CLINIQUE GIFT LAUNCH – HOUSE OF FRASER INTU METRO CENTRE

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What a great evening I had last night at the Clinique gift launch in House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre. There was gift bags, nibbles, sparkle and make – up demos. As you can see I stuck to water and I loved the branded bottles although I didn’t lay off the cakes and had far too many. Clinique is very well know for skin care but has really become a rival in the cosmetics now too. As you all know I am a huge fan of their beyond perfecting foundation and concealer  and their chubby highlighting stick . The girls are lovely and full of knowledge about the brand. Now is a great time to buy from Clinique as they are currently on ”gift” which means if you buy two or more products, one being skincare or foundation you get this pictured gift completely FREE. Included in the gift is a mixture of skincare and cosmetics, including a handbag size of my favorite foundation which will be matched to suit. What you waiting for girls, stock up on your favorite products or give Clinique a try!. I can recommend the girls in House of Fraser to help you find the perfect products to suit. Gift runs from 5/5/16 to 21/5/16.

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Murad Facial – House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre

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Today I was invited to try a Murad facial at its treatment room located in House Of Fraser, Intu Metro Centre, Gateshead.

Murad is an American skincare brand that was founded in 1989 by dermatologist Dr Howard Murad. The products are all based on using the best of science to get measurable results and there are prescriptive ranges designed for anti-ageing, blemish control, environmental protection, deeper wrinkles, discolouration and dark spots and a range specifically for men. I was particularly excited by the anti-aging blemish range because now at 35 I realise how important it is to look after your skin (better late than never I suppose).

I arrived at the Murad counter and was greeted by Sarah who asked me to fill in a medical form. I already knew I was having the AHA Rapid Exfoliator Anti-Ageing Facial which is a glycolic peel which gives incredible anti-ageing results, for healthier and younger-looking skin.

Sarah led me to the treatment room which presents itself with dark walls and dim lighting, giving me an instant relaxed feel. I removed my top, took down my bra straps and got comfy under the thick quilt on the bed.

After cleansing my skin, Sarah then prepped my skin with salicylic acid and then applied a glycolic peel along with a lip balm to protect the lips. She warned me that it may tingle and checked to make sure my skin felt OK while the active ingredients started work. Different people’s skin reacts in different ways; on a scale of 1 to 10 from normal to painful I was at a 1, there was virtually no tingle even. While the peel was working I was treated to a arm and hand massage.

After removing the peel, next up was the clarifying mask. It was very cool and calming. The mask was left for around 5 minutes. After Sarah removed the mask she applied a top layer of cream and my treatment was complete.

Murad is a prescription facial prescribed to treat a number of different skin problems. Please don’t book in with Murad if you are wanting a full on relaxing facial. Murad facials are done with the consultant wearing gloves to protect their hands as they do numerous facials per day and the acid would not be kind to their skin if they were to expose their hands to every treatment. Murad also don’t use the hot towels etc you would come to expect from a relaxing facial either. Do not let this put you off, I was actually relaxed and the thought of having prescription skincare working on my skin to help claw back the years filled me with glee.

Check out the other facial treatments Murad offer also!!!

My first visit to Murad, where I discovered the youth cam can be found here

To book this facial call 0191 4938869

Facial Cost : £55

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VITAMIN INFUSION DRIP – CENTRAL HEALTHCARE NEWCASTLE

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After a really hectic week last week working, recording chatty lasses and winning my award, I just knew I was going to crash and burn this week!. During a heavy week I tend to run on adrenaline and I always come down from my high with a bang once i’m back to my usual lifestyle. I usually end up poorly and exhausted but this time  I was ready !!! Nurse Gill had me armed with her secret weapon, the ”Vitamin Infusion” IV drip!!!

”YOUR BEST JUST GOT BETTER” Enhanced intravenous hydration for the nation ( hell yeah )

How does it work?

Vitamin infusion is a scientifically formulated intravenous rehydration solution for the effective treatment of moderate to severe dehydration.

 Vitamin infusion works by replacing fluid, electrolytes and vitamins lost due to heavy sweating, heat illness, vomiting, diarrhea, excess alcohol consumption and more.

 Vitamin infusion products are widely used in hospitals and by healthcare professionals worldwide.

I visited Central Healthcare in Newcastle which is very easy to get to and very close to the centre for life. I had the ”fitamin” drip, this is the most common drip for a ”pick me up”. There are other drips that help with different symptoms but nurse Gill can help you decide which is best. The drip is priced at £227.00 per infusion. Frequency of infusion varies per person, some have monthly or 3 monthly. Others just have now and then for a boost like me. This treatment is common for people with an illness or who are going through gastric bypass surgery.

The treatment took around an hour but it was very relaxing. I am fine with needles so I was not worried. Firstly nurse Gill went through all the consent forms with me and explained the procedure. Then I was made comfortable on the bed and the needle was inserted into the vein, very gently might I add. I was given fluids first to hydrate me and then the bag was changed to the actual vitamin drip. It had a strong smell, medicine like. It felt cold going in but was never once uncomfortable in any way. Nurse Gill and I chatted, she is a lovely lady who really puts you at ease. I took a few selfies as you do and caught up on my blog while the bright yellow vitamin filled cocktail went through my veins.

That afternoon/evening I felt tired but that was to be expected. The next day I had a hugely intense training session at work and all my ”cheeky” staff commented on how they were going to have a whip round every month and buy me a vitamin infusion because I was really ”happy” today . I’m sure I am happy everyday but apparently not ha ha. I did feel more energised, less sluggish and ready to take on the world but this was nothing compared to the following day. Wednesday, 2 days after my drip I was awake and up at 6am, which was not intentional and un heard of in my house. I did try to fight it and sleep in longer but my body had other ideas. I went to work and after work had two really important meetings back to back. I did not finish and get back home until 9.30pm that evening. Id been on the go for over 15 hrs but still felt full of fuel. I can only put this down to the drip as like I said earlier, I literally crash and burn. I would highly recommend this treatment if you too feel you need a boost, maybe you have a physical challenge coming up or maybe you have been poorly.

To book this treatment or to find out more you can call: 0191 222 0100 or visit www.centralhealthcare.co.uk

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KIEHLS CREME DE CORPS

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OK so when I was told Victoria’s Secrets models all use this product before they catwalk I just had to try it. So I might not have a body like a Victoria’s Secret model but ”hell” do I want sheen on skin like them!!! This soy milk and honey whipped luxurious body butter is

  • Luxuriously scented
  • Light on the skin, but rich in 24-hour hydration
  • Decadently air-whipped for instant penetration to restore, protect, and soften skin
  • Quickly absorbed to deliver deep moisturization
  • No parabens, glycols or silicones

This British weather is really affecting my skin at the minute, glorious warm sunshine one minute and snowing the next. My limbs get dry from the elements, shaving and my obsession with fake tan!. This body butter is scrumptious in every way. It smells delicious, so much so that I’ve been quite tempted to try eat it, I resisted you will be relieved to know. It absorbs fast and is none greasy, however it does leave that amazing model sheen on the skin. My skin feels smooth and well nourished. So using this product we might not look like a Victoria’s Secret Model but we will feel like one with our soft silky smooth skin.

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AVEDA REVIEW – HOF INTU METRO CENTRE

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I have been using Aveda hair care since I visited the lovely Lisa in House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre.

Aveda do a complimentary scalp and hair analysis in store where they use a little hand held device to magnify the hair follicle and scalp. By doing this they can make sure you get the right products to suit your hair type. I was unaware I had a dry scalp until I had this done. I knew my hair was damaged after over processing and it was fascinating seeing the images on the device and comparing them with the ”normal” images.

Lisa recommended I go for the damage remedy shampoo and conditioner as well as the daily hair repair. I also got the beautifying oil for my scalp, dry remedy oil for daily moisturizing of the hair and the shampure dry shampoo for all the days in between.

My hair has felt amazing and I have had lots of compliments on the condition and shine. I love how the range contains no nasty’s. The dry shampoo is great as it is not an aerosol so does not go everywhere and it smells divine. The daily oil is ideal to use as a finishing product but it doubles up as a treatment for the hair and the hair repair is also a heat resistant product. If you have problems with your barnet I recommend you go visit the girls at the Aveda counter at House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre. Mention Tried and Tested and you will be well looked after.

Aveda are also currently running some special offers for Tried and Tested members which are:

If you Spend £25 or more on Aveda in HOF Metro Centre and mention Tried and Tested you receive a FREE facial to redeem at your leisure. Offer ends 30th April 2015

also

You can get a back and shoulder massage for only £15 (which all proceeds go to water aid) this is an ideal way to try a brand or product you have never tried before…be quick as appointments are limited and offer ends 30th April 2015

Discover Aveda

the art and science of pure flower and plant essences is the core of aveda. our beauty products are alive with the life force of plants, and contain pure essential oils. our solutions are so powerful we call them purescriptions™. while we specialize in hair care, we offer other plant-based products—skin care, makeup, pure-fume™, aromas and lifestyle—that are all professionally developed, clinically tested, and go to exceptional lengths to be respectful of the earth. our professional network, nearly 8,000 salons and spas worldwide, shares our commitment. ever since a hairdresser founded aveda in 1978, our products have been harvested with respect for the earth, in harmony with the web of life.

aveda: connecting beauty, environment and well-being.

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Most Stylish Blogger 2016 (what a title!)

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Well what can I say!!!!, I did it, I won Most Stylish Blogger 2016 and to say I was shocked was an understatement. Tried and Tested came from an idea of a private Facebook group for myself and my girlfriends to share beauty tips and glory products. Now, little over a year later I have nearly 17,000 female followers on the group who all share the same passion and I have helped many local businesses thrive by advertising products or services they offer within the beauty/health/fashion industry. I give my members something back by negotiating exclusive discounts and deals for members. I love Tried and Tested and love seeing my members offer advice to others, it is a really lovely group of women supporting each other. I like how it is interactive and everyone can offer a product recommendation or an opinion rather than just me. I don’t claim to know it all nor have I tried everything (although i’m getting close ha ha). I just like to help where I can and recommend good services that I have experienced. To get this award was mind blowing and just makes all the hard work worth while. After a little health blip in 2015 I told myself I was going to create memories and lots of them. This is one of them memories, and I want to thank all my tried and tested members, family and friends for all the support and for voting for me. This would have not been possible with out you and i’m truly grateful. Thanks so much xxxxx

If you would like to collaborate with Tried and Tested please email: [email protected]

Dress supplied by Designer Fit

Hair done by Show Beauty House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre

Make up done by Sophie Dobson MUA

Nails and Tan by The Beauty Room Stanley

 

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Chatty Lasses is Back!!!

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So everyone #chattylasses series 2 is currently on you T.V. boxes every Tuesday night 7.30pm on Made in Tyne and Wear. It is also repeated throughout the week. Think of it as a local Loose women but better obviously ha! Katie, Susan and myself have a great relationship, great banter and are the perfect trio for the show.

Sky: 117

Freeview: 7

Virgin media: 159

Online and catch up : here

This week we have been recording series 3 and we have had so much fun in the process. We have had some truly inspiring guests talking crafts, charity, relationships, ageing and so much more! Even Mr Guthrie made an appearance to get his revenge, thankfully he was tame!

Make sure you tune it to series 2 currently on air and make sure you don’t miss series 3 in the coming weeks, please feel free to tweet using the #chattylasses and get involved!

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KIEHLS ULTIMATE STRENGTH HAND SALVE

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I suffer dermatitis on my hands and the cold weather makes them so sore, dry and the skin cracks. The wonderful staff at Kiehls recommended I try this hand salve and I haven’t been disappointed. I use it several times a day and it is never far from me. It has a wonderful menthol eucalyptus smell which is perfect for men or women. Its is not greasy and the thick, rich cream melts in leaving hands feeling relieved and protected. If you suffer dry sore hands then this is a handbag must!!!

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DECLEOR HOT STONE MASSAGE

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Yesterday I experienced the most amazing Decleor Hot Stone Massage courtesy of the beautiful Zoe. Many people are unaware that House Of Fraser Intu Metro Centre offers many ”in house” beauty treatments alongside selling all the top beauty products. Decleor goes one better, and offers more of a spa feel with their treatments. Within the tranquility of the treatment room and the comfort of the bed, the whole world is instantly placed on mute. The warmth of the stones and relaxing music had me fighting sleep, so not to miss the massage. The oil smelt divine and my skin was silky soft the next day after leaving the essential oils to work while I slept that evening. The treatment was a full 60 minutes of pure bliss and just what I needed. This would be a great treatment to give as a gift or to just treat yourself after a hard day shopping within the Metro Centre. I have a great EXCLUSIVE offer for TRIED AND TESTED members only until the end of April. Pop over to the group to take advantage of the offer and thank me later! xx

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