Thal’Ion Algo’Lift Beauty Flash Mask

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

thalion

The obvious comparison with Thal’ion’s new Algo’Lift Beauty Flash Mask is of course Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, and in some ways they’re very similar: both are peachy-coloured, nicely scented and French, of course.

Except I think the Thal’ion product has a couple of things to trump Flash Balm. 1) the price. This baby is a mere €22.95. 2) it’s got magical ingredients like seaweed (a feature of the brand) for hydration as well as caffeine and ginseng, which make it a bit of a hangover helper. Oh, there’s also something fancy in there called Skin Repulp Cx for firmness and density. Stimulating collagen production, it also claims to improve tone and elasticity over time.

While you can use this in a thin layer under makeup, I’ve been using it as a masque to treat skin that’s been pretty knackered by a really bad cold and a busy few weeks. It’s lovely! Slap it on for ten or twenty minutes and skin is left feeling smooth and less wrinkly-crinkly, specially round the eyes.

Salon only, so you’ll have to look for this - for a stockist near you, call 046 948 1091.

Tags: Masque, Skincare, thal'ion
Posted in Anti-ageing, Pick-Me-Ups, Skincare | 6 Comments »

Research finds that rich men give women more orgasms: but what do you think?

Friday, August 7th, 2009

gold-digger

Listen I’m not making this up. Although it may seem as though this research was commissioned by misogynist gangsta rappers, it wasn’t - read more here. Explaining these findings as “evolutionary adaptations” (we’ve heard that one before) scientists explain that ” the pleasure women get from making love is directly linked to the size of their partner’s bank balance”.

Feminists may despair that they ever bothered burning their bras because it seems that the biggest turn on for women is still how much money a man has. Forget Independent Women - if you believe these findings women are using Gold Digger as their theme tune.

But what do you think?

Tags: boffins, feminism, money
Posted in Here comes the science, Pick-Me-Ups, Polls | 7 Comments »

Clinique Self Sun face bronzing gel tint: walking on sunshine

Friday, June 26th, 2009

clinique

Sure we’re gone tan mad this week on Beaut.ie.

And while it’s certainly not a case of saving the best for last, it’s a case of saving something pretty fab for Friday.

This Clinique Self Sun face bronzing gel, €24, is the colour of tar when it comes out of the tube. As I didn’t particularly want to recreate that sought after “Just up from t’mines” look, I was a bit dismayed. (The last time I put on a face tan that dark was the Clarins Intense Bronze… - and that didn’t end well. I’ll tell you about that another time.)

But then I actually read the Clinique instructions.

Washes off easily they reassured. And: wear alone or mix with foundation.

I mixed a teeny tiny little droplet with some moisturiser and blended in well. Emboldened I added a little bit more. The colour was exactly the shade I wanted. Totally customizable depending on how much you want to apply, you can be as tanned, or as lightly dusted with colour as your little heart desires.

Perfect for adding that instant glow, this is a real pick me up.

Tags: Clinique, face tan, tan
Posted in Brands, treatment & product reviews, Pick-Me-Ups | 5 Comments »

Fantasy Friday: Craig & Jackman to appear on Broadway together?

Friday, June 12th, 2009

wolverine8

Kirstie and Aphrodite’s “appreciation” for a birrov the Daniel Craig fella is perhaps the worst-kept non-secret on Beaut.ie. I, meanwhile, will happily sit through reruns of X-Men movies anywhere, any time - which sci-fi fan Himself was only delira with until he made the connection between Wolverine being shirtless on-screen and my being completely glued to the action. And, despite - or maybe because of? - the lip pursing, I do very much like Craig as Bond.

So I had a bit of a swoon the other day when it came to my attention that speculation is rife that Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman are to co-star in a Broadway play later this summer. Apparently, they’re to appear as a pair of Chicago cops who are bestest buddies until a case involving a domestic dispute threatens to upset the apple cart good and proper in Keith Huff’s “A Steady Rain”.

Right, so we know there’ll be police uniforms. And while I’m pretty sure that the title is metaphorical, I can’t help but hope that there’ll be a sprinkler sequence in the middle of the action for that wet-shirted Mr. Darcy effect. And then maybe they’ll have to get out of those wet clothes before they catch their deaths. Because I’ve been given a bit of a free pass with this: Himself has said (and I’m taking him at his word) that if it turns out there’s to be any nakedness, I should really go see the play.

I might have to time a trip to New York to coincide with its run.

Just in case.

Tags: daniel craig, fantasy friday, fine things, hugh jackman
Posted in Celebrity Watch, Pick-Me-Ups | 10 Comments »

Fantasy Friday indulges in the HQHair wishlist… virtual window shopping rocks

Friday, June 5th, 2009

Friends working at cafe

Oh HQHair wishlist I love you so much.

You’re like a big wedding list - of makeup and hair goodies and jewellery. But better - you’re all for me. And I don’t have to get married or go through any hassle. I can spend ages adding things to my list and daydreaming about the day someone will actually buy them for me. (But I’d have to actually tell prospective present givers about it I suppose.)

It’s so easy to do. Just add stuff to your list and dream of the day you might get them all. Payday will see some items of desire coming my way for sure.

What have I got on my wishlist? Deep breath. Tarina Tarantino of course, Diane Brill lipgloss, Paul and Joe Pearl Powder, a Lulu Guinness Vanity Case, some Cath Kidston goodies, Miller Harris candles (at least six) oh and some Frederick Fekkai of course.

Right I’m stopping now. But there’s tons more on the list!

Lets indulge in some virtual window shopping. Tell me - what would you put on your wishlist? Or do you already have one? Bet some of you are as bad as me!

Tags: Luxury, online shopping
Posted in Beauty Emporiums, Money No Object, Pick-Me-Ups | 11 Comments »

Lumie, Light Of My Life

Friday, March 13th, 2009

pjs1

Ah yes, after what feels like the longest winter in living memory there’s finally a grand stretch in the evenings and the mornings are starting to brighten up. Sing hosannas! But if you’re still finding it difficult to peel yourself out of the leaba in the AM, you could do worse than invest in a dawn simulator. Which I was inadvertantly calling “dawn stimulators” for ages, ehem. These are essentially alarm clocks that wake you with a daylight simulation bulb that becomes gradually brighter, rather than alarm clocks that wake you with the usual infernal “beep beep beep beep. Beep Beep Beep Beep. BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!”

So they’re a nicer way to wake up, but how do they actually work? Well, as the light level increases, the body’s wake-up cycle is triggered: the light helps to inhibit the production of sleep hormones like melatonin and encourage the production of get-up-an’-go hormones like cortisol. This helps to regulate your circadian rhythm (basically, your bodyclock), and means that by the time the time the light has reached it’s maximum brightness, you should be just about ready to wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed. Ideal for shift workers, people with blackout blinds, or anyone who just doesn’t do mornings, a dawn simulator should help you feel less knackered on waking - I’ve been using one made by a crowd called Lumie since Christmas and have definitely noticed the difference.

Philips do a range of these gizmos too, and you can choose from ones that also mimic sunset if you have trouble nodding off, are completely silent, have an optional alarm, or even clock/radio versions. Larger Boots stores probably carry the best in-store range of these dawn stimu-, er, simulator alarms, starting from about €74, and Argos carry a Philips one.

Tags: alarm, bodyclock, dawn simulator, holistic, sleep, wake
Posted in Diet & Wellbeing, Gadgets, Books & Accessories, Pick-Me-Ups | 16 Comments »

Beaut.ie sez Relaaaaax

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

relax!

Even the most chilled, level-headed, 100% laid back among us are probably feeling more prone to stress of late. That feckin’ recession on the radio has a lot to answer for! But apart from refusing to listen to Morning Ireland or channel surfing when Prime Time comes on, what can you do to really switch off and relax - without handing over too many of your hard-earned sheckles?

Be A Bathing Beaut.ie
Yes, yes, I know that showers are quicker and you can wash your hair at the same time with stand-up ablutions, but there are few things guaranteed to help you unwind like a bath. Make sure the room is nice and warm and tell everyone that you are going off-radar for a bit and are absolutely not to be disturbed. Under any circumstances. That includes the iron goes on the blink or Himself not being able to find the remote for the telly. Dim the lights. Fire up some candles - the good ones that you’ve been saving for when the house is tidy. Add your choice of bath salts, oils or other smellies under running water; if you’re suffering with aching muscles as well as a stressed-out head, try turning your tub into a seaweed bath. Kill two birds with one stone by bringing a spot of reading in, too: now, you can’t do that in the shower!

Burn It Off
Use an oil burner to diffuse the scent of relaxing essential oils, which can be picked up in most chemists or health food shops. Whether you ‘believe’ in aromatherapy or not, this is something that works really, really well, requires basically zero effort, and can be easily slotted into your daily routine. Bergamot, chamomile, geranium and lavendar are just some of the oils indicated for stress relief; you should be able to pick up a guide explaining the properties of essential oils when making your purchase. (Remember, the use of some essential oils is not recommended during pregnancy.)

Burn It Off: Part Deux
A spot of exercise that challenges your fitness levels will give you something other than whatever’s stressing you out to think about, and will provide a healthy outlet for pent up tension and frustration. And since exercise releases endorphins, it’ll also help to cheer you up!

Make More “Me” Time
That’s right, everyone needs to make time for more Lynnie in their lives. Seriously though, the single most important factor in making this destressing malarky a success is to take time out to yourself and do something that you enjoy, that you know works to chill you out completely. For some people, that’s meeting up with friends for a catch-up coffee or a glass (or three) of wine, or it can be something as simple as losing yourself in a movie and a big bucket of popcorn, or getting completely engrossed in a buke or magazine, which is perfect - just don’t be trying to cheat and do the laundry or any of that jazz at the same time!

Tags: aromatherapy, bath, endorphins, exercise, oil burner, recession, relax, relaxing, stress
Posted in Diet & Wellbeing, Pick-Me-Ups | 12 Comments »

Kitteh-related cuteness from Paul & Joe

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

French fashion and beauty brand Paul & Joe can always be counted on to make the most visually-appealing products, and their makeup bags are no exception. Based on the fabrics used in their fashion line, each season brings a new collectible bag and this latest number is sure to have cat-lovers squealing in delight. Spring-y and bright in lemon yellow with a retro kitten motif, this cute vanity-style bag will appeal to cat-lovers everywhere.

Besides being lovely to look at, it’s also very practical. There’s a small brush compartment inside the lid, as well as a mesh pocket for pencils. Individual compartments around the sides of the bag on the inside will help to keep your makeup organised, making this the perfect bag for day to day use, or weekend trips.

You can get this cosmetics pouch online from hqhair.com or asos.com for around €23.

Tags: makeup bags, Paul & Joe
Posted in Gadgets, Books & Accessories, Pick-Me-Ups | 22 Comments »

12 Days of Detox: Down Some Supplements

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

supplements

Still avoiding doing anything that might constitute actually doing a cleansing, healing detox, I’ve been casting about the modern internet for research purposes. And by gum, I think I have it. I’m going to take loads of supplements.

Chinese Chlorella is packed full of chlorophyll, which contains protein, carbs, vitamins C, E, all Bs, amino acids, and trace minerals. Why’s it good post-christmas? Cos it can help to speed the cleansing of the bloodstream, thanks to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. You’ll get 120 of these beauties for €12.45 from Holland and Barrett stores.

The second sneaky supplement is Elemis’ Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules. These yokes are like a super-duper facial for skin and can be used a couple of times a year as a special treatment. Take one pink capsule in the morning - to stimulate micro circulation and vitality - and follow in the evening with one green lavender capsule to repair skin and encourage a peaceful night’s sleep. Aww! Expensive, don’t you know, but you can bag them for cheaper right now, because Elemis are currently doing an offer on an Anti-Ageing Skin Renewal kit.

(more…)

Tags: capsule, chorella, Elemis, health, holland and barret, supplement, wellbeing
Posted in Diet & Wellbeing, Pick-Me-Ups | 13 Comments »

12 Days of Detox: Skin and Bodycare

Friday, January 9th, 2009

green and white tea products

On Monday (God, it seems like forever ago), I let you in on the secret of green, matcha and white teas. Potent antioxidants, they’re brilliant for you, and can aid with weight loss, making them a smart choice in January.

But you don’t have to just ingest the stuff. Nope, because canny beauty companies have copped on that green and white teas are bloody brilliant, and that means there’s now a heap of fab products out there containing these hard-working heroes. Here’re four that are worth splashing the cash on.

Clockwise from top left, we have Pangea Organics Facial Masque, €44.95. A trio of mega-charged skin goodies like Matcha tea plus superfood-tastic goji and acai berries – two of the worlds most nutritional foods - make this an antioxidant-charged pick-me-up for skin that’s stressed from late nights, smoky atmospheres, too much champers and pesky central heating.

Next up is something city girls should bag a bottle of immediately: packed full of green tea, Urban Defense Lotion, €34, from H2O+ is a wonder-potion that helps to fight the free radicals our environment throws at us, and its SPF 30 gives essential protection from UV rays too. Start slapping it on now to stem the damage done by the party season.

Drier skin types really struggle in the winter, and post-Christmas is no exception. Help to battle searing cold and the drying effect of all those late nights when you may have gone to bed, makeup intact, with A Perfect World Liquid moisture with White Tea, €23, from Origins. It’s a post-cleanse tonic that adds a heap of hydration as well as a dose of protection to vulnerable skin. Oh – and it smells absolutely delicious too.

Lastly, it’s not a jar of pesto, but is in fact Origin’s amazing The Way of the Bath Matcha Tea Body Scrub, €54. Spendy, but you get that fancy whisk with it, and it’s a health-giving powerhouse, containing oodles of organic matcha tea and Japanese salt. Purifying and detoxifying, lash a couple of scoops into a hot tub for a detox treat, or use as a scrub to battle cellulite and promote circulation.

Tags: body, detox, face, green tea, H2O, matcha, Origins, pangea organics, Skincare, white tea
Posted in Hands, Body & Feet, Lotions, Potions & Scent, Pick-Me-Ups, Skincare | 6 Comments »