Scalp Saviour

I always bang on about how important your skin is, after all it is the largest organ we possess so we must take care of it. However, many people forget about one important area of skin, our scalp! Yes, it may be completely hidden by hair (unless you're bald) but it is still skin nonetheless.

Dying, heat styling, extreme temperature and wearing a lot of hats not only puts stress on your hair but it can also leave your scalp feeling sensitive and in need of a little TLC. I have tried a lot of products that claim to calm the scalp but none have worked half as well as my latest test!!!

Say hello to Clynol's Aloe Sensitive Mask!

The product is packed with nourishing aloe extract and natural yoghurt protein this mask soothes and helps repair a tired scalp and tired tresses.

The mask should be used weekly, and should be applied to towel dried hair. Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes for ultimate hair/scalp therapy. The aloe instantly cools and soothes the scalp whilst the natural yoghurt proteins fortify the hair leaving both hair and scalp feeling stronger and healthier. And, all of this whilst pampering yourself in the delightful smells of aloe. This product really is the ultimate in hair/head relaxation!

Sold exclusively at Clynol salons this product is definitely a must have for you bathroom shelf.
Go and try it and let me know how you get on!

Much love
R x

Couture in the Cathedral

Held between 6^th-11^th October, Truro Trend, Truro’s annual fashion week, returned to the city. The weeklong event organised by Totally Truro is a showcase for and a celebration of the latest fashions to be gracing Truro’s high-street this season. The event organiser, Charla Symons of Totally Truro said, “Truro is the shopping destination of choice for many, so we have created this annual fashion week to celebrate this”, further adding “it is an opportunity for retailers and businesses alike to give something back to their loyal customers, and to also attract new ones through special events and promotions.” I, for one, am totally championing this event; it was great to see so many people in Cornwall with a passion for fashion. The highlight of the week was the fashion show held at Truro Cathedral on the evening of Wednesday 8^th October. After thorough planning Truro Cathedral was transformed into a runway venue which wouldn’t be out of place at London Fashion Week. The evening showcased both menswear and womenswear by Benetton, Country Casuals, Austin Reed, Viyella, Henri Lloyd, East, Jaeger, Marks and Spencer, Plum, Moss and The Vor Store.

It wasn’t just about the clothes, oh no! Hair and makeup also played a massive part in creating a cohesive and visually rich show. Hair was styled by Number 8 Hair Salon, and with approximately thirty models to coiffure it was no mean feat. Stylists had cans of hairspray on hand to combat any windswept locks (trust us to put on a fashion show on the windiest day of the week). Whilst Number 8 had control of the hair there were still thirty faces un-made-up. Well, cue the Bodyshop babes. These ladies were armed with tools and products to transform the models into superstars. Every model was primed with two of Bodyshop’s bestselling products - Instablur Primer and their famous BB Cream (both products are great - I tried them myself and I love them!) before individual eye and lip colours were selected to match both the outfits and personalities of each model.

Above - Hair was straightened, curled, plaited, pinned and sprayed by the girls at Number 8 Hairdressing Truro.

Above - a before and after shot of one of the hairdos created for the show.
         

Above - all thirty of the models had looks created by the girl in Bodyshop. Even I did some of the girls make up looks :D

Above - an action shot and finished look.

Above - one of the finished looks for the Benetton Collection.

The models themselves came from all walks of life; mothers, fathers, friends of the business owners, businessmen and women to name but a few and many had had no previous modelling experience. They were however given basic catwalk training and choreography prior to the event by Juliet Matthews from Impact Model Agency based in Truro.

With hair firmly styled and final touch ups to make up complete it was time to get into the clothes whilst the 400 strong audience collected their goody bags (full of treats and offers from participating retailers) and took to their seats before the eight o’clock start.

BBC Radio Cornwall presenter Daphne Skinnard was our gracious compère for the evening whilst the fifty strong Rock Choir provided entertainment before and during the show. Split into two halves the night showcased both casual and formal looks from all brands reaching out to a diverse market both young and old. The range of looks on show was varied, spanning the timeless styles of Marks and Spencer, Jaeger and Viyella, to modern twists on classic suiting and casual wear from Moss Bros, Austin Reed and Henri Lloyd to the high end and fashion forward collections from The Vor Store and The United Colours of Benetton. Every single one of the models looked fabulous on the stage and shone in their own unique way. To put it succinctly, there was something for everyone.

From start to finish the Cathedral was full of smiling faces, laughter and appreciation of the fashion on display. It really was a brilliant atmosphere to be immersed in. Congratulation should be given organisers and businesses involved for creating such a brilliant event - I can only imagine Truro Trend getting bigger and better in coming years and that is really very exciting. To sum up, in the words of the fashion show’s signature tune, “Rather Be” (Clean Bandit feat. Jessie Glynn) “there’s no place I’d rather be” than Truro Trend!

Till next time
R x

Hair - http://www.number8hairdressing.com/ or find them on Facebook at Number 8 Hairdressing
Make Up - http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/
All photographs - Roland Bray @ that's so roland

Truro Trend #streetstyle

I took to the streets on Wednesday to see if I could capture some of Truro's hottest street style! Sadly the weather was pretty rubbish so most people had donned waterproofs over wool and brollies over bralets but I did manage to find a few gems on my hunt around!

Holly. Jacket and Shorts - Enjoy Vintage Truro

This jacket stoof out instantly, from the bold colour blocking, to the shoulder pads and the trimming, I love everything about this jacket! It definitely brightened up the grey day!

Aline (left) layering vintage All Saints and Anon (right) hat, top, jeans and boots from TOPSHOP, coat from New Look.

Layering is always a key trend for autumn winter. Like Aline on the left you can layer lots of thinner pieces to create a look full of depth or like our blonde bombshell on the right you can have a simple outfit layered with one statement coat. Both girls look great!! 

OOTD - Rachael. Duster Coat, Check Shirt, Jeans - TOPSHOP. Shoes - H&M

I am loving Rachael's colour co-ordinated outfit. With black jeans and shoes acting as a solid base it allows the check shirt to stand out, the green duster coat adds subtle layering whilst also pulling on the green from the check and the look is tied together by the matching red lippy! LOVE IT!!

It's my plan to get some more street style snaps from now on!

Get those outfits ready peeps... I'm coming for you!

Much love

R x

Uneeka Life's Glorious Grooming Range

Every man knows the awkward moment when you go to have a shave and then you realise you have no shaving foam, gel or cream!!! It is the worst thing and I know from experience it is properly frustrating!

Luckily this has only happened to me once, mainly because I swore to never let myself be stuck with stubble ever again.

Choosing shaving products can be tricky (look at older post on different types of shaving products here) but I have found a wonderful collection of products in Uneeka Life based in my hometown of Truro!

As well as selling gorgeous lifestyle products for your home and having a superb little café full of pretty good cake they also stock the premium quality men’s grooming brand; D. R. Harris and Co Ltd . I have been lucky enough to test the Arlington Shaving Cream as well as a new addition to the range, the Windsor Shaving Cream.

Before I go into my reviews, I have to say that the packaging of the products is exquisite, they look like they could be pulled of the hit ITV show; Mr Selfridge!

Arlington Shaving Cream

Accordinfg the brands website, the D. R. Harris Arlington Shaving Cream “is the very best 'Luxury Lather' concentrated shaving cream” and I have to admit I have loved using it! The product is really thick and is lightly fragranced with Arlington, a classic blend of citrus and fern. Although the product does lather it is not overly foaming which is nice as normally overly soapy or foamy products can dry out the skin. This doesn’t, the cream formula hydrates the skin whilst you shave.

Directions for use: Wet the beard with warm water, apply the cream to the face with your fingers or a brush and lather with warm water. This product can be used with or without a brush. Shave as you normally would (for more advice on shaving see my other post Smart Shaving)

Windsor Shaving Cream

The Windsor Shaving Cream is the latest addition to D. R. Harris’ extensive selection of shaving creams. Windsor is a fresh, complex fragrance, which has overtones of citrus and grapefruit but with more matured undertones of black pepper and vetiver (traditionally masculine yet refreshing zesty). The formula, like the Arlington hydrates the skin providing a smooth smoooooth shave. Follow the same directions

The D. R. Harris shaving creams are so hydrating due to the highly concentrated, glycerin enriched formulas. The added glycerin binds water to the skins surface meaning you get a super hydrated shave. After using these creams my skin feels so smooth with little razor burn. All D.R. Harris and Co Ltd shaving products are available in a plastic jar (150g) priced at £16.50 or tube (75g) for travel coming in at £9.85. 

Both are available at Uneeka Life right now!! Give them a like on Facebook now and pop into their shop on Boscowan Street Truro for more lovely goodies and a spot of coffee and cake!

Much love
R x

create those contours

Contouring is one of my favourite things and if I could muster the brain power to get it into that song from The Sound of Music (you know the one!) then I would. But I can’t so I thought I’d blog about it.

So, a few of my friends have asked me, WHAT IS CONTOURING?

Well, I will tell you.

Contouring is basically where you sculpt the face, creating shadows to make parts of your facial structure more prominent; normally the cheekbones, jaw-line and nose.

Like I've said contouring is about creating shadows. Now, shadows are cool in colour, having blue and purple undertones, SO, the most realistic contours should replicate this. therefore you choose products that are cooler in tone, rather than bronzers and blushes which can make your complexion look ruddy (redder than normal, almost dirty).

The contouring products that are out there come in creams and powders and choosing the right one for your skin is very important. I myself prefer to go for cream contouring products as I find them more easily blendable but I have been known to use the odd powder here or there, SO, these are some of the products I have used and I hope you might find these reviews useful.

1. M.A.C. Pro Sculpt Cream £18

Everyone knows how much I love MAC - almost as much as I love contouring so when I saw the MAC Pro Sculpt Cream online I just had to try it, so I took a trip to my nearest store and tested away.

MAC Pro Sculpting Cream

The product comes in two shades (one darker and one lighter) and they are so unbelievably creamy. This texture means they are easily blended into your base. However both shades are quite warm, which, for my skin tone is not ideal. However for warmer skin tones this would be perfect. Also the texture of these creams is perfect for dryer skin types, but when used with a translucent powder on top is perfect for all.

2. & Other Stories Contouring Cream £10

This was the first contouring cream that I used and I fell in love. I really cannot fault it. It has been carefully created to suit all (and I mean ALL) skin tones out there. 

& Other Stories Face Contouring Cream

Although the product looks very brown in the palette it is a perfect mix of pigments which means that it is not going to make you look like you’ve had a fight with a sunbed. The mix of tones creates a cooler/ashier toned contour which is flattering to all skin tones (pale through to dark). The texture is slightly less creamy than the MAC Cream but when applied with a brush it blends out beautifully to create gentle contours. It can also be built up to create a more dramatic effect.

3. MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow in Fashion Fix £17

An eye-shadow you say? YES! An eye-shadow! I've been looking for a taupe colour for contouring for ages and have I been able to find one? NO!!! 

MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow in Fashion Fix

But then I found this eyeshadow and I love it :D one you've put on your base, set it with a powder then apply your contour with this (otherwise the pigment will stick and clump awkwardly, not what you want!). So, one you're powdered, use an angled blush brush to define the cheekbones and jawline (if you want too), the angled brush will do all the work for you and you will be left with smoothly defined cheekbones!

4. Blush Professional Contouring Palette £11.44 (price correct at the time of publication)

This palette is wonderful - actually a lot of blush professional products are wonderful - but this was the first one I bought! For the price it is amazing value for money and has everything you need in it to sculpt the face.

Blush Professional 6 Colour Contouring Palette

The palette contains a white (highlighter), beige, flesh, brown and two pink powders. Use the brown powder for contouring - using your angled blush brush - but use it with caution, you don't need to use much as it is well pigmented. If you use too much you run the risk of looking slightly muddy. You can the gently use the flesh and beige tones to blend out and neutralise the colour for smooth contours. The pink shades can be flushed onto the apples of the cheeks for a healthy rosy glow! I did however find the white powder quite chalky and matte so I didn't like using it as a highlighter, but, all in all this palette is great for the price.

Well, I could talk about contouring all day so I will stop there! Let me know if there are any wonder products you would recommend and I may just test them out!

Much love

R x

HUGO BOSS: BOSS Unlimited - product review for Scent Store in Truro

The best reaction you can get to a fragrance is "OMG what's that you're wearing? You smell LUSH!"

Well, that's the first reaction I got when I wore HUGO BOSS: BOSS Unlimited for the first time. I have to admit I've not really bought into fragrance before but BOSS Unlimited has converted me. I love it!

As shallow as it sounds I'm a sucker for packaging. I'm a minimalist so BOSS Unlimited didn't disappoint. Coming in a plain white bottle with lime green highlights and it looks really sophisticated on my shelf.

HUGO BOSS: BOSS Unlimited

As for the smell - BOSS Unlimited is surprisingly fresh, whilst I have found a lot of men's fragrances to be heavy and woody this was not. The scent is "inspired by man's determination and drive for success" and contains a blend of energising fragrances. The top notes are fresh and minty whilst precious masculine woods give depth as the base notes. The addition of a zesty pineapple smell make this fragrance perfect for sunny days (and if it's raining why not let it bring sunshine to your day!?)

And at £35.55 for 50ml and £47.70 for 100ml I think it is an absolute bargain for a premium fragrance! 

Get your's at ScentStore in Truro, or visit there website www.scentstore.co.uk for more information!

Till next time

R x

not so Dumb Blonde

Everyone knows that I am a serial bleaching addict and as a blonde I definitely have more fun! What isn't fun however is waking up to find that my blonde isn't as white as I want it to be! Unwanted brassiness is the bane of my life, but, thank the hair gods, there is now a heat protection toning spray that I can now use alongside my silver shampoo to help keep my hair bright and white.

TIGIs Dumb Blonde range is ever expanding and they have just released two new products into the range! There is a new toning shampoo which contains purple toners to reduce horrid yellow tones whilst its built in conditioners and cleansers leave the hair feeling clean, and frizz free.

But, the product I am really excited about is the Toning Protection Spray! The product uses Protein Booster Technology to help repair damaged hair whilst the purple toners help fight off brassy tones. Also it works as a leave in conditioner, detangling, smoothing and adding shine to your tresses!

TIGI Dumb Blonde Toning Protection Spray

First things first, like all TIGI products is the smell! It is amazing! Like a sweet apple based fruit cocktail. And, even better the smell lasts long after you've perfected your style. Also it really is purple (don't worry there'll be no granny rinse here) and it really helps tone your hair! After one use I definitely noticed a difference in the colour, it wasn't perfect but after one use I wasn't expecting dramatic results. I know with continued use though that the colour will gradually get more and more toned. 

I made a silly mistake of using too much the first time I tried it it which left my hair feeling a bit crisp, so I wouldn't use too much.  As they say, a little goes a log way! But, I am really happy with this product and would definitely recommend this to serial blonde addicts. 

Being sold at £14.95 it is definitely worth grabbing it as an add on to your cut and colour.

(I got mine from iNkfish Hair and Beauty in Truro. Take a look at their website www.inkfishhairandbeauty.co.uk, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iNkfishHairAndBeauty?/fref=ts or call the salon on 01872 222468)

Let me know how you get on with the toning spray.

Till next time

R x