A BRITISH HOME & LIFESTYLE BLOG

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

    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

    Natural Skincare with Lyonsleaf

    For me skincare is an essential part of my self care routine {and lets face it, being a Mum of two relatively young children, the time I have to spend on myself is limited}. My skincare system has to be simple, affordable and more importantly quick to apply!

    Having oily/combination skin, I have always battled with balancing my skin so that it doesn’t produce an excessive amount of oil throughout the day, which can leave me with very shiny skin. Since learning a little more about skincare, I have realised that starving oily skin, like mine, of moisture can in fact worsen the over production of this sebum; so its essential to add not only a moisturiser but often an oil too.

    Lyonleaf kindly gifted me some products for review and as always, Im here to offer you an unbiased opinion {Im not a skincare specialist, I just provide you with a personal review}

    Beauty Balm

    This award winning cleanser is an ‘all in one cleanser and moisturiser’. Designed to rebalance dry oily and combination skin. So in theory, covers all bases. The product has  a ‘like dissolves like’ approach, the idea being, that a waxy thick product will respond to dirty excess sebum, using its plant oils and will dissolve make-up {even waterproof mascara}. So, no need for cleansers, soaps, or anything else which could strip the skins natural oils.

    I have been using this product for around three weeks now, applying morning and evening as a cleanser and a moisturiser. It does remove my makeup effectively. For me, I have found the balm a little rich, especially when using for both a cleanser and moisturiser {I rub all over the face and remove with a hot cloth when cleansing}. I do feel that in comparison to other products I have used, the balm hasn’t reduced the excess sebum/oiliness quite as much as I would have hoped. My opinion is that the balm is best suited to those with a dryer skin type, looking for an increase in moisture.

    Soften & Rejuvenate Facial Oil

    Containing pure plant oils, home grown herbs and obsoloutely nothing else. Pretty appealing? A completely ‘free from’ product, this facial oil is naturally scented {contrary from is marshmallow name!} and is designed to soften. I have tried a number of facial oils and this one is certainly one that I would use again. Its light and easily absorbed, but rich enough to feel that its making a difference. I only ever use facial oils in the evening, as I find daytime they are a little too oily under make-up. I really enjoyed, not only the scent and texture of this oil, but my skin really did feel softer in the morning. A really lovely oil that I would use again.

    100% Natural Body Butter

    This award winning body butter is designed to intensely hydrate and neutralise free radicals. It works with the skins balance of natural oils and water, in order to maintain the balance more harmoniously. Unlike many high street water-based moisturisers, this undiluted balm is focusing on repairing the skin barrier more effectively and naturally.

    I really enjoyed using this product, a little goes a long way, due to the consistency of the balm and the skin remains soft and hydrated all day. The balm has a natural but pleasant smell and is amazing just after the bath or shower; it soaks in gloriously and feels very indulgent. A great product that I would certainly use again.

    For more information and to buy the full range of Lyonsleaf products click here

    Have a great evening,

    Emily x

     

     

    Beauty

    Organic Sun Care with Green People

    For me, sun care for my family and I is super important. When I was younger (and jet setting across the globe as cabin crew) believe it or not, I took very little care of my skin, intent on just getting the best tan possible. These days my approach is very different, choosing to self tan way above sitting in direct sunlight for hours on end to achieve that perfect glow.

    Recently, Green People sent me a selection of their organic sun lotion to review, for both myself and my little people.

    Firstly, what I didn’t realise, is that the SPF of a sun lotion, only indicates the level of protection against the harmful UVB radiation. It does not tell you anything about the protection it offers against the dangerous UVA light. Now, this is news to me. So, in a nutshell, just because a product has a high SPF, it does not guarantee it is offering the same level of protection against the UVA rays (this encompasses premature ageing)

    What I love about these products, is that not only do they offer an excellent level of protection, they are also suitable for sensitive skin, including eczema and skin allergies (so zero nasties). I tested this on my young nephew, at 3 years old, he has eczema which is medically treated with creams on a daily basis. After a few weeks of use, I have had amazing feedback. My sister loves the way the product glides on and sinks in quickly, its thick, but not so think that you can rub it in (isn’t that always a complete nightmare!) and more importantly, absolutely no reaction apparent. In the past, so many products have irritated his sensitive skin.

    Did you know that children are more prone to prickly heat, when using waterproof sun lotions? I certainly didn’t. The award wining organic formulas are chemical free, so prickly heat and irritations will be a thing of the past. “Yippee” I hear you say!

    When I read through all of the selling points of these wonder lotions, its astonishing. The ingredients list alone had me jumping for joy; beeswax and berry wax, to repeal water, without blocking the sweat glands, aloe vera, myrrh and chamomile to calm and sooth inflammation. Avocado, Myrrh, Green Tea and rosemary extract providing antioxidant and skin vitamins for excellent cell protection, and Pure earth minerals, edelweiss extract and uv derived from cinnamon ester acid, creating a synergistic blend; offering broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Honestly, the list is endless, across all products in the sun care range, protecting the skin so throughly.

    The product which I found probably the most intriguing, was the ‘Natural Tan Accelerator’ now I wouldn’t usually opt for a factor as low as SPF 15, but the product claims to speed up your body’s ability to tan and then locks in your tan for longer. This active ingredient is Inositol, a naturally occurring nutrient from the fruits of the carob tree, which acts as a stimulation for the formation of melanin. AMAZING, is the only word I have for this product! Not only does it do what it says on the tin (it speeds up tanning, it increases the depth of the tan and so far, my tan DOES seem to be lasting longer) It effectively increases the bodies own defences against the damage caused by sun exposure, which I think is pretty incredible. Still packed with all the goodness you would want from a sun lotion and protection from the ever crucial premature ageing, this for me, is a fabulous product.

    So, to round-up these products, if you are looking for a lotion, whatever age and skin type, to be a seriously good protector, with a fierce caring nature for allergies and skin irritation, that glides on smoothly and sinks in quickly, that extends that ethical and nurturing element across their entire range, Green People sun lotions are for you!  To access the range click here

    After all, those balmy summer days are our favourite right?

    Emily x

     

     

    Beauty

    Organic Skincare with Green People

    Celebrating 20 years of organic beauty, Green people have launched their special edition Orange Blossom collection. Collaborating with leading aromatherapists and essential oil experts, they have developed a collection which has a beautifully unique fusion of ingredients.

    Infused with Orange Blossom oil, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lavender, Rose and base notes of Black Pepper and Cypress. The range offers the ultimate natural, chemical free experience.

    The set, beautifully presented in a gift box, contains Orange Blossom Cleanser 50ml, Orange Blossom Exfoliator 50ml and Orange Blossom Moisturiser 50ml.

    The cleanser is beautiful, applied to a dry face, you can feel all makeup products lift and its just thick enough, once adding a little water, to work a lather. The scent is so fresh and uplifting, with a real luxury feel. On rinsing you feel thoroughly satisfied that your skin is makeup free, looking fresh and clean.

    The exfoliator is the real winner, for me. With ultra fine Bamboo particles, it really buffed my skin; well enough for my face to feel, and look clear, but not too much that I feel red and exposed, like some of the other more grainier exfoliators. The Hibiscus really does make your skin feel firmer and more youthful.

    Finally the moisturiser. Having oily and dry combination skin, this is often where skin care brands fall down for me. I want a moisturiser that offers me night time moisture, but day time a base, to remain shine free for as long as possible under makeup. This antioxidant-rich day cream seems to strike that ideal balance. Tailored for normal/oily skin, the balancing Pre-biotics and Willow bark work hard to maintain normality.

    The fragrance of this collection is truly exquisite, at £50, compared to other leading vegan/organic skincare brands, I think its fairly priced. Offering a 90% natural/organic, 100% vegetarian and 100% cruelty free skincare system, I am not only VERY happy with the results its given me, but also have the peace of mind that I am treating my face with the very best of natural treatments.

    Emily x

    www.greenpeople.co.uk

    @greenpeopleuk

    Instagram – @ASliceOfSuffolk

    This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

    Error: No posts found.

    Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com.

    Tags

    #beautyblogger (4) #beautyreview (3) #beautysalon (2) #blooms (2) #blushandglow (2) #bodenbyme (5) #bodenpartner (6) #christmas (2) #cleanbeautyconfidence (2) #currentdesignsituation (1) #decor (2) #decoration (1) #Elemis #Superfoods #SkincareRoutine (1) #facial (2) #flowers (1) #gifted (2) #helloflower (1) #interiordesign (2) #interiors (3) #kitchenrenovation (2) #loveyourskin (4) #magnoliagreyinteriors (2) #naturalskincare (3) #naturesbest (2) #organicsuncare (1) #petals (1) #projectkitchen (1) #reno (1) #skincarereview (5) #skinregime (2) #sosouk (1) #stylingtheseasons (4) #suffolk (2) #tablewear (1) #wrenkitchen (1) #zyperofficial (6) Beauty (4) bloomandwild (1) flowerstoyourdoorstep (1) GreenPeople (4) letterboxflowers (1) OrganicSkincare (3) Skincare (8) SkincareRoutine (5) Southwold (1)

    Never miss a post

    Follow Me

    Recent Posts