This Clinique makeup remover is the best I’ve tried. It removes every last trace of eye make up. It is also great as it removes lip make up too. It suits all skin types and was winner of the SHE Magazine Beauty Awards 2011 for Best Eye Makeup Remover. Can also be used with contacts. Honestly ladies this is a staple product in any makeup bag. Shake it up, apply to cotton wool, sweep over the eyes and watch the panda look be a thing of the past! …. thank me later xx
Pop into House of Fraser to purchase and get some free samples or buy online here
Love this bath tonic from Clarins. it really helps me unwind in the bath after a long day or use in the shower on a morning and its invigorating! Its so concentrated only a little is needed. The smell off the essential oils is out of this world, its like a spa in a bottle!! Top Tip: Hide from the kids and give them Mr Matey !!!
”This concentrated cleansing treatment activates with the heat of a warm bath or shower—releasing the invigorating, aromatic virtues of Rosemary, Mint and Geranium. Extracts of Gentian and Pine cleanse and refine. Lightweight lather is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.”
Pop into House of Fraser to buy and nab a few sample freebies or buy online here
Do you ever get a build up on your hair? I don’t use styling products on my hair, but I do use heat resistors and oils to keep it healthy. These all build up on the hair over time and until you use a shampoo like this one from Kiehls you don’t realise just how much. Every two weeks I wash with this amino acid shampoo to remove any product build up from my hair. My hair feels so light after. It is brighter and has a new lease of life. It has a fabulous smell of coconut and is kind to your colour. Another tip is to try to avoid conditioner but instead use a treatment oil after washing. Conditioner can also build up on hair over time making hair dull and lifeless. A treatment oil I recommend is from the Aveda range. Pop into House of Fraser where they will be happy to help and sample products when you mention Tried and Tested.
I have been using this body exfoliator for about a month now and I have to say I love it! It makes my skin feel so silky smooth and is not harsh. It Refines and softens body skin by removing impurities and dead surface skin cells. An essential first step in any successful body care programme because it helps facilitate product absorption thereby enhancing product performance. Skin is more resistant, firmer and soft to the touch. This combined with my Kiehls creme de corps makes my legs summer ready
”The essential first step to achieving a firm, youthful-looking body: the Exfoliating Body scrub. This refreshing, moisturising and exfoliating treatment (with smoothing Natural Bamboo Powders and a hint of ginger) ‘rubs away’ rough, flaky surface cells and impurities, giving skin a sleek new start. Also, prepares skin for the treatment that follows”.
Pop in to House of Fraser and see any of the girls who will be happy to give you a sample to try if you mention Tried and Tested
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
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!!!
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
* OK, so whats with the hype with this ”Miracle Broth”? Starting at £60 for 15ml it needs to be a miracle right?!!! Everyone has heard of Creme De La Mer as its a firm favorite with the celebrities, but is it really worth the very expensive price tag? All the reviews online say it is! It is literally raved about and you would find it hard to find a bad review to be honest. So whats the story behind the brand? ”When aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber was burned in a laboratory accident, he went on a crusade to restore his skin. ”What began as one man’s journey became a transformative experience that would be whispered about all over the world. Inspired by the renewing energies of the sea, Huber fermented nutrient-rich kelp with other natural ingredients. 12 years and 6,000 experiments later, his Miracle Broth™ was born – and Huber’s skin visibly restored. Word of Dr. Huber’s perfected formula spread, captivating new devotees. Their transformative journey was just beginning.”
I have been using this cream for 2 weeks and have already seen a dramatic difference in my skin. I have scarring on my face and large pores and even after just two weeks these seem visibly less noticeable. This cream claims to have the power to transform the look of skin in a short time and I did not think after just 2 weeks I would be able to review this product. Looking at all the positive reviews online, I see this cream works incredibly well for ladies with eczema, dry skin conditions or if you suffer from breakouts as it has its healing benefits. My skin seems plumper and redness is reduced. I chose only to use it on an evening as I already have oily skin and it is very rich, I feel the soft cream may be more suited to my skin type as it contains all the same powerful ingredients but is lighter. There is a specific way to use this cream, a little goes a long way and although expensive it will last you months. You must warm the cream for a few seconds between the fingers until it becomes translucent, then press gently into the skin. This product is available to buy online HERE
*If you thought Clinique was just skincare think again. Clinique do some amazing cosmetics and this foundation is my new best friend. After using ”Estee Lauder double wear” for years, I wanted to try something different. Usually I would only wear a heavy coverage foundation on an evening but this feels so light on the skin which is surprising as the foundation covers amazingly well. It also suits my oily complexion and does not melt off or go shiny. A little goes a long way and is used as a concealer too. My only complaint would be the bottle, I hope the wand is bendy enough to scoop out any last foundation when i’m running out, however only time will tell. This foundation is available online here or Tried and Tested FB members pop into House of Fraser Intu Metro Centre get matched up and try a sample before you buy.
The Beauty Room located in Stanley Co. Durham is now a one stop shop for Nails, Hair and Beauty. They are also a certified HD salon offering great treatments at affordable prices. I let the lovely Charlotte loose on my hair (im very picky, don’t let just anyone touch it). She gave me a trim and a big bouncy blow dry. This kid is amazing, she chose to train in Fenwicks so has had amazing training and her last job was working at Sherlocks (a known salon) in the Metro Centre. I love giving young enthusiastic passionate girls a chance and I was not disappointed. .check out my hair pics of Charlotte’s work. If you would like to get booked with Charlotte you can bag 15% off at the minute if you are a member of the group and quote tried and tested. Check out The Beauty Room’s Facebook here. This salon comes highly recommended by me for value and service.
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