Say Goodbye To Wrinkles

February 20th, 2012
Number of View: 43

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so isn’t it important to keep our peepers looking their absolute best?

We all dream of turning back the clock without having to go through painful Botox injections, well now you can with Asda’s new anti-aging Skin System products.  The range has been specially formulated to deliver anti-ageing results by decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while specifically targeting areas of concern. 

The products all contain the Algisium ™ C2 Complex, which works by:  

  • stimulating cellular regeneration
  •  activating collagen synthesis
  • improving skin elasticity and suppleness
  • protecting against free radicals to fight the first signs of ageing
  •  intensely hydrating the skin

The hero product of the range, the Skin System Wrinkle Filler Serum (£5), has been developed with wrinkle-filling spheres based on hyaluronic acid and provides an instant plumping effect.  The serum works by filling in fine lines to magically diminish the look of wrinkles and smooth the skin surface.  Skin will be instantly hydrated and feel silky smooth to the touch. 

An instant solution to tell-tale ageing eyes is Asda’s Skin System Eye-lifting Serum (£5).  This smooth’s the appearance of wrinkles around the delicate eye area, and firms the eyelids.   Its light diffusing particles will instantly brighten the eyes and the Kakadu plum extract, known for its super-oxidant properties, will keep the skin looking younger.  The serum also contains Vitamin E, universally known as the “youth-preserving” vitamin, to protect the skin from environmental damage.  . The complex works by: Stimulating cellular regeneration Activating collagen synthesis Improving skin’s elasticity and suppleness Protecting against free radicals to fight first signs of ageing Intensely hydrating the skin.

REVIEW

I road tested both these products over a few weeks, first using  Eye-lifting Serum morning and evening, I did notice my eyes were brighter and the light diffusing particles made a big difference.  The serum was not heavy as some eye creams can be, it is easy to apply you only require a tiny amount and pat around the eye including your eye lid with your ring finger. It provided a good base for my eye make up too and soaks in quite quickly, and as the skin around the eye area is a lot thinner than the rest of the face there was no dragging of the product upon application.

As for the Skin System Wrinkle Filler Serum I used this at the corners of my eyes, and as it states that it plumps out fine lines, I decided I would try it on the tiny laughter lines on the corner of my mouth, you know the little lines that appear when you smile, well I have to say I was well impressed, it did plump out the lines, and made them much less noticeable, and once I had put my foundation on you could hardly see any lines.  Again the product is not greasy and only a small amout is required.

Both products are 25ml, and will go a long way, so once again you will definitely get cost per use out of these products.

Would I recommend them? Yes most definitely, so for just £10 ladies you can have 2 different eye products, now that is excellent value for money, well that’s Asda price for you.

Asda is against animal testing & funds research into alternatives.

The full range of Skin System is now available in Asda stores nationwide.

 

PREGNANCY HAIR, TOP TIPS & ADVICE

February 10th, 2012
Number of View: 118

A lot of celebrities have recently encountered motherhood for the first time, which can be an eye opener, however as Peaches Geldof, Beyonce and Lily Allen each get to grips with the trials and tribulations that come with pregnancy and becoming a mother, they’re probably noticing lots of changes with their hair and wondering what’s happening and how to keep it looking fabulous.

Well thanks to Asda’s celebrity hair expert Andrew Barton is on hand to dole out advice and allay any fears of new and pregnant mums across the nation. “Pregnancy brings with it a slew of changes that can affect everything — even your hair.    Right from the start of your exciting journey hair will appear to look and feel thicker, becoming more manageable and lustrous with shine.  These changes are due to a boost in hormones that encourage new hair growth and improve the condition of the hair.”

“Increasing the moisture levels within the hair by using moisture-infused hair care products will help the hair look and feel its best both during and after pregnancy. The Andrew Barton award-winning SOS Help Me collection is enhanced with Shea Butter protein and with its Brazil nut and almond fragrance, it cares for all hair types especially those prone to damage or weakness.”

Andrew also recommends the Frizz Tamer range; the perfect antidote to pre and post-pregnancy hair. He comments: “Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can make hair prone to unsightly frizz. The Frizz Tamer range contains Rice Brain Oil and Wheat-germ Oil  to smooth and soften the hair”

 

Andrew as an award winning stylist has had success appearing on hit TV shows as a makeover guru, including Channel 4’s “10 Years Younger” as well as having a huge celebrity following, however creating and launching his own signature hair care range exclusively at ASDA  3 years ago has to be the ultimate dream come true, and because of his passion for hair, Andrew has put together some top practical tips for healthy hair both pre and post pregnancy:

-          Plan your hair cut and colour schedule around your diary in advance; have your hair done at least 2 weeks prior to your due date so that you look and feel your best as a new mum.

-          When it comes to colouring your hair during pregnancy there is no scientific rule to suggest that you shouldn’t.  It may be better to consider highlighting techniques, rather than an all-over dye, to minimise the substances absorbed by the scalp.

-          After pregnancy most women experience little time for themselves, but maintaining a strict hair washing and conditioning regime is vital to ones wellbeing and the health of the hair and scalp. If you can’t find time to wash your hair every day then try the brilliant Andrew Barton SOS Last Another Day Dry shampoo, which when sprayed at the roots will absorb all traces of oils that stop the hair and scalp from feeling fresh.

-          When time is of the essence, there’s certainly a lot to be said for longer hairstyles that can easily be tied back and dressed into simple up do’s.  After pregnancy, women often feel less feminine so longer hair can help them feel more girly.

-          Experiment with hair accessories that can add instant glamour to even a simple pony tail.

-          Ask your hair stylist to show you a few simple hair up do’s that will help you to feel more glamorous and be practical for your busy day as a mum on the go!

-          Maintaining a balanced diet is vital to hair health at any time especially pre and post pregnancy.  Ensure you include protein foods in your diet that are very beneficial to hair health.

-          Take a few minutes each day to gently massage your scalp – this will encourage blood to the hair follicle and will assist in the growth of hair and its overall health. Try to do this for a few minutes when you wake in the morning and before sleep in the evening.

For more information and to see the ful Andrew Barton Hair Care Collection visit www.asda.co.uk

Male Grooming Or Is It Mr Vain?

February 8th, 2012
Number of View: 117

Asda reveal more men than ever are investing in their appearance!!

With Simon Cowell shamefully accused of spending stretched spells of time soaking in the suds earlier this week, Asda have revealed that he’s not the only London lad who is guilty of me-time.  The supermarket giant has found that 1 in 8 men across the UK are investing almost an hour a day on their looks with London men ‘reigning in vain’;  and 1 in 4 men in the country’s capital take over 45 minutes to spruce up before they’re prepared to leave the house.

But it’s not just the Londonl lads fighting the girls for mirror space; it seems many of the UK’s other large cities have a male grooming habit they can call their own, check this out…

  • Brummie boys are fighting off bald spots and grey shades, buying the most hair dye and hair loss shampoo than anywhere else in theUK
  • Beauty conscious males from the East Coast of Scotland buy the most male skin care than any other UK region
  • More men in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK have a regular skincare regime (43%)
  • Newcastle tops the tanning stakes, thanks to ‘Geordie Shore’ with 4 in 10 men  turning to the bottle to top up their tans, now why are we not suprised there!
  • Welsh men are the least vain with a whopping 38% not bothering to do anything to maintain (or improve) their looks
  • Not a mono-brow in sight on men aged 20 – 29 years old, with 1 in 5 admitting to plucking their eyebrows and 1 in 3 in this age group using facemasks
  • 1 in 3 men moisturise their skin, 75% of these are Londoners compared with only 23% of Welsh

Lindsey Ford, health & beauty category planner at Asda says: “As ‘manity’ sweeps the nation we know more men than ever care about how they look, and Simon Cowell has proved this once again!  Asda has seen a macho increase in sales of male grooming products, and we now even have our own range of male toiletries – Groomed – to cater for the growing minions of metro-sexual men who shop in Asda.”

So what do you think ladies? Is the male species starting to emulate their role models with the likes of David Beckham & Simon Cowell starting a trend or is it just pure vainity?

Well what ever it is that has caused this new increase of ‘manity’ I for one will not be giving up any of my bathroom mirror space thank you very much.

 

Buy Of The Day

January 25th, 2012
Number of View: 84

Soap & Glory Cheekmate Tint 

After buying my daughter a big luxury bag of Soap & Glory products for Christmas, I decided to try one or two prodcuts myself, so cue Cheekmate Tint.

This adds a sweet pink blush to your cheeks.  So after you’ve applied your foundation, framed your eyes, simply dab this naturally scented formula, which is full of raspberry seed and kiwi extract to the apples of your cheeks for a gorgeous rosy glow and you’re good to go. 

And to make it go that bit further, try a little on your lips to give a just kissed stain, and top with a clear lip gloss for extra shine.

And at only £8 I think you will agree ladies this is excellent value for money

Model In A Bottle Make Up Fixing Spray

January 9th, 2012
Number of View: 373

 http://www.victorialovesbeauty.com/model-bottle-c-14.html

As a make up artist I am constantly on the look out for new products that would assist in providing a flawless make up application, not just make up and this can inculde any products from primer to finishing sprays, and everything in between.

As a result I stumbled across Model In A Bottle Make Up Fixing Spray from a lovely lady called Victoria Loves Beauty I follow on Twitter.  The product has come over from America where it has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tyra Banks Show and QVC.

I have over the Christmas period been very busy with providing make up looks for nights out, and a couple of weddings and trial make up too, so having been sent the product  to try,  I thought this was an ideal opportunity to put my new product to the test.

And I must say this is definatly a must have product. it leaves your make up looking flawless all day long, there is no smudging and is resistant to any tears (this helps extremely well with any brides or Mother of the bride), humidity and water.  It is very light on the skin, has a very pleasent, fresh smell and with just a few sprays of  Model in a Bottle it will keep your make-up looking fabulous and flawless all day long.

Model In A Bottle comes in two formulas: Model In A Bottle Normal Skin Formula which covers normal/oily skin types and the other,  Model In A Bottle Sensitive Skin Formula is ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin or those with Rosacea and allergy-prone skin. 

The product retails at £15.99 for normal and £16.99  for sensitive for a 60ml size bottle.  So with on average more than 300 sprays I think this is a very cost effect buy. 

I will be carrying this wonder buy with me on all my make up events.

 

Model in a Bottle features:

  • Dermatology tested

  • Dries to a translucent matte finish

  • Absorbs excess oil

  • Doesn\’t clog pores

  • Never interferes with the effects of SPF

  • Fast drying, never sticky

  • Fresh, clean scent

  • Adds moisture with Aloe Vera extract

 

 

Soap & Glory’s Bumper Beauty Offer At Boots

December 19th, 2011
Number of View: 110

What a festive treat you girls are in for this week! High street giant Boots have slashed the price on Soap & Glory’s bestselling Big Splendour gift set.  It’s come down to just £25 (was £60) – that’s a whopping £35 discount!

It’s packed full of gorgeous goodies, this bumper beauty buy at it’s best would make a super last-minute Christmas present for a friend or a cheeky treat for yourself.

I bagged the last one at Boots in Chester on Sunday, I was really lucky, people were stopping me and asking me where they could get them… sorry ladies!!

This bargain Soap & Glory gift set includes all your favourites: Clean On Me, The Righteous Body Butter, Pulp Friction, Face Soap & Clarity, Off Your Face Wipes, Heel Genius, Hand Food, Mist You Madly, Sexy Mother Pucker and Calm One, Calm All, all presented in a bright pink vanity case. You would definitely score a few brownie points if you left this under the tree on Christmas morning!

This offer ends on 24 December 2011, and is only available while stocks last, so hurry ladies and get your hands on this amazing deal, it’s a definate ‘get it or regret it’

Gareth Pugh Joins MAC Make Up

December 8th, 2011
Number of View: 105

 

Gareth Pugh has teamed up with MAC make -up brand to produce this super-hot beauty and fashion collaboration!   He has just released a limited edition make-up collection with the fashion-forward high street brand.  The guru of geometrics has been busy creating this amazing neo-gothic beauty collection, which includes quirky nail lacquers, extreme pigments, easy-to-wear eyeshadows, seriously cool violet and berry lipglosses and much more (prices range from £13.50 to £60).

Not only are these high street beauty products totally gob smacking, after two years in the making, no detail has been left untouched; even the packaging is lined with Gareth’s signature androgynous monochrome print. It is so very vampish it and would look fabulous in any of our make up bags.  I for one can’t wait to get my hands on the graphic fake lashes for Christmas, how fab would they be on your Christmas night out !! 

Somehow ladies I don’t think any of us will be afraid of  joining the dark side! 

http://tidd.ly/b69d34e7

George Glamoureyes Liquid Eye Liner

December 1st, 2011
Number of View: 69

Hello ladies, thought this litle gem was worth a mention.  I was giving this eye liner to try, so try I did, I tested it for ease of application, staying power, colour intensity and of course removal.

The nib is pointed at the end so it was very easy to apply, I found the liner glided on with out much effort and allowed me to be very precise when applying a winged effect look.  I was pleasently suprised that the product lasted all day, the colour never faded and still I had the same look as when I began the day.  The colour is very vibrant, although I found if I used two applications it did stand out a lot more.

Removal was effortless, I just used my cleansing wipe to take off the liner before cleansing my face as normal, and there was no residue left, easy peasy!!

Consider its cost £2.75 this is excellent value for money, that gives some of the more expensive brands a real run for their money.

There are a variety of colours, from evey day use to lots of sparkle and glamour, just what a girl wants for the party season, so c’mon girls what are you waiting for? Get stocked up !!

 

SHE’S GOT SOME BOTTLE(S)!!!

November 16th, 2011
Number of View: 71

Asda recently revealed that the majority of women have over 5 perfumes in their personal collection…

Research by Asda recently published shows a whopping 81% of us have at least five different bottles of perfume on the go at any one time; that’s a different fragrance for every working day of the week.

For most of us the final stage in getting ready, whether going to work, meeting friends or going out for the evening is spritzing on one of our favourite scents, however there are some ladies out there who just like to hoard perfume for the bottles themselves and lets face it there are some pretty bottles to be had.  54% of women admitted to showcasing their collection as an artistic display as the motivation behind having a collection of scents on the go.

The most unusual and innovative ways to exhibit the perfume bottles were revealed as being in shoe organisers, on ornate turn tables and even in spice racks – the latter giving a whole new meaning to the spicy undertones of a fragrance, just make sure you do not get them mixed up when cooking !!

Laura Northend, Beauty Marketing Manager at Asda commented: “While a woman’s collection of perfumes may look a million dollars, it’s worth noting that any over five years old will have lost their unique aroma.  Now is the time for all the fragrance hoarders out there to wake up and smell the perfume by disregarding the old and bringing in the new.  At Asda, we’ve lowered the cost of our designer perfumes to a scent-sational £25 each – a deal that certainly shouldn’t be sniffed at.”

For thousands of years both men and women have used perfume and oils to scent their bodies, and perfume is now rated as one of the most popular gifts for anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas. 92% of those questioned have given the present of perfume to a loved one to mark a special occasion, with almost 95% of Asda customers having received the heaven-scent gift at one time or another.

Asda has a wide selection of fragrances available that are very competitive and are beating some of the high street stores, and with Christmas almost upon us, it would be an ideal time to capitalise on these great prices and savings, which means more pounds in our back pockets… Well that’s Asda price for you !!

 

Create a limited edition lip paint with Now and Barry M – and see it go on sale!

November 10th, 2011
Number of View: 74

Hey ladies how about this for a competition?  To celebrate the partnership between Now Magazine and Barry MNow are giving you the chance to devise your own lip paint colour and name it.

One lucky winner will get to create a new colour and name the product, which will be sold exclusively online at www.barrym.co.uk.

The lucky winner will be given the first sample of the lip paint, which will feature on the Barry M website. Plus bragging rights that it’s your own creation. How fab is that !!

All  you have to do to enter is choose the name of the lipstick plus a picture of your colour and send via Twitter tagging @nowmag – with the hash tag #LippaintMeNow

Or email Nowfacebook@ipcmedia.com with your picture and colour name along with your Twitter name for us to Tweet you.

The pic can be from anything from a car to a dress – it just needs to be a flat colour without pattern.

Think about that perfect lipstick colour that you always wanted and couldn’t find. Now you have the chance to create it, name it and also the potential of seeing it feature on thousands of lips!!  You never know it may even appear on some one famous !!

The rules

- All lip paint colours should be posted via Twitter and you MUST tag @nowmag with the hash tag #LippaintMeNow e.g. (pic) @nowmag Glomorous Pinky #LippaintMeNow along with the name of your shade.

- Or attach the image and colour name and email Nowfacebook@ipcmedia.com by 28 November 2011.

Closing date 28 November 2011