For better or worse

For better or worse

I am back! A married woman, and finally back on the blogosphere. And i couldn't think of a better place to start than to talk you through my wedding day make up!

Yes in an ideal world, I would have had a wonderful make up artist at my beck and call, creating a look of the rich and famous. Instead I had my trusty sidekick Mags, a suitcase full of brilliant make up, and a few lessons under our sleeves.

So what did I learn? Doing my own make up meant I had a real natural look, when applying make up on ourselves, we are defintely less liberal, and more inclined to layer to ensure no mistakes are made. I also believe that lighting played a huge part. Stood in an awkward mirror in the wrong lighting does no one any favours. And product is key.

A quick run down on the products i used:

* Nars Primer - light and silky, perfect for humid conditions

* Laura Mercier foundation - a shade darker than normal to compliment the overseas location

*Chanel eye shadow - these prove that layering works, and you most defintely get what you pay for!

*Chanel eye pencil - in green, this really complimented my eye colour, and big thanks to Dawn in Debenhams, Salisbury for even suggesting this off the wall idea!

*Liz Earle eye cream - amazing at concealing the dark circles, without a made up look of some concealers

*No7 translucent powder - perfect for setting the make up to last

*A lovely pale pink Chanel lipstick

*And finally a glass of champers, with a bit of confidence, we all let our inner beauty shine through!

This was a brilliant learning curve for myself and Mags, with a combination of make up counters, books and trials at home, we perfected my wedding day look.

So a quick insight for you on how we approached my wedding day make up. I will be talking about some of the products in more detail in future blogs, and look out for some christmassy themed blogs coming soon!

In the meantime, stay beautiful!

Stace x







24th November 2010

Reviewing hot cloth cleansers - starting with Liz Earle's C&P

Hot cloth cleansers - use it or lose it?

You probably know by now that the first step to a beautiful and radiant skin is cleansing. Some people may argue that it's weekly scrubbing or using nourishing/cleansing masks but before you nourish or remove the death skin cells from your face you need to prepare the surface. It's like painting a picture - before you start with a brush you need to prepare the canvas.

For a good few months now, I have been reviewing a number of hot cloth cleansers to find out which one is the best and which one just isn't! In the next few blogs I'll review different cleansers and share with you my verdict.

Liz Earle's, Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
No wonder this product is a multi-award winning solution for beautiful skin! The plant-based product cleanses and polishes in one. Its creamy and thick texture melts down any, even the most stubborn make-up (including waterproof mascara) and the ingredients including eucalyptus and cocoa butter leave the skin fresh, smooth and squeaky clean.
Whereas the pure muslim cloth gently polishes off the dead skin cells and help reveal clean and soft skin. Your skin looks instantly radiant and feels really smooth.

First time I've used the cleanser I kept touching my skin since couldn't believe the softness on my face; it felt baby-like - soft and plumped. Even my husband noticed the difference and was shortly convinced to use the product himself since it's fuss free and would go without using toners afterwards (even though I'd still recommend to use one, anyway).

The cleanser smells divine - fresh with a hint of eucalyptus oils, it creates the perfect cleansing routine for both women and men. Also, the formula stays the same for women and men, the only difference is in colour of the packaging.

The cleanser comes in a round bottle pumps with various sizes: 50ml, 100ml and 150ml (usually as limited edition) and tubes: 30ml and 200ml. The prices vary depending on the size - the average price for the 100ml is £11.50 so on a bit expensive side but affordable if you use one pump per use, since little goes a long way. One bottle usually lasts me six to seven weeks. My only pet peeve is using the pump when you can't tell you're running low on the product, a window or indicator would really help. Hence I like to use the tubes since when the product is running low I can still get at least a week's worth of it when cutting the tube open.

The information on the product states that it works on every age and skin type. However, I have a very sensitive skin and noticed that I can only use the muslim cloths once a day since the polishing may be too harsh for my skin. Therefore I'd be a bit cautious and watch any symptoms during the use. One can use the cleanser morning and night with pure muslin cloths but in my case I limited the use to evenings only and it works better for me that way.

The verdict
As for the verdict... well it's really easy for me to judge. I have already convinced a few of my friends to use this product, therefore I believe it delivers to the promise of clean, smooth and radiant skin. However, I'd give it an 8 out of 10 for the packaging and price; but 10/10 for the product inside! Overall I'd recommend this product since am very proud of what it delivers!

Remember that you all have different skin types and that products work differently on others so please, test and watch your skin to make sure that what you use is best suited for your skin type and your wallet, too. Stay beautiful!

Mags x

Beautiful hair, every day!

Beautiful hair, every day!

It’s been too long but I’m back! First of all, I’d like to say ‘Thank you’ to Stace who has written great beauty tips while I was away. Also, congratulations as she’s now happily married!

Now I’m back and ready to share with you all the tips I’ve learned over the few weeks. Firstly, let’s start with the recently launched Liz Earle’s haircare; shampoo and conditioner.

My first impression, when I’ve seen the packaging was surprise with a hint of disappointment. I had never used a shampoo from a tube and thought it would be a nightmare to use. However, I have to admit, I was too quick to judge – it’s actually easier to use than regular bottles, so thumbs up for packaging!

The shampoo

It’s suitable for all hair types so perfect for the whole family. I have normal/dry, fine and coloured hair and I absolutely love the product. The smell is divine and the texture is creamy and lathers beautifully – a little goes a long way; for more lather just use a bit more water – works perfectly!

The naturally active ingredients including apple and orange extracts, and essential oils create a wonderful experience with an invigorating and fresh smell that wakes up the senses in the morning and lasts the whole day. The shampoo gently cleanses without stripping and leaves my hair clean (and I mean, squeaky clean), ultra soft, shiny and smelling delicious.

The conditioner

I used conditioner for dry and damaged hair. Its rich, creamy texture is really easy to apply and leaves my hair hydrated, tangle-free, soft and smooth. The smell is a bit more subtle as of the shampoo but still really fresh and sensual.

My husband who suffers from dandruff has also been using the shampoo and conditioner and says it helps to ease his itchy scalp. It didn’t clear the dandruff though; therefore, with any skin problems, I’d recommend to seek doctor’s advice.

The verdict

Both of the products work in synergy; they are beautiful and it was definitely worth the wait (took three years to develop!)! The products come in 200ml tubes and cost an affordable £7.50 each (remember, a little goes a long way!). I would definitely recommend this product to all my friends!

Remember to use products that best suit your needs. Stay beautiful!

Mags x

Ps. In the next few blogs I’m going to review hot cloth cleansers, starting with Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish.

19.10.2010

My skincare secret

My skincare secret

Just a quick one from me, as you can imagine with the wedding two weeks away, it's all hectic! I wanted to share with you the two products that have brought my skin back to life and cleared my spot prone skin.

The products are Decleor Neroli oil and Hydra floral moisturiser. Now many people question why you would put oil on your skin, especially if it is already oily. Neroli acts as an elixir for the skin, treating the indiviual skin concern, and leaves the skin feeling smoother, softer and glowing. It also helps to combat daily stress and pollution, and works well hand in hand with the hydra floral moisturiser, increasing the effectiveness of the product when used together.

They also both smell lovely and are really a joy to use as part of a skincare routine.

Websites cheapsmells, beautyflash and QVC all do great deals on these products.

Stay Beuatiful, and stay tuned to the website as we will be reviewing Liz Earle's latest product, the new haircare range!

Stace x

18th Sept 2010

Body beautiful

Body Beautiful
I realised recently, that through all my blogging, I am guilty of neglecting to mention body products, and there are some great ones on the market I have discovered.

The brand I would like to talk about today is the great 'Soap and Glory'. The packaging puts a smile on my face every time, like something out of a 1940's housewives bathroom. And the smells are divine, as is the price tag! But how do these high street finds actually perform when put to the test?

In a bid to become body beautiful for my forthcoming wedding which is taking place abroad, I have been scrubbing my body within an inch of its life. And nothing has left me with such irresistibly smooth skin than 'Scrub em and leave em'. This huge pot lasts forever, and the £7 price tag is very attractive. Turn the shower off, scrub all over for sixty seconds and then wash off.

Next up is the 'Clean on Me' shower gel, a whopping great bit pump action bottle which lasts forever for only a fiver. This smells great and leaves my body silky and smooth all day long. Good job they do a travel size as this will definetly be coming away with me!

And last but not least is my fave the 'Glow lotion'. For only a fiver this is superb value, really shimmers and moisturises without leaving glitter residue all over my clothes. This will be making an appearance on my wedding day to give me that all important glow!

Soap and Glory is proof that beauty doesn't have to cost the earth, these affordable products not only make great gifts but really perform. Their website http://www.soapandglory.com/ is also lots of fun and worth checking out. Products can be bought at most Boots stores.

So brave getting bare and Stay Beautiful!

Stace x

28th August 2010

She's got the look

She's got the look...
As my wedding day draws ever closer (7 weeks...argh!) I am constantly experimenting and trying out new looks, and it has been an education. Only last week I modelled for a photo shoot for our in house beauty expert Jess who was trying out a variety of wedding looks on various models. For more info on Jess and the products she provides go to http://www.jrbeautytherapy.co.uk/

(Picture make up courtesy of Jess)

A quick summary of some of the things I took away from this session:

* Layering. It is so important to make sure your entire skin care routine allows for a great base for your make up, so really optimise that cleanse, tone and moisturise mantra.

* Powder. Never a fan of powder I had steered well clear until I realised I have to make my wedding day face up for the camera. And no powder results in shine. Not a good look. So after foundation, a light dusting of powder (Laura Mercier, Real Sand is a fave) will set the make up and rid the shine for the day.

* Less is more. I love bronzer. However, too much can leave one's face looking dirty. Start with a small amount on the parts of your face that would naturally catch the sun, cheek bones etc. You can always add to the colour, taking away is harder.

Watch this space for more quick tip bits of information as I continue my quest to find the perfect wedding day look. Wish me luck!

Slightly neurotic and crazy bride-to-be

Stace x

Bridesmaid Mags will be back soon with some sensible skin care posts!

14th August 2010

Put your best foot forward...

Put your best foot forward...

Unusually this year we have experienced some gorgeous Summer weather, and I don't know about you, but I am guilty of running around the garden barefoot, living in my very worn in flip flops, and generally enjoying the sun and not giving my feet any TLC.

Ridiculous, since this time of year is when the feet take centre stage and are paraded around for all to see, finally free of the winter boots and socks. So tonight I gave myself a quick pedicure for busy people. 2 key products, Liz Earle foot scrub, which I massaged in while my feet rested in a bath of lukewarm water. Once they were patted dry, I then smothered them in Liz Earle foot repair.

The result? Deliciously soft feet, just aching to be painted with some lovely OPI nail colours. Happy feet, ready to face the world and make the most of their time in the spotlight.

Stay Beautiful this Summer.

Stace x

21st July 2010

Micellaire solution – tested and scores revealed

Micellaire solution – tested and scores revealed

It’s been a while but as promised in my previous blog ‘My beauty secret - micellaire solution’ (see May blogs) a few weeks ago, I tested a number of micellaire solutions that are available on the market. To quickly remind you, micellaire solution is a calming cleansing solution that works perfectly on sensitive skin. It soothes irritated and fragile skin, cleanses face, eyes and lips thoroughly without rubbing, and rinsing is not required. It usually removes water-resistant make-up, too.

Sensibio H2O by Bioderma is probably the most popular and ‘prescribed’ solution for sensitive skin. I heard make-up artists and beauticians raving about this product but is it actually worth all the attention? On the Bioderma website I read ‘at the cutting edge of innovation, …, the micelles contained in its formula effectively micro-emulsify impurities while maintaining the skin’s balance (soap-free, physiological pH).’ It all sounds so scientific but my verdict is: overpriced (£11 - £13 per 250ml). I have not noticed too much difference while using this product comparing to other micellaire solutions but the price. My score: 6.

Micellar Cleansing Water with 3 Roses by Nuxe is less popular here in the UK and effectively harder to find on the High Street. Its fresh texture and Floral Water fragrance with 3 Roses (Red, Black and White) soothes and softens your skin, and removes all traces of make-up from your face leaving it perfectly cleansed, toned and refreshed. Rose Water tones and Green Tea Extract has anti-oxidizing properties. My verdict: great investment for the wellbeing of your skin! My score: 9, since can’t be found on a High Street but you can find it on the Internet.

Remember, cleanse, tone and moisturise, especially during the hot days in summer.

Stay beautiful!

Mags xx

June 29, 2010

The Perfect Scent - the results!!!

The Perfect Scent - the results!!

The results are in...they have been counted and verified...and we can reveal that the winner of the wedding scent for Stace's wedding 2010 is...(drum roll)

Marc Jacobs 'Daisy'.

How did you arrive at this winner I hear you cry...

There are so many perfumes on the market these days, it is a complete mind field. The spec was simple, something light and fruity for the Mediterranean wedding.

With so many heavy scents on the market it was easy to eliminate many of the popular perfumes (Chanel no 5, Estee Lauder Sensuous...)

Daisy had the right mixture of taking me back to my youth, to a time when I was carefree mixed with my adult self who now has responsibilities. It has elements of playfulness and seriousness all packaged in one adorable bottle.

The fruity scents are perfect for the summer wedding, but the underlying musk lingers into the warm, close evenings.

The final decider was the beautiful daisy delicately positioned on top of the bottle. My soon to husband and I wasted many a Saturday afternoon picnicking and making daisy chains. And what is even better, the travel version I purchased, fits neatly in my wedding handbag, and can travel in hand luggage with no risk of losing it along the way. I think I have fallen in love...with a scent...

Stay and smell beautiful.

Stace x

16th June 2010

A bit of designer chic...

A bit of designer chic...
I recently went to Italy on a quick weekend break. I always save my foundation samples from magazines for these short trips where my baggage allowance is so small, and use it as a perfect opportunity to try out some new brands. So, while rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, and staring lovingly into the Chanel, Prada and Gucci shops (although never brave enough to enter!) I decided to try some of the 'designer' brands foundations.

First up was Dior skin nude, fond de teint fluide, 030 med beige.

Much darker than any one would ever sell to me in a shop, I thought I would give it a go anyway. Very creamy application, seemed like it would be more appropriate for mature skin. It sat quite heavily in my wrinkles and creases, and all day I felt like I was wearing foundation, which is not a good thing in my book!

As the day wore on, it settled down, I loved the sun kissed colour, but as stated before, it would never match my skin, and did result in a bit of an unsightly line around the neck. At the end of the day it came off easily and was non drying. I also very much enjoyed staring at the window display of Dior in Florence, in the great knowledge I was wearing Dior foundation on my skin! 6/10

Second, Chanel Vitaluminere, fluide de teint eclat.

The colour was lighter for a start, the coverage was not great, and I still had to apply concealer on blemishes. It did feel very silky and I did not feel like I was wearing make up. It gave me a natural glow, almost like I had been running (and no that was not the wine!). It came off very easily. 8/10

Third, staying with Chanel, Mat Lumiere.

This is undoubtedly my favourite. Complete coverage, no feel of foundation on my skin and a gorgeous luminescent colour. Easy to take off and also leaves skin feeling silky smooth. Photos of the day I wore this made my skin look incredible! I am almost swayed between giving up my trusty foundation and moving onto something altogether more classy and chic...almost!!! 9/10

Keep those little samples you get in women's magazines cos you never know when they might come in handy!

Stay Beautiful!

Stace x

29th May 2010

Visible Brilliance - Elemis

Is it actually visible?

As you may well know from my previous blog, I’m testing which brand of micellaire solution works best. I’m still on the case and now testing the Nuxe brand. However, meantime I thought I will share with you my recent findings about the Elemis face serum – Visible Brilliance.

Its light and luminous texture glides evenly on the face. This serum works great under my daily moisturiser, my skin looks smoother, radiant and prepared for my make-up application. According to the Elemis spokeswoman, this is not a treatment product but one that makes your skin look radiant. Is it just me or it seems a bit too expensive (£40 RRP) for something we all could easily do with a make-up trick.

I’ve used almost a whole bottle of that serum and noticed not much difference to my skin. It makes my skin glow when it’s on but notice no difference that I would expect after using a serum. To be honest, I’m not really impressed with that product. It’s a great idea to use it as a boost when you need it (special occasions like wedding day – need to tell Stace about it!); however, if your skin does not lack lustre don’t bother. It smells nice and has lovely texture but considering the price the results are not that impressive. Instead, I would definitely recommend Decleor’s Aromessence Neroli oil, which is fantastic, especially when used as a boost under your night treatment.

Nevertheless, make your own judgements when choosing skincare. Remember what suits one, won't suit another… and stay beautiful!

Mags x
17^th May, 2010

My beauty secret - micellaire solution

My beauty secret - micellaire solution

I love spring… maybe with less rain and more sunshine but still I love this time of the year! It’s that time when my house and my facial routine needs spring clean action!

Last year I fell ill in May and the skin on my face went off track after a number of medications I was taking. My beautician said that it may take as long as a year for my skin to fully recover and she was right! I look (and feel) much better now… and it’s just about a year later!

During that year I have not rested on my laurels, though. I kept researching and trying ever so new products until I found what I think works best for my skin – micellaire solution! It’s a calming cleansing solution that works perfect for sensitive skin. It soothes irritated and fragile skin, cleanses face, eyes and lips perfectly without rubbing, and rinsing is not required.

Purete Thermale Solution Micellaire from Vichy is one of the ‘wonder’ products that I use at present. It’s available on high street for less than a tenner. You can find different brands selling this cleansing solution; however, not all of them are available in the UK. Hence, during my recent trip to Europe I purchased several different products of micellaire solution and my task now is to keep you posted of which one is the best of them all. As for now, I can tell you that Purete Thermale cleared my skin so much that my friend, whom I haven't seen since Christmas, said that I look like I've never had skin problems before. It was great to hear such a complement.

If you have any questions or comments, please tweet us @beautyu or email at info@beautyu.co.uk.

And remember, stay beautiful!

Mags x

10 May 2010

The Perfect Scent

The Perfect Scent

I got to thinking the other day how smell is such a powerful sense, and how the scent of something can really take us back. The smell of fresh cut grass reminds me of running through the fields in the heat of the summer sun, a coconut body lotion reminds me of a summer spent in Greece, and Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess reminds me of my favourite holidays. We often spend years trying to find the right scent for ourselves, and change the scent according to event, time of year and mood. And a scent has the power to uplift us and make us beautiful. I rarely leave the house without any make-up on, but on the odd occasion I have done, I have always walked through a mist of perfume. It has the ability to make us feel beautiful, truly beautiful from the inside out.

And so reader, here is my quest. I am getting married in 5 months, and am after finding the perfect scent. It has to be something timeless, that will always (hopefully!) bring back happy memories of fun, love and my favourite people being together. Do I stick with an old trusty from Chanel, or branch into something from Nina Ricci. (That's the power of Glee sponsorship for you ;-))

My wedding is to be a laid back affair abroad, so something light and romantic, but summery and fruity would be ideal. Answers on a postcard please. (well the digital version of a postcard.) Tweet us @beautyu or email at info@beautyu.co.uk. Please get involved!

Stay (and smell!) beautiful!

Stace x

P.S - Mags will be back next week with her great skin care high street finds!

28th April 2010

Going Back to Basics

Going Back to Basics

As a self confessed beauty junkie, it's often easy to get carried away with every product that falls into ones hands. I recently experienced this, too much make up in the day time, too many products on the night, slapping on every cream under the sun just to give it a try. With so many lovely products to try I just want to cleanse, tone, moisturise, exfoliate, peel, face mask every night.

So Mags sat me down and gave me the skin care talk no one likes to hear. Mags knows her products, what works and what doesn't, and what goes well with my skin. My new skin care routine is simple, and after three weeks, the results are obvious. My skin is no longer confused.com. It's happy and glowing.

All skin is different, but the basics for me consist of Decleor cleansing milk and tonifying lotion. The cleansing milk is brilliant in the evenings for taking off make up with a cloth, leaving skin clear and not dehydrated, and the toner just ensures the last traces of make up have disappeared. The same routine in the morning, leaves my skin feeling bright and fresh. And these products smell amazing as well! QVC, John Lewis and Beauty Flash all stock Decleor at competitive prices.

Who would have thought the right products were sitting in my bathroom all along? Do your skin a favour this Spring, clear out those cupboards and take your skincare routine back to basics.

Stay Beautiful this Easter!

Stace & Mags x

31st March 2010

Eyebrows!

Eyebrows!

A month ago we both got to experience some real pampering, eye treatments in the comfort of our own home! This is exactly how we think all beauty treatments should be carried out, so there's no place to go after a relaxing pampering evening except upstairs to bed!
Stace had her eyebrows tinted and shaped. Here's what she had to say about the experience:

'I was thrilled with my eyebrows after Jess shaped and tinted them. I have had my eyebrows threaded at a salon before, but this experience far exceeded that. Jess used tweezers, which not only was a far more comfortable experience with greater results which have lasted over 4 weeks.

Stace before the treatment


Jess is extremely professional and talked me through the whole experience beforehand, including easing my apprehension by explaining how long things were going to take. The tinting is so quick, as soon as the tint is on, it comes off, and this is then repeated until the desired colour is achieved. The shaping obviously takes as long as it needs to take care of all those stray eyebrows.

Jess shaping Stace's eyebrows

Aftercare instructions were very clear, advising not to put anything on the skin in that area for 8 hours after. We also discussed when I will next need the treatment, probably 6-8 weeks.


Eyebrows are such an important part to your face shape, and with my wedding this year I was determined to get them into shape after years of severe plucking with really no idea what shape I was trying to achieve. I am so pleased with them and the change they have made to my face and loving the comments from people!'

Stace after the treatment

Thanks to Jess our in house beauty expert! If you would like to find out more about these treatments or about what Jess can offer contact us: info@beautyu.co.uk


Next week - Find out how Mags got on having her eyelashes permed!

And remember Stay Beautiful!

Stace & Mags x





10th March 2010

Beautiful eyes!

Beautiful eyes!

Over the last month we have been lucky to experience eye treatments including; eyelash perming, eyebrow tinting and eyebrow shaping. For many of us, these salon treatments are daunting if you have never experienced them before. There is a horrible element of not knowing what to expect, and this can often put us off booking and treating ourselves to these treatments.

Over the course of the next month we are going to talk you through step-by-step what these treatments involve, and personal testimonials on how we found these treatments. You will get to meet and find out more about our in-house beauty expert Jess, who carried out the treatments, and by the end of the month I am sure you will be booking up similar treatments!

Remember, if you want to view our older posts, head to the 'Seasons' section and select the season of interest. If you have any great tips or feedback, drop us a line at info@beautyu.co.uk

We hope you enjoy finding out about these beautiful treatments, and continue to Stay Beautiful!

Stace & Mags x

Stace having her eyelash
curling carried out by Jess

Blissful time

Blissful time

Everybody deserves some ‘me’ time especially when daily hassles leave us drained and stressed out. Last Thursday, both of us experienced the most fantastic Continental facial. The main difference between this and other facials lays in the technique of the face, shoulder and neck massage. The whole experience lasted an amazing hour and a half and left us both feeling blissful for the whole weekend!

We’re aware that not everybody can find time or the budget for a session in a professional salon. However, there is no reason to stop you from taking the time to enjoy yourself. There are just a few steps to get you into that blissful state!

Simply, plan to spend 40 minutes on pampering yourself. Lock yourself in the bathroom, light some candles and run a bubble bath. While the bath is filling with water you cleanse, tone, exfoliate and tone your face again. As you cleanse and exfoliate make sure that you use circular movements that start from your neck upwards avoiding eye area.

Once your face is ready for a quiet pampering, choose a mask you like the most or one that your skin seems to need at that moment. Once you layer it evenly, soak two cotton pads in your toner and place it carefully on the edge of your bath tub. Get into the bath and once you make yourself comfortable, place the cotton pads one on each eye and relax. Fifteen minutes later you will feel relaxed and ready to take the mask off. To do so, take a little face sponge or a muslin cloth, rinse with warm lurk water. When the mask is off, tone before applying moisturiser.

Now you’re relaxed and ready to face the world outside the bathroom! Stay beautiful!

Mags & Stace xx

21 February 2010

A little Valentine je ne sais quoi...

A little Valentine je ne sais quoi...

Happy Valentines day! Here at Beautiful You we believe that beauty is about how you feel, and sometimes it is just nice to pamper yourself and make yourself beautiful just for you! So whether you are spending the day with your loved one or on your own, make it a day about Beautiful You!

Here are just a few things we will be doing to make us feel truly beautiful:

*Soaking in the bath with our favourite candles burning, we love Diptyque Figuier scented candle.

*Wash with the gorgeous smelling Exotic Frangipani Monoi bath and shower cream from Elemis.

*We will be covering our body in Body Shop Nutmeg and Vanilla Hi-Glimmer body glaze, which naturally shimmers in the light and smells sensational.

*Spritzing our perfume of the moment, Estee Lauder Sensuous.

*Lightly covering face, neck and chest with Laguna bronzer from Nars, with a slight glitter to the bronzer it keeps you glowing for hours after application.

*Using Boots No7 Liplicious Marshmallow flavour to make our lips ultra kissable!

*Using the amazing Laura Mercier eye pencil and Lancome mascara, even if we aren't leaving the house.

Have a great Valentines day, and make yourself beautiful for you and no one else! We promise all these things will make you feel on top of the world, and if you do have a special someone then they will definitely notice!

If you're new to Beautiful You, find our old posts in the season section, follow us on Twitter to find out about up to the minute beautiful news and let us know what you think!

Look out in the coming weeks for more in depth information about eyelash perming and eyebrow tinting and shaping, and meet out in-house beauty expert Jess!

Stay Beautiful!

Stace & Mags x

13th February 2010

10 days perfect skin routine tips for Valentine's Day romance

Perfect skin in 10 days for Valentine's Day romance

Winter lasted for so long that a thought of upcoming Valentine’s Day fills us with happiness. It’s time when many think of romance. Whether you plan to spend the day with someone special or make plans for yourself, you will like to have a sexy skin for Valentine’s Day. There are just a few steps to perfect skin and you can make it on time for that perfect day!

Face

• Every day routine (morning and night) includes cleansing, toning, using non-abrasive exfoliation (daily scrubs or tri-enzyme wash), toning again, serum or oil (oil preferably at night), and moisturising. We won’t go into more depths of the daily routine but today we'll focus on the tips for any imperfections.

Tips that can help to boost your routine and make your skin look glowing!

• Exfoliate:

Twice weekly use a face scrub to take off any dead skin and impurities that make your skin look dull and unhealthy, and may create spots. Use scrub that best suits your skin type. One of our favourites is Gentle Face Exfoliator by Liz Earle. Smells fantastically fresh! Keep exfoliating and you’ll see the amazing results in your skin!

• Masks:

We’ve never believed in the power of facial masks until we used one! Facial masks can make wonders and are able to take years off your skin! Choose a mask that is suitable for your skin type (combination/oily skin – purifying mask, dry skin – moisturising, mature skin – lifting, ect.). The results will give you a beautiful look and the more you use masks the better the results.

If you have Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask, use it for 10 days as a night cream and your skin will be lifted, plumped and beautiful with fine lines reduced! For misbehaving skin, like ours, use a clay mask (our fav is Decleor’s Instant Purifying Mask) every night but only on the spot area. The spot is gone (or diminished) in the morning and you’re ready to face the world again!

Body

• Exfoliate:

Your body, as your face, needs exfoliating, as well. Use body scrub (which is harsher than a face one) twice or even three times a week during your shower. That will help your body to shed the dead skin and bring out the healthy look.

• Moisturise:

A good body lotion is another tool in your arsenal to moisturize the skin and give it a plump, smooth texture. There are a number of quality lotions on the market. The one we use at present is L’Occitane’s Shea Body Lotion, which fabulously moisturises the skin.Apply your cream or lotion to slightly damp skin and it will help lock in the moisture and make your skin silky smooth ready for the loving touch.

Enjoy your sexy skin on Valentine’s Day and every day afterwards! Stay Beautiful!

Stace & Mags xx

5 February, 2010

Winter-proof your skin!

Winter-proof your skin!

Harsh winds and freezing temperatures can only signal one thing - dry, flaky, chapped-skin season. At Beautiful You we don't allow the cold weather to chap and chafe you. Below are our winter skin survival secrets :

1. Swap your lotion or foaming cleanser with a creamy, richer cleanser that will help nourish and balance your skin. During the winter months I use the luxurious creamy Pro-Radiance Cleanser by Elemis. Its rich consistency leaves my skin supple and clean, ready for another step.

2. Exfoliation will buff away the dead cells that might otherwise dull the complexion. It also stimulates cell production. Don't overdo it, though. Over-enthusiastic scrubbing can undermine the skin's barrier function. I tend to exfoliate twice weekly; however, in the winter months, I like to use the Tri-enzyme Facial Wash, which enhances the non-abrasive exfoliation process and replenishes moisture.

3. Layer your skin with hydrating serum or oil under your moisturiser. That will allow the moisture to penetrate deep into the cells, nourishing the skin.

4. Don't let the winter gloom deceive you! Even though you can't see or feel the rays of sunshine on your skin, the UV rays that can cause lines and wrinkles are in the atmosphere all year long. If you are concerned about premature ageing, invest in a sunscreen or UV filter that you can layer on top of your moisturiser. Remember, for better protection re-apply during the day.

5. Central heating in your home or office is also causing your skin to feel dehydrated. You can counteract the drying effects by placing a bowl of water near the radiator to put more moisture back into the air.

6. Remember about your lips! During the cold months not only your skin suffers. Lips also need looking after to ensure they stay super-smooth. To de-flake dry lips, massage with a gentle exfoliator than rinse off. Put on a good lip balm morning and night, and keep that routine every day to avoid the horrible look of chapped and sore lips that often misrepresent these cold but beautiful winter months.

We're hoping that the above tips are going to help you survive the remaining winter months. Remember to be positive and stay beautiful!

Stace & Mags X

1st February 2010

Feet First

Feet First

We're not getting our feet out to put in Christmas party shoes, and we're not getting them ready for the beach, so why are we talking about pedicures in January? Well at Beautyu we think beauty should be about how you feel, and nothing makes you feel more beautiful than pampered feet! So here is out step by step guide to the at home pedicure.

1. Soak your feet in lukewarm water for twenty minutes. I tend to add my fave bath milk to the water. At the moment I just love Elemis skin nourishing milk bath.

2. Next use a foot scrub to massage away rough skin. Liz Earle foot scrub is perfect for this and leaves a lovely peppermint smell.

3. Towel dry the feet and use a foot file to smooth away any dead skin.

4. Cut the toe nails and file the nails straight across to get rid of any jagged edges.

5. Using toe separators, paint the colour of your choice in strokes away from your body over your toe nails, careful not to apply too much. Leave to dry and repeat. For my manicure I have chosen to use OPI Bogota Blackberry. Pick your favourite colour on the OPI website.

6. Final step once the nails are dry is to smother your feet in foot cream and place a special pair of moisturising socks on to ensure feet are soft and smooth. Two of my favourite creams are OPI callus softener and Liz Earle foot repair cream.

Your feet are now gorgeous and ready to go...no where! It makes us feel beautiful by pampering our feet and having lovely colours neatly painted on our toe nails. Try it, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face this January!

Remember, you can view all our old posts by going to Seasons, and selecting the season for the post you want to see.

Stay Beautiful!

Stace & Mags x