It would put me in a bad mood with myself if I could not get to the gym and it would always be the husbands fault even though it wasn’t, although I did envy his skill to always manage leisure time daily, sometimes twice per day. Some days I would squeeze in a session but still have so much to do after that I would end up not eating correctly hence chasing my tail and never losing weight!

My sister in law and brother inspired me to stop worrying about the gym and just eat healthy so I have joined my local Slimming World group because I need the discipline of getting weighed weekly and I have previously done slimmers world.

Tonight is the perfect example of how this change has worked. I came home from my day job as a dental practice manager at 2pm, picked up my kids, popped to the shops for groceries with my son, popped to royal mail office, came home and made myself a very late healthy scrummy lunch and cooked for the boys, house work got done and I have had time to sit and write two blog posts without no stress or guilt feeling for not attending the gym.

I will lose my stone through diet alone and will hit the gym as and when I have time but what I wont do is feel guilty about it.

We are not super women and cant do it all ladies and that’s OK! Lets stop putting so much pressure on ourselves .

xxx Lisa xxx

Beauty, Beauty Show, Discount, face, review, salon, Tried and Tested By Lisa

The Hydra Facial – Newcastle Hair and Beauty

August 31, 2016 No Comments

Hail The Hydra Facial and Newcastle Hair and Beauty Clinic! I am serious when I tell you that this is the BEST facial I have ever experienced and I have experienced many many facials. Now it is not the most relaxing like some I have had but for instant, visible results it is incredible.

The Hydra Facial is a firm favorite with the celebs. It claims to restore your skin to its healthiest state by removing impurities and replenishing your skin with essential nutrients. It is a step by step treatment that rids dead skin cells and unblocks pores by extraction, which was my favorite part might I add. You actually feel the muck being pulled by a suction from your pores and it is hugely satisfying, not only that but they then fill these opened clean pores with skin loving serums to hydrate and plump the skin helping with fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin is instantly looking revitalized and just feels so clean and hydrated.This is a medical grade facial with no down time and is completely pain free. Since having my facial I have been using the products pictured above to try and help with my oily skin and to compliment the facial results. They are lovely products and have helped massively with my oily T zone, these are not essential but I would recommend them if you are wanting to prolong your facial results. I filmed this treatment for my new beauty TV show coming soon but I could not wait till autumn to tell you all about it. If you want to find out more click HERE

Now this treatment does not come cheap as this is a medical procedure but it delivers results which is what people want for their money.

*** 1st Time Clients Deal Alert ***

The skin health for life is on offer for £99 instead of £120

and

The acne & anti ageing is £130 instead of £160 .

Each of the products are £60

To book call: 0191 232 2800

You must quote ”Tried and Tested” on booking to receive the above offer

Beauty, health, offer, review, spa, Uncategorized

The Garage Spa Visit – County Durham

August 18, 2016 No Comments

On Monday I was invited along to the Garage Spa located near Barnard Castle, Co. Durham for a morning pamper session. As if I was going to refuse a morning of pure relaxation so of course I jumped at the chance. I have seen this spa mentioned many times on Tried and Tested with glowing reviews so I was very excited.

Firstly the area is stunning, lots of green surroundings and it was a red hot day. I noticed a large hotel ‘’The Morrit’’ beside the spa and did not realise that later this would be where I would dine for lunch.

‘’Adjoining the historic Morritt Country House Hotel, The Garage is a building with a fascinating past, transformed from an ancient stopping station into a first-class spa.

Here you’ll find everything you expect from a modern spa and more. Created with imagination and luxurious rural simplicity, sumptuous decor awash with warm natural stone and timber welcomes you like an old friend.

The Garage is no ordinary spa. Want your nails done? Step into the paint shop. Not firing on all cylinders? A full body MOT is just the ticket. Need to put on the brakes after exploring the stunning Teesdale countryside? Make The Garage your destination.

We’ve put a unique and luxurious spa on the map and look forward to welcoming you to our one-of-a-kind facilities and gorgeous treatments.’’

On arrival I was greeted by two lovely smiley therapists who gave me a medical form to fill in, asked if I would like to book any additional treatments as they had availability and gave me a menu to pick my two course lunch which was either a starter and a main or a main and a dessert. I was very impressed by the menu, true restaurant standard food and lots to choose from.

After I had filled in my forms and picked my lunch I was shown to the changing area and given a fluffy robe, towel and flip flops to wear. The changing areas have individual units which include a toilet, basin and shower which was a nice touch and they were fitted to a very high standard, I loved the tiles and huge shower head. It did feel like my own private bathroom. Shampoo and Conditioner was supplied, however there was no body wash and my hand wash had ran out on the basin so I had to wash with shampoo.

Once I was changed into my robe I was given a guided tour of the spa which consisted of

Steam Room

Salt Room

Jacuzzi with separate plunge pool and a separate warm pool

Outdoor Gardens, which if you get the weather like I did are just amazing to relax in. I loved the swing seats

Outdoor Sauna

Outdoor rustic Jacuzzi bath

Many different fancy showers around that all looked different so I assume do different things and cold bucket dunkers which would be great fun if with friends

Many treatments rooms including a mud treatment room (you can buy the mud to massage all over the body, chill in the room letting it work its magic and then wash it off) the floatation bed room (ill come to this treatment later) then upstairs they have a couples treatment room which has its own private balcony with a copper bath on the balcony and more treatment rooms.

I had a go of everything apart from the mud and didn’t have a treatment although I wish I had now.

I must admit I loved the outdoor space especially as the weather was so good and it was so peaceful.

I was treat to a 15 minute dry floatation treatment which is a like a water bed that you lie on and your submerged down into warm water. Imagine being on a lilo in a hot bath but actually being submerged without getting wet. The bed sort of hugs you tight and you just float on warm water. I did lie there thinking that it would be great it had settings that would create a slight wave so you felt you were at sea but it was very relaxing all the same.

After the floatation treatment I was peckish. I’d had no breakfast so went to the reception area which has a beautiful lounge and ordered tea and a teacake. I sat and enjoyed this in my robe catching up on emails. Once finished I went back to make the most of the facilities.

At 12.30pm I decided to go and get changed ready for lunch at 1pm. I sat in the sun outside the spa and a lovely girl from the hotel came and got me and escorted me to the restaurant in the hotel. My meal was fantastic, could not fault it. As was the service, I had corn fed chicken and a strawberry shortcake. It was divine and from what I saw of the hotel it too was beautiful.

After lunch it was time to head home. I really enjoyed my time at the Garage Spa, its quirky and different to the norm which I like. I will definitely return with friends in the future and make sure I have a treatment.

Don’t worry I did not leave without securing all my readers an exclusive discount and I have a cracking offer for you all subject to availability so don’t miss it!

It is the Country Lane Package which consists of;

Full day Spa use (9am-5pm)

2 course lunch from our bar and bistro menu

Use of our fluffy robes, towel and flip flops

Mud Pit treatment

55 minute Classic Facial or 55 minute Deep Relaxing Massage.

Usual Price;

Monday- Friday £109.00 per person – 20% off = £87.20

Friday – Sunday £149.00 per person – 20% off = £119.20

This offer will be subject to availability so book ASAP and make sure you quote ”Tried and Tested” to get the discount.

Tel: 01833 863100

Email: [email protected]

Beauty, Beauty Show, celebrity, salon, T.V.

Filming my new show – Confessions of a Beauty Addict

August 10, 2016 No Comments

So that’s all the packets filmed for my new beauty show. Not sure why they call them packets but that is what they are called in T.V. land and mine consist of me visiting salons experiencing beauty treatments and getting the inside story from the professionals. Not your usual manicure or pedicure mind you but more unusual treatments. I have the rest of the show still left to film but I am so excited for it to be on the telly box soon.

Friday I visited a brand new clinic in Jesmond called 1 Benton Tce. Think of it as a one stop shop for all things beauty, from hair styling to lasers to botox to fillers. Here I experienced the ”iron man facial” which is hugely popular with celebrities and consists of wearing a light therapy mask which has many benefits, however I really don’t want to say too much as I want you to tune in to find out more but it was a canny impressive piece of kit!

Tuesday I visited Newcastle Hair and Beauty in central Newcastle for a Hydra facial which again is a celebrity favorite. It is a 7 step medical facial but again I really don’t want to say too much, however what I will say is that results are instant and my skin has never ever felt so clean and fresh…eeekkk right that’s too much, you will just have to tune in and find out about all of these amazing treatments.

Ill be sure to let you all know when Confessions of a Beauty Addict will air on Made in Tyne and Wear!

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