I’ve heard of the 7 wonders of the world, but I hadn’t heard of all of the latest 7 must-have beauty wonder products of the world!

• 1 ~ Bésame Enchanting Lipsticks

They cost £11 each.
This lipstick is reportedly very long-wearing, and super-hydrating, thanks to its beeswax formula. The beeswax means the colour will stay put all day long.
The lipsticks are a mini sized 55mm in length, which means they will fit in to the tiniest of evening bags.

• 2 ~ Euoko P-00 Extreme Cellular Nutrition Masque

It costs £45.
Its list of ingredients include Canadian Willowherb, to seal in moisture, and natural peptides to protect skin from nasty chemicals, stress, and poor diet.
Its being called a facial in a jar, which leaves your skin looking fresh and youthful.

• 3 ~ Dr Kadir Matrix Serum

It costs £95.
Israeli plastic surgeon Dr Kadir has created a range of products including cleansers and moisturisers that promise the same results as surgery!
This serum is expensive but apparently worth it as it contains special enzyme inhibitors to prevent the breakdown of collagen, and give your skin a youthful glow.
Celebrity fans are said to include Jennifer Aniston and Madonna.

• 4 ~ Jean d’Estrées SoNature Spa Fitness Anti-Water Express Balm

It costs £42.
This cellulite product is a miracle product from Paris. It contains ruscus flower, elderberry, and lemon to boost the skin’s circulation, banish water retention, and drain away excess fluid. Paraben free.
Used morning and night it claims to give your legs the ’silk stocking’ effect; smooth, dimple-free skin.

• 5 ~ Ginvera Marvel Gel With Green Tea

It costs £15.
This product shrinks pores, dissolves blackheads, and blitzes spots.
Its two main ingredients are aloe vera and green tea, which help reduce redness, minimise spots, and make your skin look much brighter.
This product is best used once a week as a mask to slough away dirt, and it can also be used as an emergency cure for breakouts by applying it every few hours as soon as spots appear.

• 6 ~ Superdrug’s FSC Wooden Radial Brush

It costs £7.
This may sound like a bargain product, but don’t let the price fool you!
This brush has the softest bristles, it’s completely eco-friendly, it’s made from trees grown especially for the beauty industry in Poland.
The round bristles of this brush smooth your hair gently without snagging.

• 7 ~ Silksleep Eye Mask

It costs £12.95.
This eye mask is made using 100% long-stem mulberry silk which is the highest quality silk you can buy.
The eye mask protects the delicate skin around your eyes, helps retain moisture, and staves off wrinkles.

I think I need one of the Silksleep Eye Masks as over the last year my eyes have really aged a lot.
I guess my new eye wrinkles could be caused by my internet addiction? Looking at a computer screen for several hours every day can’t be good for skin!

Posted on Zeitgeist

Life in France

I recently saw a headline which read, ‘Goodbye to grey hair, revolutionary new treatment turns greying hair back to its original colour’.

The article was about a potentially wonderful new treatment from L’Oreal. It said that according to the experts at Centre Charles Zviak, L’Oreal’s research and development HQ, the possibility of returning grey hair to its original colour is science, not fiction.
Such is the excitement surrounding this potential new product that for the first time ever British journalists were invited to L’Oreals research centre at Clichy, which is in the northern suburbs of Paris. The journalist who wrote the article I read was invited to the conference room to hear about the latest advances in hair colour.

Patricia Pineau, L’Oreal’s Research Communications Director said, “Hair is an enigma. It is a fibre, a material with physical properties. It is also a living organ that grows, greys and falls out. How can we fight this? Do we need a physical approach or a biological approach?”

Scientists have long pondered the topic of grey hair. Eugene Schueller first established L’Oreal 100 years ago on the Rue Royale in Paris, with hair colour being the company’s main concern.
L’Oreal reportedly spends a fortune on hair colour research, double the amount spent by its competitors. Last year L’Oreal reportedly spent £581 million.

In the conference room at L’Oreal’s research and development HQ Patricia Pineau explained that hair, like skin, contains melanocytes, which are pigment cells that give hair its colour.
She said, “When hair goes grey, there is a progressive disappearance of the melanocytes from the hair. While there are still melanocytes in the hair, there is still hope that it could be re-pigmented.”
She went on to say that the treatment should hopefully be available within ten years, and it will probably be an oral treatment to be used alongside a range of haircare products.

L’Oreal were asked if by developing this new treatment they would be shooting themselves in the foot because if women don’t need to dye their grey hair anymore then they won’t be purchasing L’Oreal hair dye.
L’Oreal made no comment.

As well as this innovative new treatment for grey hair, L’Oreal has also reportedly another scientific breakthrough which tackles the damage caused to hair by dyeing. Dyeing hair leaves it rougher and far more susceptible to breaking.
Traditionally hair dyes use ammonia to remove the colour from hair, once the colour has been stripped away the dye pigments re-colour the hair.
Jean-Marc Ascione, L’Oreal’s dapper Research International Hair Colour Director explained that ammonia does a great job, but it has unpleasant side-effects including aroma and it stings.
L’Oreal has invented a new hair colourant called INOA; Innovation No Ammonia, that is much gentler on the hair. According to L’Oreal it is so gentle that it actually improves the condition of the hair every time you use it, resulting in hair being reverted back to its pre-dyed condition - almost!
The first batch of INOA was recently made available to salons, and it sold out fast.

Unfortunately the darker shades of hair dye still contain PPD; paraphenylenediamine, which is known to cause allergic dermatitis, but in other ways, INOA is a seen as a major advance.
Celebrity hair colourist Jo Hansford has been using INOA at her salon in Mayfair, London, she said, “This is exciting because it’s revolutionary. It is much less aggressive and there is far less fade, which is a huge bonus for the customer, especially for women with fine hair.”

If you are interested in visiting a hair salon that uses INOA visit www.lorealprofessionnel.co.uk/salonlocator or phone 0800 072 6699.

Initially when I saw this article I couldn’t wait to find out what the product was called, how much it cost, and where could I purchase it. Just reading the headline made this product sound like it could be the answer to one of my beauty prayers. It was in fact like most things though, and not my holy grail in hair care.
If and when L’Oreal, or any of the other leading hair treatment companies, do market this new product, I won’t be using it.
Although I would truly love it if I never saw another grey hair on my head, after giving it some thought, I doubt I would feel comfortable taking a pill to achieve that result.
Obviously this new treatment will undergo tests before it is available for consumers, but taking an oral treatment to cover grey hair can’t be very good for internal organs, so I’ll leave this alone and continue to dye my hair with traditional dyes.
In fact, I purchased a hair dye a few months ago which is still sitting unopened in my bathroom, because I am too lazy to use it, and also because I am aware that hair dyes are not particularly good for health either.
I am getting more grey hairs with each new day, so I’m sure it won’t be too much longer before I open the box and cover my grey, but right now I just can’t be bothered, and as the winter weather arrives I’ll be able to hide my grey hair with a hat.
As far as I know, hats are not bad for health, maybe hats are the new hair dye?

Posted on ZEITGEIST

Life in France

I recently ordered some beauty products from lovelula the organic apothecary.
I love lovelula.
I’ve ordered from this website before, it’s excellent. All of the products are natural and/or organic, there are no harmful chemicals; no sls, no parabens, no animal testing, they are independent; not affiliated with any of the brands they stock, they run a reward point scheme on all purchases, free shipping for all UK orders over £50, free samples (up to 3 with every order), fast delivery, gift wrapping service, secure payment, and best of all they offer a well informed personal service.
I have emailed lovelula several times with questions about their products and asked for advice for my skin, and I’ve always received a prompt reply that told me everything I wanted to know.

One of the items I purchased with my recent order was A’Kin Aromatherapy Orange Blossom Body Wash.
It smells absolutely divine. In fact it’s orangey aroma is so good I have to stop myself from eating it!
I paid £12.99 Euro 15.38 (approx) for a 500ml bottle.
As with a lot of organic chemical free beauty products this product has a fairly solid jelly like texture to it. The first time I used A’Kin Aromatherapy Orange Blossom Body Wash in the shower, I’d forgotten about the jelly texture and after dispensing a dollop into my palm it slipped straight off of my hand and vanished down the plug hole.
Now I always remember to quickly rub the body wash into my hands to lather it up, so it doesn’t slide off my hands and disappear down the drain.
Just one pump of the A’Kin Aromatherapy Orange Blossom Body Wash is more than enough to wash my whole body. It goes a long way, lathers up well, helps keep my skin lovely and soft, and it leaves a beautiful orange scent on my skin.
I will definitely buy A’Kin Aromatherapy Orange Blossom Body Wash again, it’s lovely.

Here’s what lovelula says ~

A’kin Aromatherapy Orange Blossom Body Wash 500ml
size 500ml (see size guide) skin type all skin types
Recommended for gentle body cleanser | refreshes the mind and body

The fresh delicate, sweet essence of Orange Blossoms are prized for brightening the spirit and calming the skin. Its light citrus floral fragrance combined with the gentlest and purest botanical cleansers ensures your skin and mind will be refreshed.
More gentle than soap AKin’s Orange Blossom Body Wash energises the mind and spirit. Synergistic blend of softening cleansers with a stimulating fragrance provides the ultimate in bathing luxury

Active Ingredients
Orange Blossom & Mandarin essential oils
Cleansers derived from Coconut
100% plant Glycerin

To use ~
Use a small amount, lather on hands or shower ball whenever washing the body. Can also be used at the hand basin.

Ingredients ~
The manufacturers have asked us not to reveal individual product ingredients on LoveLula.com in order to protect A’kin’s formulations. Instead we have listed all the ingredients used across the entire A’kin range: Click here

Life in France

I recently ordered some beauty products from lovelula the organic apothecary.
I love lovelula.
I’ve ordered from this website before, it’s excellent. All of the products are natural and/or organic, there are no harmful chemicals; no sls, no parabens, no animal testing, they are independent; not affiliated with any of the brands they stock, they run a reward point scheme on all purchases, free shipping for all UK orders over £50, free samples (up to 3 with every order), fast delivery, gift wrapping service, secure payment, and best of all they offer a well informed personal service.
I have emailed lovelula several times with questions about their products and asked for advice for my skin, and I’ve always received a prompt reply that told me everything I wanted to know.

One of the items I purchased with my recent order was Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner.
I’ve already written and posted a review of the Giovanni 50/40 Balanced Shampoo which I love, and this conditioner is also one of my new favourite hair products.
The reviews on lovelula for this conditioner were excellent, and as I’d ordered a Giovanni shampoo I thought I may as well try a conditioner too.
I paid £7.99 Euro 9.42 (approx) for a 250ml bottle.
I usually use a rinse out conditioner, but don’t really like them, and I wanted to try a leave in conditioner for a couple of reasons. The main reason is that I am lazy! My hair is unbelievably tangly and it seems to take ages to spread it evenly through my hair, and then a long time to thoroughly rinse it out. So a leave in conditioner seemed like a good idea.
I loved this conditioner from the very first application. After showering and gently towel drying my unruly hair, I squeezed a very small amount of the Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner into the plam of my hand. Then I spread it equally between both hands and then gently stroked it over my hair.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much hair was covered with such a tiny squirt of this conditioner.
My hair was almost instantly tangle free, and that’s not an easy task.
This conditioner is creamy yet light at the same time, a little goes a really long way, and my hair seems very happy with it.
I noticed immediately that my hair looks very shiny and healthy, it smells lovely too, and the aroma lasts until the next wash.
I am so pleased that I decided to try a leave in conditioner, it is so much quicker to use, just a few seconds and my hair is happy and free form knots and tangles. I doubt I’ll ever go back to rinse out conditioners.
I’ll definitely be purchasing another bottle of Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner when this one is empty. I love it.

Here’s what lovelula says ~

Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner 250ml ~
size 250ml hair type dry or damaged
Recommended for moisturising & volumising conditioner
* Restores strength, lustre and nourishment to abused hair.
* Moisturises and builds body. Detangles for easy comb-out, easy styling.

To create condition and style, you need to go direct to the source. Direct Leave-in Conditioner goes directly into each hair to provide both. This leave-in treatment repairs hair as you go through the day. It also has the added benefit of plumping up each repaired hair so that it feels thicker. More bodified. This conditioner infuses each individual hair with proteins. Pumps it up. Goes directly to style.

To use ~
Apply to damp hair and comb through to distribute evenly. Do not rinse out. Air dry or blow dry for body.

Ingredients ~
Aqua (purified water) with *rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil, *nettle (Uritica dioica) oil, *thyme (Thymus vulagris) oil, birch leaf (Butela alba) oil, *chamomile (Anthemis nobilus flower) oil, *clary (Salvia sclarea), *lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), *coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), *yarrow (Achillea millefolium) oil, *mallow (Malva sylvestris), *horsetail (Equistetum arvense) oil, *soybean protein (Glycine soja), cetyl alcohol (plant derived), tocopherol (vitamin E), panthenol (pro vitamin B5), trace minerals, citric acid (corn), sodium hydroxymethyglycinate, grapefruit seed (citrus derived), fragrance from essential oils.
*certified organic

Life in France

I recently ordered some beauty products from lovelula the organic apothecary.
I love lovelula.
I’ve ordered from this website before, it’s excellent. All of the products are natural and/or organic, there are no harmful chemicals; no sls, no parabens, no animal testing, they are independent; not affiliated with any of the brands they stock, they run a reward point scheme on all purchases, free shipping for all UK orders over £50, free samples (up to 3 with every order), fast delivery, gift wrapping service, secure payment, and best of all they offer a well informed personal service.
I have emailed lovelula several times with questions about their products and asked for advice for my skin, and I’ve always received a prompt reply that told me everything I wanted to know.

One of the items I purchased with my recent order was Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Shampoo.
Despite this brand being on the market for many years I haven’t used it before, but the reviews on lovelula were good, and I read several other beauty websites which also posted positive reviews about this shampoo.
I paid £7.99 EURO 9.02 (approx) for a 250ml bottle.
The Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Shampoo smells really lovely, it has a fresh citrus scent. It lathers up quite well; often products without sls don’t lather that much, and my hair seem to like it - a lot. After just one wash my hair felt cleaner than usual, and it seems to stay cleaner for longer, but maybe that’s just my imagination?
I can definitely see a difference in my hair, it looks shiny, vibrant, and healthy, and just a little amount of this shampoo goes a long way so it should last for quite a while.
I will definitely purchase Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Shampoo again - I love it.

Here’s what lovelula says ~

Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Shampoo ~
size 250ml hair type dry or coloured hair
Protects chemically enhanced hair colour
Adds moisture and manageability
Infuses shine every day, all day
Contains no laurel/laureth sulfates

When hair is dry, it needs a drink. Give it the hydration it needs, and wants, with a balance of ingredients that infuse moisture while locking in color. 50/50 Balanced Shampoo balances the art of clean with supreme protection. Gentle enough for every day, superior shine is on the way.
Smile. This is happy hour … for your hair.

To use ~
Massage into your hair & scalp, rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.

Ingredients ~
Aqua (purified water) with *rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil, *nettle (Uritica dioica) oil, *thyme (Thymus vulagris) oil, birch leaf (Butela alba) oil, *chamomile (Anthemis nobilus flower) oil, *clary (Salvia sclarea), *lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), *coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), *yarrow (Achillea millefolium) oil, *mallow (Malva sylvestris), *horsetail (Equistetum arvense) oil, *soybean protein (Glycine soja), sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate (coconut derived), cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, decyl glucoside, cocamidopropyl hydroysultaine, citric acid (corn), phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium chloride (sea salt), fragrance from essential oils.
* certified organic

Life in France

I dyed my hair a couple of days ago. I used a Keranove permanent hair dye, number 4, brown.

I always dye my own hair, I never go to a salon.
I can’t remember the last time I visited a hairdressers. I don’t enjoy the experience, I don’t like the small talk, the “where are you going on holiday?” questions, they don’t really want to know, but most of all I don’t like having to sit in front of a mirror and seeing my reflection - Yuk, it’s enough to put me off my food!
So, a home hair dye job for me. I haven’t dyed my hair for a long time as I try not to use too many nasty chemicals.
However, the number of grey hairs along my temples seem to have rapidly increased over the past few months, and every time I saw my reflection in a mirror, I wondered who the old lady looking back at me was.
Something had to be done.
Just because I am no longer 21 that doesn’t mean I feel old, and I don’t have to look old either.
I know there are some chemical free hair dyes on the market, but, for me at least, they just don’t cover my grey sufficiently or give such a professional natural looking finish.
So, a permanent hair dye full of potentially nasty health damaging chemicals was on the top of my shopping list.
Every time I dye my hair, which isn’t something I do frequently, I say I am going to stick with the brand and colour, of whatever my last purchase was.
I never do.
I don’t know why? Possibly because there are so many brands and shades to choose from that I feel obliged to try something different each time.
This time I purchased a Keranove permanent hair dye, in a basic brown shade. No frills, no ammonia.
I can’t remember how much it cost, but it wouldn’t have been much, probably about €7.
I have used most of the more expensive brands, but they don’t seem to be worth the money. I don’t like spending money on myself, so I usually look for the cheapest hair dye, and then buy something a few Euros more expensive, which usually works out at about half the price of the most expensive products.
I purchased the Keranove in the supermarket, Carrefour. Surprisingly there is quite a good choice of hair dye available in most of the shops in this area. I say surprisingly because for almost every other product imaginable there seems to be very little choice.
I suppose living in London I got used to having a huge choice of everything, and I do miss that.
Anyway, although I usually pour the colourant into the developer bottle as instructed, this time I decided to mix them together in a plastic bowl. I fancied attempting to apply the dye with a brush, just like the professionals do, but without the years of training and experience that they have!
I gently brushed the hair dye onto my grey roots first, as instructed, then began the arm breaking process of covering the rest of my head. I think maybe I should have purchased two packets of hair dye as my hair is quite long, and fairly thick. Next time I will buy two packs, or chop off several inches of my hair.
It all worked surprisingly well, I was pretty impressed with my hair dye application skills.
Quite what a professional hairdresser would have thought of my technique, I don’t know.
After the recommended development time; 30 minutes, it was time to rinse off the dye.
The fact that I had never used the brush method for application before meant that it took me rather longer than I expected to apply the hair dye - about one and a half hours!
After taking so long to apply the dye I wasn’t sure how long I should leave it on, or if I should just rinse it out straight away.
I decided to leave it for a further 30 minutes.
So roughly 2 hours after I first began the process my hair was ready to be rinsed. Not surprisingly my hair was almost bone dry by this stage.
I always find it easier to stand in the shower and rinse the hair dye out, as it can take quite a long time before the water runs clear, especially when using very dark colours.
I have never had any problems with the dye staining my back or the rest of my body, and I didn’t have any with this dye.
After what felt like several hours standing under the warm water,the dye was fully rinsed from my hair.
Next I smothered my hair with the sachet of conditioner, which I left on for two minutes.
Then I rinsed my hair thoroughly, and on first impressions I thought it looked lovely - and best of all no more depressing aging grey.
I couldn’t tell initially how dark the brown was, but once it was dry it looked like the perfect match for my natural hair colour; very dark brown.
I haven’t used Keranove permanent hair dye before, but I think I will definitely use it again. I particularly like the fact that this product didn’t smell horrible like so many of them do, in fact it smelt rather pleasant.
I also really like the multi tone coloration. My hair is now a nice even very dark brown colour, but when the light catches it, I can see glints of a slightly lighter reddish tone.
My hair is now completely free of grey.
It’s a lovely warm dark brown colour. It looks very natural, and I am very happy.

Life in France

I recently ordered some beauty products from lovelula the organic apothecary.
I love lovelula.
I’ve ordered from this website before, it’s excellent. All of the products are natural and/or organic, there are no harmful chemicals; no sls, no parabens, no animal testing, they are independent; not affiliated with any of the brands they stock, they run a reward point scheme on all purchases, free shipping for all UK orders over £50, free samples (up to 3 with every order), fast delivery, gift wrapping service, secure payment, and best of all they offer a well informed personal service.
I have emailed lovelula several times with questions about their products and asked for advice for my skin, and I’ve always received a prompt reply that told me everything I wanted to know.

One of the items I purchased with my recent order was Lavera Anti Aging Facial Sun Screen SPF20.
I hadn’t used it before - but when this tube runs out I’ll definitely purchase it again.
It cost £8.70 - EURO 9.71 (approx) for a 50ml tube.
It rubs in easily, without leaving a white residue like some sun screen products do.
A little seems to go a long way, so I think although the tube is quiet small it will last a long time.
My skin seems to love this stuff - no breakouts and after only a few days of using it I’m sure my skin is firmer and my laughter lines are a little fainter.

Here’s what lovelula says ~

Lavera Anti Aging Facial Sun Screen SPF20 ~
size 50ml (size guide) skin type All skin types
Recommended for Providing complete & instant mineral sunscreen UV protection | providing additional anti aging support to skin

“I shall be using it this summer … if you only use one anti aging product be sure it’s a sunscreen.” Sally Brampton, Beauty Writer

Provides instant waterproof sun care protection on application from UVA + B + C rays.
Lavera’s Anti-Age Sunscreen Cream SPF 20 is effective in two ways:
1. This 100% mineral sun protection helps reflect the suns rays, thus protecting the delicate facial skin against sun burn and skin ageing.
2. Innovative active ingredients Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera provides the skin with added moisture leaving remarkable anti ageing effects.

Lavera’s Anti Aging Organic Sunscreen is especially developed for delicate facial skin. Packed with organic plant oils and shea butter, it intensively moisturises and protects.
Extracts of witch hazel and liquorice help soothe redness and irritation whilst caffeine extract stimulates the skin’s micro circulation, boosting blood flow and butcher’s broom is included to help strengthen and firm.
Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera gel provide skin with a high level of hydration. Organic, cold pressed sunflower oil is a potent source of vitamin E, beta-carotene and unsaturated fatty acids, offering skin a high level of protection and care. Lavera’s Anti Aging Organic Facial Sunscreen does not contain any PEG emulsifiers or PABA, which can irritate sun exposed skin.
100% natural mineral based formula with titanium dioxide provides broad spectrum UV protection against UVA, B and C rays. Effective immediately upon application. Waterproof. Biodegradable. Vegan. Free of chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone and cetyl cinnamates, which can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body.
In recycleable plastic packaging.
To use ~ Apply Lavera sunscreen to face as often as required when in the sun and re-apply after swimming.

Ingredients ~
Aqua, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Alcohol, Glycerin, Glycine Soja*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Squalene, Helianthus Annuus*, Simmondsia Chinensis*, Prunus Dulcis*, Stearic Acid, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Rucus Aculeatus, Aloe Barbadensis*, Calendula Officinalis*, Hamamelis Virginiana*, Lysolecithin, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Rosa Damascena*, Lecthin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Betaglucan, Butyrospermum Parkii, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Alumina, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Parfum**, Citral**, Coumarin**, Eugenol**, Geraniol**, Citronellol**, Limonene**, Linalool** *Ingredients from certified agriculture **natural essential oils. Suitable for vegans. Contains coated nano particles.

If you are interested in avoiding using nasty chemicals on your skin then I highly recommend Lavera Anti Aging Facial Sun Screen SPF20 ……. all I need now is for the sun to make an appearance.

The Wine Connoisseur

I first heard about the Too Faced Retractable Kabuki Brush several months ago.
I then read lots of good reviews about it, in fact the only slightly negative opinions about this brush seem to be that after washing it it takes a long time to dry; several days according to most reviewers? And that the metal case is easily scratched.
Anyway, last week I decided to purchase a Too Faced Retractable Kabuki Brush for myself.
After a little online research the best website for me was Sephora.
I placed my order and a few days later my brush arrived. I was surprised by the size of the box it was delivered in; which was about ten times the size of the Kabuki brush.
I ripped open the cardboard box and inside nestled in between several layers of tissue paper was a much smaller box which contained my new brush.
Although I was eager to try out my new beauty product, I washed it thoroughly first to make sure it was completely clean.
Contrary to the reviews I had read regarding the drying time, my brush was fully dry within a couple of hours.
The synthetic bristles are incredibly soft, probably the softest I have ever felt.
So far I love the Too Faced Kabuki Brush.
I paid 28,50€ from Sephora.fr but I have seen it slightly cheaper on a few other websites; but they don’t deliver to France at reasonable prices!

Here’s what Too Faced say about their Retractable Kabuki Brush ~

This one-stop shop of a brush is a serious multi-tasker! Our perfectly portable retractable Kabuki Brush is the ideal tool to apply bronzers blushers powders and shimmers flawlessly.
Our world-famous Teddy Bear Hair bristles grab and blend color without any of the cruelty or hygiene problems associated with animal-hair brushes.

Tip Tricks
Retractable brush protects brush hair and keeps brush clean.
Apply blush with the kabuki brush it will soften your application.
Swirl the Kabuki brush into your powder or blush and retract. To touch up on the go remove cap and powder up!

Benefits
This professional, do it all brush travels like a celebrity.
Pocket sized for quick touch ups.
Teddy Bear Hair - ultra soft, cruelty free and performs like a pro!
Can be used to apply loose powder, pressed powder, bronzers, cheek colors - versatility galore!

I am definitely pleased with my Too Faced Retractable Kabuki Brush, it is wonderfully soft, it feels as though a Teddy Bear is applying my makeup.
I don’t particularly like the colour pink, but when it is covered in scratches; which I’m sure will be quite soon, I’ll paint it!
So far there is only one thing I don’t like about it, and that’s the static shock I received today whilst applying my mineral foundation.
As I have very sensitive skin I never use animal hair brushes, I have used synthetic cosmetic brushes from various other brands, but I’ve never experienced any problems with static.
It doesn’t bother me that much though, despite my face still feeling strange from the shock I received earlier today - from now on I’ll earth myself and apply my makeup in ‘bear’ feet!

FRANCE

I bought some Rosehip Oil a while ago, which initially I used every day, but then like a lot of beauty products I forgot about it and started using other things.
I recently came across my bottle of Rosehip Oil so I thought I would start using it again, and I’m glad I did because it is really good stuff.
My skin seems to love it and I love it.
My skin feels very soft, and just a few little drops of the oil goes a very long way.

I purchased my bottle of Rosehip Oil - Rosa mosqueta, from aimara organic oils.
I paid £12.49 for the 50ml bottle. I have used it a lot and yet the bottle is still very full.

Here’s what aimara organic oils say about the Rosehip Oil ~
Pure Rosehip oil contains around three-quarters essential fatty acids: oleic, linoleic, and linolenic, which help maintain healthy skin.
Rosehip oil also contains natural Tretinoin, a derivative of Retinol (vitamin A), which replenishes and helps rebuild skin tissue.
Ingredients ~
Organically produced pure cold-pressed rosehip (rosa mosqueta) oil.
Not tested on animals.

419 Scams

I have purchased quite a few different beauty products from the Green People website during the past few years, including their Moisturising Shampoo.

Here’s what Green People say about this product ~

Organic Aloe Vera, Neroli and Chamomile
For thick, coarse, and easily tangled hair ~

• Natural oils moisturise hair and scalp for easy-to-manage tangle-free hair
• Cleanses and conditions leaving locks healthy and nourished
• Sensual, exotic aroma
• A little goes a long way! Lasts approximately 3 times longer than most conventional shampoos

This natural hair care product is free from SLS/SLES, Parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances to bring you the purest shampoo that nature can offer.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
200ml £9.30

My hair is always very tangled, and I don’t enjoy washing it.
I imagine my troublesome tangles could have something to do with the fact that I rarely brush or comb my hair? I think that last time my locks saw a brush was back in the 80’s!
But whilst using the Green People Moisturising Shampoo my hair felt much less tangled, even without using a separate conditioner which although I usually do, I found I didn’t need to with this shampoo.
I would recommend this shampoo, if it’s works well on my naughty hair, it will work on everyones - and it’s good to know that it’s not full of nasty chemicals.
(I’ve just noticed that my review for this shampoo is still posted on the Green People website).

I wish I could find as many good, safe, chemical free, natural, organic, beauty product websites, here in France as I have found in England, because sometimes the cost of the postage makes ordering prohibitive, oh well c’est la vie!

Life in France