NUDE Skincare

Nude is an award winning skincare brand I had heard about, but until recently hadn't had the chance to try and test. So when I received the Advance Cellular Renewal Range I was more than eager to try it out after reading great reviews in the press.

Arguably, these products are their signature anti-ageing products which perhaps isn't massively necessary at 30 years of age, but nonetheless I was drawn in by its promise to rejuvinate, hydrate, restore and firm, essentially I was looking for new skin. Nude is a luxury high end brand that prides itself on its natural qualities, it is silicone free and it uses Probiotic Technology to aid cellular repair and renewal and the two products I have been using - Advance Cellular Renew Serum and Advance Cellular Moisturiser - go the extra mile to bring skin back to life.

The serum is their worldwide best seller, and teamed with the moisturiser I have to say my skin has been consistently flawless since using it, as a combination it delivers everything you could want from a skincare brand. The serum has the highest concentration of Probiotic Technology which is proven to repair the skin. As soon as I started using my skin felt smooth and its appearance dewier. It is also gentle enough to use round the eyes. The moisturiser, which I use following the serum, keeps skin firm and constantly hydrated, together they make for a very powerful skincare combination.

I use only a small amount of each product morning and evening which is sufficient for covering the whole face, it smells delicious as well, and you really feel like you are giving skin a healthy treat that will instantly give gratification and noticeable difference. All this joy comes at a premium though, the combination is priced at £146 so I don't think I will be rushing any time soon to repurchase, but if you feel like (really) treating your skin then you wont be disappointed!

Have any of you guys sampled the Nude range?
http://www.nudeskincare.com/

Burberry Fashion Week Look

Check out the product used in this video on 105

Skin Care for Oily / Combination Skin

Sam asked me to write this blog simply because both the girls have dry skin and don't have first hand experience with products for a combination/oily skin.

No matter what skin type we have we are never happy, I envy a dry skin with less breakouts and a flawless matte finish however people envy the healthy sheen of an oily skin type (and less wrinkles I think!)
I have used many products over the years but have compiled some products I love and feel truly work.

For an oily skin it is essential to keep your skin clean. Not all breakouts are caused by bacteria on the skin but if you are maintaining a good cleansing routine then this will help for sure.

I am obsessed with skin care and recently saved up and treated myself to a Clarisonic cleansing brush.
This is a real luxury item and I would never normally spend this much money but it really does leave your skin feeling super squeaky clean afterwards.You can use any cleanser with it and it is totally waterproof so great to take into the shower.

 Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish cleanser is banged on about all the time so I tried it just because of the hype. It really is a great cleansing solution for any skin type including an oily one.

Now I personally don't bother with the cleansing cloth which I know is the whole point but I have a slight phobia about flannels, cloths etc. I know you wash them but I just don't like them. I prefer to just massage in with my hands or use my Clarisonic.

It is a plant based cleanser and I feel like the Eucalyptus ingredient really tingles and makes my skin feel fresh whilst the added Hops acts as an astringent and tones the skin. Great for removing all traces of make-up, grime and even stubborn mascara.
 You need just the tiniest amount so it will last ages and at £14.25 it's a real bargain.


My favourite toner is a spray on one by Dermalogica called Multi active toner.

It is a fine mist that you simply spray over which both freshens up your skin and primes it ready for moisturiser application.
Priced at £15 it does sound rather pricy but you only need one or two sprays and will last months.







A lot of people email me to ask if it is necessary to use a moisturiser if you have oily skin...The answer is most definately YES!
Moisturiser is the most important element in the whole skin care routine. If you are finding that your moisturiser is leaving your skin feeling greasy then you are using the wrong one for your skin type.
If your skin is left un-moisturised then it will compensate by producing extra natural oils which will then in turn make the skin even more oily.

I tend to use two different moisturisers depending on the seasons as my skin is affected greatly by the weather change.
In the summer I use Clarins Hydra Quench Lotion SPF15.

  I know your thinking "Hydra Quench is she crazy!" but it doesn't mean it will leave your skin greasy. I
t's really lightweight and is absorbed very quickly.
The added benefit of using this in the summer is that it contains specialist ingredients which help to eliminate shine brought on by heat and humidity which then also provide extra protection in the harsher summer months or when on holiday.
Priced at £33.00 and in a 50ml bottle that is within aircraft measurements this is a great moisturiser for your holidays.


For the winter months I have been using and loving Avene Anti-shine regulating lotion.
A thermal spring water based moisturiser that is anti irritating and soothing whilst still nourishing the skin.
 It contains oil regulating capsules which help control the shine on the skin giving a perfect base for make-up application.
Its £10.50 for 40ml and is available online or from Boots.

I do have a secret weapon in my skincare arsenal, I would never be without Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair and although expensive it is a real luxury product that I honestly believe in.
This is a repair serum that I use under my moisturiser both day and night. It helps to repair damage caused by everyday pollutants and speeds up the recovery time of the skin.
Generally I apply two drops all over my face but if I have a breakout then I apply up to 5 drops and really masssage into the area of the blemishes. In the morning the area has improved dramatically!
It comes in two sizes 30ml at £41.00 or 50ml at £54.00.
Worth every penny.

For more information check out the website links below;

http://clarisonic.co.uk/
http://uk.lizearle.com/
http://www.dermalogica.com/uk/
http://www.clarins.co.uk/
http://www.avene.co.uk/

http://www.esteelauder.co.uk/

Written by Stacey Oakes
Pixiwoo Course Manager and Make-up Artist  

Repechage Lip Rescue Kit

My lips are an area that I often forget about when carrying out my regular beautifying routines and, no doubt, this is probably why my lips are constantly dry and flaky!

On Saturday night I wanted to wear a bright lip so felt it would be a good opportunity to give the Repechage Lip Rescue Kit a go so my lips would be primed to perfection.

I had not heard of this brand before but they are an American professional skin care range which is mainly sold within premium health spas and resorts.

The kit contains an exfoliating lip cream which is non abrasive. In the past I have used a really abrasive exfoliator on my lips which left them feeling raw and sensitive but the Repechage Lip Rescue Kit felt much more comfortable for me. Massage it in, leave for a few minutes and then tissue off. Next, apply the lip moisturiser all over the lip and surrounding skin using the massaging tool included. Gently run the wheels of the massager back and forth over the lips – don't look at yourself in the mirror while you do this as it's hard to massage your lips while you are laughing at yourself!

I ditched the massager after a few seconds preferring to massage the cream in myself using my fingers. The cream itself was very light and absorbed quickly. It dried to an almost matte finish which felt slightly strange but would be great for people who are not keen on the glossy / sticky feeling some balms can leave.

The plumping gloss was also gentle but effective and thankfully lacked the stinging sensation that some plumping products cause. It had a smooth texture and a high shine that lasted well.

This kit is good for people who want to maintain the softness of their lips but probably not best suited for people who have sensitive lips or suffer from extreme dryness. Although my lips felt good afterwards, I personally prefer a thicker balm to moisturise my lips.

The products are only available as a set and are available from www.repechageuk.com priced at £25.75.

Illamasqua Neutral Palette

I love the summertime but the major downfall with the longer days is that when you head out on a saturday night it's still broad daylight and you feel like you have so much make-up on!

 This little gem from Illamasqua is the perfect palette that combines colours for a smokey sultry eye but with the combined textures of matte and metallic so you can create a more subtle blended, softer look.        

The shadows were easy to blend with zero fall out on the cheeks.
Often in a quad there is at least one colour you would never use but each colour in this palette has its use weather you use them individually or together. 

The soft buttermilk base called stealth creates a soft matte highlight and sits as a great base for layering on the antique gold colour called Vintage. I used this colour all over the lid and buffed it into the crease of the eye. (see image at bottom of post)

Depending on the depth of colour you want you can then darken up the crease with the chocolatey brown (Wolf) and add a little of the black shadow named Obsidian at the very edges and wing it out for a feline twist to the look.

The gold (Vintage) compliments brown, green eyes or blue eyes perfectly

Have a play and let us know what you think.

Quad is £30.00 and available at

http://www.illamasqua.com/ 

Glossy Box Harrods Special Edition

At my age you don't really get presents anymore so on receiving the Special edition Harrods Glossy box in its beautiful packaging and trademark Harrods green bow I was super excited
Glossy box is available online for £10. Just fill out your personal profile so they can tailor your box to suit you and then each month you will receive 5 miniature from high end brands.
Its like your birthday every month!


We love this months Harrods edition containing a 4ml Eau De Toilette of Fendi's new Fandi fragrance. A sultry summers evening fragrance that is both fruity smelling with notes of pear and blackcurrant, you can also smell the leathery undertones too.


Clarins Extra firming body cream in a perfect travel size is included. I already use this and love the rich silky texture, perfect for dry skin.

Ojon Restorative Hair Serum for dry/damaged hair in an easy to use pipette style applicator is really light weight and I found a little went a really long way. My hair is now over processed and dry so this was really good to run through the lengths and ends to smooth down fly away ends.

A curious looking envelope from Erno Laszlo containing 5 sachets of their key products.
Laszlo was a Hungarian dermatologist who back in 1927 was one of the first to introduce sunscreens within products, skincare for an oily skin type and a range for teenage skin.
He was massive in Hollywood and prescribed skin care for some major icons including Greta Garbo, Ava Gardner and our favourite Marilyn Monroe. Sounds right up my street!


The star product for us has to be the tiniest, cutest little lipstick you have ever seen by Burberry.
The colour included is called Rosewood and it is a glossy coral/brown.
The packaging is exactly the same as the full size lipsticks with its weighty polished gunmetal case and Burberry check embossed lipstick bullet. The best things really do come in small packages. We are all fighting over it in Pixiwoo Towers.

To get your hands on Glossybox check out www.glossybox.co.uk

Face.Lace by Phyllis Cohen

Thanks to Phyliss Cohen we don't all need to be an amazing make-up artist drawing intricate freehand designs on our faces.
Make-up artist Phyliss Cohen's background stems from illustration and through this she has built a career within the make-up industry working with many of the leading brands and designing looks for celebrities such as David Bowie and The Rolling Stones. Her work has graced all of the major publications.

Burlesque

Mehndoodle 1

The larger laces may or may not be your everyday typical make-up looks but for a party or a themed look they are perfect.

The smaller more intricate designs are more wearable for a night out but beware... you will be getting a lot of attention as people will be amazed by your make-up artistry.

Face Lace could not be easier to use. 
Peel off the backing paper and lay on to the skin.
Remove the application tab and press gently.
It is non fade, non smudge and takes less than a minute to apply.

There are 15 different designs to choose from including Eyelaces, Masks, Mehndoodles and play sheets. 

The Face Lace collection is available online from www.face-lace.com from 31st March 2012 and are priced from £13.95 - £19.95

Little White Lie Tanning Lotion

This is a new product to me, and a welcome addition to the fake tanners I have tried in the past. The great thing about this product in particular, is that you can achieve instant results as it develops fast. Instead of having to apply it to dry skin, you can apply it straight after moisturising. It comes out of the tube in the classic dark brown fake tan shade, yet when you begin to blend it into the skin it turns into a white creamy lotion that is simple to work with, it gives an even colour and I had no problems with streaking or patchiness. It absorbs quickly, without leaving residue yet manages to leave the skin feeling comfortable and breathable.

The colour the tan develops to is very natural, I don’t apply too much to the skin anyway, but it is buildable and turns a deeper shade as opposed to a different colour when more is applied. Although you get instant results, it does develop further over a couple of hours but not too drastically so don’t worry. In terms of longevity, it is noticable on the skin for up to 3 days, so I would recommend application a couple of times a week to maintain a light and natural tanned look. The scent of the tan does have a hint of the typical fake tan smell, but it is not as bad as some others – but make sure you wash your hands as soon as applied – it will stain!

Ok, so it hasn’t got the best scent in the world but perhaps that’s not so much of a problem and it’s the finished look that counts, right?  The one I have is the darker tanning lotion and it is £15, but there is a lighter option available which actually comes out as a clear lotion when applied which doesn’t provide an instant colour like the darker lotion and instead develops after a couple of hours and that is £12.50. As well as these two, there are exfoliators, mousse’s, sprays and a “wash off” product that you apply, and then wash off straight away for instant colour 
These products are currently a third off in Boots in the U.K so you can get even more value for money! 

Take a look at them here. 

More Jessica Love

Just thought I would share with you guys some (more) Jessica colours we are loving. These two are called 'Bronze Tailed' which is the light brown colour and the shimmery silver is called 'Smokey Feather' which, as an added bonus, makes a more affordable and amazing dupe for Chanel's Graphite for any of you Chanel lovers out there. As a duo I think they work gorgeously together and I love the earthy, natural tone to them yet they have a bit of sparkle at the same time. The brown shade is particularly sophisticated and right on trend too as neutral, brown tones are very much must have colours at the moment. I love how they are not too glittery but give just enough to be eye catching and pretty.

As I am sure you all know by now (!) we love the whole Jessica package and they tick every box as far as nail varnishes are concerned, and these two are just another welcomed addition to our budding collection and so far we are yet to be disappointed by any Jessica product. I should mention that for any of you who have dry cuticles of general worn skin their Phenomenon oil is fantastic for hydrating, nourishing and smoothing skin round the nail and can also be used in a variety of other ways too! 

Get the Jessica polishes and see more of the range and products available at 

www.jessicacosmetics.com

Redken Extreme CAT

Apparently my hair is really dry and my hairdresser seems to think it was mainly due to a lack of protein in my hair.
 This she says, can be caused by a number of factors including diet, and the fact that I have my hair highlighted.
She recommended a product made by Redken which helps to restore the Protein in your hair.

Now for the science....
It includes fortifying ingredients which help give protective shine, structural repair and the proteins penetrate deep into the hair giving internal strength.
The natural lipids help resurface the hair making the cuticles smooth and shiny.

Its so easy to use this product.
After shampooing your hair towel dry to get most of the moisture out and then spritz all over the hair.
 Gently comb through the hair with a wide toothed comb and leave for 3-5 minutes and then rinse out.
Finish with your normal conditioner.
 If im short of time I will spray some into my conditioner in my hand and massage it in together and then rinse.


After I blow dried my hair it was super soft and really glossy. It never really looks glossy being blonde and normally dry but I could instantly feel the difference and a few people commented on how soft and full my hair looked.

 

This product can be used up to three times a week or just as an intensive treatment when you need it.

150ml retails for £16 in the UK.
Check out www.redken.co.uk for more information

Let me know if you know of any other great products for dry hair.

Post written by Stacey Oakes. 
Pixiwoo Make-up Course Coordinator.

HOURGLASS Film Noir Lash Lacquer

You may have noticed us talking about Hourglass products recently, we are new to the brand and so far have loved what we have tried. Hourglass is an expensive range, but the products are unique and gorgeous. 

This product is a lash lacquer and is such a handy and effective product, one of those products that once in your makeup bag, you could never not have it to hand. The lacquer is an inky black forumla, with a runny consistency that basically you can use in a variety of ways. You apply the product after applying your mascara (Hourglass, of course, recommend that you use their Full Spectrum mascara), but it is amazing with any other mascara, and it totally transforms your lashes, adding more drama, definition and intensity, it is great for taking lashes from day to night in just a couple of strokes. It is easy to use, I just glide the brush along the base of my lashes then work the brush up in zigzag movements to coat my lashes fully, and voila, refreshed and transformed lashes in seconds.

It doesn't stick lashes together or clog them at all. A handy product for any kit as it does creates length and fullness. The small brush applicator makes getting to the very root of the lash a breeze. The colour is rich and dark which really transcends onto the lashes. 

Hourglass pride themselves on using the best quality ingredients that are designed to be good to your skin but also providing make-up that has maximum effectiveness and beauty enhancement. As you can image then, the products are all paraben and fragrance free, and do not test on animals. 

Hourglass is available at Sephora in the US and has recently launched at Liberty in London, this product being exclusive to the store retailing at £25.

Burberry Beauty

Not so long back, the renowned fashion house Burberry launched its cosmetic range 'Burberry Beauty'. The whole collection is beautiful, sophisticated and fairly neutral in terms of colours. Everything about the range, from the products themselves, the packaging, the visuals to go with them and the models that front the range is perfectly polished. The colours of the products are all soft, warm and gentle shades that ooze luxury. They are perfect for enhancing features and bringing out the best in one's beauty. The packaging is effortlessly stylish and sophisticated, where each product itself (where it can be) and the packaging to go with it, is embossed with a signature Burberry check pattern. Here are a few highlights from the amazing range... 

Sheer Eyeshadow in Trench No.02 (left) and Porcelain No.03 (right) 

Two gorgeous and natural shadows, great for base colours or for a natural every day look. The two combined look great for a subtle yet defined appearance. Beautifully presented and with the signature Burberry check, these are sophisticated individual cased shadows - the shadow itself is fantastic quality with brilliant colour pay off, a soft texture and are easy to blend with, an expensive but beautiful attribute to any make-up collection.

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow's are £22.50 

Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Cashmere (No.26)

I love the warmth and richness to this shade, it's perfect for adding a soft plumpness, yet depth and subtle warmth to the lips. The lipstick is highly moisturising and has a satin finish, making it comfortable to wear. The packaging is incredible too - again in the signature burberry style - even the lipstick itself has Burberry check embossed on to it. It's worth mentioning here that the lipstick's packaging, along with all the other Burberry beauty items that require it, are magnetic, so you can be safe in the knowledge that the pieces wont come apart in your make-up bag.

Burberry Lip Cover's are £22.50

Burberry Eye Definer in Midnight Brown No.02

A beautifully warm brown pencil liner for defining and creating depth to the eye shape. It glides on with such ease and is simple to manipulate eye shape with. This colour is also shot through with a small amount of shimmer adding extra appeal and glamour to the eye shape created. The liner is also incredibly long wearing and stays completely in place, it is water resistant too, which is an added bonus. 

Eye Definer's £15.50

Sheer Foundation in Trench No.05

This foundation is so fantastic that it could merit its own blog post. I absolutely love it. For those of you who like a natural, yet dewy and healthy glow to the skin then this is one for you. It has such a lightweight formula and blends into the skin like a dream. Skin feels breathable even though you are wearing make-up, and once in place it gives the skin such radiance and luminosity without the appearance of wearing any.  It lasts on the skin perfectly all day and not at one point does it feel at all uncomfortable, even right at the end of the day. Definitely one  to check out despite the price tag. 

Sheer Foundation is available for £35.00

Warm Glow Bronzer in Copper Glow No.02 

This is another product that you could write home about! This bronzer is fantastic and works wonders. It is completely matte, which is the finish I prefer and also the hardest to find in a bronzer.  It is buildable so you can achieve your desired finish although very pigmented so don't go crazy. Available in 3 shades, it gives a natural finish that doesn't scream 'I'm wearing bronzer', instead the skin is given a, instant flash of colour and a healthy glow which is also brilliant to contour with due to the matte finish. 

Available for £31.00 

Burberry Effortless Mascara in Midnight Blonde No.03

Finally, is the Burberry mascara - the one here is the lightest of three shades, the picture here doesn't show it amazingly, but the colour of the product is a natural light warm brown. This is a great shade for creating shapely lashes on those with fair hair/lashes. It will create a gentle and understated finish rather than a full-on mascara look. Asides from the colour, the mascara itself fully coats every lash and brings out the best in them, it effectively separates lashes too so is pretty mess free, as well as this the mascara creates lots of volume, giving lashes a full bodied appearance. The packaging I love too, with the clear and angular tube making it both unique and an alternative approach to the traditional mascara tube. Im not a massive fan of the rather lengthy wand but others may be.

Effortless Mascara is available for £21.50

So there you go, a beauty round up of the amazing Burberry cosmetic range. Have you guys tried any of the products? I'd like to know which products you love the most. For those of you who want to have a look at the rest of the collection and the brilliant visuals, check it out online at uk.burberry.com/store/beauty

Real Techniques Stockists

I think everyone knows all the big stockists

Ulta (in store & online) -  US

Real Techniques (online) - US 

Boots in the UK (in store & online) - UK

Love-Makeup (international shipping), Victoria Health, Cocktail Cosmetics - UK

However, I know there are other independent stores (that I don't know) that are stocking them because you guys are kind enough to tweet me to let me know. I would like you to help me to build a list for all the people that can't find them in their countries.

So if you know of any other stockists (other than the ones listed above), it would be wonderful if you could leave a comment stating your country and where you found them.

Thank you for your help.

LIST SO FAR
Fred Meyer (store) - US
Amazon.com - US
Cloud10beauty
Iherb.com - International shipping to Europe, Australasia, North America, South America, Asia!!!!
Liverpool (store) - Mexico
Shins (Store) - Singapore
Beauty Chamber (online) - UK
Alledrogeria (online) - Poland
S A Hair Supplies (store & over phone (02) 9939-5042 ) - Sydney, Australia
Remington store at C.C. Recreo in Sabana Grande -  Caracas, Venezuela

Metro Salon & Spa - Melbourne, Australia