Rihanna has released the photo for her new perfume and she looks as stunning as ever. the incredibly talented actress Rooney Mara has bagged a contract with Calvin Klein, and also looks stunning in the advert. Which do you prefer?
Category Archives: Beauty & Grooming
My QVC With Lisa Snowdon
This year QVC is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. 2013 marks the 20th birthday of QVC UK and to mark 20 Years of making shopping fun, British model and presenter, Lisa Snowdon, has curated a special selection of her top picks from QVC, ranging from jewellery and homes to beauty – shop the products at QVC
Anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year with a variety of brand experts from the likes of fashion journalist Eve Pollard, beauty editor Nadine Baggot and many more in the next few months picking their own assortment of favourite products.
Do you shop at QVC? What is your favourite product?
Should You Go To Brazil? A Pondering On The Brazilian Wax.
There is a scene in Sex & The City where Carrie and her friends go to Los Angeles, Carrie goes to a new beautician for a wax who ‘takes everything’. Later, when the girls are discussing their shock about being ‘totally bald down there’, Samantha tells Charlotte that her husband Trey, who has been having some problems in the bedroom, might finally be able to consummate their marriage as ‘he probably hasn’t been to Brazil before’. After this episode, the Brazilian wax became hugely popular. But what is it, where did it come from and should women really be getting them? Let’s find out.
With a Brazilian wax all of the pubic hair is removed, front and back, by waxing. Ouch. Some people like to leave a thin strip of pubic hair, referred to as a ‘landing strip’.
The Brazilian wax, apparently, was first named by the J. Sisters salon in Manhattan in 1987.
According to Wikipedia, some people claim that the concept of the Brazilian came from a letter documenting in 1500 AD, which read: “…suas vergonhas tão altas e tão çarradinhas e tão limpas das cabeleiras que de as nós muito bem olharmos não tínhamos nenhuma vergonha” (English translation: “their private parts were so exposed, so healthy and so hairless, that looking upon them we felt no shame”).
Brazilian waxing is the most controversial form of waxing, Brazilian waxing is unpopular amongst some women (and men), especially feminists who claim the only people who like it are men who want their women to look underage. Which may be why it is hugely popular with porn stars.
Model and Socialite Lisa B said that when she got a Brazilian at a salon in LA that “It was so painful I collapsed. I only fainted, but I was nearly carted off to hospital and I have vowed never to try it again.”
Other negatives are that it is a painful experience and if it is not done properly it can cause infection, prolonged bleeding or swelling of the area. It helps to take ibuprofen an hour before you have your Brazilian wax (this is what Madonna does).
The positives are that many women say it improves their sex life. If you get it done frequently then the hair will become weaker and the regrowth will become less as time goes on.
A Brazilian wax usually last between three to six weeks, but this depends on your hair regrowth rate. Some irritation may occur too, try some aloe vera on the irritated area. If you have ingrown hair (which will look like little bumps. They happen when the hair is not pulled out correctly. The hair curls back in on itself or grows sideways into the skin) you can buy beauty products that specialise in the improvement of ingrown hair. If you are confident you can even tackle the problem with some tweezers, just be careful.
The new rise in Brazilian waxing may be because of The Only Way Is Essex and the popularity of vajazzling, which was pioneered by Amy Childs.
Interestingly, New Jersey has banned the Brazilian wax for health reasons. This happened after two women in New Jersey were hospitalised after having the procedure.
If you want to have a Brazilian do so. Just make sure you go to a salon which is hygienic and knows what they are doing, take a painkiller before and make sure you are not prone to infection.
Get Fit & Flab Free This Summer With The Dukan Diet & Nicki Waterman
With 96% of UK women admitting they are unhappy with their bikini body[1] the Dukan Diet and celebrity fitness expert Nicki Waterman have joined forces to help you fight the flab and feel fab this Summer.
Said Nicki Waterman, “What you eat is only one part of the weight-loss equation. Diet alone may help you drop pounds, but you’ll have trouble keeping them off if you don’t exercise. And that’s not to mention the added benefits you’ll miss out on, from improved mood, to better sleep, to disease prevention. The exercise has to be there!”
“It’s understandable that people want to look good on the beach, but it’s more important to be healthy and do this safely” said Dukan Diet creator Dr Pierre Dukan. “Thousands of UK women are still resorting to crash dieting and unhealthy methods because they are so unhappy with the way they look. Crash diets may help you may lose weight in the short term, but you will inevitably regain that weight in the long-term. My diet is the only plan which devotes 50% of the plan to stabilising your weight, for the rest of your life.”
In as little as 8 weeks you can lose up to 1 stone[1] and tone up those wobbly bits with this exclusive diet and fitness advice:
THE DIET PART
The Dukan Diet; a high-protein, low-carb and low-fat weight loss plan, has a huge worldwide following, with numerous celebrities reportedly fans too. No calorie counting, it’s based on protein rich food and veggies you can eat as much as you want of, to give quick results and long-lasting weight-loss.
The Dukan Diet is a 4-phase plan; two phases to lose weight and two phases to ensure you keep the weight off forever.
Phase 1: A brief ATTACK phase with immediate results – lasting between two and seven days, depending upon how much weight you have to lose, during this stage you can eat as many of the 72 protein-rich ‘approved’ foods as you want in any combination. Approved ATTACK ingredients include fresh fish, shellfish, poultry, lean meats, low-fat dairy products and eggs. Expect to see quick results during this phase.
Phase 2: As you enter the CRUISE phase now add vegetables. CRUISE continues uninterrupted until your true weight is reached. Dieters alternate pure protein days with protein and vegetable days with anaverage weight loss of 2lbs per week. On average 5 weeks is spent on the Cruise Phase if you have one stone to lose.
Phase 3: Once you have reached your target weight the Dukan Diet differs from any other diet as it ‘weans’ you back into eating a balanced diet, ensuring all your hard work doesn’t go to waste. A CONSOLIDATION phase lasting five days for every pound lost is implemented and reintroducesfruit, wholegrains, fats and finally starchy foods to your diet. This phase is designed to reintroduce dieters to the ‘pleasure’ of food whilst prevent the rebound effect that occurs after any rapid form of weight loss. In an 8-week plan and with one stone to lose, you would bethree weeks into your Consolidation phase by the time you go on holiday, enabling you to enjoy a varied diet.
Phase 4:The final stage – STABILISATION – is less of a diet and more of a set of guidelines to live by to counter-act any mild weight gain:
· Eat 3 tablespoons of oat bran per day
· Regular exercise (min 20 mins walk per day)
· Have a Pure Protein Attack day once a week.
To get started – calculate your True Weight on the dukandiet.co.uk’s free online calculator or pick up the Dukan Diet Book (Hodder; £12.99). Additionally, the following code will give you a 15% discount off all products in the online shop for twenty days fromtoday (4th July 2013): FITFLAB15
THE DUKAN DIET EXERCISE PLAN BY NICKI WATERMAN
Depending on your level of fitness aim for a minimum of 30mins exercise every day. This can be walking, cleaning the house or dancing to the radio – as long as you’re active.
The following exercises and tips are guaranteed to target those troublesome spots and get your body bikini-ready:
1.)Add Some Pounds
Adding resistance training to your routine will give you a toned – not bulky – look and increase metabolism.
WALKING LUNGE
Tones your legs, bottom and thighs.
SETS: 3
REPS: 20
HOW OFTEN: Every other day.
Take a big step forward and bond both your knees to 90-degrees, keeping your body upright and feet pointing forward. Push off your back foot and brig it in front of you to go into the next lunge. Walk forward with each lunge
2.)Squeeze In A Fast Workout
If you’re short on time, simply do press-ups for a quick, calorie-burning upper- body workout.
PRESS-UPS:
Tones your arms, chest, shoulders and deep core muscles.
SETS: 1
REPS: As many as you can do.
HOW OFTEN: Every other day.
Lie with your hands beneath your shoulders and your body in a straight line from head to heels. Brace your stomach muscles and bend your elbows, keeping them close to your body. Lower as far as you can before pushing back up.
3.)Make Achievable Goals
Making lofty resolutions like deciding to lose 30 pounds in two months is setting yourself up for failure. Instead, make smaller goals you can tackle individually and incorporate into your lifestyle. Try adding a new fitness class to your exercise routine, taking a lunchtime walk instead of eating at your desk or do some simple Step-ups whenever you can.
STEP UPS
Tones your legs, bottom and thighs and gets your heart pumping
SETS: 3
REPS: 15 each side.
HOW OFTEN: Every day.
Stand in front of stairs, box or a chair at about knee height. Place one foot flat on the stair, box or chair without letting your trailing leg touch down. Return to the start and do all your reps on one leg before repeating on the other.
4.)Plank It Out
The plank is one of the best moves to tone your core. After mastering the basicplank, you can add more advanced moves. Touching your elbow with your knee while in plank is great for the oblique muscles. To get some extra arm toning in, try the up and down plank: start in plank, come up onto your hands while holding the plank position and then return to the plank and repeat.
PLANK WITH LATERAL TOE TAPS
Tones your core and upper body.
SETS: 3 sets
REPS: 30, alternating sides
HOW OFTEN: Every other day.
Rest your weight on your forearms and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. Move one foot out to the side with a straight leg; tap the floor andthen return slowly to the start. Alternate sides.
5.)Try Some Big Movements
Don’t be intimidated by certain exercises. If you’re looking for all-in-one moves, push-ups, squats and planks are hard to beat. These powerhouse moves work the core, your legs and raise your heart rate.
WIDE LEG SQUAT
Tones your bottom, thighs and core.
SETS: 3
REPS: 20
HOW OFTEN: Every other day.
Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out. Keeping torso upright and weight on your heels, squat down as far as you can manage, raising your arms fro balance. Hold for a second then push back to the start.
6.)Work Muscles Together
Don’t want to waste any time at the gym? Combine exercises that incorporate both your upper and lower body, and work multiple muscle groups at once. Try this military press as you come up from a squat.
SQUAT MILITARY PRESS
Tones your shoulders, arms, abs, bottom and legs
SETS: 3
REPS: As many as you can do for one minute.
HOW OFTEN: Every other day.
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a weight in each hand (half litre bottle of water or cans of beans will do), arms by sides. Squat down and then stand up quickly, bending elbows to bring dumbbells up in front of shoulders, palms facing forward. Immediately press arms straight overhead.
7.)Target Arm Flab
While genetics decide where your body will store fat (thanks, Mom and Dad), you can spot tone problem areas. To sculpt toned arms, incorporate moves that will work all three of the muscles in your triceps, your biceps and shoulders. Tricepkickbacks, bench dips, overhead presses and head bangers are all great options.
TRICEP DIP
Tones the back of your arms.
SETS: 3
REPS: 15 – 20.
HOW OFTEN: Every other day.
Place your palms on a sturdy bench or chair behind you, fingers pointing forwards. Keep your body upright, bum close to the bench and legs out in front of you. Bend at the elbows keeping them pointing back. Lower slowly and push back up.
8.)Do What You Love
If the idea of traditional exercise makes you shudder, there are other options. Have you always wanted to learn how to do a sun salutation? Try a yoga class. Interested in self-defense? Sign up for boxing lessons. Meet friends for a walk instead of lunch, or bike ride around your town instead of driving. You’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine if you’re enjoying it – and remember, you don’t have to be at the gym for it to count.
YOGA: THE COBRA
Improves posture.
SETS: 1
REPS: Hold the position for 5 full breaths, then release.
HOW OFTEN: Every day.
Lie on your tummy with your legs spread at hip width and the tops of your feet on the floor. Rest your forehead on the floor and relax your shoulders; bend your elbows and place your forearms on the floor with your palms turned down and positioned near the sides of your head. As you inhale, engage your back muscles, press your forearms against the floor, and raise your chest and head. Look straight ahead. Keepyour forearms and the front of your pelvis on the floor, being mindful of relaxing your shoulders. As you exhale, lower your torso and head slowly back to the floor.
For more information or to create your free personal weight-loss plan please visit www.dukandiet.co.uk
[1] Depending upon how much weight you have to lose
[1]The research for Dukan Diet was carried out online by Opinion Matters between 03 / 05 / 2013 and 07 / 05 / 2013 amongst a panel resulting in 1,715 respondents. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK andICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act (1998).
First-ever anti-ageing supplement range launches at Harrods
First-ever anti-ageing supplement range launches at Harrods
California’s favourite supplement brand, Nature’s Plus, is launching a groundbreaking new range of anti-ageing supplements to help promote the youthful vitality of Harrods’ finest.
The Nature’s Plus AgeLoss range is an entirely new approach to promoting good health, it works to counteract harmful free radicals that can lead to inflammation whilst also giving the body a healthy boost.
Step 1
With Vitamin D for healthy immune function1, antioxidant vitamins and minerals* and organic whole foods, Nature’s Plus AgeLoss First Day provides unparalleled nutritional activity.
Step 2
AgeLoss Women’s Multi features a vibrant offering of botanicals and amino acids to support a woman’s quality of life, it is the first-ever women’s multivitamin enhanced to promote youthful, restorative wellness in the female body’s organs and systems via specialised antioxidant nutrition.2
Step 3
Customise your quality-of-life programme by selecting the individual formulas in the AgeLoss range most appropriate for the bodily systems you wish to address. Each product employs specialised antioxidant blends, each designed to uniquely address the free radicals of specific tissues or systems.
· Promote a healthy digestive system with Digestion Support†
· Uplift your energy levels with Energy Support†
· Take care of your eyesight with Eye Support†
· Maintain your joint health with Joint Support†
· Feel on top form with Immune Support†
· Promote a radiant skin with Skin Support†
Maintaining good health is now just as easy as picking a new dress.
South West Hair Loss Salon provides help for women like Nadine Dorries and Esther Rantzen
South West “Hair Loss” Salon provides help for women like Nadine Dorries and Esther Rantzen who have spoken out about hair loss and thin hair
With celebrities like Esther Rantzen and MP Nadine Dorries highlighting the problems of thin hair and hair loss, more women are seeking out the services of Simone Thomas from Make-up, Wigs and Hair (MWAH) in Bournemouth.
This week Conservative MP and “I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here” contestant Nadine Dorries revealed her own hair loss brought on by a stressful year and her reaction to it. She called the condition a “confidence stealer,” likening it to when women have a mastectomy.
She said: “You’re losing your confidence and you’re losing your ability to go out and actually face the world because you think what identifies a woman are her hair and her breasts.”
Her announcement comes after Esther Rantzen revealed that she has worn a wig for over 30 years because of her own thin hair, but criticised the quality and staying powers of her own wigs.
Simone Thomas who runs MWAH Bournemouth knows exactly how both these celebrities feel as she lost her own hair twice as a result of alopecia and then cervical cancer. Having worked in TV, Film and Magazine Modelling since the age of 18 Simone was forced to look for ways to cover up her hair loss, but found there was little on the market except for cheap and nasty looking wigs.
After taking several courses in Specialist Hair Extensions & Hair Loss Systems Simone set up a business that provides professional makeup services, hair extensions and hair loss systems to clients all over the UK and Europe. She sources the best products and systems and has a range of clientele that includes celebrities, TV companies, photographers and agents.
Simone has recently moved to Dorset from London and has opened her first all encompassing salon in Bournemouth called MWAH Bournemouth – Makeup, Wigs & Hair. Through her research she found there was nowhere in the South that catered for women who have suffered with hair loss from cancer treatment, thinning hair, premature fine hair, receding hair loss, female pattern hair loss, alopecia, trichotillomania, temporary hair loss or women who want thicker longer hair through safe hair extensions that are glue and adhesive free. With over 3 million dying from breast cancer in the region she identified a real need.
Simone says, “At my salon we don’t just find a solution to the hair loss or thinning but try to help with the underlying causes where we can, sometimes referring the client to a therapist and of course making sure that our products are free from any parabens that are linked to cancer.”
Hair loss is always going to be traumatic for the person involved, but as Nadine Dorries says, there is help available for both men and women who suffer from conditions like alopecia and temporary hair loss. MWAH Bournemouth means that there is now an expert service in the South West to help anyone who suffers from this condition.
Further information from www.mwahbournemouth.co.uk or email: mwahbournemouth@gmail.com or tel: 01202 760 003.
Errol Douglas MBE Launches Own Electrical Hair Tool Range
Legendary hairstylist partners with Corioliss on the first built in Keratin capsule system on high street. Not content with just giving you an exclusive interview with Errol Douglas, we also have the latest news about his new electrical hair tool range.
Errol Douglas MBE, one of the most influential hairdressers in the world, is to launch his own range of electrical styling tools in partnership with professionals’ choice Corioliss, including the first Keratin capsule system built into a hair styler available on the high street. Douglas, recently appointed President of The Fellowship For British Hairdressing with 30 years in the industry, has developed the tools with a focus on the maintenance of overall hair condition and achieving a luxury finish at home in between salon visits. These revolutionary styling tools are suitable to use with all hair types from fine European hair right through to Afro hair. Douglas led the design team that created the look of the tools, determined to create a feel that appealed to both men and women,given the increasing trend of men using styling tools at home. Of the designprocess, Douglas said: “I’m delighted with the look of the products. As with all good designs, the basis is simplicity and the matt black finish makes the products look slick and stylish, but also means they will last and lookgood over time. My clients want products to look beautiful but not at the expense of value and quality”
The revolutionary Errol Douglas INFRARED DRYER combines the benefits of infrared light, anti static and Ionic technology to deliver speed, shine and a frizz-free finish. Infrared light is known to penetrate the hair for more accelerated drying, aid blood circulation and reduce hair loss, whilst Ionic technology allows moisture to penetrate and rehydrate the hair. The anti-static technology finishes the combination by delivering a frizz-free finish on super smooth hair. “We’re all short on time, but it’s important that this doesn’t make the hair condition vulnerable to harsh drying processes in the daily race to get out the door. I wanted a dryer that combined that reduction in drying time with a unique combination of protective technology for a healthy, sleek finish”
The Errol Douglas TREAT & STYLE hair styler features the first ever Keratin capsule system built into the actual iron to become available on the high street. It gives mega-shine with a steam infused treatment that moisturizes and protects hair simultaneously. The vapour infused treatment capsules penetrate deep into the cuticle aided by an integrated temperaturecontrol mechanism, leaving the hair shiner and healthier. “What I love is the look and feel of the hair after using Treat & Style; that luxuryfinish without compromising on the overall condition” said Douglas. It’s really simple to use, making sleek gorgeous hair in between salon visits a reality”

The Errol Douglas INFRARED DRYER and TREAT & STYLE and will be available in Boots Stores nationwide from July 29th 2013, priced at £59.99RRP and £109.00RRP (includes12 Keratin capsules) respectively. Additional TREAT& STYLE keratin capsules are priced at £19.99 for 12.
Errol Douglas first stepped into a salon aged 11, and is one of a few hairdressers to enjoy a global following and reputation from his flagship salon in London’s Belgravia. Open since 1998, the salon has an established flow of high profile clients and has proven to be a hot bed for new talent. Errol was voted “Hair Hero 2013” by Hair Magazine and is the current President of the British Fellowship for Hairdressing.
Liz Earle Launches ‘Second Chance’ Charity LiveTwice
Liz Earle MBE writer, broadcaster and entrepreneur who co-founded the Liz Earle Beauty Co. has launched her ‘second chance’ charity LiveTwice.
The charity works with disadvantaged people of all ages to offer opportunities for skills training and personal support. As well as funding skills training, LiveTwice also fund community centres in areas of social need, as well as a respite home-from-home for children with disabilities in a rural Dorset community.
The charity gives a hand-up not a hand out
LiveTwice helps empower those in need to make the most of their lives, helping to break the cycle of poverty, abuse and unemployment that destroys the individual and leads to the breakdown of families and society.
LiveTwice is all about offering opportunity in a practical way.
LiveTwice also offer a match-making service which give donors the freedom to donate to a specific project or place that interests them, in a very easy, safe and rewarding way. A new way to encourage global philanthropy.
Liz Earle MBE said: ‘LiveTwice already does a lot and there is a lot to do! Over the years, my research and filming travels have taken me to people and places far and wide who are in desperate need of a helping hand. LiveTwice provides just that-with a hand-up, not just a hand out.’
Liz’s daughter, Amaryllis Earle is a Founding Trustee of LiveTwice with a focus on working with children and young people.
For more information on LiveTwice, please visit: www.livetwice.org or follow twitter.com/LiveTwiceOrg
















