Biotherm Homme – proper skin care stuff for the modern day geeza.

No, I havent had a sex change...  Today's entry is brought to you by a member of the male species, my significant 'other'....Enjoy!

I’m not one for all that ‘metro’ male lifestyle business.  In my opinion, that’s for guys with too much time on their hands and have their priorities all mixed up.  These views have been challenged somewhat of late following my acquaintance with the male skin care brand, Biotherm Homme.  It was the Mrs - who you can probably see from this blog knows a thing or two about beauty products and what it takes to look after yourself, who bought me a collection of these products as a special treat.  I promised her I would write about my experience so here you go, promise kept!


Cleansing Gel

I’m someone whose skin produces enough grease to run a fish and chip shop.  I’ve always been told this will help me to age well, albeit with the occasional unwanted spot.

After just a few days of using the cleansing gel, I noticed an immediate reduction in grease.  My skin also feels really smooth.  With results so immediate, I wondered whether the rest of the products would be as good???

Aquafitness – Shower Gel

This is without doubt the best shower gel I have ever used!  I never thought I would feel so strongly about a shower gel but I suppose after years of using the cheaper mass market brands, Ive never known any better. Yes, it makes you feel clean but Id be worried if any shower gel didn’t result in a clean body.  What makes this gel so good is the smell.  I can only describe it as modern day masculinity.  Masculine smells often get mixed up with your dad’s old Brut aftershaves – this is nothing like that.  There’s nothing ‘girly’ about the smell either.  Its fresh, lathers up well (if that floats your boat) and smells fantastic.  This will be on all future birthday lists!

High Recharge Yeux

The Mrs probably knew that as soon as I opened this, I would say this wouldn’t work and was simply a gimmick – she wasn’t wrong!  But like all things in life, I'm willing to give it go…

Described as an anti-fatigue cold eye serum, its supposed to give the eye’s an instant recharge as well as help to reduce the appearance of dark circles – great for those early mornings after a night out on the tiles.  The description is pretty accurate.  It does give you a pretty instant boost – a bit like splashing your face with cold water, minus the water.  It's hard to admit but I quite like it because it does work!  The only slight drawback is that the ball doesn’t always roll perfectly over the skin and the ‘wake-up’ feeling it gives you doesn’t last long enough.

Aquapower – Absolute Gel

It's basically a moisturiser.  It was only a 50 ml size tube, but you don’t really need that much.  It smells quite fresh and has that same masculine smell which ive come to recognise as distinctly unique to the Biotherm brand. Result: Another thumbs up!

So how would I describe the Biotherm Homme brand to my other like minded blokes?  Proper skin care stuff for the modern day geeza.

http://www.biotherm.co.uk/

http://www.biotherm.co.uk/_en/_gb/men/index.aspx

Marvelous Mineral Mascara by Kiehl's - is it really marvelous?

There's a lot of press about mineral make-up products, and since their launch in the 70's, many brands worldwide have cottoned onto this.  In short, they are products made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth, without any of the chemicals, dyes and preservatives found in traditional make up.  Does any of this really equal 'better'?  As with anything, there are always both sides, so really the best way is to try it for yourself!

Kiehl's is one of my new favourite brands so when I came across their Marvelous Mineral Mascara it needed to be tried!  I simply love mascara, the darker the better!!  Ive never had to worry about the length or thickness of my lashes as they are pretty good, of course with the aid of a good mascara!...but hearing that this one doesnt contain any Parabens or fragrances, means it is certainly worthy of a try.  As well as the formula in a mascara, the brush is very very important.  So many times have I tried mascaras which have terribly limp brushes and even if their formula is any good, it certainly gets overlooked because if the brush is no good, then even the best formula wont apply well.

It is important to note that this mascara has been both opthamalogist and allergy tested, which is a major plus for me, since I often get sore and watery eyes from mascaras which are too fragranced.  The brand also doesnt test on animals, which is an even bigger plus.

 

So, the verdict:

Does it apply well?  Yes. 

Does it make your lashes look all glossy and dark?  Yes.

Does it last the day, without going all flakey?  This mascara does flake a bit, but no more than some others which Ive used.

Does it clump? After using the mascara a few times, it does seem to get a bit clumpy/gooey so you may need to use a tissue to wipe some excess off the brush, but apart from that, it's fab!

How does the brush contribute to application?  As Ive mentioned above, the brush is so important in a mascara.  You wont be disappointed with this brush, it is spectacularly designed and easily glides onto your lashes.

Does the Acacia Senegal make a difference?  From what Ive read on this, in cosmetics, it acts as a conditioning agent.  I must say that my lashes do feel quite soft when using this mascara, so I will see if in the long term, they become 'more conditioned'?  I cant say that the conditioning of my lashes is anything Ive ever really thought about, but if after using this mascara for a while they strength and dare I say it, thickness and length improves, then I certainly wont complain!

See below for some Kiehl's links which contain information and even a video on application.

So is this Marvelous Mineral Mascara by Kiehl's really that marvellous?....I think it is!

http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/face/whatsnew/marvelous-mineral-mascara.htm

http://www.kiehls.co.uk/index.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=brand&utm_content=brand&utm_campaign=brand&gclid=CP7V98Tm3aACFcUB4wodv2F4BQ

There she goes again....crash, bang, ouch!....Little Miss Whoops.

I am Little Miss Whoops!  If I had a fifty pound note for the amount of times I clumsily hurt myself, well... Id have quite a bit of money!

I dont know what it is; is it my eyesight? (no according to the Opticians) am I unaware of what's going on around me? (certainly not, Im probably too aware) or is my coordination a bit skew...?  Possibly!

Is this something that occurs within the female species more than it does in the male?  Is it due to some unconscious masochistic desire to hurt myself?  I really dont know the answer, but I really wish it was something that I could put a stop to, or at least do less. 

On today's agenda, a very sore elbow which I bashed on some hard pipe thing which was sticking out of the wall in the loos at work.... The result; within a minute, a small swelling and bruise started to form...and it bloody hurt and temporarily ceased a good percentage of movement in my hand and fingers.  Other incidents include walking into door frames (even if there is a lot of room, yes really!) bashing my hands/arms on various things around my flat, whether it's walls, door handles, opening doors into my feet, knees and burning myself with hot water, hot food, or on the kettle (I have a lovely burn currently covered in Germolene New Skin from an incident last week which just missed my most recent tattoo by a couple of millimetres)

Can Little Miss Whoops EVER stop being Little Miss Whoops or am I stuck with her forever?!  For now, I'll have to keep the aforementioned New Skin close by, along with some Arnica, Vitamin C and Zinc!

Time for a rest!

I think everyone is fed up of these cold, cold days and we are all rooting for the spring to at least try to begin.  I was feeling a bit run down at the beginning of the week and made the decision to have a chilled week.  This consisted of working (not chilling I know, but until I win the Lotto it has to be done!) sleeping, good food and in general just slobbing about.  I didnt even go to the gym.  A week OFF.

Do I feel better for it?  Well I didnt really feel 'bad' in the first place, but I certainly feel more rested!

I think it's important in the hustle and bustle of the world, that we all take time to chill.  Whether it's through meditation, regular holidays away (for those who can afford it) or watching your favourite video with a takeaway pizza!  Since living in London, Ive become even more aware of the constant rushing about that so many people do and I just dont think it can do you any good....apart from the obvious potential problems (tripping up/falling over) it cant promote a dome of positive wellbeing now can it?  (see previous blog on the Tube Zombies http://flicks-licks-chicks.blogspot.com/2009/12/tube-in-london.html)

Being self-aware is one of the most important attributes a person can have....and if a person is not aware of oneself, then what exists to be aware of?!

My hair saviour

Have you heard about Moroccanoil?  A friend of mine who's a hairdresser told me about it sometime last year.  She explained to me that it was a miracle product that was being used on the tresses of the A-Listers in America and the buzz was coming over to the UK.

The product is said to (from their website) restore shine, strengthen and condition, and reduce drying time.  My friend told me that it would really help my dry, colour treated hair and was a must that I try it.  She used it on my hair a few times when I was in the salon, and it was clear to see that the product did at least some of what it promised; I could immediately see that my hair was shinier and felt smooth and sleek.

However to be able to test this properly, Id have to use it on a regular basis.  I tend to wash my hair 2-3 times a week and for the last month Ive been using Moroccanoil.  This product is a miracle worker.  Infact to say that, is actually an understatement!  Yes it restores shine, yes it reduces drying time, HELL YES it strengthens and conditions!

After washing and conditioning my hair,  I apply an amount approx the size of a 10 pence coin on my mid-lengths to ends.  I then blow dry it.  My hair seems to dry in no time at all, it looks and feels amazing, and more important in my opinion than any of those points, is that it has repaired and strengthened my hair.  Products that make your hair look good are great, but for me, Im into products that actually rebuild and strengthen; through this, it of course looks better too.  Ive had people recently comment on my locks (which never used to happen!) so I have to thank Moroccanoil for this, big time!

It isn't cheap (100 ml = approx £30) BUT you only need to use a tiny amount so it will last ages.  As they say, the proof is in the pudding and this pudding is super-sized, extra cream, with lashings of sauce = WINNER!!

http://www.moroccanoil.com/

Music should be fun!

Things that dont need to be serious shouldnt be taken seriously, for example, MUSIC!  Unless of course, you're at the opera...  If you're reading this and have never heard of Gideon Conn, read on.  If you have heard of him, tell me what you think of him...and still read on!

Gideon is unique, talented, easy on the ears and FUN!  His musical style is that of Pop/Hip Hop and he writes the catchiest tunes ever!  The one about fish comes to mind... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RQpaDVFIqw

He is a singer-lyricist, and so too, writes songs about love, the world, music.  The last time I watched him perform, only a couple of days ago, I looked around the room, to see only smiling faces; EVERYONE was wearing a smile.  There were a good few people who I could tell hadnt seen him before, and then there were some, like myself who had....yet the feeling was universal.

He does have a band who he performs with, but the last couple of times Ive seen him, it's just been him.  The experience is different of course, but fantastic either way.

Oh, and did I mention he's from Manchester too?  Extra points for that!

http://www.myspace.com/gideonconn

A change in tastes

Earlier today I was pretty bored and on a well-known social networking site. I was looking through my 'interests' section, and thought Id spend some time editing it.  Im not sure many of my 'friends' have even read this section, and my close friends know all too well what Im interested in, but anyway, Im waffling now.... What it has made me think about, is that my musical tastes seem to have changed so much from two to three years ago.  It's not something I was hugely aware of; I realised my tastes had changed or moved on, but I suppose actually typing them, brought upon the realisation.  Of course this links to other things, such as style, clothing and if I think about how I dressed a few years ago, how I wore/coloured my hair, that's all changed too, and dare I say it, it coincides with the music.

Ive never seen myself as someone who dresses in a certain way; I like Rock music but Im not covered in piercings (I have a few) but then again, my number of tattoos has increased (ok trippled) over the last few years, and over this time, my musical taste has moved from Indie, to more Rock/Metal/Grunge.

So maybe things influence us more than we are aware.  Maybe in many cases, we dont realise until the change has taken place.  As humans, do we we simply just get on with things?  I know I dont, I over-analyse things way too much....but maybe that's because Im female!

Im not sure where this entry is going, so will end it now!  Just putting down some thoughts!

Au revoir, for now! x

Rain Rain Go Away....

Ive really had enough of this awful weather.  There's no other way to describe it really is there?  You wake and it's dark, you get home in the evening and it's dark, just dark, dark and dark.  Sunshine, if you can hear me, please come back!....you've been missed, big time!!!

If you have dry skin/hair, read on!

If you're a reader/follower of this, you'll know Im a bit of a beauty product junkie!  Ive been into my lotions and potions since a pretty young age, and just love trying out new things, especially is they have proven benefits...and what better way to prove something then to try it out for yourself!

On today's agenda, is Kiehl's (see the previous blog I wrote on their fabulous Hand Cream http://flicks-licks-chicks.blogspot.com/2009/12/night-walked-down-sky-with-moon-in-her.html)  I have quite dry skin and hair, the latter being due in a big way, to the amount of colour Ive had on it over the years, chemical straightening (once when I was 15) and the industrial hairdryer I use!  I have to say, over the past year Ive taken much better care of my hair, having a darker colour (well not blonde anyway!), using the aforementioned hairdryer less, and using Keratin Oil and treatments (Im sure I'll blog about this at a later date!) so in general, my hair is both looking and is actually healthier.

So, while we are on the subject of hair.... Kiehl's Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak.  This product is both Silicone and Paraben free (Im really getting into checking out ingredients of products lately) and works to strengthen the hair (Vitamin E) and preserve the colour (Sunflower)  Ive recently had my hair coloured more red/orange, and as anyone who has coloured their hair these colours knows, they fade fast!  So far, Ive used this masque a few times, and Im very happy with the result!  My colour is looking fresh and my hair feels and smells wonderful.  You know how sometimes when you use beautiful smelling products on your hair, once you've washed them off, your hair doesnt really smell of the product anymore?  Well not with this one, my hair smells beautiful!   On the Kiehl's website, this costs £24 for 250 ml, and with you only needing a small amount, if you work out how many uses you'll get from the pot (many!) and of course the benefits your hair will receive, it really is worth giving it a try!

As I mentioned, my skin in general is dry, and at this time of year, what with the central heating and weather, it is at it's worst!  Introducing Kiehl's Creme De Corps.  Ive heard some really good things about this cream and boy are they true!  It states it has a rich texture and is for dry, flakey skin (=mine!) 

It can be annoying when creams dont absorb well/quickly, and you have to wait for what seems like ages to put your clothes on after using it!  With the Creme De Corps, you still need to wait a bit while it absorbs, as it is a rich cream, but it still soaks in relatively quickly and makes your skin feel so smooth afterwards.  Ive been using this for a few weeks now and can say it has made my skin less dry, less flakey and Im very impressed with this product.  Another fabulous buy from one of my fave brands of the moment, Kiehl's!

http://www.kiehls.co.uk/index.aspx

"Labels are for cans, not people" Anthony Rapp (American film and stage actor)

Whilst on my daily tube journey today, I noticed something that I kinda forgot existed; jean size labels, on the outside of the jeans, for all the world to see.  Im talking about Levi's, although Im not sure if other brands do this too.

What's the reason for it?  I suppose at the time (and maybe still now?) it gave them a point of difference between them and other brands.  I myself, am sure that I would have had some of these at some point, but now, I just think it looks silly!  We dont walk around with our size labels on the outside do we....Oh, Im a 38 FF (not me ha!), my arse is an XXL... (again, not me!) but you see what Im saying?  So from my journey today, I found out that the guy stood next to me on the train had a waist measurement of 34 inches and legs measuring 36 inches.

Like everything I write, it's not Gospel, it's simply my opinion, but let me know what you think!  If anyone who reads this wears these jeans that Im talking about, no offense intended!

The best nail polish Ive used so far

I adore painting my nails.  Ive tried many brands over the years, from Rimmel to Chanel (not impressed with Chanel at all) Boots No 7 to OPI, Nails Inc to Barry M, and it's only in the last year, that Ive discovered my two favourite brands; in no particular order, OPI and Barry M.

Lets look at each brand individually.

OPI - A spectacular selection of shades; you want reds, oranges, pinks, blues, take your pick from tons of shades!  Not only do you have so much choice, but you are also given a beautiful bottle, a brush which is so easy to apply the polish with, and most important of all, a lacquer that LASTS!....yes, it lasts and is so unbelievably glossy!  They cost appox £10, and when you divide this by the number of applications you get (I purchased mine in October, have used it lots and am still nowhere near the bottom of the bottle!) it really is a great deal.  My favourite colour is The Thrill Of Brazil - beautiful dashing pin-up red shade!

Barry M - A great collection of shades and finishes, ranging from plain, to glitter, to neon and hexograms.  Barry M polishes really stay put, dont take too long to dry, come in fab retro style bottles and at approx £2.99 a pop, one cannot complain!  I have a wide variety of the shades, and am happy with all of them.  My faves are: Shocking Pink, Fuchsia, Navy, Black and even the Mint Green (I dont normally go for these type of colours, very similar to the recent limited edition Chanel shade!)

http://www.opi.com/

http://www.lenawhite.co.uk/

http://www.barrym.com/

I love Pret Granola!

Well if Im being honest, I love everything that Ive ever tasted from there!

Im singling out their Very Berry Breakfast Bowl in particular, since I have a pot at least once a week, as does my boyfriend.  I always go for the Very Berry one, although a couple of weeks ago, I accidentally (shock horror!) got the new Cherry one...and how pleasantly surprised was I?!

If you've never tried one, be sure to give it a go.  It's tasty, relatively healthy (Id say it'll pretty much 'fill you up till lunch') and at a decent price at £1.80.  Id love to include a photo but I cannot find one online!

I love the fact that they use Organic milk in everything.  Being someone who only buys organic milk at home, and has to settle for standard milk at many a cafe etc, it makes me happy that Pret share these ways.

Ive seen instore that they are now selling porridge, so with these cold mornings, that's next on my list!

http://www.pret.com/