Hair Bliss-InoaColor Care Range

My hair has been every shade from Dark Blond to Midnight blue, as I have been coloring it for fun, for ages, I even like to think that I could have been a fantastic hair colorist , since I have been doing my friends and my own color since we were in our teens, I have tried everything.


However since my hairdresser introduced me to Inoa Hair Color, by L’Oreal Proffessionel I have never looked back. 

Those of you who have tried it, relish in its lasting shine, ammonia- free formula, a friend of mine is asthmatic and she raves about the fact that this  the one colourant that doesn’t affect her.


 (This is a personal comment, you always have to do your strand test before having your hair color done at home or at the salon).


Its incredible texture and shine lasts for weeks (and lets not forget the  amazing grey coverage, even if you have very few of them.)


So you can image that when  L’oreal Professionnel launched the new InoaColor Care Range, I was really keen to try it.


Armed with hope and determination I entered a competition on their Facebook Page, and I was one of the lucky winners of the Shampoo and Conditioner Sets.


I was giddy with excitement just to get it, but wait until I tried it… This is not just ‘washing’ your hair, this a whole sensorial experience.


Let’s start with the  
Protective Cream Shampoo…

You open this tube of bliss and a cream-gel like texture elixir comes out of it.
I take a small amount and warm it between my hands before applying it onto my already wet scalp and hair, which also activates the essential Argan Oil and Green Tea extracts, and once applied it feels like you are in a hair spa, pampering yourself. I run it from my scalp to the ends and rinse.


The amazing mix of aromas: Bergamot, Cedar Wood and Fig leaves hits you straight away, the smouldering, silky texture is so nourishing, feels so sexy.


Now here comes the science bit:


This shampoo is sulphate free,  and it is really gentle on both your  hair and on your colour,  with the Argan Oil maintaining the Lipid levels of your hair and  the powerful antioxidants of the Green Tea Extract, protecting the outer layer.


…And now finish this experience with the
Rinse-Out Protective Conditioner

I specially love its texture. It melts in your hands and nourishes your hair deeply, yet so lightly.

The science bit states:

 That this is a new generation conditioner that wraps itself around each hair fibre creating an ‘On surfarce’ protection. 

Believe it. You can actually see it, once your hair is dry.

The end result?

Shiny, bouncy, shimmering, soft, nourished, easy to manage, amazing Hair!

I have worked for professional hair care brands before, and it has been really long time since a hair range has impressed me this much.

 I urge you to treat yourselves and get this range, if you color your hair with Inoa, your colour would last for ages and you will feel and look incredible.

There is also a Rinse-Out Protective Conditioning Masque, that is waiting for my next pay day to become a part of my collection!


For more info and to find out your nearest stockist:



Available from L’Oreal Professionnel Salons Nationwide 0800 072 6699 www.lorealprofessionnel.co.uk

‘Aerin’ The lifestyle brand by Estee Lauder’s Granddaughter

Aerin Lauder, Estee Lauder’s Granddaughter is launching her own lifestyle brand which will include from Makeup to Accessories and Home wares.

According to the report on Page Six @ The New York Post , Vogue editor Anna Wintour will be an advisor.

Lauder confirmed the story to WWD that  she'd be launching her own beauty label that will also be marketed by the Lauder division. In addition, she'll also be launching accessories and housewares, all in the effort to create, as she described it to WWD, "a luxury lifestyle brand" under the name "Aerin."

Lauder told WWD that the new Aerin brand was aimed at a luxury customer, specifically, who "wants things made simple.”

Knowing that she is a true heiress to her grandmother’s style and business savvy, it can only buy become a success.

The below are some of the products as published by WWD on Pinterest

Pixi Beauty-Soho, London

Pixi Beauty

Not only they have one of the most  beautiful store’s window displays at the moment but the store in itself is as cute as a button.

I walked pass it, several times but since I was on my way home I decided to get in.

I was greeted by a very helpful consultant, who walked me through the new Tinkerbell’s inspired range  (you a can see all about it on the Pixi Beauty link above) and advice how they collaborated with Disney in order to glamorise Tinkerbell’s image and launch the current collection, Pixi Glow!

Although my intention was just  to learn more about the brand

 (which I did thanks to the excellent service)

I couldn’t help myself but getting some products (shame I  wasn’t in a position to spend £30 as there was a LOVELY GWP  Bag  with the image you see above).

However I bought the following and adore them: 

 A super moisturising lip balm that comes out clear but works with your melanine to create a unique color. Best this: It swivels, so no sharpener needed.

Magic Tink Tint

Pop Lid Neon 

One of the funkiest palettes around, highly pigmented though buildable.

And a lovely Eye Liner Brush.

Since my skin hasn’t been great lately and no foundation seems to works, my consultant was kind enough to select the right shade and formula and gave me a sample of :

Flawless Beauty Fluid

Which really saved the day and is next on my list. 

Overall a great customer experience,  fantastic products in my bag, and cannot wait to pop in again.

Should you like to visit the store is located at

Pixi - Flagship Store

22a Fouberts Place
London, W1F 7PW
+44 20 7287 7211

Or you could buy online following the first link.

Revlon’s New Adds and Collection

Revlon new eclectic adds, featuring its gorgeous spokeswomen.

Emma Stone, Halle Berry and Olivia Wilde.

Look forward to try them all.

Revlon, you have come a long way baby.

And who is behind the collections, you wonder?

The great Gucci Westman

Celebrity Makeup Artist.

Expert Sessions I: A conversation with Richard Sawyer about the Evolution of Men’s Grooming :

Who would have thought two decades ago, that after years of ’secretly’ stealing from the women in their lives, men will now fully acknowledge the fact that there are specifics products  formulated for them out there and they won’t be less masculine for buying those for themselves? (If it is OK for Hugh ‘Dr. House’ Laurie, it should be good enough for them, right?).

I have the honour to start our Expert Sessions with a conversation with a true master in this area, the internationally acclaimed Lifestyle & Grooming Expert, Richard Sawyer,  about the Evolution of Men’s Grooming. So how did we reach this point? And what will the future hold in this particular area of the Cosmetics Industry? Let’s hear it from the expert...

Q1: Richard, how did men buying styles evolved since you have been in the industry? When did they leave the caveman behind, stop stealing moisturisers from their girlfriends and become metrosexuals? 

Men are exposed to far more information on looking after themselves than ever before. Through glossy magazines and websites there is so much information on nutrition, health, fashion and of course skincare and grooming. This has led to a whole cultural shift in the buying patterns of men and the purchase decisions they make. 

The term metrosexual is even considered outmoded now. These days many more men are happy to look healthier and take care of themselves without the need of the “peacock feathers” associated with the original dandy or metrosexual.

Q2: Men tend to be more practical than women, and less tempted by the word of mouth and advertising. Are they a more loyal clientele once they have found a product that work? 

To some extent we are all seduced by advertising. Even when we know we are being sold to, as long as the sales pitch speaks to us as individuals and resonates then we are happy to go along with it. Men tend to be creatures of habit. 

They buy the same type of clothes in the same colours from the same shops year after year. Once they find a set of wardrobe staples they love, they will stick to them.

Skincare purchases are very much the same for men. They will remain loyal to a brand and it is incredibly difficult get them to try something new. 

Many men are tribal in their tastes and will follow a football team, sports personality, work colleague or even a good friend who they admire and aspire to be like. This almost hero worship impacts even the most practical level headed man and he will change his tastes and appearance to emulate his idol.

Q3: Men and Women skin have different needs. What should be the three essential skin products/routines that men should never be without? And what should they try to avoid? 

Generally women wear makeup and men don’t. Men shave and for the most part, women don’t. These subtle differences make all the difference when using skincare products.

Men should always wash their face before they use a wet razor. This ensures a clean skin, free from grease, dirt and dead skin cells that will clog up a razor. Use a shaving cream if your skin is on the dry side and a gel if you are normal to oily. Change your blade after every 7 to 10 shaves no matter what the manufacturer tells you.

Q4:What is your take on Male Makeup Products? And what should be the ideal range, should you be given the task to create one?

Makeup for men predates makeup for women. However it’s come in and out of fashion for thousands of years. Will men ever wear foundation, lipstick and mascara? I doubt it. 

Will men use tinted moisturisers, self tanning lotions and bronzers? They already are. Add to these concealers and the new BB Creams emerging from Asia and you will find that more men than ever are using what could be termed makeup. However they will never tell you this.

Q5: What in your opinion should is going to be the next big thing in Male Grooming? 

The next big thing is practically already upon us. In Europe many countries are experiencing a population shift where there are more people over the age of 40 than below it. This older but still very much active population have no desire to follow their parents into retirement.

They want to look as young and healthy as possible and continue to party just as hard as they did in their 20’s and 30’s . This has led to an explosion in anti aging skincare and men are buying up eye creams, serums and moisturisers that fight the signs of aging like never before. Shopping online has become the salvation of any man that wants skincare but feels intimidated buying in a department store. 

Q6: Any last piece of advice? 

Experiment. Go play in the shops, try out what’s there, make a few mistakes and learn what works for you. Then most importantly invest in the best skincare products you can afford and use them religiously. 

Have you enjoyed my conversation with Richard? Want to learn more? You can find more about him and his expertise on his LinkedIn profile:

Richard Sawyer

Ombre Nails: The easy way

Ombre nails seem to be everywhere this days.

As per a follower request, I have searched and found this fantastic tutorial on YouTube posted by Girl’s Life Magazine.

Easy, pretty and wonderful!

Ombre Nails Technique by Girl’s Life Magazine!

Enjoy!

(Technique Shown by pixie polish, follow her on Twitter
@hohannahlee )

Illamasqua Freak! A unique fragrance journey

I have always been a fan of what we called in the industry ‘Orientals’ fragrances full of spice and lacking the white flowers  or freshness than most of Latin people prefer (I am from Argentina).

Dark, sultry, sexy fragrances a la Hypnotic Poison or Tom Ford’s Black Orchid or Clinique Aromatics Elixir were me. The main reason: any citric fragrance turns rancid with my skin pH  and cannot stand Gardenia or heavy Jasmine scent.

For a change I have been wearing Pure Poison as it with its orange  blossom notes and sandalwood and musk seemed to subdued  the gardenia and Jasmine notes present, it really made me feel I was wearing  a ‘Floral Fragrance’ for the first time in  years, one that had the perfect balance of citrus and flowers that actually didn’t change on my skin and last for hours.

I have used about 7 bottles of it since its launch since I could not find anything to stir my senses until I have tried :

Freak by Illamasqua

Now this is quite something!

 Mysterious yet uplifting with delicate exotic flowers not found in any other fragrance.

The Top notes  are:

Black Davana, Opium Flower and Belladonna which it lustful, passionate aftermath.

Datura Flower in the heart of the fragrance.

The heart notes:

Poison Hemlock, Datura and Queen of the Night blossom, which are tender like a soft silk sheets on your skin 

Queen of the Night Blossom

And thank god for the amazing base notes of :

Myrrh

Frankincense and Myrrh,  always centers me as it is the ‘church smell’ add Oud to this an it becomes an explosion of sensuality.

If you are looking for something truly unique, I strongly recommend you give it a go. You won’t be sorry.
PS: Have been stopped twice to be asked what I was wearing and men LOVE it.

Enjoy!