I’m back to rave about the new ”Invisible” clip-in extensions from Irresistible Me and also to show you their new ponytail range. Since I am progressively going darker with my hair colour, I needed some new hair extensions for the winter to match my darker hair so I decided to go for the Invisible clip-in extensions in shade 4 (medium brown) with extra volume and in 24” length as my hair is already long. I also ordered one of their human ponytails in the same colour to try. As a beauty blogger, I only recommend products that I love and I really LOVE this brand of hair extensions and accessories. They are made from 100% natural human hair and have a 99% quality rating since 2013. The invisible clip-ins are the lightest and most comfortable extensions ever, with a band 50% thinner than classic sets, and they have a colour match guarantee with free returns and exchanges. This colour match is perfect as it matches my natural base colour, I love the fullness these extensions give to my length. I enjoyed creating the ponytail look too, it was so easy to do and gave an effortless stylish look if you don’t have much time or want a different style.
They have an amazing EARLY BLACK FRIDAY deal running, Hair Extensions Up to 55% off / Wigs up to 65% off / Hair Accessories Up to 80% off (8 – 27 November). Click this link to visit the website.
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.
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.)
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.
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!
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
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!
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
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!
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NOT YOUR ORDINARY FACIAL
