Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

My first year without prickly heat & sun cream allergies - updated

Posted by spriglet On Wednesday, 9 July 2014 12:00 10 comments
When I was younger, I tanned instantly and went the kind of golden brown that you now get out of an expensive bottle. My hair was white blonde and quite frankly I probably looked a bit odd, but I was glad that unlike my family, I could go brown without burning first - I was the lucky one. 

That soon changed. As I grew up and coincidentally (or not) after a big allergic reaction aged 18, my skin became very, very sensitive. If you've read any of my beauty posts you've probably gathered that I still have sensitive skin and now have to be very careful about anything I use (not ideal when you're a beauty writer!) - I can't even spray perfume onto my skin, so make do with spritzing my clothes. 

All this is annoying but I can live with it, especially now I've found my trusty brands to stick to (Avene, E45 and occasionally Liz Earle). But when it comes to going on holiday, for the past eight years I have often dreaded going away because I know my skin won't cope with the heat, or even worse, the suncream. 

Allergies

Until recently I thought that the awful - and I really do mean awful, it covers my arms and legs like an extra layer of alien skin - prickly heat or heat rash was just down to the heat since I'm not great in hotter weather in general, but I couldn't understand why I got it so very bad, to the point that my doctor has to give me steroids on my return from the holiday. I just did a quick Google search and can't find a photo that does it justice - mine was so terrible I even had tests to see if I had a 'sun allergy' but they came back to say I was perfectly normal (insert joke about second opinion here).

Then I started reading up on suncreams and finding out that if you're sensitive, it might be that you're allergic to the chemical filters that give them their SPF - and suddenly it all made sense. I had tried so many brands - Ambre Solaire, Soltan, Nivea, Malibu - but my skin always had an instant rash the moment I was on holiday and became increasingly itchy with use. I can't be certain that I am allergic, but I'm making a pretty good guess that I am; and this year may even have proved it...

Avoiding prickly heat and allergies in the sun
Armed with this info and after asking around, I decided that as I was going on my longest holiday ever this year (a whole 2 weeks - post on it to come), I needed to be prepared. So, I wanted:
1) Something from my doctor 
3) Something to give quick relief if heat rash appeared. 

The first was easy - though I'd heard about getting cortisone injections pre-holiday, my doctor wouldn't agree but did give me Telfast, a prescribed anti-histamine. You're generally meant to take one a day, but she said to increase it to two (one morning, one night time) and start taking them two weeks before I was due to leave. They didn't make me too drowsy, but when I started to feel the effects I dropped down to one a day and they still did the job. 

The second involved a bit of research, but I decided on Piz Buin's Allergy range (the Aftersun is lovely), Ultrasun sun cream, and Avene's tinted SPF 50 for the face which was ideal for going makeup free on the beach. I genuinely feel like these discoveries have changed my life, and yes, I realise that makes me sound like an idiot. The Ultrasun only needs applying once a day and has no fragrance, rubs in deliciously and feels good on the skin - and I had no allergies or rashes in sight. I couldn't believe it - I was in the same country as where I had my worst hit of skin reaction two years ago and yet there wasn't a patch of redness to be seen. Ultrasun, you rock.

The third is so simple but utterly brilliant - Aqueous Cream with Calamine. This stuff is magical. It costs about £1 for a pot from your local chemist or Boots and it's cooling, calming and moisturising in one. I used it on sunburn (I stupidly managed to burn on the last day) and the tiniest hint of heat rash (which only appeared on day 10 of the holiday - miracle!) and within half an hour it had disappeared. Now I am never without the stuff, even at home.

So, it's only taken eight years but I think I've finally worked out the formula for keeping prickly heat away - I still can't cope too well with the hot weather and have to be pretty obsessive about my skin, but it's all worth it if I can go out without looking down at my arms and wanting to cry. I'll never buy a different sun cream again. 

Do you suffer with sensitive skin? What products do you swear by?

*Update*
It's important to point out here that I may have used the term 'prickly heat' too loosely - I'm pretty sure I am allergic to most sunscreens due to their many chemicals but prickly heat is something which is caused by blocked, sweaty pores and too much heat. That said, the above made sure I had no allergies and no prickly heat so I hope it works for you!

You might also find my more recent column on Get The Gloss helpful - here's my ultimate guide to SPF for sensitive skin, and my top ten sun creams for sensitive skin. 

*UPDATE* I've written a new piece on how to stop prickly heat on Get The Gloss with some great expert advice - check it out and hope it helps! x

, , , | edit post

A quick note about beauty...

Posted by spriglet On Saturday, 22 June 2013 18:06 0 comments
This blog is still a work in progress in that I'm still deciding just what I want to do with it (it's not like it's been live for years or anything) - and so at the moment it's a bit of everything. 

 However, I am feeling like it should be more personal, hence all those recent posts about dating, ranting and everything in between. What I have been neglecting is the beauty side - but given that most of my beauty posts are about sensitive skin, I feel these are better left to my new sensitive skin column over at Get the Gloss. There I get to talk to experts, try new treatments and products and pretty much share my ups and downs with skincare in far more detail! 

 That's not to say beauty won't pop up here every so often... but a heads up that more rants about life in my twenties might be coming your way.

 x
, , | edit post

Nailing the textured look

Posted by spriglet On Friday, 23 November 2012 16:43 0 comments
Yesterday I spotted Jane (British Beauty Blogger) tweeting about a new 'leather' nail polish and, given my slight addiction to nail news, was planning on getting my mitts on some pretty quick and blogging about them. 

But it seems leather isn't the only new texture to get excited about - we've had crackle, we've had velvet, we've had caviar, and now the textured trend is continuing with some even more wearable and fun looks. Here's what's coming up this December...

 Leather






The leather look I mentioned is by Nails Inc, and I have to say I can't wait to give it a go despite preferring that super-gloss feeling that you usually get from painting your nails (especially with gel effect manicures... I can't get enough of them). 

Check out Jane's post complete with photos here - I'll be looking out for this one next month!






Rubber
Image from Illamasqua

This shouldn't work on paper, but I can't wait to try it - Illamasqua have launched a range of Rubber Brights, which are exactly as they sound; gorgeous bright polishes with a rubber finish. I imagine that means they'll attract dust and goodness knows what else no end, but we have to suffer for our beauty right? 

Apparently they're inspired by the rubber boot girls of Berlin in the 1920s... now Mr Ashman my history teacher certainly didn't tell us about these but a bit of Googling told me these are ladies of the night (cough) who wore colour coded boots based on their specialities. Interesting source of inspiration! These are available from December. 

Concrete

Yes, because who doesn't want their nails to resemble the pavement? I'm not so sure about this one. Nails Inc (again) have been busy and created a concrete-effect polish with a 'rugged, concrete finish'. 

Having had dry nails since the dawning of time and forever catching little 'catches' on my nails on various things, I'm not convinced this will feel nice unless it's a very very smooth concrete. I like the look of the bold shades though so we'll see. Also available from December. 
, , | edit post

My makeup must-haves: 2012

Posted by spriglet On Thursday, 22 November 2012 20:56 0 comments
I was trying to decide on my favourite beauty product earlier, and found myself torn between the best mascara in the world and my ultimate moisturiser which I consider a high achiever given that I have incredibly sensitive skin. So for inspiration I stumbled across a post from 2009 on my makeup heroes - the products I just can't live without. It surprised me that a few have changed, so I thought I'd do an update. Well, in a few years time I might need to look back after all...

 I still swear by the Urban Decay Primer, Bourjois Stretch Eyeshadow (which I now buy on eBay as it seems to be missing from the counters), 17 Concealer Stick and L'Oreal Khaki eyeshadow - but here are my new makeup bag regulars:

 Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation - This product converted me into a foundation wearer. I only wear it for my 'best' days or evenings out, but this super smooth gel foundation sinks into skin to give a natural glow that doesn't look like thick makeup. The coverage isn't flawless, but I top up with concealer and it's perfect. Check out my full review here.

MaxFactor Masterpiece Max Mascara - I've moved on from False Lash Effect (though I still have it as a back up for extra length) because Masterpiece Max suits my lashes so much better. It gives the same fluttery length as the Falsh Lash Effect but it also adds volume and I find it looks darker or glossier somehow. I can't leave the house without it.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer - Much like the foundation from the same range, this concealer is a face-saver. It's ideal for undereye circles but also covers redness and imperfections too. I find it blends really well, with no dryness (though I do always moisturise beforehand).

Avéne Micellar Lotion - It's no secret that I bloody love the Avéne range. I can't live without their moisturisers and though this isn't makeup you can't have  makeup without something to remove it, right? This clear and gentle cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin and leaves it feeling so very soft and clean that it's convinced me to ditch the face wipes (most nights, anyway). 

 Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner & GOSH Long Lasting Eyeliner Pen - Liquid eyeliners are my weakness when it comes to beauty loyalty. I still love the L'Oreal one but the product runs out far too fast for my liking. The Rimmel liner is incredible for a really glossy, dense black line with precision; it travels with me in my handbag-makeup-bag everywhere I go and is ideal for top ups. The GOSH eyeliner is a dream to apply and lasts a long time (oh look, hence the name) so I'm sold on both.

What makeup products can you not live without? Do you have some that have stood the test of time like I do?
, , | edit post

Wahanda launches online bookings

Posted by spriglet On Monday, 1 October 2012 22:02 0 comments
Yes, this is a bit self-promotional. But it's also a bit awesome, so do keep reading. 

 Over the past few months I've been talking about a launch which we've been working on at Wahanda, which is the biggest we've ever done in the four years I've been there (time flies). Bigger even than MobDeals...

 For years, our brilliant team has built a platform full of thousands of offers, reviews, listings of spas and salons and, in my little area, a fantastic community full of blogs and expertise. But until now, everything worked on vouchers - you could buy your spa day, spa break or manicure, getting an instant eVoucher to your inbox. It was then up to you to contact the venue (we give you the details obviously) and book yourself in within the voucher validity period.

Well pop the champagne and get out your diary because it's all change. Wahanda has now launched an online booking system which means you can see what appointments are available and book in your time and date in just a few clicks. How amazing? I know. Clever bunch.

 You still get the great offers, handy reviews and fabulous content - plus more relevant emails and the option to pick a voucher if you want a deal but aren't sure when you want to go. Basically, we just got more awesome. No more requesting a Hollywood wax on the phone in front of your colleagues!

 Do check it out, use JJ21 for an extra £5 off (don't say I never give you anything) and let me know what you think. Happy booking...
, | edit post

Touche Éclat - the next generation

Posted by spriglet On Saturday, 26 May 2012 10:00 0 comments

Image from YSL
Anyone who thinks diamonds are a girl's best friend clearly doesn't have any skincare woes. There are very few women in the world who haven't heard of Touche Éclat, the complexion highlighter from the iconic Yves Saint Laurent; at the height of the hype one was sold every ten seconds.

 With 20 years under its belt as the skin saviour for fatigued females, the must-have pen is notorious among makeup artists and beauty lovers alike thanks to its classy yet classic gold styling and easy-to-use click and go packaging.

Bright eyes

 Of course, it's what's inside that counts - and beauty fans have long been in love with the instant radiance a sweep of YSL's cult product can give them. Weary eyes? No one can tell. Dark circles? Gone in two ticks. 


The handbag essential is whipped out for a touch-up on the move everywhere I go - from my London commute to the bathrooms of even a back street bar, it's become the go-to product when it comes to glowing skin. There are plenty of copycats too - No.7 do a decent version and Barry M, L'Oreal and others have similar rivals but they just don't quite cut it. 

The next big thing


Good news, then, that the kings and queens of concealer at YSL are celebrating a brand new launch: Le Teint Touche Éclat foundation. Naturally, I can't wait to get my hands on the new phenomenon to test its glow-getting powers, especially as it'll be available in no less than 22 shades so even pale girls like me can give it a go without looking a dodgy shade of beige. 

The hottest product in town will be available exclusively at Selfridges and Brown Thomas from June 28, and then nationwide from July 9. Race you there!

, | edit post

Review: FashionistA & Saturdays Magnetic Nail Polish

Posted by spriglet On Sunday, 22 January 2012 01:04 2 comments
I have to say, I did not see this one coming. I admit, I obsess over things quite easily, whether it's a place (Ibiza), a person (Ryan Gosling, obvs) or a mascara (currently Max Factor's Masterpiece Max). But after the crackle nail craze, which I eventually grew bored of, I really wasn't sure the next gimmick would live up to the hype - magnetic nails.

I'm sure everyone who paints their nails has heard of this by now but in case you haven't, it was 2011's way of jazzing up nails at home. Gone are the days of French manicures and single colours - it's all about nail art made easy these days. The polishes have fine metal particles which, when you hover a magnet over the top of them (when still wet), create a shape or design.

One of my lovely besties bought me my first magnetic polish for part of my birthday gift earlier this month, and it wasn't one of the brands I've seen on any of the beauty blogs I follow. The polish is by FashionistA in collaboration with girl group The Saturdays, a range called Magnetism. The shade is perfect; I have the 'Ego Green' which in the bottle looks like a gorgeous dark jewel-like colour and I couldn't wait to give it a go. The magnet that you need is sold separately (which thankfully the bestie thought to buy, as I am told a regular fridge magnet doesn't work. Baffling.) but fits nicely on top of the lid of the varnish bottle so that you don't lose it. 

I painted my nails with one coat, and adored the colour - I'd happily wear it even without the magnetic pattern. Then, after applying a second coat, while it was still wet I hovered the magnet over the top. It has a useful ridge which you can use to keep it steady and close without touching the polish. After just 10 seconds, I took it away and hey presto - I had a really pretty 'wave' design on the nail. With no extra work!

Because of the way the polish moves with the magnet, it pushes that top coat into a shape, so the waves are a darker green than the first layer. I added a clear top coat to make it extra shiny and chip-proof and loved its almost tortoiseshell look - so much smoother and glossier than the shatter polishes, which despite looking cool always looked a little messy. Even better, it lasted a good four days which for me and my nails is not bad at all. Will definitely be buying some more colours and exhausting this trend... 

Have you tried magnetic polish? Any brands you'd recommend I try to satisfy my new-found obsession?

 

, , , , | edit post

Bourjois: Foundation for the Foundation Hater

Posted by spriglet On Tuesday, 29 November 2011 11:00 0 comments
Back in the early days of my blogging life, I posted about Burts Bees lipgloss which I loved despite hating lipgloss; well, next on my Hate List is foundation. I can't stand the stuff. I think natural skin looks prettier than thick and cloggy makeup - and I'd rather use concealer all over than smear on foundation. Until now.

Bourjois is one of my favourite brands - I already swear by their eyeliners, Healthy Mix concealer and chocolate-like bronzer. And now they've done what no other brand has managed to do in all my years of playing with makeup; they've convinced me to wear foundation.

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation, apart from being a bit of a mouthful, is quite simply brilliant. While I'm not sure about its claim to last 16 hours (so far I've only been wearing it on nights out), it is right when it claims to be radiance-boosting with an instant anti-fatigue effect - my skin looked fresh and even-toned, with a slight glow too. Containing goji berries, pomegranate and lychee, it also smells delicious (but not overpowering, as no one wants a fruity face).

Because it is gel-based, it glides on and blends better than any tinted moisturiser, concealer or foundation I have ever tried. It's so soft on the skin that you'll find it hard not to keep sweeping your fingers across your pretty much flawless face - and best of all, it doesn't feel like makeup to the touch. Personally, I found it gave really good coverage but the packaging states it is only a 1 on a scale of 1 to 3.

My pet peeve with all foundations I've tried previously, powder included, has been that you could tell I was wearing it - there was no way the texture could ever be passed as my own skin. Bourjois have changed all that - it feels like my bare skin, looks like my skin (but better, obviously) and doesn't make me look like one of those beauty counter girls who layer up every product they sell on their face. I'm a convert. 

Disclosure: I received this foundation free of charge, though it wasn't from a PR - I'm not certain but I think I won it in a Latest in Beauty giveaway!
, , | edit post

AEOS Skincare

Posted by spriglet On Monday, 28 November 2011 22:34 1 comments
When I was little, my favourite shop to go into with my mum was a place in Lindfield called Witchcraft; a beautifully quaint little gift shop which was full of soaps in the shapes of roses, dolphins and stars, bath pearls that melted into water to make it soft and scented, and all kinds of gorgeous smelling bath products that I couldn't get enough of and happily sniff all day.

AEOS, or Active Energised Organic Skincare, instantly reminded me of Witchcraft because of the lovely scents in their products. We all know I have a super sensitive skin type, which usually means I steer clear from fragrances, but if I'm careful I tend to be OK with organic products - something I definitely need to research more. A few patch tests later and I've discovered AEOS is on my 'safe' list - and thank goodness for that.

It's refreshing to find a range that really is all about the ingredients; AEOS use the 'living energy' of the natural ingredients to create skincare products loaded with effective plant extracts and essential oils. The brand has its own bio-dynamic Shire Farm where most of the ingredients are grown and the rest are from organic farms around the world. Their philosophy is to look after the activity and balance of the soil, which leads to the strength and the vitality of the plant, which provides optimal effects on the skin. Yes, it's all a bit scientific, but good to know how it works from the moment it's in the soil to the moment you're putting it on your face.

Apart from the scent, the first thing that struck me when I took a look at the products was the colour; not toxic and bright like so many others but subtle yet distinct. Apparently, this is down to 'spagyric tinctures', or liquid gems and crystals that are said to energise the ingredients. 

AEOS have a three-phase system: Renewal, Rebalance and Replenish. With oils, lotions and exfoliators to renew the skin, conditioners and hydrating mist to rebalance and serums to lock in moisture, they've worked out exactly what your skin needs and how to get it from natural sources. Even better, the products are light and dewy on the skin, and smell like they belong in a five star spa (or Witchcraft if you know Lindfield well). I've added them to my beauty Christmas list...

Disclosure: I received the AEOS products from a PR friend to try out for the blog. 
, , , , , , | edit post

The Beauty of BB Cream

Posted by spriglet On Saturday, 30 July 2011 22:09 0 comments
Image from Superdrug
A month or two ago, my friend returned from a trip to South Korea gushing about their beauty habits. Apparently, their nail varnishes last longer and chip less than ours; they understand the importance of skincare and realise that tanning is skin damage; and they use something called Blemish Balm, or BB Cream as it's known, to look flawless while looking after their skin. Well, lucky them.

Straight away, I took to Twitter and asked the beauty bloggerati if they knew of it or whether you could get it here - and judging by the reponses, it was very new on the scene in the UK but word was slowly getting around. I discovered you could get it on eBay but thought I would wait for a few more reviews before buying it. 

So what is it? Well, given that it's important enough to have a Wikipedia page, it's pretty special. As said in the text there and as explained to me by my friend, it was developed by a doctor in Germany and started out as something dermatologists used to help their patients heal and protect their skin as well as cover scars, acne and blemishes after laser therapy. It's sometimes tinted so basically acts as a foundation, primer and skin treatment in one. It also can have a whitening effect which is, I'm told, quite big in Asia. So we Brits want to look brown and they want our pasty complexions - are we ever happy?! 

Anyway, news got out about this fabulous stuff and it's become far more mainstream - and now, it's here. Everyone I follow on Twitter appears to be trying it, ordering it or just plain raving about it - and I ordered mine from Superdrug last night. I don't wear foundation but I have been hunting for a decent primer, and absolutely swear by wearing an SPF daily (currently using my Avene moisturiser).  I can't wait to try it out - though I have to say, SPF 15 is not exactly protection. Hopefully they'll up the SPF when more of them come out...

For before and after pics, check out this blog - thanks @Tsunimee for sharing! Have you used it yet? Does it live up to expectation?

, , , , , , , , , | edit post

They're Real!

Posted by spriglet On 21:30 0 comments
I love the look of false lashes. Dramatic, fluttery, movie-star-esque... but I cannot stand the faff. I am not a faffy girl. I don't do heels, I don't do lipstick, and as much as I love fashion it has to feel good for me to wear it. That's why my love affair with false lashes began and ended at a  New Year's Eve party - I felt like I had an irritating feather placed over my eyes and couldn't wait to get them off, yet had to keep re-glueing them to save from 'what's that furry thing on your cheek?' embarrassment throughout the night. Now, I stick to mascara and what dear old (stingy) Mother Nature gave me. 

A girl's search for the perfect mascara is a lengthy one. We want them long but thick, separated but plenty of them - our lashes, that is. At the moment I swear by Max Factor's Lash Extension mascara mixed with the Masterpiece Max, but move over Max Factor: there's a new mascara must-have in town. 

Benefit, one of my favourite beauty brands, are about to unleash the They're Real! mascara and from the look of some tried and tested posts on beauty blogs such as Lipglossiping and these videos, it's going to be big. It claims to give you lashes that look so good people will think they're fake. The recipe itself curls so you can ditch your scary looking eyelash curler, and it has long and short bristles on the brush so even the tiniest of lashes are reached. It also has bristles on the end of the brush to give extra lift. 

Convinced? These babies go on sale from 13th August but they are having a flash sale on Saturday 6th August if you just can't wait - see the flyer below. Happy fluttering, and let me know what you think! 




, , , , , | edit post

Over 50% off Sanctuary Gift Sets - Quick!

Posted by spriglet On Sunday, 27 March 2011 11:00 1 comments
Remember that fantastic Sanctuary facial oil I was telling you about in a recent blog post? Well, I'm still using it religiously because it has solved my winter skin woes and then some - hello silky skin, it's been a while. 

And now thanks to Wahanda - yes this is slightly self-promotional but with good reason - you can try it out too, along with a few other Sanctuary goodies for less than half of the usual cost. Oh, we are good to you...

So, on Monday 28th March we have MobDeals going up for two Sanctuary skincare gift sets, both with more than 50% off the RRP. Plus, these aren't iddly piddly sets of travel-size lotions and potions - these are full size products. Amazing, no? Each set will be £20 and there's a limited number available - so don't wait too long to check them out!

You can either grab the Skincare Spa Heroes set which is pretty much all you need for a mini at-home facial (including my tried and trusted oil), or you can give your skin a boost with the lovely Pro-Collagen kit. Or you know, you could buy both. You are saving money after all...

P.S. Tweet me if you want an extra 10% off as I have a little promocode that I'm allowed to give out to my friends. Perks of the job and all that...
, , , , | edit post

Nailing It - Barry M Instant Effects

Posted by spriglet On Saturday, 26 March 2011 23:43 2 comments
I love painting my nails. Forget fashion - keeping up with the catwalks is expensive and not all of the trends will suit every shape and size. Nail colours and nail trends on the other hand can be worn by anyone and everyone, and they won't break the bank either. Yes, nail polish to me is what shoes are to Carrie Bradshaw.

So, having already been a huge fan of Barry M's cheap and cheerful (and pretty chip-resistant) nail varnishes for some time, I was first in line to grab the Instant Nail Effects polish when it came out. In case you've somehow missed the buzz, it's a black top coat that you put on over colour - and as it dries, it cracks to leave an instantly and effortlessly cool design on your nails. I've been wearing it over anything and everything - bright corals, pinks and greens are really eye-catching, and at the moment I'm wearing it over gold for an almost leopard-print look. 

So why am I telling you this now? Because it just got better. Barry M have released three more colours - a blue, pink and white - of the shatter polish so that we can have even more fun doing our own manicures. The one I'm struggling with the most is the blue - it's an odd shade so I'm not sure what to layer it on top of, but it still makes a nice change from the black. I've tried them all on black and I think white is my favourite just as it's nice and bright (sorry for the bad application, I started it in candelight thanks to Earth Hour!).

Other brands have released similar products, but at just £3.99 a pop, Barry M is my favourite. What are yours? And what are you layering them on top of?
, , , , | edit post

Just a Routine Exercise...

Posted by spriglet On 18:43 0 comments
Though I'm not sure it's fair to call it 'news' since we could probably have worked it out for ourselves, a new health study appeared this week telling us that 'occasional' physical and sexual activity is bad for the heart. So-called 'spikes' in physical activity, such as when you're getting down and dirty once in a blue moon, can actually trigger heart attacks. Well, Eastenders were a step ahead with Phil Mitchell on that one, weren't they?

This really comes as no surprise - we all know we're supposed to exercise regularly, it's just that a lot of us don't. I've lost count of the number of friends I've spoken to who say how appalled they are when they realise they don't actually do any exercise other than walking to the station in the morning. I am one of those people - it's hard to fit it in; costs money unless you're one of those running types (I'm not); and when you're trying to get ahead in your career while socialising enough so that you're not working all the time, plus doing all those other life-niggles such as cleaning the house and making dinner, adding a trip to the gym into that is a little off-putting. Of course, these are all excuses, but valid ones - time is precious when you're a Londoner.

I have a genius idea that could solve this problem - fitness carriages on trains. Seriously. One carriage (more if more people wanted it) that's basically empty floor space, with an instructor doing aerobics as you make your way home. I have a 20 minute train journey that could be put good to use each day if only it were invented... so, Boris, if you're reading, sort it out please.

This probably won't happen any time soon. So my answer? I'm going to try and make exercise part of my routine. Sounds simple, right? I am a girl of routine - I have my cup of tea after 4pm and not a moment before, I have cereal for dinner if I haven't eaten by half nine and I know to start getting ready a couple of hours before I need to leave for a night out in order to have hair that looks photographically acceptable.  So instead of worrying about joining a gym and whether or not I'll find time to go, or finding someone to come to a class with me so that I'm motivated, I'm keeping it simple. 

I've just spent £400 worth of Wahanda vouchers on a block of 24 power plate sessions at Fitness for Every Body in London Bridge - conveniently on my way home from work - and plan to go to a class once a week at least. Knowing it's paid for and all I have to do is pick a class is already a weight off my mind (and will hopefully soon be a weight off my waist). I did my first session this week - and am still aching - and have a double cardio session booked for Thursday. Eeek. 

Next up is walking - now, I have a running argument (unintentional pun) with a friend over whether walking is 'real' exercise, but I believe it is, and given that it's not as intimidating as the thought of running somewhere, I think I can squeeze it in to my daily habits. Having read an article over on That's Fit about a walking plan, I realised that all that's been stopping me is wondering where to walk to  - the only bit of Lewisham that I know particularly well is the mall, and it seems very Cher-from-Clueless to exercise my way to the mall. But if all I need to do is twenty minutes or so at a time, I can walk up the very long hill by my house and back again... and be home in time to have something that isn't cereal for tea. Easy!

I'm hoping putting a few twenty minute stints of simple exercise into my week will take the effort out of it and just make it another thing I do each day - I also own a hula hoop which gets a daily spin and that doesn't even feel like exercise. How do you fit your fitness into your routine?

This post is the first in my 30 Day Blogging Challenge series - see all posts in the challenge here!
, , , , , | edit post

Review: Sanctuary Therapist's Secret Facial Oil

Posted by spriglet On Monday, 17 January 2011 23:59 1 comments
Sorry Sanctuary, the secret's out. After attending a very well planned blogger event at The Sanctuary Spa last summer, I finally got around to trying out the wonder product that all the therapists and PRs were raving about - the Therapist's Secret Facial Oil. 

Now, as we know, I have the most sensitive skin in the world (fact, I don't need a survey) and we also all know that faces are possibly the most sensitive area of sensitive skins - and the last place you would want to cause problems since your colleagues and, well, people have to look at it every day. They don't have a choice. 

So I was very hesitant about giving this a go. First, I tried it on my wrist. All good. Then on the inside of my elbow. Still all good. Then behind my ear (which was worryingly close to the face, but Twitter assured me it's the best test. And you have to trust Twitter.) All good. Then: the face.

Hallelujah! No allergic reaction, no redness, no nothing. And the best part? This beauty product actually does what it claims to do. 

The oil looks a lot like olive oil but has a gorgeous light sunflower scent to assure me it's not. In a slick glass bottle (I like to see what's going on my face, so this gets a tick), the lid has a dropper so there is no risk of wasting any of it - just drop what you need into your hand and enjoy the fact that this bottle (30ml) will last a long, long time. It claims to be a 'super charged plumping treatment for younger-looking skin'. It's made with pure oils of sunflower, jojoba, wheatgerm, rosehip seed oil, rose, and frankincense. And it's paraben free.

The lovely Lipgloss86 advised me to use it a few times a week, at night - that way, it has time to sink in and you don't have to worry about keeping your makeup on after. It also means you can rinse off in the morning to get rid of any that hasn't sunk in. This was a great tip since I'd already tried it in the mornings and didn't love it as a base (though this is one way of using it). Plus, once you've got it on, you won't want to cover it up with anything else - it's too luxurious. 

The only word that works to really explain how this oil makes my skin feel is 'nourished' - sorry to sound like Davina. The winter has brought back a bout of awful dry skin for me that E45 cream was barely managing to keep up with - until now. I've been using the oil every other evening plus always on the night before a night out, and it's given me the softest skin I have had in a long time. It isn't greasy, it smells good, and it definitely does plump the skin to make it more radiant. I'm not sure about the 'younger' bit yet, since I am having age issues (see other blog posts) and don't want to think about whether my skin looks old or not. But I will still be using this product when I'm 30, that's for sure.

A skin-saver that I'm not allergic to? That is a beauty regime I can get along with... 

Have you tried it, or any other Sanctuary products that are worth mentioning?

Disclosure: I received this oil as part of a goody bag at a bloggers event at The Sanctuary
, , , , | edit post

£2 MobDeals - I Kid You Not...

Posted by Judy Johnson On Sunday, 18 July 2010 22:51 0 comments
Tomorrow is an exciting day at Wahanda - we're launching our MobDeals in Leeds, the fourth lucky city to benefit from up to 90% off everything from haircuts to pedicures. And to celebrate? Well, we don't do things by halves at Wahanda HQ. We do things in percentages. Which is why we're offering a deal with exactly 90% off in every city - London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

Yes, tomorrow we will have another £2 for £20 worth of treatments MobDeal - so go find a couple of pound coins and get clicking! You can spend it on manicures, pedicures, waxing... it's up to you. You could just spend your £2 or get your money's worth by putting it towards something super luxurious. 

London's deal is available for 24 hours, but Birmingham will be up for three days and Manchester and Leeds locals have a whole week to get theirs. So what are you waiting for? Make sure you're on Wahanda on Monday 19th July - do not miss out!

If you blog about this amazing bargain, let me know on judy@wahanda.com or tweet me (though I'm always looking, so I'll probably notice first!). Likewise, if you write a review of any spa, salon or fitness experiences then let me know so I can add them to Wahanda - you get a link back to your site and our partners get to read what you guys thought. Win-win!

We're always thinking of new MobDeals to try - what would you like to see on Wahanda? Comment and let me know!

x
, | edit post

The Water Crew Crew

Posted by Judy Johnson On Sunday, 9 May 2010 17:56 0 comments
Not so long ago I blogged about panic attacks, and I'm always talking about health and fitness. Recently a study came out recommending that exercise be prescribed for those suffering with depression or anxiety. That makes sense, given that a good run or session in the gym can be the perfect way to let off some steam. 

Well, in my quest for fitness as well as a stress-free life, I wanted to find a fun way to exercise. I love dance classes but rarely find cheap ones or ones that friends will willingly go to with me (you sometimes need someone to look at with a 'thank God we're in this together' face). Gyms aren't fun unless you go with someone and even then, 'fun' isn't the word.

My favourite machine in the gym was always the rowing machine. It was so much better than the bikes, where you feel like your knees are going to break and you wish you were cycling outside round a park instead. But I was always lazy in the gym and worked out better in a class. 

So imagine my delight (seriously, I was actually very very happy) when Havva told me about Water Crew classes. It's rowing... in a class. It may as well be called the Judy Class! Ok, maybe not. Anyway, I went to try it with Havva at Trinity Health Club, an intimate little club in London. The result? I absolutely loved it. I smiled through most of it. I even laughed a bit, because Fabio who runs the class was funny. I came away feeling like my whole body had been energised - which it had, as it actually does work out 84% of your muscles.

Obviously, I went back to Wahanda raving about it and we ran a MobDeal with the club pretty soon after. I bought it, as did my friend and we've got two sessions left on our voucher - but I will definitely be buying a course. It's the best class I have ever done - though don't be fooled, it's damned hard work - and I definitely feel happier and healthier after my hour's up. The other week I did 10k in that one session - so my target for the next time is 11k. Wish me luck!
, , , , , | edit post

Lip Gloss for the Lip Gloss Hater

Posted by Judy Johnson On 16:59 1 comments
I hate lip gloss. Sorry, I know I'm a girl and I should like that gooey stuff that makes your lips look all sexual and gorgeous but personally I think it somehow highlights flaws and looks ridiculous. I don't have a trout pout and I don't want to try and make one using sticky icky stuff that my hair sticks to as soon as I go outside.

But, I do like lip balm. I've tried most of them. Blistex Spa Effects was my favourite until recently when I realised it hasn't helped one little bit with winter chapping, but does taste and feel nice when it's on. Carmex is also great but would be better if it weren't in an annoying pot. 

I have now, quite by accident, found a new and permanent favourite. Burt's Bees. I was given the 'Lip Shimmer' stick in the Caramel shade by a friend earlier this year and I love it. It has a gentle sheen to it and is so moisturising; it has a minty, almost menthol smell and it instantly cools lips when you put it on so is very soothing. It lasts much longer than other balms I've tried and is the perfect colour. There, now who sounds girly?

I've also recently been sent their Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss in the Pucker Berry shade - yes, a lip gloss. But Burt's Bees' natural ingredients make it far more moisturising and balm-like. It's still something I wouldn't put on before stepping out into windy London (hair stuck to lips = no thank you) but for night time in a bar, it's just right. 

Both products are 100% natural and 100% brilliant. No trout pouts here...

Disclosure: I was sent the lip gloss to try by a PR
, , , , | edit post

Avène Beauty Products for Sensitive Skin

Posted by Judy Johnson On 15:02 1 comments

I'm in completely the wrong job. I write about spa treatments and beauty products for a living and yet I have to limit my tried-and-testeds to things which involve very few products, or only products I trust - because I have sensitive skin. That might sound like a very normal thing to have but trust me, it's a nightmare. I have to stick to brands that I know and have used for years, not because they're the best but because I won't turn red when I use them. I've had some nasty allergic reactions to products before and it's made me very cautious - E45 cream and Dove shampoo are now my luxuries. Even water can be my skin's worst enemy, as London is one of the worst places in the UK for hard water. 

That's why when I do find something new that I can actually use without wearing a bag over my head for the following week, I get quite excited. The lovely ladies over at Pegasus sent me over two products to try from the Avène Eau Thermale range - the Soothing Hydrating Serum and the Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream with SPF 20. And I can tell I'm about to be hooked on them. 

One look at the packaging was all it needed for me to be interested - when you've got sensitive skin you know not to look for glitzy covers or illustrations. Simple, clinical almost and covered in information about the product, they looked like something I could try. I had a little read about the brand - the products use Avène Thermal Spring Water to soothe and hydrate skin, based on the well known principles of hydrotherapy. 

A few facts about Avène water: 
  • Rich in silica to soothe and soften the skin
  • Protects and calms skin
  • The calcium/magnesium ratio is similar to the skin
  • It has a pH of 7.5 so it doesn't irritate and can be used on open wounds
  • Low mineral content
  • It's used in the Avène Hydrotherapy Centre and is recommended for sensitive skin
So - the products. Firstly, the serum; you use it morning and night after cleansing. Having previously used the No7 Protect and Perfect wonder-serum, I found that this was similar but had a better texture. It glides on to leave skin silky smooth and has a very delicate fragrance which reminds me of a mixture of Johnson's Baby talc and the smell of my mum's hand cream - no idea what she uses but it's gentle and fresh. Personally I hate strong fragrances in my skincare (usually an indicator that it can cause irritation) so I absolutely loved this. I would definitely choose this over No7 as it sinks in easier - I often found with Protect and Perfect that it left a weird residue afterwards. 

Secondly, the hydrating cream; I am terrible for remembering to put on SPF as part of my usual routine, like most people. Come summer we all throw it on and our skin is happier than ever, but then the sun goes away and we forget all about it; but one thing I have learned is that SPF is a great anti-ageing device as well as necessary in the winter for when the wind is freezing cold. So, a moisturiser with SPF included is the best way to go for me - and this one is my favourite so far. With the same gentle fragrance as the serum, this moisturiser is not too thick (which I hate) and left my skin feeling super soft - I kept trying it on my hand at first and then adding more because my hands looked magically smoother within seconds. I had the 'Rich' version but they also offer a Light version too - probably a good way to switch up your winter and summer beauty regime.

What's great about the brand is that they're not too expensive (around £10 or so), and of course, for me, that they glide on and soothe my skin without causing any allergies. If you're like me and scared to try new beauty products out, don't be scared of Avène - the fact that the products are based on water as a main ingredient is a good start in itself. 

Maybe I am in the right job after all...   




Disclosure: I was sent the Avene products to try by their PR. Thank you!
, , , , | edit post

Makeup Must Haves

Posted by Judy Johnson On Sunday, 22 November 2009 15:50 3 comments
It occurred to me this week that I am really quite fussy when it comes to makeup, and I also have a set bunch of products that I couldn't live without. I've worn makeup most of my life, from borrowing (read: stealing) my sister's clear mascara when I was ten to deciding that white eyeshadow was quite frankly the only colour to be seen in (for about three years - now it's green). 

So, no promotion, no saying that the same products work for everyone, but here are my top ten makeup must-haves that I just couldn't live without. Let me know if you agree or think I should be replacing it with something you love instead... I can be fickle too :)

  1. Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion - not only is this stuff in a gorgeous, Disney-esque bottle, but it works. Put on before eyeshadow and the colour will not crease or budge, and it intensifies the colour too.
  2. Bourjois Paris Ombre Stretch Eyeshadow in Vert - the ultimate green eyeshadow. I hated Bourjois' other eyeshadows in the small round pots - too hard and silky to actually get any on the brush. This one comes in a neat compact, complete with a brush which helps it glide on smoothly. It lasts all day and is super soft.
  3. L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara - I think that like men, there's a mascara out there for everybody - you just have to find it. Mine is Lash Architect - it lengthens, it helps curl (buy an eyelash curler though, don't rely on mascara!) and separates. I usually use a separate mascara to add volume, or just line the top lashes with liquid liner to add depth.
  4. L'Oreal Superliner in Black Crystals - my favourite liquid eyeliner ever. For those who don't like the precision needed for a brush applicator but who hates those rubbish felt-tip ends which dry out, this is the answer. It has a softer, more flexible nib which delivers a subtly sparkly liquid black line and has the right shaped tip to be able to vary the thickness of the line easily. The best one I've found by far!
  5. 17 Hide Away Concealer Stick - this product has been a firm makeup bag staple since I entered my teens. The best budget concealer stick I've found, it's soft but not so soft that it melts off within thirty minutes, and provides good coverage for blemishes or redness.
  6. Benefit High Beam Highlighter - I adore Benefit (a sucker for packaging) but prefer not to spend on their pricey products - except this one. High Beam is a liquid highlighter that you brush on anywhere you want a healthy glow - I use on cheekbones, browbones and, after a tip from a friend who models, on collar bones for definition! Weird but true...
  7. New ID I-Smoulder in Charcoal - I got this through work (you can pick up new ID products in Burlingtons hairdressers) and it's my favourite black eyeliner. It twists to open so there's no sharpening needed, and the nib is angled so that varying the thickness of the line is easy. It glides on, stays on all day and last for ages. It also has a sponge applicator containing a cream shadow on the other end, which is great for creating smoky eyes. 
  8. Rimmel Recover Anti Fatigue Concealer - I had to buy this as they seemed to have discontinued my best ever under-eye concealer, the Renew and Lift Smoothing Concealer which was amazing. However, this one is pretty good and I couldn't live without it. There are so many under-eye concealers out there but again,they have hefty price tags. This one is great for a budget, lasts ages and provides fairly good coverage - you need to apply a bit more than usual as it's fairly thin, but it does work.
  9. L'Oreal Color Appeal Chrome Shine Eyeshadow in Dazzling Khaki - my absolute favourite eyeshadow for a night out, this glitzy shadow glides on better with a brush (it comes with a sponge applicator) as it blends very well with other metallics. I always get compliments for the colour when I use it and it has enough sparkle to make you feel glam, but not like a five year old!
  10. Bourjois Complexion Enhancer in Apricot - I discovered this product not too long ago, when looking for a good blusher. Instead of trying to find the right shade of pink for my cheeks, I decided to try this enhancer. It rubs on like a foundation, but is much lighter and gives a healthy, natural looking glow to make you look more radiant and awake. Another must for a night out or for winter days when you feel pale!
, , | edit post
Related Posts with Thumbnails