Boutique Spa Classic Pedicure

I hate feet, it isn't a new fact and it isn't even that unusual, what's more, I hate my feet being touched full stop so when I was given the chance to enjoy a pedicure, I was in part filled with dread that I wouldn't enjoy it and fearful that as soon as someone touch my feet, I would, as I usually do, kick out!

Boutique Spa is the sister company of Spa and Massage, which I have recently visited and reviewed here and it is based in Queensway, just a few stops up from Oxford Street  in London with another to open in Fitzrovia later this year. As with its sister company, Boutique Spa aims to make having a treatment easy and is open on Monday to Saturday from 10am until 9.30pm and on a Sunday from 10am until 8pm, they offer a walk-in, no appointment necessary service or you can also book a treatment in advance.  

Upon my arrival, I was greeted with an offer of freshly made Lemonade, Water or Tea and then asked to choose a nail polish that I would like used for my Classic Pedicure.  Gratefully accepting Lemonade, I looked at the wall, yes an entire wall, full of nail polishes and eventually settled on an Essie Shade which is quite unlike anything I would usually choose.

Once I had chosen my nail polish, I was taken over to the Pedicure section of the Boutique and told to get myself comfortable, remove my shoes and relax.  What I liked about this Boutique was how clean it was and having got myself relaxed into a chair, I could have quite happily sat there all day just watching the world go by.  Nothing was too much trouble and I was kept hydrated the whole time I was in the Boutique.

I was to have the Classic Pedicure which lasts for 45 minutes and costs just £35. The treatment include smoothing of the feet, cuticle tidy, foot massage, shape and then polish.  So once my feet had been soaking in the amazingly warm water, absolute heaven as my feet were pretty tired and aching from all of the walking I had done that day.  The first part of the treatment my therapist did was to cut my talons, file them into shape and then tidy the cuticles around each nail, a totally painless exercise and one, which like your fingernails, is important. 

Then using various foot buffering tools, my feet were scrubbed, rubbed, buffed and exfoliated, not just the heels of my feet either, each toe, the back of my heel, the ball of my foot and the sole, a tool for each job used and some more abrasive than others, but impressive at the same time.  Once my feet had become soft and smooth to the touch, I was then given a foot massage, the part I had really not been looking forward too but wow, what an absolute treat it was and it was so good, I almost fell asleep in the chair, I was that relaxed and de-stressed.  My feet were massaged from top to bottom with varying degrees of pressure applied, it wasn't uncomfortable nor did it hurt, it was just absolute bliss (Beautykinguk take note!!)

Once the massage was complete, it was time to paint my toe nails, it is rare that I have no nail polish on my toes and when I do, it is always a dark polish. Having had a base coat applied, the Essie shade I had chosen, Sunset Sneaks, was then applied and then a cuticle oil.  I was then told to sit back, relax and wait for the polish to dry, which I did.

The whole treatment lasted 47 minutes and it was so much better than I had anticipated it would be. Not once did I flinch or get the urge to kick out, infact I enjoyed the whole process so much, I didn't want to leave.

Boutique Spa is a fantastic little find. The staff are incredibly welcoming and easy to chat too, nothing is too much trouble and the entire experience is so incredibly relaxing with the scent of aromatherapy oils in the air and some light music in the background.  So if you are in need of a lunchtime treat, this place is the the place to be!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Elizabeth Arden Sunset Bronze Collection

I was recently given the opportunity to try some of the Elizabeth Arden makeup range, something I have never done before and I am grateful for that chance because it is just absolutely amazing. The Sunset Bronze Collection** for Summer 2016 which was inspired by the breathtaking summer sunset is just as stunning as the packaging suggests and it includes a few limited edition products which are well worth hunting down to purchase. The range includes Prismatic Lip Glosses, a Bronzing Powder and Eyeshadow Palette which means there is something for everyone. The only product I don't have from this collection is the Prismatic Highlighting Stick which is described as being a creamy, luminous stick which is infused with hydrating ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Zinc PCA and Vitamin E to add a glow to your cheekbones.

I have the Primastic Bronzing Powder in shade Warm Bronze 01 and it is perfect for my pale skin. The silky bronzer is diffused with golden shimmer which runs throughout and in doing so it leaves a glow to the skin which adds warmth. Again, packed with skin-perfecting ingredients, this bronzer helps to minimise fine lines and wrinkles and using Vitamin E and Argan Oil to not only keep your skin moisturised but to also keep it feeling soft.

I love the pattern of the bronzer and if you look closely enough, you can see that it is made up of a few different bronzer shades and that there is a slight sparkle.  The compact, which also replicates the amazing packaging features a handy mirror and it comes with a half moon brush which is incredibly easy to use.

The Prismatic Lip Glosses are Limited Edition and they are rather quirky looking. Available in three shades: 01 Moonlight Kiss, 02 Midnight Kiss and 03 Sunset Kiss. I have 01 Moonlight kiss which is described as being lavender in shade. What I love about it is how glossy it is within the tube, if you turn it within the light, it changes colour slightly and that is owing to the lustrous pigments and multidimensional pearls it is packed with. Each gloss within this range has a high-shine iridescence and they nourish the lips with moisture. Using Aloe Vera to soothe, comfort and moisturise whilst Vitamins A and E help to protect the lips whilst also adding moisture.

I am not usually a lipgloss kind of girl, I find them annoying, especially if they are tacky on the lips and you spend half the time picking your hair out of the gloss. This Prismatic Lipgloss is one that is not tacky when applied and it is one I have constantly used to the point of being obsessed with it. I wear it on top of lipsticks and on its own and just love how moisturising and hydrating it is, add that to the sparkle and shine and it ticks every box for me.  The swatches above show the gloss with flash, in natural light and then with no flash.

The final item I have from this collection is the Summer Seduction Eyeshadow Palette. Again the compact mirrors the packaging and has a handy mirror and brush for on the go application. The palette features five gorgeous very pigmented shimmery shades from a soft pink and golden amber to taupe-plum and rich purple powder, which you could use together or on their own. All of these shadows are really creamy to the touch but do not crease once applied and there is hardly any fallout which is incredibly impressive. I adore all of the shades and am slowly getting used to wearing something other than nudey eye, but I am not quite there yet.

As you can see from the eyeshadow swatches, where I have done all the pinky shades and not the yellow coloured one (oops) they are just stunning and the swatches are just one swipe of the finger on top of each shade.

The entire collection is beautiful and it is one I would recommend looking at if you have never tried anything from Elizabeth Arden before, for me, this was my first look into the make up of a brand I have heard so much about, but have never delved into and now I am glad that I have.

What is your favourite piece from the collection? You can find the collection HERE.

PHILIPS SONICARE AIRFLOSS

Anyone who knows will me will know how important my teeth are to me and my mobid fear of false teeth (yes it is a real thing). So when the lovely people at Philips sent me a trio of teeth care products to try and test out, I couldn't wait to get stuck in. Most people will know Philips for their brand of electric toothbrushes, shavers and hair care removal, but they have a whole lot more products to be discovered. 

The product I have absolutely loved using is the Philips Sonicare AirFloss which is proven to improve gum health and removes up to 99.9% of plaque that brushing misses and we all know it is often hard to reach the food traps in your mouth and between your teeth with just a toothbrush and if you cannot and do not remove them, it can lead to bad breath and further issues. I am one of those people who does floss regularly but using this device is on a whole new level of leaving your mouth feeling absolutely clean, I was quite shocked at the difference.

The Philips Sonicare AirFloss takes just an extra 30 seconds in your oral hygiene routines. It comes with a water chamber which is located within the handle. To fill, you simply flip it open to fill directly from the tap, or if you prefer, mouthwash. I personally use mouthwash within the chamber because I feel it gives me a much better clean and is more effective, plus I like how it makes my teeth and gums feel. Before you can use your Airfloss, you need to charge it using the Sonicare base and once charged it has up to three weeks of battery life, perfect for taking away with you on holiday and long weekends away.

The AirFloss has what is described as an angled nozzle head and it uses MicroBurst technology which applies a quick burst of pressurised air and micro-water droplets to clean deep between your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. The nozzle has a tiny head which you place as close as you can between gaps in your teeth and as close to your gums as possible, then simply press the button on the handle, this then shoots the air and liquid into those gaps and the first time I used it, I wasn't quite expecting the blast to be quick. When using, you do have to manually press the button each time you use the airflosser, there is no button to leave it running and this is because you manually move the airflosser around your mouth and it isn't firing liquid constantly.

Using the Airfloss doesn't hurt in the slightest and I find it much easier to use than dental floss and so much so, I no longer use it, instead my routine now uses the Airfloss because it is so much quicker, much more effective and I do love my gadgets.  That said, the overall feeling of a fresh, clean mouth is also a bit of a confident boost.

Alice Through the Looking Glass Lipsticks | Urban Decay

When the new Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' lipsticks dropped through my letterbox, I did squeal with excitement. Firstly I cannot wait to see the film, I love the Tim Burton spin on classic films and the inclusion of both Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter add to the excitement of finally seeing that film (despite what the media might say). 

If you have haven't seen the stunning palette doing the rounds on blogs, then I urge you to look for it because it is simply stunning. To add to the palette are 5 bold, quite unique and very daring lipsticks. Keeping with the theme of the film and the palette, each lipstick is inspired by a character within the film and each Lipstick case features a colorful, kaleidoscopic pattern inspired by the film. Each case has 'Urban Decay' written on it and debossed on the top of the cap is the UD icon. 

The lipsticks have three finishes to choose from, if you like your sheer nudes, metallic purples and super deep mattes, then this is a collection for you to look at. Before this range, I had four other Urban Decay Lipsticks, the latest from the Gwen Stefani range and whilst each one is slightly different, the colour pay off id just stunning and long-lasting.

So the first of the lipsticks is Alice (played by Mia Wasikowska)it is a really lovely sheer nude, great as everyday shade and even better for those who are not quite brave enough just yet for the more bold shades within the collection. Next we have Mad Hatter (played by Johnny Depp) and it is a gorgeous bright purple shade which has a shimmery finish which in some light looks slightly metallic. Mirana (played by Anne Hathaway) is next and it is an intensely deep, lovely matte berry shade with a tonal shimmer and one that is perfect for autumn and winter. Iracebeth (played by Helena Bonham-Carter) is one for those of you who love a bright red lip and this one is just absolutely stunning with a matte finish. The final lipstick within this collection is Time (played by Sasha Baron-Cohen) and it is perhaps the most daring of them all, a gunmetal-navy shade with a noteable silver shimmer running throughout, stunning though it is, I am not too sure I am yet ready to leave the house wearing it, but it is just beautiful.

From Left to right - Alice, Mirana, Mad Hatter, Iracebeth and Time

Available online at www.urbandecay.co.uk as well as Urban Decay counters nationwide, each lipstick is priced at £16 - which shade will be taking your fancy?

W7 Tinted Kiss Lip Oil

It is no secret that I have become a huge fan of lip oils, all started by GOSH some months ago. Now it seems a lot of brands have begun to introduce them into their product line and the ones I am currently loving are from the budget friends brand that is W7.

W7 is a brand that should not be ignored. Famed for their many dupes they have a huge catalogue of prodcts waiting to be discovered and none of which will leave your Bank Manager with a headache. So on a recent trip to Westfield with the mister, I came across a budget store which had a section dedicated to W7 products and it is there that I came across the Tinted Kiss Lip Oils.

Available in four different options, these Tinted Lip Kiss Oils come packaged inside a rather attractive looking chrome tube with a brightly coloured lid and it is the packaging which caught my eye and upon opening them, it was again clear that this was yet again another clever dupe, only this time of a product I have hankered after and still not bought - YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oil.

So with Bellini, English Rose, Cherry Brandy and In the Pink being the options to choose from, they look like this:

• Bellini is described as being a delicate coral nourishing lip oil with high gloss finish
• English Rose is described as being a pale pink nourishing lip oil with high gloss finish.
• Cherry Brandy is described as being a deep pink nourishing lip oil with high gloss finish.
• In The Pink is described as being a light pink nourishing lip oil with high gloss finish.

Now they are very subtle when adding colour to your lips and as it is a lip oil, it is not quite the texture of a gloss but then it slightly tacky for a few seconds after applying to your lips.  The wand really helps with the application to ensure it is smooth and it can be worn alone, under lipstick or over lipstick.  Each oil also has a subtle scent to them, nothing too odious, more floral and what I love about them, other than the price (under £5) is that they are actually hydrating, not as much as others that I have used, but for the price (I paid £1.95) I really cannot complain at all.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Crystal Clear Revitalising Tonic

I am obsessed with Facial Mists and right now they have really taken off and are everywhere, over the next few weeks there are a few others that will also appear here, especially because I have enjoyed using them.

For me, I always ensure I have a few facial mists at work, a mini in my handbag and I obviously have some at home too. I personally find them really refreshing and if like me you spend the day in front of a computer, you might find your skin becomes quite dehydrated, same with air conditioned offices and even in the winter with heating. I also find that they keep my makeup looking fresh and prevent the need for constant need to re-do it.

I have recently been trying the Crystal Clear Revitalising Tonic (200ml £21). which is a vitamin packed Mist which provides not only a fine layer of instant hydration but it is also really cooling and soothing on the skin as well as helping to lift your spirits. Described as being a 3-in-1 product, it works as a toner, a spirit lifter and a facial freshener all whilst being an alcohol free formula. Using refreshing cucumber extract and marine oligo elements alongside mineral salts, the mist works to remove impurities from your skin to leave it feeling both revitalised and energised whilst at the same time it helps to enhance your skin’s elasticity and keep it balanced. The mist also contains vitamins C and B, mineral salts and marine extracts, zinc and copper.

The Tonic has a surprisingly fresh scent to it which I wasn't expecting, but it is one which I absolutely love.  One press of the nozzle is more than enough to coat your entire face with the spray and  the first thing I noticed was how incredibly hydrating it is and how lightweight it actually is.  With some facial mists they do leave your face slightly wet, this one doesn't, it is as though it absorbs upon contact with your skin.

I use this Tonic all the time and it has played many different roles with my skincare routine - as a toner after cleansing, after I have applied my make-up, especially my foundation so that I have that dewy look. I also use it when I feel ive been sat in front of a computer screen for long enough that my skin needs a bit of TLC, ive used it on hot days, cold days, rainy day and just because I wanted to use it as I like how it feels on my skin. You can literally use it in any way you feel it would work best for you, it is such a lovely product to use.

Crystal Clear Revitalising Tonic comes in a 200ml bottle so it is going to last me a good amount of time and I am really glad I have had the opportunity to try it and be introduced to a brand I might not otherwise have known about.

Lookfantastic #LFJETSETTER June 2016 Box

So Summer has clearly been slightly delayed but to make up for the miserable weather, this months the Lookfantastic June 2016 Beauty Box #LFJetSetter is bright and cheerful looking and contains specially chosen beauty products to have you looking a million dollars for your travels and because they are all handy travel sized items, you can even take them with you! 

First out of the box this month is the Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream (7ml woth £22). Described as being a wonder cream, it helps to improve and correct dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and dullness, leaving your eye area looking younger and brighter. Silver, copper and iridescent pearlisers visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles by illuminating the skin to give the illusion of bright and radiant skin.  The cream itself is quite a thick texture, so you only need the smallest amount.  As it warms with the heat of your skin, it becomes easier to use.  Whenever I use an eyecream, I always use the fourth finger (wedding ring finger) and then using a dabbing action from the inside towards the outside of the under-eye. then, with what is left, gently spread it up to the temples and upper eyelid.

Naobay Oxygenating Cream Moisturiser (22ml worth £14.50) comes next and it is suitable for all skin types. Using its blend of Rosehip and Sweet Almond Oils to provide optimum hydration to leave your complexion soft, smooth and supple. Fast-absorbing and ultra-lightweight, the breathable formula creates a flawless make-up base. The cream is quite lightweight, absorbing almost on contact, it leaves behind absolutely no trace it was ever there, other than the sweet scent, which is incredible.

Korres Shower Gel in Basil Lemon (40ml worth £1.33). I am already a huge fan of Korres, so it is great to try out a product I have not used before. Basil Lemon Showergel has active aloe juice, rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and antioxidant enzymes which all help to enhance the immune system of your skin. It also contains wheat proteins to form a protective film on your skin, thus maintaining its natural moisture levels. When it comes in contact with water, it turns to a creamy foam which contains green spice, for dazzling freshness, and has a vibrant lemon zest touch.

TanOrganic Self Tan Oil (25ml worth  £6.25) is designed to help you get your glow on before you hit the beach and not only does it add colour to your skin in a safe way, it also moisturises to stop your skin from drying out. It has a really lovely citrus scent to it and the oil is really lightweight, it also neither oily or greasy when on the skin.

Cowshed Cow Pat Moisturising Hand Cream (50ml worth £3) is described as being a naturally nourishing essential for hard-working hands. Using a blend of chamomile and calendula and pure essential oils of lavender, grapefruit and cinnamon it smells just amazing and the texture is really light, so you only need a small amount to massage into both hands and once it is absorbed, your hands will feel hydrated and smooth. This cream contains no parabens, SLS or petrochemicals. It is 100% vegetarian and has not been tested on animals.

Dead Sea Spa Magik Beauty Balm BB Cream (15ml worth £4) uses Dead Sea minerals, pure plant extracts and antioxidant Vitamin E, the beauty balm applies and blends effortlessly for natural-looking coverage that adapts to suit individual tone, whilst stimulating collagen production and minimising the appearance of fine lines. It also has SPF15 and doesn't leave your skin looking at all orange.

The final item within this box is three sachets of Mr Blanc’s Teeth Whitening Strips (worth £1.80 each). These teeth whitening strips are peroxide-free and are clinically proven to safely and effectively whiten your smile, each flexible strip is coated with a whitening gel and fits perfectly to the contour of your teeth; a host of enamel friendly ingredients work on the surface and beneath, absorbing into the enamel to remove stains and prevent new ones from forming. Deeply embedded stains are reduced, and if used correctly, your teeth appear visibly whiter after just fourteen days.

I think this is a pretty fantastic box for getting yourself in the mood for summer and for your holidays and the handy travel-size products are even better for putting in your suitcase or even your handbag for a staycation!

As with last months box there is the latest edition of Elle magazine and it costs as little as £11.25 a month for the Beauty Box. Bargain!

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque

I am a huge fan of facemasks, they are part of my pampering routine and you can never have too many in my opinion. Over time I have learnt that my skin reacts better to using different masks on different parts of my face and this was made even clearer to me at a Dermalogica Event when I was lucky enough to have a signature Face Mapping consultation.  Thankfully, I was told that the Charcoal Rescue Masque is one I can use on my t-zone or all over my face when the need arises.

My skin looks a little dull currently, it certainly isn't keen on the change in weather and work has been extensively busy, so at times like this, I need a little extra TLC. The Dermalogica Charcoal Masque is said to detoxify, brighten and invigorate the skin by using Binchotan Charcoal as the main ingredient, it helps to draw out toxins, excess oil and impurities, refine pores, calm redness and improve skin texture and smoothness. Additional ingredients include:

• Sulfur - promotes cellular turnover for brighter skin and is renown for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties when treating acne, sulfur is also ideal for calming rosacea, eczema and sebaceous dermatitis.
• Volcanic Ash, hot spring, marine silt (mud) and Bamboo stem extract are used as the exfoliants to remove dead and dry skin cells to leave your skin smooth and soft to the touch.
• Phytic acid, lactic acid and mandelic acid are chemical exfoliants which accelerate cellular turnover to help increase the production of collagen
• Niacinamide which helps to reduce redness and inflammation
• Chilean Wild Mint which clarifies the skin and helps refine pores.

For a clay mask, the Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque applies much easier than others that I have tried, even though it has a fairly thick texture. When I apply the mask, I ensure my skin has been cleansed first to remove any surface dirt and grime and then using an old make-up brush, I ensure my face and neck gets equal covering. Then leaving it on my face for a good 10 minutes. Once that time is up, I lightly massage the masque, using wet hands to enhance the exfoliation process during removal, which I complete using a Muslin cloth. As you massage the masque off your skin, you can feel the exfoliation particles working to remove dead and dry skin.

Having tried this you do see results almost straight away. I found my skin was much brighter and definitely smoother to the touch. It is a masque that truly lives up to its expectations and is a delight to use.

You can find the Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque 

to order online HERE