Sparklz and Shine

Thursday, 26 January 2012

A note about disappearing.

One day you're celebrating two years of blogging, the next day you're hearing sad family news that puts blogging and all thoughts of cosmetics firmly into second place. There is just so much to be cherished and thankful for.

What with that, and several heavy rounds of homework needing my attention, I've ended up with a bit of writers block. It's always the same, the longer I don't post, the more pressure I heap on myself to get the next post just right....and before you know it 2 weeks have gone by. Hopefully get there soon. x

Wednesday, 11 January 2012

Carrots Ginger Duracell......in case you were wondering what colour my hair used to be

I don't have a scanner so I photographed these pics some time last year, for a post about my hair that never happened. I thought as a follow on from my henna stories and to celebrate the Blog's second birthday you might like ~~a giggle~~ to see why I don't do dull when it comes to my hair. Having survived names like Duracell at school, being described as mousy (no offence to mousy people of course) a few years back, well I just wasn't having it!!

oops black and white - that won't help!

Not convinced this is a true representation of the colour either - 70s colour processing...

This one doesn't help either, purely for your amusement....

You could say nothings changed - still covering my face in bizarre ways with slap.

Oh and they tried to give me the boys prize....when my Mum intervened I got my first ever solid perfume, with a peachy pink sunset on the lid I think - probably Avon.

Strange fashion for Holy Communion to be celebrated looking like a bride.

Yes I am cutting a cake.

Seriously loved having curly hair for school the next day where it had been up in a bun all day.

And why I haven't embraced a fringe......

The remains of a Carol Decker Spiral perm gone wrong.
The first time round was fine, the second version, from the towns 'best' hair dresser had it splitting from the roots.

And then it was gone.......the beginning of the fade...

recognise the dress?

Sparklz and Shine 2nd Blog Birthday

It's that time of the year when you feel like your giving your own private awards ceremony speech! Thank you all....

Seriously, I do want to thank you all, every one of you, who have ever read this blog, commented on it, here or on twitter or Facebook and generally supported me along the way. All the lovely people I've met at events, all the brands I've been introduced to via different blogs and PR peeps. Mr Sparklz for being the ever present proof reader......

See told you it was like an award ceremony speech!

Basically

Thank you!

Monday, 9 January 2012

Henna follow up........and blue lips

Last weeks post about my henna use was somewhat lacking in pics of the finished article. Thank you to Debbie for the dig in the ribs! So here are a few I took this morning:

Today was a day when nothing seems to go right with your makeup - age catching up with me on my lids and brow colour just not making me happy - my response to this frustration was to finish the look with Illamasqua's Disciple - Navy Lipstick and Vilolate - Dark Green Shimmer sheer Lipgloss.

PR Samples = Disciple and Violate

Sunday, 8 January 2012

Escentual's Blog of the Week / Year - Who's your favourite?

Throughout 2011 Escentual.com supported a wide range of Bloggers with their 'Blog of the Week' feature: paying homage to the uniqueness and the knowledge that's out there in the beauty, lifestyle and fragrance blogosphere. With image montages, links to particular posts, Twitter feeds or Facebook pages, the 'Blog of the Week' posts show that the folk at Escentual really engaging with blogs, not just listing them as a bit of lip service to blogging.

This year they have decided to go for a post of the week feature instead: a summary of the latest and greatest news from our blog roll. We’ll be featuring the informative, the funny, the strange and the unique right here every Friday.

So on Friday they announced that, to round the 'Blog of the Week' feature off, all 52 blogs, plus any extra's nominated would be up for the chance to win £250 worth of vouchers:

We've chosen 52 of the many bloggers who have made us laugh, captured our imagination, and kept us duly informed in 2011 - now it's your turn to vote for your favourite!
We're offering you the chance to vote for your favourite out of our 'Blog of the Week' recipients, or nominate your own preferred blogger for Escentual's Blog of the Year. The lucky winner will receive a £250 Escentual gift voucher with which to expand their beauty collection.
The winner will be picked based purely on the amount of votes they receive from you, our customers and visitors. No panels, no favouritism, no 'industry experts' - we want to know which blogs you enjoy the most.

Voting is open until 1st February, and you have just one vote so choose your favourite wisely!

I'm not one to do the vote for me thing:

So I won't, but there are some fab Bloggers on this list so go check them out and maybe vote for one of them:

The above list has been copied directly from Escentual.com - who know how to hyperlink their award nominees ;p

Friday, 6 January 2012

New Year's Pamper Day......for a Busy Mum

With being ill before Christmas and stitches before that, my roots were badly in need of some attention. finally on New Year's Day I found time to rectify this. Henna, has been my friend on an off for years now since my natural colour started fading when I was about 20. Natural red seems to fade quickly just like dyed red, although the comes 'grey' - total loss of pigment producing white hairs - comes quite late.

Because of the natural inclination of my hair I can use a lot less henna and leave it on for a lot less time than is quoted for people changing their hair colour. I can do 15 minutes to a couple of hours depending what mood I'm in and time available. The colour tends to be richer and less brassy the longer it's on - or so I've read. I've never managed to be scientific enough about it to get a definite on that one.

My introduction to Henna came through the Body Shop who also used to sell a henna conditioner of a similar colour and pungency. At some point that changed to a pale pink synthetic mix and I gave up interest in it. Because of my irregular dyeing habits and not needing to use a whole packet at a time it took me a while to realise that the Body Shop no longer stocked henna. I'm guessing it went out with the L'Oréal takeover..... Gutted I set out on some Internet research and discovered sites like Henna Boy, Handful of Henna, Renaissance Henna and Elaine's experiments at HennaBlog (Apparently I did read a blog before Christmas 2 years ago after all). From then on the experimenting really started. There are so many recipes and suggestions out there but mostly these days I mix it with a splodge of olive oil - too much and the colour is inhibited, and a little sugar - this helps the mixture stick - whether that's really as necessary on hair as it is on skin the jury is out, but it does make a nice consistency. I also add some coffee occasionally for a slightly darker colour. The Body Shop used to carry 2 red versions, red was just henna and red/brown was a henna /coffee mix.

I purchased my first post Body shop Henna from Renaissance Henna - lovely quality stuff. The biggest difference to me initially was the fineness of the powder. The Body Shop Henna was always noticeably finely crushed leaves, from Renaissance I received a smooth even powder that makes for a much nicer past and application. Body Art quality Henna is the way to go. I also never remember being told to leave the mix to stand covered over night to aide the dye release. Just long enough for it to cool after being mixed with hot not quite boiling water. Basically I think the combinations are endless. One additive I would definitely suggest avoiding is lemon juice. It's used to prepare Henna for Skin, and like sugar has crossed over, but it's an irritant you probably don't want to be putting on your scalp.

In the distant past I also bought henna from one of those old fashioned health food shops that have mostly disappeared now. Shelves of contents in jars like a sweet shop. Then more recently from a spice seller on eBay - the colour release on that was so poor it went straight in the bin! For the last year at least though I've been using Ayuuri Natural Mehandi Powder after finding it on sale in my local Tesco. It's sold for body art, but Henna is Henna. Whilst I'm not huge at patch testing, I do patch test every time a new source of henna and generally only do a 15 minute session the first time. I've found it to be a good reliable henna that allows me to keep my hair bright on a budget and allows me to divert more of my money to quality facial products and make up.

This session ended up at around 2 hours with a carrier bag and towel on my head - whilst I pampered my face with the Bee Venom Mask from Heaven and made lunch. I'm really enjoying using this mask as I think you can definitely see the difference. This is another item that needs patch testing, this may sound obvious given the name of the product and it's active ingredient, but I'd kind of like the wording to be a bit more obvious than it is. Whilst confined to the salon the information can be conveyed easily to the client but as it hits a wider market and other companies follow in on the act I think the information needs to be more obvious. Having previously had a young child admitted to hospital with swelling tongue etc after reacting to a source that was never identified I'm all for clear and obvious guidelines. I'm very strict about my kids going near my potions but not everybody is or is able to be. Like yesterday when my youngest sprayed themselves with furniture polish!! School T-shirt only thankfully not the face.

I patch tested on my jaw line where I'm starting to see sag and loss of tone and could definitely see and feel an improvement compared to the other side of my face. The Heaven mask costs £65 and is available from Nuti Beauty who I notice when checking this link have a whole range of items (Not inc the Venom Mask) at up to 40% off in their January sale. The Bee Venom Mask has a hefty reputation which I think it really stands up to. Whether similar products snapping at it's heels can replicate this remains to be seen.

After lunch I jumped in the shower to wash the henna out. A little messy I know but my neck and back don't do the leaning over the sink thing too well and I find I can get more thorough dyeing to wash out that way. I once went with the suggestion to comb it out and sleep with the henna on overnight. The result for me was no better and my scalp didn't appreciate it either - I may still have had lemon juice in the mix at the time!!

Premium Spa is a brand I would love to see on sale in this country, it's a well priced 'No Nasties' brand who's products I fell in love with when Aldi had them in as a Valentines Special 2 years ago. At the time they were being distributed here by Baylis & Harding solely to Aldi and then no more... Their Ginger & Orange SOS Hand Cream Treatment is my absolute favourite and thankfully I bought more than one at the time. I only picked up one of each of the Body Scrubs however so I keep them as a special treat, particularly the Chamomile and Geranium Salt Scrub which is my clear favourite. The scent of the geranium fills the bathroom and I find the whole experience utterly calming and relaxing. It's not really a scrub for the shower, more the bath, as water getting into the pot hardens the salt crystals, but for NYD it was the perfect indulgence I was after.

The light for photos on New Years day was awful

On the other hand I find the Premium Spa Lavender & Peppermint Foot Scrub, which I can no longer find on their website, ideal for use in the shower. The consistency is viscous enough and gritty enough to get a thorough scrub without losing too much product to the shower. It's quite a gungy brown colour which I guess maybe could have put people off.

Post shower I'm loving my Vidal Sassoon Daily Hydration Hairdryer. Long years ago I gave up drying my hair. It just took so long. My hair isn't thick but there's a fair amount of it and I found drying it a tortuous waste of time. I've been a 90's wash and go grunge babe ever since. At one point there was no hair dryer in the house! But once the kids started to grow proper hair I did indulge but still wasn't won over for myself. My hair, like my skin is starting to age and I know the windswept look isn't going to carry me through the next 10 years as easily as the last 20.

So I was intrigued to receive a press release promising to dry my hair more quickly whilst locking in moisture and pleased to then be offered the chance to try it out for myself. They say: It has an on-board IONIC generator which produces four times the number of IONS as a standard hairdryer. Negative IONs help to break down water particles, reducing drying time and helping to lock in moisture. I can honestly say it's changed my habits completely over the last 2 months. I get out of the shower and reach straight for the dryer. It really does have my hair blasted dry quick enough for me not to be bored stiff. My hair feels more glossy as a result too. Twenty pounds that would have been very well spent and the black and purple slightly rubberised / silicone soft touch feel of the product ticks my boxes too! As does the rotation put away handle.

Sundays pamper wouldn't have been complete without a touch of indulgence in the form of Hair and Body Oil from Beauty Works West. This is a lovely surprise I was sent by Beauty Works West after entering a giveaway for their facial wipes on Caroline's Blog . At £47 for 100ml this one is definitely hitting the luxury category, but oh what a treat. I find the scent of this oil is truly delicious, sweet and sort of orangey but not cloying. Argan and Apricot oils are listed in the product description together with active botanicals Calendula, Ginkgo Biloba, Arnica and Pomegranate, so I'm not sure where I'm getting orangey from..... I like to add a touch to the tips of my hair and my upper body where the scent wafts up to me. I have used it on my legs but on the whole the oil doesn't deliver enough moisture on it's own to make my irritable legs feel comfortable.

That job went to another favourite I have Caroline to thank for. All for Eve's Body Butter is thick. Thicker than any other body butter I've tried. I really didn't like it at first. Not because of the cucumber fragrance - I hate the smell of cucumber - which I really don't notice, but because it doesn't have the ease of movement that other body butters possess. It doesn't glide on so easily. Over time however it's what I reach for when my legs are cross and itchy because it packs a welly in the hydration department. It's not on my list of sexy products but boy do my legs love it. All for Eve exist to raise awareness of gynaecological cancer not 'just' raise money through their sales. The fabulous 5 piece set which launched as a Today's Special Value last year is still available from QVC for £28.45 inc postage - a great price as the Body Butter and Daniel Sandler Lippie cost £10.50 a piece. All for Eve is also available in some Boots...I've never seen it there so maybe big stores and is I believe due to be part of Tesco's push into premium beauty this coming year.

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream was the first item I've tried from the Sp@Home range, although I realise from the recent QVC TSV that the Monoi Moisture Melt, another pamper favourite, has been rebranded under this title too. The range is about slowing down the pace at the end of the day, taking time to nourish the body and de-stress the mind. Relaxation is key. The key note for me however, was that this didn't smell of peppermint. I know peppermint is great for feet, but I don't always want them to be smelling of it. This one has; patchouli, eucalyptus, and lemon oils together with shea butter and jojoba oil and does the job very nicely thank you!

PR Samples = Bee Venom Mask via Nutri Beauty, Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream via QVC, Vidal Sassoon Daily Hydration Hairdryer. Hair and Body Oil gift from from Beauty Works West

Thursday, 29 December 2011

A look at Paul and Joe's 10th Anniversary - Meow!

Blusher Stick in Minou

Paul & Joe are all set to celebrate their 10th Anniversary in style, kicking off this January with Meow! How better to start the year than a collection that celebrates Sophie Albou's love of cats and draws inspiration from the ultimate in sex kittens Bridget Bardot.

First out of the stalls, launching exclusively with ASOS on New Years day, will be 3 Face & Eye Colour trios £19.50 and 3 lipsticks £16.

Purr-fect 078

Subtle Ivory and Moss

Siamese, Please 076

Kittycat 077

Each trio contains not just colours that work naturally together, but contrasting textures, matte, pearlescent and shiny to give a professional look and finish. Ideal then for anyone fed up of collections that lack that matte colour that can really set off an eye design. As you can see from the pic above, only the Paul & Joe name is an overlay. The colours can be blended together for use on the cheeks, though I would think you would need to be on the slightly more daring side to try this with Purr-fect. Having said that, I would imagine many of these beauties might well be bought just to stare in wonder at.

Outer packaging for Face and Eye Colour

Meow! - sweet natural pink

Catwalk - modish coral

Sex Kitten - sexy nude beige

Meow! - Catwalk - Sex Kitten

The full Meow! range will then hit Fenwick, New Bond St on the 14th and Harrods on the 25th January.

The amazing top hatted Blusher Stick in Minou is one of 3 colours available. The back of the cats head is smooth to allow easy application whilst not interfering with the stunning design. To maintain the required level of detail, each cat head mould could only be used a few times before being discarded. Minou is a romantic subtle pink, whilst Glamour Puss gives a pearlescent beige highlight and Catfight a bold tangerine burst. £21

Nail Enamels £10

Manekineko - Bright Hot Pink

Kitten Claws - High Society Soft Pink

Tigress - Pearlescent nude hue

The Meow! collection's Cat Flick comes in the form of Paul & Joe's signature Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in black - £16 - and can be spotted at the top of the table shot near beginning of the post. I haven't tried it, but the information promises an easy application that doesn't fade or smudge. Infused with Quick Dry Oil to ensure even application that dries in a snap and Lasting Film Polymers that form a waterproof coat. The liner comes with a tapered flat travel style brush - only just visible behind the nail enamel boxes in my picture – perfect to control application and ensure the look you desire.

Bringing a close to the first of Paul & Joe's ten year Anniversary offerings, is this stunning Matte Pressed Powder. If my memory serves me correctly the tails on these cats each had to be set by hand. Priced at £28 the powder is described as Cinnamon - natural, warm beige flawless on any skin tone, mixing the Spicy Beige of the cat with the Clear Beige of the background. The lid design of the compact can be seen here.