Super Facialist by Una Brennan

"Feel like you have had an expert facial every day"

Stumbling upon this new range of skincare products I feel as though I have found a new cult brand.

Like most women, I find it quite difficult to pick out the right skincare products for me. There's just so many! So every now and then I like to try something new, that I like the look of/smell of and see how it goes. If you don't try you'll never know, right?

At first, what attracted me to the Super Facialist range was the simplistic, sophisticated packaging. It can't be denied that the way a product is presented influences the decision to buy it, perfumes are a prime example. So when I saw the white, clean boxes with a single rose petal on them, I knew these products were going in my basket.

I then flicked the cap open on the cleanser and tested the scent. Now, as many of us know, rose scented products can often remind us of our dear old grandmas. The rose scent reminds me of pretty vintage floral soaps and the Cath Kidston shop. But I have to say, that the Super Facialist products don't quite carry the same associations. The rose scented cleanser and day cream smell so fresh, and not at all overpowering. It is undeniably a very girly scent though, so I'd maybe go for the Tea Flower or Neroli products if you're buying for someone who hates pink... and roses.

Ok, getting home with my new products (Miracle Makeover Facial Oil, Calming Creamy Cleanser and the Radiance Day Cream SPF 15) I did some research about this Una Brennan lady and the Super Facialist brand. I found that Una Brennan is one of the most accomplished facialists and skincare experts in the UK, she has been giving facials for 17 years. Wow.

So by this point I was pretty excited to try out the products, I learnt that the Facial Oil is part of a 'double cleansing' routine where you apply it as a pre-cleanse treatment and remove it with a hot cloth before continuing to use your cleanser. The potent 'wonder-blend' of essential oils assists in eliminating impurities from the skin while encouraging cell regeneration.The oil smooths on like silk, is delicately scented and suitable for the most sensitive skin. I particularly enjoyed removing it with a hot cloth as my skin felt super soft and thoroughly cleansed.

The cleanser next, it has a slightly stronger scent but I think it adds to the feeling of freshness on your skin. This gloriously creamy cleanser is expertly formulated with Shea and Cocoa butters, renowned for their moisturisng effects, plus Pro Vitamin B5 to remove make up, debris and oils without drying the skin.

And finally, the Radiance Day Cream SPF 15. Usually I find that these kind of products can leave my skin greasy and therefore provides a oily base to apply my make up. But this Day Cream soaks in beautifully, leaving my skin soft, fresh and ready to apply make up (If I want to that is, sometimes the fresh feeling after cleansing and moisturising makes me want to stay bare-faced) This Day Cream provides deep hydration while helping to recharge the skin, keeping it looking firmer and more toned. Also, SPF 15 helps to prevent sun damage, making skin look more youthful for longer.

So not only are they the new wonder products, but they are all under £15! You can buy the Super Facialist range in Boots stores across the UK and at Boots.com

To find out more about Una Brennan and the Super Facialist range, visit www.superfacialist.co.uk

I hope you enjoy the products as much as I do!

Victoria.x

Dita Von Teese for ArtDeco

Dita Von Teese, a modern style icon with her signature cat eyeliner and red lipstick, has finally launched her very own make-up range with German cosmetics brand ArtDeco.

It seems only natural that Dita, famed for her pristine look, should have her own range of make-up, a range that will give women the opportunity to look and feel as glamorous as the lady herself.

Dita is a strong believer in the power of transformation, and more specifically the power of make-up. In interviews she has stressed that she is more of a 'created' beauty than a natural one:

"The truth is that I'm quite an ordinary looking girl, I remember watching classic Hollywood films from the 40s and noticing that these glorious women were painted that way. Glamour is about creation, and any woman who desires it can learn to create it for herself as I have. I believe that make-up has the power to transform an ordinary woman into an extraordinary one."

The range, available exclusively at selected Debenhams stores in the UK (also online at Debenhams.com) consists of lipstick, nail lacquer, eyeliner and mascara amongst others, in classic colours. The collection comes beautifully presented with the phrase 'beauty is art' featured on the packaging, and a sophisticated vintage-style design.

So if you're a lover of old-Hollywood classic glamour, a Dita Von Teese fan or just a keen enthusiast of red lipstick, this collection is perfect for you. Creating that perfect cat-eye or that perfect pout should no longer be saved only for special occasions, as Dita herself would say: "Glamour above all things."

Victoria.x

My DIY Manicure

As you may have read in my Summer Beauty Trends post, DIY nail art is a hot trend this summer. So I gave it a go myself last night, and this was the result...

Using clashing brights, I created this half and half design. 

(Clockwise from thumb: Barry M #136 Tangerine, Barry M #300 Acid Yellow, Illamasqua Jo'mina, Rimmel #825 Sky High, Barry M #309 Strawberry Ice Cream. Pink colour continous throughout: Illamasqua Obsess)

It may look difficult to achieve, but you won't believe how I did it...

Yep, that's right. Common household tape.

I simply used small pieces of tape to cover one area of the nail while I painted on the base colour, then removed the tape to paint the second clashing colour onto the rest of the nail. Using the tape in this way ensures clean, mess-free lines, a steady hand is not essential! Don't forget to finish with a clear top-coat to keep it glossy.

There are plenty of other ways to use tape to achieve different designs and effects, so why not give it a go?

Have fun!

Victoria.x

Palmer's new skincare range

Upon one of my routine shopping trips I came across Palmer's new range of skincare products.


I just had to try them out.

With soothing botanical extracts, proven anti-ageing ingredients and the highest quality cocoa butter, this new range promises a more even, radiant, and youthful complexion.


A mild fresh lily fragrance accompanies the Facial Scrub, Night Renewal Cream and the Line Smoothing Eye Cream. The gentle formula is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.


My two personal favourites are the Daily Cleansing Gel and the Line Smoothing Eye Cream. The Daily Cleansing Gel, leaves a soft fresh feeling on the skin for hours after first use, and the Line Smoothing Eye Cream glides on and leaves the skin around the eyes feeling smooth and hydrated all day long.


If you already love Palmer's cult Cocoa Butter beauty products then this range will be the perfect addition to your Cocoa Butter collection.


(l-r: Daily Cleansing Gel, £3.95, Exfoliating Facial Scrub, £5.95, Daily Facial Lotion, £5.95, Night Renewal Cream, £6.95, Line Smoothing Eye Cream, £6.95)


Enjoy!


Victoria.x

Summer Beauty Trends

The sun is out at last!

And that means only one thing ... hot new summer trends.


Everyone has pulled their maxi dresses and sandals out from the back of the wardrobe, but what about make-up? New season colours, DIY nail art and so much more ...


Summer and a tan go together like bread and butter, it's just not the same without. But there are easy ways of getting that sunkissed glow, without having to turn yourself into toast.

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer  £21.50

A unique blend of bronzing pigments in a reflective base makes for seriously shimmery stuff. Great for all skin tones, and its long-wearing, oil-free formula feels light on the skin, making it everyday-wearable. Quick and easy to apply, just smooth it on for a sheer, healthy-looking radiance.

Illamasqua Powdered Metal £22.50

Available in 3 shimmering shades, this multi-functional powder is the ultimate must-have for high-pigment bronzing. Apply the powder to your face and body using a big, fluffy bronzing or kabuki brush to create a subtle sheen or an all out extreme metallic finish. It can also be used as an eye-shadow or highlighter.

Maybelline Dream Terra Sun Bronzing Powder  £5.99

For those of us glow-getters on a budget there is this more purse-friendly bronzer. Naturally there is not the same level of shimmer and shine as there is in Illamasqua's Powdered Metal, but it still achieves an 'I've been on the beach all day' sort of glow.

DIY Nails

A trend rapidly picking up speed is the rise of 'DIY nails'. Inspired by the likes of Minx nail treatments in beauty salons, nail wraps are becoming ever more popular and are now available in places like Boots and Superdrug amongst many others.

Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps £6.65

A quick and easy way of achieving a designer-look manicure is to use Nail Rock wraps. Available in tons of different playful prints and colourful arty designs, there is a nail wrap to suit everyone.

Barry M Magnetic Nail Paint £4.99

Fun nail effects is becoming quite the speciality of Barry M with Crackle, Foil, Croc, Glitter and now Magnetic. Choose from 4 different colours, paint it on and then hover the special magnet over your nail to watch the effect appear.

Models Own Nail Art Pen £6.00

A must for all creative types dying to try out their own personal designs. A range of different colours are available, and it comes with two different nibs to create detailed patterns.

Colour Pop Lips

Juicy, summer lip colours have hit the beauty counters, and it's all about brights. Offset those tans with a pop of colour to get you noticed.

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Shine Lipstick £7.99

A luminous, satin finish coupled with high-pigment colour ... what more could you ask for? Look out for shade #74 'juicy tangerine' a bright coral/orange which would look knock-out against summery bronzed skin.

Max Factor Flipstick Colour Effect £8.49

This innovative double ended design gives you plenty of options when it comes to colour. One one end; a bright, rich and creamy colour, and on the other; a lighter, iridescent shimmer. The two shades complement each other beautifully, and a personal favourite of mine is #30 'gipsy red' which can achieve an effect like this...

Juicy!

Maybelline Color Sensational Popsticks £7.19

Perfect for when you want to look polished but not too over-done on holiday, by the pool and on the beach. A low-maintenance sheer glossy finish with a hint of a tint in five different fruity shades. With their cute colours and delicious scent, you'll want them all!

So there we have it, the best of the summer beauty trends. Be sure to pack some of these little gems into your holiday suitcase and have fun in the sun. Don't forget this too...

All beauty products look their best on healthy, protected skin. Stay safe, stay beautiful :)

Victoria.x

Hello!

I'd like to welcome you to this, my first ever blog post on Victoria's Beauty Box!

As this blog is completely new, here are a few things you can expect from upcoming posts;

1. News and reviews of the latest beauty products
2. Upfront and 100% honest views about what works and what doesn't
3. Tips on how to make the most of your make-up and skincare products
4. The hottest new trends in beauty, and how you can work them yourself

So, keep an eye out for my next post, which will be an insight into the best summer make-up trends to make sure you outshine the sun this season.

All suggestions and requests are wholeheartedly welcome :)

Enjoy!

Victoria.x