Wednesday 29 January 2014

Radio Beauty Chat featuring best in skincare/hair/makeup and fitness!

The BEST in beauty products this month! Check out radio beauty chat which I have fortnightly with Michelle Ward, talking skincare/hair/makeup/fitness and hot male models!!

http://www.phoenixfm.com/2014/01/27/ask-molly-with-this-weeks-hot-beauty-must-haves/



Merumaya Skincare Serum £34 www.debenhams.com or www.merumaya.commask £19.50

Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse Wipes £14.60 www.dermalogica.co.uk

Elemis Skin Radiant Set £35 saving of £43 timetospa.co.uk

Calender www.justgiving.com/shimmyngroove £10 of which £7.20 is giving to Great Ormand Street

Structure Dust Joico Matte Hair Powder £12.95 www.structurehair.co.uk

Ferrari Leather Essence £79 for 100ml (this sample 10ml) www.harrods.com

La Perla in Rosa £31 www.johnlewiscom

Lush Neon Love £17.95
Prince Charming Shower Gel £4.65
The Kiss Lip Gloss £5.75
Love Locket Bath Ballistic £6.95
Close to you Massage Bar £5.50
 available Lush stores nationwide

Epionce Renewal Facial Cream Dry Skin £74.

Birch Box from £10 plus P&P www.birchbox.co.uk

valentines gifts





Every year shops fill their displays with heart shaped chocolates, teddies and cheesy cards spouting poetry of love and bunnies, and every year I hear the same thing from my friends ‘it’s all commercial rubbish’. Of course this then gives men the go ahead to nod their heads in agreement and treat February 14th as a normal ‘ruler of the remote day’.  Well listen up guys, if you’re wise and want to save your Xbox One from being thrown out of the window, you will realize she is lying! It’s a trick! Of course we want the fluffy teddies, the red roses (bonus point if sent to her work) and the sloppy card – we just say we don’t to avoid disappointment!  This applies to men as well, okay maybe not the teddy, but a decent filet steak followed by a shoulder massage will guarantee a full episode of Corrie without the tuts!

Take my advice to avoid the usual arguments of his/hers black sock fluff (that again), watermarks on the shower door, empty toilet roll saga (okay I’m OCD), and look at my fabulous gift guide to spoil each other!

Let her luxuriate in a heavenly soak of Complete Bliss Organic Bath & Shower Gel by Neom £32 www.neomorganics.com - yes it’s expensive but she’s worth it! Pour her a glass of wine, take charge of the kids and let her chill. For an enchanting treat Womanity £22 by Thierry Mugler will leave her smelling and tasting fruity with essence of milky fig and sexy, long-lasting notes of leather and fig tree wood. Available Debenhams nationwide.


Don’t blow out the candles and make choking sounds as soon as she lights them – treat her to Heaven Scent by Deborah Mitchell £24.40 this unisex scent will fill the house with rich, warm aromas of sandalwood, ylang ylang, orange blossom and patchouli – available from www.heaveskincare.com. For a refreshing and uplifting scent the travel set from www.alifewithaview.com A View of Provence – The Gite £50 contains 3 candles which revitalise the senses with essence of zingy lemon, mandarin and spearmint, perfect for clearing the mind after a stressful day.


Mangley offer a selection of handmade jewellery for men and women, their stylish bracelets start from just £7, great if you’re on a budget. For the full range visit www.facebook.com/MangleyJewellery. Alternatively Wish Jewellery are well worn amongst celebrities who love their stylish and contemporary designs, the rings from just £10 are stretchy so are guaranteed to fit!  www.wishhandmade.com


LUSH have pulled out all stops with their wrapped gifts full of pampering delights. Make her swoon with the Prince Charming Shower Gel £4.65 and Love Locket Bath Bomb £6.95 which dissolves under running water to reveal a scattering of hearts. Available Lush Nationwide.


 Coco de Mer The 25 Hour Naked Body Butter £4.99 will leave her skin soft to the touch and smelling like a tropical paradise with oils of coconut and passionflower, whilst the Rose Body Shower Gel captures femininity in a bottle. Stockist Boots.

If she loves Ted Baker clothes then the purse sprays at just £15 come in 4 varieties of girl’s name – match the description on the back most suitable to your lover’s personality! Available Boots.  La Perla EDT £31 (www.johnlewis.com) is a flirty, feminine and vivaciousness fragrance with notes of crisp pear, pink pepper and sandalwood. Whilst Carven Le Parfum £38 (www.debenhams.com) is enticing, yet fresh, simple and chic and bursting with floral notes – for a limited time they’re also offering a free candle!  Jurlique Roll on Fragrance Oil £16.50 can be discreetly applied at any time and boasts a scent abundant with various rose oils – exclusive to Marks & Spencer.

Treat him to Ferrari Leather Essence £79 www.harrods.com, masculine and mysterious which oozes luxury with notes of raw leather and cinnamon, this magnetic fragrance will have you nuzzling up to his neck.

Banish odours of smoke, food and pollution with Herra Protect Hair Perfume £24.99. This spray leaves hair smelling deliciously uplifted, whilst Sunflower extract keeps locks looking bright and glycerin leaves it feeling so soft he’ll be running his fingers through it - www.herra.com.  Umberto Gianni has a huge range of plumping and volumising products for big, sexy and sassy hair - prices start from under £6 available Boots.


Sinful yes - but BakedwithLove offer the most tempting, decadent and delicious cupcakes in Essex.  Email Kayleigh at bakedwithloveessex@live.co.uk with your requirements and she’ll put her incredible talent into making an exclusive design for your loved one.  Prices from £15 for a box of 12 - order soon as she gets very busy!

Watch her huge grin when Balloon Boutique knock at her door with their Valentines must have, a spectacular of personalised balloons and a teddy – for prices call 01277 200083 askmollybeauty readers get 10% off with this feature and there’s free local delivery on orders over £20!

Follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty/www.askmollybeauty.com for features or advice! Also check out my Valentines Competion win a date with top model Danny Wisker and get treated to a makeover plus meal! Essex Girls to apply! See comp rules on previous blog!




Wednesday 22 January 2014

New Year New You - featuring the best PT in Essex and fab products to make your skin glow




By the time this goes to print we will be well into January and the only signs of Christmas will be the 70% off sale stickers in shops. So before I begin this feature I’d like to wish all my readers a very happy and healthy New Year!

As usual I’d made the same resolution to give up chocolate for 6 months, and as usual I’ve not got off to a good start (I’m tucking into a Curly Wurly as I type).   However, one resolution I’m determined to stick to is to treat my body with more respect in terms of exercise.  As a sufferer of spondylitis it’s imperative I keep my muscles strong to support my joints but I do somewhat lack the willpower to stick to strength training. 

Over the past few years, I’ve been very lucky to have access to one of Essex’s top Personal Trainers (PT) Murray Fullarton – it is without a doubt his many years of study and expertise in sports rehabilitation that has kept me moving.  Recently he has moved to a new gym in Brentwood Ab Salute Gym and I decided to follow him there.


Now I have to admit I get very intimated when it comes to ‘body-building’ gyms and make no mistake, Ab Salute is not a pampering leisure gym.  This is where the professionals go, those intent on making every second count – you won’t find people reading a newspaper on the bike here. However, whilst it has a ‘suburban New York’ feel, this family run gym is incredibly friendly. No-one gives a monkey on what you’re wearing, but will happily chat to you about the latest protein bar. Nutritional advice is given by the highly qualified staff who will even cook your meals to suit your diet. Many of the PTs have studied for years and hold Sports Science Degrees and the large range of new equipment enables the best workout for beginners to advanced athletes. However, the main attraction is without a doubt the price – there is no joining fee nor contract but a simple ‘pay as you go’ of just £5 or £25 for a months membership, which in turn makes it one of the cheapest in Essex.

Ab Salute is offering Askmollybeauty readers a free day pass – call 01277 218826/www.absalutegym.co.uk for further details. Murray is also offering readers a complimentary consultation with training contact 07759 048385 or check out Twitter @mfptraining. Offer to be taken one month from publication.

When I’ve not been lunging, squatting and planking, I’ve been testing lots of lovely products ideal for a pick-me up in blah January – here’s my pick!


Dr Lipp Nipple Balm £11.50 stockist Space NK – yes you did read that correctly, this 100% Lanolin is perfect for dry lips, chapped skin, dry cuticles, cheek shine in fact anywhere which needs a bit of hydration. Veiled as the ultimate SOS balm, it’s small size is ideal for your bag.


Philip Kingsley Weatherproof Hairspray £6.95 www.philipkingsley.co.uk protects hair from UV Rays so ideal if you’re heading for some winter sun and holds your style without leaving any stick residue.

Heaven Total Detox Body Wash £26.20 www.heavenskincare.com - whilst this is expensive it will last literally months and smells divine. Containing Sandalwood - a natural anti-inflammatory, Soapwart – anti-bacterial so excellent for spotty prone backs, this shower gel is ideal for anyone who loves their sports or wants a refreshing experience.

Clinique Superdefense SPF20 Daily Moisturiser £39 is new for January and boasts a huge cocktail of ingredients such as Sea Whip Extract – anti-bacterial/anti-inflammatory, Caffeine to calm the skin, Barley to protect and Wheat Germ to moisturize, skin is left supple all day long. The Superdefense SPF20 Eye Cream £30 targets visible signs of aging with similar ingredients to the moisturiser – a tiny amount fakes 8 hours sleep, banishing tired eyes with a sheer veil of luminosity. Available Clinique Counters Nationwide.

Men protect your skin with Dermalogica Daily Defense SPF15 £36. Extracts of Liquorice, Wheat Germ and Vitamin E calms redness, protects skin from pollution and with Hyaluronic Acid gives intense moisturisation leaving your skin feeling soft and protected in the chilly wind. www.Dermalogica.com

If you’ve been piling on the products over Christmas treat your hair with a shampoo designed to eliminate build-up. JOICO K-Pak Clarifying Shampoo £13.95 removes chlorine, salt water and any residue from products without stripping the hair.  If you’ve given your hair a battering with heated appliances then feed it with JOICO K-Pak RevitaLuxe £16.95 a deeply intensive conditioner which hydrates and strengthens weakened locks. It won’t weigh hair down but your locks with look shiny and revitalised. www.joicoeurope.com

Clarins new launch Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream £25 is ideal for the cold weather. Enriched with skin softening Mango Extra, nourishing Shea Butter and Moringa Seed a well-known ingredient which eliminates traces of pollution, ensures skin is cleansed efficiently without stripping the natural barriers. Ideal if you work in the City, where smoke, fog and fumes cause the skin to be weakened! Available Clarins Counters Nationwide.

Follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty.com or www.askmollybeauty.com for advice or features.

I

Monday 20 January 2014

Win a Valentines Date with Danny Wisker UKs Hottest Model!





Woohoo calling all single ladies in the County of Essex, I’m back it’s your Fairy Godmother and have I got a treat in store for you!  If, like me, you usually spend Valentines Day watching Pretty Woman on your own, gorging on a tub of Cookies & Dough, or deleting Facebook photos of He who shall not be named, then listen up as this Friday 14th February you could be having the date of your life as I’m bringing to you the best competition ever!


Firstly, in the comfort of your own home you will be given a sophisticated makeover by Daisy from the renowned Scarlett & Stone, the Beauty Therapists of Great Dunmow.  At the same time, leading hairdressers Smith & Co of Great Dunmow, will be attending to your locks giving you a glamorous style of your choice. Next you will be chauffeur driven in luxury style by McKenzie Arnold Executive Transport to the newly opened and rather upmarket The Rare Cow Restaurant, Billericay where you’ll be able to choose from the finest cuisine in Essex, a delicious 3 course meal.


Of course you may be wondering who you may take as your date and ladies this is where I will step forward and take my standing ovation.  As for one night only I’ve snagged you, one of the UKs hottest male models and TV finalist of ITV2 Girlfriends, Mr Danny Wisker, to entertain you whilst you sip your wine by candlelight.  Now whilst unfortunately I can’t apply to my own competitions, I will be there with the press photographer to capture the beginning of your special date and maybe a sneaky shot at the end, but I promise you will be left alone to enjoy good food and of course company! The photos will then be used as part of a feature for the paper and blog. Then as the evening draws, your carriage will await to take you home (please note, you will be going home – as this is where my competition ends)!


To enter, please form an orderly queue and get emailing molly@askmollybeauty.com and tell me in no more than 30 words why I should aim my cupids bow at you - good luck!


Darryl – comp rules – i.e. over 18, must be from Essex closing date 1st February etc. Thank you!
Photos – Danny Wisker in his tux(open shirt) and one of full him smiling boy next door wearing black t shirt, arms behind back.

Rare Cow photo/logo sent to you
Scarlett & Stone Photo/Logo sent to you
Smith & Co Hairdressers Logo sent to you
McKenzie Arnold have forwarded email to you.

Thursday 9 January 2014

Interview with Top Make Up Artist Caroline Barnes - Max Factor




Last week I committed the ultimate beauty editor sin, something that I can honestly say I’ve never dreamt of doing - I went to bed without removing my make-up and it had nothing to do with the amount of cocktails I’d consumed that evening!  You see earlier that day I had my make-up applied by not just any make-up artist, no by The World Famous, Make Up Artist (MUA) Caroline Barnes, UK & Ireland Max Factor Ambassador whose skilful hands often grace Miss Kylie Minogue’s face!

Being in the beauty industry Caroline’s name has regularly cropped up, but I admit I did a quick google search to research her clients and it was this that had me ignoring my full blown cold as I made my way to Lakeside shopping centre on possibly the busiest shopping day of the year just before Christmas and in rush hour too. Caroline was at Boots for a meet and greet with The Face 2013 winner Emma Holmes whom is now the face of Max Factor.  Just to give you an idea Caroline’s work has appeared in Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Tatler, Marie Claire and her celebrity clients include Prince, Kylie, Cheryl Cole, David Beckham, Girls Aloud the list is endless as are the top photographers such as Rankin who have photographed her work.  


I asked the lovely Max Factor PRs to pass on some questions to Caroline from the public (aka Facebook friends) and myself before the big day, thus enabling me to sell myself as her assistant should she ever need help on Kylie’s tours!   

Q. I wear glasses which make my eyes look bigger, the prescription is quite high which magnifies my eyes - any tips on how to apply make up for this prescription?

The best way to shrink you eye shape is to use a soft kohl pencil inside the waterline of your eyes. Define brows and keep eye shadow really natural and neutral, run the kohl black or dark brown pencil inside your eyes and finish off with mascara on your top and bottom lashes.  I hope you like the results!


Q. Is there a trick in applying liquid eyeliner?

Keep your skin tight when you apply to ensure you achieve a straight graphic line. Either stretch the skin of you lid or raise your brows for tension. Start with a fine thin line in the inner corner then fill out towards the centre of your lids then sweep out complimenting your eye shape.


Q. Who has been you're favourite celebrity to make up and why?

I worked with Kylie Minogue for almost 8 years, we travelled the world and I have wonderful memories of our times together. Miss Minogue is a very hard working, modest, talented artist and is still a constant inspiration to me.


Q. Which is your favourite make-up trick which makes the biggest difference?

 Blending a lighter foundation or concealer down the front panel of your face, this instantly wakes you up and brightens your skin.


Q. Can you give readers some insider tips on what's hot for SS2014?

Bold bright lips especially in fuchsia and hot corals - just keep the rest of your makeup fresh and natural to make it modern.


Q. What is your top anti-aging make-up tip?

Apply serum before foundation - it gives a young, hydrated finish to a dry or tired skin.

Q. If you could invent any one make-up product what would it be?

A foundation that perfects skin is super light and leaves skin radiant and lasts up to 12 hours.

Q. Which past make-up trend would you like to see come around again!

Most of the makeup which we wear has an essence of decades past but I guess it would be nice to see more creativity within main stream editorials and music that is reminiscent of the 80's. Adam Ant and Boy George fascinated me when I was young.

Q. Which Max Factor product do you love and why?

I have about 8 Colour Elixir Lipsticks in the shade Pink Brandy in my handbags, pockets and car. I adore this shade!

Q. Do you have a favourite photo-shoot?

Oh there have been many but I guess if I had to choose it would be my two Vogue covers with Naomi Campbell and Kylie Minogue. Every makeup artist aspires to work on at least one Vogue in their career.

Q. If you hadn’t been an MUA what would you have been and why? My dream would be a theatrical singer but I can’t sing. In reality a paramedic as I love anything to do with biology!

Q.  What advice would you give to MUA’s trying to make a name for themselves?

 Take every single job offered to you and live it for the first few years. Build up contacts, meet as many people as you can and look up references across decades, bank as much knowledge as possible.

Q. Who would you most like to work with?
I'm a huge Meryl Streep fan and I would be honoured to work with her, Cate Blanchett as she is a mum who works really hard and juggles a career or Beyonce!


Thank you Caroline for your time it was a pleasure to meet you, Emma and the girls from Ketchum PR – with just a few minutes you managed to turn a cold-ridden, shattered mum of two into someone who had cheekbones and looked like they’d had 8 hours sleep!

If you have any queries please contact me molly@askmollybeauty.com or follow Twitter @askmollybeauty.