Fresh Therapies Natural Nail Polish Remover Review

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I absolutely love natural products. When it comes to nail polish remover I wasn’t expecting anyone to come up with a natural solution, but I am very happy they did. Nail polish remover in particular smells pretty awful. I always cannot help wondering what the hell is in it and whether it is damaging me.

So does this natural nail polish from Fresh Therapies actually work? Thankfully yes, as I was really rooting for it. Even better is that you can buy sachet wipes that do all 10 nails. They really work and are perfect for traveling. Frankly the idea is so genius I have no idea why no one has thought of it before. I will be stocking up.

This is the UK’s first natural nail polish remover and it has a milder natural formula and the smell has a slight hint of lime. I think this will be my nail polish remover of choice from now on. It works, smells great and is much better for my nails and the environment. The travel wipes are one of my favourite beauty buys of 2014. Great stuff.

A great way to remove your nail polish naturally. It has no harsh chemicals or toxins and is so much safer for the health of your nails as well as the environment

Great for people like me who have sensitive skin or allergies. It does not strip some of the natural oils away from your nails or cuticles as some conventional removers do, which in turn can lead to your nails becoming dry, dehydrated, weak and brittle.

It is not tested on animals and is also suitable for vegans, winning Best Beauty Vegan Product 2013. Beating the likes of Lush Cosmetics to the prize!

The 50ml Glass bottle can be purchased for £8.99 and the Box of 10 individual sachet wipes retail

£7.99. Both can be purchased from www.freshtherapies.com

A mini sample can be obtained from the website too. UK residents only

Westlab Pure Mineral Bathing Himalayan Salt Review

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Frostie

We are on a health kick here at Frost, reviewing different products and trying out different exercise routines. Shortcuts are always welcome, which is why we reviewed bath salts, which are used by celebrities to detox and beat the bloat.

Specifically, we reviewed Himalayan Pink Salt from Westlab.

This salt is beautiful. A wonderful pink colour. It is easy to use of course, you just put it in your bath 100-200g for general wellbeing and 1kg for detoxification.

It sure makes the bath look pretty and after the bath it makes you look slimmer and your skin feels very soft. The benefits are immediate and only get better with long term use. We are sold and will be buying salt in bulk in the future. This is good stuff. We recommend you add salt to your beauty routine.

Himalayan salt is packed full of minerals, known for its detoxifying properties, Westlab have a mining company in the Himalayas where the salt crystals are dug out of the mountains to make our amazing scrubs, bath soaks and salt lamps. Westlab Himalayan salt can be a great and incredibly detoxifying bath salt just on its own.

The book Salt & Water by Dr Barbara Hendel claims that a 30 minute soak in a bath filled with 1kg of Himalayan Salt has the same detoxing effect as a three day fast.

Harvested from high in the Himalayan mountain range, Himalayan pink salt isn’t just pretty to look at, it’s good for you, too. Himalayan pink salt can be used for cooking, in spa treatments and in cosmetics. It can also be used as a natural healing treatment.

The magic of the pink salt

Himalayan pink salt isn’t any normal salt. It contains 84 minerals and trace elements that are highly beneficial for the body including magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium and iron, according to the website The Greater Green. “Regular consumption of Himalayan pink salt provides essential minerals, trace elements, balances electrolytes, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the body’s pH, normalizes blood pressure, and increases circulation and conductivity,” according to the website.

The salt sometimes comes out in a reddish or pink color, with some crystals having an off-white to transparent color. It is commonly used for cooking similar to regular table salt, brine and bath products.

Bohemian Chic Minerals Blusher And Lipstick Review

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I am a huge fan of natural makeup. We are becoming more aware of all of the nasty chemicals in certain products and brands. Add in the trend for veganism and cruelty-free products and Bohemian Chic Minerals certainly sounds like a winner. Mineral makeup is also huge now and very on trend. But does it work? Let’s find out.

I reviewed the Bohemian Chic Minerals Blusher in Nude and the lipstick in Coral Reef.

Both colours are beautiful and the product goes on beautifully. The blusher blends very well and gives a very healthy pink/nude glow. It looks great on.

The lipstick is also a beautiful colour and goes on well. Both products are of a very high quality and don’t have that terrible ingredient of carmine (which is a crushed beetle!) or Oxychloride (a by-product of refined lead and copper), making this brand excellent for people with sensitive skin and a conscious. Highly recommended.

A New Era for Natural Make-Up

On a mission to provide a range of modern make-up that is completely chemical free, Jameela Kosar has found the solution with the creation of Bohemian Chic Minerals. Having tried an abundance of mainstream make-up which reacted to her sensitive skin, Jameela found herself looking for a way in which women can indulge their love of make-up without affecting their problematic skin.

Having stumbled across mineral make-up, Jameela felt she had found the answer to her prayers, until once again her skin irritation returned. After extensive research into the benefits of mineral make-up, Jameela discovered that whilst most of the minerals are beneficial to the skin, two ingredients are not so good. Bismuth – Oxychloride (a by-product of refined lead and copper) and carmine (crushed beetle). Not a fan of using crushed beetle in her daily skincare routine, Jameela decided to create her own make-up brand. One that is suitable for the most sensitive of skins, without compromising on style. Bohemian Chic Minerals was born.

Chemical free, bad minerals free and animals (including insects) free, Bohemian Chic Minerals is suitable for both vegan and halal users. Combining ingredients your skin will love with trend aware products, the collection boasts an impressive range of foundations, primers and concealers, as well as blushers, bronzers and body shimmers. In addition there is also a vibrant array of eyeshadows, eyeliners, lipsticks and glosses,

Designed to make women feel beautiful in a guilt free way, the collection is 100% pure and natural and is paving the way for a new generation of all available in a range of seasonal shades. natural make-up.

How To Get Glowing Skin: What Products To Use

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

You want healthy glowing skin? Of course you do. I have had lots of fun testing these products. Let me know what you think.

Stila Set & Illuminate Baked Powder Trio

Now this is a setting powder. So why is it in an piece about glowing skin? Well, not all setting powders are chalky and cakey. When used properly they can give you great skin. This Set & Illuminate Baked Powder Trio adds radiance to the skin and makes foundation and blusher stay put all day. It gives you airbrushed, fresh, naturally beautiful skin. Really great stuff.

The powder is made up of three different shades and comes with a plastic shaver which gives you just the right amount of product when you half turn it. It also stops mess, so points for the great design, especially the slick, black compact. The best thing about this product is that it is subtle. It’s not glittery or shimmery and it’s not too much for daytime. It just makes your skin look fresh and perfect in a very subtle and natural way. Available from stilacosmetics.com and costs £24.

Stila Set & Bronze Baked Powder Trio

This is similar to the Set & Illuminate in design: it has the same handy plastic shaver in a beautiful black compact. The compact also has a mirror. The difference is in the word ‘bronze’. This give healthy looking tanned skin. In the only way you should get tanned skin (no sunbeds). It comes with three shades:

Matte bronze – which bronzes and warms the skin
Kitten shimmer – to brighten and illuminate
Bronze shimmer – enhances skintone

You can wear this alone if you have good skin but it also sets foundation. It makes makeup last all day. The powder also has Vitamin E and jojoba oils so it moisturises and conditions. It gives natural glowing skin rather than turning you into a glitter ball. Not that there’s anything necessarily wrong with that. Available from ASOS and costs £24

Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation 20 Watts

This is also natural and makes you look like you are not wearing makeup. I love the bottle it comes in. It is very sturdy and I like the weight of it. There is no SPF in it which some people prefer, although due to my pale skin I tend to take SPF whenever I can. The foundation gives a very subtle shimmer. It is light and it gives a sheer coverage which is just better than a tinted moisturiser. If you like heavy coverage this won’t be for you, but it is a great, natural foundation to give you glowing skin. It’s not matte, it gives a smooth look without looking like you are overly done up. Perfect for a radiance boost.

£25 or cheaper if you shop around. Try Google Shopping or buy from feelunique.com

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer Pink Shimmer

This adds a delicate shimmer for a radiant glow. This is not really a pink shimmer, but more a beautiful champagne shade. This also has antioxidant and grape seed oil which conditions and cares for the skin while you glow. The soft-focus pigments help diminish the appearance of fine lines and skin imperfections while adding uplifting highlights. This product is great as you can use it as a highlighter on cheekbones and underneath the brow bone. It can be used on top of foundation or mixed with moisturiser. Great stuff. From feelunique.com

Stila Sheer Pressed Powder

I have included this because getting shine under control is always going to give healthy looking skin. The oil-control formula is finely milled for a smooth, flawless finish. It makes skin look clean and polished. It doesn’t look cakey or heavy on the skin. Good stuff. Available here.

Simple Kind To Skin Illuminating Radiance Cream

This product is more glittery than the Stila products. It is more obvious but I got a lot of compliments when I was wearing it. I love Simple products because they don’t put a lot of nasty stuff in them. I have sensitive skin and they are gentle but they really work. The cream has Pro-Vitamin B3, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin E and Bisabolol, Ginger Root Extract, Sweet Almond Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil. It also doesn’t have any artificial perfumes, colours or chemicals. It has light reflecting minerals along with UVA/UVB SPF15 protection. I have actually been wearing this cream almost everyday. Sometimes I wear it alone (usually with concealer) or as a primer under foundation or BB cream. When I use it as a primer I don’t use a lot of foundation or BB cream. Overall this is really good, inexpensive stuff. Recommended. £8.99 for 50ml at Superdrug

Laura Geller Spackle Neutralizing Colour-Correcting Under Make Up Primer

This is a good primer that improves skin’s texture so makeup glides on and looks freshly applied for hours. It has subtle peach undertones, is lightweight and “neutralises” skin imperfections. It is oil-free and paraben-free and has botanicals such as Aloe Vera to help calm skin and reduce the appearance of redness, as well as Centella Asiatica and White Tea Extracts which provide antioxidant protection. A very good primer, available from QVC

Bourjois Blush Exclusif

This is a great pink blusher that suits everyone. It has self-adjusting technology that gives everyone a personalised pink. You can watch it transform on your skin which is pretty cool. Quite impressive. According to Superdrug’s ‘its formula contains pH reactive pigments to transform your cheeks into a customised pink shade’. Just put a little on the apples of your cheeks and hello health! Makes even the most tired skin look like you go for a daily morning run. This is a suit-everyone pink cream blusher and that lasts all day. It is just dream-worthy, it works like a highlighter and blusher. Very glowy.

£7.99 from Very.com or Superdrug

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Cream

A hybrid moisturiser which works as a radiance booster, a primer and a light moisturiser. Is a great all-in-one but if you have dry skin then you might need another moisturiser. Gives skin a beautiful, shimmer-free, dewy glow.

£32 from QVC or Harvey Nichols

Benefit Finding Mr Bright Makeup Set: Girl Meets Pearl, Posie Tint, Highbeam and Erase Paste.

Girl Meets Pearl gives you a light-from-within glow. Makes you look like you were born beautiful, Posie Tint gives the most gorgeous, rosy tint on cheeks and looks very natural, Highbeam is a silverish pink liquid that makes you glow like J-Lo. Put on your cheekbones, brow bones & the bridge of your nose. Erase Paste is a brilliant concealer, industrial strength to hide any flaws. This is a brilliant set and perfect for glowing, healthy skin. It’s not over the top, just makes you look happy and glowing. Available from Amazon UK and feelunique.com

What do you think?

Nip + Fab Body Slim Fix Review

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I am a fan of Nip + Fab products, reviewing two things from their collection before; the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix and their Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads. I was impressed with both. I noticed a difference in my skin whilst doing both reviews so was hoping for more of the same.

Nip + Fab Body Slim Fix has the same cool packaging and it smells really good. Always a bonus in a beauty product.

This is what Nip + Fab say:

Firm + tone your body with Body Slim Fix, a 2-in-1 fitness formula to hydrate + tone the skin.

Brand new to the Nip+Fab range, this daily toning body moisturiser works to improve the appearance of your body contours for a firmer, slimmer appearance.

Ideal for use post-workout or after a hot shower, Body Slim Fix is a fast acting formula to use alongside exercise for unparalleled results.

Body Slim Fix contains:

unislim helps sculpt + refine body contours
cocoa butter softens + smoothes
caffeine extract helps to improve skin tone + texture

Note that they say firmer, slimmer ‘appearance’, and this I have to agree with. I am usually very cynical about anti-cellulite cream (which this doesn’t say it is) and ‘slimming’ lotions, but I found that this great cream left my legs with a much better tone. I don’t believe you can just put a cream on and see a difference when it comes to becoming slimmer but Nip + Fab Body Slim Fix certainly made a difference when it comes to tone, it did make my body look better and smoother. It even made me legs look like they were glowing.

It also feels very soothing which I was not expecting. Immediately my skin looks more even and toned. After using for a while my legs definitely look better. I am as impressed with this as the other products in the Nip + Fab range and will be trying more.

Body Slim Fix can be bought here or from Debenhams.

Spring Clean Your Beauty Bag

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Frostie

There’s nothing like a good spring clean, but it’s not just your house that may need a good clear out; how long have you had that blue eye shadow in your make-up bag? What about that body lotion lurking in your bathroom? A lot of people keep skincare and makeup way past their use by date but old products are a breeding ground for bacteria which you are then transferring to your skin.

Follow Skincare Expert & Facial Therapist Amanda Elias’ DO’s and DON’Ts to ensure a clean beauty cabinet this Spring.

DO use a marker pen to note the date you’ve open the product. Most skincare products only have the months in which they should be discarded after use rather than an actual date. By noting the date you’ll know when to discard it if left unused.
DON’T keep make-up or skincare “for best” because there’s a good chance they’ll pass their expiry date before you use them. If you’ve splurged, reap the benefits by using your products regularly and while they’re at their optimum.

DO wash your hands or use the end of a spoon as a spatula before scooping product out of a jar to prevent the spread of bacteria.
DON’T use product which has separated, changed colour, changed in smell or has started to irritate your skin; take this as an indication to replace it.
DO follow the life expectancy of cosmetics;
Mascara – 3 months
Liquid foundation and concealer – 12-18 months.
Lipstick and Gloss – 2 years for lipstick and 1 year for gloss. A good sign that a lip product has gone off is that it can leave the lips irritated or tingly.
Nail Varnish – 2 years. If the product separates and doesn’t combine when you shake it, it’s time to replace it.
Eye and lip pencils – as these are sharpened you are constantly removing any bacteria so they should last for at least 2 years.
Powders such as Eyeshadow, Blusher and face powder generally last 2 years, if you notice the product is dryer than it used to be, replace.
DON’T ignore your make-up brushes; these should be cleaned once a week. I like to clean my foundation brush daily as bacteria can grow quickly. My tip is to clean my foundation brush and an extra brush every time I put my make-up on, which guarantees all the brushes I use are always clean and free from bacteria.

If you’ve bought make-up and skincare within the last 6 months that you don’t like or use, why not have a swapping party with your friends? There’s a good chance they’ve also got recently purchased, unused products in their make-up bag or beauty cabinet.

For any skincare or make-up products or accessories that are in great condition but aren’t being used, why not donate them to this worthy cause? http://www.giveandmakeup.com.

Highly experienced within the industry, Amanda Elias is the brains behind effective yet affordable skincare brand, Bravura London – a business founded following Amanda’s own skin problems and subsequent discovery of using AHA, BHA and Hydraulic Acid for troubled skins.

Czech Actress Petra Bryant Interview

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

How did you get into acting?

Acting is something I did since I was a teenager but I didn’t start seriously until I moved to London. I took many screen acting courses and did workshops with casting directors in order to be sure that is what I wanted to do with my life. I also did a stand-up comedy course but realized it wasn’t my thing at all! Getting parts in short films has been a great experience and I would recommend that every actor tries that route. Not only you learn how real productions work but you will get a demo reel material.

Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?

When I was a child I wanted to be a doctor, designer, writer, model and an actor. I have realized I could be all those if I became an actor. Bingo! But deep down I always knew that it was what I wanted to do. It took many years to get where I am today and I still have a long way to go.

What was your big break?

I think landing a role of Empress Faustina in Fallen Eagle has been the biggest break so far. But since the film is in pre-production status, I will say that it is ‘The Last Scout’. ‘The Last Scout’ is a British sci-fi. Playing the ship captain ‘Melissa’ feels like a real acting role at last!

How do you get into character?

It really depends on what kind of character I am playing and whether I can identify with it. I usually like to watch similar movies to the one I am about to make. It helps me get in the mood and I get inspired by other actors. I also think of all the little details from the character’s life and make them my own, slowly building on the character. Eventually I start thinking like the character and merging with them. I also have to get physically into shape for each role.

What is your favourite film that you worked on?

I am sure my answer will be different by the end of 2014 but for now I choose ‘The Disappearance of Lenka Wood’. This is my first film as the female lead. I almost feel like we did two separate films as part of the story is set in New York and another in Turkey. I liked that my character Lenka is very different from me and that I had lots of freedom in creating the character. At times it was also a pretty physical role to play and I had to push my own boundaries. I am scared of heights and water and it took some convincing to get me jump into the swimming pool for a scene! But I am so glad I did it.

Tell us about your upcoming films.

Both ‘The Disappearance of Lenka Wood’ and ‘The Last Scout’ are in post-production but 2014 will be a busy year for me. I start with the film ‘White Collar Hooligan 3’ and a little short film. The next up is a sci-fi ‘Abduct’ where I get to play a Russian UFO Specialist. I am really excited to be a part of another sci-fi! My spring and summer will be spent in Malta and Los Angeles filming ‘Fallen Eagle’ and a rom-com ‘Looking for George Clooney’. There are other projects on the horizon but I can’t talk about them just yet. I am so happy that I am working, doing something I love.

Does being Czech help or hinder your career?

I would say it helps for sure. My accent is not typically Czech so that means I can play other Europeans. At the same time I would love to be able to perfect British or American accent to broaden my role spectrum. But for now I am more than happy to use being Czech into my advantage. I love playing the’ token European’!!

What is your ideal role?

I am a huge comedy fan and playing a goofy clumsy superhero would be amazing. I think I might have to write my own part one day.

What’s next?

Well apart from all the films I have lined up this year, I am also writing my first book. It has taken me a long time already. I have actually ripped the first draft apart and now I am rewriting the story in a different style. I am driving myself crazy with it! Once this is done and dusted, I want to self-publish and turn it into a script. I love writing and would love to produce TV series with my finished product.
I hope people will like my films and I continue to be a working actor! I love making movies but I am very attracted to TV as there are some brilliantly written shows out there!

Achieve Oscar-Winning Skin

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Frostie

While red carpet glitz and glamour is achieved by fabulous stylists and make-up artists, fresh, glowing skin is definitely the best accessory- and you don’t need a celebrity budget to look good.

Follow Facial Therapist and Skincare Expert Amanda Elias’ inexpensive solutions to Oscar-Winning Skin:

EXFOLIATING

WHY? Exfoliating removes the dead skin layer which sits on the surface of our healthy, new skin. When there is an accumulation of dead skin, it leaves the complexion looking lifeless and grey because light isn’t reflected evenly. By removing this dead skin the light will reflect evenly and directly off your healthy skin.

HOW? You can achieve beautiful skin with scrubs but my personal recommendation would always be chemical exfoliation. Using a product daily that contains AHA’s (like Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid) or a BHA (like Salicylic Acid) will gently exfoliate by loosening the bond that holds the dead skin to the surface, rather than scrubbing it which can cause irritation and inflammation in sensitive or problem skin. Don’t let the word acid scare you; daily use products typically contain a concentration of 10% AHA and lower so although powerful, they won’t burn the skin.

SUFFERING WITH ACNE OR BLACKHEADS? Exfoliation is the key treatment. These conditions occur when dead skin and oil gets trapped within the pores and bacteria breeds. By removing the dead skin you’re helping to prevent these blockages which in turn will reduce the breakouts. Using chemical exfoliants rather than a manual scrub will also help to fade any discolouration left over from spots.

FIGHTING THE SIGNS OF AGEING? Glycolic and lactic acid helps by increasing cell turnover, this in turn stimulates the production of collagen which is the support matrix of the skin. Collagen starts to break down as we get older which is why we want to stimulate the body to produce more; lots of collagen means plumper skin and less wrinkles.

UNEVEN SKIN ON THE BODY? If you have rough skin with red dots on your arms, thighs or bottom this could be a condition called Keratosis Pilaris. This is caused by too much keratin, found in the top layer of the skin, blocks the pores. There is no cure but exfoliating, especially with AHA’s and BHA’s, can make a dramatic difference to the appearance and texture of the skin.

So you’re well exfoliated, now there’s cleansing and moisturising.

CLEANSING is essential to keep the skin healthy and you looking your best. The majority don’t cleanse enough; twice in the evening (note evening not night) and once in the morning. If you find cleansing often strips your skin, change your cleanser. Use a cleanser designed for your skin type and steer clear of soap. With its high PH, soap can cause dryness as well as help bacteria to breed in problem skin.

MOISTURISING is vital, particularly with product that contains an SPF. In the winter UVA is still present in the atmosphere; while UVA doesn’t burn us (it’s the UVB rays from the sun that cause burning) it can still cause premature ageing and is the number one cause of ageing to our skin. No matter what anti-ageing products you use, if you don’t use an SPF daily- even when it’s grey and miserable- you’re not fighting ageing.

When choosing a moisturiser make sure you choose one for your skin type to keep your skin moisturised and therefore youthful.

If you have oily skin but you use an anti-wrinkle cream designed for mature skin, it’s likely to cause breakouts and can leave the skin looking puffy. If you don’t like moisturising because it leave a sheen on the skin, look for a moisturiser that has a matte finish.

GLOW Leonardo Dicaprio dazzled on the red carpet showing off an enviable tan recently. To get a healthy, natural looking glow I would recommend a spray tan for both men and women. If you’d rather give it a go yourself, try a tan like Cocoa Brown which gives a gentle tan in only an hour. If you have facial hair, be careful to gently rub as close to the hair as possible or you’ll have a tan line around the hair.

Highly experienced within the industry, Amanda Elias is the brains behind effective yet affordable skincare brand, Bravura London a business founded following Amanda’s own skin problems and subsequent discovery of using AHA, BHA and Hydraulic Acid for troubled skins.

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