Guest Post - Before and After

I'm kind of hoping that my guest poster today doesn't really need any introduction ... but, if you're not familiar, here's @MrLippie talking about how his life has changed since his beloved became a beauty blogger ...


*****

At times, I find myself wondering how exactly I've ended up in this position - no, not the position of writing a blog post in a bit of a dozy frame of mind on a Sunday afternoon - but rather the position of having my grooming regime changed to such a considerable extent.

Before:

Source

Now, I've always been very much a 'get up and go' person when it comes to my morning routine, with the philosophy being that the body needs a bit of a short, sharp, shock prior to facing the evils of the outside world. I try not to hang around, even to the extent that I don't generally have breakfast on a workday. So, speed is generally of the essence.

Also, prior to going out with the lovely Get Lippie, I have to admit being not interested at all in the wide range of "stuff" out there. I found a combination that worked, that smelled relatively ok, and that leant itself well to my preference for speed & simplicity. Experimentation was not on the agenda whatsoever.

So, down to the details....Head & Shoulders was the basic shampoo, with a Lynx shower gel (usually Africa) used in combination with that. Well-known brands, with the Lynx being perhaps a touch too aromatic for me these days, but, at the time, it was simple, not bad to the nose, and relatively cheap. I cringed at the advertising (still do, to a certain extent), but it got the job done. A brief spray with a deodorant (again with the Lynx) and then it was on to combating of stubble.

Again, wasn't hugely sophisticated in my choice of brands - I went into Boots, and picked whatever took my fancy - in this case it was generally King of Shaves Shaving Oil, combined with a Gillette razor of some sort - I can't recall the make offhand, but there were only the 3 blades, and it wasn't electric in any way...

And that was it. No shaving foam, aftershave, moisturiser....about as basic as could be. A touch of Brylcreem gel to the hair and I was good to go!

Fast forward a few years, to Lippie Towers and a teeny tiny flat with all the mod cons and the shower/bath that looks capable of providing its' own life support system.

After:

I use Soap & Glory on my hair, a L'Occitane En Provence Shower Gel (although I sometimes switch to Fish for both of these), and another L'Occitane product as deodorant. Much nicer, a bit more variety, and less...predicatable, I guess.

Then, it's onto the shaving....now here's where my habits HAVE changed, there's no denying it. A while ago I was lucky enough to get hold of a proper shaving brush - and I love it. Shaving foam of choice at the moment is Bluebeards' Revenge, which is marvellously cooling, and whilst I still use a Gillette razor, it's a Gillette Fusion, with a Remington Electric Shaver as backup for those days when I'm running extremely late!

I moisturise - using either Bulldog or Rehab London - and I have a wide variety of aftershaves to choose from (partly due to the ongoing perfume project!). Generally I'll use L'Instant de Guerlain or possibly Armani Diamonds....or Code, depending on mood. The hair gets sorted with a touch of Fish wax, and out I venture into the depths of London.

I still don't see myself as completely 'metrosexual' - I have a phobia of man bags, my hair gets cut for less than a tenner in a barber shop, and there is NO way in HELL I'm going to try guyliner - no matter what you all say - plus I'm far too attached to my rugby shirts & t-shirts to start worrying about being some sort of fashionista. Nonetheless, I have changed - and likely will continue to do so, as I'm exposed to more brands & products that genuinely hit the spot or attract my attention.

That's me....how have your other halves changed whilst you've been blogging?

*****


Get Lippie says:  Actually, I think I should show you a picture of what he really looks like now:

This post originated at: http://getlippie.com/ All rights reserved.

Guest Post - Clarisonic? I want one too!

Today I'd like to welcome Cas from Hair and Beautylicious, a great little blog that has been running for a few months now.  This is Cas's first ever guest blog post, and I'm very honoured to have her here today.


*****


Hello ladies **waves**, it's Cas here from 'Hairandbeautylicious', and I will be today’s guest blogger, for the wonderful ‘Get Lippie’. I have decided to blog about a product that we all, lets face it ladies, want and that is the . . .Clarisonic. But I have discovered an alternative! Want to know more? Then read on . . . 

A few years ago, as a present from my mum, I received a cleansing kit, which I originally thought ‘’what the heck is this’’. My mum kept banging on about how wonderful this kit was and that it would do wonders for my skin. As a ‘not so bothered’ teenager at the time, I kindly shoved this kit to the back of my wardrobe and thought nothing more of it. 

Following blogs, and the trends that seem to crop up from time to time in the wonderful blogging world, I came across a youtube video from a well known blogger discussing a Clarisonic. Filled with curiosity and feeling very intrigued, I decided to watch the video. By the end of it, I thought ‘’WOW, what a great machine’’ and then I had a light blub moment ’ding’. The kit I received a few years was in fact very similar, if not more or less the same as a clarisonic, that every girl in blogging world would like to own. I darted into my wardrobe, and found this neglected product that was looking back at me as if to say ‘’you’ve neglected me all this time, and now you want to use me’’ lol.

This kit is actually called ‘FacialSpa Ultra Cleansing & Microdermabrasion System’, manufactured by Homedics and was released mid 2000s (2005-6 maybe?). Homedics are renowned for selling products that promote health and wellness to its consumers as stated below:
 
Since its foundation in 1987, HoMedics has worked hard to achieve the number one name in health and wellness. We believe that nothing is more important than looking after yourself and we strive to bring you products that take the effort out of maintaining your wellbeing (Homedics, 2011).
 
So you’re now wanting to know what came in the kit? well I am just getting onto that bit.
Included in this kit came the following:

·    Rechargeable wand with 2 speeds
·    7 attachments; 2 x microdermabrasion sponge, 1 x large suction cup, 1 x small suction cup, 1 x massage roll
·    Cleanser, toner, moisturizer and microdermabrasion cream
·    Manual
·    Storage case for the attachments, with cleaning brush
·    Storage bag
 

This kit I thought contained a lot, which really does emphasise on the point that Homedics aim to achieve ‘’ We believe that nothing is more important than looking after yourself and we strive to bring you products that take the effort out of maintaining your wellbeing’’. Unfortunately due to receiving this kit as a gift from my mum, I cannot price it, and she also won’t tell me -_- lol.


After several years of owning this product, but not actually putting it to good use, I decided to try it out, and to my astonishment, it works! YAY J After 16hours charging, reading from page to page of the manual, I decided to give this product a whirl, once and for all. Although the kit came with cleanser, toner and moisturisier and microdermabrasion products, I didn’t want to use them, as my skin is very very fussy, so I took to using good ol Liz Earle products and Aapri facial scrub to replace the microdermabrasion cream. 

I won’t detail step by step what I did, apart from name which attachment I used in what order:
 
1) Cleansing brush – exfoliate
2) Large/small suction cup - deep cleaning of the pores, removing impurities
3) Microdermabrasion sponge - remove dead skin
4) Massage roller – encourage the circulation around the skin
 
At the end of this process, my skin felt incredibly smooth, soft and glowing. I have to say in the 10+years since I have been battling to maintain my skin and improve it, my skin looks so much better. It hasn’t instantly made it better, got rid of every blemish, but it certainly has rid away all the impurities and improved the general appearance of my skin. (Oh how I now wish I’d started using this product when I first received it lol).

As illustrated in the above picture, this wand also carries a little mist sprayer. What is the point in that do I hear you say? Well once you have completed the process, it is suggested, in the manual to lightly spray your face with the sprayer, as this will close the pores. I have used this function a few times, and I think it works alright. Although I personally like to splash my face with cold water, as it’s less time consuming and then pat dry thereafter with a dry clean towel for face purposes only.
 
In comparison to the Clarisonic, which if I am brutally honest, is a product that more or less does the same as the product discussed in this review, I can imagine it was good value for money (although I do not know the exact price), and adheres to what the company sets out to achieve. Although I do not know how much this kit cost, I highly suspect that it did not cost in the region of £155 (current amazon clarisonic price), which for that amount of money, could easily go towards shoes, clothes, handbags, make up ;-). Although this product is no longer sold on the high street, and I haven’t seen it advertised elsewhere online, I suspect however there are other products similar to this that do the same task. If not by HoMedics, then possibly by another company.
So I guess it comes to the following questions;
 

• Will I continue using Homedics Facial Spa Ultra Cleansing and Microdermabrasion system? Yes, of course, until my ‘little find’ decides to shout ‘’I’ve had enough’’!
• Will I be investing in the Clarisonic in the future? While I have a product that virtually does the same task, no. 

However if a Clarisonic ever crossed my path, I’d be willing to, at least, give it a try to see what the difference between the 2 are. 




I do hope you’ve enjoyed my review. Don’t forget to check out my blog, which is ‘Hairandbeautylicious’, or tweet me at @H_beautylicious.
 
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Get Lippie says: I've had a quick look around the HoMedics site, and sadly, I can't see this product listed on there any more, which is a real shame.  I can't be parted from my Clarisonic these days, and it strikes me that this would be an excellent replacement if - heaven forfend - the worst did happen ... That whining noise you hear?  That's me praying that Monarch airlines haven't lost my luggage, and my Clarisonic along with it ....

This post originated at: http://getlippie.com All rights reserved.

Guest Post - Le Metier Lip Creme Fraise

A new discovery, but rapidly becoming a favourite, owing to a shared interest in lipstick (and Le Metier de Beaute) is The Black Panties  blog.  Through her posts, I can live vicariously in Bergdorf Goodman ... and today, so can you!

*****

 

My obsession for the past month or so has been Le Métier de Beauté's Fraise lip crème. What makes lip crèmes stand out is their texture because they're a hybrid between a lipgloss and a lipstick. They're slightly reminiscent in terms of texture of the discontinued Dior Creme de Gloss. I find lip crèmes much more long lasting and it just feel softer on the lips. What's also great about them is that I can eat a meal and several drinks and it's still on my lips without any feathering (approx. 5 hours). I was sold on it when the associate was wearing it and she's NC15-20. It's a soft, wearable red with tiny gold sparkles. I know there are people who have their reservations about red because it's too bright or just too much. Trust me, Fraise is one you can wear at the office. It's scented like strawberry crème and be aware that it does have lanolin (to those who have allergies). Otherwise, it is a must have on your makeup bag, because it's truly a unique shade. The price is $36 + tax and it's worth every penny.

(L-R) MAC Venetian lustreglass,  LMdB fraise lip creme, LMdB framboise lip creme

*****

Get Lippie says: Man, I miss Le Metier de Beaute.  The quicker they get themselves back over here, the better.

This post originated at: http://getlippie.com/ All rights reserved.

Guest Post - NARS Orgasm Nail Polish

I'm utterly delighted that my first guest blogger of my holiday is the wonderful Helen from Just Nice Things, not only does she have "nails of iron", she was one of my blogging inspirations when I first started Get Lippie, and I'm very happy that she's become one of my best friends in the blogging world and in real life, too.  She's responsible for many of my nail varnish lemmings - and she's the reason for why my nail varnish collection has gone from about 20 bottles, to about 150, which is why, much as I love her, my bank manager doesn't ...

Anyhoo, Helen's going to talk to us about yet another flanker for the cult NARS blush in  Orgasm, on with the show, Helen!

*****

I don't think there are many products that received as much hype as the Nars Orgasm blusher and illuminator. And let me let you in on a secret. I only recently got my mitts on a tube of it. I know, massive Nars fan that I am, I should be ashamed of myself. But there you go.

I do, however, own the nail varnish of the same name, which was sent to me as one of the "free" gifts that Nars occasionally do when you spank your life's savings on an online order. This is a mini version of the polish, don't fret, my hands haven't suddenly grown immensely overnight.
I'm just not sure what to make of this. I really wanted it to be an opaque polish. But it isn't. You're seeing three coats here, with a fourth one on the little finger, just to see what happened.

I didn’t want to do any more, because it is a mini and I didn't want to use most of it up on one manicure. I do think that this would work well over a co-ordinating peach base coat though so I need to have a rummage through my stash and see if something like that exists so that I can test it out.

I do rather like the finish of this polish. It is an orange toned peach jelly that flashes yellow and gold in some lights. In the dim morning light as I was driving to work this morning, I could barely see the visible nail line, and as such was astounded at just how pretty this was. It is more delicate and girly than I am used to, but I enjoyed wearing it. Only for a day though - I was craving darks again by the end of the evening.

What do you think? Does the famous "multiple" translate well to nails? As a side note by the way, a man I work with (the one and only Sam, who regular Just Nice Things readers know and love), who never ever comments on my nails actually volunteered that he quite liked this. Hmmm.

Helen

*****

Get Lippie says: Only one thing springs to mind, Helen: Nick O'Teen!



This post originated at: http://getlippie.com/ All rights reserved.

Equus Twelve Week Blowdry

So, the last thing I invested in before my trip (tomorrow - squee!) was a Twelve Week Blowdry with Darren Eaton at Equus.  I'd originally headed in for a Brocato treatment, but, because my hair currently has bleached ends (I had an ombre recently, too!), we decided that the slightly gentler twelve week blowdry would suit my needs better.  It took two and a half hours, and involved two blowdrys and a thorough going over with the straightening irons.  That's a long time to sit still, but the results have been worth it.  Darren is a straightening genius, and is very patient with lightly hungover clients, to boot.

I'm very happy with it, there's nothing worse than having to deal with fuzzy hair on holiday, and I have to say that - outside of the Onix system that I trialled almost two years ago - the twelve week blowdry is the one that's left me with the smoothest, easiest to deal with results of any of the myriad keratin treatments I've had over the last while!  I have smooth hair with plenty of body, and I know it'll be easy to deal with whilst I'm away.  Well, it had better be, because I'm not taking either my hairdryer or my straighteners with me (dear Jack Howard, if you're reading this, please don't judge me)! The twelve week blowdry costs from £195 depending on hair length.

My hair is a bit delicate at the moment, and we all know that bleach, sun, salt and chlorine aren't ideal for coloured hair, so I'm going to be protecting it with Swimcap whilst I'm away.  No, not one of those, this:

Designed to protect your hair from the elements, I'll be dousing my bonce in this every opportunity I get.  I'll let you know how it holds up!


And there it is, the last of my holiday prep done, and I'm off in just a couple of hours.  But, Get Lippie has a whole host of guest bloggers lined up to treat you with over the two weeks whilst I'm sunning myself, from bloggers old and new, with some names you'll recognise, and some you won't, but they're all wonderful, so I hope you'll make them all feel very welcome.  Oh, and Mr Lippie makes his long awaited blogging return ...


See you in a fortnight!  Mine's a pina colada.

The Fine Print: Phillip Kingsley samples provided by PR - but I paid for my hair service at Equus.  Good hair is worth investing in.


This post originated at: http://getlippie.com All rights reserved.

Holiday Makeup Bag

This post might surprise a few people, but the following is all I'm planning on taking away with me this week:

From left to right we have Hawaiian Tropic lip gloss: which has an in-built SPF of 25.  My lips are prone to cold-sores at the first sight of warm weather, so this is a must.  
Guerlain Terracotta foundation in Blonde:  a hint of a tan for the early days of the holiday, it's the only base product I'm taking.
Giorgio Armani Eyeliner in black: if you need a run-proof pencil, this one's your man.
Makeup Forever Smokey Lash mascara: The blackest, most volumising, lengthening mascara I own.  At the moment ...
Le Metier de Beaute Kaleidoscope in Penelope:  Inspired by the colour of the Mediterranean, I couldn't not take this!  Even if I am going to somewhere on the Atlantic coast.  My palette is faulty, so if you want to see what this looks like properly, you might want to click here.
Sue Devitt  Palette in Beau Soleil:  Brand new, this is a gorgeous melange of bronze and coral shades which you can swirl together as a blush or use the shades individually as eyeshades.  
Guerlain Kohl in Oriental Metal:  A recent stash rediscovery, I'd forgotten how much I loved this one, but I've not stopped wearing it for the last few weeks! 
A trio of Louise Young eyebrushes: Newly added to my collection, a full review is on the way, look out for it!  
Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier pencil in Ava: beautifully smudgy, this dark purple will be great for a makeup look in two seconds flat.
Dior Lip Polish in Coral: found these in Paris, and now love them, a hint of sheer milky peach, keep my lips soft and moist in hot weather is imperative, which is why I'm taking this with it's innovative "roller" applicator with me. 
Eyelure Eyebrow pencil in shade 02: Well, I do need to keep my brows in order ...

And that's it.  To be honest, I don't really wear makeup when I'm on holiday, lip balm and mascara (if that) is about as far as I can be bothered to go in the evenings.  What do you take away with you?

The Fine Print:  I bought everything in the bag aside from the Sue Devitt and Le Metier items.  I'll probably be taking some more lipglosses, but I couldn't find them for this picture.  I bought them too, though ... oh, and a blusher brush.
  
This post originated at: http://getlippie.com All rights reserved. 

Imedeen and Decleor - Pre-Sun Preparation

Don't worry, I think I've only got one more of these holiday themed posts to go! I mentioned on Monday that I suffer from prickly heat, and I'm worried about it happening again, so have invested a small fortune in sun allergy sun protection.  Well, I'm also taking some preventative steps in advance:

Firstly, I'm taking Imedeen's Tan Optimizer supplements, and have been for the last three weeks.  They're not, precisely a self-tanning product (I remember my mum took tanning pills quite a few years ago, which essentially contained massive dosages of beta-carotene, turning her orange.  All over.  Not a good look), but they're designed to give your skin a head start for when you do finally hit the sun.

Containing vitamins A, C & E, alongside doses of lycopene (not beta-carotene!), at the very least I'm hoping they'll improve my skin for when I get there!  You take the tiny brown (oooh, psychological!) capsule once a day for four weeks before you travel, whilst you're away, and for at least two weeks afterwards, and they claim to lengthen the amount of time you'll keep your tan for.  I'm all for that.   They say that they'll help minimise redness, and as my high colour is one of the banes of my life these days, I'm hoping they'll make good on that promise.

You can read more about Imedeen Tan Optimizer here.  They cost £40.80 for a two month supply.  Cheaper than getting a couple of spray tans ...

I've also added this to my current skin-care routine:

Which is Decleor Aromessence Solaire Pre-tanning Serum.  Actually an oil, it contains extract of rose and camomile, alongside wheatgerm and argan oils.  Again, all ingredients known to be soothing, and of value to stressed skins, of which mine certainly is at the moment.  I actually had a facial with this, where it was recommended for my high colouring, and angry facial (angry face is angry, grrr!) breakouts, and it's been a pleasure to use.  When I found out it's great for preparing skin for sun, well, nothing could have made me happier.

Has it worked on my high colouring?  Well, I have found myself looking slightly less red, so that's good (angry face is mildly disgruntled, pfeh!), but the jury is out as to whether it'll work in the sun.  So far. 

You simply use this as you would any other serum, add a few drops to the palm of your hand (about three, at most, I'd say) and apply to your face and neck, then apply moisturiser as normal.

Neither of these products contain sunscreen, so it's very important that you use SPF with these products.  They're designed to increase your skin's tolerance to sunlight generally, but they don't have any UVA or UVB filters, so if you use either of them, please bear that in mind.

The Fine Print: PR Samples.  I've obviously been talking to people about my holiday for far, far, far too long.  One more post, promise. Okay, maybe two.

This post originated at: http://getlippie.com/ All rights reserved.