Archive for the ‘Beauty gifts’ Category

Crème de la Mer Introduces Christmas 2011 – perfect luxury skincare gifts for brides-to-be

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

Crème de la Mer Introduces Christmas 2011

I have used and worked with Crème de la Mer for years now and really appreciate the technology in these products and the results they deliver. I know that if I ever apply it to a clients face, they will always ask me what I have used, as it feels so divine on their skin!

If you have never experienced the luxury of Crème de la Mer skincare before and would love to use some of the gorgeous products on the run up to your wedding day, Christmas is the perfect time to do this, as the Christmas gift collection is stunning. Maybe you want to treat yourself or ask someone special to treat you this Christmas – as you can see, there is a range of luxury gift sets to choose from:

NEW The Discovery Collection – RRP £200
 Designed to create a more hydrated and luminous appearance, The Discovery Collection offers three best-selling treatments in a Christmas gift box.  Featuring Crème de la Mer (30ml), The Eye Balm Intense (5ml) and The Radiant Serum (15ml), this limited edition set is the ideal gift for frequent travellers and first time users. 
Limited edition, available at Selfridges from November 2011

 

 

NEW The Luxury Essentials – RRP £305
 Indulge loved ones with The Luxury Essentials featuring Crème de la Mer’s simple daily beauty regimen: Crème de la Mer (60ml), The Regenerating Serum (15ml), and The Eye Concentrate (15ml). In a short time, skin becomes softer, firmer and looks virtually ageless. 
Limited edition, available nationwide from November 2011

 

NEW Legendary Luxury – RRP £1,150
 The ultimate gift for Crème de la Mer devotees, the Legendary Luxury set pairs a 500ml Crème de la Mer jar and silver-plated spatula in a collectible, limited-edition case. The perfect Christmas present and quintessential showcase for Crème de la Mer.
Limited edition, available at Harrods from November 2011

 

 

NEW Crystal Encrusted Holder – RRP £200
 For those seeking a little seasonal sparkle with their winter skincare regime, this beautiful keepsake box housing a 60ml Crème de la Mer delicately shimmers, adding heightened luxury to the beauty ritual. 
Limited edition, available exclusively at Selfridges from November 2011

NEW Limited Edition Swarovski 500ml Display Case – RRP £1,400
 Crème de la Mer devotees looking to ensure their beauty collection is exquisitely presented will enjoy this stunning Swarovski crystal adorned keepsake case.  Neatly encasing a 500ml jar of the original Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream, this spectacular pot creates a luxurious feature on any dressing table. 
Limited edition, available exclusively at Harrods from November 2011

 

NEW The Radiant Collection – RRP £210
 This elegant travel set comprises the original Moisturizing Cream (30ml), The Radiant Serum (15ml), The Eye Balm Intense (5ml), The Radiant Infusion (30ml) and The Cleansing Gel (100ml).  Ideal for use in colder months when skin can feel dull and in need of replenishment, the collection encourages more radiant and refined skin, leaving skin appearing healthy and glowing. 
Limited edition, available nationwide from November 2011

 

NEW The Hydrating Facial – RRP £180
 During a period throughout which skin can suffer as a result of social festivities, the NEW limited edition Hydrating Facial is ideal for providing a swift replenishing facial treat.  The 100% cotton, two-zoned mask delivers amazing hydration through a luxurious sensorial spa-like experience: skin is left nourished, smooth and conditioned, with a resilient healthy looking glow – perfectly accessorizing any party ensemble. 
Available nationwide from November 2011 for a limited time only

 

‘Fill My Stocking with Crème de la Mer Please’

The Lip Balm 9g- RRP £40.00
 Adding a little luxury to a Christmas stocking, this luxurious soothing lip balm works to soften, comfort and alleviate dryness often associated with winter weather conditions. Worn throughout the day, lips are kept smooth, revitalised and feel plumper. Applied at night, lips appear renewed by morning.  The Lip Balm is a winter essential to keep close to hand at all times – one of Santa’s favourites!

 

The Refining Facial 100ml – RRP £65.00
 The Refining Facial is perfect for skin that may feel in need of a revitalising boost during the hectic festive season. The Refining Facial, incorporating pure diamond powder, makes a sumptuous stocking filler. It begins to work instantly to sooth, cool and enhance the brightness and radiance of skin.

 

NEW The Concentrate 30ml – RRP £220
 A transformational treatment, this elixir noticeably improves the appearance of scarring and diminishes the appearance of irritation and redness.  Containing Crème de la Mer’s renowned Miracle Broth™, the Concentrate helps to renew and restore skin’s appearance – an ultra-luxestocking filler for those seeking to give their skin the ultimate treat this Christmas.  The new 30ml size of the Concentrate is available nationwide NOW.

For more information, go to www.cremedelamer.co.uk

Posted in Anti-ageing, Beauty gifts, Creme de la Mer, Eye care, Lip care, Mask, Moisturiser, Serum, Skincare | No Comments »

Jo Malone – the fabulous Royal Wedding Window

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

I love this Royal Wedding Window display! London will be transformed this week with all of the decoration for the Royal Wedding which will be so exciting to see.

If you are anywhere near Sloane Street, do pop along and have a look at the stunning Royal Wedding window which has been installed in the Jo Malone Flagship Boutique.

Rather than the obvious Union Jack display, this is a beautiful and romantic display which is perfect for Jo Malone, as her products are so luxurious and beautiful – brides-to-be should check out the store, or if not go online to have a look at www.jomalone.co.uk

About Jo Malone: 

Jo Malone began her career as a facialist, soon becoming one of London’s most sought-after skin care therapists. To thank her original 20 clients, she hand-mixed her own Nutmeg & Ginger Bath Oil. One client ordered 100 bottles as table favours for a prestigious dinner. Instantly, 86 guests wanted more. The Jo Malone brand was born. Jo’s instinctive ability to create scents of elegant simplicity, characterised by unexpected twists, proved such a success, concocting them in her kitchen was no longer an option. So, in 1994, Jo Malone opened her first boutique at 154 Walton Street in London’s Chelsea. Customers took the daring new fragrances, such as Lime Basil & Mandarin, to their hearts. 

The philosophies:

Now, Jo Malone is a global brand and although Jo herself retired from the company in 2006, her philosophies of Fragrance Combining™ and Scent Surround™ remain. Each perfume, sublime worn solo, can be mixed, matched and layered with other Jo Malone scents for endless bespoke effects, while aromatic candles create ambiences as inviting as the fragrances on your skin.

Even the wrapping has cult status. When you lift the lid of the iconic cream box and loosen the black grosgrain ribbon, quite simply, you’re discovering a gift that underlines meaning… and defines a moment. The Jo Malone company is still based in London and most of our products continue to be made in England.

My favourite product for a bride is the Orange Blossom Cologne. The traditional flower gifted at weddings, the orange blossom is a symbol of love, fertility and commitment making it a perennial favourite with brides.

For more information on Jo Malone products, go to www.jomalone.co.uk 

Posted in Beauty gifts, Fragrance, Royal wedding | No Comments »

Holiday Gift sets from Benefit – gorgeous present ideas for your bridesmaids!

Monday, November 29th, 2010

I think that this years holiday gift sets from Benefit Cosmetics are so pretty and girly, they would make great gift ideas for bridesmaids to be, as they would be great for bridesmaids to use on your wedding day.

My two favourite gift sets are:

All you need is gloss – shimmering double ended lip glosses, RRP £19.50

Inside these gorgeous double ended lip glosses is 6 glosses in total – every skin tone will find a shade that suits them. So, if you do not have the budget to buy each of your friends a set each, you could buy 1 set and separate the glosses as gifts, but at £19.50 for 6 glosses, it really is good value and the Benefit lip glosses are lovely to wear - they are not sticky at all.

Her name was Glowla – her glam makeup kit, RRP £29.50

This kit is a complete look in one gorgeous box! You could give this as a gift and your bridesmaid could create a pretty, natural makeup look on your wedding day and the colours will suit everyone as they are soft and easy to use.

In this kit there is a gorgeous coral cheek powder, 5 fabulous eyeshadow colours, a mascara, lip gloss and a small double ended brush. There are also 2 cute mini sizes of the popular moon beam and high beam complexion enhancers – you could leave each bridesmaid one of these kits on your wedding day and the girls can create their own looks, but at least you would know that they would all be wearing the same shades/ tones of makeup and would look fabulous in your wedding photographs!

Find out more at www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Posted in Beauty gifts, Benefit, Makeup | No Comments »

Delicious, delectable, divine – Larynn Crystalline Skincare and Bodycare Rituals

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Where Holistic and Luxurious Meet………

For some brides, the process of organising a wedding alongside working and/or having children to look after at home can be stressful at times and they find themselves trying to juggle several different things at once. Time for yourself seems to go out of the window, but you know that you should be looking after your skin (face and body) in the run up to your wedding day. 

Larynn Crystalline Skincare and Bodycare is a skillful, contemporary fusion of art and product design and combines the lightness and absorbency of up-to-the- minute formulations with base ingredients that are as natural as you would wish. If you are searching for products with luxurious ingredients that will deliver amazing results to the look/ feel of your skin,  this is a range to consider. Combined with exquisite scents and gemstones that radiate with spiritual energy, this really is a luxurious skincare system to soothe, caress and cleanse both body and soul.

There are five elements, or products, in the range. You can use them individually or combine all five for maximum effect. With just one, you will improve your skin tone and mood considerably. With all five, you will effect nothing short of a revolution in your bathing ritual. Not only will you have the softest silkiest skin imaginable, your soul will be calmer and you will glow from within. Each product is designed to be used in accordance with centuries old Eastern concepts of energy flow within the body. You can use the range as a tool to caress and unblock key energy nodes around the body.

To make the most of these most amazing products, take time for yourself – choose a quiet time (preferably in the evening) and indulge yourself in total luxury!

The Larynn Crystalline Ritual 

Cleansing – Topaz Body Wash   £40 for 200 ml  

Gentle plant, coconut and sugar derived cleansing and conditioning ingredients combine with topaz micro-gems to release life’s stresses in a sensuously fragranced, luxurious body wash, which left my skin feeling like silk.

Purifying - Rose Quartz Exfoliator £ 40 for 200 ml

Bio-dynamic marine extracts, lotus flower seeds, pumpkin fruit enzymes and volcanic sand combine with rose quartz micro-gems to purify, enhance well-being and infuse skin with radiance. One of the most beautiful exfoliators I have used, it left my skin silky smooth and the fragrance is beautiful.

 Harmonising – Sapphire Body Spray £ 70 for 50 ml

Silky, light, nourishing body oil derived from cold pressed Incha Inchi oil, rich in both Omega 3,6 and 9 fatty acids and Vitamin E, renowned for its anti-ageing regenerative and moisturising properties. Its satin-like mist is quickly absorbed, hydrating and nurturing the skin, leaving a sensuously rich signature scent and a dusting of pure micro-gem Sapphires to help harmonise and soothe both body and soul to bring inner calmness and balance. For a gorgeous, healthy sheen to the skin (which isn’t greasy) – you could wear this on your body on your wedding day. A very sensuous fragrance – my husband commented on the gorgeous fragrance.

Energising - Ruby Body Lotion £ 90 for 100 ml

Abyssinian oil rich in fatty acids, evening primrose oil, rosehip oil, canola oil rich in vitamin E and shea butter, rich with our signature fragrance and enriched with ruby micro-gems to energise and balance. Again, another product with a gorgeous fragrance. This is the ultimate treat of a body lotion for your wedding day/ honeymoon!

               

Nourishing  - Diamond Face and Neck Crème £150 for 50 ml   

Luxurious organic botanical oils, biodynamic marine and plant extracts rich in anti-oxidants, acai oil, avocado and apricot oil and pro-Collagen 3 stimulators make skin firmer, more elastic and super-smooth.  Powered by pure micro-gem diamonds which nourish, balance and give clarity of thought and purpose. All of the products in the range are beautiful, but this product is my favourite – not only does it give an amazing luminosity to the skin, it also is a great makeup base, which is essential for me as a makeup artist.

Stockists include: The Hale Clinic, www.beautique.com, www.larynn.com.

Posted in Anti-ageing, Beauty gifts, Body care, Exfoliator, Larynn Crystalline, Treatment | No Comments »

Curl your lashes with gentle heat – blinc

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Whenever I apply makeup, I will always curl the lashes before applying mascara.

Curling your eyelashes will make your eyes look bigger, younger and brighter and it will make your lashes look so much longer.

Shu Uemura eyelash curlers are always in my kit bag, but I do also carry the blinc heated eyelash curler, as there are some clients who do not like to use regular eyelash curlers and like the heated eyelash curler, as it works without clamping the lashes or using excessive pressure. 

Nothing sets a curl better than heat…after all, that’s how we curl the hair on our heads! It’s the same for your lashes.

The blinc Lash Curler delivers the precise amount of heat that can set a long lasting curl without damaging your lashes. The blinc Lash Curler’s simple yet advanced design gives you more control and makes it easy to reach and curl even your tiniest lashes.
Ready to use in 30 seconds, blinc Lash Curler only requires one AAA battery (included). The  blinc Lash Curler is small, compact making it easy to carry, even in the smallest makeup case or purse.

For your safety, blinc Lash Curler’s heated comb has a special built-in guard that prevents contact with your skin and eyes.

To use : Curl your middle lashes first and then your side lashes. Brush upwards while keeping the curler’s heated comb surface pressed against your lashes for 5 seconds. Continue brushing upwards and hold curler at the tip of your lashes and gently for the lashes back and hold for another 5 seconds. Repeat the process until desired curl is achieved.

RRP £18.00 www.blincuk.co.uk

Posted in Beauty gifts, Eye care, Eyelashes, Makeup, Mascara, blinc | No Comments »

Beautiful bridesmaids

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

The bride is always the centre of attention on her wedding day (rightly so), but it is also important that your bridesmaids look beautiful too. After choosing the dresses and deciding how they will wear their hair, it is also important that you consider their makeup.

You want the bridesmaids to look pretty and to compliment you in your photographs – if you leave all of the makeup decisions to the bridesmaids, you may have one with black smokey eyes, one with brown colours and one with pink! It can be difficult as sometimes you may have a bridesmaid who wants to stand out and then there will be other bridesmaids who don’t want to wear any makeup at all – this is something I have seen before at several weddings.

How do you ensure that the all of your bridesmaids look fabulous, compliment you perfectly, whilst keeping each bridesmaid happy?

I recommend buying a few key products for your bridesmaids – you could give them the products in a little gift bag on the morning of the wedding, as part of their gift.

Buying foundation is difficult unless you can actually go shopping with the girls, as your bridesmaids will have different skin tones and skin types. So, I would recommend that you ask the girls to apply their own foundation, concealer and powder and to shape their own eyebrows if they usually do this as part of their makeup routine.

Keep the cheek and lip colour the same, a soft pretty pink looks pretty and not too heavy – a lip colour that I have found works well on most skin tones is the Daniel Sandler Line ‘n’ Lacquer in shade Crystal Pink (RRP £16.50) – a clever product which has a lip liner and gloss all in one component, your bridesmaids can apply the lip liner first and then the gloss on top.

For their cheeks, a pretty colour to compliment the lip colour is the Daniel Sandler Watercolour in shade Cherub (RRP £11), this is the product that I use more than any other product on the cheeks for brides/ bridesmaids as it is so pretty.

For eyes, it is best to keep it simple for the bridesmaids -  do not give them anything too complicated! If you would like the bridesmaids to wear pink/ grey tones, buy them the Daniel Sandler Polychromatic Eyeshadow in Rosy Tan (RRP £9) and the Velvet Waterproof eyeliner in shade Grey Velvet (RRP £9) or, for brown tones the Sheer Satin Shadow in Guilded Taupe (RRP £9) is easy to wear, along with the Velvet Waterproof Eyeliner in Brown Velvet (RRP £9). You can then ask them all to use their own black mascara.

You can order these products for your bridesmaids online, go to www.beautique.com

(Wedding photography by www.englishroseweddings.co.uk, makeup by Sarah Brock)

Posted in Beauty gifts, Blusher, Daniel Sandler, Eye makeup, Lipstick/ gloss, Makeup, Makeup hints and tips | No Comments »

Cosmetic Lift Pack by Dr. Lewinns Private Formula

Monday, November 16th, 2009

This is one skincare kit that I couldn’t wait to try, it probably had something to do with the fact that on the box it reads ‘facelift without surgery’ –  I rushed to my bathroom to unpack the kit and applied the product to my skin as quickly as possible!

If ageing is something that is a concern of yours and you would like a course of treatments before your wedding day – this is the perfect solution not only for the bride, but definitely for the mother of the bride and you can do this treatment in the comfort of your own home.

Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula Cosmetic Lift Pack is a revolutionary creation which refines, tones and ‘lifts’ the skin without the use of needles or lasers.  Formulated with multivitamins, Cosmetic Lift Pack firms and tones skin with the powerful new generation ingredient Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), an anti-oxidant which also firms the skin and reduces signs of ageing.  Albumen is another key ingredient, which painlessly tightens the skin while the Aloe Batbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice soothes and moisturises the skin leaving you feeling rejuvenated and looking visibly younger. 

The Cosmetic Lift Pack (£50.00) comprises of a Gentle Facial Cleanser, a Cosmetic Lift Activator, a Cosmetic Lift Powder and a Professional Application Brush. The Cosmetic Lift Pack is also ideal for sun damaged skin, rosacea and also reduces the appearance of acne scarring and is suitable for all skin types.

I have some ladies who like a quick fix five minute mask which comes directly out of one tube. This requires a little bit more time as you have to measure the products (by teaspoon) and mix them together – but it took seconds and it was really easy, I actually liked preparing my own facial treatment! To obtain younger looking skin, the Cosmetic Lift is to be used over six month period with an initial ten day phase – applied once on day one, again on day five then again on day ten.  Then it is recommended to continue with only one application per month to maintain the appearance. 

You have to leave the mask on for 30 minutes – the first time I used this product, I read the instructions and applied the product as recommended (you apply it with a brush in various directions on each part of the face) – and even as I was applying this product, you can feel it start to tighten and lift the skin. It was definitely one of the quickest results of a lifting mask that I have tried so far and it feels like a ’serious’ treatment. The formula dries to quick a hard finish towards the end (not a mask you can apply and then call one of your bridesmaids for a chat whilst you are wearing it)!

This is for someone who loves the experience of using serious skincare products – when I removed the mask, I really was surprised as my skin definitely appeared more toned and lifted. This is my new ‘miracle mask’, I stick to the regime and it is the mask I will use if I have a special occasion. For a course of lifting treatments in the comfort of your own home, this is perfect for the bride or anyone in her bridal party.

Read about Dr.Lewinns at  www.drlewinns.co.uk

Posted in Anti-ageing, Beauty gifts, Mask, Radiance and Brightening, Treatment | No Comments »

Philosophy – The Bride Beauty Box

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Hope, purity and grace for the bride-to-be

As a fan of Philosophy products, I was very excited when I received this beauty gift, which in my opinion is the perfect gift for the bridemaids to give as a gift to the bride, or for the bride to purchase for herself!

Every bride deserves to feel as beautiful as she is. Hope, purity and grace are philosophy’s best-selling products that will inspire her heart and soul and allow her to feel truly beautiful. The bride set includes purity made simple one-step facial cleanser 2 oz., hope in a jar therapeutic moisturiser 1 oz., amazing grace perfumed shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath 2 oz., amazing grace perfumed firming body emulsion 2 oz. and amazing grace perfumed hand cream 1 oz. contained in a lovely hat box.

It’s the perfect gift for the bride-to-be as not only does it look gorgeous, it contains award winning products that will pamper the bride and make her feel very special. The amazing grace fragrance is a clean, beautifully feminine fragrance and the two skincare products are award winning products which deliver superb results.

Price £39.25, www.johnlewis.com

 

Posted in Anti-ageing, Beauty gifts, Body care, Cleanser, Makeup, Moisturiser, Philosophy | No Comments »