Caudalie Contouring Concentrate Review

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Alison Louise Goodlad

My first thought of Caudalie Contouring Concentrate is that it smells of ginger. My nose is off however, it’s lemongrass. We got sent Caudalie Contouring Concentrate to review for our pregnancy section, we want to review products that stop, reduce or get rid of stretch marks. The packaging says that this preservative-free 100% plant-based dry body oil firms and smooths skin. It also gives it a slight sheen. Apparently, it can take 1.5 inches off your thighs if you follow the contouring regime.

This 100-percent natural body treatment promotes natural drainage. It doesn’t have any of the following:

– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates

What it does have:

-Grape Seed Oil: Moisturizing.
-Essential Oils of Juniper Berries, Geranium, and Rosemary: Toning.
-Essential Oil of Lemon and Lemongrass: Draining.
-Essential Oil of Cypress: Stimulates Circulation.

Caudalie Contouring Concentrate is impressive. It leaves skin looking better and firmer. There is a definite difference in the skins appearance. It also smells great. While we can’t say that you will lose inches, your skin will look more toned and even. It is also a 100% natural product so nothing toxic is going into the skin. That combined with the visible difference it makes to the skin makes this body oil impressive indeed.

You can buy Caudalie Contouring Concentrate from Selfridges.com

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Helene Red Lipstick & Nail Lacquer Review

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

I have always thought that glamour was underrated. I don’t like that a lot of people don’t tend to make much of an effort when it comes to glamour anymore, or being well dressed. Men and women alike. In the spirit of full disclosure, I can count myself amongst them sometimes. Too often in fact. Joan Collins has always been glamourous and while leaving the house everyday with a full face of makeup is too much of an effort, she really does inspire me to try harder.

She has launched a new beauty range, Timeless Beauty. It is all very impressive. The range has a lot of gorgeous stuff in it. The PR person sent us Lipstick & Nail lacquer in Helene to review. This is what Joan says:

“Lipstick is, to me, the Queen of cosmetics. It brings a hit of distinctive colour that lifts the face even when wearing no other make up. Lip colour itself can be a statement, can say something about the wearer and how the world sees them. I named my lipsticks after characters I have played as they reflect some aspect of the character’s persona.”

The lipstick is gorgeous, great packaging which just screams glamour. The colour is a luscious red cream with a hint of blue undertones. I never usually wear red lipstick. My lips are too big and don’t need anymore attention drawn to them, but this is beautiful. It is long lasting and also hydrates. In fact, it was tested and shown to improve hydration levels in the lips after 30 days.

Joan’s Tip: Look perfectly groomed by matching up lip and nail colour.

Next up was the nail lacquer, also in Helene. A matching red. Joan said:

“I don’t feel dressed without nail lacquer. It’s as essential to me as lipstick. I love the style of this bottle, elegant and practical with a long tapered cap that’s easy to hold, and, helps balance the brush when applying. The ribbing improves grip and ease of opening and closing.The colours are my personal favourites and I wear them all switching one to the other to reflect my mood, the effect I want to make, or simply to compliment my outfit.”

This is the same beautiful colour. The packaging is just gloriously stunning and glamorous. The nail lacquer is easy to apply. It is a smooth, self levelling colour that covers imperfections and leaves nails looking sleek and chic.

I love these and Joan’s Timeless beauty range. It brings a rather wonderful touch of glamour to life. Which makes it worth making that extra effort for after all. I may become more like Joan yet.

New Beauty Launch: What Skin Needs Skincare Range Review

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

All the way from Australia is a new skincare range: What Skin Needs.

What Skin Needs is a range of natural products that provide effective solutions to certain skin problems. This range is good for those with sensitive and problem skin. The active ingredient they use in the range is Plantolin, a patent-protected active plant extract. It is scientifically proven to sooth, protect and renew. The products work for the following problems: psoriasis,, eczema, dermatitis and dry or cracked skin. The key ingredient, Plantolin, is derived from the Australian indigenous plant, centipede cunninghamii. I have always had sensitive skin so I was happy to review and hoping for good results

We got sent the following to review: Cracked Skin Cream, Skin Balm and Soothing Skin Gel.

Cracked Skin Cream

Does the job and works well. Heals cracked skin.

An intensive skin care solution designed to address difficult problem skin including:
Rough and damaged skin
Feet and Heels
Knees and elbows
Skin Cell renewal

Contains the patented active ingredient Phyoxolin® to soothe, rehydrate and repair rough, dry and damaged skin. It is safe and gentle on sensitive skin.

Supported by a blend of natural extracts and essential oils including:
Aloe Vera: May alleviate dry skin, and inhibit inflammation, May also temporarily improve the appearance of the skin and stimulate the regeneration of skin cells.
Calendula: May help to reduce inflammation, alleviate the inflammation and pain associated with insect bites and assist with relieving itching.
Olive oil: May reduce skin inflammation and accelerate the healing of calluses, reduce bruising and help to prevent wrinkles.
Pomegranate: May help to prevent liver spots, and may thicken the epidermis, may help to diminish wrinkles and stimulate the production of collagen.
Silica: Premature wrinkles including stretch marks after pregnancy may occur as a result of silica deficiency. Supplementation of silica may cause a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and help maintain the elasticity, firmness and strength of the skin.
Green Tea: Possesses potent antioxidant properties stronger that vitamin E. May assist in alleviating rosacea, and reduce the damage to the skin caused by exposure to the ultra-violet radiation component of sunlight.
Myrrh: An antiseptic and has antimicrobial activity.
Vitamin E: May alleviate dry skin and inhibit scarring and early onset of wrinkles. Helps regulate skin cell proliferation and repair and protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Lavender Oil: An effective skin cleanser that is reported to inhibit some types of detrimental fungi. It may also alleviate the pain associated with sunburn.
Geranium Oil: Is used for many skin disorders as a tonic and antiseptic.
Lemon Oil: May kill some types of detrimental fungi. Helps improve circulation.

Skin Balm

Smells good, is light and melts into the skin. Leaves a visible difference. Was very impressed.

A potent formulation designed to tackle a range of skin problems including dry and damaged skin, rashes and skin irritations. Incredible for:
Reducing irritation
Dry and damaged skin
Reviving stressed skin
Skin Cell renewal
Contains the patented active ingredient Phyoxolin® to soothe, rehydrate and repair rough, dry and damaged skin. It is safe and gentle on sensitive skin.

Soothing Skin Gel

Smells great, absorbs well and soothes skin.

Relieves the effects of sun damage, windburn and skin irritation caused by exposure. Soothes, desensitises and protects chapped skin.
Sun Damage
Windburn
Itchy Skin
Skin Cell renewal
Contains the patented active ingredient Phyoxolin® to soothe, rehydrate and repair rough, dry and damaged skin. It is safe and gentle on sensitive skin.

Supported by a blend of natural extracts and essential oils including:
Aloe Vera:May alleviate dry skin, and inhibit inflammation, May also temporarily improve the appearance of the skin and stimulate the regeneration of skin cells.
Myrrh: An antiseptic and has antimicrobial activity.
Lavender Oil: An effective skin cleanser that is reported to inhibit some types of detrimental fungi. It may also alleviate the pain associated with sunburn.
Tea Tree Oil: Contains over 48 different compounds including the principal active ingredient, Terpineol. Commonly used to reduce skin inflammation.
Geranium Oil: Is used for many skin disorders as a tonic and antiseptic.

Andreas Wendt Haircare Review

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Frostie

Nothing makes you feel amazing like great hair, so we are always on the lookout for the next big thing to make our hair look brilliant. We got sent some products from Andreas Wendt Haircare. The range launched exclusively in the UK on idealworld.tv in January.

The exclusive range, created by haircare and styling professional Andreas Wendt, looks to target specific elements of hair styling in particular colour and care. Andreas Wendt is best known for his hair-shows and make-overs throughout the entertainment circuit in Germany and Luxembourg, often frequenting the biggest fashion shows.

But is it any good? We tried the Andreas Wendt Age Vital Shampoo and Conditioner which we thought was great. It left hair shiny and more manageable. We couldn’t stop stroking our hair. The shampoo has horsetail-glycogen energy complex, which helps to cleanse and revive hair. The conditioner really hydrates and nourishes. Both give shine.

Next up we tried the Andreas Wendt Full Tastic Powder. This holds hair and creates volume and texture, a great styling aid that really works.

The Andreas Wendt Thermo Protector Styling Spray is something that everyone should have in their bathroom cabinet. It helps to guard hair from damage caused by heat exposure, the Thermo Protector is a formulation that helps prevent hair from drying out, whilst nourishing it during styling. Containing Panthenol which helps to moisturise hair, improving the condition and giving hair a more visible shine. Heat is very damaging to hair and it is always wise to use a protector. This works well and smells great.

We were impressed with Andreas Wendt’s new haircare range and will continue to use it. We were impressed with the results.

All available from idealworld.tv

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2015

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Frostie

Well, it’s here again: Valentines’s Day. It is a mere ten days away so it is time to buy your paramour something wonderful. Here are some ideas we put together.

The Biscuit Box You’re My Cup of Tea Biscuit Card- this is an iced teapot shaped biscuit with a personalised message. We thought it was super cute and the biscuit tastes great. Available from buyagift.co.uk

Mr & Mrs Family Edition

If board games are your thing then you will love this. But if, like us, you are not too keen on board games you will still love this Mr & Mrs Family Edition game. Perfect for finding out more about your family and friends as well as finding out how well they know you. Mr & Mrs Family Edition Box Game is available here.

Fraisier St Valentin from Paul. Tastes like heaven. The perfect size for two, heart-shaped and combines Genoese sponge, créme mousseline and fresh strawberries. It is then topped with pink marzipan. It costs £11.95 and is available from 12-15th February in London stores. You can also pre-order online.

Argania Desert Defence Shampoo and Conditioner.

Made with fairly-traded, certified organic argan oil to instantly nourish and hydrate hair, leaving it looking smoother, shinier and feeling healthier, naturally. A nourishing and restorative shampoo infused with certified organic Moroccan Argan. Great stuff that your girlfriend will love. Available from Boots.com

Personalised Love Print

Very cool, stylish and gives an excellent personal touch. From buyagift.co.uk

MIMI’s Sleeping Beauty Night Time Facial Oil

We love this. Such a smart idea and it looks great too. MIMI is a make your own skincare brand so you know exactly what goes into your skincare regime. All products are 100% natural and each kit can be mixed in minutes. You can also adjust the ingredients whilst mixing, tailoring it to your preferences. It can also be used as a massage oil.

Available online at www.makeitmakeit.com, there are currently 3 kits in the range from £22-£35 and includes a night oil, body scrub and face mask.

MIMI’s Sleeping Beauty Night Time Facial Oil makes 35ml and comes with all the ingredients, recipe, instructions, mixing equipment and elegant bottle. Used every night will last four-six weeks so you can carry on enjoying this luxury face treatment for much longer past Valentine’s Day.

Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne 75cl Bottle and Taittinger Prestige Rosé NV

No words needed. Buy if you want them to love you forever more. Available from Amazon, sainsburys.co.uk and tesco.com

If you are stuck for where to take your love for Valentine’s Day then check out our Valentine’s Day restaurant guide.

Mila Kunis Wears Gemfields Mozambican For Jupiter Ascending Premiere

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Frostie

The gorgeous Mila Kunis has taken some time out from looking after her new baby to make her return to the red carpet. Gemfields’ global brand ambassador made her return to the red carpet last night for the world premiere of her new movie ‘Jupiter Ascending’ in Los Angeles.

To mark the much-anticipated arrival of Gemfields’ Mozambican rubies, Kunis wore ruby jewellery by Miiori and Marina B, featuring Gemfields fine Mozambican rubies: Kunis said: “It’s a privilege to represent a company like Gemfields. I love wearing their beautiful emeralds and I’m so excited to be the first to wear the new rubies – these gems especially are perfect for the red carpet.”

Miiori Crimson Seduction Collection necklace – featuring 18 carat white gold station necklace set with rose cut diamonds and fine Mozambican rubies.

Marina B platinum trilliant twins ring – featuring a 3.88 carat unheated Mozambican ruby and 3.11 carat diamond.

Where To Go For Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

Hakkasan

Romantic and stylish. You can’t go wrong with Hakkasan. It is decadent and romantic.

Read our Hakkasan review.

Gaucho Sloane

Argentinean and with a reputation that precedes it. The steak is amazing and the waiters really know there stuff. The Mojito mocktail tastes just like the real thing.

Read our Gaucho review.

Yauatcha

Their food is out of this world. I would eat here everyday not just for the food, but also the atmosphere. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, and they also have an amazing patisserie. Buy up everything for the one you love.

Read our Yauatcha review.

Charlotte’s Bistro

Just brilliant food. Their gin soaked salmon was one of the best starters I have ever had in my life. They also do amazing cocktails and have a Gin School. Yes, a Gin School. Sign me up.

Read our Charlotte’s Bistro review.

Cinnamon Soho

Quite possibly the best Indian food in London. Reasonably priced and the food looks great too. Their house white is superb.

Read our Cinnamon Soho review.

Bob Bob Ricard

Deserves a mention for their ‘Press here for champagne’ button alone. Incredibly stylish and the waiters look great in their pink waistcoats. Their sea bass is just brilliant.

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar

It has a wonderful location on the South Bank. Great view, amazing steak and brilliant cocktails. You couldn’t ask for much more.

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar review

Don’t know what to buy your love for Valentine’s Day? Check out our Valentine’s Day gift guide.

The Pick Of Holland Cooper’s Mens Tweed Collection

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Aidan

by tedeytan

Tweed has seen somewhat of comeback in recent times. This classic material fell out of vogue in the late 20th Century, where edgier materials like leather and denim became the choice of both trendy professionals and fashionable youths.

However, with the emergence of retro trends and vintage chic, tweed has had an impressive comeback in the 21st Century. With flashy trainers being replaced by sturdy brogues and sleek ties outclassed by quirky bow-ties, fashion is truly going full-circle and tweed is the new black.

This country staple has been favoured both by Britain’s aristocracy and agriculture community for centuries, yet now we are seeing tweed becoming increasingly present within urban fashion also. Whilst in the old days, tweed was the staple of the horse-racing track and hunting lodge , today it can be seen everywhere from university campuses to metropolitan pavements.

These days, classically cut garments, in tweed, are often contrasted with other materials and styles for an edgier, more fashion-forward look. Modern tweed can often be seen in sharp blazers paired with tattered Doc Martens and oversized coats complimented by muted skinny-jeans.
Meanwhile, the old-school complete tweed look is also coming back, with colourful socks and flamboyant bow-ties a must. Therefore, regardless of how much or how little you have, tweed is most certainly a material that can be a simultaneously contemporary and timeless edition to your wardrobe.

Holland Cooper have been offering high-quality, British-made Tweed for decades and are one of the most respected and longstanding traders of the material in the UK today. Therefore, considering tweeds re-emergence as a must-have fabric, here is our pick of Holland Cooper’s current collection.

Morrison Jacket (£349)
This striking tweed creation offers a flamboyant twist on a classic design. The jacket’s bold, and enlarged, pattern – which imposes striking hot pink lines on a subdued grey base – makes it a definite statement item in any wardrobe. Meanwhile, the jacket’s out-there pattern is neatly contrasted by its traditional silhouette and two-button design. Made from 100 per cent suede, and from only the finest of British made wools, this jacket is designed to slim the torso and emphasise the shoulders. If you want a proper hipster look, pair this jacket with a light-toned shirt, bold braces and a shiny pair of brogues. However, to grudge it up, add a pair of black skinny-jeans and a vintage band T-shirt, such as Led Zeppelin, to give the look an edge through this contrasting of styles and eras.

Pea Coat (£599)
For those who want to utilise tweed but without compromising on their contemporary look, this pea coat – in a subtle charcoal – is the perfect updated design for this traditional material. The lasted addition to the City Collection, this six buttoned number with piped black leather pockets is an understated and classy addition to anyone’s urban wardrobe. The intricate leather detailing, which extends to the sleeves and shoulders, gives this traditional pea coat some bite, whilst the careful construction creates a striking and powerful silhouette for the wearer. Meanwhile, the hand-crafted buttons add a nice level of detail to the coat, which is the hallmark of any quality item. This coat works best with a clean, crisp white shirt – perhaps with a statement collar – which streamlines the whole look without making it boring.

Aviator Gilet (£199)
The aviator gilet is perhaps the most unusual item in the collection and therefore is great for those who like their fashion to be standout and forward-thinking. This crafted item is made from both 100% wool and leather and is individually hand cut, designed and made in Great Britain using Scottish woven tweeds and wools. This design is excellent for those with a defined torso as it accentuates a muscular frame. The pattern is classic tweed but the leather detailing to the pockets and arm cuffs gives this gilet a modern twist. Perfect when paired with classic-cut jeans and for the more experimental wearer, why not match it with a slim-fit denim shirt.

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle