Tuesday, June 28

Rush Hair Salon Greenwich


Rush Hair Greenwich Review

On the 21st of May Rush Hair opened its doors in the prime location of Nelson Street just a stones through from Greenwich Park and the Cutty Sark (ooo I'm in quite a rhyming mood today aren't I!). I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party but unfortunately wasn't able to attend and so instead was given the opportunity to review the new Greenwich salon with a complimentary cut and blowdry.

Kieran Austen is the Franchisee of Rush Greenwich and has over 7 years of experience having trained and worked for Rush specialising in Colour. Perhaps then it's Kieran's influence with colour that has given this salon it's gorgeous style. Each room is an array of muted and dark tones which create a sleek, chilled and luxurious vibe.

I'm not a regular at hair salons I must admit. Having long hair I tend to just leave it to do what it wants and so I was really excited to get my hair cut and styled. Especially as Rush is such a well respected chain. They currently have over 70+ Rush salons across London, Essex and the South East and have won numerous awards for their work including British Hairdressing Award Winners 2015.

When I entered the Rush Greenwich salon everything was bustling. Rush salons are always filled with clients.. a good sign! However, my appointment was not delayed and I was seated downstairs in one of their luxe rooms with a juice and Lindt chocs while my super friendly stylist and I discussed what I had planned for my hair. Make sure you read the top 5 things Rush recommends you need to tell your stylist.

Parted Bangs for Small Foreheads

I love parted bangs/fringes and also wanted some of the thickness taken out of my hair (as it was beginning to take hours rather than minutes to dry it!). We opted for a chin-length parted fringe with feathering to the front, a blunt cut with soft layers. Beauty Riot give you the full lay down on the best bangs for your face shape.

As I have a small forehead a longer length parted fringe works best. Anything shorter would make my forehead look even smaller. So this long length fringe/bangs is the best for my small forehead. Check out some other hair cuts for small foreheads.

Once the cut was complete my hair was blow-dried into soft loose curls which looked absolutely gorgeous. I floated out of Greenwich Rush salon I must say. Friendly staff, great service and a happy customer.

My Cut and Finish would have cost around £34.00. Here's the full Rush price list. What do you think of the look?

Love 

LauraClaire

Tuesday, June 21

Two Tone Colour Combination Nails with Semilac



So, the fab lot at Semilac sent me two gorgeous shades of nail polishes in the post recently. I've been loving my OPI polishes though so have only recently got around to testing them out.

Semilac Nail Polish

Semilac are best known for their Gel polishes and that is how you may know them but they also do a large range of standard polishes in the colours of the UV Hybrids which you can purchase online.

They kindly sent me two 7ml nail polish colours, 006 Classic Coral & 063 Legendary Red from their Diamond Cosmetics range. Each retails at £4.25. Classic Coral is a soft red with a gently raspberry tone whereas Legendary Red is a pure Marilyn Monroe red without any orange or cherry tones.

Both colours applied smoothly and easily although I did have to apply three thick coats to get the truly opaque colour I wanted. However, I was impressed at their drying time, all three coats dried very quickly. I've now been wearing the polish for three days... ample time for me to scratch or chip a nail trust me... and so far so good! They've lost the ultra shine that I adored on the first day but that's just standard when you're not using a gel don't you think?

All in all, very pleased with both these colours, especially as they colour combine so beautifully...
Total Nail Inspo!


Colour Combination Nails

If your anything like me the idea of colour combination nails takes you back to be being 9 years old again and painting each nail crazy glitter colours. However, colour combination nails if done correctly can look brilliant.

The trick is to be picky with your shades for a grown up take on the look that's just a little bit fun.

Voila.. easy and fashionable DIY nails right at your fingertips!

Alternate similar shades to create two tone nails

Both Semilac polishes are gorgeous red tones and really complement each other so I thought I'd put a fun twist on the classic red mani by alternating these shades on each nail. I just love the finished look - as the colours are only subtly different they create a gorgeous two tone nail look.

Check out these colour block and easy DIY nail inspo too.

Love

LC

Wednesday, June 15

How to Tan Better

If you're anything like me you're guilty of coveting an enviable tan. I spent much of my teens and early twenties in constant pursuit of this rare and precious post-holiday glow. 

I've tried it all, instant quick tans which ooze thickly out of their squeeze bottle and must NEVER be applied with anything other than a tanning mit (oh the horrors!). If you need a tan in 2 minutes flat I'd recommend Rimmel's Instant Tan. It's the best I've tried and it perfect for nights out when you finally let your pasty legs out for a good old boogie. 

For quick mousse tans I've heard people rave about Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter One Hour Tan Mousse. I've not tried it myself but Millie Mackintosh holds it as her go-to tanner. And if it's good enough for her I think we'd all try it right? At £7.99 from feelunique.com it doesn't break the bank either. 

I've also tried sun beds. Yes, I know. How could I? You're an idiot? They're so dangerous? yes yes. I did use them, and in all truth, I did like them (she won't be saying that in 5 years I hear you whisper). Many people like them too of course, simply because the tan you get inevitably looks natural.. because it kinda is right? 

They're the sort of tan lines you want, as opposed to the "Oh I missed a spot" streaks of fake tans. However, I agree it's not something to do regularly or for long periods of time or without sunbed lotion. Check out this guide to tanning bed lotions for more information. Most smell delish and, because they contain bronze sheens or activating ingredients it means less time on the bed. 

Yet, at the moment I've been loving gradual tan lotions. They've come a long way over the years. No more horrid smells, sticky lotions, brown-tinged bed sheets or deep tanned elbows! Or that is what I've found. Because they're very much like a body lotion you can slip them neatly into you current shower regime without too much hassle.

Although I do follow a fairly strict regime to ensure my gradual tan looks as good as possible. So here is my how to tan better guide. 


How to get the best out of your tan 


First invest in the right tools and products for the job. Exfoliating gloves have to be one of the best inventions of the 21st Century! They're super cheap, brilliantly simple and easy to use and work a treat. You'll find them at almost every department or drug store. Superdrug have some for sale at £2.99. 

Once a week, usually on a Saturday (I'm not sure why) I exfoliate my entire body. It's a habit I made a while back and one I've always stuck too. Getting rid of dead skin whilst boosting your circulation prepares your body to soak in the tan - evading blotchy patches. 

Next choose the right tan. Personally I prefer creams to gels - they absorb better into my skin and are less drippy and gloopy. I'm currently loving Dove's Derma Spa Summer Revived Gradual Tan Lotion for Medium to Dark skin. It retails are £6.99, smells lovely and builds a 'people will ask how you did it' glowing natural tan. I can say that because people really did ask! 

I apply my gradual tan throughout the week. Every time, or every other time I shower (dependent on how my tan is looking of course). In truth you should notice a new glow to your skin after the first few applications. However, after consistent use of gradual tan lotion I was able to build a tan that was natural, even and easy. 


Top 5 Gradual Tanning Hacks 


Although it's gradual and you can apply it with your hands be sure to wash your palms with soap and water afterwards to avoid dreaded tanned palms. By washing palms and finger creases only you can still maintain a tanned look on the backs of hands. 

Pat, instead of rub gradual tan onto your face. It will go on just that little bit thicker giving you a deeper glow. Focus on forehead, tops of cheeks and bridge of nose to mimic where the sun would naturally kiss you skin. 

Don't forget your feet! Rub a little lotion onto each foot and up your ankle. 

Gradual Tanning lotion doesn't mean Sun tan lotion. If you're heading out don't forget to apply sun protection over the top. Tanned and protected perfection.  

Apply lightly but never lather over dry skin areas like elbows and knees. Although there are less tan blotch issues with a gradual tan build up in these areas will still cause you a fake tan faux pas.

What tanning products do you use? 

Love 
LC 

Friday, June 3

Healthy Simple Smoothie Recipe: #SummerOfMatcha



Hi Chickies, 

Are you ditching Java if favour of Matcha? Matcha tea has seen a massive increase in popularity and has been a big hit in the fashion world too – Rumours of Match shots at New York Fashion Week anyone?

The folks over at EatCleanTea have kindly sent me over a sample to create my very own delish Summer Matcha Tea recipe.

But first, here’s the lowdown on Matcha…

  • It’s a form of green tea. The word ‘Matcha’ literally means powdered tea. Traditional green tea is infused using the leaves that are then thrown away. With Matcha tea the leaves are powdered, so you’re drinking the actual leaves.
  • It does contain caffeine. Even as much as 3 times more than you’d get in a steeped green tea.
  • It is rich in antioxidants which help with better blood sugar regulation as well as guard against heart disease and cancer.
  • As well as being a tasty caffeine hit on the go it was originally used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. 


My Simple & Tasty Matcha Tea Summer Smoothie Recipe




What you'll need:
5 ice cubes
1 whole banana
18 raspberries 
2 of Matcha green tea powder 
1 teaspoon of seed mix 
1/2 a baby watermelon 
300ml of coconut water - I used Vita Coco
A blender - I'm loving Breville's Blend Active Pro

The Recipe. Easy as 1 - 2 - 3:
Step 1 - Cut up, measure out and pop in all of your ingredients into the blender. 
Step 2 - Blitz in short sharp bursts to break the ice and blender well. 
Step 3 - pour out into your favourite glass, garnish with a raspberry and cute straw and enjoy! 

Have a Healthy, Happy and Wholesome Summer!

Love 
LC 




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