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Beauty

iS Clinical with Alison Clarke, Southwold

Alison Clarke is a qualified Nurse Prescriber, based in Southwold, Suffolk. She has over 35 years experience in her field beginning her career training at Hertford County Hospital. Expanding her knowledge as a nurse in the Royal Navy, Alison went on to gain a wealth of experience working in prominent London hospitals: The Westminster, St James’ and Queen Mary’s.

​​Throughout the entirety of her career, Alison has developed a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of medicine and general care. Vaccinating several generations of newborn babies, children and adults, she has built up a firm reputation as a trusted family nurse.

Following the demand for pain free, cosmetic procedures Alison is now specialising in aesthetic and skin treatments. Starting her self titled clinic in December 2016, Alison has created home practices in both Stevenage and Southwold, ensuring a relaxing and welcoming environment for her clients.

​Alison is fully registered with the NMC and insured by Hamilton Fraser.

Offering a range of treatments from aesthetics to skin, Alison also recommends various professional skincare systems to use. One of which is iS Clinical, which I have been using for purpose of review.

If, like me you are pretty obsessive over looking after your skin all months of the year, keen to use a high SPF to protect your skin to its maximum; you will really love this product. A great cream to use under make-up as its matt and great for holidays and prolonged periods in the sun to decrease the risk of skin cancers and early signs of ageing.

This product is so great for that burst of hydration, a spritz suitable for the face and neck. Such a joy to refresh with, especially lovely in the months where your skin requires that hydration fix, defending against those visual signs of aging, whilst smoothing and firming.

    Alison’s Coastal clinic is based at Alison’s home in Southwold, Suffolk. Offering clients treatments in the privacy of her home in an informal yet clinical environment. The clinic runs once a fortnight with weekday appointments available upon request. There is free parking.

    Please email alisonmclarke@icloud.com or visit the contact page via her website for appointments and product information. All initial consultations are free of charge.

    Have a great afternoon and happy skincare!

    Emily x

    *Products were gifted for purpose of review.

    Beauty

    Vitalumiere Aqua perfecting foundation with Chanel

    When I say I have tried a myriad of foundations I would be underestimating. Isn’t it funny how sometimes the very product that we are using to achieve that flawless complexion can actually worsen or intensify the appearance of our skin complaints? I have, over many years, tried what seems like every conceivable tinted moisturiser / foundation, in a quest to find ‘the one’. A little like a first date with an unknown guy, concerns over whether he will be too smothering or totally underwhelming….

    I have oily skin, I would argue the most frustrating skin type (although we are told we ‘age better’ I’m not so sure that blessing is worth the inconvenience of battling with excess sebum!). I have the common battle of ‘less is more’ in order to pacify ‘Mr Sebum’ but equally I want to achieve that flawless look that all my fiends have. What a conundrum.

    It seems I have found ‘the one’, let me introduce you to Vitalumiere Aqua by Chanel

    I have been using this beautiful product for almost two years now and I honestly can’t rave about it enough. I was first introduced by Emma of ambleandash.com and I haven’t looked back since (she had slightly different problematic skin and couldn’t get enough of this wonderful product)

    Lets talk radiance boosting. Now I have a bad relationship with foundations that feel heavy on the skin and primarily those that mattify the skin within an inch of its life. This product is seriously light weight, almost as a second skin; providing a luminous and energised complexion.

    I apply with a Real Techniques foundation brush

    For daytime, I apply lightly and for evening I build it to more of a medium coverage; that’s the beauty of this product-it can be built up to a higher level of coverage when wanted. It has a composition of ‘high definition light’ particles to make the skin look more luminous and even. Containing Lotus water and seaweed derivative, my skin feels energised and toned, plus it has the all important SPF15.

    I use shade 20 beige, but it is available in various shades, from fair to dark skin.

    So, a rave about a product which has been tried and tested, a real life review which is worth a read- after all, I only promote products that I feel truly deserve it. If you are after a light weight foundation, that doesn’t disturb the balance, this could well be right for you.

    Have a great evening all,

    Emily x

    *No product was gifted for the purpose of this review. I am not a skincare specialist, but draw on my own reviews and experiences.

    Beauty

    Age Defy + Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask with Green People

    Okay, I’ve tipped the balance of my mid-thirties, isn’t it daunting? As much as I tell myself age is only a number; suddenly my once sketchy beauty regime in my 20’s has kicked into overdrive. Im busy identifying and re-identifying my skin type, trying out every conceivable facial and cream to shave off a few years (well even a few months would be a result right?) and, like a lot of us, wonder if spending a little more on skincare products is really worth while?

    I am, very occasionally sent products to try and thats exactly what I do, before I decide whether they are worthy enough to rave about; after all, its so important to me to only promote products that are REALLY worth buying.

    This brings me to what I regard as a truly beautiful product, Green People’s Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask Created by Green People’s very own founder, Charlotte Vohtz and especially tailored for women 35+.

    Enriched with 35 beauty enhancing actives, this ‘beauty boosting’ sleep mask is designed to replenish and restore skin overnight. Rich in Green Macro Algae -acting to stimulate collagen and caesalpinia spinosa which provides intense hydration and an increase in long term firmness. The texture of this cream is silk-like, gliding on like a total dream. Scented with citrus notes, the aroma aids a real sense of relaxation too.

    • Hydra-Glow Sleep Mask

    My skin is mostly oily and like many people this kind of year, I have the prolonged battle of replacing moisture to that bottom layer of the skin which becomes very dry, but not to disrupt the surface; leading to an increase in excess sebum.

    This Sleep Mask is perfect for my skin type. I adore the way it glides on, the relaxing aroma is dreamy just before bedtime and most of all; when I wake up my skin really does feel restored, replenished and (dare I say it) I see see a vast improvement in the texture and glow of my complexion…even in November? I hear you say!

    What’s more? The product is 91% organic AND is suitable for those that suffer from eczema and psoriasis.

    Pop it on your Christmas list guys, I don’t think you’ll regret it! check out the reviews here.

    Green people are offering a Black Friday deal of 3 for 2 on all products across the range with code BF432 offer ends 02.12.19.

    Have a great evening all,

    Emily x

    *Product gifted for the purpose of review, I am not a skincare specialist but draw from my own personal experiences and views.



    Beauty

    Eyelash Lift with Blush & Glow, Southwold

    I must admit I was pretty pleased to be asked back to the little pink door at the gorgeous Blush & Glow, Southwold, the luxury facial I had back in January was just so beautiful I was keen to explore the array of treatments available further.

    As a historical false eye-lash junkie I have worked hard to build up some reasonable condition with my own lashes. Years of extensions had left my own lashes feeling rather disheveled and lacking serious lustre! I finally feel like my lashes have recovered from all the lash glue and are back to good health but without a tint, the eyelash curlers and lashings of mascara; like most other people’s lashes, they look nothing.

    Blush & Glow kindly invited me to try one of their lash lifts, a treatment designed to enhance your natural lashes and an alternative to going down the false lash route. Combining perming and tinting, this treatment is designed to create visibly lifted and longer lashes; without the damage. Sounds good doesn’t it?

    The treatment took around an hour and was combined with a Mini Detox Facial. This 15 minute detox facial using a jade roller glides over the face in specific ways in order to drain the skin of toxins, waste, and puffiness, leaving your skin healthy and naturally radiant. This quick treatment is the perfect skin pick-me-up (especially after the weekend or a night out). Being only 15 minutes and not disturbing your makeup, you can take advantage of this treatment any time. Perfect treatment to have whilst relaxing with the eyelash treatment taking shape! This facial (worth £15) is currently offered free of charge with a lash uplift)

    I felt entirely comfortable and relaxed throughout the whole treatment process (the treatment bed is so cosy I battled to keep my eyes open infact!) Overall, I have been completely blown away with the results! My lashes look considerably longer, they are curled beautifully even first thing in the morning (it’s so great to wake up with a ‘face’) and because of the combined tinting they are luscious and dark!

    I will ABSOLUTELY be sticking with the 8 week maintenance of this gorgeous treatment, I’m already considering how fabulous it’ll be in the summer makeup free on my holidays! Pop over to my highlights on @asliceofsuffolk {beauty edit} for a before and after video.

    Go grab an appointment, you won’t regret it!

    Emily x

    *This post was sponsored by Blush & Glow, Southwold. The treatment was gifted for the purpose of review.

        Beauty

        24 Hour Brightening with Green People

        If you have been following my blog for while you will know, by now, I have a lot of love for Green People. From the 100% biodegradable packaging that it arrives in {with corn starch packing nuggets that can be thrown into compost piles after use; how cool is that?} to the ethos and expertise that the team have. Pioneering personal care products since 1997 and championing the cause for organic beauty way before it came into mainstream. Producing natural and organic ingredients for the whole family, each product is fortified with organic ingredients and clinically proven plant actives; designed to nourish, nurture and balance the skin. I love the fact that they don’t bulk out their products with high levels of water, drying alcohol or synthetic fillers and they contain more than 90% natural and organic ingredients, 100% vegetarian and 100% cruelty free! Amazing.

        I’ve recently discovered the Age Defy + range and quite frankly I’m in love. Skin regeneration, moisture balance and deep hydration are targeted in this unique skin care regime for women 35+, containing the beech bud extract from the Everlasting Youth Tree {honestly this REALLY exists} stimulating the metabolism of cells. So what are the hard facts; clinical trials revealed that a 40% increase in protein synthesis, a 30% increase in hydration AND a 10% DECREASE in wrinkles {whoaaah I hear you say!}.

        So, the Age Defy + 24 Hour Brightening Moisturiser why do I love it? Its giving me a winter glow and making my skin feel super fresh, its increasing the hydration of my combination skin; giving me just the right balance so my skin doesn’t look oily but glowing. It’s a great base for makeup, smoothing the skin {which at 37 is a real bonus as those pesky fine lines have started to make an appearance} and throughout the day I have that much desired healthy glow. Bliss..

        With ingredients such as cucumber, white mulberry, hibiscus, beech bud and pineapple, this really is my new ‘go to’ day cream. I think you’ll love it!

        You can claim a free sample of this wonder moisturiser by emailing organic@greenpeopleuk , plus free UK delivery on all orders and if you sign up to the newsletter you will receive 10% off your first purchase. You can thank me later!

        Enjoy the glow,

        Emily x

        *{AD} This post is sponsored by Green People UK, items were gifted for this review.

        Beauty

        Luxury Facial with Blush & Glow, Southwold

        When I was invited to Blush & Glow Beauty Boutique in Southwold, I could hardly refuse. January is a month of grey days, dark mornings and tired looking skin after the festivities of the Christmas period. I think we all suffer a little from Seasonal Affective Disorder, that desire to close ourselves from the world and hibernate, ideally waking up in Spring like the garden hedgehog. Lets face it, thats not reality. Instead we strive to engulf ourselves in ‘feel-good’ factors {that don’t involve copious amounts of Bailey’s on ice and Christmas pudding with as much brandy butter one could physically consume!} For me, exercise and self care is my January prescription.

        Blush and Glow is a new luxury Beauty Boutique based in the picturesque, quintessential, famous chic seaside town of Southwold in Suffolk. Renowned for its beach lined beach huts, The Swan Hotel and bespoke shopping.

         

        With beautiful {very inst friendly} interiors and three beautiful treatment rooms, the salon oozes elegance and class. In fact I could hardly believe what was hidden behind the pretty pick door off the high street.

         

        Their ethos is ‘Enhancing your own natural beauty, not covering up. Helping you be your own kind of beautiful’ ‘ sums up nicely the professional approach I received in the salon.

        I selected the Luxury Facial which is 75 minutes long {indulgent I know!} I wasn’t quite prepared for how utterly relaxing and rejuvenating this was going to be {and I’ve had a few facials over the years} Using the award winning REN Clean Skincare, the facial really was special; smelling divine. Each stage of the facial was given with so much care and time, I battled keeping my eyes open {although I am a great fan of the afternoon power-nap, finding the time to do this is tricky; honestly the struggle is real} Afterwards, I felt uplifted, glowing and revitalised. Best prescribed as a course of treatments, fortnightly or monthly ideally, I felt even as a one off my skin really did shout “Hooray”. Such a treat for tired skin.

        Offering a range of treatments, from facials to hands and feet, waxing, tanning and body care, brows and lashes, makeup and bespoke spa packages, the salon owner Chelsea has created a haven for the discerning; whatever your age.

        I will certainly be back, probably for a pedicure next, my winter feet have seen better days…..

        As always, feel free to ask me any questions and I will endeavour to answer!

        Here’s to a GLOWING January ✨

        Emily x

        *This post was sponsored by Blush and Glow Beauty Boutique.

         

        Beauty

        A New Start with Dermalogica Skin Care

        I have a feeling January is going to encourage predominately a skin care theme over on the blog. After the over indulgence, a few too many prosecco’s and a string of late nights I think it would be fair to say, my skin has taken a bit of a beating. I, for one feel I need that ‘pick me up’ regime to encourage a winter glow. I was lucky enough to be gifted a chemical peel a few weeks back and although I’ve found the results to be really I’m impressive I’m aware that this needs to be backed up with a good daily skin care regime.

        I am no skin care professional, nor would I be in a position to recommend a regime, but what I can do is advise from my own personal experience from brands that are accessible by all of us.

        It’s important that a regime is tailored especially for you and your skin type. Mine fluctuates from oily to combination, depending on the season. Although I have suffered in the past from rosacea, I can finally say now in my mid thirties I suffer from very few breakouts.

        Dermalogica kindly gifted to me four key products, with an understanding of my skin type.

        Pre-cleanse

        I will now never under-estimate the power of a Pre-cleanse. This product is designed to melt away the layers of excess oil, sunscreen, waterproof makeup, environmental pollutants and residule products that build up on the skin throughout the day. Im a huge fan. Ultra easy to use I found this product to be a quick pre-clean fix to use with a very easy pump action nozzle. You only need a very small amount, so lasts ages.

        Daily Microfoliant

        This gentle brightening polisher is unlike anything I have ever used before.  Its powder based and to use you have to dispense half a teaspoon into wet hands {which can be fiddly} As apposed to many other exfoliators, which are designed to be used 2/3 times a week, this one is daily use. Almost like a daily polish for the skin. Removing debris and smoothing skin, I really loved the feeling of this product on the skin. It most certainly brightened my complexion and allowed more of an even surface for makeup application.

        Special Cleansing Gel

        My favourite product from the collection, hugely refreshing, removing all impurities and most certainly maintained a moisture balance in my skin, without drying it out or encouraging extra oil production. Extremely lightweight, the power of the calming Balm Mint and Lavender really do work well to harmonise and soothe the skin. Also completely gluten free and vegan, cruelty free and containing zero artificial fragrances and colourings. Winner for me!

        Skin Smoothing Cream

        THIS. Such a beautiful moisturiser. Infusing the skin with 48 hrs hydration and protecting against environmental stress, I loved this. Featuring a state of the art complex that works on a molecular level to help reduce trans-epidermal water loss and infusing the skin with the moisture it needs. This time of the year can be so drying for my skin, especially when the heating is blasting out!

        Overall, for me, a great introduction to the Dermalogica regime, four products that I have been very impressed with and would most certainly buy.

        So my TOP TIPS for encouraging great skin in January?

        REMOVE your makeup however tired or tipsy you are!

        For QUICK removal of makeup use the pre-cleanse balm, even removes waterproof mascara, eyelash glue from false lashes and lipstick!

        DRINK plenty of water (one thing I’m working hard at getting better at!)

        Im planning a couple of facials this month too, such a great way to unwind but also a fabulous treat for your skin.

        Happy ‘skin rejuvenating’ and as always feel free to ask me an questions and i’ll endeavour to answer.

        Emily x

        *This post is sponsored by Dermalogica UK.

         

         

         

         

        Beauty

        Skin Perfecting Peel with Aesthetics Beauty Clinic

        Just over two weeks ago I was invited along to the Aesthetics Beauty Clinic based at The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market, to discuss my general skin health and the improvements I could make with the use of non-evasive aesthetic treatments.

        I met with the lovely Emma Grey, a Harley Street Aesthetic trained Nurse, specialising in Chemical Peels, Dermal Fillers, Wrinkle Relaxing Injections, Lip Fillers, Profhilo, Microneedling and general Skincare.

        Emma is a professional in her field and has a wealth of knowledge. Putting me at ease immediately we discussed my general skin health, my current skincare regime and what I was really hoping to achieve from the treatments she could offer. We decided that Emma would first address my skin health, removing the dead skin cells and encouraging new cell growth. Emma promotes a tailor made ‘skin journey’ consultation; in order to establish the best products and treatment packages to get the best from your skin.

        After careful consideration {and Emma’s detailed advice} I opted for the Perfecting Peel, unlike the more abrasive 6% Retinol Peel, the Perfecting Peel is like the beginners version. I felt most comfortable with this as I had never had this type of facial before. My aim was to smooth out fine lines, to  alleviate some scarring that I have from a previous bout of rosacea and to encourage my skin to glow; this time of the year, especially, my skin can be so dull.

        I documented my journey daily {follow my journey via Instagram @asliceofsuffolk} and I must say I have been very happy with the results. The peeling was minimal and was gone in a few days, the redness was only apparent for the first day or two {fine to resume normal activities/work} and there was no discomfort at all, just mild tingling.

        The results; My skin definitely feels smoother, clearer and my rosacea scarring has definitely softened. I really have finally got the winter ‘glow’ I was desperate for. This is certainly a treatment I am keen to have again!

        Who do I think this suits most? Those that are keen to progress to a more in-depth facial treatment, possibly those who have had more standard facials in the past, without being invasive.

        Please feel free to ask any questions or pop over to @aesthetic_beauty_clinic   Aesthetics Beauty Clinics and ask the professional!  I will update you on the next stage of my personal skin journey.

        Here’s to happy {and healthy} skin!

        Emily x

        *This post is sponsored by Aesthetic Beauty Clinics.

        Beauty

        A Beauty Advent with Green People UK

        When Green People offered to send me one of their brand new beauty advent calendars I was VERY happy to oblige, fast becoming top of my favourite skincare brands; from the products I have already tried, I have found them to be fabulous (and it’s a real bonus that they are organic).

        Comprising of twelve beautifully filled beauty drawers, to count down to Christmas, this advent is my favourite way to experience and try the wonders of a skincare brand, or new products if you are already familiar with Green People.

        This ‘Green Regime’ is designed to offer fifteen pampering treats, including three full-size products. Including classics like the Gentle Cleanse & Makeup remover and VitaMin Fix 24 Hour Cream, plus two newcomers to their range; the Velvet Matt Lipstick and Damask Rose Facial Oil. I was thrilled to find a new personal favourite, the Age Defy+ 24 Hour Brightening moisturiser, I have been using this under my makeup every morning and it is GORGEOUS! It gives me a great healthy glow, without being oily {as a sufferer of oily to combination skin, oiliness is the last thing I want!}.

        I was really surprised that included is three full size products, the Volumising Black Mascara (which is super soft on the lashes- it feels nourishing but really adds volume and separation), Illuminating Eye Palette Duo (which from a non eye shadow wearer its encouraged me to try out the more natural brightening shades, it looks so pretty) and the Velvet Matt Lipstick in Damask Rose – such a great universal natural colour which would suit any skin/hair colour type.

         

        Pop over to Green People to buy your advent calendar (psssst and if you sign up to their newsletter you get 10% off!)

        Happy adventing & a Merry Christmas (8 weeks and counting….)

        Emily x

        Instagram – @ASliceOfSuffolk

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