Younger skin? It's all about the algae baby!

Me and the clever scientist!!


From time to time I get invited to beauty PR events. They mostly involve going along to a swanky hotel, having a drink and being introduced to the next best thing in the beauty world. Sometimes they are amazingly creative and involve theatrical backdrops with elfin models being made up with a plethora of new wonder products, sometimes they are deadly boring, sometimes the products are just embarrassingly bad and you make your excuses and leave and sometimes they are damn brillliant.

I went along to Space NK last week for the launch of their newest product "Algenist" and wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was imagining some kind of sludgy, green, algae based gel that would smell gross and promise the world, but went along all the same.

After a breakfast of mini bagels and amazing fruit concoctions, two bespectacled, nervous looking men arrived to tell us all about their new product. This in itself was one for the books. Most of these events are filled with stunning modelesque women raving about the new big thing.

For the next twenty minutes we were treated to a (very interesting) chemistry style class about Algenist. Basically, these guys are scientists and come from a biotechnology company in San Francisco. They discovered Alguronic Acid which is a derivative of "micro-algae" totally by mistake (they actually specialise in renewable energy sources) but after lots of trials realised that it is a miracle product that can reduce wrinkles and boost radiance considerably. These guys had no idea about beauty but knew they were onto a good thing. (Or so the story goes).

We saw the proof in the pictures and it was quite outstanding. After a month of using the creams, wrinkles had been reduced considerably (by 25% if i remember rightly) as had dark cirles. Is this a true miracle product I asked myself? Have our prayers been answered? Are we on the road to looking like fresh faced 18 year olds?

Well, Chris (my husband) and I have been using the stuff for a week. Chris didn't use more than soap and water before I met him and is always a bit dubious about these things but I can honstly say that his skin looks stunning...really glowing and healthy. I haven't really noticed a change on my own skin yet but will persevere and give you an update in a month.

Check out the range of Algenist products at http://algenist.com and pop into your local Space NK in the coming weeks. It has gone down a storm in the USA!! My favourite product in the range is the Complete Eye Renewal Balm which can also be used as a great primer!! xx

What's happened to Ruby and Millie??

SO many people have asked me where they can get hold of a Ruby and Millie eyeliner recently. I had no idea (until I met Ruby Hammer this week) that Ruby and Millie makeup has in fact been discontinued so if it's not on the shelf now it never will be.

Panic ye not though! The lovely Ruby Hammer (who may I add looks about half her actual age) has launched a brand new makeup range especially for Debenhams.

It'll be coming out in time for Christmas and is a lot more affordable than the Ruby and Millie range. The order of the day is colour colour colour, with kalaeidoscope palettes of eyeshadows to play around with. There is also a great range of good quality brushes and yes there are some eyeliners in there too. The most expensive item is the £45 makeup box which is crammed full of goodies. The box in it's own right was enough to get me excited as it looks like the kind of thing that a professional makeup artist would use and has loads of space.

Let me stress that the quality of this makeup is not going to match that of Ruby and Millie as it is more of a budget brand. However, Ruby Hammer is a renowned makeup artist and I truly believe that she wouldn't put her name to something that she didn't believe in.

If you are looking for a more high end eyeliner to replace your Ruby and Millie one then I'll write about some great ones in the next week or so.

Finally a fake tan that's really good

How many times have you applied or had a fake tan that stinks of digestives/makes you look like an oompa loompa/streaks/looks goddamn awful?

Before my wedding my Mum took me aside and said something along the lines of "Are you planning on having a fake tan for the wedding? If so make sure you don't have the one you had done before your 30th!"
"What do you mean?" I asked imploringly. (I thought I looked rather nice on the night.)

A quick look through my photos proved my mother right (as per usual)! I looked like a sun dried clementine.

Anyway, there was no way I was going to walk up the aisle looking all pale and uninteresting so I went on a search for the ultimate fake tan and I'm glad to say that I found it.

The product is called He-Shi! It smells good, it looks natural and it goes on like a dream. I particularly recommend the Gradual Tan which builds up to produce a beautiful glow.

If like I did, you want to get it absolutely perfect, then there is only one man to see. His name is James Read, he works in the spa at the Sanderson Hotel, he is one of the best and most well known tan appliers in the world and his celebrity client list is mind boggling. He is in fact known as the "tantalist" which I absolutely love.

So here are all the details you need to be tan-perfect:

http://www.thetantalist.com/

http://www.sandersonlondon.com/en-us/#/explore/?id=/sanderson-london-agua-spa/

http://www.he-shi.eu/

xxx

Come Fly With Me

I'm back from my honeymoon and I'm feeling very relaxed and happy. I went to Mauritius and I thoroughly recommend it...such a stunning island!!

I don't know if I've told you this before but I'm PETRIFIED of flying. I try and get the train everywhere so getting on a 12 hour flight was a massive challenge for me. Having got home though I feel that I am finally on the way to facing my fear.

I don't ever use this blog to advertise people or companies. I like it to be honest and neutral and so the following big up about British Airways is simply from the heart.

Firstly,I was very lucky to sit in the Club Class Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 on the way out and it was honestly amazing! It was pure luxury with an amazing cocktail bar, food galore and luxury spa treatments (all free). As I sat there feeling scared and gulping back a cocktail, I looked up and saw Sean Bean raising an inquisitive eyebrow at me. This got me quite excited and I momentarily forgot to be scared.

I also want to tell you about the British Airways Fear of Flying Course which has played a major part in my fight against fear. I went on the course recently and it gives you the chance to learn every little thing about how a plane works. They teach you relaxation techniques and you then go on a 45 minute flight during which the pilot talks you through every single bump and noise. I can't recomment it enough. If you fancy it, check out the details here: http://www.aviatours.co.uk/

One of the things that the course provides is great after care. I emailed them before my flights and when I got on the plane I was thoroughly looked after by the stewards. At one point the pilot even came to check that I was feeling OK. Absolutely amazing!!!

Anyway, from fear to flying beauty. I wanted to tell you about my long haul flight beauty kit which proved to be very useful:

toothbrush
mini toothpaste
antibacterial hand gel
wet wipes
hand cream
Eau Thermal Avene thermal spring water spray
moisturising eye drops
a good hydrating facial moisturiser
bronzer and mascara for applying before you arrive

Remember that there is a liquid limit of 100ml and that you need to store your liquids in a clear bag. (Muji do some great clear travel pouches)

That's all for now xx