BEST FACIAL EVER!

Last week I was treated to a REN Radiance Express Facial at the Modus PR press day, it took about 10 mins (but felt like 30) and it was literally the best facial I’ve ever had, seeing results straight away!

This particular facial is designed to enhance naturally happy, healthy skin; and that it did! I was asked what my skin felt like at the moment and I went for the word “lifeless” – so he went for the Radiance products to boost my skins inner glow. The treatment lifts and tones the underlying muscles and release tension while reducing the appearance of expression creases. My skin was exfoliated (Micro Polish Cleanser), masked (Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask), serumed (Radiance Perfection Serum) and moisturised (Vita-Mineral Day Cream); and it felt absolutely fantastic after! I couldn’t believe it when I looked in the mirror, my skin was literally glowing and looked so (dare I say it) clean! I was later given the products to take home and use myself so I can have the perfect clean glow all summer.

This facial (REN Glow and Go) was also being done at the REN pop-up in Selfridges, which I’m told should be back some point this month but I’ll keep you posted. I strongly advise you go check it out when it does pop back up again!

HOW TO GET RIHANNA’S HAIRSTYLE

More than her hip thrusts or super-sexy wardrobe choices, Rihanna is known for her ever-changing hair colour. From fiery red to whitish blond, the pop princess redefines herself at every whim, transforming herself into the Madonna of her generation. But how does she keep her tresses so touchably soft and healthy with frequent hair colour sessions? Read on to find out how to get Rihanna’s hairstyle.

Hair colouring how-to

If you have dark strands like Rihanna, then achieving extra bright tones can be a bit of a challenge. It usually requires more chemical processing, which can be damaging to hair if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to protect your hair instead of using  a lace wig after you colour it, though. Here are the best five tips for maintaining coloured hair.

1. Condition, condition, condition! This is a must-do for anyone who desires healthy hair, but it is especially important for those who have chosen to colour. Permanent and semi-permanent dyes especially work by altering the makeup of each hair molecule with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which can make each strand more liable to break or dry out. However, conditioning your hair can help restore some of the moisture that was lost in the process of colouring and make those strands more flexible. A product like John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner, for example, can add body and shine to freshly-coloured locks when used once a week.

2. Try a colour-enhancing shampoo. If you’ve ever shuddered at the thought of your very expensive (or very time-consuming) colour process running down the drain as you shampoo, try a colour-enhancing shampoo formulated specifically to help you maintain your colour for longer. You may also want to consider shampooing less often. This will not only help you preserve the integrity of your colour but also keep your hair from becoming too dry from the sulphate that is often found in shampoos.

3. Be protective of your newly coloured locks. This means staying away from chlorine and saltwater, especially! If you enjoy a good beach day or lounging by the pool, you may want to just dip your toes instead of going for a swim. And remember to wear a stylish but protective wide-brimmed fedora to protect your vulnerable locks from sun damage.

4. Stay close to home with your hair colour. Rihanna’s red-hot styles are fun to duplicate, but even she takes a break now and then from hair colouring. Remember to give your hair a reprieve by rocking your natural colour from time to time. And when you’re ready to switch your look up again, consider getting a colour that’s closer to your natural tone or opting for partial highlights instead.

5. Be careful with the curling iron. A new colour can be the perfect catalyst for a new style as well, but be extra careful with tools that emit heat such as the blow dryer and straighteners. Keep these styling tools on a lower setting so that you don’t cause heat damage to your hair when it’s more susceptible than usual because of colour, and use a heat protecting product like John Frieda Style Creator Heat-Activated Styling Spray. And try out your natural waves or curls one day to give your hair a respite from all that stress.

Now that you have the goods on how to get Rihanna’s style, you’re ready to wow everyone you know with a celeb-inspired look.

CULT SKINCARE BRAND REN LAUNCH FIRST SHORT FILM

To mark their 11th anniversary, the originators of clean skincare REN launch their first short film.

Even though it’s well known by industry professionals and skin care enthusiasts, REN has always been slightly under the radar. While preserving their unpretentious and non-flashy approach to beauty, their new short film is set to introduce the brand to a wider audience.

Shot in a Swedish fjord and set to an Alison Krauss track, the film avoids all the typical unapproachable images of airbrushed beauty which in today’s market is quite refreshing!

We at Freak Deluxe love it, but have a look and see for yourself! To view the 18+ uncut film go here.

OMBRE NAILS – DO OR DONT?

There are few trends that we can say apply to both fashion and beauty; the ombré trend has filtered through from clothes, to hair, and now nails. I already tried and tested out the ombré hair with a box of Swartzkopf XXL platinum, I then took it a step further with the extensions! I’ve taken it to my fingertips and tested the new trend out on my own nails. Choosing colours from white to black added a leopard print overlay.

From l-r: Licorice – Essie; Mushroom – Models Own; Cloud – Topshop; Misty Grey – Models Own; Purity – Zoya

Other colour ways to test out are below:

From l-r: Pirate – Chanel; Red Hot Tamale, One Perfect Coral, Tropical Temptation – Revlon; Peach Sherbet – Models Own

From l-r: OPI On Collins Ave, Hot & Spicy, In My Back Pocket, The “IT” Colour – OPI; Lemonade – Orly

From l-r: Emerald City – Revlon; Pretty Edgy – Essie; Spring Green – Barry M; Spring Mews – Nails Inc; Hey! Get in Lime – OPI

From l-r: Violetta – No7; Funky Dunkey – OPI; Lilac Dream – Models Own; Parma Violet – Topshop; Purity – Zoya

Will you be testing out the ombré trend on your nails?

NEW ADDITIONS TO BEETLEJUICE COLLECTION!

After the phenomenal sell-out success of the Models Own BEETLEJUICE range, growing demands for a Spring Summer update have been answered with three brand-new beautiful shades!! The new Beetlejuice polishes are inspired by the colours of a hot summer haze, mimicking a mirage of complex colour-shifting shades to produce these shimmering duo chrome colours.

Each bottle contains four pearlescent colours mixed into one gleaming polish for an optimum high finish. Launching online and in Boots from this month and also in a unique box set available only at Models Own’s new Westfield Bottleshop opening in April, the collection consists of three brand new shades – Copper Pot, a deep olive tan; Tropical Sun, a glistening sunset and Indian Ocean, a calming iridescent blue with soft pink undertones.  Designed to compliment any outfit, Models Own’s latest collection is the perfect accessory for the spring/summer wardrobe, offering unique colour combinations that are all ultra wearable. Available from 19th March at £5 each from Boots and www.modelsownit.com