"Thanks for all the beauty tips - all help gratefully received!"
Sara from Batheaston
SwapShop!
The Beauty Maze is all about sharing - ideas, information, tips on what works for us. So, we hope you'll join in too and contribute your views on any great products or ideas you've come across. We'll post your thoughts up on our website (anonymously) for everyone else to benefit.
Plus, we'd also like to hear if you've got solutions to problems such as how to cover skin blemishes or prevent nail splitting, which you feel could benefit other people.
Just imagine how useful this kind of impartial advice can be, giving us more power as consumers to find products that live up to their promise and are worth the investment.
So, without more ado, we're kicking off with our own solutions and dilemmas right here.
Pauline - Current Favourites
Chanel VitaLumiere foundation (and its even better new partner, AquaLumiere). Both give great coverage, without making you look "made up". It's well worth being professionally "colour-matched" in the store by the way
Boots Deep Moisturising Foot Cream with mint, lavender and marshmallow. As a runner, I love using this after a bath to restore sore feet
Sanctuary Therapists' Secret Facial Oil - I've no idea really whether facial oils are good for you or not - and frankly, I don't care. The feeling of sheer luxury this one provides before going to bed is worth it anyway
Johnson's Dreamy Skin moisturiser, a very pretty coloured moisturiser in a pretty pot, which absorbs well into dry skin. And, it's very economical
Boots No. 7 Extreme Length Mascara - I’ve got a few favourite mascaras, but this is still my all-round favourite for daytime wear
Estee Lauder have a great Double Wear range, especially their eye pencils and foundations.
Tina - Current Favourites
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Moisture Cream - yes, it really does make a difference
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eye Anti-ageing Moisturiser SPF15 - Botox without the needles!
Garnier Fresh Essentials Eye make-up remover
Boots No. 7 Luxurious Foaming Shower Oil - heavenly smell and non-oily!
TIGI Bed Head - Superstar 'Queen for a Day' thickening spray. Really adds volume to hair, apply before blow drying
Tigi Bed Head 'Hard to Get' texturing paste for hair. Great to keep style in place
Waitrose 'Baby Bottom Butter'. Yes, Pauline and I have managed to get a pot of this wonder product that is simply flying off the shelves! Apparently makes a great skin moisturiser - we'll get back to you with our findings
Looking ahead to the winter
“Although I hate the time when we have to close ourselves in at home late afternoon, I do love dressing in warm clothes.”
“Animal is the hottest print’ for autumn and I have loved that look for ever! A mid-length animal print top with leggings and boots, accessorised with a funky scarf and big earrings - fabulous.”
“Knee length dresses are also in vogue. Simple lines with mid-length sleeves and scooped neckline. Sheer sophistication. I have a number of these in the wardrobe from years ago which can be resurrected with a bow here and a belt there.”
“I have a lovely camel coloured cape (again, in fashion) which I can wear with a soft animal print detachable collar. Worn with thick black tights, a black pencil skirt and animal pumps, this outfit can suit any occasion.”
“Hats are also a seasonal trend in felt or fur and, of course, leather gloves.”
“We are entering a really stylish season when we can really glam-up. So, get out the fake furs, funky scarves and ‘go animal’ this autumn.”
APPYFEET
"If you enjoy having your feet pampered,I have just had the most amazing experience.
"Whilst I was in Cardiff last week, I found "APPYFEET" - the ultimate fish pedicure.
"APPYFEET" is taking the UK by storm - a walk-in service, no appointment necessary.
"There were 8 fish tanks in the store, all with around 60 Garra Rufa fish in each of them. A Garra Rufa is the size of a large anchovy. You gently put your bare feet in the tank and sit for 10 minutes whilst the fish nibble away at all the hard skin around the feet and nails. This does not hurt. You can feel them 'tickling' your skin and it really does work. My feet felt so relaxed afterwards and I will definitely go again. Treatment for the feet costs £10 for 10 minutes and for hands it is £5."
Our Dilemmas
Anyone found . . .
A nail varnish that doesn't chip after two days?
The best exercise for tightening sagging tummy muscles?
A shampoo and conditioner that gives real shine to highlighted hair?
Any product that really does deal with age spots, especially on hands?
Plus . . .
We love Phase 8 and Coast, but why not tell us your favourite fashion brands for women who are not yet ready to give up!
Hot Tips
- Make a great (and economic) skin-softening scrub by mixing brown sugar and olive oil
- Got the kind of hair that goes limp when it rains or you're exercising? Try going easy on the conditioner
- For extra winter warmth, cut off the legs, mid-thigh, on any winter tights with holes in the toes, and loosely sew up the ends. Great for keeping you warm - and keeping the wobbly bits in place!