Smoothskin Gold IPL 12 week trial

Quite a while ago (3 months ago actually) I went to a Bloggers Ball. Now at this Bloggers Ball I met a wonderful range of people. Friends, brands and the usual. But one in particular stood out for me, and I was lucky enough to have been working with these guys over the past 12 weeks on a 12 week trial. I’m talking about SmoothSkin and their very popular hair removal device. So continue reading if you want to find out all about my Smoothskin Gold IPL 12 week trial…

smoothskin-ipl-12-week-trial-4

I want to tell you a little bit about SmoothSkin. You can check out their website here and follow them on Twitter here. So how does the device work? So the IPL device uses intense pulse light technology to disable your hair follicle and prevent regrowth. Of course this doesn’t happen overnight which is why I’ve been doing a 12 week trial and the results are just fantastic. The SmoothSkin Gold is so simple and easy to use- you can use the glide mode on large areas like your legs, or single pulse for areas like your underarms or your bikini line.

smoothskin-ipl-12-week-trial-5

smoothskin-ipl-12-week-trial-8

Before starting my Smoothskin Gold IPL 12 week trial I read all the instructions and the manual cover to cover to make sure that I understood how it worked. Unfortunately this doesn’t work on extremely dark skin and is not recommended for red, grey or extremely light hair follicles becuase they can’t absorb the light treatment safely. It is perfect for brunettes and for those with dark hair like me.

smoothskin-ipl-12-week-trial-6

There is a little light up bar system on the side of the device telling you if the area of skin is suitable. It’s best to hold it flat down instead of at an angle to make sure the target area is as good as possible. Once ready you look away as to not get flashed in the eyes (as that’s dangerouss!) and you push the button, et voila! Piece of cake. My legs usually take me ten mins to do, and bikini/underarms a matter of minutes so it’s easy to work it into a routine once a week.

smoothskin-ipl-12-week-trial

Now I know you have probably seen a lot of people on TV getting laser hair removal and they are in a lot of pain. SmoothSkin Gold really isn’t that painful at all. You can control how intense you’d like the device to work as there is a soft mode too, but other than being a little warm for a split second, that’s it. There were no tears and no putting me off using this brilliant machine- and the results are just great. Before my 12 week trial I would shave my legs every time I washed my hair, so every 3-4 days. Now I’m finding myself not being able to remember the last time I picked up a razor for my legs which is amazing. My thicker hair on my underarms and bikini line is also improved, though the best results are by far with my legs.

I’m so happy to say goodbye to my unwanted hair after my 12 week trial, now I’ll be taking a break and seeing if my hair manages to stay away for my wedding next month!

smoothskin-ipl-12-week-trial-2

If you’d like to try the SmoothSkin Gold for yourself, take a look at the website and see what happens after 12 weeks! Price wise the device ranges from £249-£299.

Saharasplash x

Thanks for reading! Why not check out something fashion related next? My London Fashion Week diaries is just waiting for you!

PR sample

London Fashion Week Day Five

Woohoo we made it to day five! Or rather I did haha! I think I saved my best look till last as a lot of thought went into this outfit inspired by Harley Quinn. For those of you who have experienced fashion week you will know when I say how much hard work it is. I mean I’m still covering it and we are now in October! It’s not just about the shows, it’s about you, your friends, making new contacts and above all having a good time. So that’s why it is so important to not overdo it, to not try and go to absolutely everything because it’s just not possible. Choose smart and whatever happens, wear flats on the last day! Here is London Fashion Week Day Five for you…

My Outfit

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

My outfit number five consists of a custom made Harley Quinn jacket (because I just had to!) and I ‘m wearing ripped denim shorts and a dark red bralette/choker set from Boohoo. My bag as ever is by the fantastic brand Today I’m Me. I want to thank Today I’m Me for helping make each outfit look so great and it’s always a pleasure working with my favourite bag boutique!

Little Extras

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

These stunning earrings are by Roz Buehrlen, a British designer who is based in Kent. These are Gold Swallow earrings which also come in silver too. I think this adds something a little extra to the look but still manages to maintain its concept.

Catwalk Highlights

Fun Affair

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Fun Affair was such a great show. We had lots of variety and I got the best views from the front row. I would definitely use the caption ‘woke up like this’ to describe this show. It was effortless dishelvement as clothes were put on backwards with bralette on top of a crisp white shirt- I’ve actually seen this out and about recently so very on trend! It was mix and match but done very stylishly and I could see that a lot of thought had gone into each look.

David Ferreira

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

These last ones came out a little dark so apologies for that. Lighting isn’t always something that can be counted on for a fashion show especially as the music and light work together to reflect the mood of the designs. David Ferreira was absolutely worth the wait and I didn’t care that I didn’t have a seat either. For me this season reminded me of the inspirational Lady Gaga so much. The powerful message to ‘break free from your stereotype’ along with some exquisite garments really stuck wth me and I think that Gaga would definitely rock any one of these looks.

Saharasplash x

Thank you so much for reading my five part fashion series, to catch up on the previous posts just click here

PR Samples included

The truth about wedding planning

So I made sure that I cleared my blogging schedule this week as tomorrow is the official start of fashion week. I wanted to do something that I never have any time to do, so this is all very new and exciting. I wanted to post something a bit different to the usual reviews and events that I normally do. This post is based on the truth about wedding planning- my truth on the whole thing! I hope that my five truths offer some important insight for those brides and grooms to be and I want to say that I support all of you out there planning right this very second, I know what you’re going through…
the-truth-about-wedding-planning-7

1- There will never be enough time

I have a very good friend who has just tied the knot who will help back me up on this one! This is such a key truth about wedding planning I think. My blogger friend Merrell-Ann was engaged well before I was, and she had been planning her wedding (which happened last weekend!) for well over a year. I got engaged this May and have had just under 7 months, yet we both agree that the time just seemed to disappear on us. The truth about wedding planning is that you can plan as much as you like in advance, yet when it comes down to those final few weeks before you will be saying to yourself, ‘why didn’t I do this sooner?!’. But that’s ok, we are only human, we all have lives and filled up schedules to juggle every single day and adding a wedding to this just creates a paradox of delightful chaos. My advice here is to just accept that you probably won’t have everything ready months in advance, there will be something to panic over two days before and that’s acceptable!
the-truth-about-wedding-planning-5

2- Learn to listen to your family (to a certain extent)

Learning to accept comments and advice from friends and family members has been by far the hardest part of getting engaged for me. I am a naturally headstrong person and so as soon as I hear the words ‘have you thought about…’ I automatically tend to put on my game face and get ready to argue the hell out of my POV. Even though it is technically ‘you and your fiancées’ wedding, it also doesn’t hurt to listen to advice and suggestions from others. Your loved ones aren’t trying to take over, even though it may seem that way. I guess what I have learnt from starting to listen to my family is that they may come up with ideas that don’t totally suck! I may have even taken a few of them on board, though I’ll never admit what they were!
the-truth-about-wedding-planning-4

3- There are always going to be some things that just aren’t possible

This is another big truth about wedding planning. We are all guilty of dreaming about our weddings years (some even decades) before that vital question is popped. And of course we all like to dream big. Whether it’s a hundred white doves on a paradise beach island or a wedding in your local church, I’m sure that you have dreamed about very specific details from the big day. And when it comes to the realisation that you can actually start to purchase bridal magazines without feeling guilty about it, you might want to start discussing your ideas with your partner. Budget obviously plays a huge part in decision making, and I have certainly had to learn the hard way that I just can’t get Muse to play at our wedding like I’d always dreamed! Even though your big day may not involve rock stars, this most certinly does not mean that you have to forgo all the dreams. You can find your way around it, like finding a tribute band instead. I attended a wedding this summer where the Foo Fighters tribute band was so amazing, I really felt like I was rocking out to Dave Grohl as I closed my eyes and jumped up and down singing!
the-truth-about-wedding-planning-2

4- Compromising with your fiance is easier than you think

I know this one sounds like an odd truth, but I’ve definitely found that since getting engaged Paul and I are master compromisers! If we have different opinions on colour schemes or vows we always seem to find a way to keep each other happy. We have naturally been more loving towards one another and I think a lot of newly engaged couples have this to look forward to. You know that you are about to make a big commitment, so all those petty things that got you angry before don’t seem to matter as much. It’s an exciting time, and the truth is that you both know it! You want to make each other happy, and so this just naturally happens- hooray!
the-truth-about-wedding-planning-6

5- Someone will know that one person you need

It doesn’t hurt to do a little investigating with your friends and family on who they may have in their contact book. I know that several of my friends have come in really handy. Things like finding a local coach service and giving me names and numbers for caterers and chair hire. Whether your venue is all inclusive of these things or not, you may find yourself in need of a violinist and your cousin just happens to know of one! So don’t be afraid to ask around and talk a few wedding details among friends and family, chances are that someone will know that one person you need!
the-truth-about-wedding-planning-3
I hope that this has helped/ inspired you some way, and that you now know the truth about wedding planning! Leave a comment below if you have any more truths to add!

 

Saharasplash X

 

Photos taken from The Wedding Fair at London Excel centre

 

Want to read more wedding-related posts? I’ve got one all about a couples spa day here!

Couples Retreat to Thai Square Spa

Once more I find myself back at the ever popular Thai Square Spa near Charing Cross. I am putting a new spin on things this time however and writing up a couples retreat to Thai Square Spa! It’s just 67 days to the big day (the wedding for my newer readers) and so I really wanted to do something with my husband to be to take us out of the busy schedule we are both dealing with at the moment.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I think it’s really important that you never lose sight of your relationship. Just because you are engaged to be married does not mean that you can’t date anymore and do the things you used to do. I also think that it can be really easy to get caught up in all the planning, it’s a great idea to take a day out to forget about the planning and have a nice relaxing time, just the two of you.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Thai Square Spa offers so much for all couples looking to destress from any situation, especially wedding- related ones!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I had a signature hand massage which was just heavenly. It’s an hour treatment which involves a delightful pampering all the way from your fingertips and up your arm. The scrub created a great sensation as it was rubbed into my hands and arms. The masseuse then washed the breads off and painted on a cooling paste before wrapping my hands and forearms up and sealed them in those wonderful bags which helps to lock in the heat and minerals. My treatment also involved the most fantastic head massage at the end too!

The facilities are just so relaxing, I could sit with a magazine and the signature Thai Square tea for hours. It also gave Paul and I the chance to just enjoy each other’s company side by side, just a little chit chat, no complexities.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Our couples retreat to Thai Square Spa was just what we needed and this is easily my favourite spa in London. I’d really advise you to take a trip there with your special someone and just let Thai square do its magic! Go explore, get pampered, have fun!

 

Bikini: To Dive For

 

Saharasplash x

Top 5 Bridal Fragrances

I cannot begin to fathom how it’s now into double digits until my wedding day. It has been a very short engagement, announcing to everyone only at the start of June but time seems to be creeping closer and closer now to the big day. Now that time really is of the essence, I’m going to be ringing those wedding bells and kicking things off with a post all about my top 5 bridal fragrances brought to you from The Perfume Shop. The Perfume Shop is the best place to go when looking for something special. They have branches all around the UK and you know you will be spolit for choice when shopping in their stores or online.  I’ve hand picked 5 delicious scents that you simply must go and sample.

Top 5 Bridal Fragrances-10 Top 5 Bridal Fragrances-2 Top 5 Bridal Fragrances

1: Black Opium Nuit Blanche by Yves Saint Laurent

Top 5 Bridal Fragrances-5

I absolutely loved Black Opium when it first came out, and now there is Nuit Blanche- its smokey vanilla twin. Choose this EDP by YSL if you want to smell as good as your wedding cake!

2: Dolce Rosa Excelsa by Dolce and Gabbana

Top 5 Bridal Fragrances-3

Dolce is perfect for those wanting a really lovely floral scent on their wedding day. It’s a classic choice for a classic bride and you’ll be coming up roses with this perfume.

3: Narciso by Narciso Rodriguez

Top 5 Bridal Fragrances-4

Take Narciso as my wild card in my top 5 bridal fragrances. This gem is quite exotic and so may be perfect for those getting married abroad. Think sensual jasmine by a moonlit lake, bottle it and this is Narciso!

4: Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture

Top 5 Bridal Fragrances-7

Juicy Couture have had some fabulous scents over the years but this one is just divine. This classy and playful fragrance will definitely leave its mark as you move close to your newly beloved for that first dance.

5: Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf

Top 5 Bridal Fragrances-6

Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf is a brand new discovery of mine and I am in LOVE! It is so light and floaty that you will just wear it all day long without having to feel overpowering or concious that you’re going to cause a sneezing chain in your front row of guests! It is floral but also musky- maybe for those indecisive brides?!

So now you’ve seen my top 5 bridal fragrances! Which one would you pick? Have you tried any of these or do you have any other reccommendations for us brides to be? I’ll be keeping my choice a secret until the big day, mostly because I haven’t made up my mind yet on which one I’m going for!

Top 5 Bridal Fragrances-8

Saharasplash x

Stick around for one last read, I guarantee you’ll learn some new things about me in my previous post!

 

PR Samples

SHARE:
Comments Off on Top 5 Bridal Fragrances

Garden Party Essentials Luscombe Drinks

Us Brits don’t have much luck with our weather, and it can change from day to day no matter what time of the year we are in. This is why when the sun comes out we need to take the opportunity and make the most of it, which is exactly what I did recently! Paul and I went to visit his parents to discuss all things wedding related, and so I thought it was the perfect time to take a collection of Luscombe Drinks with me and do a little shoot in the garden. The flowers were in full bloom and the sun was high in the sky. These drinks are a definite must for your garden party essentials this summer!

DSC_0557I am a big fan of Luscombe Drinks as they have some wonderful flavours which you don’t see in your regular supermarkets – take the Damascene Rose Bubbly for instance:

DSC_0565This drink is non-alcoholic and is made with Muscat grape juice and organic Damascene rose water. It is the perfect garden party essential if you have a younger crowd or those who would prefer a lovely non-alcoholic beverage. This is my go-to favourite out of the Luscombe Drinks! Next up is a classic Sicilian Lemonade:

DSC_0575

This is a still lemonade which will have your thirst quenched even on the hottest of days. I love the sweetness of this drink which contains organic raw cane sugar, a better choice than plain lemon squash! Moving onto something fizzy and fruity- Strawberry Crush!

DSC_0580

I love this flavour so much, it is an absolute must for a quintessentially English garden party. Even with Wimbledon over, we are still craving the strawberries all summer long and this is how you can make sure that all your guests are strawberry satisfied! Last but certainly not least is a dainty number called Wild Elderflower Bubbly:

DSC_0573

This is also another carbonated option and has a lovely subtle taste of elderflower and lemon. I’m such a lover of elderflower in drinks, and you could mix this up with a touch of prosecco too just to make all the difference if you are toasting to health and happiness.

DSC_0594 DSC_0619 DSC_0618 DSC_0654 DSC_0664 DSC_0670 DSC_0587

Luscombe Drinks are available from Abel and Cole and Riverford Organic Farms and you can contact them directly here: [email protected]

I hope that you’ll give Luscombe Drinks a try when hosting a garden party or an event this summer, and there are many more drinks to the range which you can find on their website here

Saharasplash x

Thanks for reading, find my latest post on beauty and mermaids here!

 

PR Sample