Microblading - What is it?

Microblading is a brand new technique that you might have come across being talked about on social media, your friends might have had it done and you might even be considering it for yourself. If you didn't know what it was, this post should help. Microblading is a brand new beauty technique and is actually a form of cosmetic tattooing, specifically the eyebrows and it is set to really take off in 2017.

Karen Betts, Has twenty years experience using the Microblading technique and is THE person to go to for the best looking brows in town.She has developed her very own elite team who are on hand to create the best looking but well suited and natural looking brows as possible.

"My technique involves using a small handheld device, with a very sharp blade at the bottom; which is used to draw on small hair-like strokes to the brows.These are drawn on in different lengths and directions using my KBPRO Pigments that are designed to blend in with the client’s natural hair colouring; giving impeccable and unbeatable results. It is incredibly important to me and my team that the brows we create suit the facial shape, thickness and natural colouring of the person; to make the brows look natural."

Celebrities such as Gail Porter have all had their Microblading done and the results do look just amazing.  This is a technique that anyone can have whether you have dark or light brows, have patches in your eyebrows, if you have very little to show for eyebrows and even if you have no brows due to illness.  Friends of mine who have had the treatment have said that around six weeks later you will need a minor touch-up as pigment tends to fade but after that, the results last one to three years.

*This is not a sponsored post.

All things beauty for winter

Winter can be a harsh time of the year for our hair and skin, but it’s also an exciting time for some of the boldest beauty trends – fashionable medium hairstyles included! Keeping on top of a thorough skin care and hair care regime will help lock in moisture. And then, of course, there’s all the fun makeup looks straight off the Autumn/Winter catwalks that will bring colour to those dreary days. Let me break down everything beauty-related you’ll want to be doing this season.

Image Source - Pexels

Winter hair

You’ll want to pack as much moisture as possible into your hair to counterbalance the drying effect of central heating. Leave-in conditioners, hydrating masks and heat-protecting sprays will help. Serums can be useful in taming frizz, too.

In terms of hairstyles, soft finger waves and masculine side partings are on trend this season. These are easiest to wear with medium hairstyles. Shoulder-length hair is where it’s at, and the versatility of medium hairstyles means you can wear yours up in a simple chignon, decorated with brooches, or loose and ‘real’ – all of which were all over the catwalks!

Winter skincare 

Healthy, fresh skin was a key look at all the fashion weeks, and while iridescent powder played a part, that kind of glow comes from skin that is well looked after. 

A polishing cleanser can help smooth rough cheeks, and facial oils can help rejuvenate skin and deal with the ill effects of wind. Body scrubs are useful for flaky legs, followed by a rich body butter to feed parched skin. Hand creams come into play at this time of year more than any other, and a cuticle cream can come in handy too (no pun intended!).

                                                                                                        

Lip trends

We’re used to seeing dark lipstick colour at this time of year, and the Autumn/Winter 2016 catwalks were no different. If anything, the message was the deeper the better. Particular highlights include those blackcurrant and deep black cherry shades slicked across models’ pouts.

Image Source - Maria Morri

To keep your lips in good condition, use a lip scrub to exfoliate away dry skin. Apply a thick layer of lip balm to keep them soft and to protect them against chapping.

Nail colours 

The ’70s trend has found its way into nail colours with the resurgence of ’70s warm beige. This is the winter update of spring’s nude. If you want something bolder, apple-red is right on trend, while grey is the way for a more subtle approach. 

Image Credit - Stocksnap

During Christmas party season, you can’t go wrong with glitter, and it’s having a real moment right now across the whole make-up spectrum. Try a nail-art topcoat or opt for metallic silver. Added sparkle is this season’s update to classic dark navy polish too.

Your skin and hair can be soft and smooth at this time of year; it just takes that bit of extra effort. And the key lip and nail colours will set off your glowing look perfectly! 

*this post is a collaboration with All Things Hair

My Perfect Pamper Hamper

Last Christmas I made a Pamper Hamper for the mister which contained a lot of products he had never tried and I think he liked it.  This year, he isn't getting one (ha) and instead I have put together the Ultimate Pamper Hamper that contains some of the most amazing brands and some of the most amazing products that I have tried in the last few years and have brought them all together in one big post. 

So if you are still looking for that final gift for someone, then putting together a hamper can be a lot more fun than spending hours wandering around store after store and fighting the queues of people.

The Face

Foreo - I absolutely love my Foreo Cleanser and it is something I use all of the time. Being bright pink it isn't a device you are going to miss too easily in the bathroom.  Once charged, this device seems to last forever, in the few years that I have had it, I can count on one hand how many times it has had to be charged. Perfect for using in the bath or shower, the Foreo Luna uses T-Sonic™ technology to thoroughly cleanse by channelling transdermal sonic pulsations across the skin’s surface to unblock pores and remove impurities, the device will give your skin a smoother and more refined appearance. This particular one is designed for all skin types but there is a huge family of Foreos which have been designed for all skin types and they also have an exclusive male range too. Find them here on LookFantastic.

Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Eye Cream - This is a really gentle under eye moisturiser ideal for hydrating and brightening. Infused with multiple skin-enhancing ingredients, the Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Eye Cream works to plump and moisturise the eye area for rested, awakened appearance. Priced at £36 it is money well spent and it is right here on BeautyBay.

Hylamide High-Efficiency Face Cleaner - Referred to as a cleaner rather than a cleanser, Hylamide is described as being 'a crystal clear micro-emulsion that works like an oil cleanser but feels like a water-based one to leave skin perfectly clean and clear. I wrote a full review of Hylamide right here if you want to read it and I promise you it is just brilliant. Priced at £19 from Lookfantastic and in some Boots stores.

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Make-up Remover is a refreshing gel effectively removes impurities and make-up, including waterproof make-up, from the face, eyes and lips. Enriched with a skin-perfecting extract, its glide-on texture reveals skin that feels incredibly clean, supple and velvety, leaving the complexion looking fresh and more luminous. I wrote a review of this here and at £19 for 200ml it is an absolute bargain and can be found here.

Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Light Day Cream -  Harnessing the power of natural, skin-loving ingredients - a day cream that aims to nourish and brighten. Bee Venom and Mumaku Black Fern offer a gentle lifting effect, Manuka Honey Active helps to tackle blemishes and Grape Seeds, Kiwi and Peony Flower brighten the complexion. What I adore about this cream is how light it is on the skin, once applied it absorbs quickly leaving no trace behind other than soft smooth skin. Priced at £40 you can find this cream right here from BeautyBay.

Erborian Bamboo Waterlock Mask is a deeply hydrating mask for the skin, BAMBOO WATERLOCK provides an instant plumping effect, giving a feeling of freshness upon application. This unique aqua-gel mask leaves skin feeling soothed and signs of fatigue are visibly reduced. I wrote a full review of this which can be found here and the mask is priced at £44 for 100ml you can find it here.

Kiehls Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate is a new product for me but it has made a massive impact. Designed to restore radiance and soften skin within one week of use as well as visibly refine the skins texture, even skin tone all without irritation. I have a blog post coming on this soon so watch out for it, but as a product, I loved it from the first use. Priced at £40 you can find it here in John Lewis and here with House of Fraser. 

Alpha H Gold - Liquid Gold - A product that needs no introduction is this global best seller. A powerful revitilising and firming lotion which is described as being an 'overnight facial' helping to brighten and revitalise tired, ageing skin whilst at the same time working to visibly improve the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, open pored and pigmentation. Designed to be used on a cleansed face and three alternate nights per week, using a cotton wool pad you apply to your face, neck and decolletage. 

Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator - This exfoliator is infused with active ingredients which clean the skin deeply, works to unclog pores and because of the menthol extract and grape pulp it leaves your skin feeling refreshed, moisturised, smooth and soft. I love that it is gentle on the skin but you can feel it working to remove surface grime and dirt, it is non-abrasive and doesn't scratch the skin. Priced at £19 with Escentual, this is such an amazing product.

Pixi Glow Tonic is one of those products you need to try if you haven't done so already. Glow Tonic is an exfoliating toner, which helps to firm and tighten normal to dry, dull and ageing skin. The oxygenating tonic removes dead skin cells, leaving skin healthy and radiant. With 5% Glycolic, the fluid hydrates the skin, and Aloe Vera and Ginseng help to soothe during application. It is available on and offline in places such as Marks & Spencer and LookFantastic and it costs just £18 for 250ml.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist is my favourite Jurlique product and I go through 3/4 bottles of this per year. It is a daily hydrating mist featuring the relaxing scent of rose that restores and hydrates the complexion and is ideal for normal/combination skin types. The mist when spritzed is really fine so you don't end up soaked, as it hits your face there is an instant cooling feeling which is really refreshing and it is perfect for all weathers, particularly now with this cold weather we have right now where you are going in and out of the heat a lot, I find my skin becomes dehydrated quite quickly.  Just £18 with Lookfantastic.

Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil is just a beautiful product. Using the natural oils of Argan and Coconut they work together to help keep skin soft, clean, and beautifully nourished. Antioxidant rich ingredients, this facial cleanser gently removes dirt and make-up without leaving an oily residue. You can find this for £16.99 right here.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser is a product that came into my being via a beauty box last year and I absolutely love it. Described as being an intelligent, aromatic, creamy infusion glides on to the skin and lifts off all impurities and make- up. The accompanying antibacterial bamboo muslin cloth helps to buff away dead skin cells and make-up whilst helping to stimulate the skin’s natural renewal process. It is also fragranced with an uplifting essential oil blend of Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Rosemary and Bergamot is simply delightful. The Cleanser retails for £38 here and comes with its own cloth.

The Body

The Ritual of Sakura Body Cream (220ml) - A cream which is rich, velvety and whipped, this is an amazing luxury to use.  once on the skin it has a creamy texture that absorbs quickly to deeply nourish, soften and moisturise. Using the properties of antioxidant Vitamin E and Centella Asiatica to leave your skin feeling silky, supple and smooth. Delivers a gentle fragrance of natural Rice Milk and Cherry to the skin and it is just divine. At £19.50 this is a real luxury item but one which lasts. 

Liz Earle Superskin™ Dry Oil for Body. I loved this from the first time of using it. Not only does it smell just incredible, it leaves your skin feeling super soft and smooth to the touch. The oil itself is lightweight and uses a formulated blend of cranberry, rosehip and borage seed oils to instantly smooth, nourish and revitalise skin. I have a full review right here and the products costs £35 and can be found here.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Oil. Oils are something I have started to use more of this year and this one I just adore. It contains a unique blend of botanical oils rich in omega 3,6,9 and vitamin E nourishes skin and protects its delicate balance. The oil works to dissolve make-up, dirt, grime and impurities from the skin and s it does so, it transforms into an emulsion to completely wash off. At just £29 for 100ml it is an absolute bargain and can be found here and here.

Melvita L'Or Rose Refining Scrub - Scrub combines Pink Berries from La Reunion and Rose Muscat Oil to exfoliate the skin. Its gel texture transforms into a rich cream and leaves a delicately scented veil on the skin. If you are a fan of fresh roses then you will love this scrub and it costs just £15 here.

Lola's Apothecary - If you want luxury then this is for you. This soufflé of whipped Shea Butter, Coconut Butter, Camellia Oil and Rosehip CO2 Extract for gorgeously smooth skin. Intensively nourishing and protective, perfect for both dry winter skin and as after sun treatment. You can find this product right here for £28.

Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream - This is my favourite footcream and it combines coconut oil, lanolin and vegetable glycerin to revive and rejuvenate neglected, dry feet. It also contains a hint of natural rosemary to refresh tired soles. It smells just so good, glides onto the skin and absorbs with minimal effort, which is always good when it comes to feet. Currently on offer in Boots for £11.99 and on a 3 for 2!

Egyptian Magic Cream - This All-Purpose Skin Cream is described as being 'a phenomenal healing balm with legendary powers due to its unique mixture of all natural ingredients derived only from living plants and organisms. This cream has a multitude which includes: facial moisturiser, overnight mask, shaving balm, hair mask, sunburn, cuticle softener, sore chapped hands, scar and stretch mark healing treatment, eye cream, ingrowing hairs, cream for babies, heel and elbow softener, lubricant, massage oil, tattoo aftercare, eyebrow and hair tamer, makeup primer and a spot treatment. You can read my full review right here and find the product here for just £19 on offer in Boots.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream - I had a bit of a love hate relationship with this cream. At first I wasn't too keen on the texture, tried it once, didn't like it and gave it to a friend who just goes on and on about how amazing it is. Gave in to peer pressure and tried it again, stuck with it and continued to use it, promising myself not to judge until the tube was empty. Now why I didn't like this cream is beyond me, it is amazing. Not only does it work on chapped, cracked, dry skin but also on red and irritated skin.

Simply Argan Coffee and Argan Oil Scrub with Coconut Oil and Vanilla - I have been and still am totally obsessed with coffee scrubs (see post here) and this one from Simply Argan is just brilliant. Firstly it smells just divine, as soon as you open the packet, it smells fresh and it definitely has that caffeine kick. Coffee scrubs work to get rid of dead skin, stimulate blood flow which in turn helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretchmarks and brightens up the skin and of course leaves it smelling just heavenly.

The Hands

Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy - This is a multi award winning hand cream which works to protect and moisturise hands from the elements to leave them silky soft and lightly scented with the La Source fragrance. What I love about this hand cream is that it isn't greasy, it doesn't leave your hands feeling greasy and it absorbs pretty much on contact with the skin. Priced at £16 for a 100g tube, you can find it in Marks and Spencers right here.

Rituals Miracle Hand Scrub - This ultra-softening hand scrub is fast absorbing into the skin for instant results. Enriched with nourishing oils, the hand exfoliator restores suppleness, while Ginseng and Gingko Biloba, which stands for life and strength, infuse revitalising properties. I use this weekly to ensure my hands stay soft and smooth and it also works well on your feet too. Priced at just £7.70 on Lookfantastic it is on offer.

The Masks

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. I absolutely love this and it uses a blend of avocado and apricot kernel oils along with Japanese seaweed to not only make your skin feel super soft and smooth but it does an amazing job at instantly hydrating skin. Designed to be used around twice a week, it is divine. I wrote a full review of this product right here and you can purchase it for just £24 from LookFantastic.

Lush BB Seaweed Facemask is one of my all time favourite Lush Masks. It is a calming fresh face mask which uses fresh seaweed, ground almonds, rose absolute and aloe vera to soothe and soften the skin. Rosemary oil is used for its regenerative qualities, kaolin to remove any excess dirt or oil, and millet flakes to gently exfoliate away dead skin as you scrub it off.

Origins Mask Pods - I originally got to try these from a beauty box and since then I have always kept a stock in my bathroom jar. To me they are a great idea for two reasons. Firstly it is a great introduction to Origins masks, a sort of try before you buy if you like. I am a huge fan of getting a decent sized sample product rather than purchasing something full sized and not liking it. Secondly, I am a huge fan of multi-masking. Different areas on my face often need different treatments, more so because I have combination skin which leaves me with an oily t-zone but dry cheeks, so I need lots of moisture in parts and not so much in others. You can buy these pods individually for £2.50 or you can buy them in a pack right here for around £12.50.

More Masks

DHC Rich Eye Zone Care - One of the best discoveries for me this year has been eye masks and I am not talking about the ones you wear to sleep, though they are really good! I mean masks which help with bags, puffing, dryness and just general make me look awake! DHC is a brand I adore, I have not yet been disappointed by a single product and these eye masks have been repurchased, so they must be good! DHC Rich Eye Zone Care Pack masks treat the entire eye area with gentle but powerful multipeptides to support collagen. You’ll notice a visible improvement in fine lines, puffiness and elasticity thanks to antioxidant-rich olive fruit oil and deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid. It’s complete care for your eyes, in one relaxing treatment. At £15 for a pack of 6 they don't break the bank and you can find them here on FeelUnique.

Verso Deep Hydration Mask - At the more expensive end of the spectrum but such an amazing product. Described as being an S.O.S. for parched complexions, VERSO’s incredibly thirst-quenching Deep Hydration Mask attracts and retains precious moisture to replenish cells’ reservoirs and in turn, ‘plump’ skin from within. When your skin has been battered from the ever changing weather and it feels dry, it tingles and it just drinks products, this mask brings immediate relief from tightness and discomfort, this leaves dry, dehydrated skin types feeling soft and dewy with a youthful freshness. At £60 for four masks here, it is expensive, but totally worth the money!

7th Heaven who you might know better as Montagne Jeunesse have a brilliant range of products for the hands and feet.  The Soften Glove Masques provide rich moisturisation for dry and chapped hands. Delicately scented with fresh Rose petals, these glove masques give you the chance to sit back and relax for up to 20 minutes.  Also within the Spa range they have Sock Masques is a foot treatment using moisturising Shea Butter and Almond Oil to nourish dry skin and help repair cracked heels. Peppermint freshens feet and Soybean re-hydrates leaving them feeling ultra-soft and smooth. Again once you have slipped your feet into the boot shaped masques, you will need to sit back and relax for up to 20 minutes. Both products can be found in places such as Primark, Asda and Ocado for around £1-2 each.

The Hair

Salon Science Swiss Apple CELLUTENSIVE™ Masque - I do love a hair masque and have one or two in my collection. This one from Salon Science is an award-winning haircare line using the core philosophy and technology behind premium skincare and it is just incredible. Designed to protect your hair cells it uses plant stem cell extracts of a rare Swiss Apple, PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica, to protect and rejuvenate tired hair for optimum health, vitality and thickness. Available in Boots price at £19.

The Lips

Mint Julip Lip Scrub - I am never without a lip scrub, for me it is a fundamental part of my lip care routine and nine times out of ten, it will be from Lush - either Mint Julips or Bubblegum. The idea with these scrubs is that they are soft enough not to scratch and irritate your lips but are abrasive enough to remove any dead and dry skin cells. Priced at £5.50 you can find this scrub here.

Dr Lipp's Original Nipple Balm. Another multiuse product and one that I find myself repurchasing time and time again. Whenever I have a cold or the flu, my lips feel dehydrated and really quite gross and the one product that helps relieve that without question is this one and I absolutely love it.  It costs just £12 per tube and in my opinion is worth every penny. I get mine from LookFantastic.

Lanolips is a brand that if you haven't yet tried, then you need too. Lanolin is 100% natural & animal cruelty free. It’s found on the wool of sheep that helps keep their coat protected and dry throughout the year. You can find Lanolips in a variety of stores such as Boots and online for around £10.99.

So there you have my little bit of everything Pamper Hamper designed to make you look and feel good from tip to toe, provide relaxation and leave you rubbed, scrubbed, exfoliated, moisturised, smoothed and oiled ready to take on 2017!  Are there any products which have caught your eye?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Top 10 Romantic Destinations You’ve Never Thought Of

Image Credit

Looking for an interesting idea to spend time with a woman you like? Travelling is a great option, especially if you are in the position to hire a private jet, from Jettly for example to give you that simple, quick, and luxurious getaway. I am sure she will be 100% thrilled with anything you offer her, so spend a weekend in Paris, or these options for example.

Tales of the past in the City of Terni, Italy.

The city is steeped in legends. Valentine, a Christian Saint, is considered to be the patron of the city. The Saint of the Terni is associated with courtly love. According to the legend, he was the one, who secretly married Roman soldiers and their beloved, against the Emperor’s will. But the Emperor Claudius II was aware of it. He ordered to secure the priest and to execute him. In the memory of his sacrifice, lover all around the world celebrate this day and give each other cards called valentines. 

A journey to Goa

Without doubts, Vienna, Paris, and Prague are considered to be the most Romantic cities on Earth. However, if you want to make a real surprise for your woman, go to Goa, India’s best resort. In February Goa will offer you a gentle sea and long beaches, which create a lounge atmosphere around you. You can make her day and book a cruise to the old pirate schooner and make a romantic dinner for two. If you host a dinner in one of their local restaurants, you will get a chance to taste delicious Indian lobsters, shrimps, and salmon.

Weekends on the Capri island

Another interesting option for couples, who enjoy short sea trips and ultra white yachts, is to spend the weekends on the island of Capri. The island is famous for its picturesque views, cozy coves and untouched nature. Here you have a unique opportunity to stay in a room overlooking the Vesuvius dormant volcano. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets; listen to the wash of the waves… Furthermore, if you book a sea tour, you will see gorgeous Pompeii ruins. 

An intellectual trip

If your couple is looking for some inspiration, it is a must to visit Scotland’s jewel in the crown, the city of Edinburg. Medieval castles, monasteries, museums, famous Royal Mile, as well as many other monuments, make the city highly attractive for tourists. You will derive a real satisfaction if you rent a bicycle there and view its magnificent streets. Besides, this is a once-in-a-life opportunity taste a pure Scottish whiskey. 

Shefshauen, Morocco

Chefchaouen is a small town at the foot of the Reef Mountains in Morocco. It was found in 1471, and till 1920 only 3 foreigners visited it. Nowadays the city is famous for its historical area and is called “the blue pearl” because of it. Considering the vast majority of houses in that area are painted in different shades of blue, it is a great attraction for any couple. The choice of the color was based on the religious beliefs. Chefchaouen was a home to the Sephardi Jews community for a long time. 

However, the city also has its “dark side”. It is considered to be Morocco’s drug center. 

Lord Howe Island, Australia

The island remains almost untouched nowadays. Its indigenous population is quite small, and the number of tourists, allowed to visit the island during the year, is 400 people maximum. The limitation is intended to preserve its unique flora and the crystal-clear lagoon, which has become a home for the coral reef. 

Huacachina, an oasis in the Sechura Desert, Peru.

The Huacachina village is a home for about a hundred people. According to a local legend, the lake occurred, after a young princess, while swimming in the pool, was captured by a hunter. She managed to escape, and the pool turned into a lake. The folds of her mantle turned into dunes, and she turned into a mermaid. 

Bastei bridge across the Elba, Germany

The bridge is a miracle of engineering of the first half of XIX century. The monumental construction in 1824 was wooden, then, in 25 years the old material was replaced with sandstone. The length of this architectural monument is 76.5 meters. 

The Alcazar castle in Sergovia, Spain

Now is also a good time to check out the city of Barcelona if you have the time. The best part is that you can use a service such as luggage storage Sants to hold your belongings as you walk around and explore. You can guarantee they’ll be secure and you can simply enjoy yourself and then go retrieve them when it’s time to depart and move on to your next destination.

Hotel Moulin de Roc, France

Deep in the Dordogne province, on the banks of a quiet river, there is an old mill turned into a charming hotel. You won’t find a single house within 2 miles of the hotel. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful nature. Besides, there is one of the most famous Michelin restaurants at the hotel.