Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Eye of Horus Goddess Mascara
Mascara, a tricky subject! I have tried loads of brands at both ends of my budget. I have concluded that the cheap brands are no different than the more expensive brands and they all sting my eyes! I would have sensitive skin and favour natural skincare products. I have used a natural moisturiser and make-up for years but have only just discovered a natural mascara.
Eye of Horus is a naturally derived beauty brand founded in Australia. Their following includes many celebs and I am delighted to say these products are now available in the UK.
Eye of Horus mascara is a natural product containing natural waxes and essential oils. I have ‘Goddess Mascara’ and was so impressed when my postie delivered this to me. The packaging was so exquisite – a beautiful thick gift bag with the logo and inside I un-wrapped the mascara from folds of co-ordinating tissue paper sealed with matching stickers. Don’t you just love it when products arrive like this? I do!
The mascara itself was nicely boxed and looked a lot more than £17.
‘‘Goddess Mascara’: This is Eye of Horus’ hero product and the brainchild of Australian girls Holly, Heather, Nicole Spierings and Amy Lennane, Founders of the brand. Their sensitivity to eye make-up inspired the research to come up with a gentler and natural mascara formula. The star ingredient is Moringa Oil, which is rich in vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants to strengthen the lash structure. It delivers beautiful long and full lashes with its anti-clogging formula that has long lasting results. The ‘Goddess Mascara’ is ideal for sensitive eyes and safe for brittle lashes and can be used on eyelash extensions. Its water resistant formula also nourishes and assists the lashes’ growth.’(Eye of Horus)
Needless to say, with ingredients like this, Goddess Mascara is perfect for those who have previously reacted badly to the added ingredients other mascaras contain.
This did not sting my eyes, neither did my eye-lashes break or come off with the mascara at the end of the day. I love the rubber brush – try this and see for yourself – this is the only type of brush which I have found to give lashes like the girls in Cosmo, Yea!! The mascara lasted all day with no smudges yet was easily removed.
Eye of Horus – you are now a staple in my make-up bag!
For further information visit: http://www.eyeofhoruscosmetics.co.uk/
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Bronnley for Valentine’s Day.
When I think of Valentine’s Day I immediately think of Bronnley, they have some of the nicest fragrance’d toiletries ever. Only the finest natural ingredients and essential oils are used to create luxury items you will love to give and receive.
Bronnley products make great presents as they are brilliant value and they look a lot more expensive than they really are! In particular, I can recommend the Pink Bouquet range – perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Whether you opt for a body wash or bar of soap, Bronnley have it covered with these two fantastic cleansing products.
Pink Bouquet – Triple Milled Soap
Bronnley’s soaps are tripple milled and last much longer than your average soap. The Pink Bouquet soaps are beautifully presented and perfect to give as a gift.
Containing gentle cleansers, this soap will not dry the skin nor cause irritation. Skin is cleansed with sweet almond oil, shea butter and geranium oil therefore no moisture will be lost and skin is left super soft. The familiar Pink Bouquet fragrance lingers on the skin and lasts and lasts. Gorgeous!Can be purchased individually or as a boxed set of three RRP £10.25
Pink Bouquet – Cleansing Body Wash 250ml
A perfect companion to the soap, Bronnley have produced co-ordinating Cleansing Body Wash. This contains sweet almond protein and witch hazel, both cleaning and softening the skin.
I love to see ‘Free from Parabens and SLS’ on skincare products. This indicates that the company have thought of what is good for the skin and have taken steps to eliminate what is not recommended from their products. Well done Bronnley!
RRP £9.95
Pink Bouquet – Moisturising Body Lotion 250ml
This fabulous body lotion can be used as part of your daily beauty regime. With the added benefits of sweet almond oil, shea butter this will leave your skin super soft and beautiful. Rose petal extract contributes to the delicate scent, making this one of my favourite lotions.
RRP £9.95
Pink Bouquet – Dusting Powder 75g
Perfect to follow the body lotion, this silky dusting powder screams luxury. The packaging is gorgeous – I love the look these products add to my ‘other wise boring’ dressing table.
This talc does not dry the skin, but adds a silky yet matte feel, with the scent of rose, carnation, orchid, violet and lily accompanied with the muskiness of amber and sandle-wood. A firm favourite!
RRP £8.95
For further information visit www.bronnley.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Pampered Foods, Teenage Gifts
FTN : Wholefood Stem Cell Recovery Drink.
Blue-green algae, green tea and blueberries are just a few of the highly nutritious super-foods you will find in a 60ml bottle of FTN. This new nutraceutical wholefood drink is taking the world by storm. One fitness enthusiast after another are recommending this drink which has its backing in very convincing research. Fans can be found world-wide, and I simply have to mention a few of the more famous fans – Cardiff Blues Rugby, Adrian grant, Michel Salgado and Nicola Hobbs! Not only is FTN an exceptional drink for athletics, but it is also perfect for people on the go.
FTN will reduce fatigue and speed up recovery following exercise.
‘Free from artificial chemicals, stimulants and fully NSF and WADA approved, FTN is a patented blend of five wholefood ingredients designed to provide your body the protection and nutrients it needs to support its natural repair and renewal process.
Developed by a team of top researchers over six years, and backed by a wealth of published independent research data, a single 60ml shot of FTN is jam packed with all the essential vitamins, amino acids and nutrients that your body needs to support it’s natural repair and renewal process. Rich vitamin D and super nutrient rich blue-green algae, the proprietary blend only found in FTN has been shown, in five independent research papers, to help support the body’s natural renewal process of stem cells, aiding in promoting quicker recovery throughout the body, slowing down ageing and increasing overall vitality and health’ (FTN)
There are many supplement drinks on the market which claim to boost energy and contain the vitamins our bodies need. However, not many can also claim to be totally free from artificial chemicals and stimulants. FTN contains natural ingredients which work in harmony with our body nurturing, repairing and supporting stem cells.
‘The wholesome and natural ingredients in FTN work together to support the life and growth of the body’s adult stem cells, providing the nutrition which stem cells need to flourish:
Green Tea extract helps support the health of the digestive and respiratory systems and enhances the proliferation of cells within the skin
Wild blueberry extract further promotes maintenance of healthy brain, cardiovascular, vision, joint and urinary tract function
Vitamin D supports adult stem cell renewal and helps these cells become immune cells for naturally fighting infection
Organic blue-green micro-algae contains protein, essential fatty acids, chlorophyll, beta-carotene and a vast array of micro-nutrients that supercharge the body’s ability to maintain superior overall well-being
Organic fruit juice to help deliver the healthy daily dose in a refreshingly cleansing taste’ (FTN)
But how does this taste? Very good actually! I enjoy my FTN in the morning and find from I have been taking this daily, I no-longer crave sweet treats between meals. I have tried both citrus and raspberry flavours and could not pick a favourite, they both taste fresh and super fruity.
Pampered Presents readers have the opportunity to win a month’s supply of this natural wonder drink. Visit the link on Facebook to enter.
Gadget Gifts, Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Perfecter Fusion Styler.
I love to experiment with my daughter’s hair and have been accused of sending them to church looking like they are going to a wedding!! They both have long hair, one being fairly straight and other quite fuzzy like mine! In the past I have used my GHD’s to tame hair and this has resulted in a burn (more than once) as the girls find it impossible to sit still. Unfortunately I have caught ears several times!
I have recently been using the new Perfecter Fusion Styler and so far, all is good.
We are having a lot of fun with this as it can be used to create a variety of different looks. Hair can be straightened, curled and made wavy with extra body in minutes.
The Perfecter is different from other hair styling tools as the bristles do not heat up. I can use my hands to shape the hair along with the Perfecter and there is no risk of anyone getting burnt – no more singed ears in my house!
The Perfecter has 2 temperature setting so I tend to use the cooler setting for the children. It suits all hair types and I have proved this to be true. I have dry hair, my daughters have greasy hair. This styler works expertly on everyone’s hair. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos are amazing!
Even in a hurry, I still have time for a quick flick of the styler. It heats in under a minute so you can have salon perfect hair every day.
Important point – I am very busy and always seem to be rushing in and out of the house to and from school and the shops. I would be picking up the groceries in Tesco and suddenly think ‘Did I switch off my straighteners?’ With the Perfecter, the styler switches off after inactivity! This fact, along with the other points made above, make this the one and only styler I will ever use and ever recommend to my friends. I love it, what a buy for £69.99 and with a travel bag, comb and clips.
The Perfecter will do very well coming up to Valentine’s Day I am sure. I would advise you purchase early to avoid disappointment, this is sure to sell out!
For further information visit http://www.perfecter.co.uk
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Naturalmente
I look forward to a future which I believe will come to fruition – one where we can shop for beauty and hair-care products without having to cautiously read the label. Parabens, formaldehyde, diethanolamine, SLS, SLES and synthetic perfumes are ingredients I refuse to let into my house, never mind the bathroom. The evidence to support the use of natural products is growing and growing and yes, someday rather soon (hopefully) ingredients like those listed above will not be found in our everyday beauty products.
Over 60% of what we place on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. Imagine the repercussions of using products on a daily basis and sometimes even twice a day, products that have some or even all of the above ingredients contained within the fancy packaging. What scares me most is that some of these creams and lotions even have the words ‘Natural’ written on the packaging. You almost need to be a scientist to interpret the label!
Never fear, on Pampered Presents I promote natural products with no harmful products. This is why I was thrilled to discover yet another super brand, and better still, this one offered natural and safe products for our hair.
Naturalmente is indeed a safe and natural product – trust me, I have scrutinized the label and am in love with this stuff. Rated as Italy’s No 1 organic and bio dynamic haircare product, Naturalmente is now available in the UK.
‘Naturalmente is inspired by the healing powers of aromatherapy with its main ingredients derived from certified organic botanicals. This bio dynamic haircare brand originates from the heart of the Tuscany Hills, renowned for its sensational food, breath-taking landscape and now naturally beautiful hair.
Naturalmente’s ethos is clear and is reflected in every aspect of their range: from the petrochemical-free and plant-based formulations to the 100% biodegradable packaging. Naturalmente also avoids high price-tags which make it a truly affordable luxury; their products deliver healthy hair for less without compromising quality.’ (Naturalmente)
Naturalmente’s packaging is also eco friendly, coming from a non-toxic source.
This brand will do very well in the UK as consumers are becoming more and more aware of what their products contain and how they are made. They have also had the foresight to produce full size and travel size items, making this perfect for those who like to try a smaller size first and also perfect for taking to the gymn and on holidays.
I have been using the anti-oxidant shampoo and conditioner. The fact that this is a natural product only adds to the effect. Wow, I leave the lid off the conditioner just so as the smell fills the room! I will use this forever – sorry if I am being a tad dramatic, but try this and you will know what I mean. I love the texture, the way your hair feels after use, the fabulous scent and, last but not least, it does not make my eyes sting!
Naturalmente is now a permanent fixture in my bathroom, along with a few other ‘super natural’ favourites. I would urge you to try this fab shampoo and conditioner and see for yourself how natural can be so much better.
Naturalmente is now available online from www.gentlebodycare.co.uk
Naturalmente www.naturalmenteuk.co.uk was founded in 2004 by top Italian hairdressers Brigida and Domenico Tomaselli.
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Nelson’s Calendula Cream and Arnica Bath & Massage oil for Valentine’s Day.
If you are on the hunt for some lovely beauty products to woo your Valentine look no further than Nelson’s – www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com
I have revisited this site many times for natural and toxin free beauty products and have never been disappointed. At the moment I am loving the Calendula cream. The cold weather is not kind to hands, especially mine! This cream revitalises and moisturises hands and other areas in need of a little TLC.
I always favour natural products and you cannot get more ‘natural’ than this. Made from 100% calendula, this cream has many other uses, for example, rough skin on knees, elbows etc. Kind to skin, hypoallergenic and naturally scented, this is one cream you will love to have in your handbag.
Excellent value at only £4.85 for 30g tube and £6.35 for 50g. Available from Boots, Holland&Barrett and independent pharmacies and health food stores.
Another favourite product I will recommend for Valentine’s day gifting has got to be Nelson’s Arnicare Arnica Bath & Massage balm. I first tried this to help with aches and pains, including severe backache. I fast became addicted to my nightly ritual – a hot bath with Nelson’s Arnica bath oil!
This dual purpose balm works well in the bath and also directly on the skin. Naturally fragranced, this balm leaves skin soft, smooth and deliciously scented making this a great Valentine’s Day pampering gift.
‘The invaluable natural properties of Arnica Montana will help to soothe and relax you after a tiring day, while Calendula, Evening Primrose and Sweet Almond Oils naturally hydrate and nourish the skin. Slow down and unwind with the sweet Lavender and Grapefruit scents which will help to melt away tension and clarify the mind.’ Nelsons.
Nelsons Arnicare Arnica bath & massage balm costs £8.15 and is available from Boots.
Health and Beauty, Pampered Foods
Nordic Oil.
Are you getting your Omega 3? With recent research serving to emphasize how important this question actually is, the quest to find a high quality non-toxic omega 3 supplement is a priority for many. For those of you who are unsure as to why this fatty acid is so important, the benefits are well documented and very impressive. To give a brief summary:
‘Omega 3 are essential fatty acids, which are important in the maintenance of good health and vitality. As such, they have been shown to help with; reduced risk of sudden heart attack and cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, depression and alzheimers.
They have been strongly linked to good skin, hair and nails, see below (an informative video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvXCWbZGKYQ (Nordic oil)
Nordic Oil ticked all the boxes for me. The source of fatty acids found in this supplement is natural and non-toxic and the research and ethos behind the company impressed me. I was more than happy to take this supplement for a 2 month trial period.
About Nordic oil:
‘Nordic Oil was founded in 2010 by James Slade who was frustrated by the low quality of many Omega 3 supplements found on the high street. With an extensive knowledge of the healthcare industry and experience as a chiropractor, James was in a good position to develop and launch Nordic Oil as the premium supplement brand that it is today.
Nordic Oil aim to supply top quality products made from the best ingredients, at an affordable and competitive price. The oil is produced from carefully selected fish sources from the deep, clear waters, including sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, species that are characterized by especially low levels of environmental impurities. Nordic Oil is produced at the state-of-the-art production facilities in Northern Europe.’ (Nordic oil)
I prefer to take a capsule but this supplement is also available in liquid form to drink. My children are taking the liquid form with no complaints.
Nordic Oil launched a new website in September 2013 which I find easy to navigate, informative and packed with information. Excellent offers are available and these vary monthly, including multiple purchase offers and a flexible p&p rate. Next day delivery is available for those who prefer not to wait on products.
‘Nordic Oil is a premium quality, third party tested, zero-toxin omega 3 supplement, derived from the most purified and highest-grade fish oil. The choice of professional triathletes Tamsin Lewis, Eimear Mullan and Ritchie Nicholls, as well as world record holding ultra-runner Mimi Anderson; Nordic Oil is fast becoming an integral part of an effective training and racing routine.’ (Nordic Oil)
NORDIC OIL High Grade Omega 3 Oil (500ml) £27.00
NORDIC OIL High Grade Omega 3 Capsules (60 capsules/1 month supply): £9.99
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Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty, Teenage Gifts
Chelsea Brow Kit.
Eyebrows– the only part of our face we can change without surgery!
I remember the first time I took to the tweezers. My dad came home from work in the evening and looked at me intently. He said nothing as he couldn’t quite figure out what was different but I looked gorgeous!!
Shaping your eyebrows can dramatically change your entire face, just as untidy eyebrows can ruin your look even if you are an expert applying make-up. However, care has to be taken as mistakes cannot be corrected and it may take some time for a ‘gap’ in your eyebrows to fill in. That look was considered cool in the 80’s but a well shaped and ‘complete’ set of eye brows is definitely the look for today.
Now, how do we get the look? Every-one wants eyebrows like the girls on the front of Cosmo, but it’s not easily achieved if you are armed only with a set of tweezers. In the past I have stuck pictures of super shaped brown along the side of my bathroom mirror and this definitely gave good guidance. However, I have yet to be as delighted with any beauty product as I am with the Chelsea Brow Kit.
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The Chelsea Brow Kit from Chelsea Beautique WILL deliver salon perfect results. With a range of powders tailored to suit your colouring, this kit provides a selection of stencils to suit different brow preferences, a dual applicator brush and the best set of tweezers I have ever used. To complete, you have a little velvet case in which to carry your kit.
The stencils are a great idea as you literally cannot go wrong. Place the stencil over your eyebrow and select your preferred shape, pluck access hair and fill in the shape.
‘The only brand in the UK to develop it Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Makeup Kit in California, the versatile selection of high-performing powder shades suit almost all hair colours and skin tones. It is also water resistant and smudge- proof to keep your eyebrows exactly how you styled them all day long and come in a beautiful velvet pouch which is perfect to put in your handbag. This product really is a must have!’ (Chelsea Beautique)
The wide range of powder colours are:
Natural: Very fair hair
Stone: Fair Hair
Light Brown: Blondes and Redheads
Dark Brown: Medium to Dark Brunettes
Chestnut: Dark Brunettes
Cappuccino: Fair Hair
Midnight: Very dark hair or for a more dramatic evening look
There isn’t a woman on the planet who wouldn’t want this kit. In my mind, it is the perfect accessory and I wouldn’t be without it.
Shopping for a gift? With Valentine’s Day on the horizon and swiftly followed by mother’s day, buy this hot new product now as I am certain it will sell out. Very well priced at £35.
For more information about Chelsea Beautique and its Chelsea Brows Kit, please visit the website: www.chelseabeautique.com
Gift Reviews, Health and Beauty
Deep Heat Muscle Rescue.
Deep Heat, the smell brings back memories from the ‘cross country’ days of my teens! Ohhh, the aches and pains. Then there was Deep Heat!
As will all classic products that have proved their worth over time, Deep Heat is still on the go and with some new products as well.
The Deep Heat Muscle Rescue range is well worth a try. I am addicted to the Bath Soak and the Neck and Shoulder Cream.
‘Designed to relieve stress and muscle tension with the help of electrolytes, which are a combination of minerals and trace elements such as magnesium and sodium and play a fundamental role in wellbeing. Bathing in electrolyte charged water, such as Muscle Rescue Bath Soak, helps replace lost minerals and can help to ease aches and pains. Muscle Rescue Bath Soak also contains essential oils of vanilla, rosemary and orange which help to de-stress you. Vanilla for example, is used for fighting stress and anxiety. The aroma of orange has also been shown to help reduce anxiety and induce calmness and positivity. Whereas Rosemary oil helps to reduce muscular stress and improve memory and mental clarity.
The aroma of the product also helps as it activates the brain’s limbic system — where we store memories and emotions — which can influence our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.’ (Deep Heat)
I admit this does sound expensive but the Bath soak retails at £5.49 and the Neck and Shoulder Cream at £5.99. If you suffer from aching tired muscles at the end of the day I urge you to give this a try. The collection of essential oils are really well put together to create truly fabulous affordable products which relax the body and uplift the mind.
Available from Boots.
Health and Beauty
Tiana Natural Beauty Products.
Tiana Rose Fresh Coconut TLC Anti Ageing Moisturiser
Wow wow wow! I cannot say enough how much I love this product! As a woman in my 30s, I am always looking for a new miracle for the ‘beginnings’ of wrinkles round my eyes. I’m very particular about what I put on my skin and natural products are a must for me so I was really excited to try out Tiana Rose Fresh Coconut oil anti ageing moisturiser. Firstly 100% of the ingredients are natural and certified organic. It contains no dairy, sodium, gluten, yeast or preservatives and is also cruelty free and fair trade. It is naturally rich in antioxidants and its unique formula contains over 300 active nutrients that (trust me) work wonders on dry/mature/sensitive skin.
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On opening the jar, the delicious scent of a summer rose garden was the first thing I noticed. Coupled with the lovely consistency, almost like lip balm, it is a pleasure to rub onto your skin. And then the magic happens…I applied it and went off to prepare dinner, a typical busy mum…when I checked in the mirror about 10 minutes later, a minor miracle had occurred! All the fine lines and-I have to say- rather black bags under my eyes had almost completely disappeared. I promise I have never seen anything like it! My skin is so soft too, and doesn’t feel clogged up like it would with other moisturisers. I will carry on using it as both a day and night cream with great pleasure, in fact, it’s my new addiction and I don’t know if I can wait till bedtime to put it on again!
Tiana Argan Fresh Coconut TLC Intensive Hair Treatment
Another gorgeous offering from Tiana-their Argan Fresh Coconut TLC Intensive Hair Treatment. I have been a lucky girl this week! Like their Rose and Coconut Anti Ageing Moisturiser, this hair product is made with 100% natural and certified organic ingredients of the highest quality-no harsh chemicals to damage your hair and weigh it down. Cold pressed virgin Argan and coconut oils are combined to basically make your hair beautiful!
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This mask will give an instant transformation to dry, damaged or just plain tired hair, it comes as a rich cream that you warm gently and massage into your hair. Only a small amount is needed, making it really economical. You leave for at least 20 mins or can even keep on overnight, then wash hair as normal in the morning. And the difference, in one application, was amazing! My hair feels really silky and manageable-no tangles at all, and looks so healthy and shiny. Literally like I just stepped out of a salon! I just love companies that have such good ethics and deliver top quality products that really work so thank-you Tiana! I am a new woman!
I am keen to try other products from Tiana, especially the food range. Tiana fair trade organic products were voted Best Food Range by the Health Food Business Awards 2010. The selection is extensive and the products inexpensive and natural in origin.
For further information visit www.tiana.coconut.com