Glasgow Reviewed; Fixing pigmentation with La Belle Forme

Around 18 months ago I posted about my amazing experience at La Belle Forme in Glasgow. A couple of sessions with these guys and the hyper pigmentation and melasma that I had long suffered with was lasered away and the results have continued to blow my mind. My results post also happens to be my most popular of all time and the one I get emails and questions about regularly and with so many people wanting to know how it was I thought I would link back to how laser treatments were my saviour.  I had tried numerous creams and treatments before finding La Belle Forme and it would have saved me a fortune if I had known the kind of treatment that might actually work, so I wanted to highlight for readers who might not have seen it before, might be in the same position and are not sure where to even start trying to clear something like this.

my skin before any lasers and a snap taken a couple of months ago ( pre infection scars currently)

I had suffered for a few years of darkening spots on my  skin ( due mainly to the contraceptive pill) and they had slowly but surely really affected my confidence as the darker patches took over the majority of my face and were harder and harder to cover. I had no idea just how much it was bothering me really until after my laser treatments- my skin was so much clearer and my confidence took a massive spike that I hadn’t really been expecting.  The whole process although slightly painful ( but over quickly and completely manageable), only requires a very small amount of down time and really provides lasting results that I am still so thankful for now.

my skin before any lasers and a snap taken a couple of months ago ( pre infection scars currently)

The kind of results these guys can help achieve has been on my mind a lot recently since my confidence has once again taken a tumble, still skin related but this time the result of some returning adult acne and an unfortunate couple of infections on my skin that has left me with a large number of pink fresh scars. I am now looking at options to try and correct these and will definitely be heading in to hear their professional opinions of the smartest way to tackle these new frustrating problems. I know I am not alone in suffering from these problems given the amount of tweets and emails I have had when discussing spots on social media! The attitude and approach of the team at La Belle Forme has had such a lasting effect on me that when looking to find someone I trust to point me in the right direction, I haven't had to think twice. The atmosphere they have created in  their Merchant City clinic is a credit to the health and beauty scene in Scotland and I can’t wait to head in and catch up with the lovely team.

My Universkin serums

If you haven't already caught my review of my consultation experience with Universkin at the La Belle Forme Clinic in Glasgow- then you catch it here. Getting to watch my own tailor made serums being mixed for me was a really exciting experience and I couldn't wait to get them home to get going with using them. Following my skincare questionnaire I was given both an AM and PM serum to use, each one was labelled up with the ingredients chosen for me and my therapist went through how best to use them.

My AM serum was mixed with L-Ascorbic acid ( vitamin C) alongside Ferulic acid which I was delighted to have chosen for me as I have actually seen fantastic results using Ferulic before and I am always on the hunt for Vitamin C based products generally.

And my PM serum utilises Phytic acid, Arbutine and B3 and between the two serums we were looking to lighten any scarring pigmentation, keep my skin clear and also work on brightening and hydrating too.

Housed in small, secure bottles with a thin top, the Universkin serum is a milky texture that is not too runny but not at all thick and unspreadable. The bottle is perfectly designed so that you simply squeeze the tip to dispense the perfect dot on your fingertips ( I find 3 or 4 does my whole face) and then tap it across the skin. Due to the very active ingredients, the serum has no added perfumes and smells 'clinical'. This isn't a bad smell at all and is actually a scent I prefer as I would rather forgo synthetic florals for something that is actually working for my skin.  I love how simple and clean and unwasteful it is to use, never mind handily portable in a small, sturdy bottle. I quickly got used to how best to apply and have been using both serums for six weeks and been really happy with the results.

You are advised to use your products within 6 weeks of receiving them, as Universkin believe just like you wouldnt drink 6 week old orange juice, neither should you apply old vitamin C to your face and I found my serums lasted around 6 weeks anyway with daily use. In this time my skin definately calmed down considerably from the spottier phase it was in when I started which was perfect for me just going on holiday. It left me skin with a lovely texture and was definitely helped brighten the dullness that I suffer from while leaving it really soft and hydrated at the same time.  I loved the process of putting the serum together and think the idea of then going back for a new supply means you can actually change or tweak your potion due to what your skin needs now is absolutely genius. For my skin concerns I know that I would need to refill my skin prescription to see continued lightening of my scarring but seeing how the serums have helped in other areas and knowing the reliable and proven ingredients that are being used, I know I will continue to see changes.

My well loved empties!

For anyone looking to start using more results driven ingredients on their skin this is the ideal way to start out and means you don't have to think about only treating one of your skin complaints at once. As always the La Belle Forme team are incredibly knowledgeable about the products they stock and are amazing at answering any questions and giving you their own experience of trying out the serums too.

To book in to create your own bespoke skincare you can contact the clinic on 0141 552 0828

Banton Frameworks Glasses

Much like the excitement that Christmas is coming when I was little, knowing that my order for Banton Frameworks was one day going to show up has been tickling me pink for the last wee while. To bring you up to speed I found these guys through the amazing kickstarter campaign they were running to help them fully launch their incredible range of eye wear. You can read my introduction post to the team behind Banton here.

Since the campaign was successfully funded it was down to me to actually make some decisions of which of the stunning frames on offer I was going to go for and man was that a hard choice. Starting at Frame Style ( adorably all named after British Inventors) I was totally stuck between the slightly cat eye shape of the Clancy and the more thinner and chic Lamont.   Thanks to the incredibly well made App the team have created I could actually 'try' the frames on a picture of me and it really helped me make my decision. Clancy was the man for me. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the app was to use, I have tried various 'simulated try on' functions in the past with websites that have been generally been completely useless and not helped me make a good decision at all, but Banton have done theirs really well.

Next up was my toughest decision was what my actual frame would be made from, I went back and forward over some of the gorgeous colours in the acetate and the quirkiness of the smoked oak but due to my paler colourings I decided the burgundy acetate was going to be a guaranteed winner and it went with the fittings that had really caught my eye. From here you can personalise your choices as far as your own temple fitting and leather colour for the legs which I love as they can really change the over all finished look of  your pair. I thought the rose gold offering for the temple colour was really unique and that it complemented my frame colour perfectly and when I added in the tan leather on the legs the whole package had me really excited.

Given the huge success of their kickstarter campaign I had to wait a wee while to receive my glasses but when all the individual elements are being carefully crafted and pieced together from all over the UK it really is no surprise! With the leather earpieces being cut and stitched in Somerset, the temples being created in Manchester and then all assembled with the frames back in their Lochside workshop here in Scotland, these specs really feel like a journey. I pretty much screamed when a package plonked on my desk out the blue and I realised inside was the stunning silver tin containing my Clancy's, and boy was it worth the wait.

Elegant, beautifully crafted and impeccably stylish- these frames are a total prized piece. I love how they look on, I love the story they tell and I love how different and unique they are for me. The time the duo have taken in developing the processes they combine is evident in the quality of the finished products and they have been outstanding to communicate with throughout the process too. I am absolutely delighted with my frames, they feel insanely comfortable to wear ( I have clearly missed having a nosepad) and think it has been such a fun and unique experience that I wouldn't normally associate with picking glasses. I would definitely recommend checking out the bespoke option Banton are offering for your next pair or even consider giving the opportunity to create their own as a gift- I would love to receive something as special as this!

You can check out the full range of frames here or download the app and try them all on.

Glasgow Reviewed; My first ever Spray Tan with Benefit

Even though I have such a passion for all things beauty related I have never actually tried a spray tan before, I think the now famous Ross from Friends scene must have scarred me growing up and I have just always had this worry that I would end up AN 8!

Panicking post spray about how dark I was turning...

When Benefit moved their boutique into the larger area in House of Fraser and they had the space to offer both waxing and tanning, I knew at some point I would get over my fear and let them take me through it. So with my upcoming holiday being around the corner, I decided it was the perfect time to get a bit of a holiday glow with a tan the day before my flight and I headed in for the Benebabes to show me the ropes.  They use Vita Liberata  for the spray which i have heard Tan fans absolutely rave about thanks to its really natural colour and even though I maybe went a little darker than I needed I have to totally agree with how natural a look it gives.

Turning super dark the night before then healthy glow the next morning 

Being my first go, I did feel a little silly standing in my glamorous paper pants but i was totally put at ease in the room and talked through all the positions to move into in order for a really even and quick application. Apart from being slightly cool ( quite refreshing though) it was all over really quickly and before I knew it I was a fairly deep brown shade all over! A bit of a discussion with the Benebabes before I went in and they felt the medium was the colour for me and I actually got a shock at how dark it was. Perhaps the light might have been better for my first time, although the gang described it as more a glow and not too much colour so this seemed the better idea- I think I just wasn't ready for how dark the application colour of the medium would actually be!

Ready for my flight with my new lovely colour

I had time to let it dry a little bit, which it does super quickly before pulling on my loose clothes to head home where I got the teasing of a lifetime from Ally and my neighbour and I had to laugh along as I felt so funny with it on! I needn't have worried however as come morning, and with really minimal transfer on anything, I had the nicest tan that was super close to what i would usually come home with after a couple of weeks in the sun! It was really nice to jet off with an already lovely colour and it actually made me fuss less about trying to 'get a tan' while I was away which can only be good for my skin. Over the days it blended in nicely with any colour I was picking up and didn't start to go patchy as it went away which was amazing. 

My faux glow next to Ally's pasty arms on the flight

I really enjoyed my first spray tan and It was great to be in the teams capable hands. I would definitely  do it again for holidays or special occasions as I definitely prefer myself with a bit of healthy colour and it is so easy and safe this way. With prices from £20 you just can't go wrong.

Edinburgh Reviewed; The Beauty Lift at The Guerlain Spa

I cannot believe it has been three years since I set eyes on the beautiful Guerlain Spa, nestled in The Caledonian Hotel right in the heart of Edinburgh's City centre. Offering serious luxury to clients, this spa is a truly an indulgent experience that is not to be missed. To celebrate turning 3, the team there have added two fantastic new treatments to their menu to celebrate,  I have had some amazing experiences with Guerlain in these years, so I was super excited to find out more about the latest offerings.

From September, you can choose a new Deep Muscle Relaxation treatment designed to build a stronger body, relax the muscles and calm the mind, or experience a radiant lifted and toned face with The Beauty Lift. I was totally torn between the two as both of them sounded like exactly what I was needing right now- after a year of strength training I have become more in tune with what my body is needing and a massage designed for deep and lasting relaxation sounded ideal. Incorporating Balinese Massage this new treatment sounds completely ideal for sports enthusiasts  or people with particularly busy lives.

But as much as the body treatment sounds like a total dream for me right now I could not forget that without a doubt the most impactful facial treatment I have ever had was here at Guerlain and it  incorporated facial massage that completely transormed my deepest wrinkle concern ( hello frown lines!) and the results lasted for months. So in the battle of new treatments, it had to be The Beauty Lift I went for. Incorporating the anti-aging beauty massage technique that focuses on every facial muscle to target wrinkles and increase microcirculation, this muscle stimulation helps restore volume to areas where it has been lost and your therapist is there to provide you with top  secrets for you to leave with and carry on the newer radiant you at home.

Sound Dreamy? Well I can report it certainly was. As always I was greeted by the friendliest of faces at the Spa and got settled into a comfy robe and chilled out in the relaxation room ( complete with tasty healthy nibbles). My therapist Louise picked me up from here and started the journey by allowing me to select the Guerlain scent I would like used in my treatment. I love this aspect to of the spa as it  really allows you to tailor your treatment to how you are feeling in that moment and for what you want to leave feeling like ( relaxed/energised/soothed) On this visit I was really feeling the masculine scent of Idylle Homme and it was a stunning addition to my treatment to have in the room with me. As with all treatments, you start with a soothing footbath which is perfect for really bringing my focus to the treatment itself and actually relaxing into it. It also gives the therapist time to explain what to expect and answer any questions you might have ( never mind leaving you with lovely soft feet too!)

Feeling wrinkle-free and radiant following the Beauty Lift

The massage itself was absolutely beautiful and incredibly impactful, it is certainly firm in places in order to work the muscles hard but is not actually sore. It takes real skill on the part of the therapist to apply pressure in the right places  that really accentuates the facial contours and work away lines. While a mask works on your skin you are treated to a beautiful arm and shoulder massage ( can also opt for the head) which is then followed by a delightfully cooling application of massage balls to round it all off. The targeted movements used really stretch and relax the face in the most tense areas which was super soothing, I really had no idea how much stress I actually carry in my upper body and this really worked a lot of that away. I was super delighted with the outcome immediately after treatment, just like the first facial I had here that used massage techniques, my deepest frown lines were transformed and my face looked really plump and bright which lasted way after the treatment. If you suffer from particularly sagging skin in any area, I can really only imagine how much firmer skin would feel following this facial workout.

I was on a cloud following The Beauty Lift so I made myself at home back in the relaxation room to enjoy a soothing herbal tea and some fruit while I came back down to earth, it really was a dream way to spend an afternoon ( next time I am definitely also taking advantage of the pool and sauna facilities as they look just gorgeous). These two new treatments are such a good addition to the already impressive  menu at the Guerlain Spa and they are such a fun way to celebrate 3 fantastic years.

To book in with the fab team call 0131 222 8836

Introducing; Predator Nutrition

I am always on the look out for a decent site to order some of my staple treats such as PB2, Walden Farms syrups, and Meridian nut butters, so it is a bonus for me when I find somewhere that stocks them along side good new protein options, supplements like the Fish Oil I use and brands I am used to ordering from the US like Now Nutrition.  Based in Leeds,Predator Nutrition's owner Reggie clearly puts the work in to stocking the site with hard to get health and fitness products that you usually have to pay huge shipping on as well as making sure they are always adding new and upcoming exciting products.

I follow a lot of health and fitness types on instagram and It seems like I can't go a day without seeing some of the US based ones posting pics of delicious sounding Quest Bars and I had been itching to see what all the fuss was about. With a whopping 20g of Protein but only 1g or so ( they all vary slightly) of sugar per bar alongside being gluten free, these certainly looked to be many peoples go to snack of choice or post workout fix but were they actually any good? Lucky for me the Predator Nutrition team sent me a super exciting parcel with a whole load of flavours to try out and so far so tasty! I have only tried a couple of protein style bars before and always been pretty much underwhelmed by their taste, often just chewy and either flavourless or super synthetic sweet tasting. I hadn't found anything that could actually get me looking forward to eating one ( or happy to shell out the £'s for).

Straight off the bat, before I had eve finished reading all the flavours in front of me, I ripped open the strawberry cheesecake option to tuck into. My eagerness means my first go was a little disappointing, it was a nicer flavour than ones I had tried before but it still was a little too chewy and powdery tasting. Colour me disappointed! UNTIL I remembered that on instagram I always see people talking about having them heated and let me tell you that changed everything for me. I got home and cut up the cinnamon swirl option as I knew it would float ally's boat, and with 20 or so seconds in the micro we had a tasty, soft and almost brownie like situation going on that was super tasty, filling, and definitely hit my sweet craving spot. From here on in I have tried them all warm , not heated up is still perfectly fine for a snack on the go but warm actually excites me and has me looking forward to having one after dinner on gym days. The ones I have used so far have been amazing like cookies and cream, peanut butter supreme and  I am in love with the coconut cashew. Next up I am definitely firing into the smores and the cookie dough ones! I am usually a fan of trying to meeting my proten needs in the form of whole food sources as often as possible but often at weekends I find myself not getting enought so these are totally perfect for keeping me going and being a darn tasty snack too. People often eat nowhere near as much protein as they need ( especially if exercising), so these are a fantastic option for meeting those levels easily. At £2.79 a go, they aren't cheap but these fill me up so much better than any other cereal bar I would usually be swayed by and if buying in boxes on the site you can get them for nearer £2 each, plus I would always keep my eyes peeled for deals.

With my whole workout in mind, the team also sent me some sachets of Optimum Nutrition Pre -Workout  powder to try which I am surprised to say seem to make a difference for me. I had my reservations but so far this has helped me with my workouts, very possibly due to the caffeine content ( alongside  creatine and B vitamins)and that I hit the gym pretty early in the morning. These have made me feel far more alert and up for working hard, and I have actually managed PB's  the first day I tried it so  it has been an interesting experiment for me. 

Predator Nutrition has been a really useful find for me getting most of my goodies from one site and is well worth checking out, I love that they stock a decent mix of products and brands and I am a fan of the loyalty points system too. Now if I could just get Reggie to stock my favourite liquid stevias I would be all set!

If you are interested in trying out Quest Bars I just noticed they are selling some short dated stock right now so you could pick up a mixed box of flavours for £16.99 or a few flavours for only 11.99 which is a fab deal, I have just ordered my next bundle ( which arrrived the next day!) and I happened to notice the handy code QUEST10 will get you 10% off that too- bargain! If you take advantage of the handy deal would love you to use my refferer code at the checkout 6650028 and I earn a few of those loyalty points to my next order. Happy Healthy Shopping!