Braun Silk-expert IPL

As summer has arrived, by that I mean the Great British Summer, it is time to ensure those legs are looking the very best they can be when the time comes to grab those skirts, shorts, cullottes and pretty dresses.  For me, that means a huge exfoliation exercise and being hair free.

I am the first to admit that I find shaving my legs incredibly boring but it is a necessary evil and it is one of those tasks I never look forward to doing, much like cleaning my make-up brushes.  So when I was given the Braun Silk-Expert  iPL* hair removal system to use, it was love at first use.

To give a little background to the device, the Braun Silk-expert is a ground-breaking IPL system which results in permanent visible hair reduction in as little as four treatments. It works beneath the skin's surface by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, helping to break the cycle of hair re-growth. With continued, regular use, it helps prevent unwanted hair from reaching the skin's surface. Not only that, but this device has what is called intelligent SensoAdapt technology which continually reads and adapts to your skintone throughout use, and emit gentle pulses of light which are tailored to your needs.

The device is incredibly easy to use and this is in part due to its design, it is sleek, not at all heavy and it doesn't hurt, sting, pinch or burn the skin in anyway shape or form and it is something you can use at any time of the day and as part of your skincare routine. It also doesn't leave my legs feeling dry and nor does it cause irritation, in fact I can find no fault with it what-so-ever.

The device is designed to be used on legs, underarm, bikini line and it can be used on your face, though it is not suitable for being used near the eyes because it is capable of producing 120,000 flashes and these flashes are part of the IPL technology. When it is in use, it flashes every 1-2 seconds which means a treatment on your leg takes around 8 minutes, which I find really impressive.

It also has two different modes of use.  The first is called the Gliding Mode which is for fast but efficient treatments and the second is called Press and Release which is designed for treating smaller more sensitive areas such as the underarm, upper lip and bikini line, so again, depending on your preference for use, there is something to try and decide which works best for you.

I have been using this device for the last few months and I am so impressed with it. Firstly, I have been waiting for some hair to grow back so I can show picture evidence of it working, but it is so good I have been waiting weeks to just to post this review. Now I don't have very hairy legs, so to speak, the hair is quite sparse in places

As you can see the hair on my legs is taking quite some time to grow back and that is after using it once a week for 8 weeks. 

Braun Silk-expert is an IPL system which results in permanent visible hair removal in as little as four treatments. It works beneath the skin's surface by targeting the melanin in the hair follicle, helping to break the cycle of hair re-growth. With continued, regular use, it helps prevent unwanted hair from reaching the skin surface. This Braun Silk-expert IPL is most effective on light to medium skin tones with hair ranging from natural blonde to dark brown or black. The device is least effective on very blonde, red, grey or white hair where the smaller amount of melanin does not absorb the light.
Finally, if you are as forgetful as me, don't worry, Braun have it covered with their app! The Braun Silk-expert IPL mobile application helps remind you of treatment dates, usage instructions and can even track your progress. You will be able to visualize the importance of the SensoAdaptTM skin tone sensor in getting the safest, most effective treatment. Braun Silk-expert: permanent visible hair removal made easy - now that is cool!

This device is available exclusively from Boots and this is a special edition as it comes with a Face Cleansing Brush.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

#TEAMME with Superdrug | Yokebe

Superdrug have recently launched their #TeamMe summer campaign and they are working with well-known Olympians and members of the public to get the nation healthy and achieving their personal health and fitness goals. 

Whether your goal is losing weight, quitting smoking or getting your blood pressure under control, Superdrug will provide members of #TEAMME with the impetus, inspiration and expertise to get you there. #TEAMME is a team for all the regular people out there wanting to achieve their own personal health goals and with Superdrug by their side everyone across the country can set their own goal: to be the me they want to be.

I was sent a lovely package of products to work my way through and for me losing a bit of weight is something I have been doing but when you reach a plateaux it becomes much harder to shift those pounds and you become a little de-motivated. So Yokebe is what is referred to as being Active Food and is essentially a meal replacement shake for weight loss made with 100% natural ingredients + all the vitamins, minerals and macronutrients your body needs.  

Now I have never tried any kind meal replacement shake diet, I have never thought it was for me and it always looked and sounded far too time consuming, but I decided to give Yokebe a try.  My package included two tins of Yokebe in Natural Honey Flavour plus a couple of shakers plus a box of Yokebe Active Food 1 Week Turbo Diet Pack. 

The ethos with Yokebe is quite simple and is as follows:"We believe that meal replacements are the most effective way to lose weight. But this shouldn’t mean feeling hungry, lacking of energy, and yo-yo dieting. Yokebe’s formula is full of delicious natural goodness that nourishes your body, harnessing protein for active weight loss and a feeling of fullness".

Now the shake is really easy to make and it takes just a few minutes, much less time than I was expecting:

1. Pour 200 ml low-fat milk (1.5 % fat) in your Yokebe shaker.
2. Then add 50 g Yokebe (5 heaped measuring spoons or 5 heaped tablespoons) to the milk.
3. Finally, add 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) vegetable oil with a high level of unsaturated fatty acids (sunflower oil, safflower oil) - This is so you can absorb all of your fat solumble vitamins (A, D and E)
4. Tightly close the shaker and shake it vigorously!

Having used Yokebe now for 2 weeks solid, I admit the taste is not for me.  I find it to be quite chalky, too sweet smelling and the taste is just not for me at all.  Once you have made your drink, it isn't one you can leave to sit around for a while because it separates slightly and becomes gloopy and given it contains milk, if left in the sun it will curdle.  That said, I was determined to stick with it and whilst I don't usually step on to any scales, I did for this and after 2 weeks of having a shake for breakfast instead of cereal or toast, the loss was 6lbs. I found the shakes to be incredibly filling and whilst I don't tend to snack much, I found lunchtime moving from 12.30-1.30pm because I simply wasn't hungry. I just need to find a way to deal with the taste or look to trying the chocolate version which has caught my eye.

If you find you need a bit of inspiration or advice, then #TeamMe is definitely one to look in to and you can find all the information here.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Pixi by Petra AW16 Collection

A few days ago I was invited to a sneak preview of the AW16 collection from Pixi by Petra. Most people will associate Pixi with the cult classic Glow Tonic which has taken the blogging world by storm, so to be privileged to see the collection at first hand, was an absolute dream.

The store, which can be found in Fouberts Place here in London is an Instagram dream, you might even have seen me Snap-chatting it during event itself, and every bloggers delight with white backgrounds, rose gold signage and brush holders.

The AW16 collection. which keeps the green and gold packaging, has eight different products to devour.  Starting with the Lash Nourish Makeup Remover Pads (£10) which are just so cute. Designed to sweep off that smoky eye and stubborn waterproof mascara, these pads use a gentle blend of botanical oils and aloe vera to deeply condition your lashes and nourish the delicate under eye area.  

Glow Tonic To-Go (£20). Now these pads are the perfect tonic for the lazy (me). Each pad is saturated with the perfect amount of Glow Tonic and they are portable, so they are great for taking away with you.  The formula for Pixi Glow Tonic is designed to provide an instant freshness to your skin whilst brightening, hydrating and gently exfoliating and if you are a fan of the bottled version, you will love these pads too.

The best of bright kit (£22) is a product I got all excited about a few months ago because it is just fabulous and again, the perfect travel companion or a brilliant introduction to the Pixi brand.  In this little kit you will find a mini Pixi Glow Tonic, a deeply purifying Glow Mud Cleanser and a a Glow Mud Mask to detoxify.

So that is the skincare sorted and I have to say, I would gladly take one of each, they are so beautifully presented and as a Glow Tonic junkie, the mud mask sounds like heaven as does the cleanser.

Pixi also have their own brand of makeup and again, the packaging mirrors that of the skincare and five new products to add to the already extensive list of products, they are well worthy of checking out.

Starting with a Multibalm (£12) which comes in five different shades - Watermelon Veil, Wild Rose, Baby Petal, Soft Strawberry and Sheer sculpt, they use a stay-on creme powder formula which is lightweight and glides effortlessly onto the skin to give a pop of colour.  Buildable and blendable they are infused with aloe vera, shea butter and rosehip oil to protect the skin.  They can be used on the lips and cheeks.

One product I was delighted to see is the Lower Lash Mascara (£11). The wand is just so amazingly cute and tiny and it has been designed to define and intensify those lower lashes.  Using a slim brush which has short bristles, your lashes are coated after one application and again and it even catches those little tiny eyelashes in the corner of your eyes.  The formula is water resistant and has added Vitamin E and hydrolyzed silk to help it stay on all day and is suitable for even the most sensitive of eyes.

Also within the collection are the following:

Lash Line Ink in Velvet Cocoa (£12) is a deep brown ink liner which glides on like a dream and it uses a water resistant, non feathering quick drying formula. What I like about this is how it doesn't budge once it is on, whether you rub your eyes or if it is raining.

Lip Lift Max (£14) comes in two shades - Sheer Rose and Honey Sheen. Designed to be volume-maximising lip treatments, they leave a glossy finish which when applies has a cooling sensation on the lips and a hint of colour. They are non-tacky/sticky and

Endless Silky Eye Pens (£12) in two beautiful shades which are Graphic Greige and Opal Overcoat. These waterproof, non-smudge, no-budge eyeliners glide on effortlessly and stay put all day without a need to re-touch or apply.

As you can see, Pixi products are just absolutely stunning to look at and use, there is something about the packaging and how effortlessly easy everything is to use and wear.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Sleek Power Plump Lipsticks

Sleek is one of my favourite Highstreet brands, you more than get value for money and these new Power Plump Lipsticks* (£5.49 each) which I have just received are ones to look out for. I love lip crayons and they do remind me of the NARS lip pencils in design.

These lipsticks come in 6 gorgeous shades so there is something for everyone, whether you like your lighter shades or something a little more bold, brighter and vibrant, whatever your shade, one of these will be for you. Now the formula took me by surprise because even though I know Sleek is a brilliant brand, I wasn't quite expecting these to be so pigmented, so that is a huge bonus. They literally glide and slide onto your lips effortlessly and once they are applied, there is a bit of a minty scent which I quite like. Now as these pencils are designed to plump those lips, there is a slight tingling sensation which lasts for around 5 minutes before fading. It isn't uncomfortable in the slightest and it does help those lips plump, though not to the extent you have a trout pout!

So the six shades are:

• Raving Rouge - This is a really lovely bright red shade and I like it a lot, for someone who doesn't feel comfortable wearing red, I like this.
• Berry Burst - This is my favourite shade of the bunch and it also happens to be the darkest of the shades it gives such great colour payoff too. 
• Power Pink - Now this really is quite a soft pink that is perfect for those like me who adore anything and everything pink, but cannot wear hot pink without looking washed out.
• Fully Fuchsia - I don't think any collection is complete without a red and a hot pink and here we have the hot pink. It is a stunning pink shade and every bit the Barbie-esque pink you want and need in your life.
• Colossal Coral - Now this is the one I expected to dislike the most as I can not pull off a coral lip, but it isn't as orange as I was expecting it to be and it is a shade I can wear comfortably. 
• Notorious Nude - Every needs a nude, and this is one of my favourites for one of those in a rush days where you don't have time to debate which shade you want and therefore you need something nice and simple, this is that nude.

From Left to right - Berry Burst, Raving Rouge, Colossal Coral, Fully Fuschia, Notorious Nude and Power Pink

I love that these lip crayons are versatile enough to either line the lips or chubby enough to cover the whole lip and they are perfect for keeping in your handbag, makeup bag and your stash for your hour of need.

Do you have a favourite shade from the 6?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise