HOW TO… AT HOME MANI/PEDI

I’ve been doing my own nails for most of my life, I worked in a boutique nail salon for a couple of years when I was younger and have mani/pedi/acrylic-ed my nails myself ever since. About 2 years ago I stopped the acrylic overlays due to my nails becoming extremely dry and brittle, since then I’ve given myself a mani/pedi every couple of weeks and my nails have come on leaps and bounds! Here’s a How To… to get your nails right, at home.

1. Remove any old nail polish using a nail polish remover that’s kind to your nails i.e. for brittle nails, soft nails, nourishing, etc.

2. Apply Orly Cutique to the cuticles, leaving it for 30-60 seconds

3. Push cuticles back using a cuticle pusher or an orange stick

4. Clip cuticles using cuticle clipper (you can use the curved scissors but I much prefer using the clippers, so much easier)

5. Shape the free edge of your nail, then rinse hands thoroughly

6. Apply a coat of Orly Top 2 Bottom to each nail

7. Apply two even coats of your desired colour to each nail, on this occasion I’m going to use Hidden Treasure from Topshop

8. Follow up with a coat of Orly Top 2 Bottom, then apply a coat of Orly In A Snap quick dry top coat to each nail

9. Marvel at your deliciously manicured nails!!!

Follow this routine every two weeks and you’ll have wonderful natural nails in no time!

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!

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?

AGENT PROVOCATEUR INTRODUCES NEW FRAGRANCES

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Last Thursday cult lingerie label Agent Provocateur unveiled their three new fragrances to be launched later this year.

The new range is a lighter, more modern twist on their existing perfumes.
Agent Provocateur ‘Eau Provocateur’, Agent Provocateur L’Agent ‘Eau Provocateur’ and Agent Provocateur Maitresse ‘Eau Provocateur’ still capture the essence of their respective Eau de Parfums while being more on the subtle, playful side and therefore perfect for daytime wear.

The ‘Eau Provocateur’ Collection will be available from 15th April 2012 in selected department stores and retails at £39 per 50ml bottle of Eau de Toilette.

WRITTEN BY: PHILIPP UEBERFELLNER