Time for some hair TLC with Percy & Reed

image source www.percyandreed.com

Percy & Reed
Totally TLC Hydrating Mask
RRP: £20.00 (175ml)
Click here to find your nearest stockist

So I have never really tried a hair mask before but when I got my free Percy & Reed sample with Glamour magazine I was excited to try it.

I have post baby hair at the moment which means it is dull, lifeless and super dry. Percy & Reed's Totally TLC Hydrating Mask is a complete god send.

This product is fantastic, super easy to use and the results are incredibly visible. After using only once, my hair, which is colour treated, was noticeably shinier, softer and stronger.  My husband commented on how gorgeous my hair was smelling too. This has probably something to do with the coconut oil in the product which successfully moisturises and deeply conditions hair. Percy & Reed also claim to use marshmallow in the product to 'nourish and strengthen stressed tresses'. It isn't often I find a hair product that delivers what it promises.

Easy to use, after shampooing, simply work the mask through the hair whilst giving yourself a lovely head massage. Wrap up hair in a towel for ten minutes and then rinse thoroughly. The towel is vital as it creates a warmer temperature for the product to work effectively. It goes a long way too, I have been using this product just 2-3 times a week as I find one wash using the mask keeps my hair soft and shiny for a few days. At £20 it's pricey but definitely worth it, especially as it keeps hair looking salon fresh.

Available from several online retailers as well as department stores including Harvey Nichols and John Lewis.

For truly gorgeous glossy locks, this gets 10/10!

Primed and ready: perfection in just 5 seconds.

Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur
Smoothing Perfecting Primer
£12.99 RRP

My skin is without a doubt starting to suffer from all this lack of sleep and ageing. Yes, a good moisturiser with SPF, exercise, plenty of water and a healthy diet is probably the answer. But when I heard of Garnier's 5 second perfecting primer, I thought this sounded like an easier option - I'll get to the exercise later.

I found this product to be a fantastic base that covers flaws and fills in fine lines and pores. It's optical light reflecting technology works a treat, diffusing light in all directions and therefore reducing signs of any imperfections.

I felt this product was good in a hurry when there was no time to apply a full face of make up. Just apply to moisturised skin and then add a bit of blusher and mascara for a quick fresh look. It's scent is gorgeous, like a sweet floral musk that isn't overpowering. Its texture is a little lumpy when squirted out the tube but it applies so quickly and smoothly it feels as if it evaporates as soon as it touches your face.

Downside for me was the matte finish. Although it left my skin feeling gorgeously velvet and smooth, I actually prefer my skin when it has a dewy, healthy glow and a bit of shine. I also found that my foundation did not stay on for long when applied over the primer. I use Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour foundation to avoid this very problem!

How to apply: Takes just five seconds, apply after your daily moisturiser in the morning.

Verdict: 7/10
Perfect for filling in pores, fine lines and covering imperfections. A fabulous product for thirty somethings on the go. Recommended for those who prefer a matte finish. Points off for not holding my make up in place for long.

(Image source www.boots.com)

Happy 30th birthday Cheryl Cole!

Image source markglen.com

Estée Lauder: Our must have foundation

Contributing blogger: Susie, Edinburgh.


Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
£27.50
Buy here
My must have product is Estée Lauder double wear foundation. It's fab! I've recently returned to this foundation. After having my baby boy I thought I should try and find some cheaper beauty products, however, after much searching I have not managed to find another like it. It gives excellent coverage and lasts all day. It can be quite heavy but just use a tiny amount for a more natural day look and then bit more for your night out. Although a bit pricey, a bottle lasts for ages. I have had a few sample pots to find the right shade. These last a good couple of weeks so definitely try before you buy.

            

 

Susie x.

Image source www.esteelauder.co.uk

Truly Inspired: The Social Media Experiment, Northern Ireland

I spotted this fundraising event on Facebook and had to post it. What a great idea and for a worthy cause too. Best of luck team Lea and Sean:-

Lea and Sean team up to embark on a 400 mile journey from Malin Head to Mizen Head using nothing but their social media contacts!

Taking place on 26th to 28th April 2013, The Social Experiment is a race with a difference. Five teams must make their way from the most northerly point of Ireland to the most southerly over the course of the weekend.

The twist is that they must do this with no money or pre-arranged transport!

The drop off point is Malin Head in County Donegal. They will be equipped with a head cam to record the journey, a survival pack, a smartphone and an iPad with charger. They can only use our social media contacts on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc to help us get to Mizen Head in County Cork!!!

Hopefully their social media followers can help them to obtain food, taxi rides and bus passes or whatever it may take to reach their final destination.

Sponsor their adventure - All funds raised go to Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. #SocialExperiment

Twitter: @Leagloski @SeanSocial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/leagloski www.facebook.com/SeanKeyes1

LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/leaglover  ie.linkedin.com/in/seankeyes

This month's must buy product - Anti ageing face tan, St Tropez

St Tropez Gradual Tan plus Anti Ageing Face

£22

 

At Truly Thirty HQ, we are desperate to give this product a go. An anti-ageing and face tan combo - genius! Lifts and firms wrinkles whilst giving your skin a golden bronze glow. A "truly must have" product this spring for us thirty something ladies. Roll on pay day.







Truly meshy jumpers

It's that time of year when we are somewhere in between cold and warm weather - too warm for a chunky wool number but too cold for no wool at all. My favourite purchase this month was Matalan's woolen mesh jumper in navy at only £18. Dilema solved. Wear over a long sleeve top this Spring for a little extra warmth or over a vest on warmer days. Team with skinny jeans and long boots for a smart/classic look. Looks great with a denim skirt or shorts (with or without tights depending on the time of year) for effortless style. Accessorise to your hearts content with cute bags, pumps or boots, festival neck scarfs and sunnies. I love this jumper! It's a great shape and fit - loose fitting enough to cover up wobbly tums but not too baggy. Very comfortable too.  I like its ribbed triangular details on the neckline and ribbed cuffs.  The short slits at either side of the jumper's ribbed hem makes it lie nicely over jeans. Available in cream, grey, navy and blue. Simple!

Mesh Knit Jumper, Navy

£18.00

Matalan

Some of our other favourite meshy finds this season:

Marled loose knit jumper

£19.00

H&M

 

Jumper in mesh knit, khaki

ASOS

From £12.50

 

Striped Mesh Jumper

Warehouse (At John Lewis)

£42

 

 

 

Spa Review: Ocean Rooms, Glasgow Hilton

Where:
Ocean Rooms Spa, Hilton Hotel
William Street, Glasgow
www.theocreanroomsglasgow.com

Treatments we had:
Ocean Bliss Massage
30 minute facial

Facilities: Pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Hair and beauty salon. Bar. Parking.

Cost: Special offer via itison.com - £35 pp for massage, facial and two hours use of spa facilities. Hire of robes and slippers extra. Champagne £7.50 by glass.

My visit to the Oceans Room Spa in Glasgow with my fabulous friend Nicola was a great little treat after having my baby boy five months ago. This was also a birthday present Nicola got me for my 30th birthday last year (a brilliant 30th gift idea!).

My masseuse made sure she worked according to my needs. The back massage was the perfect pressure, rolling out those knots using a soothing rolling technique that felt wonderful.

The facial was bliss too. It was really gentil, even the exfoliation part was applied very smoothly. My skin felt amazing after. It was visibly glowing and looked hydrated and healthy.

We had a shared room for our treatments, this is a good idea for friends or couples. We both quietly enjoyed our treatments listening to the relaxing 'pling plong' music. Or at least tried too, the only down side was the noisy reception area outside our door.

Before our treatments, we had a good catch up whilst we shrivelled away in the jacuzzi and swimming pool. We didn't make it to the steam room or sauna, the time flew in.

We finished off our afternoon relaxing in the hotel bar with a glass of champagne. The trendy bar, complete with modern but cosy lit fireplace, is very laid back and comfortable. Baby friendly too with baby changing facilities and a good spot for Breastfeeding. (My poshest breastfeed yet!).

Verdict: 7/10 - points off for an error with our booking and for noise outside treatment room but all in all, excellent value for money. This is a good city spa to visit for some quick R&R with your girlfriends.

(For Breastfeeders, I gave baby to my husband for three and a half hours and sent him off to Mothercare and John Lewis! I fed baby in the bar before and after and this worked out fine. Hubby had a bottle and carton of formula milk just in case.)

30th birthdays: Fiona cruises into her thirties

Architect Fiona, from Oban, sailed into her thirties aboard a luxury cruise around the Mediterranean with her partner and family. A great idea for those wanting luxury, sun and sea without any hassle. For her on board birthday dinner, Fiona wore a cute monochrome floral print dress - a timeless classic.

Thanks Fiona for sending in your photo!

30 year old Rebecca Mellor wins Lorraine model competition

Congratulations to 30 year old mum Rebecca Mellor on winning the Lorraine Naked 2 make-up free model competition this morning on ITV. Rebecca was up against two other finalists, 20 year old Shanecka Hamilton and 19 year old Pia Byrne. The three judges, including model Penny Lancaster, commented on Rebecca's stunning natural look and her amazing eyes. Rebecca has won a makeover with Garnier and will star in a forthcoming TV campaign. Plus, Rebecca will feature in a double page spread in a women's glossy magazine.

When asked what her beauty regime is, Rebecca replied 'I don't have one'! Her secret? Don't mess about with your skin.

Well done Rebecca! Proof that being thirty is beautiful.
(image source sun.co.uk)

Eye cream for the truly knackered

Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream
20ml
£39
Buy here

They say that 30 is the new 20. True, but at the same time, with a four month old baby and sleepless nights, I can't ignore the wrinkles and bags that have developed around my eyes.  I definitely never had these at 20.

Clarins Advanced Extra Firming Eye Contour Cream came recommended to me by a Clarins beauty consultant in preparation for motherhood. The product claims to 'lift, firm and tone' those wrinkles around eyes and 'reduce signs of fatigue'. I've found that this product noticeably does what it says on the tin. Even after just three hours of sleep (on a good night!), my eyes are not saggy or puffy and wrinkles are tighter and firmer. I find my eye contours look hydrated in the morning. Its lightweight texture doesn't drag the skin or leave my eyes feeling heavy. It took a bit of time before I started to notice any difference but all it needs is a little patience. It's expensive, but just a small amount is needed every night before bed so it lasts for a long time.

Just dab some on gently around eye contours, the 'dabbing' action also helps reduce bags under the eyes.

Remember to be realistic though - it won't take your wrinkles away but for me it really helps lessen my tired look. I team this product with drinking plenty of water throughout the day and a good night cream for a refreshed look in the morning.

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Happy 30th Birthday Carrie Underwood!

Being thirty just got even hotter. Happy 30th birthday today to Carrie Underwood, USA's hottest Country singer.

Image source: videokeman.com

Truly 'must have' shoes this Spring

Dune's candy striped Benefit shoes are a fun investment for your spring/summer wardrobe and can be worn with so many outfits. Wear with your favourite LBD for parties or dress down with casual skinny jeans, white T and black blazer. Want to stand out at work? Pair these shoes with a classic pencil skirt and crisp white shirt. We'll be skipping into spring in these for sure! (Depending on how good we are at skipping in heels!).

Benefit Striped Patent Court Shoe
£85
Dune
Buy here

30th birthdays - why dress fancy when you can fancy dress?

Several of our readers opted for the fun frolics of fancy dress for their 30th birthday celebrations. Fancy dress is a perfect idea for those wanting to get creative for their 30th. It's also a great way to involve all your friends and family. Here are a few ideas from our gorgeous readers:

Anything goes: Nicola from Edinburgh (pictured right with Supergirl and below left) entered her 30s in a super hot Marilyn Monroe inspired sailor girl dress (Deckhand Diva costume from Fancy Dress Ball). This sexy look was completed with smoothly waved blonde locks and bright red lips: Nicola - we salute this outfit! Her friends and family were invited to dress up in anything they wanted. Bananaman, Super Girl, Hee-Man, Sheera, Mr T, The Joker - you name it, they were there. Nicola chose the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh for her venue. Check it out here.

Ain't nothin but a G thing: Our very own Gill entered her 30s with a 'G' themed garden party. Dressing up as her idol Lady Gaga, Gill looked phenomenal in her lace leotard and black jacket with handmade shoulder pads and a killer flying saucer hat she found in a charity shop. Complete with Gaga's blonde bangs, straight hair and sunglasses, this outfit has fun and hot written all over it. Guests included a greengrocer, Ghostbuters, Gleeks, Greek goddesses and geishas.

 

 80s theme: Marnie from Edinburgh went back to the decade where it all began for her, looking hot as Madonna, Lucky Star style, in a classic blonde perm wig, black bow headband and black halterneck.

30th birthdays - Nicola takes her thirties back to the forties

Nicola, Edinburgh, celebrated her 30th and her dad's 60th with a joint birthday party.

We simply LOVE Nicola's vintage style and her 1940s American wartime look. In a girly print dress and cute t-bar shoes, Nicola stands out from the crowd, completing the look with victory rolls and bright red lips. This is the perfect outfit for a 30th birthday, classy and mature but with lots of fun and bundles of character.

Nicola said: 'I bought the dress in Anthropologie, it's by a designer called Karen Walker, from her 'Hi There!' collection. I have another one from it too - they are so pretty!'. Visit www.anthropologie.eu

And it would appear this vintage theme is not a one off for Nicola. The retro-chic food lover organises pop up vintage tea parties around Edinburgh. Her events have included a Pop Up Pilates Vintage Tea Party and Nicola is now selling tickets for a Chocolate Tea Party on Thursday, March 28 priced at £15 each or four for the price of three for groups. You can find all the details on Facebook, search for Pop Up Pyms Events.

 

30th birthdays - what you did, what you wore

Coming soon! Watch this space for ideas and inspiration on what to do and wear for your big 3-0. We'll regularly be posting pics sent to us from our very own readers. From fancy dress parties to luxury cruises, choose from a number of ideas that will kick start your best decade yet in style.

Image: courtesy of hellothreeoh.blogspot.com

SS13 H&M, new arrivals..

Just came through the post #h&m #ss13. Creams, neutrals, tie dye, woven fabrics and metal rivets to bring us a shiny spring. Plus some very funky silver and purple court shoes at just £29.99.

Sisters doing denim and floral in Barcelona

Barcelona - September 2011

Denim duo drinking rum and cokes. I just found this photo today on my husband's phone. My sister's rocking this denim waistcoat with floral frock (think the dress is from Oasis, right Gill?) and I love her funky chunky accessories too. Her bangle is made from papermached muscial scores. Meanwhile, I went for a denim pinafore, nautical striped top and cute little floral bag, all from New Look. My sister has the better tan though. Shucks. 

What does your wardrobe look like?

Here's mine, time for a clear out I think. You can tell I like pastel colours. Send us a pic of your wardrobe. We wanna snoop at yours!

Night Cream - Clarins V Soap and Glory

Soap and Glory
Night in Shining Armour™
Gravity battling Night Cream
RRP £13.00 - 50ml
Buy here

VERSUS

Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream
Skin Type: Normal, Combination, Oily
RRP £43 - 50ml
Buy here


After having my baby boy and taking on a much larger mortgage than we probably can afford, I thought it was time to swap my favourite, yet most expensive, secret beauty product - my Clarins night cream for a much cheaper yet still effective alternative.

The Verdict

Soap and Glory: I'll be honest, I chose Soap and Glory Night in Shining Armour night cream as an alternative for no other reason than it's funky, retro packaging and the fact that it was £27 cheaper. I was pleasantly surprised. This night cream has a thick texture but applies really well. A little bit goes a long way. The main thing I notice is that my skin feels really moisturised, smooth and soft in the morning after applying the night before. The pastel, metallic pink jar looks funky on the dresser too. I am not so keen on its perfumed scent but I'm happy to compromise this for the price. It is definitely a great cheaper alternative and good value for money. 7/10.

Clarins - You still can't beat this night cream! Whenever I applied this god send of a night time beauty product, I always woke up with radiant skin. Skin felt velvety smooth, was visibly glowing and hydrated. Elasticity restored. The texture is gorgeous, light and creamy to apply. Clarins describes it as 'eight hours of sleep in a jar' and I couldn't agree more. What more could a thirty year old mum need? The real deal. 10/10.

 

Made in Chelsea boots

First post from Barcelona

As we enter February, we come to the end of sale season and Barcelona is a cracking place to pick up a bargain. All your classic high street stores as well as your independent boutiques, of which BCN has plenty, clear out their stock rooms and let us get a little more for our money. My favourites at the moment are my new cherry red Chelsea boots. Less overpowering than the red cowboy boots I almost bought, they add a wee flash of colour to my day. Also gives me an excuse to match in my tartan knitting bag that is more successful in carrying my wallet than I am with my knitting!

Pucker up with champagne lips for just £2.49

Vaseline Limited Edition Pink Bubbly
£2.49 Superdrug
Buy here
Since I got this limited edition Vaseline Pink Bubbly (RRP £2.99) in my stocking this Christmas, I haven't left the house without it. (The husband gets ten out of ten for this gift!).

It's slight tint of pale pink gives my lips a luscious natural looking colour and leaves them smooth, moisturised and glossy. It stays on for ages too. The pink and black packaging and gorgeous champagne scent will 'posh up' any girl's make-up bag.  Complete the look with a pair of fake, or real if you own them, pearl earrings and you'll be left feeling absolutely fabulous darling! (Earrings my own from Accessorize).

Post birth Christmas outfit

Dogtooth pencil skirt - Next
Dark red sleeveless shirt - New Look
Mary Janes - Next

Ten weeks after giving birth to my gorgeous baby boy, Christmas Day came along and it was the perfect excuse to get out of my trackies and into something glam!

I opted for a flattering yet practical number.

Because I am still breastfeeding, this dark red sleeveless shirt from New Look was perfect for baby's easy access! The gold buttons gave it that little bit of extra sparkle, ideal for Christmas. Fastening the top button was a simple way to keep it on trend.




Underneath I wore a stretchy shoe string vest which I find easy to pull down for breastfeeds. New Look do great shoe string vests, really cheap and also come in longer lengths to cover any post birth wobbly bits.

I was amazed at how flattering my Next pencil skirt was so soon after I had my baby. It's stretchy material helped smooth out any bumps I still have from pregnancy and the dogtooth print really stood out against the bold dark red shirt, keeping the look funky yet classy. This timeless skirt was from Next's Autumn/Winter collection 2011 and is still one of my favourite wardrobe items.

Teamed with my favourite killer heels and black tights I was good to go. Well, for about two hours until I had to change due to baby sick incident....but it was a great two hours!

I can't live without - DRY SHAMPOO

 

Batiste Dry Shampoo Tropical - Coconut & Exotic 200ml
£2.99 Boots
Available at most supermarkets and chemists
Buy from Boots here

This dry shampoo is ideal for freshening up hair without having to wash or style it. It's been one of my must have items for ages now and I love it for several reasons:

1. TIME SAVER! It's quick and easy to use when I don't have time to wash my hair. Perfect for busy mums and workaholics.
2. TEXTURE. It gives my hair amazing texture, body and volume. Great tool for a back combed beehive or up do too.
3. SMELLS LIKE HOLIDAYS! I chose the tropical scented dry shampoo because of its gorgeous coconut scent. But don't put too much on as it can be quite strong. Other scents and fragrance free options are available.

TIPS:

1. Spray a small amount on your roots. Leave it on for a few moments, massage in with your fingertips and brush out. VOILA!
2. I found it easier to brush out when I was blonde. I use less now I'm a brunette. However, Batiste do have a range with a hint of colour for brunettes, blondes and reds (£3.99 at Boots). I would love to hear any feedback from those who have tried this range.
3. Don't be tempted to spray on too much, you only need a small amount. Spray on too much and it might take longer to brush out. Also, if like me you have a habit of playing with your hair, too much dry shampoo can stick to your hands and get everywhere!
4. I tend to use it every second day and wash my hair in between.

 

What's on my dresser this morning

Here's what I've been using lately, look out for my individual reviews coming soon....

Soap and Glory
Night in Shining Armour™
Gravity battling Night Cream
RRP £13.00 - 50ml
Buy here

Vaseline Limited Edition Pink Bubbly
£2.49 Superdrug
Buy here

Soap and Glory
Bright Here Bright Now™
Instant Radiance Energy Balm 
RRP £11.00 - 50ML
Buy here

Clarins
HydraQuench Lotion SPF15
£33.50 (50ml) (15 ml pictured)
Buy here

Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
£36.50 (20ml)
Buy here

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
£19.00 (100ml)
Buy here

Sunglasses - Roxy circa £70
Bought three and a half years ago in Cornwall and they are still in mint condition. Definitely shatter proof. Theyhave been everywhere with me, dropped several times and I've even had them in my hand bag without their case for ages!

Pure One Mi DAB Digital Radio, White
£39.95 John Lewis