Hard as Nails?

My nails have always been weak and flaky.  I hate them. In my job I use my hands a lot and make it a priority that my hands look as good as they can - but it is not always easy.

I have found a product that strengthens my nails in one coat and it is a great base coat for any nail polish too.

I love that is protects my nails from my Mum and housework duties which often strip my hands of any moisture (yes I know I should wear gloves!) and enables my nails to grow to a nice length so that they look presentable and healthy whilst I am working.

Thanks Sally Hansen. 

I also keep them really moisturised by using either Jessica Phenomen Oil:

Or Solar Oil 

And of course by wearing household gloves!!! (New Year's Resolution)

x

Quash Your Hands

As a Professional Make-up Artist I need to ensure my hands are squeaky clean and bacteria free before I even go near to anyone's face. I have tried loads of the germ busting products on the market but none as good as the one I am about to reveal.  I honestly find most of them really drying, very chemically and awkward to use (most are sloppy gel formulations - not nice)

The one I love is QUASH.  It is 100% natural and alcohol free - have a read of the Quash claims:

Key Claims:

• Kills 99.9% of harmful germs > lab proven
• Alcohol free > leaves skin soft & moisturised NOT dry or cracked
• Safe for kids > uniquely formulated to be gentle on skin. Endorsed by the Skin Health Alliance.
• Contains vitamins & minerals including manuka honey & aloe vera > to nourish your skin
• Made in the United Kingdom

Our Hand Sanitiser Spray is ONLY made from 100% natural ingredients > free from chemicals 

This is a big shout out to anyone in the beauty, make-up, hair, salon industry.....in fact any industry - this product is safe, cheap (£2.99 for 50ml) and ruddy BRILLIANT. 

PASS IT ON 

PASS IT ON

PASS IT ON

Have a sniff!

The best candles I have ever, ever sniffed are by an Australian company called Sniff Soy Candles and they truly are unique in that they actually smell exactly like they say they should - a rareity.  I was in Liberty a few weeks ago and did a proper smell test of most of the candles in there, which I have to add ranged from £25 to £75 (for a candle!) anyway, I came away thinking that a lot of them smelt nice but none of them had a scent that would linger and fragrance a room properly.  

I have been very lucky to get my hands on 3 candles all the way from Australia; Rose Bud, Fresh Cut Flowers and French Verbena. See them on the website here 

I can honestly say that they smell adorable, French Verbena is my fave, and they retail at only $29AUD which is about £18. A whiffing sniffing bargain!

Mine are branded too - so I have the only Lucy Baker Make-up Sniff Candles in the world! :)

Thanks to the Sniffettes for sending these over to me to try.

x

My Three Fave Products (July 2011)

I just wanted to post something about three products I am currently loving at the moment.

1) Boots No7 Cleansing Body Polish - I use this every 3 or so days with a tiny amount of water for the full exfoliating effect. It leaves the skin smelling incredible and there is no real need to body moisturise after use. Gorg.

2) First Aid Beauty : 5-in-1 Face Cream SPF30 - I love this cream.  It smells nice, goes on really well and does so many miracle things! Unlike so many moisturisers with SPF it doesn't feel like a suncream and have that bitter smell that they tend to have. It doesn't have parabens or nasties in it either. Buy it in Boots.

3) Solar Oil - I always seem to be going on about Solar Oil, but it really is great. My nails are usually flaky and dry and with constant use of this oil, they aren't! Tip: you need to put it on as much as you can, morning / noon / night / after washing hands / after housework / bathing the kids etc - it will last ages so don't worry about it running out. Search online for the product or buy it at one of my fave online stores, Cult Beauty.

If you try them let me know what you think.  Also, if you have any products that you currently love, let me know them too!