Browgraphy at Browhaus

Like many a teenager I was guilty of over plucking in my school days, but since realising that my natural shape suits me best I have kept my brows pretty low maintenance. Other than occasionally removing strays ‘outside the lines’ and filling in sparse areas with a brow powder I rarely give my eye brows much attention. Though having found my shape I am also hesitant to take any unnecessary chances in the hands of those who think less is more. With eyebrows… more is always more!

Before: filled in with brow powder, but not as neat as I would like!

 

However, when I was offered the chance to try out one of Browhaus’ signature Browgraphy eyebrow treatments I was really excited to have the full works! Having visited Browhaus before for a little tint and eyelash extensions I knew they were very professional, well trained and above all experienced. When I saw the perfectly groomed and full brows of the lovely therapist coming towards me I knew I would be in safe hands and had no fears.

After assessing my eyebrows we decided to make them a little neater, enhance their shape and add a bit of colour. My brows are naturally much lighter than my natural hair colour and because I dye my hair I usually powder them to add depth. My therapist therefore mixed a rich brown colour that was a little darker than my brow hairs, but still soft enough so as not to look harsh against my pale skin. She then set about threading the brows. I haven’t had a huge amount of experience with threading and while I absolutely loved the clean looking result I did find the experience painful, though fortunately it was over quickly. I would definitely do it again, but I would struggle to be in public as my eyes were watering so much. I always see people in shops/ shopping centres having their brows done and I am a little envious of their pain threshold. I can barely pluck one brow hair without bringing on the full water works. Does anyone else have this reflex?

 After: No makeup on brow area, about 3 hours after treatment.

Following the threading my therapist used tweezers for ultimate precision to remove any remaining stray hairs. She then also trimmed a few hairs that were not quite standing to attention. My brows were then dyed, which took just minutes. As I have many very light and fine hairs around my brows I absolutely loved the results after the dye was wiped off. The blonde hairs at the top of my brow now became visible as part of my eyebrow and gave the arch an extra little lift. The result was very subtle, but really helped with the symmetry of my brows and enhanced their shape.

As my skin is very sensitive I have to be honest and admit that it did look quite red for about 3 hours after and there were a few sore areas, but this was completely expected. As with all hair removal treatments I have learned to do them in the evening as my skin always reacts so I was not at all surprised. The following morning the area was absolutely fine and I was very happy to be able to save a few precious seconds getting ready by skipping brow products as my eyebrows no longer needed any maintenance.

 After: the following day with no brow makeup

Overall I was very happy with the results. My brows looked clean, polished and very neat without being overdone or too striking. I would definitely recommend the Browgraphy service at Browhaus for anyone looking to groom their brows – whether you are confused about what shape would suit you best or are suffering from patchy areas the combination of threading, tweezing and dye makes sure that the hairs that need to be seen are enhanced and those that need to be hidden are quickly and efficiently removed. I will definitely be going back in the future!

His and Hers Valentine's Gifts from Braun

Apologies for my hiatus of late! Wedding planning and work coincided with the beginning of the year being spent on jury service, leaving me quite time poor and pretty exhausted! I was lucky enough not to be involved in some of the more well publicised trials currently on at Southwark Crown Court, but nevertheless it was a very emotional and draining few weeks. However, I have lots of things to update you on so look out for a little flurry of posts…

Today I wanted to do a little feature on some cool new gadgets from Braun that I was sent to trial before Christmas - a ‘His and Hers’ grooming duo featuring the Braun CoolTEC shaver and the SkinSpa epilator.

My fiancé, who despite my best efforts is only interested in grooming under duress, has been dutifully putting the new Braun CoolTEC shaver (£199.99) to the test. Braun’s CoolTec is a revolutionary new dry shaver that has been designed to minimise irritation, making it perfect for sensitive skin and since Luke has eczema I thought he would be the perfect candidate for trials. It’s innovative feature is an aluminium cooling bar built into the head to remove the heat created during shaving, thereby cooling the skin, minimizing redness, burning and itching sensations, and leaving skin refreshed. It also has an adaptable 3 stage cutting system to adjust to the contours of the face and a SensoBlade, which has been specifically designed to target and capture hairs growing in different directions.

In essence, all these fancy specs mean that this shaver works really well, giving a smooth, comfortable shave with minimal irritation. My fiancé is a sceptic when it comes to electric shavers, having broken various models due to his coarse stubble, but the CoolTec has been going strong! He has explained that it does take him a little longer to shave in the morning, when compared to a traditional razor, but the fact that he can use it in the shower (it is waterproof up to 5m) still saves him time overall (and makes me happy as there are no messy hairs left in the sink). Overall the best testament I can give is that he has actually started using it quite independently, so much so that the last time I unplugged the CoolTec charger to charge my toothbrush the CoolTec had quickly taken its place! High praise indeed ;p.

For my part I have been using the Braun Silk-epil Skin Spa (£169.99) over the last month, which is an epilator and sonic exfoliator in one convenient gadget. As you may have read in my previous reviews I am a huge wimp when it comes to any forms of pain, so I am always very cautious when it comes to epilation. However, every time I try a new epilator from Braun I am impressed by the progress that has been made, and this was no exception.

This epilator can be used wet or dry, which I find super convenient not only with regards to saving time, but also clean up. The fact that this epilator is so good at picking up short hairs was also a welcome feature. In fact, it can remove hairs 4 times shorter (0.5mm) than waxing and some as small as a grain of sand! The exfoliation brush is a great addition as it works hard to make your newly smooth skin even softer. The brush refines the skin 4 times better than a manual scrub with more than 3000 micro-vibrations per minute. I especially love to use it before applying fake tan as it leaves no oily residues, like some scrubs can, and makes sure my skin is perfectly primed.

More info on both of these grooming gizmos can be found on the Braun website here or on the Boots website - CoolTec and SkinSpa


Have you guys tried the Braun CoolTec or SkinSpa? What do you think of them? Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself (or your partner) to a little preening this Valentine's Day! xxx

Tria Hair Removal Laser

The Tria Hair Removal Laser is a portable gadget that promises permanent results at just a fraction of the salon price (£349). I have been using this over the last few months and wanted to share my progress and first impressions of the product. Do check out the video below if you are interested in hair removal at home!


If you are interested in finding out more you can visit the Tria website here. I will be sure to update you all soon with my progress! xxx

Boudoir Lashes - 50% off for my readers!

As you may have noticed from this blog and my YouTube videos I am a fan of big lashes. I don’t need much of an excuse to stick on a pair of falsies or pile on the mascara! However, having used various eyelash growth stimulators such as Lilash and Rapidlash I definitely prefer the natural look. I was therefore really excited to be given the opportunity to try out a full set of lash extensions from Boudoir Lashes!

Boudoir Lashes is based in the prestigious Becca store, just minutes from South Kensington. Luckily, this is very close to my house so I was able to rush there makeup free post shower as Asma advised me that I should not get my lashes wet 24 hours after application. Having had cluster extensions before I was looking forward to seeing how different the individual lashes would be.

Asma welcomed me in and was absolutely lovely. We got started straight away after a consultation and cleansing the area to make sure there were no impurities on the lashes. She first applied little protector pads under my eyes and stuck my bottom lashes down with tape. I am very squeamish when it comes to my super sensitive eyes, but I can assure you this only took seconds and was completely harmless.

 My little lashes before treatment

As I lay with eyes closed Asma began to carefully apply the lashes. She was extremely gentle so there was no tugging or pulling on the eyes and were it not for the sounds of people coming in and out of the store I would have fallen asleep! (Normally Asma is located downstairs where it is much quieter, but we were upstairs due to a bridal event that weekend).

Just under an hour later my lashes were finished and though I was excited to see them I knew this was the part I had been dreading as the last time I had my lashes done the glue made my eyes so irritated that they were red and streaming almost an hour after application. Well, I need not have worried! As I opened my eyes and the pads and tape were removed there was absolutely no stinging or irritation. I blinked a few times and though I could feel my lashes were heavier they still felt light, fluttery and most of all natural.

Looking into the mirror I was so happy with the results. My lashes were long, looked darker and more voluminous, but the shape created was the same as my own lashes so they looked extremely natural. They blended in so well that it was almost impossible to tell they were not all my own.
I don’t know what it is about lashes, but I could rest easy if my hair, skin and lashes always looked good!

After my appointment I made sure to keep the lashes dry, forego my usual oil based cleansers, skip the mascara and try to sleep on my back. I am a horrendously antisocial sleeper – usually sprawling like a starfish on my front, but I made a mental note to try and at least sleep on my side to ensure I didn’t squash the lashes in my sleep and wake up with kinks. As the lashes are light and flexible the few times that I did find myself nose first in my pillow in the morning I simply combed them through with a clean mascara wand and they bounced back into shape.

As my lashes defined my eyes I felt I needed much less eye makeup. For the next week or two I mainly stuck to a little bit of liquid liner, which I gently removed at the end of the day with a damp cotton bud, making sure not to pull on any of the lashes.

 

(day after application)

Asma says that the lashes last about 3 weeks and I would say that they stay full, with only the odd one jumping ship for about 2/3 weeks. After 3 weeks I did start losing more lashes and began to use a little mascara on the roots to hide any gaps. No doubt this hastened the shedding process, but they actually stayed put for much longer than anticipated and almost 6 weeks since my appointment I still have 2 stragglers lol! Of course after a few weeks you can get your lashes filled in or come in to have them professionally removed, but I found that they fell out on their own well enough with no unsightly patches. My real lashes are now a little shorter and less healthy than they were prior to application, but I would not say the difference is dramatic, nor is it something that can’t be changed with a little conditioning treatment. Since the lash cycle is roughly 3 months though they seem shorter they are still growing until they reach full term.

 

(2 weeks after application)

 

Overall I was so happy with my lashes and would love to have them done again. They are absolutely perfect for a special occasion, holiday or just a little treat for yourself and I am so excited to let you all know that Asma has been kind enough to offer a discount for my readers! 50% off a full set of lashes for the first 25 readers to book - please contact asma on info@boudoirlashes.co.uk with FGM50 as your redemption code (subject to availabilty terms and conditions apply ask at the time of booking).

Please do let me know if you decide to try these out as I would love to hear about your experiences! xxx

Glossybox Men: Spring 2012

Why should girls have all the fun? Glossybox for men is a quarterly grooming box with 7 luxury sized samples perfect for the modern man.

The Spring edition landed on my doorstep a few days ago - just in time for me to have a sneaky peek before passing the goodies on to my not so modern man ;).

This box contains:

• The Legends London Alum Matchsticks (£1) - This book contains 20 individual astringent matches which can be used after shaving like a traditional aftershave to calm razor burn. Super portable and ideal for traveling!
• Organic Homme by Green People Active Fix Repair Serum (£16.50 for 50ml) - This certified organic men's facial repair serum with proven anti-ageing effects is great for sensitive skins and is suitable for those prone to eczema, psoriasis, acne & skin blemishes.
• 4711 The Original Eau de Cologne (£10.95 for 50ml) - For more than 200 years this cologne has delivered on its promise: using this unique fragrance refreshes the mind, body and soul. 
• FAB Body Moisturiser (£13 for 226.8g) -  This daily essentials moisturiser is perfect for all skin types, but especially effective for sensitive, reactive or dry skin.
• Liz Earle for Men Face Scrub (£13.25 for 75ml) - This scrub is one of the bf's firm favourites! It's active natural ingredients include cooling eucalyptus, exfoliating pumice and jojoba beads to smooth away dead skin cells for healthier-looking, ultra-smooth skin.
• Kyoku Sake Infused Shave Cream (£25 for 170ml) - Another one of the bf's (and my) favourites. This shave cream is amazing on delicate skin as the friction-free silicone micro-particles coat the skin to ensure consistent skin to blade contact to significantly reduce drag – no more nicks and cuts! It also comes in a sensitive version.
• Dr Bronner's Magic Liquid Soaps Lavender Hand Sanitizer (£3.99 for 59ml) - This hand sanitizer is infused with organic lavender essential oil and comes in a handy spray size perfect for any man bag.
• Fudge Hair Shaper (Mint) (£12.20 for 75ml) - The blend of natural waxes, ceresinand carnauba wax delivers both texture and shine. Hair Shaper Mint also contains hydrolised wheatprotein which strengthens and improves the condition of hair whilst styling. It has a strong hold with a semi-matte finish and a refreshing mint fragrance.

For more information or to subscribe to Glossybox for Men (£15 plus p&p) please visit their website here.

Will you be purchasing a subscription for any men in your life? Have you tried any of the products in this season's box? What do you think of them? xxx

MeMeMe Arch Angel

Ever wondered why they say that big, bushy brows can make you look more youthful? All you have to do is think of every Disney villain ever created. Their thin, harsh brows will tell you all you need to know... So it's time to put down those tweezers ladies and nurture your brows back to their full glory.

Big brows are once again all over the catwalks this season and I couldn't be happier. Although I am not a fan of overly exaggerated eyebrows a la the Scouse brow, I do think that a defined, yet feminine brow can frame the face beautifully adding definition and character.

One of my favourite products to fill in and shape my eyebrows when I'm in a hurry is MeMeMe Arch Angel. The tinted gel works amazingly to add some colour to the brow and set the brow hairs, while the highlighting cream adds that little bit of definition and creates a sharp, clean line under the brow making it look much more polished and helping to hide any stray baby hairs.

The above photo was taken after using the Arch Angel on clean skin and eyebrows. As you can see the gel adds a little bit of colour to the brows, without staining the skin or making the brows look too dark or harsh. I think that it would make all brows just that little bit richer. The highlighter adds a subtle sheen, but is at the same time very soft and translucent, making it accessible to all skin tones.

The brow can be defined even further if you use a little powder prior to applying the Arch angel gel for are stronger, more polished look.

Bookmark your diaries for the release of Arch Angel on the 11th of April for £8.50 from MeMeMe's website and Superdrug stores nationwide. It's a great, multipurpose product that works in seconds and is pretty much foolproof as there is no shaping or shading involved.

What products do you use to groom your brows? Are you tempted to pick up Arch Angel? What do you look for in a brow product? xxx

*PR Sample*

Valentine's Gifts for Him

Boys can be tricky, so I have spent the last few weeks searching for the perfect Valentine's day gifts to please hopeless romantics and those who can't quite bring themselves to admit it yet...

Personalised 'I love you more than...' Print (£27) - It may not be true (I really do love my cat Maxie), but it's nice to let them think it anyway ;).

Kyoku for Men (from £11.50) - As far as grooming goes boys don't always make their efforts obvious, so perhaps it's time to push him in the right direction with a set of products he can't help but love. I have been testing out the Kyoku range for the last few weeks and am really impressed. The packaging sits firmly within the male domain - monochromatic, fuss free and to the point, it has a novel range of ingredients and the products work well without being too specific. Boys get confused easily (I often catch the bf washing his face in shampoo and vice versa as he thinks it's all the same), so a product with multi-tasking properties is always a bonus! My favourites are the Sake Infused Shave Cream (£25), Razor Repair Balm (£29) and Exfoliating Facial Scrub (£19).

David Beckham for H&M Boxer Shorts (£9.99) - A little inspiration?

Vintage Map Heart (£48) - Men and maps! I have never met a man who would ever admit he was lost, so why not play on stereotypes and get him a personalised map. Whether it depicts where you first met, where he was born, your first kiss, your wedding or your honeymoon destination it will make a lovely, thoughtful and stylish gift.

Leather ipad case (£24.95) - I'm not too tech savvy, but I'm pretty sure everyone would be thrilled to receive an ipad. However, if your other half is already lucky enough to have one, why not accessorize it with a smart case. The Proporta leather style case is affordable and functional as it not only protects the ipad, but also has a built in stand to support the ipad for easier reading.

Fossil Watch (from £75) - There are so many watches to choose from, but for men's watches that are stylish, practical, good quality and not too expensive I am always drawn to Fossil. They have a huge range of designs that are updated frequently with dress, sports, classic, mechanical and many more styles. Most watches also come with a 2 year limited free warranty, which often comes in handy.

Neal's Yard Gift Set (£23.30) - This set is perfect for sporty types to relieve tired bodies, muscles and minds. The duo includes Seaweed and Arnica Foaming Bath and Arnica Salve. 

Messless Charge Station (£79.99) - If he has a million gadgets and can never find the right stands, chargers or cables this compact charging station will definitely be very useful. This innovative device is capable of charging hundreds of portable devices such as MP3 players, handheld game consoles, mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras and more.

LUSH Do Knot Disturb (£16.95) - Whatever your plans LUSH can guarantee your Valentine's evening will go even better with one of these ;). Do Knot Disturb has everything you need for a romantic getaway, all wrapped up in a cute red and white Knot-Wrap. There’s a box of Dirty Toothy Tabs to give you fresh breath for kissing, a Sex Bomb Ballistic to perfume your bath with aphrodisiac oils, a Lust soap to get each other in a lather and a gorgeous honey-chocolate Soft Coeur massage bar for later on the evening.

Scratch Off Word Map (£18) - To document all the places you aim to explore together...

Personalised Silver Plectrum (£49) - For all those songs he is going to write about you... this is cheesy, but it really made me giggle.

Almost as much as this!

I hope you all have a lovely Valentine's day! What will you be purchasing your loved one this Valentine's day? xxx