October’s Health & Beauty Picks

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Frostie

Here is our October Health & Beauty Round Up. Our Top Picks This Month.

Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser (£16.50) is the latest skin saviour from Nourish. This truly multi-tasking treatment is a cleanser, mask and facial – all in one. Brilliant for busy women. 81% Organic and it really works. It even has the two ingredients of the moment in Kale and Argan Oil.

Created by Dr Pauline Hili, the pioneer in results-driven bioactive formulations, this latest addition to the Kale & Argan Treatment Collection renews and mattifies the skin, leaving it looking rejuvenated and healthy.81% organic and Soil Association certified. A ‘turbo natural’ 3 in 1 treatment: cleanser, mask, enzymatic facial

Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser launched exclusively in Debenhams nationwide, also available from nourishskinrange.com, liv.co.uk, feelunique.com, Planet Organic, and other premium health stores, e-railers and pharmacies nationwide. Truly brilliant stuff.

Herpatch Serum is brilliant for cold sores. Many of us get these annoying and painful things when we are run down. Herpatch has an instant effect and treats every stage of the cold sore. It also protects and conceals. It is brand new and unique. It helps along the healing process in as little as two days. It also forms an invisible film to stop the virus spreading. It costs £7.99 from Boots and boots.com

We were very impressed with ColdZyme, which is the first clinically proven product to be developed with the unique Trypsin enzyme (found in deep sea cod) which works to counteract infection and trap the cold virus in the mouth and throat before it has chance to take hold.

While most other cold remedy products only help reduce the symptoms of a cold (at best – since only very few of those have any documented effect), the ColdZyme Mouth Spray is acting on the cause of the disease itself. The spray is suitable for adults and children from 4 years+. One bottle of ColdZyme® 20ml is enough to treat three common cold episodes and ColdZyme® One Cold 7ml is enough to treat one cold.

ColdZyme® 20ml £15.99 and ColdZyme® One Cold 7ml £9.99 will be available from Boots stores nationwide and www.boots.com from beginning September 2014

HOW THE ColdZyme® SPRAY WORKS

The scientific breakthrough has led to the global patent protection of trypsin from artic deep sea cod and its use as an active ingredient and ColdZyme® is the first over-the-counter, preventative cold treatment to use the enzyme. The easy to use oral spray targets the mouth and throat where the cold virus takes hold and multiplies. It works by coating mucous membranes, creating a protective enzyme barrier that acts on the cold virus, trapping them and disabling their ability to bind to human cells where they would normally start to cause typical cold symptoms. The spray will also help to shorten the duration and severity of symptoms when used during the early stages of an existing cold.

BRYT Remove is water-based and fragrance free. We were very impressed with this makeup remover. It removed everything and is great for sensitive skin. This hard-working cleansing solution whisks away all traces of make-up, including the most stubborn eye make-up, while respecting the delicate eye zone, thanks to the inclusion of nourishing Olive and Almond oils.

In keeping with the range, BRYT Remove also features the innovative Advanced Phytoscience System (APS), which includes pure Aloe Vera, healing Allantoin and rich ‘super-antioxidants’ extracted from organic Australian wild-harvested plums Kakadu, Burdekin and Illawarra – these super-fruits contain up to five times more antioxidant power than blueberries. Aloe in its purest form soothes and calms the, while nature-mimicking Allantoin will heal and treat the BRYT Remove Eyes & Make-up, £10.50 for 100ml

BRYT Skincare is available at Sparks Yard, Arundel; Food for Thought, Guildford and online at www.brytskincare.co.uk, www.myfabulouscollection.com. Selected products will also be available from 110 Waitrose branches nationwide

Purepotions has a wonderful tea tree rescue salve. This is brilliant for spots, bites, fungal conditions and cold sores. It is cooling and natural. Keep one in your bag at all times. £4.65 for 15ml from www.purepotions.com

We are always sick of waiting for our nails to dry. It takes ages and they inevitably smudge. Which is why we jumped to try The Ultimate Fix. It high-speed nail polish fixer that creates amazing The Ultimate Fix is “ecstasy for nails”. Does it work? We think so.

“I couldn’t live without The Ultimate Fix as it halves drying time, helps polish last and smells great. It’s a ‘mani must have’” – Stephanie Staunton, Celebrity Manicurist and Brand Ambassador. Stephanie’s clients include Helena Bonham Carter, Scarlett Johansson, Leona Lewis and Mila Kunis.

Beauty Narcotix’s The Ultimate Fix was also endorsed by UK Top Beauty Blogger Fiona Klonarides’ 2014 The Beauty Shortlist Awards, who made the fix a Finalist in the ‘Best Nail Product’ Category.

The Ultimate Fix is available at Selfridges London (Beauty Workshop Ground Floor), Urban Outfitters (Oxford Street), www.BeautyNarcotix.com and www.sallyexpress.co.uk.

The Ultimate Fix (50ml) will treat approximately 12 manicures or pedicures, and retails at £9.50. It is also available in 200ml size, treating approximately 50 manicures and pedicures, and retails at £17.

Everyone could do with a bit of help sometimes and vegans and vegetarians may find it harder than meat eaters to achieve a balanced diet. We reviewed Sublingual Vitamin B12 and Korean Ginseng from Veganicity. Veganicity.com has a range of supplements is 100% Vegan Society registered, which means that not only do they meet very strict criteria regarding the complete absence of animal products or derivatives, but are also 100% ethically produced. They have a lot of different vitamins on their website.

Korean Ginseng gives you energy from nature. Vegan Korean Ginseng, naturally containing ginsenosides, to normalise the body, maintain a healthy immune system and keep stamina levels.

Vegan Vitamin B12 in a Blackcurrant methylcobalamin sublingual form, to help body development, boost physical and mental alertness, maintain a healthy nervous system and keep many other essential processes going. Both help give natural energy over the Christmas period.

Got a tattoo? One of the first all-natural, water-based creams has just launched in the UK. It is great stuff and really works if you have a tattoo that needs some TLC.

Formulated to help reduce irritation, heal soft tissue damage and hydrate recently tattooed skin, the lightweight creamy gel, from makers – Pig Fat Pomades – sinks into the skin instantly and leaves a non-oily finish for all new ink owners.

The natural blend of antioxidants includes Borage Seed Oil, an anti-inflammatory; Arnica Montana Flower Extract, which has long been used to treat bruising, soft tissue damage and the shock of impact (like a tattoo) and Jojoba Oil which gives thecream its soothing and moisturising properties. As a water-based product, which hasn’t been tested on animals, it won’t stick to clothes, won’t trap heat and won’t drain colour.

Paul Johnson, Pig Fat Pomades founder, said: “When a friend of mine had a gorgeous tattoo done, he spent a lot of money on a cream which was full of chemicals, yet was little more than a moisturiser with some grape seed oil. I knew it would be possible to make something more effective, more natural and more affordable – so we got to work.”

Tattoo Cream is currently available at www.thegroomingclinic.com and www.menareuseless.com and at selected tattoo studios. The RRP is £10.95 (58g)

What do you think?

Half Pint Glass | Great Christmas Ideas

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Frostie

At Frost we have been reviewing hundreds of things. We are more snowed under than a December day but, never fear, it is all worth it to bring you the best Christmas Gift Ideas. We are doing all of the work so you don’t have to. First up is this awesome Halfpint Glass. It is an actual half pint glass. It looks cool and is a genius idea. Even better if you are not a big drinker and want to look like you are drinking a full pint, you can only tell it is a half pint from the side.

Product Details:

Size (Width, Height, Depth):
W9.5, H15, D5 cms (W3.75, H6, D2 inches) approx.
Volume:
Half a pint (285ml)
Extra Information:
One half pint glass included in the box.
Quirky novelty glass, a definite talking point at your next party.
A perfect little gift or stocking filler.

The Half Pint Glass costs £9.99 from thepresentfinder.co.uk

This Is Bacon & This Is Gauguin Art Book Review

Posted on October 25, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Art lovers rejoice: Laurence King Publishing has launched a major series on great artists. We were lucky enough to be sent two of their books to review. This Is…Bacon and This Is…Gauguin. They present art history in a visual and accessible manner. The life and work of each artist is told by leading art historians and accompanied by specially commissioned illustrations, alongside representations of their most famous works. Design of the series has been overseen by Pentagram; with each title featuring vivid fluorescent spines and cut-flush binding, making each book the perfect gift for any art lover. Perfect for Christmas and beyond.

The books have it all: a great biography of the artist and wonderful art work. An art lovers dream. Well written and beautiful.

This is Gauguin

George Roddam
Illustrated by Slawa Harasymowicz

This is Gauguin by George Roddam is a new instalment in a major new art series that rethinks art history and presents it in a highly visual, vivid and engaging way. In this book the story of Paul Gauguin’s life and work is brought to life through Slawa Harasymowicz’s specially commissioned illustrations.

Paul Gauguin created some of the most advanced art in a brilliant generation of artists – all of whom struggled against the stifling conformity of the late 19th century’s artistic mainstream.

He created paintings whose radically simplified lines and colours echoed the unschooled art of the rustic and native cultures he loved. After his famously disastrous stay with Vincent van Gogh in southern France, Gauguin escaped European civilization for the Polynesian islands. Immersing himself in the culture, he produced a series of radiant canvases and powerful sculptures – his last great works.

From his childhood in Peru to his experiences in Tahiti, the story of Gauguin’s life is recounted in authoritative text by an expert on the Post-Impressionists and compelling imagery by an award-winning illustrator.

As well as Slawa Harasymowicz’s unique illustrations, Gauguin’s art is shown throughout the book. Works featured include: Sleeping Child (1884), Van Gogh Painting Sunflowers (1888), Christ in the Garden of Olives (1889), Manao tupapau (The Spirit of the Dead Watching) (1892) and Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897-98).

George Roddam has taught art history at universities in the UK and US. His research focuses primarily on European modernisms. He lives in southeast England with his wife and two sons.

Slawa Harasymowicz is a Polish artist based in London. Following the release of the graphic novel The Wolf Man, she had a solo
exhibition at The Freud Museum, London. She was a member of the V&A Award’s jury in 2010.

This is Gauguin is available here and from from thebookpeople.co.uk

This is Bacon

Kitty Hauser
Illustrated by Christina Christoforou

This is Bacon by Kitty Hauser. In this book the story of Francis Bacon’s life and work is brought to life through Christina Christoforou’s specially commissioned illustrations.

Francis Bacon was one of the giants dominating the artistic landscape of the mid-twentieth century, and served as the inspiration and launching point for much of the figural and abstract art that came after him.

This highly illustrated book features 19 of the artist’s major works. In stunning original colour illustrations it portrays the events of his life and the circle of friends and associates with whom he formed a louche, brazen gang that cut open the belly of the old propriety. The major periods of Bacon’s life on the edge, such as his time spent in Berlin, Paris and the seedy milieu of post-war London, are portrayed, along with the influential figures, such as Peter Lacey and George Dyer, who shaped both his personal life and his art.

As well as Christina Christoforou’s unique illustrations, Bacon’s art is shown throughout the book. Works featured include: Three Studies for a Crucifixion (1962), Portrait of Isabel Rawsthorne (1966), Lying Figure (1969), Triptych, May-June (1973) and Sand Dune (1983).

Kitty Hauser is the author of Stanley Spencer, Shadow Sites: Photography, Archaeology and The British Landscape 1927–1955 and Bloody Old Britain. She lives in Sydney where she writes a regular column for The Australian.

Christina Christoforou is a London-based illustrator and artist. She started her career as an art director in Greece before gaining an MA at Camberwell College of Arts in London.

This is Bacon is available here and from thebookpeople.co.uk

Myla 15th Anniversary Celebration

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

WHAT: Last night saw an intimate group of VIPs and influencers from the worlds of fashion, film, music and entertainment including Laura Whitmore, Amber Le Bon, Alek Wek and Jodie Kidd, gather together to celebrate the 15^th anniversary of luxury lingerie brand, Myla.

WHEN: Tuesday 21^st October 2014, from 6.30pm – 9.30pm

WHERE: House of Myla, 8-9 Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LF

Hosted at the beautiful House of Myla, guests enjoyed canapés provided by renowned alkaline diet guru Natasha Corrett’s company Honestly Healthy, Johnnie Walker cocktails and a bespoke DJ set from Laura Whitmore. Continuing the evening’s ‘touch of gold’ theme, guests were invited to step inside a luxury gold photo-booth – exclusively designed by Rankin and Johnnie Walker Gold Label. The Flower Appreciation Society was on hand to custom make floral headbands for attending guests and provided button-holes for gentlemen.

Throughout the evening, models were visibly showcasing Myla’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection. Founded 15 years ago, Myla is a leader within the Luxury lingerie market, priding itself on exquisite design, perfect fit and consistent use of luxurious materials. With a keen attention to detail and a passion for perfection, all Myla products are a truly indulgent treat of exceptional quality.

What they ate:

Avocado, Basil, Chilli and Lime on Rye Crostini
Roasted Aubergine, Pomegranate and Yogurt Dressing Spoons with Edible Flowers
Warm Carrot & Halloumi Pattis with Spinach & Walnut Pesto Dip
Pea, Edamame and Blood Orange Salad with Chia Seed in Nori Cups
Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Cake with Tofu Icing

What they drank:

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve ‘Flower’ cocktails

Pol Roger champagne
Asahi beer

VIP attendees included:

Alek Wek, Jodie Kidd & David Blakemore, Amber Le Bon, Laura Whitmore, Vanessa White, Kimberley Garner, Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, Natalie Pinkham, Lucy Watson, Camilla Rutherford, Natalie Coyle, Katie Readman, Natasha Corrett, Amy Molyneaux, Olivia Inge, Ashley James, Henry Conway, Ozwald Boateng, Linzi Stoppard, Astrid Harbord, Amber Nuttall, Zoe Hobbs, Brendan Cole, Pips Taylor, Roxie Nafousi, Nikki Fox, Alistair Guy

Thorntons Hamper Review & Competition: Win £100 Chocolate Hamper

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Some days it is truly glorious being the editor of a magazine: like when Thorntons sends you a chocolate hamper which is full of the most delicious and indulgent chocolate. We have been reviewing this chocolate over the past few days. It has been tough but we have kept it up. Marc De Champagne truffles, Orange Crisp, decadent dark chocolate, dreamy desserts, Eton mess chocolate and hot chocolate bombs that are as convenient as they are delicious. This is the ultimate chocolate hamper. It is worth £100 and we have one to giveaway.

To be in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, follow @Frostmag on Twitter or Instagram, or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.Then comment below saying what you did. Competition finishes at the end of November. Good luck, and you can find more information at http://www.thorntons.co.uk

“To share or not to share… This hamper is our Indulgence Ultimate Wicker Hamper which has been created for the ultimate chocoholics, and certainly not for the faint-hearted. Full of fantastic flavours that have been carefully smothered in decadently dark, wickedly white and magnificently milk Thorntons chocolate.

This fabulous hamper features some of our best tasting chocolate collections from our Indulgence range. Our Mini Masterpieces are what they say they are, true masterpieces! This indulgent selection includes more mouth watering chocolates like creamy fudge, zesty orange, chewy toffee and bursting berry. For the lovers of champagne and chocolate, why not combine the two and delve into our Marc de Champagne Truffles, bursting with rich flavour and that little taste of glamour.

Completing this hamper is a deliciously smooth and chocolatey liqueur, perfect in hot chocolate whilst relaxing on the sofa.

All of these chocolate goodies have been perfectly packed into this stunning keep-sake wicker hamper.

Each hamper contains:

Marc De Champagne Chocolate Truffles (210g)
Irresistible Gooey Caramel Melts (200g)
Thorntons Chocolate Liqueur 70cl
Scrumptious Chocolate Cupcakes (132g)
Scrumptious Chocolate Cocktails (104g)
Irresistible Belgian Chocolate Truffles (220g)
Dreamy Desserts (192g)
Dreamy Desserts (72g)
Hot Chocolate Bombs (250g)
Decadently Dark Chocolate Collection (362g)
Irresistible Smooth Coconut Melts (200g)
Whisky Truffles Bag (95g)
Marc de Champagne Truffles Bag (93g)
Orange Crisp Chocolate Block (90g)
Eton Mess Chocolate Block (90g)
Espresso Dark Chocolate Block (90g)
Fudge Brownie Milk Chocolate Block (90g)
Chocolate Truffle Bar (33g)
Nut Crunch Chocolate Bar (33g)

Please note: The contents of this hamper were correct at the time of photography. We reserve the right to substitute products of equal value.”

Ruby Red Body Moisturiser Review

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Frostie

We loved this new Soothe and Nourish Hydrating Body Moisturiser from Ruby Red. It absorbed easily and was gentle on those with sensitive skin. We love natural products and this fits the bill. It has six nourishing plant oils including hydrating Babussu oil to lock in moisture all day. It left us silky smooth and moisturised. Good stuff.

The moisturiser has:

Olive Oil to moisturise and aid skin regeneration
Sweet Almond Oil an emollient to soften the skin
Grapeseed Oil a moisturiser with active antioxidant
Babassu Oil to soften the skin
Shea Butter to aid skin hydration
Jojoba Oil to condition the skin

With added actives of Aloe Vera and Glycerine to soothe and ease absorption and Vitamin B% to reinforce the hydrolipidic barrier for improved skin hydration and to even out skin tone.
Naturally fragranced with soothing oils of Jasmine, Cardamom and Ylang Ylang.

Suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

Available from Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, Planet Organic, John Bell & Croyden and selected independent beauty boutiques and online at www.ethicalsuperstore.com and the Ruby Red shop – www.rubyredcosmetics.co.uk.

Victor’s Drinks Make Your Own Cider Review

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Frostie

Making your own alcohol may sound like something they did during prohibition, or that one of your mates does but doesn’t do a very good job of. Not anymore. Making your own cider is coming to the masses. As featured on Dragon’s Den: Victor’s Drinks Make Your Own Cider is a brilliant invention. It is easy, convenient and really gets a party started. We tested it and we loved it. Just add water and the yeast, then days later: you have cider! The cider is cloudy and mixed berry. Other flavours are available. It tastes great to be honest and we can highly recommend it. Christmas is coming and this would make a good present and is also a great way to entertain your guests. We like.

History
Alex Dixon (28) and Ralph Broadbent (27) met at University and hosted many parties during their years studying. Their parties grew and so did the requirement for alcohol. Alex experimented with home brewing, to the delight of his friends who always loved it, although for Alex there was a lot of time, effort and money required to get there. In the following three years Ralph and Alex spent time coming up with a way of changing the way people viewed home brewing and in October 2013 launched the first batch of apple cider drinks kits which is an extremely simple way to make your own alcohol while also having a fantastic taste. Alongside Victor’s Drinks Ralph and Alex put on a number of music festivals across the UK including the award winning 15,000 strong Y-Not Festival in Derbyshire.

Why Victor’s Drinks?
The name Victor’s Drinks is derived from the word “Victory”, and is based around the personal accomplishment gained from creatingyour own drink. The box is designed like a trophy and #TasteVictory is used across their social media channels.

How Does It Work?
The product is based on bag in box technology, and comes ready filled with a specially formulated syrup which gives the drink its flavour. In order to create the drink the customer just removes the cap (which also acts as a valve), removes the plastic seal (which keeps the syrup fresh), adds the supplied sachet of yeast and fills with 18 pints of warm water before leaving at room temperature for 10 days, following which, the drink can be poured directly into a glass. Inside the box the sugar in the syrup and the yeast combine to create the alcohol. Once the drink is ready it can be drunk within 3 weeks.

The Product
The box should ideally be kept somewhere at room temperature and not moved for 10 days. You can keep the cider for up to 3 weeks and the longer you leave it the dryer the taste becomes. The ales are also ready after 10 days. The box features a push tap for easy pouring.

Locations
Victor’s Drinks is based in London Fields, close to Alex and Ralph’s current London home in Angel.
Alex was born in Poole and lived with his family in Wareham until moving to Manchester University at the age of 18.
Ralph is from Biggin near Ashbourne and like Alex moved to Manchester after his A-levels.

Dragon’s Den
Victor’s Drinks received an offer of investment as seen on August 3rd episode. After initial worries all but one of the Dragon’s opted “out” and they rejected a sole “offer” from Duncan Bannatyne however Alex and Ralph returned with a counter-offer and a deal was agreed for £40,000 for 25% share, which if after 3 years all profit targets are hit, will reduce to 15%. Following the programme (filmed in April) Ralph and Alex have been working hard on the brand are are excited about re-launching in the coming months.
Watch the episode here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04d4nbc

Stockists
Victor’s Drinks is available on their own website as well as at Cuckooland.com, Victor’s Drinks Apple Cider 20 Pint Kit is available here, Menkind, Fenwicks, QD Stores, Victor’s Drinks Homebrew Cider Making Kit – 10 Pints Elderflower is available here, Hawkins Bazaar and a variety of independent gift shops and garden centres with a rep of £24.99

Is The Drive For ‘Quality’ Killing Education?

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Aidan

Is the consistent drive for higher quality or at least the control of quality effectively killing our educational efforts? It’s a question that has sparked some very heated debates among parents and among educators.

Quality should be the driver of education, working to improve FE at every level. Some would argue that the push for quality, rather than the delivery itself is distracting us from the mission at hand and additionally detracting from the level of education that we provide. In and of itself, quality is not detrimental. It is, and should be an integral provision of education that our country currently needs. With the right staff, and the right approach, we can use quality as the driving force for improved education on every level.

At any level, it’s the quality of educators that will determine the success of students. Lecturers, support staff, educational management and even non-academic support should all be aligned with the same focus; delivering and supporting a curriculum that leads to success.

Before we can improve education, the system within any FE organisation should be analysed to determine its effectiveness. This should involve benchmarking, as well as competition analysis. Benchmarking will determine the capabilities of courses and modules, as well as the support structures around them. Academic results only tell part of the story, because it’s the function of the whole organisation that leads to these results. Competition analysis can indicate where processes are working, and where they are failing. Studying competing universities, polytechnics, and private FE providers can provide insight in to why a particular system is failing, and adapting successful strategies to an underperforming institution can help to improve quality and deliver results.

Quality of leadership will be the determining factor in the improvement of education through the quality of FE providers. Directors, vice principals, and principals etc. will continue to play a key role in the decision-making process. They will offer tips and assistance in strategy and focus, and have the task of driving these strategies through their leadership teams. Through the trickle-down effect, lecturers, leadership, assessors, trainers, and other support staff will all have the responsibility to drive strategies that eventually result in improved education for students.

Because quality is a huge focus in education, from a government, and private institutional level, there is currently a high demand for skilled individuals in all areas of education. Academic and vocational lecturers of the highest quality are required to deliver learning in a way that is engaging to the current generation of students. Apprenticeship assessors and trainers are also required to facilitate learning and grade competency in the trade industries outside of traditional academia.

There is even a need for high calibre guidance counsellors, and student support professionals. These are the people who will be able to gauge the effectiveness of any FE institution, because they are the ones who can view the structure holistically, right down to the experience of students.

A strong leader will be able to build the right teams consisting of professionals from all areas, while fostering the change required that will raise quality in their institution. Are you prepared to raise standards in further education?

As a senior educator, it will be your drive that raises the bar when it comes to quality in education. Whether you’re tenured in your current role, or seeking your next opportunity as a senior FE professional, a market leader in academic recruitment has a lot to offer you. At Morgan Hunt, their vastly experienced education team have the knowledge and inside view of market shifts to help you discover the roles where you can make a difference, or to find the professionals that you need to assist you in delivering excellence at your current facility.