I love beauty products and over the years have certainly tried a fair few.
I love the thrill of trying a new product or discovering a new brand. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, there are always plenty of new products to try!
However, now I'm in my thirties, I've found that I am now actually quite loyal to certain products - the ones that work!
I thought I'd share with you my most favourite beauty products. I use these products on a regular basis and, unless I come across a better alternative, I think I'll use them forever!
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
I'm a bit lazy when it comes to taking my make-up off at the end of the day and I'm often too tired to be bothered to do my whole cleansing routine. In January this year, I decided that I need to look after my skin better. I now keep this by my bed and use it every evening. A few swipes and my make-up is off! I've tried other micellar waters, but they often left my skin feeling a bit dry and tacky. The Simple one leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft and is doesn't leave any tacky residue.
L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Gradual Tan
I have really white skin, so in the summer I use this gradual tanning moisturiser. It's much more natural looking than fake tan and you can build up the colour over a few days application. I used the medium shade, which is perfect for me. I've tried others but always seem to come back to this one.
Wella SP Luxe Oil
A friend introduced me to this hair oil a few years ago and I've used it ever since. It smells AMAZING and is quite versatile and can be used before or after styling. I tend to use it when I've just washed my hair, before I brush it through and blow dry. It's great for taming frizz and any flyways!
Nu Skin Epoch Glacial Marine Mud Mask
My friend introduced me to this in February. I'd never really bothered using mud masks before, but after using this I was converted! My skin felt like I'd had a facial! I now use it once a week and my skin has never looked better. In fact, I was so impressed with the Nu Skin products, I signed up to be a distributor. I don't talk about it much on here, but feel free to get in touch if you'd like to know more about Nu Skin and the products they produce.
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
I've used this for a good few years and I love it. It doesn't irritate or dry out my sensitive skin, it just leaves it feeling lovely. It's easy to see why this has won so many awards!
What are your beauty must-haves?
J x
A couple of weeks ago I attended the launch event of the new Hairven salon in Beeston, Nottingham.
I've been to the original Hairven in Gedling a few times and have always been impressed. However, I live near to Beeston, so was quite excited when I heard that Hairven had chosen Beeston to open their next salon.
Being local, I'd seen the building being developed and it looked fab, so I couldn't wait to see the finished salon.
I certainly wasn't disappointed! The Beeston salon is a lot larger than the Gedling one. However, like the Gedling salon, the contemporary, high-spec finish and state of the art equipment still features. The decor is lovely, bright airy and definitely a cut above any of the other local salons. I also really love the angel image they've used outside and on a glass feature wall inside.
Upstairs is the beauty area, featuring double treatment rooms, a nail bar and what I think has to be the best bit - a cocktail bar, which is such a great idea! Hairven really have thought of everything in their new salon!
The actual launch event was really well organised too. A great vibe, free-flowing cocktails and Prosecco, a photo booth and a fab goody bag!
There's been lots of anticipation around the new salon opening and apparently there is already a five week wait for appointments. However, I was lucky enough to get an appointment on the Thursday evening just before my holiday. The Hairven experience was fabulous as always. I was treated to great coffee, a cocktail, a superb head massage and amazing highlights - a perfect pre-holiday pamper.
If you are local to Nottingham, or just visiting, I would certainly recommend giving the new Hairven a try - they really are redefining the local hair and beauty scene!
Check out their website for further information on how to book.
J x
As you may recall, in December, for the first time in over 15 years I had my hair done in a hair salon rather than at home. I decided to try out Hairven, a hair and beauty salon that is shaking up the Nottingham beauty scene. You can read more about my fantastic experience here.
I really enjoyed my experience there, so as you can imagine I was delighted when Hairven invited me to sample their Bee Sting Facial.
I've heard lots about this facial. It's a bit of a celeb favourite and apparently Kate Middleton is a big fan! However, not many salons offer it so I was really pleased to find out that Hairven do!
The experience was brilliant. My therapist Steph was lovely. We began my treatment by having a chat about my skin type and any issues that I have and she also asked me if, during the time when the Bee Venom Mask is on, whether I'd prefer an arm and hand massage, scalp massage or a foot massage (bonus!). Steph also explained that as the salon have rececently partnered with ESPA, there was a special light she could use over my face to assess my skins condition and to help identify any trouble areas that could be addressed during the facial.
It was them time to lie on the lovely heated treatment bed. I've had quite a few facials before, but I don't think I've ever experienced a heated bed. It was amazing!
Steph gave my skin a bit of cleanse and then she turned off the lights and used the special light on my face. She assessed my skin and then gave me a mirror. She then talked me through what the lamp was showing. Apparently I have some dehydration around my eyes and forehead, but overall my skin is pretty good.
She then went on to apply lots of different beautiful smelling products. She warned me that the mask might tingle a little, but I didn't real feel it. Whilst the mask was on, I had the most amazing massage. Steph was quite firm and I could actually feel her releasing the knots in my neck. It really was utter bliss.
The mask was then removed and more lovely products applied. At one point I think I almost fell asleep!
The treatment lasted an hour and at the end I felt utterly pampered. I think it's the most relaxing facial I've ever had. My skin felt lovely and was nice and glowy afterwards.
I highly recommend it. In fact, it was so good that I've booked my Mum in for one as a little thank you for all she does for us!
J xx
I haven't been had my hair done in a salon for years, probably about 16 if I think back. I've always tended to use mobile hairdressers as it just seems more convenient. However, I've recently been hearing lots of fantastic things about a salon based on the other side of Nottingham, so I thought I'd treat myself and give it a try.
Source: Hairven
I'd forgotten what a luxury it is to visit a salon - coffee (lattes, cappuccinos!) , magazines, a head massage and a massage from the special vibrating chair whilst I had my hair washed. I don't remember salons being this amazing, or it may just be that Hairven really do go the extra mile to make their clients feel extra pampered - they have won lots of awards after all!
Source: Hairven
As for the actual colour and cut, my angel (hairstylists are called angels at Hairven), Vanessa was very knowledgeable and before any colour was applied we had a good chat about what I was after. I'd recently gone a bit lighter then I'd previously been in a bid to hide my grey hair. I liked it but was a bit concerned about going too blonde. Vanessa suggested applying two different colours using highlights. When washing off the colour she also applied a toner to get rid of any blonde brassiness.
I really love the finished look, it's natural and I love the fact it's slightly darker and cooler then it was before. It looks really modern and I love how it's multi-tonal. Vanessa has also factored in that it will naturally lighten when we go to Florida on Boxing Day, ensuring that in a few weeks, although it will be lighter, it won't be too light.
I've also had a couple of inches off too and really love the modern looking bob that I've got. It's long enough to still tie back on holiday, but short enough that it won't take me too long to blow dry and style. I love having my hair done before we go on holiday, especially when I'm so pleased with the end result!
I'll definitely be visiting Hairven again, it's lovely and modern, without being snobby and the stylists (angels!) are amazing - I felt very pampered! They do a range of beauty treatments too, so I might sneak one of those in next time!
J xx
Last week I was kindly invited to attend the opening party of nkd waxing's new premises in Nottingham. I love this type of thing and I'm not one to say no to free treatments and a goody bag! Plus I was allowed to take a guest, so me and my friend Lindsay decided to make a night of it!
Prior to attending the launch, I had a quick peek at their website. I was really impressed at what I found. You won't be surprised to find that they specialise in waxing. However, I thought the fab branding and clear passion to provide an expert service was really refreshing. I was really looking forward to attending the evening!
The event was really good. The new premises on Pelham Street are really easy to find, gorgeously decorated and the staff were all very friendly.
We were greeted with a glass of Prosecco and were given the opportunity to sample one of the treatments. Lindsay and I both went for eyebrow waxes. Now I've had eyebrow waxes before, but this one was much more thorough than any I've had previously. Afterwards my skin felt lovely and moisturised too, which was also different from previous ones I've had at other places.
After our treatment, we chatted to a few people, including the owner Rebecca, who was lovely and had a few glasses of Prosecco. As we left, we were given a fab goody bag with a yummy branded (and beautifully packaged) biscuit, a discount voucher, along with price lists and further information of the treatments they offer.
We both had a great night and I will definitely be back to sample a few more of the treatments (they also provide HD Brows and eyelash extensions). The new premises are lovely, they are clearly experts at waxing and the staff are all lovely.
Thanks for inviting us nkd waxing!
J x
Last Friday it was my lovely mum's birthday. She does so much for us, so I always like to make sure I buy her something extra nice. This year I decided to treat her (and me) to a day at Eden Hall Spa at Nottingham, the week after.
I love having a spa day and Eden Hall has always been my favourite, so I was super excited to go back.
Upon arrival we were greeting with a mini cup of Gingerbread latte, which was yummy. We swiftly checked in and then went to the changing rooms to put of our swim wear and bath robes. Our lunch was scheduled for 1.30pm, so we decided to indulge in a light breakfast in the conservatory. Others clearly had the same idea as it was very busy. Luckily we found a seat and I hoped that he wasn't going to be too crowded in the other areas, but there was no need to worry.
After toast and preserves and a refreshing pineapple juice, we decided to head to the pool area and as I'd had a rubbish nights sleep I decided to snooze for a little while. I love having a nap in the day, it feels so frivolous, especially since having children!
I woke after about an hour and we decided to try out one of the outdoor hot tubs, which was great even in the cold November chill. Once we were nice and warm, we decided to go in some of the detox rooms. One of the reasons why I love Eden Hall is the range of detox rooms they have and again it didn't disappoint. My favourite is the aromatherapy steam room. I also love the tropical shower, which is really refreshing.
It was then time for lunch. Out of all the spas I've visited, Eden Hall provides the best lunch. You can have a full three courses, as well as being able to help yourself to the buffet, which consists of salads and accompaniments for the main course. It's been a while since I've visited Eden Hall and if I'm completely honest, the buffet wasn't as good as I remembered. Overall though, the food was great. I decided to have salad from the buffet to start, braised beef for main and peanut butter crème brulee and banana fritters for pudding, which was absolutely amazing. My mum had fish from the buffet, mushroom tagliatelle, which was amazing; and strawberry ice cream. We were stuffed!
After lunch, all we felt like doing was sleeping, so we headed to the Slumber Lounge, a lovely peaceful retreat with comfy oversized beanbags and cosy blankets - bliss!
Once we'd recharged our batteries we decided to head back to the pool area to have one last go in the rooms, hot tubs and pool. I was well and truly relaxed and my skin felt amazing!
We ended the day with a lovely shower in the changing rooms. Nice and powerful, lots of room and body products that were for your complimentary use.
We were sad to go. However, I'm delighted to say that Eden Hall is still my favourite spa, it never feels too crowded, the food is amazing and the amount of detox rooms is really good!
I returned home reinvigorated and de-stressed! I now just need to plan my next one...
J x
