Over the past few days, the sun has been peeking through the clouds and spring is most definitely on its way!
Hurrah!
Over the past few months I have been testing and trialling a number of products and below is a roundup of my favourites – that I will be using and be wearing as the season unfolds.
Sorbet Salons – East Finchley
I featured this South African company on my blog at the end of 2015, when the company made its first foray into the UK, opening a salon in Muswell Hill and Crouch End in the north of the city and I expressed how impressed I was with the service and the salon’s interior. The concept has proven to be a hit with the residents of North London as another salon was opened in East Finchley at the end of January. I was invited to visit this salon as well.
If you are familiar with the area, the salon is conveniently located close to the East Finchley station and I was warmly welcomed by the receptionist. I opted to have a Gelish manicure and the therapist, Christina, was professional and meticulous, making sure mistakes were rectified to ensure a perfect finish.
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The salon group runs regular promotions and offers a loyalty programme for regular visitors. If you are seeking a local salon that will deliver a professional service time after the time, pay a visit to your nearest Sorbet salon.
BlackUp Matte Liquid Lipcolor
I have always loved gloppy, sticky lip glosses, but I have been bitten by the recent trend for matte lip colours!
Lush rich shades on full lips are a perfect combination – giving me a young ‘Lauryn Hill’ vibe!
One of the best matte lip colour offerings I have tested is the Black Up Matte Liquid Lipcolor range.
The Lipcolors are ultra pigmented and the liquid formula is smooth and provides good coverage. The formula isn’t overly drying but you can a tiny slither of gloss underneath to add a touch of moisture. The dark berry shades on the range are shades number 07 and 08 and I combine the two to give a deep finish and I receive no end of compliments!
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The range comes in 9 shades and I have also been sporting the lilac (04), red (06) and the deep inky purple (09).
Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodorant
Last year I was invited by Aurelia team to find out about some latest additions to the brand’s product portfolio. I am a big fan of the Revitalise and Glow Serum.
We took away a goodie bag and out of all of the items that were gifted, I really liked the new Botanical Cream Deodorant. Now, I know that talking about deodorant and subsequently armpits, is not as ‘sexy’ as talking about the latest luxury makeup item, but one thing we all do is sweat!
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I am not a fan of traditional antiperspirants as I found that they blocked my pores and I would develop the very painful spots/bumps under my arm, thus I stopped wearing these products, which made all the difference. This cream deodorant contains superfine powdered plant-based botanicals including antimicrobial Arrowroot and pure Kaolin which sits invisibly on the skin to absorb the perspiration and Shea butter to hydrates the skin. The cream transforms into a powder like finish and is not sticky or clammy once it has been applied. It has a pleasant fragrance due to the essential oils Tea tree, Eucalyptus and Peppermint, which also boast antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and distilled Lavender and Bergamot.
This product is really effective and I have not suffered from blocked pores since I have been using it. If this is a problem you have encountered or you are seeking a natural yet efficacious alternative to standard deodorants, this could be the product for you!
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
At the end of 2016, I wrapped up the Keziah CONNECTIONS season with Smashbox! It was a fabulous evening.
One of the highlights of the event was the live makeup demo! MUA and Smashbox Studio manager Carolina Bicudo showcased how to counter on highlight darker skin using products from the range.
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One of the products that Carolina used to both prep the model’s skin and to finish the look was the Photo Finish Primer Water. I am a big fan of primers and I have used both cream and gel formulations in the past, so I was keen to try this liquid formula. Unlike the majority of primers on the market, this product is silicone-free. It works by hydrating the skin at a deeper level. Electrolytes (such as potassium) restore moisture. The product is passed through positive energy fields during the production process, which causes the enriched water to instantly absorbs into the skin.
I used the primer water as I usually would, applying a mist right after the application of my SPF. The product is cooling and did indeed dry very quickly. My skin felt smooth and ready for my make up. An additional benefit to this product is that it can be used to set one’s makeup as well. In comparison to other setting products I have used, the primer water dries quickly and does not leave my skin feeling tight. I will certainly be continuing to use this product throughout the spring and summer.
All products/services were provided by the brand
