Beauty - House Of Coco Magazine

Beauty July 13, 2018

#GBOGB Rose Ovensehi from Flora & Curl

We sent our beauty writer Rachel McAlley to interview the entrepreneur and all round healthy curly hair phenomenon Rose Ovensehi from the brand Flora & Curl about her company and the ethos behind it.

Q. Rose, can you give the House of Coco readers an insight as to who you are, when you launched Flora & Curl, why you went down the route of making products for curly hair, and where you feel the business is heading?

A. I launched Flora & Curl in 2017 after launching a healthy haircare blog in 2015, to help women on a mission to transition into healthier and natural lifestyles. I felt that there were fewer options for women who choose to avoid harsh ingredients such as sulphates, silicones, mineral oil, artificial fragrancing and harsh colours in beauty isles. To solve this, I formulated the range with the focus on moisture and hydration for all curl types (which was the main concern for a lot of my blog followers). We have customers around the world, and are looking at expanding globally, including into the USA market this year to spread the word about Flora & Curl Haircare.

Q. You have a company philosophy to only use plant based products at Flora & Curl, is this because you have always been interested in using natural products on your own hair, or did it come about after researching what was best for the hair?

A. It was a mixture of both. I already had a passion for creating my own haircare products and in doing this, I had to do lots of research to find out the best raw natural ingredients that would work best. But I also believe in the power of botanical ingredients with therapeutic and moisturising properties. For example, Rose water smells amazing, and is a hair loving botanical that stabilises hair’s pH level and soothes the scalp. It is a natural conditioner. My products are infused with botanical ingredients containing such amazing, therapeutic benefits.

Q. How hands on are you with making the products yourself, and how long does it take from the initial thought process to get things off the ground, and into the final packaged product?

A. I formulate the products myself and make sure that each formula goes through a sampler and testing process to get feedback from friends, existing customers, bloggers and influencers. This will enable me to refine the formula to make sure it is ready enough to go through to packaging and final launch. It can take around 2-3 months or longer due to our testing process, as we test not only the results but also the packaging and naming. I love listening to my customers and being open to them informing the process of new product development.

Q. Do you have a favourite haircare product of yours that you live by, and how often do you use it?

A. My favourite product is the Flower Garden Hair Butter. I use it daily to add shine to my hair, lock in moisture and deep condition with a shower cap. It smells therapeutic, and gives dry brittle tresses so much health, shine and vibrancy.

Q. Which is your best selling haircare product from the Flora & Curl collection, and why do you think that it sells more than any of the others in the collection?

A. Our current best seller is our Jasmine Oasis Hair Mist, and behind it our Rose & Honey Milk Leave-in. Textured, curly hair is naturally dry and requires moisture and people are always on the lookout for effective solutions. Our customers love the effect of our botanical hair mist.

Q. Do you have any recent product launches that you want to shout about, and what is next to be released from Flora & Curl?

A. We are not currently looking into new product development, but later in the year we will be looking into expanding the range to including more styling and conditioning products.

Huge thanks to Rose for taking the time to answer our #GirlBossesofGreatBritain Q&A session.

A little about Flora & Curl:
Flora & Curl create natural, non-toxic products for textured hair. Designed to care for frizz, curls, kinks, afros and wiry waves, all products are 100% natural, 100% plant based, sulphate, silicone, paraben and alcohol free – there are no nasties here. Using high quality, potent botanical extracts, plant butters, herbs, clays, natural essential oils, fruit extracts and restorative and active ingredients, each product is designed to restore the hair and scalps natural balance. Flora & Curl is a sustainable brand. All products meet the European Union Directive for Cosmetic Safety, ingredients are sourced from British suppliers, products are cruelty free and made in the UK to help reduce carbon footprint and they use eco-friendly materials. Bottles and packaging are made from recyclable PET and labels are made from recycled paper.

Search online for more information about Flora & Curl.

Beauty July 12, 2018

Cruel Summer

Cruel Summer – features Annabelle from Boss Models and focuses on those shaded summer days when staying indoors is the new going out – Styled by Taheed Khan – Model wears Zeynap Kartal Stella McCartney Roksanda Balmain Gucci Dior Issey Miyaki Fendi Solace London Victoria Beckham Commes Des Garçon and Bordello. Photographed by Asia Burrill – Beauty by Andrew Suleman and assisted by Ruby – Location Gotham Hotel Manchester

Accessories July 11, 2018

Luxury Lifestyle Travel Necessities

We have put together a simple list of luxury travel necessities that we absolutely love here at House of Coco Magazine. We’ve even thrown in a couple of beauts that aren’t really necessities at all, but they are totally and utterly fabulous! For her, for him, and for both.

For Her

DHC Astaxanthin Collagen All-in-One Gel, priced at £36, via DHC UK online.

This all-in-one gel is ideal for travelling with as it tones, hydrates, and brightens skin all in one step. The antioxidant astaxanthin, which is considered 6,000 times more powerful than Vitamin C can be found throughout this product, helping to offer moisture, health and vitality back into the skin. The addition of collagen helps to firm, and the hyaluronic acid protects the skin’s natural moisture.

Flora & Curl, Rose & Honey Milk Leave-In Detangler, priced at £19 for 250ml, via FloraCurl online.

For the curly hair traveller, this little hydrating milk may be the answer to all your prayers. Flora & Curl have produced their Rose & Honey Milk Leave-In Detangler which releases knots and tangles with a pampering and softening conditioning cream cocktail of organic rose water, coconut, and sweet honey. Perfect for all curl types.

Boucléme, Intensive Moisture Treatment, priced at £9 for 2 x 50ml sachets, via selected Space NK stores and Planet Organic stores plus online at Boucléme.

An ingenious idea to package in sachets, so that there’s no waste while away travelling. Boucléme Intensive Moisture Treatment is nutrient rich with a deep and nourishing formula to restore much-needed hydration, strength and shine to damaged hair. Bursting with key actives including Marula Oil, Mafura Butter, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Wheat Bran and so much more. These sachets are super versatile as they can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment, a leave-in conditioner, or a deep conditioning mask.

Glitz n Pieces, Petra Headband, priced at £9 each, via Glitz n Pieces online.

Bring out all the hair accessories this summer, and where better to invest than with a Petra Headband by the team at Glitz n Pieces! We are into both Petra styles and colours but our absolute fave is the green and mustard headband.

Lisa Kay London, Farrah Leather Espadrilles, priced at £69+, via Lisa Kay London online or Charles Clinkard stores.

No holiday is complete without the addition of a pair of super comfy super espadrilles, and Lisa Kay’s designs for 2018 are some of the best. We simply adore the pale pink leather Farrah design, they are chic, understated and full of attitude.

Breton, T-Shirt, Priced at £22, via Crew Clothing stores or online.

A Breton t-shirt is one of those staple wardrobe items that every luxury traveller has in her luggage, whether for a day out shopping or a day spent on a yacht, a Breton is known for style, worn for ease, and oozes sophistication.

For Him

OppoSuits, Shineapple Suit, priced at £64.95, via Opposuits online.

Could the Opposuits be any more fantastic, we don’t think so. The one we have swooned over the most is the Shineapple, totally tropical and very cool outfit. The suit comprises a pair of shorts with matching short-sleeved jacket and matching tie. Just fun, frivolous and fabulous.

Marloe Watch Company, Haskell Watch, priced at £745, via Marloe Watch Company online.

For all adventurers, the Heskell watch takes its name from the Haskell Strait and is inspired by the extraordinary first British Antarctica exploration carried out by Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his men; Marloe’s first Swiss Made timepiece exemplifies the company’s desire to pursue design excellence and ensure its watches are fit for the modern day adventurer. Of course this watch could be worn by a woman too, it’s classically beautiful and if you are a large watch fan then this may be ideal for you whatever your gender.

For Both

NIVEA UV Face Shine Control, priced at £8, via Superdrug stores and Superdrug online.

We all need to use sunscreen more often, even on the dullest of days. Wherever we travel our luggage should always carry a little UV protection, and this NIVEA UV Face Shine Control SPF50 is a one-stop protection for the face.

MOLESKINE City Notebook, priced at £16.95, via Moleskine online.

There are six notebooks in this brand new collection from MOLESKINE, they include: Berlin, Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris, and Rome. Within this notebook there are city maps, underground maps, blank pages, lined pages, stickers, adhesive sheets, expandable inner pockets, ribbon bookmarks and space for storing other documents. A great accessory for a trip to a new city.

Beauty July 2, 2018

Interview with Dr Krystyna – From teeth to botox, the do-it-all dentist

In the market for Botox? Finally, want to give in to teeth whitening? We say do it. If it makes you feel better about yourself and adds a level of confidence to your lifestyle, then we’re all for it. Our only advice? Do your research and check our Powers Dental Group.

Whether you’re after plumper lips, a smoother forehead or a fresh set of pearly whites, choosing the right procedure and clinic is a MUST. Enter Dr Krystyna… a fully qualified dentist with a passion for cosmetic dentistry, Botox and dermal fillers. As a member of The British Dental Association, the Royal College of Surgeons Faculty of Dental Surgery and the International Team for Implantology, Dr Krystyna is a trusted professional.

We wanted to find all about why choosing a dentist for facial aesthetics is always the best route for such procedures…

How did it all begin?

Being a dentist was always my passion, both my parents were dentists and they inspired me to study the profession myself. Once I had finished my dental degree and began working in practice, I realised I was able to expand and pursue other avenues within the profession. I naturally gravitated towards facial aesthetics and cosmetics because I wanted to be able to offer people a service that enhanced their appearance. I find it very satisfying to offer my patients opportunities to advance both their dental and facial cosmetic issues and improve their personal confidence as a result.

Why are dentists best placed to offer facial aesthetics?

The truth is dentists are ideally placed to perform facial aesthetics treatments since we have undergone 5 years of undergraduate training focusing solely on the face! The intensive training and education of a dental degree give the most specialised understanding and surgical skills to undertake facial cosmetic treatment. We have an in-depth knowledge of oro-facial anatomy: musculature, blood supply, neural supply and function so can be precise with the application of cosmeceuticals and neurotoxins. We can fully control and remove pain through anaesthesia. Risk factors are also minimised through the technical skill of dental training with empathy and sensitivity to provide the best care for every patient being ideally met in a dental practice environment. You can always rely on a Philadelphia cosmetic dentist.

Any advice for someone looking to embark on facial aesthetic treatment?

My advice is to take the time to find a reputable practitioner who is appropriately qualified. Ensure the clinic is clean and safe, and the materials used are licensed and registered. Worryingly, there are a lot of fake clinics which could lead to disastrous consequences. Would you really want to risk it for a cheap deal?

What treatments do you offer?

The Dr.Krystyna clinics offer a wide range of high quality, bespoke dental cosmetic and facial aesthetic treatments. Tooth whitening, Invisalign clear braces and composite tooth bonding are all available to get you to that winning smile. Botox/Anti-wrinkle and dermal filler to treat all areas of the face and neck to give people a more natural, youthful appearance or to enhance one’s lips, cheeks or chins. I also can use botox to combat excessive underarm sweating and jaw clenching habits!

What’s the diff between botox and fillers?

Botox and dermal fillers do different things but can be used in complementary fashion. Botox is a muscle relaxer and dermal fillers, as their name implies fill lines or can be used to add volume. Botox is injected into the muscles that cause wrinkles and relaxes them to reduce the signs of ageing. Dermal facial fillers, on the other hand, are used to add volume to the skin and lips to hydrate and plump. Botox lasts up to 6-9 months whilst fillers last between 12-18 months depending on the area and type used.

As a London-based girl boss, where do you go to enjoy your free time? If you have any that is!

Well, I’ve recently become a founding member of The Curtain Hotel so spent the summer on their rooftop! Some more of my fave bar and restaurants include The Ace Hotel, Village East, Bistrotech and The Hoxton Hotel. I also like to go to Boxpark in Shoreditch for casual weekday hangout.

What’s the future for Dr.K?

Ideally, I would like to expand and build the Dr Krystyna clinic and brand itself in the London, Surrey and Essex areas. I aim to become an approachable and trustworthy name which provides clients easy accessibility to the treatments they desire.

Follow the clinics latest Instagram updates HERE.

Beauty July 2, 2018

#CocoBeauty: 4 Sexy Summer Scents

As we are currently enjoying the greatest summer of our lives we thought that #TeamCoco should salute the weather with a nod to our absolute favourite scents for the summertime.

There are a couple of well-known brands in the mix and a couple of new kids on the block, and we are smitten with each and every one.

Magnetix Wellness

Fragrances of Life by Magnetix Wellness have released 5 stunning fragrances to their already blossoming wellbeing jewellery collections. The 5 scents which focus on having an impact with all things that that invoke general wellness include; Flower of Life, Balance of Life, Tree of Life, Power of Life, and Pleasure of Life. All have been produced by a number of top perfumers including; Natalie Gracia-Cetto (Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Givenchy, Cartier), Sonia Constant (Gucci, Armani, Burberry, Comme des Garcons), Shyamala Maisondieu (Chloe, Burberry, Christian Dior, Pucci), Christian Vermorel (Gucci, Armani, Burberry, Comme des Garcons).

Priced at £31 for 50ml, £62 for 100ml. Available online from Magnetix Wellness.

Modernist Fragrance

This new unisex fine fragrance is designed and handmade in small batches in England, and you’ll be guaranteed a scent that adapts to the warmth of your skin. The house Modernist Fragrance launches with The Modernist, a striking combination of floral,
fruit and frankincense.

Priced at £145 for 50ml. Available from Modernist Fragrance online.

Ted Baker

From the Ted Baker Sweet Treat’s Collection, Mia is classic and soft on the skin, Mia is designed with a stylish, youthful, sophisticated and vibrant woman in mind. Loaded with lemon, rose, raspberry, golden amber and so much more this scent is a blend of controlled charm and plenty of warmth to suit the woman of today.

Priced at £35 for 100ml. Available from Boots high street stores and Boots online.

Missguided

Straight off the back of the success of Missguided’s 2017 debut fragrance Babe Power, they have released a further three delicious scents for their expanding collection. Boss Babe, Babe Dreams, and Babe Oud are all aimed at those who know what they want.

Priced at £28 for 80ml. Available from Misguided, The Fragrance Shop, Superdrug and Boots.

Beauty June 25, 2018

#CocoBeauty: Plastic Free Beauty

As we see more and more stories of our oceans and seas being infested with plastic waste, this has come to the forefront of all our minds. Looking around we currently use an insane amount of plastic to go about our daily lives.

We at #TeamCoco want to be part of the revolution of change in whatever way we can, so starting small and gaining momentum is our way to move forward with reducing plastic from our lives.

Simply starting with our beauty regime, there are plenty of new options for plastic free beauty and we have found one that immediately stands out perfectly to us.

The brand BEN&ANNA have introduced a selection of paper tube plastic free natural deodorants ‘Natural Soda Deodorant’ in seven varieties. All BEN&ANNA’s deodorants are set in a push-up paper tube which totally eliminates the use of plastic from your daily use of deodorant.

There is a different fragrance for all preferences from florals to fruity and oaky to fresh. They include; Indian Mandarine, Pink Grapefruit, Pure, Persian Lime, Vanilla Orchid, Provence, and Nordic Timber. All are good to the skin and kind to the environment – a win win situation when trying to tackle your personal battle to attempt a plastic free beauty regime.

Priced at £9.95 for a 60g paper tube. Available from All Natural Me online or search for Ben & Anna UK for more info.

Beauty June 14, 2018

Last Minute Panic Buying for Father’s Day

We can’t believe it’s Father’s Day here in the UK this Sunday, and if like #TeamCoco you totally forgot (ahem, sorry Dad) or if you simply didn’t realise that it was this weekend, then here’s a few instant beautifying ideas to stop you from panicking.

Christophe Robin, Cleansing Thickening Paste with pure Rassoul Clay and Tahitian Algae. Priced at £42.50, available from Space NK, Harrods, Fenwick Bond Street, Fortnum & Mason, Lookfantastic online, and net-a-porter online.

For the luxe dad who takes pride in his appearance. Formulated with over 95% natural ingredients, this shampoo has a high concentration of pure rassoul clay, which absorbs impurities and rebalances the scalp. It helps maintain the vitality of the hair follicle.

Wilkinson Sword, Hydro 5 Sense™ Razor Handle and 2 new refill cartridges: Comfort and Energise. Priced at £12 (Razor Handle) and £14 (cartridges).

Wilkinson Sword knows every man’s skin has different needs. Sense™ provides two new refill cartridges ‘Energise’ with menthol and ‘Comfort’ with herbal extracts. Sporting a skin guard across 5 high-performing ultra-glide blades smoothes the skin’s surface as it removes hair, helping to minimize irritation.

Fudge Professional Mineral Paste. Priced at £12.95, available from a number of online outlets including; Feelunique, Lookfantastic, hqhair, Beautyexpert, Mankind, Allbeauty, and Beautybay.

This product is idea for Dad’s who love the look of tousled hair. The salt-infused formulation from Fudge Professional produces tactile, tousled texture with all day hold and hydration. UVisiShield technology helps strengthen and protect hair from damage and dryness. The rich blend of beeswax, castor and carnauba oils condition, protect, nourish and moisturise.

Nivea Body Shaving Range (Body Shaving Anti-Irritation Stick, Body Shaving Anti-Irritation Gel, and Anti-Irritation After Shave Lotion). Priced at £4.50, £6 and £6 respectively, available from Boots and many other leading UK high street retailers.

Dads (and other men) across the UK are shaking up their grooming routines for good, to make sure they’re always looking and feeling their best. A number of them are occasionally getting rid of hair from their chests, backs, shoulders, and legs.

So, Nivea are helping by giving them a never-seen before shaving range that properly suit their needs, offering a clean comfortable body shave, even in the shower.
Body Shaving Anti-Irritation Stick is compact and easy to use in the shower, it allows for an efficient and fast shave without irritation.

Body Shaving Anti-Irritation Gel contains gliding polymers which stay put on the skin, even in the shower, to give exceptional glide. Anti-Irritation After Shave Lotion supports the skin immediately after shaving, helping to protect against irritation.

Nanogen 5 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner. Priced at £9.95, available from Boots stores and online at Nanogen.

A thickening treatment for dads who are looking for a quick and easy alternative, with five multifunctional properties it’s the go to for any man in a hurry.

OSMO Shave Spray. Priced at £9.30, available online from Feelunique.

Your dad’s beard will be the envy of all his mates with this weightless, multi-tasking grooming gel. With soothing aloe vera, this spray format maintains and moisturizes skin fades and beard definition.

Beauty June 11, 2018

#CocoBeauty: Anti-Pollution, Organic, and Natural Beauty

We are living in an age where the earth, the atmosphere and everything in and around it matters, so we wanted to put together an anti-pollution based beauty feature, and then we decided to include some elements of organic beauty, and some natural beauty products too – because all these things matter.

TeamCoco are always striving to find the luxury in everything we do from travel and food, to sourcing the best beauty products in the world. Even a simple hand cream can have the most luxurious feel to the skin, a silky smooth makeup remover can wash the day away, and a night cream can be filled with luxe organic natural products. Sometimes, it’s the little things that count.

We have devised a beauty list of 6 products that fall into the anti-pollution, organic, and natural beauty portfolio that we are literally head over heels in love with, some are exuberant in price and richness, others are simple cost effective luxuries, and all offer beautiful results.

JK7 Skin Care, Eye and Face Makeup Remover, £250 for 100ml, available from JK7 Skincare online.

This is luxury at its most sophisticated. 100% natural, organic and high performing JK7 luxurious natural skincare by Dr. Jurgen Klein is like nothing else. It repairs, enhances and protects the skin’s long-term radiance and health; it improves deep, immediate and long-term hydration. It refines pores, improves tones, and enlivens the skin all while reducing wrinkle depth and protein degradation.

JK7 also enhances firmness and elasticity, it protects from free radicals, restores pH balance, prevents premature skin aging, and elements of the organic plants and herb used support the skin’s vital functions. This eye and face makeup remover provides a powerful anti-aging effect in its prized JK7® Signature Extracts (cost per litre over $45,000), and the most valuable, rare and sustainably sourced essential oils (up to $25,000 per litre). Quality in each bottle.

Rosehip Plus Organic Pure and Natural Nourishing Night Cream, £29 for 50ml, available online from Treat Your Skin, and All About Beauty.

The Rosehip Plus Nourishing Night cream helps to maintain skin hydration and softness, working hard to rejuvenate and replenish the skin. This nightly cream improves the appearance of fine lines by promoting skin elasticity and texture. The combined natural ingredients of cocoa seed butter, jojoba seed oil, and shea butter combine together to make sure the skin always feels beautiful and refreshed in the morning.

Bea Skin Care, Vitamin Infused Konjac Sponges, £24 for a box containing 4 sponges, available by searching online for Bea Skincare.

Created by Bianca Estelle, Medical Aesthetician and Skin Specialist of over 14 years, Bea Skin Care is an innovative line of cosmeceutical products incorporating high concentrations of active ingredients, which possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
The balancing, anti-bacterial and moisture-binding Konjac Sponges are soaked in zinc, copper and folic acid as well as vitamins A, A, D, B1, B2, and B12. Konjac is a natural gelatinous plant fibre that is rich in polysaccharides, which form part of the skin’s moisture-containing building blocks. With regular use, they act to balance the skin’s pH level and maintain its natural lipid barrier.

Lavera Detox Effect Mask (Hydro-Effect), £16.95 for 50ml, available exclusively from Whole Foods Stores across the UK and from Lavera online.

With more people living in urban environments and research suggesting that pollution can accelerate the skin-ageing process by 10%, our skin needs additional protection. Air pollutants that can harm our complexion include microparticles such as fine dust, gasses such as ozone, chemical residues such as fertilisers, dioxin and PAHs, as well as UV radiation.

The Hydro Effect products contain moisture-boosting Hyaluronic Acid combined with lavera’s unique Anti-Pollution Complex. This innovative formula helps to shield the skin and counteracts the signs of skin ageing caused by environmental factors with a blend of the following active ingredients: organic algae, marrubium vulgare extract, and natural antioxidants (tocopheryl acetates, tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitates).

Burt’s Bees Burt’s Balm Jar, £9.99 includes 3 lip balms, available from a number of high street department stores and via Burt’s Bees online.

This trio of Burt’s Bees lip balms contains a number of natural products, which condition, moisturise, refresh and soften the lips.

Burt’s Bees famous Beeswax Lip Balm is included for its 100% natural beeswax, which is then enriched with coconut oil, sunflower oil, and peppermint oil. These oils rejuvenate, nourish, refresh, condition and lock in moisture to the lips outer tissue. Pomegranate Lip Balm is one of the three, which is infused with pomegranate oil to hydrate and rejuvenate tired lips. This balm gives a fruity fragrance and adds a slight colour to the contour of the lip. And, the third balm by Burt’s Bees in the jar is the Hibiscus shade Tinted Lip Balm for an added bit of beauty without a greasy look.

ORGANii Everyday Organics Natural Hand Cream, £2.95 for 75ml, available from health food stores nationwide and at Organii online.

Our hands are exposed to the elements daily, so to help keep dry, cracked, and irritated skin at bay, this new organic hand cream by ORGANii is a definite must have handbag essential.

This hand cream is lightweight, fast absorbing and non-greasy, making it ideal for all year-round use. It is also certified COSMOS natural by the Soil Association and certified vegan by The Vegan Society.

The hand cream contains organic sweet almond oil and organic calendula flower extract which both helps to nourish, soothe, and protect dry or sensitive hands from environmental influences.

Beauty June 5, 2018

#CocoBeauty: 5 Organic Haircare Products To Try This Summer

Let’s talk organic haircare and our current faves from #TeamCoco.

This summer we are all about taking the organic option and including it into our beauty regime, from the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes. We’re smitten with all things organic in the world.

Starting from the top, we have put together a little list of 5 organic haircare products we think are worth trying out this summer because they’re simply gorgeous.

But, why are we all going crazy for organic beauty products? Well it’s simple really; organic products are kinder to the environment, they are kinder to our skin, they are naturally produced and not chemically engineered, and they contain natural ingredients that have been around for centuries – proving that old wives tales and ancient methods of making beauty products at home have stood the test of time.

We’ve chosen three products from Shea Moisture and two products from Lavera to highlight below, both producers are famed for their organic haircare products.

1. Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Almond Milk, Smooth & Tame Shampoo (Cleanse & Hydrate).

This best-selling US haircare range helps to combat unruly frizz and flyaways, while protecting hair against thermal damage caused by heat styling. The Smooth & Tame collection is ideal for all hair types and textures including wavy, fine, frizzy and straight hair. Priced at £10.99 from Boots.

2. Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Almond Milk, Smooth & Tame Conditioner (Soften & Detangle).

Formulated with certified organic, natural and fair trade ingredients, including marshmallow extract and shea butter, the new Smooth & Tame line of cult products offers a natural solution to control frizz without weighing hair down. Priced at £10.99 from Boots.

3. Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Almond Milk, Smooth & Tame Blow Out Créme.

Lightweight argan oil combines with almond milk to smooth and tame frizz, sealing hair cuticles against humidity, while softening, smoothing and adding vibrant luster. Perfect for the great British weather, which can wreak havoc on our manes. Priced at £10.99 from Boots.

4. Lavera Organic Rose & Pea Protein, Repair & Care Shampoo.

Lavera Organic Shampoo nourishes and strengthens dry, damaged and stressed hair. Organic rose combined with the protein rich plant keratin complex found in this caring shampoo keeps your hair looking smooth and sleek. Priced at £6.95 from Lavera.

5. Lavera Organic Rose & Pea Protein, Repair & Care Conditioner.

This organic conditioner filled with pea protein hydrates, smoothes and gives excellent volume to all hair types. Priced at £6.95 from Lavera.

Beauty May 23, 2018

#CocoBeauty: 3 Minutes With MysticTan

With temperatures rising in the UK and then dropping straight back down again, its proving impossible to build a little colour before the sun goes into hiding again. In the past #TeamCoco have delved into self-tanning and we all have our favourites in that department but with holiday and wedding season on the horizon, it’s more than likely than not, that our legs, arms and other bits may be on show, so self-tanning isn’t always ideal.

That’s why MysticTan has become our game changer. In just 3 minutes you are able to develop a full body tan to your personal preference.

A personalised experience from which you select your level of tan, your mixer and your scent, pop into the booth and in 3 minutes, voila, you’ve been basking on a beach!

When selecting your level of bronze, you can select from Luminous Light (1-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone), Magical Medium (2-4 shades darker) and Dazzling Dark (3-5 shades darker), I opted for medium, as I already have a slight bronzed base so light wouldn’t show and dark would take me to a whole new level of tan.

The customisation doesn’t stop there, you then select your ‘myxers’ these fall into three categories; Bronzers, Accelerators and Scents, of which you can select up to five.

Bronzers are available in a variety of shades to personalise the undertone of your tan, from Mocha-Kyssed (warm-bronze, giving a classic tan), Sun-Kyssed (warm-brown with red undertones; day in the sun look), Honey-Kyssed (warm-brown with golden undertones for a glowing tan) and Island-Kyssed (cool brown with violet undertones for a deep exotic tan), considering my base tan and first choice, I was advised to choose Mocha-Kyssed to really enhance my natural skin tone.

Accelerators are there to either balance the skins pH for a deeper darker tan, to see results in less than 2 hours, to help reduce free-radical damage and environmental stress or to hydrate and moisturise skin.

Finally the last ‘myxer’ is scent, to most people, the most important aspect, choose from; fresh, coconut lime, sport or warm vanilla; I chose Warm Vanilla because if I want to smell anything after a tan it’s vanilla, so I can imagine I’m actually sunning it up in warmer climes.

After being well advised and feeling satisfied with my choices, I removed all jewellery, make up and wiped were any deodorant or perfume may be and applied the barrier cream supplied to dry areas (feet, hands, cuticles, elbows and shoulders). I then changed into the ever flattering paper knickers, hair net provided and sticker soles, which you stick to your feet to avoid any tan on your feet for an even more natural look.

Simply press the ‘Get Started’ button and hop into the booth. The system will warm up for you and start speaking to you, instructing you through the super simple two steps (no Mississippi’s needed). Once you have tanned both sides the booth even dries you so you don’t have to worry about feeling wet/sticky or smudging your tan. When you step out, you’re done, tanned, with no sun damage, can get dressed immediately and carry on with your day!

What surprised me most is there is not a glimpse of orange in sight due to break-through technology and an ‘anti-orange’ complex, which also helps avoid streaks and build ups. There is also no false tan smell, thanks to the tan being formulated with D-Odor 200™ which eliminates the self-tan odor and the choice of adding your own scent in, which honestly I didn’t believe but it’s true. Their products are also cruelty, gluten and paraben free as they are formulated with professional-grade ingredients; this also makes them non-comedogenic so they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

I travelled home via the District Line with no make-up as my skin looked fresh and even and not a worry in the world about smelling like false tan. I was consciously aware of my tan becoming darker as the hours passed and my tan line before bed was goals. When I woke up this morning well, I’ll admit I panicked, I was an unnatural level of dark, however a quick shower resolved all that. Entering the office this morning, I was told I look like I did when I returned from a week in Mexico last summer…! Natural, suited to my skin tone, with a subtle glow; I’m a MysticTan convert!

So if you’re looking for a place that you can feel confident in achieving your desired tan, head to MysticTan which is available in salons nationwide and costs between £15-£20, so perfect pricing for any events coming up or for even just a little pick-me-up!