Rachel McAlley - House Of Coco Magazine

Beauty November 9, 2023

#CocoBeauty: Sparkle This Autumn

We’re taking all our summer feels from #TeamCoco straight into autumn, with a giant sparkle theme. Brighten your beauty wardrobe with a few new additions to make your skin and hair sparkle like the star that you are.

Our favourite hair products are from the Fudge Professional Paintbox collection, every colour is seriously sexy, and we absolutely love Purple People.

Priced at £9.25 each, the 10 creative semi-permanent conditioning colours by Fudge Professional can be purchased from Feel Unique and Look Fantastic online.

The only sparkle we are looking to cover our body with is the Absolute Aromas Relaxation Salt Scrub. This scrub contains a soothing aromatherapy blend to deep cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise the skin, whilst also comforting the mind. It cleanses the skin until it naturally sparkles.

Priced at £15.50, the addition of pure Himalayan salt, known for its detoxifying properties, and moisturising oils such as Sweet Almond oil, Jojoba oil and Evening Primrose oil are ideal to replenish the skin. Available online from Absolute Aromas.

The only makeup brushes we want to use this autumn are from the EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Kit. The kit holds all the essentials in one little storage tray, perfect for early morning beauty regimes.

Priced at £5.99 for the kit, it includes an angled foundation brush, blurring brush, defined crease brush, angled liner, and a full blush brush. Available from 1st November at EcoTools online.

For your lips this autumn we’re into some proper sparkle by Beauty BLVD with their perfect Glitter Lips. With 19 colours to choose from there’s almost certainly a glitter for you!

Priced at £12.50 each, this innovative product will revolutionise lip colour as you know it. Available from BeautyBLVD online.

For some serious added sparkle to your gorgeous face this season you need to try WUNDER2 Cosmetics Glitter Gelly, with it’s effortless application this little treat is sure to add something rather sparkly to your makeup.

Priced at £14.95 each, Glitter Gelly offers five distinctively different shades to choose from including; amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, diamond, and 24 karat. Available online from Wunder2.

The highlighter to beat all highlighters this autumn can only be Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter CLF Edition. It will definitely add a sublime shimmer to your makeup routine this season.

Priced at £26, 100% of every purchase of the highlighter will benefit the Clara Lionel Foundation to help those in need. The foundation was set up by Rihanna in honour of her grandparents, it supports education, health and emergency responses worldwide. Available from Harvey Nichols stores and online from Fenty Beauty.

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Luxury Easter Treats

Could Easter be our most favourite time year? I mean what’s not to like, it’s the longest bank holiday of the year, it’s usually sunny, all four days are filled with friends, family, food and drink, and it’s perfectly acceptable to have chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

House of Coco’s Rachel McAlley explored the high-end chocolate market to see what gorgeous gifts were available on the high street and online.

There’s so much choice at this time of year, from high street confectioners and local artisan producers to the best high-end chocolatiers, all trying to get our attention and our cash, so who do we love? The two that stand out above the rest this Easter are Harvey Nichols and Hotel Chocolat, see below for a few chocolatey ideas.

Harvey Nichols, Bodrato Colours Egg, £19.95
Artisan hand-painted Easter egg in Italian chocolate, vibrantly decorated with both coloured and white chocolate flashes.

Harvey Nichols, Simply Chocolate, ‘The Egg’, £39.95
Beautiful brass or copper egg filled with 15 small chocolate egg halves, a mixture of Crunchy Coco (milk chocolate with coconut pieces), Misty Martha (dark chocolate with ground hazelnut) and Pink Polly (white chocolate with raspberries and Persian liquorice).

Harvey Nichols, Rococo Children’s Egg, £22.50

40% cocoa milk chocolate egg, filled with 8 individually foiled colourful solid milk chocolate eggs, all packed together in either a blue or pink box.

Harvey Nichols, Michel Cluizel, Milk Chocolate Hen, £15.95

Direct from the factory of Michel Cluizel in France, one of the premier chocolatiers in the world, this handcrafted milk chocolate hen has been made from some of the finest bean-to-bar chocolate the world has to offer.

Hotel Chocolat, Extra Thick Patisserie Egg, £27.00
Half pecan pie, half salted caramel cheesecake Easter egg. Filled with classic desserts, reimagined in chocolate. A selection including Eton Mess, Fudge Sundae, Tiramisu, Treacle Tart and many more.

Hotel Chocolat, The Bunnies Basket, Easter Hunt, £8.00
15 solid creamy 40% milk chocolate bunnies and chicks, individually wrapped for Easter.

Hotel Chocolat, Hard Boiled Easter Egg, Salted Caramel, £15.00
The shell is cast in Hotel Chocolat’s signature solid caramel chocolate and a flourish of Guérande sea salt to lift the dulce de leche notes. Paired it with eight soft salted caramels sealed in 40% milk chocolate.

Hotel Chocolat, Woolliam Speckled Eggs, £5.50
A collection of milk chocolate praline eggs in crispy shells.

All Harvey Nichols Easter gifts are available instore or online, all Hotel Chocolat Easter gifts are available instore or online. Happy Easter!

Beauty November 9, 2023

#CocoBeauty: Want a celebrity smile?

Our teeth are the first thing that someone sees when they are talking to us, and if our smile is wide and our teeth are white and bright then they light up our entire face.

The look for 2018 is to have a perfect ‘celebrity’ smile and we at #TeamCoco HQ are wholeheartedly into looking after our teeth, we follow some hard and fast dentistry rules to get that all-important bright smile.

We spoke to dentist to the stars Dr Richard Marques about how to look after our teeth correctly, what we should be using to achieve perfect white teeth, any trends we should be in to, and also who his famous clients are.

How long have you been a dentist to the stars?
It’s been around five years now, and with each year, more talent seem to be stepping through my door, which is fantastic.

Where is your surgery/clinic based?
It’s on Wimpole Street in the Harley Street District of Central London.

What is your most requested treatment?
At the moment, a lot of my customers are chasing the ‘Meghan Markle’ Hollywood smile. We offer the Enlighten Teeth Whitening Treatment that can whiten up to 16 shades both easily and safely so that’s a really popular one. After the initial appointment, whitening can be done at home so it’s super convenient.

What is your number one tip for cleaning teeth correctly at home?
I always recommend people to use an electric toothbrush. Ultimately, they make brushing easier meaning you can worry less about technique. They help you to maintain consistent pressure so you’re not brushing too harshly and many have timers so you know when you’ve brushed for the optimum amount of time!

Is there anything we shouldn’t be doing when we brush our teeth?
Never brush too aggressively as it can be really harmful to gums and actually start to damage the precious enamel coating of the teeth.

Can you suggest any foods to stay away from that stain the teeth?
Any highly pigmented food can stain the teeth. The biggest culprits are blueberries, beetroot, tomatoes and dark sauces such as balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Dark drinks like tea, coffee and red wine can also stain, so always follow with a good swish of water!

What product(s) would you recommend to get perfect white teeth?
Depending on the level of results you’re looking to achieve, it’s always best to consult with your dentist and look at a professional whitening program. But day to day, a consistent oral health routine is genuinely your best bet at maintaining a naturally white smile!

What product(s) do you use personally use from your own range?
I regularly take my Co-Enzyme Q10 supplements to help maintain the strength and health of the gums, and I always use the 100% Natural Whitening Peppermint Charcoal Paste to polish my teeth before a night out or TV appearance etc.

How long should a professional whitening last?
This depends on how well you look after your teeth and the condition they’re in when the whitening is done. It also depends on the type of treatment you have – it could last 12 months or it could last a few years – everyone is different.

Are you developing any new products that we can expect to see in the future?
This year we launched the Peppermint and Strawberry Charcoal Toothpastes in the By Richard Marques range so that’s been a big focus, but we’re always looking at new product ideas and developing the range to fit consumer demand, so watch this space!

Dr Richard Marques products include Natural Whitening Peppermint Toothpaste (£24), Natural Whitening Peppermint Charcoal Toothpaste (£29), Natural Whitening Strawberry Toothpaste (£24), Super Strong Natural Whitening Mouthwash (£24), Co-Enzyme Q10 Supplements (£34) plus a number of bundles/collections from the above including toothpaste bundles (£44 – £58) and more. All available online from Dr Richard.

Well-known names that are clients of Dr Richard include Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw, Olivier Proudlock, Binky Felstead, Pete Wicks, Louisa Johnson, Jamie Redknapp, Russel Tovey, Tom Daley, Sinitta, Rosie Fortescue, Eyal Booker, Alex Bowen, and Olivia Buckland.

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

#CocoDrinks: Cadello Hits The UK

With an Asian and Italian heritage, a smooth recipe that took more than three years to develop and the inspiration that arose from Venetian masked balls, Cadello is released in the UK. A brand unlike any other that you have seen before, its premium spirit claims to define a category of its own, and we at House of Coco can’t wait to see it on a drinks menu around the UK’s top bars and restaurants.

Cadello serves up a spirit as magnificent as the wealthy merchants of Venice and masked balls that came to be the inspiration behind this brand. Providing a distinct and singular experience, this spirit is crafted with eight carefully selected ingredients, which unveil flavours of coffee, chocolate, star anise and vanilla, with hints of caramel, hazelnut, mint and toffee. The ingredients are infused in grain alcohol and then distilled separately, before being carefully blended into French Oak barrels with coffee beans, to age into a spirit that encapsulates the perfect depth, complexity and smoothness.

Cadello is perfectly smooth and can be simply enjoyed on its own to allow a full sensory experience of the flavours mentioned above. A spirit that is pleasing at any time of the day, Cadello works well as an aperitivo, digestivo and a delicious addition to any cocktail. Fashioned by top bartenders in Zurich, London, Paris, Scandinavia, Germany and Mumbai, Cadello offers a wide range of cocktail recipes; satisfactory to everyone’s tastes.

Why not try the Cadellotini? Cadello’s very own spin on the much-loved Martini. This cocktail was created by Goethe Bar in Zurich and includes Cadello, Vodka, Frangelico, Cherry Liqueur and Espresso. If that’s not to your tastes, then why not combine Cadello with fresh lemon juice, Tio Pepe Dry Sherry Fino and Ginger Syrup to create the Fizzy Fiddler. A cocktail created by award-winning bartender Chloé Merz-Salyer.

Priced at £30 for 50cl, available online from Honest Grapes.

Beauty November 9, 2023

#Cocobeauty: Superdrug Meadowhall Launches Beauty Studio

South Yorkshire’s magnificent shopping centre Meadowhall recently reopened the Superdrug store as a Beauty Studio, the retailer’s exciting new concept which offers shoppers an extensive menu of affordable beauty treatments, including a barber shop and hair salon.

The new look Superdrug store will also be home to a Brow & Lash Bar, Nail Bar as well as salon treatments including spray tans, waxing services and piercing.

The Beauty Studio hair salon will offer hair cutting, colouring and styling with haircuts from just £15 and colour from £12. Customers can choose to have their hair styled by a TIGI-trained stylist, senior stylist or style director.

Customers will also find the UK’s second Superdrug barber shop, offering signature wet and dry shaves, hair styling and cuts to sate the growing demand for grooming services for men. The team has been trained by WAHL, with services starting at £8 for a beard trim.

Customers will find brow and lash treatments, a full menu of manicure and nail services as well as the newest addition to the menu, ear and nose piercing from just £10. Beauty Studio will also offer spray tans and special packages to allow total transformations at great value, for example the Date Night package includes a gel manicure, strip lash application and a spray tan for just £45, or a gel polish on fingers and toes for just £35.

Beauty Studio also offers packages especially for groups, perfect for birthday parties or hen parties; for instance, four customers can have gel fingernails and toe nails for £126, representing a group saving of £34.

Hayley Treanor, Superdrug Meadowhall Manager comments; “We’re really excited to bring the full Beauty Studio experience to Sheffield. We’re sure our customers will agree this new area makes their visit to our store a truly one-stop solution to all their beauty and grooming needs.”

The Meadowhall Beauty Studio marks the third opening with the new format, following Cardiff and Leicester’s Fosse Park – and the second to feature the Superdrug Barber Shop.

Image credit: Matt Short Photography. All images were taken by Matt Short Photography at the Superdrug Beauty Studio launch at Fosse Park, Leicester earlier this year.

Beauty November 9, 2023

#CocoBeauty: 6 Beauty Subscription Boxes to Sign Up For

The world is totally going cray over all the different subscription boxes that are available to order online these days. Resident #TeamCoco beauty writers are into every kind of box from make-up to haircare, skincare to scents and every other beauty box around.

We have compiled a dinky list of our fave top 6 subscription boxes for you to cast your eye over, maybe one will be perfect for you!

Glossybox

Glossybox is one of the more well-known subscription boxes and it has a huge following both in subscription numbers and across social media channels. Glossybox arrives through your door in an iconic pink box, packed with beauty products ranging from makeup to skincare to haircare and more. Priced from £10 per month.

Secret Scent Box

Secret Scent Box is a little black box with three surprise fragrances (each 3ml – 30 day supply), which arrive each month. The scents are tailored to your preference, whether male, female or as a gift. The scents are guaranteed to be 100% authentic designer and brand name fragrances. Priced from £13 per month.

The Natural Beauty Box

The Natural Beauty Box is a natural, vegan and cruelty free subscription box filled with natural skincare brands and eco-luxe artisans products. Each month the box is themed and will include details on every product and how to use correctly. Priced from £12.50 bi-monthly, or £24.95 monthly.

Awebox

Awebox is a build-your-own subscription box and can include anything from a number of categories including; beauty and haircare, food and protein, sweet treats and vegan, alcohol and animal treats, to stationery, candles, coffee and more. And, best of all is that you can chop and change your preferences monthly. Priced from £20 to £28 per month.

Birchbox

Birchbox is the UK’s number one subscription service for beauty boxes. This subscription service offers collections, exclusives, plus special limited editions and so much more, they even have an online shop to purchase the products that you’ve fallen in love with once you’ve sampled them through your subscription box. You can expect to receive 5 products each month per box including; make-up, hair care, skincare and body care. Priced from £10 per month.

Skinbox

One for the skincare lovers. This subscription beauty box is filled with natural MONU British made skincare products that help to transform your complexion. Each box is tailored to your specific skin type and can be matched for a man or a woman. Priced from £14.99 to £29.99 per month.

Search online for each subscription box by name.

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

#CocoFood: Chocolate Week 2018

Yassss, it’s the most fabulous week of the year for all chocolate lovers, it’s Chocolate Week between 15th – 21st October 2018 and #TeamCoco are literally salivating all over it!

From world famous chocolate shops to fine dining restaurants with bespoke chocolate menus, plus tasty chocolate cocktails and mocktails making appearances at the best bars in the UK, this week is everything and more than we could possibly want it to be.

Our focus for Chocolate week 2018 is Hotel Chocolat in Leeds and their exciting chocolate alternative to the usual afternoon tea. They have two different chocolate collections to choose from, exclusive to the Leeds Boar Lane Hotel Chocolat only and we are seriously into both, obvs.

The Salted Caramel Cocktail Collection

2 Salted Caramel Soothers

1 Salted Caramel Brownie (to share)

2 Salted Caramel Liquid Truffles

2 Billionaire’s Shortbread

2 Mousse au Chocolat Truffles

The Gin Cocktail Collection

2 Cocoa Gin and Tonic Cocktails

2 Cocoa Gin Truffles

2 Lady Marmalade Cocktail Truffles

4 Super Milk Puddles

1 slice Lemon Polenta Cake (to share)

Both cocktail collections are priced at £15 for 2 people and are available exclusively to Hotel Chocolat Leeds (Boar Lane cafe). Brownies and chocolates are available at all Hotel Chocolat stores across the UK.

Search for Hotel Chocolat online to find your nearest store.

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

#CocoFood: Brownies Brownies Brownies

How much do we all love a good brownie?

One of the absolute best comfort foods for #TeamCoco is a delicious, gooey, indulgent, heavenly mass of chocolate brownie – and guess what, our fave Yorkshire brownie shop ‘Love Brownies’ is expanding across the UK, and we couldn’t be happier.

Love Brownies based in Ilkley, has gone from strength to strength, from starting an online brownie business ten years ago and launching a bakery two years ago, to winning numerous national food awards and now opening a number of retail experiences in Cheshire and across London.

Chantal and Lee Teal, owners of Love Brownies started to win countless industry awards for their brownies, and they soon realised that business expansion was the way forward. Customers were travelling from greater distances to enjoy the Love Brownies café experience, not just from Yorkshire but from all over the UK.

Chantal Teal, Head Baker and co-owner at Love Brownies says; “It became apparent that Love Brownies needed to expand. Our online sales have sky rocketed in the ten years since offering gifted brownies online, we opened our bakery and café in our home town of Ilkley because of local demand, and our customers have quadrupled in numbers year on year. We are now in our fourth kitchen (due to larger orders and more customers) and we need even bigger to accommodate our increase in sales. We took the decision earlier this year to expand through franchising the business, and things seem to be going full steam ahead in the right direction, as we are soon to move into our fifth kitchen – which will give extra space to increase production in the future.”

The retail café experience that Love Brownies is known for will become the same concept for the new Cheshire store and also for the Greater London Southgate store, the London Islington concept (due to open early November) will be a takeaway drink and brownie outlet with brownie gifts. Ilkley will remain in the Love Brownies portfolio and will expand in coming months to become a larger café setting to accommodate our customer requirements.

Love Brownies bakery kitchen will be relocated to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, based in the picturesque village of Howgill near Barden, part of the well-known Devonshire Estate.

Love Brownies is also going to be partnering with Yockenthwaite Cereals to co-brand a number of chocolate products for each of the retail stores including a Love Brownies Chocolate Yockenthwaite Granola, Chocolate Muesli, and Chocolate Porridge.

Love Brownies has received numerous awards and accolades including; The Great British Food Magazine Award in the Free From category for the Love Brownies Salted Caramel Brownie. A number of Great Taste Awards between 2012 and 2018. Star Buy Award from Eat In Magazine. Five Stars from Excelle Magazine. Taste Notes Selection by House and Garden Magazine. Independent Retailer of the Year at the 2018 Ilkley Business Awards. Highly commended at the 2017 Bradford Means Business Awards. Food Retailer of the Year 2017 at the H&N Magazine Eat Awards. A major award was winning Small Producer of the Year at the Quality Food Awards 2017 for the Gluten Free Double Chocolate Brownie, and they are currently shortlisted for a Deliciously Yorkshire Award for the Love Brownies Salted Caramel Brownie.

All Love Brownies brownies are gluten free, and they now have a range of brand new vegan brownies to add to the collection. For more info check out Love Brownies online.

Beauty November 9, 2023

#CocoBeauty: Dreamy Autumn Nails

As we start to layer up with denim jackets, wraps, hats and scarves this autumn we also start to update the colours we wear. Summer-brights are put away to the back of the wardrobe and autumn browns, deep purples, dark blues, greens, greys and deep rich pinks start to make an appearance, and it’s exactly the same with our nail polish colours.

The #TeamCoco girls are embracing much darker tones and hues this season on their nails from the beautiful Wild About Nature collection of colours by CND Vinylux, to the dark sultry colours of Benecos, and the stunning W7 Cosmetics in Suede.

CND Vinylux, Wild About Nature Collection comprises of 6 beautiful shades for autumn including; Blue Moon (deep cobalt blue), Dreamcatcher (rich dusky purple), Arrowhead (creamy earth), Spear (muted terracotta), Element (warm soft red) and Brimstone (beige neutral). Priced at £10.95 each, from Nail Polish Direct online.

Benecos, Vamp is a deep purple with a hint of red, a warm polish for the season. Vamp is made with additional avocado and biotin for depth and structure. There are 20 colours in the Benecos nail polish collection all of which are free from bad stuff like formaldehydes, camphor, parabens and much more. Priced at £6.95 each, from Benecos online.

W7 Cosmetics hold a serious amount of nail colours for each and every season, there are just too many colours to mention, but for autumn we are in awe of 70 Suede, it’s a wonderful chic grey/brown, perfectly suited for day or night. Priced at £4.95 each, from W7 Cosmetics online.

If you are a serious nail polish fan then you should know about the latest app by NailBuff, a free app that allows you to find the ideal nail polish shade from their vast library of brands, including essie, OPI and butter LONDON and others. You upload a photo or scroll using the unique touch screen technology. Perfect for when you need to match a particular bag, pair of shoes, or outfit. Search the App Store for NailBuff, or via Instagram nailbuffapp.

Enjoy! ☺

Beauty November 9, 2023

#CocoBeauty: Beauty Looks Recreated by MUA Lyndsey Harrison

Celebrity MUA Lyndsey Harrison shares a few of her make-up tricks below, she also names all the make-up products she uses from one of her favourite go to beauty websites, Indulge Beauty.

Having worked with celebs including Charlotte Crosby, Samantha Faiers, Denise Van Outen and many more, Lyndsey shares her favourite looks this season and how to recreate them at home, including grown up glitter, cherry lips, how to achieve healthy skin and how to get the perfect textured brows.

Over to Lyndsey………

Eyes

One of my favourite looks this season is a grown-up glitter. To re-create this look at home, prime eyes with Make Up Forever Skin Equalizer Eye & Lip Primer, £17.50, Indulge Beauty.

Primer allows eyeshadow to have something to grip to, making it longer-lasting. Next, apply Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Rose Gold Retro, £23, Indulge Beauty over lids and blend with your finger. Apply a small amount under the eye with a pencil brush and re-apply to intensify the colour.

Define eyes with Buxom Hold The Line Eyeliner Call Me, £14, Indulge Beauty, start on the end of the lash line and work in. Re-sharpen the pencil and draw the flick on using a cotton bud to sharpen up the flick. For a dramatic look, apply in the upper waterline to make eyes pop.

Finish by applying two coats of Make Up Forever Excessive Lash Mascara Black, £9.20, Indulge Beauty for fluttery lashes, remember to curl your lashes before applying mascara.

Lips

Cherry lips is another one of my favourite trends this summer for a classic, timeless look. However, the technique in which you apply your lipstick can really make all the difference to the longevity and impact of your lipstick.

First when I created this look I applied Make Up Forever Line Perfector, £14, Indulge Beauty which helps secure lipstick and stop it from bleeding. Then, using Lord & Berry Vogue Matte Lipstick in China Red, £15, Indulge Beauty I applied directly onto the lips then smudged for an edgy daytime look.

For a super glam lip, use a lip brush and apply the lipstick with the bush to the lip line.

Skin

It’s always on trend to have healthy skin, for this it’s really important to regularly exfoliate your face, whether your skin is normal, dry or oily. I like to use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension, £5.50, Indulge Beauty this helps to even out skin tone and reduce the look of blemishes.

Always remember to incorporate a form of SPF into your daily skincare routine, I’m really into putting on sunscreenbefore applying make-up. For this, I use Skin Laundry Advanced Protection Daily Moisturizer, £24, Indulge Beauty which gives sun protection and moisturises skin too.

The key thing for good skin that I always tell my clients is to go to bed with it clean – I cannot stress this enough. I always cleanse and tone before bed using Pai Skincare Lotus & Orange Blossom Bioaffinity Toner, £30, Indulge Beauty which works to sooth and hydrate skin. I then apply Skin & Tonic Rose Mist, £20, Indulge Beauty to further cool tired skin.

Brows

So many people ask me how they can achieve the textured brow look at home,
with the right tools and tips it’s simple.

Start by brushing brows through with a brow brush, then using Eylure Brow Pencil, £5.99, Indulge Beauty outline your brows using tiny hair like strokes. Once the outline looks even in shape and size start filling in the brow, keep the density of hair towards the outside of the brow and the beginning of your eyebrow soft and feathery.

To add texture, use B Brow Bar Brow Gel Cardamom Pod, £15, Indulge Beauty to brush the hairs up and give a thicker feel and allow to set in place. One of my favourite tips is to use concealer and a small angled brush to draw around the brow for ultimate definition.

To purchase all the above mentioned products search online for Indulge Beauty, alternatively the high street store can be found at Westfield Stratford City, London where one of the Indulge Beauty team will be on hand to assist with all beauty related questions.