Halloween Skin & Makeup Treats and the magic of pumpkin!

MEOWWWW

Waterloo…..

I love a bit of fancy dress whether it's strutting my stuff as an Abba chick (here's the proof), or last years Halloween outfit that thanks to the cat mask didn't give my age away, and so every year I join in with the kiddies and take them trick or treating.  It's just a bit of fun and a nice way to actually nose into other people’s front hallways and judge if I should let my kids play with their kids.  It's also a great way to gauge the neighbours to see which ones are game and frankly which ones are miserable old sods.

I also have to admit that I do like decorating the outside of the house, although this year I won't be leaving a bowl of candied delights on the doorstep, whilst we venture off around the roads. Yes, I spied the teenage idiot that ignored the 'please pick one and leave some for others' note, I had thoughtfully placed on the bowl.  I wouldn't have mind so much but he took the friggin bowl too.  I also won't be buying any spiders this year as I really don't need the anxiety attacks of seeing any 8 legged creature fake or not, hovering by my front door.

So this year I've been looking at products that sound scary, have the odd pumpkin ingredient but can be used all year round.  The great thing about these products is they make a great gift for your hostess if you've been invited to any Halloween parties, that's if you don't decide to keep for yourself!

Lush Halloween 2016 collection prices from £3.50 www.lush.co.uk

Every time I feature Lush I have a strange dejavu occurrence. It could be as I always repeat myself on how fun the products are, how cheap they are and how my kids both end up in fisticuffs (well almost), over who has what bath bomb. This year they've spoilt the whole family rotten with something for everyone. My favourite is the Goth Fairy Shimmer Bar that acts as nourishing body moisture that leaves delicate shimmering sprinkles wherever you want to sparkle.  It’s packed full of gorgeous essential oils such as uplifting grapefruit and bergamot and leaves your skin soft and gently fragranced.

For my son the Monsters Ball Bath Bomb was his favourite, whilst it's supposed to emulate the Abominable Snowman it actually looks like Mike from Monsters Inc. However, it was me that used it, as I couldn't resist the abyss of fruit salad with revitalizing lime and neroli.  Also the Himalayan rock salt, known for its skin soothing and healing properties removed the irritation from my itchy skin (caused by recent stress).  He also loved the Boo Bath melt that smelt in his words like ‘donuts’!

For my daughter, she loved the Autumn Leaf’s woody scent and the fun factor as we all watched the colourful change mimicking autumn colours, as the bomb fizzed green, yellow and red! (Didn't catch on camera as last time it fell into the water - lesson learnt). 

Too Faced Melted Matte Stain Evil Twin £16 www.toofaced.com

The must have colour not just for Halloween but for this Autumn/Winter is the dark, red claret as seen on nearly every model from runway to magazines. 

Evil Twin is the perfect shade for a deep, mystic look and can be worn in a multiple of ways. For a daytime look, lightly tap the colour to the centre of the lips and spread out for a hint of a deep berry stain. Or apply all over and then wipe off with a baby wipe to leave lips with a stain just slightly darker than your natural lip colour.  For evening vamp it up with full on coverage and if you dare, apply gloss over the top for pure glamour. It contains Vollulip, which helps prepare lips plump and smooth the lips for the matte texture and also treats lips with nourishing Avocado oil and Vitamin E.  Best of all it lasts all night! Tip - use a lip pencil in a neutral shade or same shade to stop any bleeding, as dark colours can do this! Or use a wet wipe to remove any slight excess that may seep into fine lines around the mouth. 


Pur Hydrating Lip Lacquer £16 www.lookfantastic.com

The opposite end to a matte this hydrating lip colour is full of glossy shine and is like a drink for parched, dry lips.  I tested Mystic, a rich berry shade that made my lips glisten.  The applicator itself is unique as the sponge head contains 14 tiny holes, giving a ‘showerhead’ effect to ensure even coverage upon application.  To get the colour to the sponge tip you do need to twist the applicator quite a few times, so don’t panic as it the colour does push up!  I love the texture as it leaves lips with light reflecting shimmer, giving the illusion of plump and youthful lips and as for the colour - it's like a bite into a juicy punnet of raspberries. 

Kat Von D Makeup www.debenhams.com

I was so excited to see this brand come through my post, as it’s only just been launched in the UK.  The brand itself is 100% animal-cruelty free and many of the items are vegan, (note the company are working towards all the products becoming vegan), and has a huge following in the States and it’s easy to see why.

The Studded Kiss lipstick £16 is multi-purpose product insofar as it’s infused with antioxidants and vitamins to treat the lips and keep them in top condition, whilst at the same time delivering a highly pigmented colour.  Vampire is the deepest, blood red ideal for Halloween and Christmas parties.

Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Damned £16 lasts for 24 hours and passed my drink, eat and kiss test, without transferring onto the boyfriend! The formula is applied like a gloss but finishes to a very soft matte and leaves lip with almost a veil of the softest powder. Best of all it didn’t highlight the tiny cracks on my dry lips, which other matte products often do. I have to say this is one of my favourite textures as it's so wearable for day or night!


Innerstellar Eyeshadow Palette £36

The only palette you will need this Autumn/Winter to take you through day to night, is the Innerstellar.  The names of the colours speak for themselves such as Nightcrawler, 3am, Moonshine, Killing Moon and Astrological. Think shimmering, night-time shadows oozing mystery and glamour, whilst day-time go for the neutral, nude base shades. The palette contains 3 base shades with complimentary matte and shimmer shades underneath, and so you can play and create many different looks, and the colours suit all skin tones and eye shades. My favourite is the lilac, which really accentuates brown eyes and the silver, which makes blue eyes appear icy. The quality of the pigments ensures no creasing and most importantly are a doodle to blend - note that I have literally just used my finger to apply the lilac shade to my eyelid - without blending or using any brushes or base colour.

Angela Langford Rest & Regenerate £39 www.angelalangford.com

If you’re finding the cold weather and long drawn evenings are leaving your skin looking dull, then this wonder cream is your perfect pick me up. The magical ingredient is Pumpkin, which is rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9 as well as zinc, magnesium, vitamins A & B, betacarotene and potassium! Phew! This cocktail of active ingredients, alongside oils of argan, jojoba, rosehip, evening primrose and macadamia, will help regenerate your skin, whilst giving a lifting effect and is ideal for mature skin types or those who need a little bit of oomph.

I loved testing this as the texture is completely luxurious. A rich, semi-solidified balm packed full of oils, but just a tiny amount warmed in the palms of my hands and then pressed across my face, left my skin glowing.  It’s used as a night cream as this is when your cells regenerate and make the most of the ingredients, so when you wake up your skin feels sooth and rested. It smells utterly divine and was just the tonic my dehydrated skin needed however, I would avoid if you have oily skin.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel £29.50 / Renaissance Bright Light £85  www.oskiaskincare.com

I've been using Oskia for the last month but not these specific products, and judging by how my skin is looking and feeling I was very excited to test the above.


Oskia only use the highest quality of ingredients and have included pumpkin enzymes in both these products.  However, the process of transforming this ingredient to the skin is achieved by fermenting the fruit with lactobacillus lactis (good bacteria) which breaks down other biomolecules in the fruit.  For us readers this basically means that the enzymes which are left, focus on exfoliating the dead layers of the skin, the dull layers and the ones that leave us with that dreary complexion.  Added to this potion are other fruit extracts such as papaya again known for it's exfoliation properties however, unlike harsh synthetic exfoliators these are all natural fruit extracts and so ideal for sensitive skin. Both these products used alone or in conjunction with each other, are perfect for achieving a bright, clear complexion and especially for those who suffer from pigmentation. The cleansing gel is lightweight and perfect for both myself who has dehydrated skin and also my daughter who suffers with hormonal, teenage stressed skin. It didn't leave skin feeling tight, like some cleansers do and so I would recommend it for sensitive, dry skins.

The Renaissance Bright Light contains an abundance of active ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, which aids in plumping and adding hydration to the skin. A fermented mineral complex, which includes magnesium, iron, zinc and silicon to heal and boost the skins cell turnover. Most importantly it really targets brown patches caused by sun, general ageing and hormones with a cocktail of Bearberry Leaf Extract, Swiss Cress Liposomes and vitamins proven to combat future pigmentation.

Millionaire Hair Mist by JKB Argent

I'm lucky in that I get to test lots of products however, I'm not so lucky in that all the blow-drying, colouring and straightening has completely ruined the condition of my hair.  So after a summer of frazzling in the sun, swimming without a swim-hat and testing every heated appliance on the shelves, it's no wonder my poor, dehydrated locks are screaming for some TLC.

Of course working my beauty savvy to my advantage, I then put a call out to my PRs for any products they have, which would enable some comfort and restoration to my hair (more on this later). However, one product stood out and whilst, yes I will admit when something is an advertorial, I wouldn't accept if it wasn't a brilliant product. So let me introduce you to the Millionaire Hair Mist by chemist JKB Argent.

This lightweight oil spray can be used on either dry or damp hair after shampooing to nourish and work from the very base of the hair shaft.  It can also be used as a more intensive leave-in conditioner, by placing a warm towel on your hair after you’ve spritzed it on.

It's an organic product completely free of chemicals and harsh additives, and boasts a huge host of ingredients that penetrate deep into the hair shaft. Such ingredients include calming and sensitizing aloe vera and ginger, sage and pomegranate well known for their anti-oxidant properties and if you suffer from hair loss, then blackcurrant, which is known to prevent thinning hair.

The formula means that it doesn’t sit ‘heavy’ or weigh fine hair down (like mine) and as you can see from the pictures below leaves it looking incredibly shiny.  It’s also be featured in top glossy magazines such as Harpers Bazaar and well-known beauty professionals rave about this being their number 1 hair product.

It comes in 100ml and costs £35. For more information email Jas Braich, Director at Sales@JKBArgent.co.uk or telephone 07817 424 902.

Before - my dehydrated lank locks

After - taken in the same light - you can immediately see the difference

With the flash on- look how it's made my highlights gleam!

Essex County Council, Adult Community Learning (ACL) Training Courses to get you working within the Beauty/Hair/Massage Industry

A few weeks ago I had a conversation with my daughter who is 13 on what she would like to do when she leaves school. Her answer didn't surprise me considering my areas of writing, as she enthusiastically gave me her reasons on why she wanted to be a Beauty and Massage Therapist (although she wrinkled her nose when mentioning waxing).  Her reasons, bearing in mind she is just 13 were very well justified. She wants to 'make people feel better, paint nails' and this one I'll remember 'she likes giving massages'. 

However, I then took a deeper look into just why so many people are turning their careers into this area of interest and came up with a few of my own reasons.

• It's a skill that anyone can learn at any given time.
• You can work around your own hours.
• There are salons crying out for good therapists.
• You can build regularly on improving and learning new services.
• It's a skill that will serve well for school leavers, mums and dads at home and the retired.
• It's a great way to see the world, whilst using your skills on cruise ships, spas and hotels. 
• Most importantly, it's one area that technology will never be able to replace. People will always need that intimacy of hands on touch. 

So when Claire Barclay, Curriculum Coordinator of the Adult Community Learning (ACL), Essex County Council contacted me, to invite me to the opening of the new beauty and hairdressing training rooms, I was very excited.  Firstly this would be the first time that the ACL were offering courses in Level 2 and 3 beauty, Level 2 and 3 hairdressing, Level 3 and 4 sports massage plus a whole host of complimentary therapies. Secondly, and this is great news for all those on benefits, if you qualify it’s a fully funded course meaning you will pay zero!

So let's start with the Level 2 and 3 beauty. Here you will taught about the basics of makeup, facials, waxing, Indian head massage, manicure, full body massage, eye treatments, pedicure, tanning, sports massage, stone therapy, aromatherapy and reflexology. 

The courses run for a year and fit around the school hours, making this a perfect opportunity for any mums to get back into work.  There is no option for on-line learning, something I totally agree with, as this kind of industry demands on-hand technique!

All the tutoring is done by top beauty tutors in the brand new beauty rooms, with massage beds and using well-known products such as Dermalogica.  Also worth noting, the classes are set to a maximum of between 10-14, ensuring that all students are given full attention to their work.

As with all the courses if you are new to training then a short ‘Step Into’ session is offered, to make sure you are pointed in the right direction and give you the best advice on what path you should take.  Whilst a GCSE in English and Math is not essential, as the course demands many theory assessments you may be advised to start with a Level 1, which focuses on a more ‘play and make-up’ route.

If being a budding hairdresser or indeed a barber takes your fancy, then the ACL also offer Level 2 and 3 courses, again fitting around school hours and again suitable for anyone wishing to re-start a career. 

All aspects of hairdressing are covered in these levels from the basics of cutting, blow-drying, reception, colouring to more in-depth colour correction, perming and specialist areas such as bridal and hair up. 

Hairdressing practicals take place in front of brand new workstations in a relaxed, airy environment and again, as with the beauty the courses boast the best tutors in Essex.

I was incredibly impressed not only with what is on offer, but the attention to detail given to every aspect of the course and the layout of the beauty and hairdressing rooms themselves.

For prices and more general information, or to see if you can qualify for government funding, you can contact the ACL by the following:-

Email: Acl.nostoppingme.essex.gov.uk

Web: www.essex.gov.uk/adult-learning

Tel: 0345 603 7635

Twitter.com/aclessex

Facebook.com/aclessex

Just what's on offer

A glimpse of the new workstations

L-R Lesley Smith - Curriculum Coordinator, Coral Dodd - Tutor,  Jenny Deall - Tutor, Claire Barclay - Curriculum Coorindator 

 

 

 

Jenny Deall one of the course tutors, giving me a shape and polish 

One excited girl getting the perfect braids from hairdresser Tania Shurlock

Hair tutor  Nisa Brown giving one lucky gentlemen a cut.

10 reasons to get a dog….

Completely unrelated to my beauty features - but I figured dogs come under lifestyle and for that reason I'm dedicating 5 minutes to why dogs are amazing.

Having a dog means you will always have to get off your backside and walk. Walking is the best form of exercise, and with a dog you'll be walking rain or shine. 

Having a dog means you meet like-minded people, and dog-lovers you will find have compassion (probably more for their dogs than humans), but still they will be genuinely nice people.

Having a dog means you will never feel lonely, not only because you meet people but a dog does understand love and they give lots of it.

Dogs are amazing for children, especially those with any kind of special needs as they bond better and also help calm children down. The fact my son takes notice of our dog more than he does me, is neither here nor there.

Dogs are also amazing for getting the kids off the X-box and making them get outside and play ball in the fresh air. Note, try not to take to the park when football matches are on - mine has been known to disrupt the odd game.

Dogs are the perfect snuggle companion when you need something to cuddle up with, whilst watching TV, unless you are watching something that's featuring dogs - then that causes lots of trouble.

Dogs are not like having children, you can leave a dog for a few hours.

Dogs are the perfect excuse if you want to leave a party early. A child will have a babysitter, a dog doesn't and you have to get back to him/her.

Dogs are the perfect way to meet a guy - I've trained mine to chase cyclists and runners, but only if I say the word (fit man), NB this is a joke but you get the idea. 

Dogs wake you if there is an intruder, dogs also wake you if there are badgers and best of all dogs (although mine is dopey), usually eat spiders.  They also eat Power Ranger toys, which is great if you have too many of them. 

Dogs can't talk - so you can blame everything on to them i.e. the bad smell, the chewed up homework etc….

There - in less than a few minutes I've listed why dogs are amazing animals, and everyone should, if time allows get a dog. 

10 Hacks to Improve your Gym Workout

Okay - I have precisely 5 minutes before the school run, but as an avid gym-bunny and having 30 years of advice from top trainers etc here's a few tips I've picked up on the way.

Always use an incline of at least 1% when on the treadmill, this mimics the pavement - 0% is in effect the equivalent of downhill.

If you're bored keep it varied. Try 2 minutes on treadmill, hit pause, squat for a minute then get back on treadmill - repeat 5 times.

Cross trainer/Elliptical machine - always keep weight back on the heels, your heel shouldn't rise up as your rotate your legs.

Find the gym makes you ill? That's what the disinfectant spray is for - always wipe down equipment before and after use, to avoid getting colds and at worst (which I did), MRSA (although not saying it was from the gym!)

Try to find space in front of the mirror when doing free weights - it's important to keep a check on your posture.

That said, this is why many trainers despise Cross Fit, proper form and slow control is by far more beneficial, than rushed, heavy repetitions and will prevent injuries.

I use the spin bike regularly, a good playlist, imagination and closing my eyes can really help me imagine I'm competing and use clip ons - makes a huge difference to the muscles you use - aching hamstrings ouch!

Rowing, make sure you have the heel straps in the right place and as you pull back really focus on holding your core in.

Again when doing the plank or various body poses always try to find space in front of a mirror, where you can see yourself horizontal. This will prevent you from sagging and keeping your posture to form.

Step Machine - don't hold on - train yourself to use this great piece of equipment as you would naturally by using the stairs. By having your foot slightly off the step, you will naturally focus on using your glutes, quads and core to balance you. If need be bring the resistance down to make it easier until you're used to the balance.

Okay - I could probably write a book with a hundred more tips - but I have school run - ciao for now! Post your tips back to me!!!