Elegant Touch London Salon Edit False Nail Sample Review RRP £7

 

False nails have come along way since I first wore them in 1986. My memories of falsies are not so fond, as back then the only option was press on nails. I was at the school disco dancing with a boy, one pinged off and landed on his back. I didn't tell him, he was none the wiser until he got home, by which he then didn't ask me out and at 14 years old that was quite devastating!

Since then I've dabbled with acrylics, gels etc but due to being a writer I simply can't type or do much with long nails. However, there are occasions when I envy my daughter's acrylics and want to feel nail glamourous|! Well welcome to my life the Elegant Touch London Salon Edit nails.  OMG they're utterly amazing!

First of they're vegan, cruelty free and 'ping proof', and with promises of lasting up to 10 days, I can certainly vouch for that!

The shades are beautiful for spring/summer and will not only compliment any outfit, but will be sure to put a smile on your face when you look at them. 

Summer Lover & Glow Goddess

Summer Lover are abstract nails in shades of lime green and pink, whilst Glow Goddess are French tips in various shades of pink - guaranteed to sell out when the Barbie film is released!

Island Hopper & Blessed Not Stressed

The bright orange of Island Hopper will enhance any tan and give a lovely pop of colour to the nails, whilst Blessed Not Stressed are a beautiful shade of jade and neutral.

Wave Maker

Obviously, like everything I write up on I test, and decided to go for the Wave Maker. Inside each packet you will find 24 nails and some very strong glue, which with my menopause brain took a while to figure out how to get the glue out (I will save you the guessing work).

Application is as doddle, simply choose the right nail to fit your own nails, apply as dab of glue on the back and then press on. Voila

For the sake of typing I only tested it on my little finger, and when I say for love or money this baby wasn't coming off, it really wasn't. Frustrating for me as I kept hitting the Caps Lock button! I've had to Google how to get it off, as the last thing you want to do is bite them off, or pull off as that can damage the natural nails. Thankfully I found a You Tube video and literally you just mix some warm water and oil (olive oil, coconut oil) and soak your nails for a few minutes - voila the oil mixture will loosen the glue and they should come off!

For a weekend away, holiday or special occasion and for just £7 these are amazing. You can purchase them from Boots HERE

Eylure London Bra Tape RRP £15 / Disposable Nipple Cover RRP £6.50 Sample Review

 

Eylure London have long been established as one of the leading brands in lashes and nails however, since the invention of 'tit-tape' , they have now brought out a whole range of products to solve every wardrobe and boob malfunction.

The great thing about these 'inventions' are that of course, backless, 'Bardot', off shoulder, plunge designs can be worn without resorting to uncomfortable rigid underwire, strapless bras. Those who are larger than an A cup can now wear plunge styles and so it opens up a whole new fashion world, for those who have breasts.

My first review was of the Silicone Nipple Covers, available in variety of shades to suit all skin tones. Having written for the press for over 7 years, there have been times when my dignity has gone out the window, and I've had to review products that would show the parts I would rather conceal. Being a rather large 36DD, erm prominent 'cigar butt' blessed or not blessed, the prominence of my nipples has always been rather embarrassing. Especially when I see myself in the mirror at the gym. Those babies don't like to shy away!  

These Silicone Nipple Covers were easy to apply. Simply peel from the backing material, and place over the nipple, then watch as if by magic as they create a smooth, seamless shape over your breasts. Make sure your skin is free from oil, and make sure you keep the backing material as they can be reused.  To remove simply peel away -  and no they don't hurt or pull the skin at all.

The dome shape is universal, and I'm presuming here the only ingredients are silicone as I simply can't find any ingredient list on the packaging. Here's a before and after and I think you will agree they are utterly brilliant (note I am not wearing a bra here for the sake of testing)! I'm also wearing my most unforgiving satin shirt!

They also come in 'Disposable' format, which are designed for single use, again in different tones.

Next to test was the 'Bra Tape', this I tested in the shade Medium.  Here you can play around, cut it and use it for a variety of designs, from halterneck, strapless, plunge etc.  

The ultra thin flexible tape, means that you get a seamless finish and no one would be none the wiser that you were 'taped up'.  You are advise to do a patch test first with these as they do contain 'pressure sensitive acrylic glue'.  However, they are latex free, which is worth knowing as many people suffer with allergies from latex. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using. 

Now I did start to review these but as mentioned above I'm a hefty 36DD and being at the age of 50, whilst I'm not so much droopy, I am post menopausal and for the love of money I could not get these to support my breasts. I think if I used the whole roll (there's 5m of 5cm), then yes, but I can't deal with the faffing about.  I did try, but quite simply put my breasts are too heavy and large and probably would need industrial strength glue. For others though, like my eldest the tape was perfect. So I would suggest up to a C or DD cup if you are younger and are blessed with natural support, or C cup if you are older post child bearing age!

They also have Double Sided Adhesive Tape £6.50 for 2m, which actually I have used before and I did get along with this - maybe as it's giving double whammy adhesive!

You can check out the entire range plus videos on 'how to apply' here and you can purchase from Superdrug

Radox Mineral Therapy Sample Review

 

I quite like the background for this photo as it epitomises the product in my view.  Firstly the product does give vibes of nature, as it's 'mineral' and 50% recycled plastic bottle, but mostly because it's a mood boosting burst of energy and all things bright eyed and bushy tailed, colourful so to speak.

Radox Mineral Therapy is not your usual, bog standard shower gel. It actually contains active ingredients that help aid skin health. Often with the cheaper brands, you get a feeling that what you get is what you pay for. However, in this instance I think what you are getting is a brilliant shower gel that, for the price makes showering a pleasure rather than a rushed chore.

Radox Therapy Feel Radiant Strawberry & Raspberry Shower Gel 225ml £1

As you may expect from it's namesake this shower gel is an explosion of fruity fragrance, that is both sparkling, refreshing and is fragranced like a huge bowl of tropical punch. It's most certainly a summer fragrance that is a burst of berries, without being overtly sweet. 

Ingredients include:-

• Magnesium Sulfate - helps soothe skin and is anti-inflammatory so idea for those who suffer with acne. 
• Prunus Cerasus Juice - extracted from Bitter Cherry, this ingredient helps moisturise and condition the skin. 
• Rubis Fruticosus Juice - Blackberry, an ingredient often added to skincare for strengthening the skins barrier and making it more resistance to photodamage from UV rays. 
• Fragaria Anasssasa Fruit Juice - Strawberries, known to have anti-oxidants and hydrating properties. 

You only need a small amount of this shower gel to lather up all over the body. Skin is left feeling soft, and not 'tight'. It also contains Radox's special blend of 13 herbs! 

Sea Minerals & Fennel Shampoo & Shower Gel 500ml RRP £2

Whilst the above is a fruity fragrance, this is definitely one my son will be taking. It's a fresh, clean scent and can be used by both male or female. The best bit is that it can also be used for the hair, so makes it ideal for that rushed shower in the morning, or after the gym or swim. The fragrance is crisp, reviving and revitalising. It's ideal after sports and if you need to pep yourself up before a night out. 

Featured here is the larger 500ml size although it also comes in the 225ml size as pictured in the first photo.  Again it contains Magnesium Sulfate and Radox's blend of 13 herbs. It also contains:-

• Foeniculum Vulgare Seed Extract- aka Fennel which is anti-inflammatory, skin regenerating and firming. Whilst it gives a deep cleanse, it also helps to lightly exfoliate dead cells and is excellent for treating dandruff in the hair, and calming skin irritation. It's the perfect ingredient for those who suffer with scalp or skin eczema due to it's calming properties. 

For less than £5 you can have a wardrobe of fragrances to suit your emotions! Check out the rest of the range at Asda here

TRESemmé Beauty-full STRENGTH Sample Review

I first used this brand about around 25 years ago - I'm trying to rack my brains where, I think it was my local salon in Brentwood, but I do remember using them.  The brand has been established for 76 years (it originated in the US 1947). A testimony to the brand is that it's stood the test of time, fighting of major competitors and is still going strong in the hair industry today.

Anyway I haven't used it in a very long time, and so was intrigued to see how it fared to the more expensive shampoos.  The ingredients listed are ones that I would often shy away from such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate however, this range does include the 'TRESemmé PRO Styole Tech, with added amino acids and ceramide'.

Ingredients include:-

• Citric Acid - which helps improve scalp condition and encourages healthy hair growth. It also helps to alter a shampoos PH level which in turn makes the product 'gentler' for the hair.
• Gluconolactone - a natural food additive, that when used in hair acts as a humectant to help keep hair looking glossy and feeling smooth.
• Trehalose -  again this ingredient helps keep hair moisturised and also acts as a protectant from environmental aggressors such as UV rays, heat damage from appliances.

Now if, like me, you are a sucker for a fragrance that gives you the 'just stepped out of a salon' whiff, then this is for you. It really does have that fresh salon fragrance, the kind that you want to swish your hair and breathe in, I guess not too dissimilar to fresh laundry.  So upon opening it was actually a pleasure to use in the shower. 

Now for the before photos. My hair here, hasn't been washed for 2 days and so is rather gunky (especially as I have been testing 'sea salt' sprays)!

As you can see above, my hair whilst looking fuller is actually full of product, dry and the texture had gotten rather straw like. Below is after just one shampoo and condition with the TRESemmé Shampoo and Conditioner, followed by the Grow Long Serum.

The shine is absolutely astounding, and whilst it may not look as full, this is because I have simply left it to dry naturally and added no product other than the Serum. The Serum itself is a fine consistency and you only need a few drops for that full on shine.

The whole range UPS is that it gives 'up to 99% less hair on your brush'. I didn't notice any breakages (something that I often do with my over-bleached hair), and certainly didn't notice any more hair on the floor, once I'd combed through. Overall I was incredibly impressed with the shine, value and the end result. Again here's a photo so you can see that shine!

 

The Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum retail at just £6 each, fantastic value considering the size of the 680ml Shampoo/Conditioner bottles. You can purchase them from Boots Here

Fudge Curl Revolution Mist RRP £15.50 Salt Spray RRP £14 Sample Review

I have wavy type 2A hair, and as such am constantly on the look out for the 'holy grail' of products that will define my waves without making them 'crispy'. Also products whereby I don't have to 'wash and towel dry' my hair, as I simply don't have the time, but ones that I can 'spray and go'.

I think I  have just found not one but two products that will revolutionise how I style my hair. 

Fudge Professional Salt Spray 150ml

For beachy, defined waves without any stickiness then this is a must. First off it smells utterly delicious, tropical like a hot summers day. Secondly, it contains active ingredients so just doesn't superficially give the beachy waves, but actually treats your hair whilst it's styling.  Ingredients such as:-

• Giant Sea Kelp - with a huge host of vitamins, sea kelp helps protect the hair from the UVA/B rays, protecting the hair from sun damage and drying out. It's also contains several minerals such as magnesium, iron and copper that help strengthen the hair and prevent breakages.
• Red Algae - contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, so helps nourish the hair and improve cell function, thus resulting in thicker, healthier looking hair. 

Curl Revolution Mist 150ml

This is going firmly in my bathroom cabinet. I have tested several wave, curl definers recently and I think this probably comes out on top. I have taken before and after photos and you can see the results are instant.  With just a couple of sprays it encouraged the natural waves in my hair, defining them without that crunchy feeling. I hadn't washed my hair (in fact come straight from the gym), and this is what I needed, something I can just spray and it instantly gives results.

Before, then 2 sprays and a scrunch, then voila defined curls! 

Again it has the same 'Weather-shield™' technology as the sea salt spray so protects the hair against environmental pollution and aggressors such as wind, rain, pollution, smoke and UV rays. Hair is not only protected and left feeling soft with defined curls, but also with volume and bounce. You can diffuse the hair, which I imagine will give a huge abundance of curls. The bottles are a decent sized 150ml and so will last months. You can check out the range here of Fudge Professional products, and a list of stockists Fudge Professional

 

Hada Labo Tokyo™ Super Hydrator Lotion RRP £17.99 & Gentle Hydrating Cleanser RRP £14.49 Sample Review

 

I have reviewed this brand before (I think from memory I put it in the press) and so, upon receiving samples of some different products, having liked them before I wanted to spend some time on a write up.

My issue with brands that are stocked in large shops such as Superdrug (as this one is), is that often they can go overlooked. There are so many brands to choose from, that many people I speak to just stick to the same common brands without giving others any attention. This is a shame as often the ingredients and quality are just as good as the more 'glass cabinet' expensive brands.  Thankfully this brand does have pretty packaging and thus does place itself competitively amongst other skincare lines, as packaging is the first thing we see!

Hada Labo Tokyo™ is Japan's number 1 skin care line. Hada Labo is Japanese for 'Skin Laboratory', it has a huge following and this is down to it's patented formula of 'Super Hyaluronic Acid™'. Those who know their ingredients, will know that hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient used in most skin care as it gives the 'holy grail of youth'. It's hydrating properties plump and rehydrate saggy, aging conditions as well as improving skin tones, and gives skin that much needed elasticity to make it look and feel more youthful.

Gentle Hydrating cleanser All-In-One 150ml

The Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a creamy cleanser, that immediately emulsifies into a light lather. You only need the smallest amount to give the face a thorough cleanser, removing impurities, bacteria and make up.  It's ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive, oily and those who suffer with hormonal imbalances. It's fragrant free and so won't irritate or flare up skin that suffers from acne, rosacea, eczema etc. 

Skin is left feeling refreshed, soft and most importantly without that tight feeling. One key ingredient is 'Lauric Acid', an ingredient that is often added to skin care for it's antimicrobial properties, useful for protecting skin against bacterial infections and preventing spots and blackheads. The 150ml tube will last a good few months, making this a cleanser that is excellent value for money.

Super Hydrator Anti-Aging Lotion 150ml

This amazing hydrator does exactly what its supposed to do and that is instantly hydrates the skin. It is not a 'moisturizer' as such, more of a light, watery serum that disappears as soon as its on the skin. It makes skin feel immediately supple and is like a drink for thirsty skin. 

The clear liquid is ideal for giving skin that much needed moisture, if it's feeling tight, had too much sun, been under air conditioning or heating, been outdoors in the wind, or you have those tiny fine dehydration lines. The patented Super Hyaluronic Acid™ ingredient means that it not only instantly makes a visible difference, but the smaller molecules get into the deeper layers of the skin and so work from the inside out, repairing and protecting the skin from environmental aggressors.

The clear lotion consistency means it can be applied before or after make up or on it's own. It's one of Japan's best selling skin care products and, now thankfully we can get it over here!  Check out the other incredible reviews, alongside other products here at Superdrug

St Tropez Luxe Body Serum RRP £35 200ml

 

Very rarely do I make Instagram reels as quite frankly I'm pretty useless at them. However, having tested this product recently I felt compelled to do one (much to the embarrassment of my eldest who is a whizz at social media). Simply as I loved the product!

I'll be honest, whilst in my 30s and early 40's I was a lover of fake tan, as I've passed 50 I really don't have the time and prefer my skin to be it's natural self. My daughter often takes my samples and I use her as my model for testing. However, I was intrigued by this product as, and what I would expect from the pioneers of the tanning industry, St Tropez have launched this Luxe Body Serum.

The USP is that it's a body serum infused with a unique 'Collagen-Enhancing Complex' so actually treats your skin with active ingredients to give a natural glow and smoother complexion. Some of these active ingredients include:-

• Panthenol - hydrating and helps to make skin feel and look more supple.
• Sodium Hyaluronate - scientifically proven in skincare use to hold water to the skin, so skin looks more plump and smoother.
• Niacinamide - aka vitamin B3 helps give the skin radiance, whilst at the same time diminishing the look of large pores. 

The product contains 90% naturally derived ingredients and 100% natural tanning active in turn making this a tanner suitable for the most sensitive of skin types. The fragrance holds light, floral scent notes of magnolia, jasmine and soft base notes of musk and sandalwood.

Application with the mitt was an absolute doddle. As always it's best to prep the skin by way of exfoliation and moisturising dry patches. However, short on time I simply applied to the mitt and massaged into my bare skin. There is no greasy residue, it glided on seamlessly and I could get dressed immediately after, and whilst I was worried that I may end up with 'dark patches', this was just not the case, it literally spread across my skin in a few easy sweeps of the mitt.

You can see from the before and after that my face has just a natural light glow to it. I look 'well and like I've spent a few days away'.  For me this is perfect as I detest the deep fake tan look (living in the heart of Essex is why). What also impressed me was how it didn't leave any obvious tan marks. My hands for example, just had a light colour without any colour clinging to the knuckles (and no I didn't even moisturise them)!

I also like how it didn't smell in the least offensive, rather a delicate scent of a floral.  I got dressed straight away and it didn't leave any marks on my white bed sheets, when I slept on it overnight. 

Thank you St Tropez - it's a 10/10 for me, I actually can't think of any negatives! I'm firmly keeping this one in my bathroom away from my daughter!  You can check out the five star reviews and purchase here at Look Fantastic, ASOS, Amazon, Boots, Superdrug