Transformulas - Beauty Without the Surgery

Transformulas is a brand I first tried thanks to beauty boxes and the tag line 'Beauty without the Surgery' is about feeling good in the skin you are in and using products which work in synergy with the body to enhance natural beauty and confidence and to make you feel happy in your own skin. Transformulas products support restoring the appearance of youthful radiant skin while helping to preserve and delay the onset of those pesky ageing issues.

I was kindly sent a box of products which I have been trying out.  Inside the box is LipVolume Voluptous, Brow ReGrow and Marine Miracle EyeZone plus to finish off making the box and contents extra special there is the inclusion of a silver sparkly mirror, which is really cute.

Each of these three products use ingredients which are naturally sourced and all of the treatments are scientifically designed by the industry’s leading doctors and dermatologists. Transformulas state that their products are constantly evolving with treatments for the face, eyes, lips and body, all formulated and developed using the latest skincare technologies, from stem cell and microencapsulated technology to Nano and bio technologies, to produce unique anti-ageing systems that aren’t just cutting edge but are also safe, effective and most importantly non-invasive.

The first item out of the box is Brow ReGrow which is described as being a state of the art treatment which is the perfect solution for over-plucked brows.  Well my brows are never going to be fashionably big and bushy, I grew up in the over-pluck them brows era and should it ever become fashionable again, I will be on trend. 

Described as being a revolutionary new eyebrow treatment that is enriched with high performance Pentapeptides plus botanical extracts to help transform brows. Clinically proven, this formula boosts brows, delivering results in two ways. First, the infused pigment softly tints brow hair enhancing and filling in patchy areas. Next, it works at a cellular level, as an intensive conditioning treatment, stimulating keratin production and actively boosting new hair growth.  The formula is really easy to work with and I simply brush it through my brows using the doe foot applicator that comes with it and then re-brush with a spoolie.  I have only been using it for a few weeks, so am looking forward to seeing what the difference might be.

The second product within the box is the LipVolume Voluptous.  I have tried the original formula and found it to be alright but this is a new improved formula and it differs slightly.  

Using powerful lip plumping peptides that help boost volume, enhancing lip shape, combined with key moisturising ingredients that smooth, soften and improve the skins texture to make lips appear more pouty and voluptuous. What I like about this formula is that whilst there is a slight tingling sensation a few minutes after application and whilst it doesn't hurt or sting, it definitely reminds you that it is there. It is also really moisturising and thankfully non-sticky plus it also works to stimulate collagen and reduces cellular damage.

The final item within the box is a silver ball which contains Marine Miracle Eyezone Cream which is described as being a skin perfecting eye cream, designed to visibly smooth and firm around the eyes area, as well as reducing dark circles. 

Using a combination of ingredients which includes Aldavine and ocean plant extracts they work to increase smoothness and improve elasticity around the eye area as well as lighten dark circles, reduce fine lines as well as and strengthening capillaries to reduce broken veins. For me, eye care is just as important as lip care, hair care and any other part of my body and I am always mindful of fine lines which have started to make an appearance around my eyes.  I like that the formula isn't too thick, it isn't sticky or tacky and you can also use it on dry, chapped lips for a quick intensive, repairing treatment.

So for something a little bit different but one with Science behind it, Transformulas are offering products with a difference.  Have any of these caught your eye?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Create a Spa at home Gift Ideas

I absolutely love a good pamper session and this will usually involve a hot bath, my latest book, face masks, hair masks and sometimes a candle. Just lately I have been hit by a spate of illnesses and it is so unlike me to catch anything, that when I do catch something, I get it really bad - Chest infection, Sinusitis, a dry cough and then this horrific cold sore, something I haven't had for a good 3 years now, appeared. So I needed some time out, some me time and some de-stressing.

One item I use a lot of in my baths are salts, not just any salt but Dead Sea Salt. The Dead Sea ,which is rumoured to be over 15 million years old the Dead Sea have been renowned for their therapeutic benefits since ancient times and they are packed full of key minerals such as:

• Magnesium - An essential mineral for staying healthy. It helps to improve mood and relieve stress as well s encourage healthy skin tissue and aid detoxification.
• Sodium - Helps cells absorb nourishment and expel waste
• Calcium - Prevents water retention, increases circulation and strengthen bones and nails
• Potassium - Helps to balance the skin's natural moisture levels and is a crucial mineral to replenish following intense exercise.
• Bromides - Acts to ease muscle stiffness and relax muscle
• Chlorine - Is necessary for maintaining the correct balance of alkaline and acid in the body
• Iodine - Is vital for both energy and cell metabolism

With that in mind, there are some incredible gift sets and products that would be amazing for Christmas and these include:

Dead Sea Spa Magik products have been available all over the world as 'home spa treatments' since 1981 a and as a brand, they are offer some affordable luxury products to use at home. This Relax Kit which costs just £12 and includes a duo of Bath and Shower Gel and some Dead Sea Bath Salts. 

The Dead Sea Spa Magik Refreshing Bath Shower Gel is described as being a luxurious, foaming bath shower gel, which leaves the body refreshed and revitalised. it is fortified with a blend of mud, salt and mineral extracts from the Dead Sea and can be used in the bath or shower.  The Dead Sea Spa Magik Dead Sea Bath Salts are renowned for their exceptional beautifying and medicinial properties as they have a unique ability to attract and retain moisture and they are just incredible, especially if you do have dry skin.  Dead Sea Salts are also incredible at soaking away tensions, aches and pains

Westlab is one of my favourite brands and again they offer a real luxury of having that spa like treatment at home.  The Relax Dead Sea Salt Scrub is just incredible.  

The scrub is infused with a a blend of essential oils which includes relaxing frankincense, calming lavender, soothing geranium and uplifting bergamot and they work alongside apricot, rice bran and antioxidant vitamin E and by bringing everything together they work to not only boost elasticity, protect and repair skin, they also eliminate dead and dull skill cells, provide anti-inflammatory properties, soften and regenerate the body.  The Dead Sea Salts with Colloidal Oatmeal, Lavender and Chamomile are simply incredible. Designed to nourish, protect and soothe, if you suffer with dry, itchy skin then these are the salts to try as they help reduce the itch scratch cycle.

Finally we have Spa Find Shimmer Body Collection and it is described as being a perfect duo skincare treatment for an at-home spa treat. Inside the box you will find two incredible products the first is the Spa Find Heavenly Hydration Salt Brushing and then the Spa Find Heavenly Hydration Re-Mineralize+ HS Body Balm.

The Salt Brushing Scrub, which is Spa Finds number one selling product combines pure Dead Sea Salt which removes dead skin cells and revives skin texture with Vitamin E to protect and aid skin repair. Added to that is Grapefruit extract which stimulates the circulation and the lymphatic system to aid detoxification and finally Coconut Oil intensely nourishes the epidermis leaving skin soft and glowing. What I love about this Salt Scrub is firstly how absolutely divine it smells, it is so fresh and when it is massaged onto the skin, it isn't as abrasive as I was expecting, but it does an amazing job at removing dead and dry skin cells.

The second product which is the ReMineralize Plus HS (High Strength) Body Balm which contains Mineral-Age Nanoplex complex. Ingredients such as Zinc, Copper and Magnesium provide the skin with a much-needed boost of moisture especially if it is dehydrated.   What I hadn't expected to find with this Body Balm is the Citrus aroma which is really fresh smelling and just divine when massaged onto the skin because not only does the balm leave your skin feeling nourished and hydrated in a little cocoon, it also lightly scents the skin with the citrus aroma.

So if like me you are have never had a Spa Day with all the treatments, but like the idea and opportunity to use some products to create your own version at home, these products should help you do just that!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Foods to avoid if you’re looking for a dazzling, white smile

We all want a beautiful, Hollywood smile, right? It seems that everyone on TV, in film, and those Celebs we follow in magazines all have a stunning, white smile. But not everyone has access to the latest tooth whitening treatments, and the cost of whitening toothpastes can soon add up! So what can you do to avoid tooth staining? 

Image Credit - Good Housekeeping

Well, here you’ll find a few hints and tips to help get you a step closer to the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

Remember – speak to your local dentist – or click here for dental treatment in Surrey – if you want to discuss tooth whitening with a professional.

Common beverages that are problematic for your teeth

Tea and coffee - Bad news if you love a drink or 4! Tea and coffee have staining properties and drinking large amounts can also strip away the enamel on your teeth. Teas of all colours, even white tea, have been shown to stain teeth and erode enamel.

Red Wine - Not only can red wine stain teeth; white wine can as well. Believe it or not, white wine is more acidic than red, which may cause more damage and discoloration to the teeth!

Energy and fizzy drinks - Sports and fizzy drinks also damage tooth enamel and discolour teeth. Both light and dark sodas, because of their acidity, also cause discoloration and even encourage further staining from foods.

Common foods that are problematic for your teeth

Pasta Sauce - Because of their acidity, bright red hue and tendency to cling to the teeth, the tomatoes in pasta sauce can leave your teeth vulnerable to staining. Instead, why not dine on some dark green veggies, such as broccoli, kale and spinach, beforehand to create a protective film over your teeth? The film will ward off tomatoes' staining effect, so go for a green salad as your starter!

Curry - A Saturday night staple in many households, curry, a spice that works well in Indian food and exotic dishes, but is also a cause of discoloured teeth. Its deep pigmentation can yellow teeth over time. Due to its high staining factor, curry is something you may want to limit in your diet. But if you don’t want to give up your weekend treat, then whenever you do dine on curry-spiced food, mix in some fresh fruits and vegetables that can prevent stains; such as apples, carrots, cauliflower and celery.

Balsamic Vinegar - We all know that balsamic vinegar is a healthy salad dressing, but did you know that it can also darken your teeth! The reason? Its dark natural colour, of course! It also sticks to your teeth, which can lead to staining if it's not quickly brushed away. But don’t worry, you don't have to suffer boring salads from now on or give up on this light salad dressing. Whenever you have a salad with balsamic vinegar, be sure to include a crunchy lettuce; chewing the lettuce will help clean the staining balsamic vinegar from your teeth as you eat! Simple!

'collaborative post'

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Christmas with Findmeagift

Whenever I am stuck for gifts, one site I always find myself looking at is Findmeagift because they literally have so many things on offer for absolutely anyone and everyone whether you need toys, games, gadgets, accessories, personalised gifts, sweets and even some boozy treats. It is always the site that I get my Office Secret Santa from.

Jewellery is something I absolutely love to receive and you might be surprised to find that Findmeagift have an entire section dedicated to jewellery and there is something for each occasion or just because the mood takes you.  I was very kindly sent two items from the Jewellery section and they are absolutely divine.

I rarely take my wedding and engagement ring off, in fact the only times I do is when I am cleaning and have my hands constantly in and out of bleach or other household chemicals.  But when I do remove them, I want somewhere to store them rather than just on the top of the microwave, so the Rose Gold Elephant Ring holder is just perfect. 

The description reads: 

Have you herd about these new elephant ring holders? Standing proud and with his trunk raise in a joyful trumpet, the metal elephant will make a pretty little ornament as well as a useful storage device. You slide your rings onto his trunk, where they will be stored safely. Elephants are supposed to have amazing memories, and certainly they'll help you with yours because you'll never forget where you put your rings again when you have such a special place to put them.

What I absolutely love about this piece is how delicate it is, not only is it very shiny and really well made, I just love the reason for it and did you know that owning an elephant ornament is often thought to bring good luck to your home. Feng Shui practitioners also believe that when an elephant statue is in the home it should have its trunk facing upwards to represent good luck, success and prosperity - which this elephant does.  You can find this little guy for just £10.99.

The second item is the Love You Lots Necklace which is described as being a modern take on a timeless classic and it arrives beautifully packaged and for that little added extra special touch you can have it personalised by having three lines of text engraved into the top as I did.

The locket itself comes has a multitude of little hearts inside which perfectly compliment the design and style of the necklace. Made from plated rose gold, the hearts are made from brass and hanging next to the locket is a pendant hanging on the chain next to the locket, with the engraved message: 'I love you lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots'.   As a necklace, it is just absolutely beautiful, quite different to anything else I own or wear and I love that it can be bought for anyone special in your life and you are given the option to personalise it with a special message.  Priced at just £35.99 it is more than good value for money.

If fun things for Christmas are more your thing, then this is one of my favourite products and no matter how many times I see it, I cackle:

Bogey Man Egg Separator is the perfect way to separate your whites from your yolks! The ideal kitchen gadget for cooks and bakers, just crack your eggs into the cup and then tilt it so the egg whites run out of his nose. Revolting, but it seriously works!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here