HD Brows

 

If you were to ask me what makeup product I couldn’t be without, it would be an eyebrow pencil. Aside from the fact I have worms rather than caterpillars, the eyebrows frame a face, they make eyes stand out and give the biggest impact to features – in fact 70% of  facial expressions depend on them!  Pick up any magazine and look at the models and you will notice they all have one thing in common – perfectly groomed brows, so much so that a few years ago brows took on the media all on their own - they got their own status with every celeb hankering after the perfect brow and this perfect brow acquired a name – High Definition Brows (HD) founded by Nilam Patel.  This was not to be confused with the more unflattering  ‘Scouse Brow’ which took centre stage for a while, unlike HD this heavy, dark and uniformed look trended amongst young teenage girls with a penchant for daytime shopping in rollers. 

 

I’ve always wanted to try the HD Brow, I regularly dye my own but they last literally a few days and I’m too busy with the children to paint my face every day.  Luckily for me I happened to personally know the HD Brow guru – aka Michele Offering HD Brows who’s legendary for her eye shaping work. With an impressive CV of teaching at the renowned Brentwood Academy for the last 8 years - she currently teaches 2 days a week, previously owning a salon for 14 years at the Brentwood Centre and being a therapist for over 24 years, Michele is highly thought of amongst all the top therapists in Essex and I knew that she could add, sculpt and perform miracles on my sparse, non-existent brows.

 

Michele sent me a dye patch test to check for any allergic reaction which was applied 48 hours prior to the treatment, she also sent lots of information on what to expect on the day.  Her salon based in in Brentwood is warm, welcoming and fully of serenity which also reflects Michele’s nature.  As I sunk into her extremely comfortable therapist bed, we began the treatment with an in-depth consultation.  The beauty of HD is that each brow is individually tailored with a variety of colours and we discussed the thickness, shape and depth I was hoping to achieve - I was advised to go for the lightest colour to compliment my skin and hair tone.  As I relaxed further, Michele explained the following:-

 

HD Brows is a combination of seven steps which include waxing, tweezing, threading, tinting as well as using specialist HD products such as their tamer ‘Brow Beater’. As HD state, this is not eyebrow shaping or tidying, this is eyebrow artistry and specific training is required for HD Brow therapists, which is personally given by the founders (Michele was trained by Nilam herself).  Unlike a normal wax and tint, the dye is pressed into the eyebrow hence results usually last around 3-4 weeks but each person varies and if, like me your eyebrows have been over-plucked then HD sell products that actually stimulate growth and with regular use and a course of visits eyebrows can be trained to appear fuller and more defined. The results are usually immediate but with sparse eyebrows a few visits maybe needed, although using ‘Grow Baby Grow’ can be used to encourage growth.

 

The treatment took about an hour and the results were brilliant - my eyes stood out more and my face even appeared slimmer. I took home some fantastic products to help me maintain the shape including one of the best eyebrow palettes I’ve come across as well! So it’s a huge thank you to Michele, I am a full HD convert now and will definitely be back to maintain them!

 

 To book with Michele call 07595 220502, a discounted price on HD Brows for £25 is valid until 23^rd February 2013. Follow on Facebook at Michele Offering HD Brows or Twitter @Brows_Michele.

 

Follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty or if you have a business in Essex you would like featured Email me at askmollybeauty@gmail.com

KeraStraight - your daily hairdresser

My hair has been dyed every which way but green – literally!  My obsession started age 14 when I discovered a colander, knitting needle and some bleach – fast forward 30 years and I actually don’t know what my real hair colour is, I’m so indecisive that I usually let my PMT dictate what colour to dye it – note avoid me when it’s black this usually reflects the last week of my cycle!

Unfortunately years of chemicals have taken their toll on my tresses so off I went in search of some much needed TLC, not in the form of a deep conditioner but something that would revive my locks and give the much needed strength it desperately craved.  Luckily for me I didn’t have to look too far, I’d read about the celeb favourite KeraStraight and knew exactly where to head - The Vanilla Room - owned by Kerry Larcher and launched in 1995 with branches in Hornchurch and Brentwood, and with an average client base of 450 per week, I was eager to see for myself why friends raved about this 5 star award winning salon.

There are lots of different types of Keratin treatments on the market but it’s the quality of the product used that determines the result and price. The Vanilla Room’s philosophy is to use the very best in hair care and I was about to be treated to the ultimate Hair Facial!  My hair would be fed with the nutrients lost through years of dyes, perms and blow-drying.  The treatment is not to be confused with the more commonly known Brazilian Blow Dry – it’s completely different.  Firstly it doesn’t contain any chemicals as it’s based on the hairs natural protein Keratin, it doesn’t alter the structure of the hair so maintains natural movement and whereby chemical straightening is for untreated hair, KeraStraight is perfect for coloured and bleached hair.  The whole process takes from 2 hours but is based on length and hair type.

My treatment was carried out by Art Director, Kay Doel an expert in the field of hair technology. She took me through the process of how my hair would be cleansed, dried, application of product before being sealed with heat via the use of hair straighteners, it would then be washed and conditioned before a final blow dry. She also took me through the 3 different types of Keratin as depending on condition would determine which one was used - I had the Colour Protect especially as I had only just gone from dark to blonde.  I explained I didn’t want my hair straight and she assured me how my hair would remain wavy but without the frizz and generally more tamed.   

The whole process took just over 2 hours and the results were amazing.  I often remark I wish I had the condition of my daughter’s hair, that youthful shine only possible on ‘virgin uncoloured’ hair and now thanks to Kay’s excellent skills, this hair was staring back at me in the mirror. It was glossy, super soft and gleaming and all this achieved without my usual dollop of serum!  I was advised that with the use of the sodium chloride and sulphate free shampoo and conditioner results would last up to 4 months. The treatment is suitable for any hair type and eliminates the need for daily blow drying, so perfect for those with busy lifestyles, who like to travel or even just had a baby, it’s like having your own invisible hairstylist and I want to thank Kerry and Kay for giving my hair a new lease of life.

The Vanilla Room is located at 1a, Wilson’s Corner, Brentwood (01277 263360) and also 123-125 High Street, Hornchurch (01708 452245). Find them at www.thevanillaroom.co.uk and facebook.com/thevanillaroom. 20% off all hair services are being offered by quoting Askmollybeauty until end Feb. One voucher redeemable per client – not valid against hair extensions, retail products and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative.

 

Follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty or if you have any business you would like me to feature (I cover all of Essex), email me at askmollybeauty@gmail.com.

Winter Skin Care

I always start the New Year by giving my skincare regime an overhaul. Having to deal with the wet, cold, icy and windy weather usually means by end of January my face has more lines than my A-Z (this of course has nothing to do with alcohol and sugar consumption at Christmas). So I start January with a weekly DIY facial - if you want to join me here are a few tips to get you started!

1.       Start by cleansing your face – any cleanser will do, its job is to remove not add to the skin so you don’t have to spend a fortune – however, avoid soap which can be drying.  For the ultimate in luxury though try Espa’s Nourishing Cleansing Balm, a skin softening beeswax that contains oils of Sweet Almond, Orange Peel, Rosewood and Geranium and when massaged onto damp skin turns into a rich cream which cleanses the face without stripping away any natural oils, simply remove with the muslin cloth provided to allow for a clean base for the next step.

2.       Exfoliation is a key part of a beauty regime to help prevent the formation of blackheads by unblocking pores and getting deeper into the skin to lift any dirt and grime. Apply a small amount to your face whilst avoiding eye area then massage in gently. Again Espa’s Refining Skin Polish is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and will brighten a dull and congested complexion.

3.       Using a face mask is a good way to feed the skin with active ingredients.  Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Mask contains Hyaluronic Acid to help trap moisture making the skin feel soft and supple. It also helps protect the skin with lycopene rich Tomato Seed lipids - lycopene is a natural compound that can actually block UV rays one of the skins biggest enemies. Generously apply twice a week to relieve dry, stressed out skin conditions.

4.       Finally it’s worth investing in a good moisturiser. During winter central heating, cold, harsh air and even heating from your car can play havoc with your skins moisture levels causing dehydration.   If you’re going to splash out on any part of your skincare spend on a product which gets results - I love Estee Lauders Revitalizing Supreme Global  –  it’s cost productive as can be used day and night.  The 10 patented formula of IntuiGen Technology is inspired by genetics and derived from natural ingredients such as Black Bamboo Extract, which is said to revitalize skin cells. Thirsty skin will drink in the ingredients which combat signs of ageing and whilst it doesn’t contain Sun Protection Factor, it does contain a selection of anti-irritants including caffeine and Vitamin E to protect and soothe.

 

 There are also lots of other tips you can do, to help you keep skin savvy during winter.

·         Get outside as much as possible especially if the sun makes a rare appearance - we all need our quota of Vitamin D!

·         Place bowls of water near radiators to help humidify the air and stop the dry heat from sapping the skin of moisture.

·         Always use a Sun Protection Factor in addition to your face cream if it doesn’t contain it.

·         Dehydrated skin is not a type but a condition and is treatable. However, left untreated those lines will become more permanent! Water helps,  but to really feed the skin increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids and Omega Oils with a diet rich in oily fish, such as salmon, seeds and protein rich nuts – essential for repair and building skin cells.

·         My best tip of all is to watch re-runs of your favourite comedies and have a good old giggle. It’s only a few months until spring and the best lines are definitely laughter lines!

Estee Lauder available at The New Pharmacy, Brentwood

Dermalogica available at Tres Chic, Brentwood

Espa available at www.espaonline.co.uk

 

Follow me on Twitter @askmollybeauty or if you have any queries or would like a business review please contact me via email askmollybeauty@gmail.com

Your Party Look in 10 Minutes

I love Christmas so much! I’d probably go, as far as to say it’s my favourite time of the year. It’s the only time of the year I allow myself to buy tins of chocolates and eat them all by December 1^st, cry at a lorry covered in lights and allow Santa to put muddy footprints on my cream carpet, however, the best part without a doubt is the glitter, glitz and glamour. I’m not sure about you, but for me, getting ready to party is more exciting than the event itself. When I have time I like to spend a good 2 hours preening and pruning (believe me these legs take some pruning), but reality is I usually have about 10 minutes and that’s in-between shoving fish fingers in Donuts mouth and being quizzed by Princess on Harry, Niall (aka One Direction), like most mums 2 hours isn’t happening. By the time the kids are deposited at their fathers’ house, I’m ready for that Rose! If, like me you’re pushed for time, here are some quick tips to get you party ready! Before I share, just quick word of advice, leave the alcohol until after the makeup. Wine and makeup not a great combination – product overload!

 

·         If your skin is looking dull and needs a pep me up apply a hydrating serum. Alcohol, cold weather and heating dehydrates and a hydrating serum will give it a dewy finish.  Wild about Beauty’s Rose Water Illuminating Serum RRP, not only has light reflecting particles which give the appearance of more youthful skin, but also has anti-ageing ingredients to treat the skin - what makes this difference is the hint of violet that makes skin glow.

·         For  a ‘smokey eye’ use a dark colour on the lid that has a slight shimmer - this is more flattering and not as heavy as a matte colour.  A multipurpose gel product is great as  these can be used lightly as a shadow or built up to define the eyes and used wet or dry to define. Estee Lauder Pure Gel Colour in Cyber Green Metallic RRP is on trend for winter 2013. It’s not as heavy as black but is alluring, enchanting and edgy. The dark khaki, shot through with shimmering gold is suitable for all ages and adds glamour without being over the top.

·         To accentuate your eyes, apply very soft kohl to your upper lids and smudge upwards and outwards.  As you get older heavy rimmed eyes can look very aging. If you are 30 and under then line away by all means and go for that rock chic look. My favourite is Wild About Beauty Kohl as its incredibly soft, long lasting and comes in a duo form with a thick end to create such a rock chic look and a thinner end for more controlled defining.

·         For the rest of the eye, stick to light, neutral and shimmering shades. A small dab of silver on the inner corners of the eyes will give the illusion of brighter dazzling irises.

·         A multi-purpose mascara is a must, one that thickens, lengthens and curls, try Max Factor Calorie 2000 which has been on the market for years, but still one of the best.

·         I tend to use crème blushers as they’re easier to apply and colour can be built up.  Pat on to apples of the cheeks then follow with a light dusting of powder over the top. This gives the illusion of a healthy flush under the skin.

·         Lipstick – if you’re going heavy on the eyes, stick to a light shimmering nude. Estee Lauder Spiked Toffee is a soft, shimmering caramel shade. As you get older a pop of colour can bring back vitality to the skin. Pink Riot is a sheer pretty shade that is not too heavy but gives the complexion some radiance.

·         Finally a quick spritz of perfume behind the ears, just a small spray as there is nothing worse than choking other party goers. I love Very Estee by Estee Lauder which has top floral notes of freesia, lotus and base notes of Cashmere Wood and Sandalwood and it’s these lingering woody notes that give an air of sensuality, seductiveness but without being overpowering.

·         Now if I haven’t had time to do my nails, I’ll literally swipe a single block colour over my nails before I leave. Just one coat and a few minutes is all it takes to make them look presentable, and with the cold air hitting them, they dry super quick. This year I’m using Estee Lauder’s Beautiful Liar a gorgeous punchy pink and Love Bite a seductive rich red.

All that’s left is to go out and enjoy yourself, be merry and stay safe x

Estee Lauder/Wild about Beauty available from House of Fraser.

If you have any queries please contact me via Twitter @askmollybeauty or if you would like me to feature your business e-mail me askmollybeauty@gmail.com.

Best Xmas Gifts

T’was night before Christmas, not a sound could be heard from the Beauty residence. A mother (let’s call her Molly) bent down to kiss her children’s foreheads and as they lay deep in slumber she inhaled their warm breath and let out her own small sigh of contentment. All the excitement and energy leading up to Christmas Eve had been replaced with a serenity of such calm it was as though the air was still.  The chores all done, the house lay prepared for a busy day ahead. Twinkling lights adorned the Mantle, mince pies lay by the hearth as did a half glass of Malibu and there hanging up were the lifeless souls of the stockings waiting to be filled. For her son the anticipation of a Chocolate waterfall, an Oompa Loompa and for her daughter the promise of appearing on SurpriseSurprise, and being rescued by Justin Bieber from her neglectful mum was the contract (wise girl) from Santa’s grotto.  Yet as Molly drunk in the scene and the Malibu, she proved to herself she needed Botox, as a deep crease appeared on her forehead and like coming out of the Shrek Swamp the fog became clear. For there would be no presents, no cotton wool, no satsuma, not even a blooming brussel sprout , because the truth of it was….she went to Lakeside and after trying to park for half an hour, cursing and flashing the guy who refused to indicate,  she gave up and came home empty handed. As a mother she had failed!

That’s not me though…ooh no - I have a plan! Being a self-confessed shopaholic, I know the best local shops where I can get everything and I will not get stressed, I will be that calm, gentle prepared mother who bakes gingerbread and wears an apron and if I can’t get it locally there’s always that thing called the Internet….

My first stop is one of my favourite shops The New Pharmacy, Brentwood and the proof of its popularity is standing the test of time for over 25 years. Its winning formula is not due to the huge brand names that you get in department stores, such as Lauder, Clarins, Dior and Darphin. Nor is it down to the rows of sumptuously displayed perfumes. It’s quite simply down to the best service of any shop I know in Brentwood. As soon as you walk in the staff are ready to help you find that perfect gift and as they are independent stockists there is no bias to any one brand. As a result you know their advice is genuine. Shopping is a doddle and with their expertise when the wife/girlfriend/mother opens her present(s), huge brownie points will be scored and the Sky remote will be yours all night.  Shopping here is fun, it’s not stressful, your gifts are professionally wrapped with their compliments with shiny paper and ribbon and there’s even a home delivery service! I’ve been a regular since I had my own visa.  The owners Umesh and Raakhee Amin and their team, Margaret, Linda, Pat and Chris are so welcoming it’s easy to see why customers are so loyal. Upstairs is an accessory and shoe boutique, with luxury names such as Jimmy Crystal, New York.  Take time to browse though, as you may miss that rare brand only found in Paris, or that elegant gift for a special lady. The men are not left out, with a huge array of aftershaves and leather goods.

One gift that caught my eye was the Estee Lauder Gift Set. It’s on offer for £50 with any Lauder perfume, yet its value is worth over £250!  Presented in a red crocodile bag and filled to the brim with luxury products suitable for all skin tones and ages. Detailed instructions are included in the matching red wallet, showing how to make the most of the delicious colours of smokey plums and muted neutrals.  Play around as there are so many options to create, daytime, evening, work – everything is included for your make up wardrobe - lipsticks, blushers, eye-shadows, liners and even makeup remover.  This is a present that will draw that inaudible gasp from whoever is lucky enough to receive it.

I also fell in love with the most amazing Christian Dior Grand Bal Palette - this gets my ‘Glamour’ award of the year. Encased in a sleek, gold compact is a duo of gold and silver highlighter, intricately braided, the molten, silky powders glide onto your eyes, lips, cheeks and even a flash on the collarbone gives an alluring glow to the skin. Within this compact lies a secret compartment of glosses, when lightly applied gives an illusion of fullness to the lips. Dainty brushes are also included, but for me the piece de resistance is the black eyeliner which closes the compact. All of this is wrapped in the most luxurious gold compact that will make you look and feel a million dollars.

Next stop The Skin Clinic, Brentwood.  Wave goodbye to eyelash extensions with Revitalish Eye Defining Gift Set – this unique formula literally lengthens lashes in less than a few weeks. The set contains a patented eyelash conditioner, which is so potent it must only be applied once in the evening, just one lash stroke per application. The formula has been proven to grow eyelashes within 21 days, there is no denying if used correctly it works. The reviews from other testers include ‘I stopped using it when my eyelashes hit my glasses’ and ‘I’ve been asked if they’re false’.  The set also provides an amazing volumising mascara, eyelash curler and eyebrow/eyelash comb.

For the men, The Skin Clinic came up trumps with a skincare set that’s easy to use, but will get results quickly so your man will be impressed - an easy to follow system, to get him looking his best. It contains two professional products by Australian brand Skinn which includes Total Shave and Daily Moisture presented in a minimalistic black travel bag. The sizes are easily transportable for gym/travel bag, but will last ages - a good no nonsense kit to kick start some good habits into your man, rather than him slathering on whatever moisturiser comes to hand first.

Also for the men from Menace in Shenfield, is the promise of some male indulgence. Why not send him for a manly pamper to the UK’s Best Male Grooming Salon (its beaten top London salons for this prestigious award).  Menace offer an abundance of treatments from facials to cut-throat shaves and gift vouchers which make an ideal stocking gift. Also pop in some Babassu and Bergamot Gentlemen’s Tonic (Shower Gel), ideal for him to grab and go or display in his shower.  The quality ingredients mean you only need to use a tiny amount, so it will last ages. Finally consider some Dermalogica Daily Scrub, an ideal pre shave to give him baby soft skin and make shaving so much easier.  

If however you really can’t face leaving the Omnibus Eastenders and want to order from home, then I have a couple of great websites for gifts, and my first is www.espaonline.com Here you will find a wide range of luxury essential oil body/face products  and gifts.  I absolutely love the Chocolate Xmas Gift Box. As soon as you open the box, the Restorative candle scents the whole room with essences of Palmarosa, Sweet Orange and Lavender. Also included is a huge jar of indulgent, award winning William Curley drinking chocolate. This is the creamiest, richest chocolate and my only tip is not to share it, savour every mouthful and curl up.

Finally, my last suggestion I admit is not to do with beauty. However, most of you may know I have an obsession with bling and it doesn’t come better than www.tanyalee.com. Tanya’s jewellery adorns the bodies of celebs and it’s not hard to see why. Fabulously girly, with designs that rival Swarovski but at affordable prices and with a spectrum ranging from delicate hearts, chunky bangles to the blingiest of headbands there is something for everyone. A selection is also stocked at French Quarter, Brentwood.

Before I go and wrap up all these wonderful treats, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Kayleigh of Tres Chic, for letting me hijack their Christmas tree!

1.        Estee Lauder Gift Set £50 (RRP £250) with any purchase of fragrance.

2.        Christian Dior Luxury Gold Palette £60

3.        Revitilash Eye Kit  £99

4.        SKINN Mens   kit  £50

5.        Dermalogica Daily Clean Scrub £24.50

6.        Babassu and Bergamot Gentlemens Tonic £13

7.        Espa Hot Chocolate Gift Set  £40

8.        Tanya Jewellery prices start from £12.95

Prices correct at going to press.

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