I did not know what to expect when I received my clip-in hair extensions from Irresistible Me. The original colour I was going to get was out of stock so I contacted them for a really simple colour match, you just send in a picture of your hair in natural daylight and they send over options that would suit your hair colour and type, they are so sure of their matching abilities that you can send them back if they are not correct. I decided on this set here in 24” extra volume as I already have thick hair. I was not sure they would match before they arrived, convinced they may be too dark, but boy was I wrong! They came beautifully packaged in a tube storage container and they were so thick and soft. The hair is very good quality and is 100% natural human hair with a 99% quality rating since 2013. They can be heat styled and washed as you would your normal hair. I have used many extensions over the years and these are by far the best clip-ins I’ve had. I only have half the hair in on this picture above to give me extra length and volume and the colour blend is perfect. I styled them with my irresistible me hair straighteners to create this curl. I had many compliments on my hair and no one thought they were extensions. Currently, there is a great sale on so get yours while they are on offer!
I have the NEW ”Irresistible Me” black diamond hair straighteners, woo hoo! I could hardly contain my excitement after owning my old red irresistible me straighteners for many years which I absolutely love for sleek, shiny, frizz-free straight hair. See the original blog post here. The new curved design did not disappoint, that is the difference between the two so these are going to be great for curling. They are also extremely stylish, I much prefer this classic black and rose gold titanium design. They glide through my thick unruly hair and make light work of my frizz due to the negative ion technology. They reach a temperature of 450 degrees F or 230 degrees C for us Brits with a turbo heat booster that gets to temperature within 15 seconds. You will need an adapter plug as it is American but they are only a couple of quid. They have a long 8ft cord with a 360-degree swivel so are easy to use, they are also surprisingly lightweight. I absolutely love the results these hair straighteners give me and can’t wait to get them to work on my new clip-in hair extensions from Irresistible Me. All products from Irresistible Me can be bought here.
last Sunday myself and my husband went to Ramside Hotel in County Durham for a mini spa break and we had the most wonderful time. The Ramside is the only Gold awarded AA rated and 4-star spa hotel in Durham and I think it is well worthy of 5 stars from what we experienced.
Upon arrival, the staff were polite and very helpful. We checked in at 3pm (check in time) and were asked if we needed help with our luggage and given the location of our room. We were in a premier double room based in the new wing and it did not disappoint. The bed was huge and the room was equipped with everything you would expect from a top – class hotel including high-speed WiFi, complimentary bathrobes, slippers and ESPA toiletries, I love high-end toiletries in hotels. We also were treated to a huge luxury bathroom with a free standing bath and a walk-in shower.
Once we checked out our room we were eager to get to the spa, one of the things I loved most about this hotel was the fact you could access the spa via the hotel. No going outside meant you could pop on your robe and slippers in your room and walk down the corridor to the spa and everyone did it so you didn’t look silly either. Who wants to be messing on with getting changed in changing rooms when you have your own private room just up the corridor.
We checked in at the spa reception, were given wristbands and were told we had full access to the spa. We were not quite sure what this meant but we were about to find out and were ready to be wowed!!
We walked straight through the changing rooms to reach the spa area which were clean and again full of ESPA toiletries for guests. There were fresh towels and robes if you needed them. There were complimentary flipflops so I changed my slippers for these. We did not use the changing facilities but they were well equipped with everything you would need. At the other end of the changing rooms, I met my husband and we were both impressed by the size of the 25m swimming pool.
We decided to have a wander as you do when you visit somewhere new, within the area of the large pool was a sunken sauna, designed to increase circulation. Very beneficial for strengthening the immune system, cleansing and detoxifying. Perfect after a good workout to reduce muscle tension, also good to relieve joint pain. An aroma steam room enriched with essential oils, designed to soften the skin, cleanse the pores, calm the nervous system and relieve stress and there were lots of comfortable loungers.
We could see the outdoor heated pool with spa garden through the windows and wondered how you get outside. Then we found the entrance to a whole different level of spa. You will need to make sure you have full access when you book your spa day to experience this additional area. You use your wristband to let you in and we were wowed. I have reviewed many spas as you will see on my blog but this place was on another level. There is a large hydrotherapy pool with many different jets and gadgets, we had great fun trying them all out. There are two additional thermal suites, the Himalayan Salt steam room which helps with skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema and the Herbal Infusion sauna which helps to revitalise and invigorate the senses and looks out onto the outdoor heated pool and spa garden. There is lots of comfortable seating and bar area with fresh fruit, infused waters and service with a smile.
Treatments can also be booked in advance with the beauty therapists. We were more than happy with what the spa had to offer even without experiencing treatments and we made sure we had a go of everything. We especially enjoyed the outside area and the hydrotherapy pool. One of the staff members managed to reserve us two beds as it was extremely busy and we lounged around snoozing until it was time to go and get changed ready for our evening meal reservation at 7pm in the fusion restaurant. I do want to point out that you can go into the fusion restaurant in your robes and slippers also up until a certain time, but we wanted to get changed. We walked back to the room in our robes and got changed ready for the evening.
The restaurant is situated within the spa using traditional recipes from South East Asia. You can view the menu here.
The food was outstanding, as was the service. The guy who served us was called Charl and he was very happy to assist us with our choices and he was a credit to the restaurant. We went for a selection of starters to share and a main course each. The portion sizes were good and the quality of the food was unreal. We had a selection of prawns for a starter, a soup and duck with pancakes. My husband had sweet and sour chicken for his main and I had the crispy duck on top of noodles. We were too full for a dessert but I had a latte coffee which was lovely and creamy. We will most definitely be visiting this restaurant again in the future.
Once finished the lovely meal we retired to bed. The bed was comfortable and we had a great nights sleep. Our final experience of the hotel was the breakfast. Once again this hotel did not disappoint. There was a good selection of hot and cold food including cereals, cold meats, cheese, yoghurts, pastries, breads, jams, traditional English breakfast items at the self-serve buffet and more. I was still stuffed off the night before and am not a big fan of breakfast in general so did not eat much but my husband really enjoyed his and agreed the selection was very good.
Once finished breakfast we went to check out. We could have spent the day there in the spa but we both had to be back due to work commitments. We had been very eager to use the gym, and took our gym gear but unfortunately ran out of time, so I can not comment on the gym facilities, however, I am sure they will be fantastic if the spa is anything to go by.
Overall we had an amazing experience at The Ramside Hotel and Spa and I would highly recommend this hotel and spa to my readers. Check out all the spa deals they offer here
Any exclusive offers I may get for my Tried and Tested members will be posted on the Tried and Tested Facebook group so watch for any future offers.
Thank you so much to the Ramside Hotel for inviting us along to review the hotel and spa. We can not wait to return in the future.
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!
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
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!
As ambassador of the charity SCKIN I get asked to try out lots of fake tans. I like to find the best alternative solution to achieving that bronzed goddess glow, without the need for tanning beds, injections and the harmful rays of the sun. I recently appeared on a show on channel 5 promoting safe tanning to individuals who risk their health daily on sunbeds so I need to make sure I recommend the best products to get them to convert.
There are a lot of tans on the market, some good and some bad! Only the good make it to tried and tested and you may find a number of different tans on my blog that I rave about because something that suits my skin may not suit yours. Its all about finding your favorite and Star tanning is a firm favorite of mine.
Why is Star tanning different?
STAR tanning products are the ONLY tanning products in the UK made with 100% NATURAL ingredients; no alcohol, no paraben and no chemicals. They will soon be registered as the only Vegan Safe tanning brand in the UK, an amazing accolade to hold.
STAR naturally facilitates the production of melanin in the skin, giving you the most safe and natural tan possible.
I can get itchy with tans, my skin does not agree with certain brands and my legs in particular itch like mad. This tan is different, its 100% natural so no nasties that can irritate the skin. Great news for people with dermatitis or psoriasis who tend to use tanning beds to clear up their skin but are damaging it at the same time off the beds. STAR is designed to penetrate the 3 top layers of the skin epidermis to facilitate melanin production and give a more natural tone rather than dying the top layer of your skin with a “fake tan” colour like all other brands do. STAR removes all the harsh chemicals and alcohol which dries out the skin and causes irritation. The brand has passed safety tests for the UK, Europe and USA as well as being this year’s tanning sponsors for the London “Safety in Beauty” White Party run by Antonia Mariconda. They have a PH Neutralising Spray which helps skin irritations too as shown above and a Colour Lock Spray to prevent transfer onto sheets and clothing…perfect for brides.
The scent is fresh watermelon, I wouldn’t say I could particularly smell the watermelon but there was certainly no unpleasant smell. They also do an exclusive scent for guys too, Bleu STAR, which has a scent identical to Bleu de Chanel aftershave and I think i’d of preferred this smell because I just love guys scents. The colour was great, natural and streak free which is what you should expect from tans these days but so many still get it wrong. It faded evenly and didn’t transfer thanks to the Colour Lock Spray. It was easy to apply with a mitt and the consistency is a mousse which I prefer over creams as I just find them easier to apply.
To order this tan please visit the website HERE and receive 20% discount off your 1st order using code FIRST20
Im off to go get my Glow on ready for filming xxxx
Today I visited a Champagne nail bar in Central Newcastle for a pedicure on my poor neglected feet. This nail bar is PURE CLASS. The decor is amazing with inspiring quotes dotted about on the walls and Ann has gone all out with attention to detail, even having a champagne cork table which was very quirky. The lighting, display cabinets and bar all look so fitting to their surroundings and ooze classy. I was very impressed with this place, the the photos do not do it justice at all. LEVOI is a nail bar but also offers HD Brows. One thing I love is the names of the nail packages and polishes, they are all based round drinks. Check out the packages here. This is a great place to go with your girlfriends before a night out or a big event and come highly recommended.
When I arrived I was met by Ann Walker the owner, who offered me a glass of champagne on arrival (it would be rude not to). We talked as she got to work on my feet, giving me the most amazing glitter nail pedicure which I LOVE and she is such a lovely lady and has such a moving story behind starting this venture that I really want to share it with you all…
LEVOI the name. Firstly LEVOI is starting its life in a new independent Champagne Nail Salon in the heart of Newcastle city centre. Founded by local geordie girl Ann walker people always ask about the name and the inspiration for the BRAND. Is it French? What does it mean? How is it pronounced?We pronounce it Le Vua! or you may say Le Voy! It is not foreign or does not have an alternative meaning. It is simply an anagram in memory of an amazing woman that was Ann’s mother OLIVE. LEVOI the inspiration. Ann Walker was raised then named Ann Edington in a very close, respected working class family from Birtley on Tyne & Wear. The family were raised with unconditional love, but always taught good manners and respect, often being reminded that is not about what you’ve got its about being a good and honest person. Now aged 47 years with her own family, Ann has many years experience in the Beauty Industry, having ran her own small salon in her home town of Birtley from 2001 – 2012. Having qualified in beauty therapies, Ann also went on to achieve qualifications in hairdressing and many other Vocational and CPD certificates within the industry. Ann was also later employed as an Account and Business manager for a very well known cosmetics brand from 2011 – 2015. In 2013 Ann’s family were struck by huge tragedy, loosing 5 members of her immediate family in a horrific road traffic collision. Ann lost her older sister (and best friend) Angela, along with her brother in law Dave, nieces Carley aged 21, Beth aged 18 and great niece Lacie Jade aged only 23 months. This was life changing devastation for all of the family, especially Angela’s only son aged 24 at the time, and in turn took its toll on Ann’s mother and Rock of the family. Already suffering cancer Olive also died that same year, only 6 months later. After months of bereavement and specialist counselling, Ann knew that her life would never be the same. She quit her job as a business manager feeling she had lost her drive for the Company she was now working for. After only 3 months in a diversifying role, Ann soon realised that she truly missed the Beauty industry and spent the next few months researching making the new LEVOI Brand. Remembering years earlier, when Ann had her local salon in Birtley, her big sister Angela also had her own salon in Gateshead. They once joked about how they should merge it all together and create a big brand, although jokingly they would never afford to do this. This would be the inspiration behind Ann’s drive. Olive was not a rich woman by any means but along with husband and father George who died in 2008, both worked hard enough to buy their council home where the family were brought up. Following Olive’s death Ann inherited a little cash sum from which she would be inspired to focus on a new venture in all of their memory, and something to focus on for the future of the family. After long days and nights researching Ann finally found the best businesses to work with to manufacture her own LEVOI nail brand.
We’d love to showcase the Brand to you!
Our UK manufacturers lead the way in the development of high quality and innovative products for the cosmetics and beauty industry. With over 30 years of experience in manufacturing cyanoacrylate adhesives,sealants and UV curing nail products, the highly skilled workforce and world-class development chemists continually strive to provide exceptional service to the industry. With their vast experience they have created our Gel formula which is kind on the nail, plus long lasting results, giving you Super glossy, chip resistant colour for up-to 3 weeks. With manufacturing and distribution sites in both the UK and the USA, they are internationally renowned within the global cosmetics industry.
You can purchase LEVOI polishes and gels from £9 online here or direct from the nail bar
I have a special ”TRIED AND TESTED” offer for members when they quote tried and tested on booking
Offers – 10% off all service treatments – 20% off all retail products in store – Offer available until 31st July 2016 – Call 0191 230 5859 or contact us via our FB page
Now there is no denying my love of milk_shake products for the hair!!! I have said it before many times on Tried and Tested. The smell of these products is divine and they have helped my over processed hair immensely and for that milk_shake, boy am I grateful. Milk_shake use only natural and organic ingredients which is crafted with care to suit specific haircare needs Here is some of my staple products I can not live without which help tame my crazy curly mane.
Curl passion shampoo – Gently cleanses curly hair, giving hydration and condition, eliminating frizz. Formulated with coconut oil sugars and grapefruit, apple and peach extracts, it helps maintain long lasting curls, leaving hair elastic, conditioned and shiny.
Eco-mist styler hairspray – Eco-mist hairspray that protects your hair and the environment. Gives long-lasting flexible hold and humidity resistance, ideal for all hair types, it’s perfect for finishing any style. With UV filters that protect hair color. Gives medium, natural hold leaving hair voluminous and radiant.
Leave-in conditioner – A leave-in conditioning spray for normal or dry hair that gives manageability to hair whilst protecting its structure and moisture balance. Milk proteins give strength to the hairs structure and fruit and honey extracts revitalize and give shine to the hair. Integrity 41 and vitamin E protect from UV rays, helping to maintain hair color.
Glistening spray – Gives shine, eliminates static electricity and improves manageability. Formulated with date seed oil extract and abyssinian oil, it gives smoothness and helps to maintain the hair’s moisture balance.
Curl passion mask – A rich mask for curly hair that gives deep hydration and conditioning, eliminating frizz. Grapefruit, apple and peach extracts, jojoba oil and shea butter help to maintain long-lasting curls, leaving hair elastic, conditioned and shiny.
To purchase Milk_shake products you need to find a milk_shake salon or buy online. My products are from A-List Salon in Sunderland..check out their facebook page.
I’m excited to let you all know that filming has started for my new show ”Confessions of a Beauty Addict”. Think Tried and Tested on your telly box! It will be aired on our local channel Made in Tyne and Wear and ill be sure to let you know when. I don’t want to give too much away but one of my highlights this week was meeting Neville Ramsay, stylist to the celebrities. He is a great, funny guy and made filming a breeze. We caught up discussing what looks are going to be big this summer (so tune in for that!) and I was also lucky enough to get my hair done by the lovely Denise, educator for Milkshake and Neville himself. Denise gave me a semi colour cocktail, as you can see in the pictures it looks good enough to eat! I went for a lovely purple colour to give me a hint of violet on my dark hair. The colour is conditioning and does not damage the hair at all. The smell was out of this world, ice cream is how I would describe it. Neville then gave me a softening sweeping fringe, a little trim and a BIG bouncy blow-dry to fit in with the ”on trend” look. I was over the moon with end the result. My hair colour is amazing, so much so that I want it permanent lol, the condition feels much better and the fringe updated my look. I’ve had lots of compliments so I would like to thank Denise and Neville for inviting me and the cameras along.
If you would like to try some milkshake products or would love to treat yourself to a hair pamper by Mr Ramsay himself call A-List Salon located in Sunderland on 0191 5109988 to make an appointment.
