Tuesday, 16 August 2016
News: Dermalogica Launch Phyto Replenish Oil
Dermalogica is famous for its results-focus skincare, so it should come as no fucking surprise that the brand is adding yet another high-performance product to its range...and this time it's an oil...
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Review: Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque
The Promise: "This fast-acting, easy-to-remove masque rescues tired, lackluster or dull skin"
The Price: £38.00 / $46.00 75ml
The Stockist: liberty.co.uk / dermstore.com
The Application: The Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque applies surprisingly easily for a clay mask. It doubles as an exfoliator, so it feels a little gritty against the skin during application and even more so when it's being removed! It dries a few minutes after making contact with the skin and, once fully dried, skin is left frozen and tight in that classic clay mask way. However it doesn't crack, flake or feel anywhere near as uncomfortable as other clay masks; a big fucking bonus if you ask me.
Monday, 11 January 2016
Review: Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer
Promise: "Blur fine lines and pores, hydrate and brighten for naturally-flawless skin. This lightweight, non-greasy primer minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and imparts a silky-smooth, luminous finish to skin."
Price: £38.00 / $46.00 22ml
Stockist: Selfridges / ULTA
Price: £38.00 / $46.00 22ml
Stockist: Selfridges / ULTA
Application: The Hydrablur Primer has a surprisingly creamy texture that begins to feel more like a traditional primer when blended into the skin. It applies really easily, however I do find I have to use a little more product than directed. It sets within a few seconds of making contact with the skin, so you don't have to wait a long before applying foundation. It doesn't feel at all greasy, works well with all skin types and is scentless, which I love.
Monday, 14 December 2015
Win: Three Dermalogica Gift Sets
Christmas is the time for giving, so this month I'm offering one hell of a gift...the chance to win three Dermaloica gift sets!
The first gift set is the Super Rich Repair (£62.85), which contains Dermalogica's hero Super Rich Repair moisturiser 50ml, a travel size Skin Resurfacing Cleanser 30ml and a limited edition Facial Cleansing Mitt for supreme cleaning! The Super Rich Repair is an ultra-moisturising treatment cream that is perfect for dry and mature skin, while the Skin Resurfacing Cleanser is a dual-action exfolitaor that retexturises skin and helps accelerate cell turnover.
Friday, 27 November 2015
Christmas Beauty Crackers 2015
Crackers are one of my many favourite Christmas traditions. They make the table look beautiful and are a fun addition to a festive feast, however they are often filled with crappy gifts you'll never use. Luckily great beauty brands and iconic department stores have started creating crackers that are not only gorgeous but full of amazing gifts. So I've picked my favourite beauty crackers to share with you, ranging from affordable to luxury...
Friday, 25 September 2015
Ask TBI: Affordable Spa Breaks
Question: I have a friend's birthday coming up and would love to treat her to a spa break, however they are crazy expensive! Do you have any advice on how to do this on a budget? - Kelsey, Charlotte, NC.
Answer: A spa day itself is expensive, let alone a spa break! However there are many ways you can cut costs, so don't worry!
The first thing to do is avoid planning a weekend spa break, as spa breaks are always more expensive between Friday and Sunday. Weekly spa breaks are the most affordable.
The next thing to do is discount hunt. Sign up to sites like Groupon and Wowcher to receive regular emails about the latest spa break offers and discounts. You should also proactively look for discounts online, as sites like lastminute.com (UK) and spaweek.com (US) offer big discounts on both spa days and spa breaks nationwide. A great tip is to call spas directly; they are normally prepared to negotiate their rates, as booking customers directly avoids paying commission to booking agents or discount sites.
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Weekly Worship: 001 London Eyecicles
A few weeks ago I stumbled across this YouTube video from British beauty brand, 001 London. The video was an eye massage tutorial that used the brand's revolutionary beauty device, Eyecicle® (£150.00 001skincare.com). Two minutes into watching the video, I decided that I needed these Eyecicles in my life.
For those wondering, 001 London's Eyecicle is a temperature-conditioning™ beauty device that is chilled in the fridge for 30 minutes and then massaged around the eye area, using acupressure techniques on the seven pressure points. When our bodies react to cooler temperatures (below 29°C), blood vessels are activated to expand and contract, which stimulates blood flow and boosts oxygen and nutrients to our cells. So, because of the cool temperature they maintain, Eyecicles are able to combat thermal ageing, flush out toxins that build-up around our eyes and stimulate blood flow and the metabolism of skin cell growth, to keep the eye area tight, bright and smooth!
Taking the shape of a lollipop, Eyecicles are made with artisan glass techniques and their entire contact surface is rounded and smoothed with no seam.
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
The Tuesday Tip: Achieve Maximum Benefits From A Face Mask
Whether my skin is dull, dehydrated or breaking out, I will raid my face mask drawer for a quick skin fix. Quality face masks are great at treating specific skin concerns, however did you know that a mask can be even more effective if the skin is prepped properly before use? Well it can, and exfoliation is key.
Angela Kell, a Skin Therapist from the Dermalogica Skin Centre in Soho, NYC, explains that exfoliating your skin before using a mask is essential, as it removes both the dirt and dead skin cells blocking your pores. Once your skin is fully unblocked, a face mask can properly get to work, penetrating the skin much deeper to help deliver maximum benefits.
One of my favourite exfoliators is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (£41.75 dermalogica.co.uk / $54.00 ULTA). It is a rice-based powder exfoliator that requires water to activate it. It is the perfect exfoliator to use before applying a face mask, as it deeply - but gently - cleanses the skin.
Saturday, 11 April 2015
Weekly Worship: Dermalogica, Environ & Illuminum
Price: £100.00 / $150.00 100ml
I am obsessed with fragrances. I own a million perfumes that I've collected over the years and I struggle to part with every one of them. Researching unique fragrance brands is one of my favourite pastimes and, up until recently, Illuminum was a brand that went undiscovered. It is a British fragrance brand that launched four years and is most famous for creating Kate Middleton's wedding day scent, White Gardenia Petal.
I recently got hold of the brand's Rajamusk scent and I have fallen in love with it. Containing the perfect blend of fruits and flowers, Rajamusk features top notes of pear blossom and redcurrant, middle notes of lily of the valley and violet petals and base notes of white patchouli and musk. The scent is weightless and feminine and contains a mixture of sweetness and spice.
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Win: Dermalogica Skincare Essentials
If there is one brand that knows skin, it is Dermalogica. The brand invests heavily in research and has a large arsenal of results-focused products that treat just about any skin concern. Also, if you're unsure of your skin type, or have a skin concern that you want looked at, Dermalogica offer a unique Face Mapping® service - find out more here!
As I use many Dermalogica products in my daily skincare routine and recommend the brand to many friends, I thought it was about time I gave y'all the chance to experience the brand. So, I have teamed up with Dermalogica to offer one reader the chance to win three of the brand's skincare essentials, worth over £100.00.
The first skincare essential up for grabs is the UltraCalming Cleanser. This gel-like cleanser is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It provides a nice cooling sensation whilst on the skin, is fragrance free and doesn't create any post-cleanse irritation or tightness. It also does an amazing job at removing tough makeup, a rarity in gentle cleansers. It also helps reduce redness and keeps skin hydrated long after it has been rinsed off.
- Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser
- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield
If you want to win these skincare essentials, all you have to do is enter (via Rafflecopter) below!
Rules:
- The giveaway will run for two weeks
- The giveaway is open to UK residents only
- The winner will be contacted within 24 hours of the giveaway closing. If I don't hear from the winner within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Saturday, 3 January 2015
Review: Dermalogica Biosurface™ Peel
The Promise: "The BioSurface™ Peel is a professional chemical peel designed to resurface the skin with minimal recovery time. Our unique, multi-phase approach works with the skin’s biology to safely slough away dull epidermal layers and accelerate cell renewal without inflammation and prolonged downtime typically associated with chemical peels"
The Price: £85.00 (60 minute treatment)
The Place: Liberty Regent Street, London W1B 5AH
The Treatment: Before having the Dermalogica Biosurface™ Peel, I had a few concerns. After all, I saw Samantha Jones post-peel on Sex And The City...
I used to believe that chemical peels equalled inflamed and peeling skin - resulting in a post-peel appearance that would scare even the bravest of children. Now, some women believe these side effects are the sign of a good chemical peel, however a good schooling from Dermalogica soon put an end to that myth. Contrary to popular belief, a professional chemical peel shouldn't leave skin damaged, inflamed or flaking; despite its name, there should actually be no peeling in a chemical peel.
Saturday, 6 December 2014
The Gift Edit: Beauty Sets
If you are looking to get a gift for a true beauty addict this Christmas, I would recommend a gift set. There are a huge number of different sets available this year, ranging from makeup to skincare. Below are four of my current favourites...
The first comes from one of my favourite skincare brands, Dermlaogica. The set is Active Moist (£44.00 Selfridges / $58.00 dermalogica.com) and it contains 100ml of the much-loved Active Moist, along with 30ml of the Soothing Eye Makeup Remover and 4ml of the Intensive Eye Repair. These hydrating heroes will give all skin types a massive moisture boost that will leave them with soft, plump and glowing skin. Who wouldn't love that this festive season?
We then have the Rituals Tao Treat Collection (£17.50 uk.rituals.com / $31.99 bathandunwind.com). This bodycare set contains four hero products from its Tao range, including the Shower Foam, Body Scrub, Body Cream and Deodorant. What I love about the Tao range is the scent, it is not too overpowering, just fresh, simple and subtly sweet - the kind of scent that would be loved by just about anyone. The set cost £17.50, so it is perfect for those looking for something more affordable.
Next up is the Benefit Sexy & Scrumptious Gift Set (£29.50 Boots). This set contains everything you would need to put on a full face! It's got High Beam, Posietint, They're Real, Fauxmance Lip Gloss, Coralista Blusher and an eyeshadow palette with fluff shadow/hard angle brush. Benefit have a large collection of Christmas gift sets this year, so it's worth popping in to one of their stores or going online to see what else you can get your hands on.
Swiftly moving from makeup to manicures, the final gift set on my list is the Nails Inc. Autumn Winter Collection (£29 nailsinc.com). This gift set contains a trio of limited edition nail polish shades that include Battersea Park, Grosvenor Crescent and Uptown. Each colour is highly pigmented, chip-resistant and provides a high shine finish. Considering each Nails Inc. polish is £14.00, the cost of this set is pretty impressive - we're talking a £13.00 saving!
We then have the Rituals Tao Treat Collection (£17.50 uk.rituals.com / $31.99 bathandunwind.com). This bodycare set contains four hero products from its Tao range, including the Shower Foam, Body Scrub, Body Cream and Deodorant. What I love about the Tao range is the scent, it is not too overpowering, just fresh, simple and subtly sweet - the kind of scent that would be loved by just about anyone. The set cost £17.50, so it is perfect for those looking for something more affordable.
Next up is the Benefit Sexy & Scrumptious Gift Set (£29.50 Boots). This set contains everything you would need to put on a full face! It's got High Beam, Posietint, They're Real, Fauxmance Lip Gloss, Coralista Blusher and an eyeshadow palette with fluff shadow/hard angle brush. Benefit have a large collection of Christmas gift sets this year, so it's worth popping in to one of their stores or going online to see what else you can get your hands on.
Swiftly moving from makeup to manicures, the final gift set on my list is the Nails Inc. Autumn Winter Collection (£29 nailsinc.com). This gift set contains a trio of limited edition nail polish shades that include Battersea Park, Grosvenor Crescent and Uptown. Each colour is highly pigmented, chip-resistant and provides a high shine finish. Considering each Nails Inc. polish is £14.00, the cost of this set is pretty impressive - we're talking a £13.00 saving!
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Weekly Worship: bareMinerals, Dermalogica and Paul & Joe
Price: £26.00 / $29.00 30ml
When bareMinerals announced it was releasing a liquid foundation, I was intrigued. The brand is famous for providing gorgeous natural coverage with its mineral powders, so I had to find out if they could work the same magic with a liquid. They absolutely can.
The bareSkin® Pure Brightening Serum Foundation promises a seamless, natural-looking finish and it makes good on that promise. The foundation feels lightweight on the skin and blends like a dream. It feels runnier than other liquids, however as it's so pigmented, there is no comprise on coverage. I have been using this foundation for months now, so it has become a firm favourite. It has all the qualities a great foundation needs and it benefits the skin.
Price: £36.36 / $46.00 30ml
Stockist: lookfantastic.com / ULTA
There are many skincare products out there that claim to remove spots quickly and effectively, however - as I've just discovered - none seem to do it quite like the Dermalogica Special Clearing Booster. Containing 5% Benzoyl Peroxide concentrate, this zit zapper is pretty powerful. When I apply it to a spot before bed, the spot is significantly reduced in redness and size by the morning and, after one to two further applications, the spot disappears completely.
Now it is on the expensive side, however only a tiny amount is needed per treatment, so it will take a while to get through a 30ml bottle.
Price: £12.00 / $20.00
The Paul & Joe Lip Concealer Duo is so amazing that I struggle understanding why so many brands haven't produced something similar. It is far from your average lip pencil, as it not only keeps your lip colour in place, but corrects and defines the lip line and helps lips to appear fuller.
I achieve the most well-defined red lip with this lip pencil and always have it on hand to correct any mistakes I may make when applying lippy. The one thing I really love about this lip pencil, is that it's perfect for blocking out the natural colour of your pout - a necessity when wanting to achieve a nude lip.
Labels:
Acne,
bareMinerals,
Dermalogica,
Foundations,
Lip Pencil,
Lipstick,
Paul & Joe Beauté,
Treatment
Friday, 29 August 2014
The Lookbook: Kylie Jenner
Here is what I used to create the look...
Skincare:
- Antipodes Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum
- Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Perfect Primer SPF30
- Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Eye Gel
- Homemade lip scrub (recipe here!)
Makeup:
- Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer in Light Golden
- Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Addiction
- MAC The Perfect Cheek Blush
- MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush
- Real Techniques Blush Brush
- Bobbi Brown Eye Brow Brush
- Japonesque Power Curler
- Real Techniques Blush Brush
- Bobbi Brown Eye Brow Brush
- Japonesque Power Curler
Now it's time to show me your 'Kylie Jenner' inspired makeup look. Just Tweet or Instagram me your #lookbookselfie!
Sunday, 3 August 2014
Weekly Worship: Madame LA LA, Dermalogica and Nails Inc
Price: £36.00 200ml
Stockist: feelunique.com
Madame LA LA Self Tan Mousse is loved by celebrities and celebrity makeup artists alike. It is a tinted lightweight mousse that claims to dry quickly and provide hydrating skincare benefits. I have only used it once and I am already obsessed!
I struggle finding reliable self tanners but this one is a keeper. It applies easily and evenly and does dry really quickly - important when you're short on time. The colour begins to build three hours after application and, when it does, you're left with a beautifully bronzed body! No streaks, no mistakes and no fuss!
Price: £52.20 / $56.00 30ml
Stockist: dermalogica.co.uk / ULTA
I am a big fan of hydrating products as I swear I have the most dehydrated skin on earth. For me, the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster is the ultimate saviour. This serum deeply hydrates the skin and keeps it that way hours after application.
Unlike other hydrating skincare products, this bad boy absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a tacky film on the skin. It is thin and watery in texture and just a small amount is needed per use. I have been using the Hydrating Booter daily, for the past two weeks, and have seen a dramatic improvement in my skin health and texture. I freaking love it!
Price: £15.00 14ml
Stockist: nailsinc.com
If you're a regular reader, you'll know that I've developed a huge soft spot for Nails Inc. The brand recently announced a collaborative collection with Brit beauty Alexa Chung. I was introduced to the new range last week and even got to try one of the polishes. I got my hands on Alexa Leather, a black leather effect polish, and I absolutely love it!! It is one of Alexa's six fabric-inspired shades, which also includes silk, cashmere, lace, camo, and sequins.
In addition to teaming up with Alexa, Nails Inc has also undergone a big brand makeover - another thing I've been loving this week! The famous cylinder bottles have now been replaced with stylish rectangular bottles and - in Chanel-like fashion - the rectangular lids pop off to reveal easy-to-hold cylinder handles, ribbed for a perfect grip! Interestingly, the nail polish brushes have also changed - they are now flatter and fatter, just how I like it!
Labels:
Dermalogica,
Hydration,
Madame LA LA,
Nail Lacquer,
Nails Inc.,
Self-Tan,
Serums,
Weekly Worship
Friday, 23 May 2014
News: Talk Beauty To Me!
For the past few weeks, Selfridges has been running an exciting beauty-focused project. It is called The Beauty Workshop - a six week programme designed to explore all areas of beauty, looking at everything from stereotypes and surgery to new products and the future of the industry. In addition to these hot topics, there will be a variety of beauty talks and masterclasses taking place - each of them hosted by beauty pioneers and industry leaders. It is looking to be the biggest British beauty event of the year and, by some miracle, I've managed to get myself involved!
On the June 11th, I will be joining Dermalogica to discuss whether or not the stereotypical notion of beauty really empowers women. Are women working in the beauty industry being exploited? Or actually just making money from an industry that makes women feel shitty about themselves? These are the types of questions we will be discussing and, as there are so many different views on the subject, it will be a very interesting talk.
This Dermalogica discussion will take place on June 11th at The Salon. Click here for tickets if you want to get involved!!
On the June 11th, I will be joining Dermalogica to discuss whether or not the stereotypical notion of beauty really empowers women. Are women working in the beauty industry being exploited? Or actually just making money from an industry that makes women feel shitty about themselves? These are the types of questions we will be discussing and, as there are so many different views on the subject, it will be a very interesting talk.
This Dermalogica discussion will take place on June 11th at The Salon. Click here for tickets if you want to get involved!!
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Ask TBI: Mother's Day Gift For The Mother-In-Law
Question: My husband and I got married a couple of months ago, so this year will be the first Mother's Day I share with my mother-in-law. My husband's mum has really supported us throughout the last few years, so I want to get her something special. She is obsessed with all things beauty but, as there are so many products out there, I am unsure what to buy her! What would you recommend? - Christina, Surrey.
Answer: Congratulations on getting married! Now, when it comes to gifts, there are a variety of different products you can get your mother-in-law. I am unsure of the budget you are working with, however I will give you a variety of different options which I hope will help!
Now, if you don't mind splashing out, I would recommend a luxury diffuser or candle. The Fornasetti ‘Flora di Fornasetti’ (£99.00 Selfridges / $135.00 Barneys) is a personal favourite. It smells amazing - it is made up of floral, green and woody notes - and the candle case features one of Piero Fornasetti's iconic designs, so it looks absolutely gorgeous in the home!
Staying on the expensive side, I would also recommend getting her a fragrance because, well, what woman doesn't want to smell wonderful? Elizabeth Arden has just released a new dimension of its UNTOLD fragrance that you can't go wrong with. The new fragrance, UNTOLD Eau Légère 100ml (£63.00 Debenhams), combines ingredients such as sparkling green apple, pink pepper, blackcurrant, grapefruit and purple freesia, to create a feminine and sensual scent.
If she is skincare obsessed, I would recommend a travel kit or starter kit - that way your mother-in-law can have a variety of new and interesting products to try, as well as some mini must-haves to take on holiday - perfect for the upcoming summer months. Dermalogica has an AGE Smart® Skin Kit (£42.50 dermalogica.co.uk / $52.00 ULTA), which is made up of six products from the hero anti-ageing range.
Another skincare option is the Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules Limited Edition Collection ( £79.50 feelunique.com / $154.00 timetospa.com). To celebrate the capsules 10th birthday, the brand has launched a limited edition duo set, containing two super-sized jars of the day capsules and night capsules. The set only cost £79.50 (saving you £45.00) and £15,000 worth of sales from this gorgeous set will be donated to the Wellbeing of Women charity - it really is a gift that keeps on giving!
Failing all of the above, you could gift her something bespoke by putting together a custom filled hamper containing a variety of affordable beauty bits. You could fill it with things like OLAY Skincare, e.l.f makeup palettes, Maybelline nail polishes, L'Oreal haircare and some adorable pampering products from Lush.
Answer: Congratulations on getting married! Now, when it comes to gifts, there are a variety of different products you can get your mother-in-law. I am unsure of the budget you are working with, however I will give you a variety of different options which I hope will help!
Now, if you don't mind splashing out, I would recommend a luxury diffuser or candle. The Fornasetti ‘Flora di Fornasetti’ (£99.00 Selfridges / $135.00 Barneys) is a personal favourite. It smells amazing - it is made up of floral, green and woody notes - and the candle case features one of Piero Fornasetti's iconic designs, so it looks absolutely gorgeous in the home!
Staying on the expensive side, I would also recommend getting her a fragrance because, well, what woman doesn't want to smell wonderful? Elizabeth Arden has just released a new dimension of its UNTOLD fragrance that you can't go wrong with. The new fragrance, UNTOLD Eau Légère 100ml (£63.00 Debenhams), combines ingredients such as sparkling green apple, pink pepper, blackcurrant, grapefruit and purple freesia, to create a feminine and sensual scent.
If she is skincare obsessed, I would recommend a travel kit or starter kit - that way your mother-in-law can have a variety of new and interesting products to try, as well as some mini must-haves to take on holiday - perfect for the upcoming summer months. Dermalogica has an AGE Smart® Skin Kit (£42.50 dermalogica.co.uk / $52.00 ULTA), which is made up of six products from the hero anti-ageing range.
Another skincare option is the Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules Limited Edition Collection ( £79.50 feelunique.com / $154.00 timetospa.com). To celebrate the capsules 10th birthday, the brand has launched a limited edition duo set, containing two super-sized jars of the day capsules and night capsules. The set only cost £79.50 (saving you £45.00) and £15,000 worth of sales from this gorgeous set will be donated to the Wellbeing of Women charity - it really is a gift that keeps on giving!
Failing all of the above, you could gift her something bespoke by putting together a custom filled hamper containing a variety of affordable beauty bits. You could fill it with things like OLAY Skincare, e.l.f makeup palettes, Maybelline nail polishes, L'Oreal haircare and some adorable pampering products from Lush.
![]() |
| Lush The Mum Bubble Bar (£5.25), Olay Beauty Fluid (£4.99 / $6.94) and e.l.f California Baked Eyeshadow Palette (£10.00 / $10.00) |
Whatever you do, try not to stress over what to buy as I am sure your mother-in-law will love and appreciate whatever you give her - after all, it's the thought that counts!
Labels:
Ask TBI,
Candles,
Dermalogica,
e.l.f,
Elemis,
Elizabeth Arden,
Fornasetti,
Gifts,
L'Oreal,
Lush,
Makeup,
Maybelline,
Mother's Day,
Olay,
Pampering,
Skincare
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Interview: Jane Wurwand
Jane Wurwand isn't just the founder of one of the world's best skincare brands (Dermalogica, if you're wondering), she is an inspiration to women everywhere. Known for championing female entrepreneurship, Jane founded Dermalogica FITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship) in 1999. FITE is a foundation that works to empower women entrepreneurs globally, through various different support systems.
I got the opportunity to interview Jane and, as sycophantic as it sounds, I felt honoured to pick her beauty brain. So sit back and enjoy our little chat...
I was 13 when I started in the business. I wanted to work because I wanted money to buy David Bowie records! I began as a Saturday Girl, sweeping up hair cuttings in the local salon in Broadstone, Dorset. I then would pick through the huge box of hair-cuttings, pull out all the hair-pins, sterilize the pins, put them into boxes, put the boxes on the trolleys and send the trolleys out onto the floor for the hairdressers - only to do it all over again! This was still the age of the bi-weekly updo in the small town in England where I grew up, where the work of Mr. Sassoon hadn't quite reached yet!
What is your career highlight?
My career highlight, one of many, has been being called upon by President Bill Clinton as a thought leader. I participated in the Clinton Global Initiative and spoke at the United Nations on the subject of women's equality in the workplace. It is an honor to speak on behalf of the professional skin care industry which puts more women into their own business than any other, for which I am very proud. This is also related to another highlight, the founding of Dermalogica's women's initiative, Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship [FITE]. This initiative is a global program for women all over the world, empowering women, girls and communities everywhere, especially in developing countries. We have funded close to 40,000 women to grow their own business in the past 3 years alone.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the beauty industry?
My advice to someone starting out is to make sure that you're in it for the long haul. The rewards are very tangible, but this business is one where you must prove yourself and earn your place by standing on your feet and working with your hands, as well as your mind and spirit, every day.
This is not an industry where there is immediate superstardom. Really, I think very few jobs can realistically offer that immediate gratification, however it is surprising how many people do expect it, and give up when they aren't on the cover of VOGUE the first year. Also, be prepared to invest in your own ongoing education, from the beginning. It is the only way that you will keep your edge. Almost every 'name' that you know in the industry worked their way up from the ground floor and have a passion for the business as a result.
Who is the ultimate beauty icon?
The ultimate beauty icon for me is Vidal Sassoon. He was so creative, so real, hard working, disciplined and such a visionary. He sensed what women really wanted - which was freedom and a sense of control over their own futures. This is what everyone wants, and I'm not just talking about our hair! And his genius was that he created an entire industry by flipping the paradigm.
Salon-owners attacked Sassoon when he suggested that the woman could wash and condition and style her own hair at home between salon-visits, which could then be spaced to every 6 weeks instead of weekly. Then Sassoon introduced his other idea: retail products that the consumer could buy for herself at the salon. This was a light-bulb moment which created an entirely new industry.
![]() |
| Vidal Sassoon |
My makeup bag essentials are Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, SkinPerfect Primer SPF30 and Power Rich because I travel so much. Also I live in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, where the weather is usually quite dry and bright, so I need to keep my lipid-layer intact. I also never leave the house without the perfect black mascara and a good lipstick, usually brick-red.
What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?
The biggest beauty crime a person can commit is, of course, not protecting their skin against the sun. We all need to do this every day, even if we live some place where it's often foggy, grey or overcast. We also need to do this even if we spend much of our time indoors - this goes for men as well as women. That weathered, tan look really is just so over. Even Mick Jagger exfoliates.
What is your top beauty tip?
My top tip is to remember that your skin is alive and your hair and nails are not - this is a fact! Women may spend a fortune on their nails and hair and buy many related products that are backed by marketing jargon about 'health'. However the fact is, something which is deceased cannot be healthy or unhealthy - it is simply dead. Hair is dead - it lives beneath the surface in the follicle, however what we see is an organic by-product of a living process, which has ceased. It is important to take care of your hair and nails, however your skin is living and warrants more attention and service. Women will easily spend hundreds on cut, colour, blow-out and gel manicure but wash their face with deodorant soap they share with others in the shower.
My beauty tip is: place priority on your skin with a quality liquid cleanser, exfoliant, moisturiser, toner, serum, SPF and regular trips to a licensed skin care professional for a consultation and ongoing care.
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Review: Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Cooling Mask
The Promise: "Turn down the redness, rid your skin of breakouts! This potent masque helps clear breakouts while a cooling sensation refreshes and soothes"
The Price: £16.00 / $24.00
The Stockist: johnandginger.co.uk / dermalogica.com
The Hero Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Thyme, Lavender, Camphor, Aloe Vera and Liquorice
The Application: This mask has a gel texture and thin consistency. It glides over the face and neck easily and the majority of the mask is absorbed almost instantly. Only a very thin, tacky-like film is left on the skin until the mask is rinsed off.
The Breakout Clearing Cooling Mask contains camphor which, similar to menthol, feels tingly and cooling on the skin. Camphor is a great ingredient for soothing skin, so this mask is perfect for treating irritation and inflammation. The camphor also gives this mask a lovely menthol scent, just like the Vicks VapoRub!
The Results: A friend of mine suffers with bad acne, so it made complete sense for her to put this mask to the test.
She found that the Breakout Clearing Cooling Mask soothed her irritated and sore skin and, more importantly, helped to clear her skin. After trialling the mask for over a week, she noticed that both her spots and redness had been significantly reduced. Now the mask didn't remove her acne entirely, however it did remove approximately 80% of it. As far as she's concerned, this was an amazing result!
The Pro: This mask is as good at soothing skin as it is at saving it
The Con: Struggling to find one...
PR sample
Monday, 9 September 2013
Review: Dermalogica AGE Smart MultiVitamin Power Serum
The Price: £59.00 / $65.00
The Stockist: dermalogica.co.uk, dermstore.com
The Hero Ingredients: Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Sunflower Seed Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil and Orange Peel Oil.
The Results: This serum smooths skin instantly, creating such an amazing texture that it could be used as a primer. Once applied, it feels so light on the skin that you will barely notice you have anything on your face.
After two weeks of using this product daily my skin has really improved. Not only is my skin plumped and firmer, it looks brighter and pigmentation has been reduced. It also did an amazing job of keeping my skin hydrated.
The Con: As much as I love this serum, it is very expensive for such a small amount of product.
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