Beauty Review: Nivea Visage q10 Plus Light Day Cream

I have been a loyal follower of Oil of Olay for many years. In fact, it the very first moisturizer that I ever used, all the way back when I was slip of a girl! But lately, I have been wanting to graduate to moisturizers new; especially since I had read that Oil of Olay tests their products on animals. Whether this is true or not, I know I would have a clearer conscience if I used a beauty product that was kinder to our furry friends.

As fate would have it, I was kindly offered a sample of Nivea Visage anti wrinkle q10 plus to try out and review. Since it’s been listed as cruelty free on many animal welfare sites, I jumped at the chance to try it out.

I was also rather curious to know what exactly q10 was. Recently I have been hearing this word being bandied about by various beauty experts, not to mention my own mother. Yet I still had no idea what it was!

Well today I can tell you what it is. Prepare yourself because here comes the science part. Ahem, Q10 is a co-enzyme, a natural active ingredient that we have in the skin. As we get older, our own levels of q10 decrease. Therefore the theory is that the use of a q10 product will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

So I have now been using NIVEA VISAGE Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Light Day Cream for about a week now. I can’t really comment on the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines yet since it states on the packaging that it will take four weeks to really see the difference. (Plus I don’t think I have to worry about wrinkles just yet. I am either in denial or just being positive, please let me be!).

What I really like is the neat ceramic pot it comes in. If you squint your eyes, it is reminiscent of the luxurious crème de la mer. Now for the product itself, I like how light it is and how quickly it absorbs into my combination skin. I think it is really is a case of a little goes a long way. Just a few dabs will do to feel moisturised enough.

Another bonus is that it is light enough to use under the eyes! I have to say that is one area that I always neglect. It has been said by many a beauty expert, that you need to use a different moisturizer for the eye area because it is so delicate. Hence the need for eye creams.

One more good thing to note is that this Nivea product contains sp 15! So you don’t have to worry too much about getting burnt if you are out and about (although I do recommend applying sunscreen if you intend on sunbathing).

If there is a downside, then I will say the smell. I personally don’t like to use fragranced products on my skin. I can’t quite pin point what kind of smell it is… watermelon? I’m not sure. There is a definite hint of something. However the fragrance is not entirely unpleasant or strong enough to bother me so I will continue to use this since I like the lightness of the lotion.

I was also sent NIVEA VISAGE Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Sunkissed Skin.. It offers the same benefits as the day dream but this one will give you a glow. I thought it was going to be a tinted moisturizer but in actual fact it is a gradual tanner. Since I’m quite tanned already, I will be handing this over to one of my fairer friends to test out. I will report back with the results later!

I just happened to be watching a random episode of Ugly Betty and witnessed what could possibly be the most absurd beauty treatment ever. In this particular episode, Mode’s queen bee, Wilhelmina Slater was getting a pedicure. Not just any pedicure mind you. It was a fish pedicure.

Eh? A fish pedicure? I sat dumbfounded as she began to soak her feet into a tub of water with live fish. The little toothless blighters then proceeded to feed on the dead skin of her feet. Talk about taking exfoliation to the extreme. But what was the result of this strange endeavor? Well apparently extremely baby soft and smooth feet.

I really thought someone was pulling my leg at first but then one trip to Google told me otherwise. This treatment does indeed exist. Known as Doctor Fish worldwide, it is a practice that is extremely popular in Japan, China and Turkey. It’s great for suffers of psoriasis. It’s not a cure but it’s a perfect temporary solution for alleviating the symptoms.

Click here to see the fish doctors at work .

Apparently the feeling is described as somewhat ticklish and for some whilst others find it extremely relaxing. If you’re brave (or crazy) enough, you can fully submerge yourself right into the pool in some Spas.

Some other crazy beauty practices you might want to try

Gold Leaf Facial: Talk about luxurious beauty treatments, if you happen to have £124 to spare then how about a gold leaf facial? We’re talking 24 carat gold leaf being placed over the skin for a major detox. The beauty firm Umo claims that the gold is perfect for toning the skin, reducing wrinkles and a brighter complexion.

How so?

They say that gold is able to reduce the rate in which collagen and elastin in the skin, breaks down.

Or why not treat yourself to a Nightingale Dropping Facial?

This was a popular treatment used in the times of the Imperial court by Geisha and Kabuki artists who used to use the bird droppings to remove their heavy makeup. I wonder who came up with this idea in the first place. Anyway, this bird dropping in particular contains a natural enzyme known as Guanine which is great for brightening the skin. You need not worry about the stench or the germs as the droppings are sterilized with UV light. Hmm, it doesn’t sound quite as luxurious as the gold leaf facial.

Honestly though, the things some people do in the name of beauty!

Now that we finally have the sun on our side, it’s only natural to want to get some decent beach wear to accompany our sunnier moods. Today I take a look at a few key pieces you’ll need for the summer.

Want something a little different in terms of swim wear? How about a halter neck swimming costume? It’s great for fuller busts (just make sure you’re not spilling out at the sides). It’s the ideal shape that creates the illusion of a longer torso. My pick is this classic swimsuit inspired by the 50’s by Melissa Odabash. What I like about this suit in particular is that it is backless! Not so prim anymore.

When you’re not catching any rays; slip on a slinky kaftan like this one by Michael Kors. Pick hot tropical colours to get you in the holiday mood.

No beach outfit is complete without some sandals to strap onto your pins! I’m coveting Christian Louboutin’s Zouzou thong sandals. These metallic sandals are incredibly chic and yet versatile. You can pair it with your favourite denim shorts or turn on the glam in a sundress.

Who wants to be weighed down with a huge bag when you’re on holiday? Not me, so this bright canary bag from Marc Jacobs is perfect for the job! It has adjustable straps so you have the option of wearing it over your shoulder or across the body

And inside the bag, don’t forget to bring your sunglasses!

I love these oversized sunglasses by Emilio Pucci. They look great on round faces as they will elongate the face.

Though if you have more of a diamond shaped face, it is probably best to steer clear of oversized frames as it will make your face appear much wider.

I always have trouble finding the right frame to suit me. Apparently the best way of selecting the perfect sunglasses is to think in ‘opposites’ when it comes to the shape of your face. So round faces should go for more square shaped lenses.

As for the size of the frame, you should try to match it with the size of your face. So for instance if you have a large face then go for larger frames. Small frames will only make your face look bigger.

And of course to keep looking cool as a cucumber, don’t forget to buy some blotting paper for your skin. It will soak up excess oil and sweat and keep your makeup looking fresh for the rest of the day.

image credit: net-a-porter.com

So much for a bank holiday! I had been envisioning a day where I could while away a couple of hours outside on a lovely sunny afternoon. But no, the heavens opened and dictated that I stay indoors and spring clean my room from top to toe.

I didn’t get too far. I realised that just organising my dressing table drawers was going to be a mammoth task. For I possess far too many potions and lotions, far too much for a girl to handle.

I’m quite certain I don’t need them and yet I cannot seem to throw anything away; particularly when it comes to make up.

But like food, all make up products have their own expiry dates. And so I’ve done a little investigation as to when it is the best time to ditch the make up. Hopefully this might encourage me to part with at least some of my beauty belongings.

When to throw out your make up

Upon opening a liquid foundations and powders, they will last for one year and no more.

Cream eye shadows can last between six to twelve months, whilst powdered eye shadows have a longer shelf life of one year plus. The same rule applies to blushes.

Mascara has the shortest lifespan of all, lasting only three months at a time. This is due to the pumping action of the mascara wand. The extra supply of air causes the mascara to dry out (and flake). It also leaves it susceptible to growth of bacteria. So it’s always best to discard your mascara products on a regular basis to avoid getting eye infections.

If you sharpen your eyeliners regularly then it can last for three years (just as long as you haven’t come to the end of the pencil). Keeping your eyeliners sharp will ensure bacteria cannot grow on the tip of the pencil.

And as for lipsticks, there are some discrepancies as to when to throw it away. Some experts say that lipsticks can last one year but others say four years. So while they fight it out, we should go by the sniffing rule. Yes, smelling is a very good way of testing your most of your products! If they don’t smell very good, then you know it’s time to bid that lippie adieu.

There you go. I don’t know if that’s going to help me with my makeup hoarding problem but it’s a start in the right direction. So here’s to a tidier dressing table!

Whilst browsing the racks on a fashion jaunt, many months ago, I was suddenly ambushed by with the sheer glamour of a high-waisted skirt. The roaring forties were calling me and soon I was in the dressing room, twirling myself around on my tippy toes, imagining that I too could be a classy 1940s starlet.

And before I knew it; I was the happy owner of a high-waisted skirt.

Unfortunately I have never worn it out (in fact I think it still has the label on it.) It had never even occurred to me to think about the fashion mileage of this particular skirt. My imagination seemed to only stretch as far as to wear it for that chic secretary look at the office. But who wants to wear an outfit that feels like you’re going to work everyday? Not me. And thus my high-waisted skirt has been sitting at the fashion pit stop ever since.

But I don’t want it to sit idly in my closet, wasting away till the moths come to chew it up. I’m determined to find new ways to wear it!

Here are some ideas on how to wear high waisted skirts.

Usually a high waisted skirt is always paired up with shirts. If you don’t want to feel so prim and proper, why not try it with a t-shirt to tone it down? Or try blouses with graphic prints. You can tuck the top under the skirt so you can really show off your waist, just like Eliza Dushku here.

You can opt for slightly more fitted shirts or ones that are shorter in length or if you want to wear longer tops or even cardigans, do think about wearing a belt over the top so that you can maintain the nipped-in silhouette of the high-waisted skirt.

Or how about wearing a blazer or belted jacket over the top?

High waisted skirts really give the illusion of longer legs. Just make sure you wear a little heel to go with it to get the balance right.

If you’re not well endowed on the top, then you can get away with wearing ruffled tops. They really look fantastic with these kinds of skirts. This high waisted pleated skirt is by Alexander Mcqueen. The pleated texture gives it that extra ‘omph’ and gives a fresh new twist to the traditional high-waisted pencil skirt.

Remember that high-waisted does not have to mean boring office wear! Inject neon into your fashion palette with this skirt from Philip Lim.

If you’re thinking about buying a high-waisted skirt, why not step away from tradition, like Misha Barton. This skirt is the Alice McCall Persian Tux Skirt.

Remember that high-waisted skirts are not just pencil. As seen on Kirsten Davis, fuller skirts look fantastic paired with simple tank tops.

Image credit: Celebutopia, net-a-porter, vogue and fashionrat.

Hollywood’s finest were razzling and dazzling the night away at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the event of the year -The Costume Institute’s gala opening for their annual fashion exhibition “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.”Stepping inside the Graeco-Roman gallery, guests could peruse the many super hero costumes from movies such as Spiderman and Batman. However the star attraction of the exhibition was the armour worn by Robert Downey Junior in the latest Hollywood smash “Iron Man.”

“Superheroes are about issues of the body, identity and transformation, about acting your fantasies and transforming yourself into anyone or anything you want to be. Those are all the things at the heart of fashion,” says Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute.

Ah the fashion! Who could forget the fashion? I’m not talking about the exhibits now, I’m referring to the glamorous guests who were posing and pouting in their latest haute couture gowns. Mind you for £7, 500 a ticket, you’d certainly make the effort to dress up a little and boy did they dress up!

Eva Longoria Parker ruffled a few feathers with her purple Marchesa gown. I adore the drama on the skirt of this gown but I feel as though the bodice is a little too fussy for her petite frame.

Mischa Barton also plumped for ruffles with this Missoni gown. I find the ruffles a little too much as it’s competing with details on the bodice. However I think she’s really accessorized well.

Another ruffle convert was Beyonce, albeit on a much smaller scale with this strapless pink Armani gown but do you think she is playing it safe?

Not as safe as Sarah Michelle Gellar. There’s simplicity and then there’s dull! This being the latter I’m afraid.

Newly engaged Scarlett Johanssen stepped out in this nude Dolce and Gabbana gown. The structure of the gown suits her figure, the tulle skirt is beautiful and yet somehow I feel as though this is an incomplete ensemble; like it’s as if she wandered outside in her underwear and forgot her top.

Kate Bosworth dazzled in this dynamic rainbowed cocktail dress from Chanel Haute Couture.

Her shoes are just genius. Its transparency keeps the entire ensemble from looking too busy. It really fits in well with the super hero theme of the night.

The Jury is out on Katie Holmes and her Armani gown. On closer inspection, the detail and colour of the sequinned gown is beautiful combined with the magic of bright blue Christian Louboutin shoes!

Picture: Katie schmoozing with George Clooney in Giorgio Armani and Julia Roberts in Armani Privé.

But stand away and look at it as a whole?

Her normally statuesque frame appears stumpy and frumpy. I think to balance this; the skirt of the gown should skim the floor and not her ankles.

Tip – This is why short girls should stay away from cropped trousers. It makes you look stunted. Believe me.

But at least Katie combed and washed her hair unlike Mary-Kate Olsen. I don’t really understand how she considered a fashion icon when she looks like a bag lady most of the time but oh well that’s the world of fashion for you.

Her dress is actually a rather gorgeous gold Diane von Furstenberg gown.

Rachel Bilson swept in with this beautiful fish tailed Calvin Klein number. Not sure if a fringe really suits her.

I’ll raise my hand up and say I’m not entirely sure what Zhang Ziyi is wearing! The single ornate strap catches the light perfectly. I think in any other colour there is a high risk of the skirt being overwhelming as it is detailed but the black really keeps it subtle.

And finally a regal Victoria Beckham strolled in what appears to be see-through flannel dressing gown. I’m not sure this is one of her most successful fashion endeavours

But the good news is that she accessorized well. Honestly girls, you can’t really fail by sporting a handsome man on your arm can you?

Images credit: Celebutopia

I’d be hard pressed if I was forced choose between my favourite beauty products. One moment it’s blush, the next it’s lip gloss. I can however reveal that today my beauty must-have of the moment is – the mascara. Yes, with a simple wave of that magic (mascara) wand, we too can have glorious fluttery lashes to frame our peepers.

Let’s swot up on a little makeup history.

Should you take a wander down the historical timeline of make-up; you will find that the very first mascara was created all the way back in the 19th Century by a man named Eugene Rimmel! (Yes THAT Rimmel!) Such is the popularity of the mascara that in some corners of the globe, the word ‘rimmel’ means ‘mascara’. These languages include Portuguese, Romanian and Dutch (rimel).

A couple of years later, the year 1913 to be precise, a chemist named T.L Williams formulated a more modern type of mascara for his sister, Mabel (what a nice brother)

This formula, consisting of coal dust and Vaseline, proved to be huge hit with his sister. And so Williams decided to create a mail order company so that he could sell this wonder mascara to the masses. And thus his company, Maybelline, was born.

Back in those days, the mascara was applied by wetting a brush and rubbing it into a cake. How cumbersome! It wasn’t until 1957 that Helena Rubinstein introduced the tube and wand applicators that we know and love today

Mascara Galore

Believe me when I say I’ve tried a lot of mascaras: Shu Uemura, Bourjois, Maybelline, Anna Sui, Dior; from high end to high street. Talk about going on the lash!

But I think my wandering days are over. I’ve finally found my ultimate mascara. It’s by Majolica Majorca, a high street Japanese make up line by Shiseido

Initially I was actually searching for the famed Fiberwig mascara; but a good friend told me to try this brand out whilst I was in Japan. So whilst browsing one of the drug stores down Harajuku, I finally found a Majolica Majorca stand. I must say I wasn’t expecting much since it was a high street brand, but colour me astonished, I’m really impressed with the quality of the products. Not to the mention the extremely pretty swirly packaging which will appeal the girly girl in you.

Unfortunately I cannot read Japanese so I had to guess what some of the products were. I first picked up a mascara-like looking tube that was topped off with a white cap. It had Curl, curl, curl towards the sky written on the front of it. I remember thinking to myself, ‘Surely that’s not the title of the product? It’s far too long.’

Common sense told me that this was probably a lash primer so I bought that, followed by a tube capped in black. This one was had Hope My Lashes Are Full and Smooth printed on the front. I hoped so too and hurried home.

I did a quick search on Google and found out that the two items I had picked up were indeed called Hope My Lashes Are Full and Smooth and Curl, curl, curl towards to the sky.

The Review

I first unscrewed ‘Curl, Curl, curl toward the sky’ and found myself looking at, not a brush, but a comb. I’m not used to applying mascara this way so I really botched up my first application. I’m sure with a bit more practise I would be able to apply it smoothly but on first try it was very clumpy. Then I applied ‘Hope My Lashes Are Full and Smooth’ over it. Again, I would have preferred the ease of a brush to apply this.

I also found that with the combination of both the mascara and primer, it was extremely long wearing. This is positive and a negative. I’ve always been a victim of the panda eyes effect after a late night out, so at least I knew the make up was not going to go anywhere on a night out.

However it was very difficult to remove with just my cleanser. I found myself taking a lash or two out when rubbing vigorously to remove it.

Unfortunately wasn’t too impressed with how I looked in the end. The lashes looked far too fake and spidery. Though perhaps with a bit more practise, I can make it work, she says so optimistically.

Having said all that I DO recommend wearing ‘Hope My Lashes Are Full and Smooth’ on its own without the primer because boy! I really love how smoothly it goes on without any clumping. I have the tiniest eyelashes ever but with this mascara on, they really do look so much fuller and yet so natural looking. Another major plus point is that it is so much easier to remove without wearing the primer.

It really does what it says on the tin and it has now replaced Anna Sui as my no.1 favourite mascara.

On reflection, I think having the Majolica Majorca primer and mascara combination was far too potent for me to handle. Though I won’t be binning the primer; I think it works well as a general primer for less effective mascaras.

Unfortunately Majolica Majorca is exclusive to Japan. So if you want to get your mitts on these mascaras I would suggest having a hunt online. I managed to find it this website that sells this brand. If you know anymore, please let me know!

Forget Paris, say farewell to New York and move on over London. There’s a new fashion capital of the world and that my friends, is the land of the rising sun, Tokyo, Japan!

It would be an understatement to say that it’s been a little bit of dream of mine to visit Japan. Ever since I was a little girl, I was devouring the culture. I lay the blame solely on the shoulders of Hello Kitty and all her cute, or should I say kawaii, Sanrio friends.

Now that I’m a little older and wiser, not by that much of stretch mind you, I’ve developed an appreciation for Japanese Fashion Magazines. I really can’t bear to throw any of my issues away as they’re always jam packed with fresh ideas on style and beauty. It’s a real education in itself.

I don’t know how true this is but I’ve been told that Japanese Fashion is light years ahead of the West. So you can imagine my excitement when I finally took a trip over to Tokyo the other week! As I was walking the streets it was clearly evident that the Japanese really knew their style. I mean it. I’ve never seen so many individual styles before me. From old to young: they were completely flawless, snappy and extremely sharp dressers. Not a slob in sight.

I never got the sense of anyone following any specific sorts of trends, like for instance ‘nautical’ or the ever popular combo that seems to be pervading the UK high streets at the moment – the skinny jeans, the long cardigan and Ugg boots. In Japan, it was more a case of inventive mixing and matching with what you already had. So think vintage with a real twist.

As far as fashion forays go, it would be ridiculous not to mention Harajuku, a district in Tokyo where Japanese teens hang out and frolic in eyebrow raising outfits. If you happen to be in Tokyo: Sunday is the best day to find them!

Below: Takeshita Street, Harajuku.

But don’t be too disheartened if you can’t make it on a Sunday! I spotted some extreme dressers outside of Harajuku, including Pickachu (complete with shoulder handbag) shopping with Jack Skellington from a Nightmare Before Christmas.

One of the main reasons I think Japan really works as a stylish nation; is that they are fearless at breaking fashion rules and conventions: mixing and clashing stripes with florals; white shoes with black tights or even wearing shades in the night. What sounds like a nightmare of an outfit, somehow works and looks stylish on someone with no fear of looking foolish! If I’ve learnt anything at all from my trip to Japan is that: Fashion rules are made to be broken, as long as you have the confidence to pull it off.

So you could wear that milk maid’s outfit on the streets if you really wanted to.

I’m not suggesting I’m going to do that myself – though admittedly I did get caught up in the spirit of all things Japanese and wound up purchasing a Pickachu hat! I’m sure I’ll evenutally find some occasion for wearing it. Perhaps it’s time to pop out and get the groceries now…

Images: Photographs taken by me. Please do no reproduce elsewhere. I shall be adding some more photographs at my own site once I’ve gotten over my jet lag. So please pay a visit soon!