Babyliss Big Hair 42MM & Thermo heated roller review

I have recently gone into a bit of a mode to look after myself and my skin and hair a little more,
I was toying with idea of extensions, however I have decided instead to do what I can to look after my hair and treat it well, while it grows.


I am going to wash with good shampoos, and treat weekly (or twice a week) with a rich nourishing hair mask. I am looking to start taking a supplement such as biotin too.


I am aware that adding more heat to hair is not a good idea and both of the products I am reviewing are heated products, however I am very lucky that my hair holds the style for days. So if I do my hair Monday it will hold until I need to wash on Wednesday night / Thursday morning.


Babyliss Big Hair 42mm,
I love the smoothed bouncy effect when I go to the hair dressers and they finish my hair with a "bouncy blowdry". I wanted to find a way to make my hair replicate this at home. I have naturally frizzy curly hair and didn't know how / if I could get the smooth effect myself without straighteners.


I have never been able to manage the blow dryer in one hand and brush in the other system at home, therefore seeing the big hair was very interesting.
If you are not aware the big hair basically takes the two tools and turns them into one. The hot air comes out, and the brush end spins and finishes your hair.


I went for the middle size brush for my long bob / shoulder length hair. I used this one evening when I had time to play, and from shower to finished was 10 minutes! I was shocked at how easy it was even on first play. I did need to get used to pressing the buttons in the right direction for the side of my head, (curl under or curl over)


I am very happy with the full effect this gives, with the smooth finish. (please ignore the lack of makeup - it was about 9pm)

Thermo heated rollers,
I wanted a day with tighter curls and a little more vintage look so out came the rollers, I put the rollers on to hear while I had my shower (they take about 10 minutes to heat up) and then after the shower blasted my hair with the dryer (making it a big frizzy mess). Brushed through and started with the rollers. I used the biggest sizes and started on the top on my fringe / parting sections, easly securing with the comb clips. They felt secure and not tight (like pervious roller experience) I then sat down and did some work for about half a hour while the rollers cooled.
Simply hold the end of the roller and unclip the comb - once all out the hair was a tighter curl, so I simply swooshed the hair a bit (think because I'm worth it lol). I was very happy, leaving a different look.
I know that there were 3 sizes and the size of roller used and length of time you leave in can give different effects.

What do you think? Or what can you suggest of looks to try.


Nicola

Tropic Skincare - Review and Thoughts

My experience of Tropic Skincare.

I was very lucky to be asked to go and have a pamper session with a local Tropic Skincare Ambassador.

Jo is new to the company and it was really refreshing to see her excitement about all of the products and how lovely and beautifully packaged they all were.
She also let me know about the company and the long history originating back in Australia before the owner worked really hard and had a little help along the way after her appearance on the apprentice.

All of the items have the vegan and cruelty free logos and this is something that the company are passionate about. Also in the front of the brochure was a long list of what the items didn't contain, paraben free, gluten free, harsh preservatives, alcohol (and the list goes on) The brand is all about being, pure, honest & effective.

I had personally not heard about the brand much, other that it was meant to be the up and coming rival to my beloved Liz Earl. However I am always happy to look at other products especially when they are good for you and the planet.

JO then started on my facial, Using the cleanser as an eye make up remove firstly - (on damp cotton wool so that you don't waste product) then on to the cleanser on the face, on each person you will smell different ingredients based on what you skin needs, for me this was the Eucalyptus, this was meant to be as my body was tense and stressed, or that a cold may be coming on,  and should help for stress release and release. (it worked) Then this was washed off with the lovely natural bamboo cloth.

Then on to toning, - which I also learnt that is to help close your pores after cleaning and re balance your skins natural PH level. Helping to prevent all sorts of nasties getting into your skin which can create uneven skin tone etc.

Then was the luxury oil,  I was dubious of this stage as I have used oil before and I didn't like the smell or texture. However this one didn't smell unpleasant, and in literally seconds was absorbed into the skin with no residue.

Then was the eye cream, and moisturizer. All of which felt and smelt amazing.
Throughout the stages the products did not feel heavy or greasy, and all of the smells were uplifting and beautiful.

I was also introduced to the facial polisher and the body polisher and hand cream, again items that were amazing.

Afterwards my skin was luminous and glowing, I know my skin is not too bad usually and I am all about prevention at the moment, however the products did help my skin feel smooth, even, plumped and nourished. I am very happy now even the day after that my skin is still looking glowing. I have never had this instant effect from any of the brands that I have used (and I have been through a fair few)

I now have a very long list of products that I would like to purchase, and I think after payday and when my current Liz Earle has run out I know where I will be making a purchase.

JO explained to me the benefits if I chose to have a home pamper party, and the incentives that are offered as a thank you, Also you can become an ambassador yourself and get this lovely kit and share the goodness with your family and friends (or keep it all for yourself haha)

If you wanted to take a look at the catalog you can look and order here:

Or if you had any questions here is jo's Facebook group I am sure she will help if you direct message her too:
https://www.tropicskincare.co.uk/shop/joannehenderson/newhome.html
https://www.facebook.com/Tropic-Skincare-and-Makeup-with-Jo-845150425612151/?fref=nf

Speak soon
Nicola

I hit the shops in York this weekend,

I hit the shops in York this weekend,

This weekend I went on a girly day to the local city of York, this was me and a few members of the family on the train for a shopping trip.

Where to start but lush,

As I live out of town lush is a few and far between treat, I think the last lush haul I had was in around February / March and I had well and truly run out.

I treated myself to a favourite of the comforter and, the butterbear bath bomb. The ventures to a few new treats, the stardust bath bomb, mint julips lip scrub and oatifix face mask.

I cannot wait to get chance this week for a proper lush bath / pamper night to try all of the new products.

Then I popped into boots, I have been using a hairspray from my local aldi and it really was not suiting my hair and it made it all sticky. I have missed my natural hold boots own hairspray. Therefore I had to pop by to get more. I have been loving my new unique lip stain, therefore I bought a new one at £4.95 from Seventeen in berry crush. I do like the colour however all of the options were very dark, I wanted to find a coral / pink tone however so far I have not come across an option. (Suggestions welcome) I like the stains in autumn as there is a good colour payoff, and you are not constantly reapplying like a lipstick.

I decided to invest in some new winter boots, I have x2 pairs of black boots and had no brown, I looked in a number of shops then found some really comfy boots in Dorothy Perkins, I was looking at the black boots and nearly bought my third pair of black, until a friend advised me to get the brown. I really like how comfy they are. I now need a matching bag and jacket, I am on the lookout. Again suggestions welcomed.

I am fully into xmas shopping mode, and I keep seeing products I would love myself when out and making not so subtle hints. Hopefully Santa will think I have been a good girl this year.

Nic

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste - yes the one you have seen on all of the selling websites

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste - yes the one you have seen on all of the selling websites

I have just bought from a Facebook rep the new toothpaste everyone is raving about.
I thought it was really strange how all the unbelievable before and afters were getting published, yet no one knew the name of this wunder product.

It seems that for some reason the company who have the products don't want everyone knowing about it.

Well I always use whitening toothpaste, usually one of the well known like Colgates normal whitening. I don't smoke, I don't drink black drinks or red wine. Therefore the stains should not have been too bad to remove.
Through the last 2 weeks I didn't think the product was making much noticeable different, and deffernately not like the pictures guaranteed after 2 weeks.

However I can see from looking at the pictures this morning there is a noticeable difference and more even tone.

I think this could be a good product for overtime and not an instant or special event whiten. I would say still stick to the LED systems or the Colgate Max White toothpaste. However when my tube is finished I will not be repurchasing.

What do you think?

Day 1

Day 7

Day 14

Nicola

Actiderm Skincare, Reaction and breakout - UPDATE

Well I thought I best share this with you.

I have previously had a Actiderm Makeover where the Actiderm clenser and toner was used,
I have had a full Actiderm facial with the products used.

I recently had an at home party and purchased £80 worth of products. I have used 3 items out of the 5 I have used and had an immediate Allergic reaction.
I do have very sensitive skin, therefore I went for a brand and products that I was advised to be allergen free, I used them before purchase etc.

It started on the under side of my right eye, red, swollen, sore and what looked like a minor burn, Later that day this transferred to show on both upper eyelids. Then to what looked like severly dry red skin .Well a week on from the reaction my skin is still settling down.

I have reported this to the agent who sold the products, and the company directly on numerous occasions. So far I have had no response to resolve the matter. I was very happy , but now I have spent a lot of money on items I have either used once or will not even unseal.
I am guessing the formulation may have changed or something, but now the aftercare from the company is not very impressive.

I thought I would let you know, as I have previously reviewed how amazing the products are, and now I dont have the same opinion of the products, or the company's customer service.

Nicola

Eyebrow Tinting / Waxing and Eyelash Tinting – Before and After

This wasn’t the first time I had this done, I have previously had my patch test and all had come up fine.

I had neglected my brows for about 8 weeks, they were uneven and unloved. I was finding it hard to make my eye make-up look good. Therefore an appointment was booked in.

On the night the lady tinted my eyebrows first, this took about 3 minutes, We were just chatting away and the time flow.

Eyelashes: - she put some Vaseline under my eye and a cotton wool pad folded in half, then asked me to close my eyes (not scrunch) and keep them closed until asked me to reopen. Then she painted on the dye. (I went for blue / black). Again we sat and chatted, this time with my eyes closed, for around 10 minutes. She then wiped away the excess dye and “tickled” my lashes to separate them all.

Then the eyebrow wax, I always find this uncomfortable. By no way pain where I would have it done again. But always makes me jump on one eye more than the other. This time as my brows were so bad she then spent another few minutes with a tweezer tidy. (This part always reminds me why I don’t get my legs or other areas waxed)

Then all done, asked me to sit up and check all is ok.

(bottom picture left = before wipe off once home)

Everything will look darker and bolder than you expected.  This is due to the residue of the dyes. Try and leave this overnight if you can to help your colour last longer. Then wash with a gentle cleanser the next day.

I love the way it makes my face change, I feel like I can just put minimal foundation on and a lippy and I’m out the door. It doesn't make me look “made up” but it makes me look groomed. The effects usually last about 3 weeks for me. Therefore I am planning on booking 4 weekly reoccurring appointments.

Any other beauty treatments I should be looking into?

Nicola

Actiderm Makeup and products.

This week I have been contacted by a lady in my local area to see her about Actiderm products. To be honest I had not heard of the items before and did some reading online.

The products are by a British pharmaceutical company, made in their own French Labs, who work with all of the big names in French and worldwide skincare brands. They branched out and started to produce their own line, but due to contracts can only sell directly to the public. Therefore they have a brochure / party company to sell their items. There is a wide range of skin and body beauty items. However in the last 6 months they have brought out a mineral makeup range. 

Jen asked if I would like a free makeover to see more about the products myself. I went to her house where the products were all laid out on the table with their silver packaging.

She then talked to me about the products how they are all paraben free and how no talc or bulking agent is used in the items. Great for me with my sensitive skin. We then decided to go for a daring evening look. I wasn’t going out anywhere and I was still in my office work clothes but I wanted to see a change. Something I wouldn’t have known how to do at home. 

Jen went through the stages and told me what she was doing and how she applied this.

At the end I got a sheet with a link to her website and what products were used. There was no hard sell, but this is due to the products selling themselves.

I have never found a red lipstick for me, and Jen worked her magic and did in the shade strawberry. I also really likes the brow wax she used. I am currently using MUA with a wax and powder combination. But I think I’m going to convert. I was also interested in the cream to powder foundation. I have never ventured away from straight liquid, or my mineral powder. Never one that changed between, however the coverage was smooth and I can build it up if I have a bad skin day.

I have since spoken to some colleagues at work about the skincare range and they want to know more, due to the lifting, tightening and plumping that some offer. (I don’t think I’m ready for them just yet)

In conclusion:

•          I like Jen, she was lovely – if your local to Doncaster / Retford get in touch with her.
•        I like the products and they opened my eyes to new items to try
•       I like the idea of the company with their ethics of not bulking out the products and being paraben free.
•         I’m not an Actiderm convert, however I shall be adding items to my routine. I would like to learn more about the daily skincare range.

Nicola

Links:

Jens facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jensactiderm/

Jens Website: http://www.actiderm.co.uk/me/jenny-driscoll

A little bit of me time: What I do to relax

After a few hectic weeks stress and tension can take hold and create aches and pains.

I used to treat myself to frequent “Paid me time” in the form of either a back massage, Gel nail, or facial.

But over time this fades out of the window. If you are like me you buy the do it at home gel nail kit, and the cleanser, toner and moisturiser set for an at home facial. I even tried one of the massage chairs for at home that sit on a dining chair.  You think you have done yourself justice to give you some me time and “treating yourself” hopefully saving yourself money at the same time.

Nails:

Well I do agree that doing my nail at home etc has saved me a lot of money as the kit cost around £70 all in with polish and a set of gel nails at the salon is £20. So this made the money back in a matter of weeks. However hard I try I cannot get my nails to last longer than a week without peeling off. My salon nails always last at least 14 and usually close to 21 days. I think it is due to me having a good and bad hand etc and them spending time on the job.

Facial:

Well I do always take my make up off at night now and moisturise twice daily thanks to my dressing table. However if I hold my hands up. I never go through the whole, ex-foliate, double cleanse, toner, mask, moisturise system.  Today my skin is glowing and radiant after having an facial.

Massage:

Well I have tried few gadgets over my time but you can never ever beat a trained massage therapist. I don’t link the touchy nice massages, I prefer to know that what they are doing is actually un knotting my back (hence I usually have a sports massage) But like today I had an aromatherapy massage giving me time to relax stretch out and distress.

Yes today cost me money, and yes I had to go to the beauty salon, but this was 1hr30mins of pure relaxation and me time. I came out feeling fresh and chilled (a feeling I have not felt for a while)

I don’t know if I can justify this every month, but I shall be trying to keep this up more frequently (it had been a year)

What do you think? What do you do to relax?

Nic

Essentials Items Superdrug Online Shop Haul

I needed essentials and this is what I got.

I like to online shop rather than do an impulse buy when I am at a supermarket. I can get the same priced items and have a read of the reviews at the same time.

I knew I needed:

Makeup

Moisturiser

Eye cream

Cleanser & Toner

Spot Stick

I ordered on the Sunday evening and got free standard shipping. This came with Royal Mail thee following Friday,

Outside the box was Superdrug branded, inside the items were packaged with brown paper and bubble wrap on the fragile item. Also included was a copy of Superdrug’s dare magazine.

This lot came to £15 and I got a lot for my money as many items were reduced or BOGOF.

What do you think?

Nic

My Daily Facial Skincare Routine.

I do have very sensitive skin is just normal otherwise apart from at certain times of the month I get a bit spotty.

Usually if I stick to non-harsh products and dont swap and change around my skin stays clear and trouble free.

Morning:

Mecellar water, day cream and lip balm.

Night:

Micellar water, full cleanse and tone, eye cream, night cream, lip treatment.

Rush Job:

Kirkland Face wipes and Vaseline.

About once a month I use a clay or tea tree based face mask and a nose strip. On very rare occasions I will use a for sensitive skin facial scrub.

Any suggestions

Nic

I have a dressing table.

Finally I have a dressing table. 

This is one thing that I have always wanted and never had room for. When I moved late last year I didn't think I had room either. However I was wrong. I needed to find something that would fit in the gap and also go with my existing furniture. I didn’t have the world’s biggest budget either.

A few weeks ago I did the research and a blog on this: http://nicolasnewthings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/dressing-table-decisions-help-needed.html

I decided on the Argos set, as this was the best value, had the full set including the mirror and stool and could be delivered before my birthday.

I did have to wait 10 days for the delivery but the item was in stock, it was just unfortunate that they didn't have a driver in my area before. However this still came before my birthday.

On the day the driver called me about an hour before so that I could arrange to be home. He also carried the box to my front door, (a 1^st floor flat). Everything was in one box making it quite heavy.

The dressing table set too about an hour to build, this could have been done by myself however some parts needed force and a friend helped. Once built I love it, the mirror looks like it is at a strange angle but this is ideal for me with the position of the light in my room to look down towards the mirror. I cannot quite get my legs under the table and have to sit slightly off to the side. But this is not a problem for the few minutes I am at it. There are 2 big deep drawers and I have stored my hair-dryer and straighteners in there.

I have my perfume box on the top.

My cleansers (so kept upright) and my brushes.

Then plastic storage boxes with sections. Face, eyes, lips, hair, nails, other (highlighters etc).

I can safely say I have used this every day, twice a day and I don’t know how I managed before. I know it sounds cliché but I like spending the 5 minutes in a morning and 5 at night doing something to take care of myself and it helps me feel better.

What do you think?

Nic 

My January favourites 2015

January Favourites 2015

This month I do have a few items that I could not have lived without.

Hand Cream: I have been using pretty much anything I can get my hands on. I have been loving the Q10 cream from Tesco. this is less than a pound and I have about 3 tubes so that I can get hold of it and slap some on. This doesn’t make your hands greasy in small amounts.

Lip Balm: Blistex intensive repair cream. This has a tingly menthol taste which I don’t really like. However this cream is amazing. Especially with the constant changes in weather we have at the minute. I try and apply this at least twice in a day. Always before I go to bed at night.

Body Moisturiser: I am still loving the Body Shop Pink Grapefruit body butter. I recently got lots of the matching range including the body sorbet, but I have gone straight back to the butter. Especially at the moment where my skin feels dry and unloved. Great to slap on a good layer and jump into PJ's.

Snow Boots: For Xmas I had been asking for supplies ready for the upcoming ski holiday. I had been lucky to receive a pair of fluffy on the inside Tress pass snow boots. All of my ski clothes were in the theme of black and cerise pink. Well these were black with pink stitching. They are the comfiest shoes in the world. I had been wanting to hold out for the holiday. However with the cold weather and snow I used them before going away.

Suitcase: I had been advised before travelling to a snowy country that I shouldn’t take a roller suitcase as this will just get wet. Therefore I got a lightweight space saver suitcase. Well when it arrived I didn't think I could fit a full weeks clothes in there. Well I did and due to the lightweight and squashy sides I easily fit in my bulky clothes and was well under the weight limit for the flight.

What have you been loving?

Speak Soon

Nic 

October Favourites 2014

October Favourites:

Yet another month has flown by. In October I had been keeping myself to myself and loving easy home comforts. Keeping warm and wrapped up, loving simple surroundings.

Bath: I am still loving my lush the comforter bath bar. This month I have had an excama breakout. Therefore using the comforter and my prescribed medication. My skin is slowly healing and is feeling nourished in the process.

Food: The slow cooker is working wonders, simply throw in everything in a morning and leave on. Therefore a yummy smelling house and about 3 days worth of food sat waiting for you. Recently I have been making, a spanish style chicken stew. With chicken, chorizo and tomatoes. This is a very yummy warming dish. Costing about £6 but giving 4 big portions from one pot. Best to tub up and freeze for extra meals.

Life: I have just become a PartyLite Consultant. I went into this not planning on going out to the parties and being and online only consultant. With my knowledge of social media and blogging. I have had some success with this and it is early days. However I have had my eyes opened to the world of the parties. It is a good place for me to get out of the house for a few hours, have some me time, and be surrounded by yummy scented candles. If you wanted to know more information have a look at my website: www.NicolaWatson.partylite.co.uk I love candles, and now is a good opportunity to do something for me and sell them and make some pocket money in the process. 

Work: This is the quiet season for Photography, I am working hard on my website and the back end systems to hopefully help kick start a great 2015 and get plenty of bookings in the diary. I love wedding photography, I hope one day I can do this full time. However right now I just wish I could do it more often.

Friends: This month I have been in contact with a few friends who I may not have seen or spoken to in a while. I am very appreciative of the support I have gained, especially over the phone. It is amazing how a simple text message can help brighten your day if you are feeling lousy. I want to make a conscious effort to contact all of the true friends in my phonebook at least once a week. 

This month I have really understood this quote:

I feel that November is going to be a big month for me. (the first week has already seen a massive change - I will share this at some point) I just want to work on myself, get my mind and body healthy and work towards being the best I can be, in all aspects of my life.

What have you been loving?

Speak Soon

Nic