A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

Following your awesome replies about the Moroccan Black Soap, I realised that I was short of an exfoliating tool to do it proper justice.  I rifled through my beauty cupboard and pulled out these dubious-looking pair of gloves*.

If you can for a moment, look past the luridness that screeches “I cost £1.00” they’re actually rather effective which makes me very happy that they only cost £1.00 afterall.

They’re rough without being unbearably scratchy and although I’m sure they won’t last longer than a few weeks, it would be hygenic to replace them once a month anyway.  I’m many things… but a dirt-bag, I’m not.  Mostly.

I tend to blitz my body in bursts of faux spa-related activity so these make a great pick-up for when I suddenly decide that tonight’s the night I’m gonna turn casa Lipglossiping into spa sanctuary Lipglossiping and take my rough bits in hand!

I also recommend the similarly ugly and polka-dotted shower cap, it holds in heat very well making it great for hair treatments.  Can’t remember how much I paid for the shower cap though, sorry!

Wilkinsons “Bath Time” Exfoliating Gloves are priced at £1.00 and available to pick up in store.

What are your favourite tools for recreating that in-home spa experience?

* pr sample

To honour the opening of one of the world’s greatest Tennis Grand Slam Tournaments, I’m dedicating this afternoon’s post to Wimbledon!

Tickets for The Championships are notoriously tricky to come by coupled with the fact that we’re more likely to see Murray win in straight sets than make it there in time to nab a decent spot on Henman Hill.

So let’s bring the atmosphere of Wimbledon to us with a few fragrances to get you in the mood for your centre court appearance!

1. Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Toit EDT 100ml – £77.00

This elegant bottle from Paris fashion house Hermès is the 4th fragrance from their garden-inspired series.  Literally translating to “A garden on the roof”, it pays homage to the roof-garden situated atop the Hermès’ HQ building in Paris!  One of the more instantly familiar notes within the jus is the freshly cut green grass synonymous with Wimbledon as one of the few remaining great grass courts!

Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Toit is available to buy online from uk.hermes.com

2. Eau de Lacoste Blanc EDT 100ml – £39.99 *

Pre-match nerves abound and the air crackles with tension as tight as strings on rackets!  If you could only snoop backstage to taste the atmosphere you’d get more than a hint of the cool, fresh notes waiting within this offering by Lacoste.  Simply titled ‘Blanc’ it evokes the spirit of the iconic L.12.12 polo shirt which translated to girl-speak means that lush, clean… crisp scent you’d get from nuzzling your nose in Federer’s freshly-ironed match-whites with just a hint of the iconic champion left behind.

Eau de Lacoste Blanc EDT 100ml is available to buy online from www.theperfumeshop.com

3. DIOR Miss Dior Chérie EDP 50ml – £59.50 *

It wouldn’t be Wimbledon with the event’s signature snack of strawberries and cream!  Like the sun with no moon, sausages sans mash… it just wouldn’t be the same without it.  Dior’s Miss Dior Chérie has some serious strawberry credentials that strike like a punnet of Kent’s finest with a backhand of caramelized sugar.  If anything can help remind the on-court grunters that they are indeed laydees, this would be the flirty scent for the job.  It’s unashamedly girly, fruity and pink!

DIOR Miss Dior Chérie Eau de Parfum is available to buy online from www.theperfumeshop.com

4. La Prairie Midnight Rain EDP 50ml – £74.00

I don’t need to tell you what this one reminds me of?  Clue: it’s not Cliff Richard.  La Prairie Midnight Rain is another fruity floral but with some serious “ooh la la” leanings.  While Miss Dior Cherie will render you the juiciest filly in the stand, Midnight Rain will have you tearing up the turf at the after party!  Opening with some tropical top notes the fragrance dries down to a sensuous musky finish, it’s not a sexydirty scent but it’s not alltogether innocent either.  One thing’s for sure… it wouldn’t let rain stop play!

La Prairie Midnight Rain is available to buy online from www.escentual.com

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Who’s gonna win the men’s final this year and what fragrance are you wearing today?

* press sample

No, you’re not dreaming… I’m talking sensuously sweet, toothache-inducing crumbly fudge flavoured just how you like it in under 10 minutes!

Here’s some I made earlier…

You don’t need a sugar thermometer or skills that Fanny Cradock would be proud of you just need a microwave and a handful of ingredients.

Homemade Microwave Baileys Fudge!

397g Tin of Condensed Milk
125g Butter
250g Caster Sugar
250g Soft Brown Sugar

1 1/2tsp Vanilla extract
2 tbsp Baileys

1. Grab the largest microwaveable bowl in the kitchen and add the condensed milk, butter and sugars.  No need to mix just ensure that the container is LARGE because the contents are going to bubble up furiously and splattered fudge mix is way not cool to clean off.

2. For a 900W microwave, cook the mixture on full power for 9 minutes, removing the bowl for stirring every 3 minutes.  If your microwave has a lower wattage you’ll need to cook the mixture for longer.  Add 1 minute of cooking time for every 50W less power.

3. Once the cooking time has finished, add in the vanilla extract and Baileys and beat the mixture until it begins to look smooth and glossy.

4. Transfer the fudge mixture into a 9″ square tin to cool.  You can be smart and line the tin with greaseproof paper to prevent sticking or just hook it out crumbled bits and all like I do.  Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, you can pop it in the fridge for a firmer set if required.

One of the charms (there are many) of homemade fudge is the limitless scope for wonderful flavours… I’m thinking chocolate & mint for my next batch, or maybe peanut butter or mmmmm honey and walnut?!
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If you were to whip up a batch of fudge… what would be your flavour of choice?

Help: Clear Skin is a 100% natural and clinically proven skin supplement that promises to treat the skin gently from the inside out to clear spots, rather than using harsh ingredients direct on to sensitive skin.

It comes in a powder formula packaged in individual sachets, that can be mixed with your favourite beverage or soft food without affecting the taste or texture.  They should be taken twice a day every day for a minimum of six weeks for best possible results.

Today, I’ve got a potentially life-changing 6 month supply up for grabs for one lucky reader, that’s a value of £240!

Enough to do some serious blemish-busting!

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To enter and stand a chance of winning this amazing prize, simply…

1.  Follow @HelpClearSkin and @Lipglossiping on twitter

2.  Tweet: I’ve entered to win a 6 month supply of @HelpClearSkin beauty supplements in an exclusive comp with @lipglossiping http://bit.ly/lvNG2O

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The competition closes on the 27th June at 23.59.  You have one week to enter!

For more info on help: clear skin, visit http://www.workswithwater.co.uk/pages/help-clear-skin-product.aspx

T&C
1. Entry open to UK residents only.
2. One winner will be picked at random from all joint @HelpClearSkin and @Lipglossiping followers who have tweeted the required phrase.
3. Competition closes on Monday 27th June 2011 at 23.59.
4. Winner will be chosen by @HelpClearSkin and notified over Twitter within 5 days of the competition’s closing date.

We’ve christened my tub of Moroccan Black Soap “The Blob”.  Well, Mr. L did… I wouldn’t have been so stupid.  Everybody knows “The Blob” was pink.

I’m not entirely sure why I own this, I was at a Moroccan restaurant the week before last and when I went to the bathroom to wash my hands… I happened upon this earthenware bowl of black slime.  Being a country girl, I was a bit confused until I read the little sign positioned helpfully above the bowl informing me that the ‘goo’ was infact Moroccan Black Soap.  Anti-bacterial, moisturising and all that good stuff.

I went a bit Veruca Salt after this and decided that I absolutely must have some of my own black goo and thus did some googling when I got home.

Et Voila.  Goo.

Goo!

It only requires a small amount to build a bit of lather… it doesn’t lather quite in the traditional way, it’s more of a creamy texture with a good amount of slip.  It smells delightfully clean thanks to the Eucalyptus oil and pairs masterfully with a steamy, hot shower.  I can imagine this being a delight if you’ve got a bit of a cold or stuffy nose.

It washes well and leaves my skin feeling clean and conditioned.  Not enough to forego moisturiser but I don’t find it drying.  I should mention that I don’t use this on my face though.

I purchased my Moroccan Black Soap from AromaVille on eBay.  Admit it.  You want some goo now too.

I was so excited by the idea that Escentual.com were introducing sampler sets yesterday that I immediately jumped on Twitter to whoop!  What’s so cool about it?  Well, I do a ton of online shopping… and there ain’t many UK retailers will let you buy sample sets of ANYTHING, let alone posh fragrances and skincare!

Usually, I buy frag samples from LuckyScent.com in the U.S. (who are aweseome btw) but already I’m being hugely tempted by the COSTUME NATIONAL sampler set on Escentual.com.  If I’m honest, the La Roche Posay one is also drawing me in… have you seen how much of the range they’ve squeezed in to that set?

I’m rubbish at asking for samples when I buy stuff and this takes the lucky dip aspect out of the equation when ordering online.  I’m really delighted to see Escentual.com fulfill a niche like this in the U.K and hope they keep on top of updating, restocking and encouraging great brands to allow themselves to be sampled in this way.  There’s nothing like being given the opportunity to discover something marvellous at a lower price point.

You can view the sample sets available by visiting escentual.com/try

Are you keen to see sample sachets and vials used in this way or do you worry that once companies realise that money is to be made from them, you’ll see less and freebies tucked into your order?

~ At Musing on Beauty, Mariella tries the Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman brushes and tells you everything about them.

~ Ever wonder how to airbrush your own makeup photos? Well, now you can – check out theNotice’s basic Photoshop tutorial for your exclusive look behind the scenes of a beauty blog!

~ Now that summer’s in the air, Musicalhouses shows you a Summer Eye Look and a Summer Lip Look for cheap!

~ Need melt proof makeup? Check out the new Summer collections from Tarte. Gouldylox has the swatches and details.

~ Madame B Fatale shows you how to use a conical wand!

~ Tired of eyeshadow and blush pots taking up too much space? Try de-potting them using Kajal Couture’s de-potting tutorial and place them in palettes.

~ Phyrra’s Independent Spotlight for June is with Belén from Lost in Makeupland!

~ Addicted to Beauty gets serious tween envy when she spies the Happy Faces hair salon. Who wouldn’t want to get their hair done whilst sitting in a pink chevrolet?

~ Amy Antoinette shares her top tips for dealing with Keratosis Pilaris.

~ Lovelaughlauren tells us her favourite products from the last few months.

~ Prime Beauty discovered Burberry’s newest lipstick formula, Lip Mists and has some insider info for you!

~ At Eyelining Obsessions Claire finds her perfect pink bluch while trying some ELF Barginous Blushes.

~ Rachel McAdams sends Lydia from Perfectly Imperfect running to the NARS counter. Find out why!

~ The coveted Asylum by Sugarpill is back in stock and in the Christina the Glitterholic’s hands!

~ Looking for an affordable gel eye liner? Be sure to check out this fabulous Gel Eye Liner by Essence at Makeup, Beauty & More.

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~ Handmade Reviews is hosting a Sigma Summer Giveaway with over $300 in prizes and winners every month.

~ Beauty Crazed is giving away 5 Lancome Desert Rose Blushes – they still think they are too pretty to use but maybe you aren’t that squeamish so enter to win one!

I first gave Ciate Starlet a blog outing in 2009 but it was in the depths of Winter and I couldn’t get the light to demonstrate the beautiful beetle-wings effect this lovely shade gives.

LOOK!

Pretty no?

Any excuse to show off a pretty polish (even the second time around) and I’m there!

Can we begin the weekend countdown now?

I’m sure I was a peeping tom in a past life because I love to see what other people have in their baskets when I’m in Boots.  Please, please tell me I’m not the only one who has a sneaky peek when the person infront is getting their basket emptied by the sales assistant.

Infact, I don’t just do this in Boots… I do it in Asda… and I judge other people’s shopping habits while I’m at it.  Not that I’m in a position to judge you understand, the only fruit that transfers to the conveyer belt from my trolley is for L but it always makes me look good while I try and hide the jelly tots and pork pies under the toilet rolls.

Anyway, here’s a peek at my lunchtime shopping basket as I zipped between Boots, Body Shop, Superdrug, Wilkinsons, Greggs… yano, the essentials.

Check out the ugly duvet cover, I think it’s vintage 1998.

So, what did I buy? (this is the lamest of lame posts… apologies, it seemed like a good idea for 5 seconds back when I started writing it).

Pantene Pro-V Style Volume & Body Hairspray (£3.36)

I don’t like hairspray… but my hair struggles to hold curls for longer than 10 minutes so this is my current hairspray of choice for when I’m wearing my hair down but ‘styled’.  I’m not a hairspray connosieur but this one doesn’t add any additional weight to my fine hair, gives a good hold and doesn’t cost a bomb.

Boots Pharmaceuticals Re-Energise Tablets Berry Flavour (£4.07)

While I was browsing the supplement aisle, a man leaned across me and picked up THREE mega packs of Berocca (they’re on 3for2) costing him £30, in one swoop… man, he must be knackered.  Me?  I’m only mildly exhausted, so whilst the simple answer would be to get more sleep and eat properly, I’d rather find solace in a £4.07 tube of fizziness than do the right thing for now.  Not that I know what these are like, they may well be unbearable.

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Scrub (£6.64)

Yinka keeps bloody going on about this scrub and I thought it was about time I see what the fuss is about.  If I don’t come out of the shower shining like a new penny, I’ll be having words.

Sanctuary Salt Scrub Bar (£4.85)

I picked this up to fulfil the 3for2 that’s currently on in Boots and Mr. L has his beady eye on it already.  Anyone tried it?  Do I need to rescue it back to my side of the bathroom?

The Body Shop Rose Oud EDP (£6.00 in the sale)

This is LOVELY and I almost missed it.  I spritzed it without paying much attention and it was only when I’d left the store that I actually noticed it.  It’s a dirty rose trailing with sweet wood.  The warm, resinous qualities combine with a hint of spice… but to my (uneducated) nose it smells quite, quite unsynthetic, which coming from The Body Shop is a shocker.  If you’re passing a store, do pop in and check it out!

Wilkos Nail Polish Remover sans Acetone (£can’t remember)

Dull but essential, dunno if this one is any good… but it was cheap.

Good Works Good Invigorating Shower Gel (£2.05 in the sale)

On the Boots clearance stand… not much to say about this other than when I read the word ‘ginger’ it went in my basket.

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream (£4.85)

I’ve been reading good things about this hand cream recently and thought I’d give it a go.  You get a heap of product for not much money but only time will tell whether it’s worth the purchase.  Smells nice though!

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Have you picked up any lunchtime treats today?

I know I’ve got a few ladies who like to hear the latest deals at Liberty so thought I’d share what’s happening this month with Hungarian skincare brand, Omorovicza.

Hailing from Budapest, the luxury brand (who centres their products around the health benefits of Hungary’s thermal waters) have sent their head therapists, Beata and Dominika to the UK for 10 days.  Until the 25th June, they’re available on counter in Liberty where they’re teaching Omorovicza facial massage techniques and providing personalised product recommendations.

In addition to this and in celebration of the refurbishment of the beauty hall at Liberty, you can take advantage of the following special offer.  Purchase any Omorovicza three product combination, and you’ll receive a free full size moisturizer of your choice and a travel size Queen of Hungary Mist.

If you’re interested, call 0207 573 9402 to book your free 30 minute one-to-one appointment with Beata or Dominika.

Starting this Sunday, News of the World’s Fabulous magazine will be bringing a little sunshine to what is turning out to be a rained off Summer!

Cut out and keep three differently numbered tokens over the next four weeks starting this Sunday from inside your NOTW’s Fabulous Magazine to get your mitts on this vibrant duo from Nails Inc.

Atomic and OMP! (that’s Oh My Pink!) are a pair of vibrant Summer-loving shades, guaranteed to bring out the sunglasses!

Once you’ve collected your three tokens, simply take them along to any participating Tesco Extra or Tesco supermarket to claim your freebie nail polish duo anytime between July 3-11.

Will you be collecting your first coupon this Sunday?

A few weeks ago, I braved thunder, lightning and a healthy dose of hail to head down the Kings Road and snap some pictures of the new Gina Conway Aveda Salon in Chelsea.  By the time I arrived (sans umbrella), I closely resembled something that had been pulled out of a plughole.

To the team’s credit and my utmost appreciation, they sat me down and gave me an impromptu blow-dry to warm me up before I slunk away hiding behind my camera pretending to be a serious photographer.

Gina Conway Salons work in partnership with Aveda and currently operate out of four locations (Notting Hill, Wimbledon and Fulham) with Chelsea’s opening heralding the newest addition to the group.

Her Salons and Spas are unique in their focus on Eco-Awareness, even employing a dedicated “Eco-Angel” whose job it is to ensure that all salons are consistently upholding their promises to resource conservation, recycling and water management in their day to day activities!

The Salons and Spas offer a complete range of holistic hair and beauty services including specialist colour work, hair design, makeup and ayurvedic treatments with prices starting from a reasonable £36 for an Indian Head Massage.

The ground level is dedicated to the Salon side of things with the Beauty and Spa treatments taking place on the lower level, well away from the hustle and bustle of the hair-dryers and chatter of a busy salon.  Downstairs is tranquil and softly lit, a real haven of peace to offset the buzz of the Kings Road just outside the front door.

It was lovely to have the chance to talk to Gina herself about her empire, though the conversation rapidly turned to toddlers and babies – Gina has two more than me, and quite frankly, I don’t know how she manages to leave the house every morning let alone run four successful businesses across London!

Visit www.ginaconway.co.uk for more information on the Gina Conway Aveda Salon and Spas, book your next appointment or learn more about the group’s eco-commitments and links with Aveda.