posted by on Eve Lom, Skin Care

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Eve Lom is a name that’s been on my wish list for some time so I was thrilled when I was given some samples of this plush skin range to try.

As I spend more time examining where on my face I’m starting to look older and ponder how long I’ve got left to get a ring on the finger (no Asian aunty will look twice at me now that I’m ‘past it’), anything that will slow down the process of ageing and fool people into thinking I’m still in my twenties is seized with both hands.

Eve Lom’s Intense Firming Serum is packed full of age-defying magical ingredients that stimulates cell renewal and visibly improves the surface of the skin for a smooth supple finish.

The serum works simply by firming the skin and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Used daily, it is supposed to boost radiance and softness, giving a youthful-looking complexion.

It comes in a glass bottle with a pipette and the serum is a clear liquid. A couple of drops of this potion is sufficient to cover the face and neck and disappears into the skin almost instantly. It feels like water with my skin quenching it and immediately, you do notice the tautness of the skin from the effect of the serum but not in a painful face-lifting kind of way (not that I know what a face lift feels like!).

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I’m used to serums that are oily or creamy though their purpose is to lock in moisture rather than target skin firming. Eve Lom’s serum serves an obvious purpose and it is virtually weightless – like an invisible veil.

The thing is, I’ve finished this bottle without realising, which is a rare feat for a beauty blogger when trialling a product. To be honest, I’m a little sad! My skin feels silky smooth after use and last weekend I was asked if I had graduated last year so I guess the serum is doing its job!

I can’t imagine not incorporating a serum in my daily skin care regime and neither should you. If you can afford it then invest in a quality one like this.

Eve Lom’s Intense Firming Serum costs £75 for 30ml and is available from Space NK stores and http://uk.spacenk.com.

*PR sample

posted by on Beauty, Boxdelux, One to watch

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Boxdelux

There’s a new subscription service on the scene. I know what you’re thinking…not another one! Well BoxDelux is geared towards high end luxury and it’s not just about beauty but health, refreshment and homely pleasures too. 

The folks at BoxDelux have teamed up with leading brands including Illuminum Perfumes, Skin Salveation, Teapigs, Nakd Bars and NUYU skin clinic to bring top brand luxuries direct to your door every month.  Some of these names might sound familiar to you so it’s a great opportunity to sample such delights.

To maintain exclusivity, there will be a limited number of boxes available each month with no repetition of products and each item featured will be available to buy in the online shop at www.box-delux.com for a limited period only.  What’s also exciting is each monthly box will have a different theme every month including support for Breast Cancer Awareness later on in the year with a percentage of the profits going to the worthy cause.

The first BoxDelux will be out in May featuring the Best of British, so it’s a chance to experience the finest products made at home plus there will be an exclusive £20 gift voucher for redemption in the BoxDelux shop.

Subscription prices which include delivery, are as follows:

1 month subscription £35
3 month subscription £105
6 month subscription £175
12 month subscription £350
Giftboxdelux from £100

If you are stuck for ideas for a birthday present then it’s worth remembering BoxDelux can be purchased as a gift subscription for any period mentioned above.

For more on BoxDelux or to join the service, visit their website www.box-delux.com. There is also a Facebook page and you can keep up to date via Twitter too. Let me know if this selection tickles your fancy.

posted by on 17, Nails, Nails of the Day

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Are holographic polishes yesterday’s news? I hope not. You see, Boots’ 17 has one to contend with the others and unlike Make-Up Store (and possibly GOSH to a certain extent), this doesn’t need a special base coat for the holographic finishing to show up in all its glory. Granted the comparison is not identical, but it ain’t a bad alternative and it’s only £3.99.

*PR sample

posted by on In Praise Of..., London Brush Company

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As you may have read on these pages, a couple of weeks ago I attended the United Make-Up Artists Expo where I met Siân Richards, the mind and force behind the London Brush Company

Apart from creating a fantastic brush range, she also has a brush shampoo that’s been flying off the shelf since it went on sale. I went with my instinct and bought the large tub, ready to put it to the test when I got home.

Hand-made in sunny California, it’s a solid product in a pot made of natural ingredients (goat milk, essential oils and organic cleansers) and is either scented or without. I went for lemon but there is also lavender.  

To use, wet the brush in warm water, gently swish it around the pot to pick up the product, then lather it in the palm of your hand before rinsing with water. You’ll find there is more than enough shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your brush without the need to re-swish.

I took all my brushes (66 of them – yes, I counted each one) and cleaned the lot in less than 20 minutes. There were brushes covered in stale foundation and ones dipped in dark eyeshadows and they didn’t stain the shampoo. Incredible! I’d still be scrubbing them to the early hours if I was using a conventional brush cleaning shampoo, not to mention emptying most of the fluid from the bottle.

Honestly it is so quick and effortless to use. With LBC’s brush shampoo, the product clings to the brushes, very little is needed and it lathers up brilliantly. This pot will last me ages. It is also reassuring to know the shampoo contains tea tree oil so it sanitises your brushes too.

If you’re a pro make-up artist always on the go, then this is something you need in your kit. Because the shampoo is solid and doesn’t contain any chemicals, it’s safe to pack in your luggage with no fear of spillages. This is one of the main reasons Sian came up with this product as she travels a lot.

Kind to the environment and kind to your skin, this is the kind of brush shampoo we’ve been crying out for. Try it – you won’t regret it.

Available in two sizes (1 oz and 2 oz) at £20 and £30 respectively, you can order directly from Precious About Make-Up.

Don’t forget you can keep up to date with London Brush Company via the Facebook page.