tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6871658164505984782024-03-14T07:52:55.788+00:00Treasure Boxes and TrinketsLaylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-53646549072065645292014-12-23T13:18:00.001+00:002014-12-23T13:18:01.390+00:00The Natural One Ingredient Decongestant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI9aa9U8757E5PUTk1e0S1I-ivR6wIzMuxuKMneajhBXH2YiJib6ncT0xrONnZygW1U844ByETcMYSP36xR4d4kt5QtJ0CFSUW7gZGjrZUDagzGUbHvOvW-DDI5amxiQ6xL-UsFxpcQ/s1600/shea-butter-in-bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI9aa9U8757E5PUTk1e0S1I-ivR6wIzMuxuKMneajhBXH2YiJib6ncT0xrONnZygW1U844ByETcMYSP36xR4d4kt5QtJ0CFSUW7gZGjrZUDagzGUbHvOvW-DDI5amxiQ6xL-UsFxpcQ/s1600/shea-butter-in-bowl.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're not familiar with using an oil or plant butter as a natural remedy then the notion of using shea butter as a natural decongestant might sound strange at first. But it is actually a Traditional Nigerian Medicine remedy. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1429586/pdf/brjclinpharm00240-0056.pdf" target="_blank">Research</a> has also shown that shea butter is as effective as conventional nasal drops, and that it can help reduce nasal inflammation, so we wanted to put it to the test...all we needed was a cold.<br />
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Then, winter came as did early morning commutes and being crammed onto the tube and soon enough I had a virulent cold that I proceeded to share with my housemates. All in the name of science ;) For this trial we had 3 testers, all suffering from a pretty nasty cold.<br />
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As the research suggested, we applied 2-3grams of shea butter inside our nostrils (being careful to melt, or at the very least, soften it).<br />
On first application, the effects set in almost immediately and lasted about an hour, a tiny amount needs to be used, but when the effects wear off you FEEL it. Stuffy head, mild headache and earache all come back to you within 1-2minutes, the blocked nose however isn't half as bad.... Thankfully it's pretty easy to re-apply.<br />
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Once you have re-applied 8 times, the effects still set in almost immediately but they last a lot longer; up to two days.<br />
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So we can say that it works and it is much nicer than vicks, it doesn't mean you have to keep sniffing menthol or eucalyptus mixes, or use those nasal stick inhaler things that are advertised a lot at this time of year.<br />
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Do you have any folk remedies that you would like to share? Have you ever used shea butter as a decongestant?Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-17408641348540089152014-11-27T20:26:00.001+00:002014-11-28T22:58:26.979+00:00#bodyimage. . . .Spot the typo. . . .So I was curious to read the Independent article about the <a href="http://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/familyhealth/uks-first-plus-size-fashion-magazine-slink-hits-the-shelves-%E2%80%93-but-is-this-healthy/ar-BBfYdPA?ocid=mailsignout" target="_blank">UK's first plus size magazine to hit the shelves</a> (it's called "Slink", by the way), but then I hit this typo and it distracted my attention away from the whole article. . . what's that old addage about slips of the tongue not being wholly accidental? Do you think it applies to the keyboard?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBbd66SE3p0tE3VMMk6gaQWS-nRV9HznfZGId4Hclw1yGztqmC3OECZWubFQmGPQgktwTFOSSkMa5J5VLtU0O7FJ5ScFg86OrkCIk03hH3J6EG1E9kDpyQTc_o1ybHjJ0VBjb1eazUw/s1600/typo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBbd66SE3p0tE3VMMk6gaQWS-nRV9HznfZGId4Hclw1yGztqmC3OECZWubFQmGPQgktwTFOSSkMa5J5VLtU0O7FJ5ScFg86OrkCIk03hH3J6EG1E9kDpyQTc_o1ybHjJ0VBjb1eazUw/s1600/typo.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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The "typo" reads "In 2012, Vogue pledged to only use models over the age of 16 and under a healthy body weight". . . . .ahem. It's also interesting because the title of the article questions whether a plus size magazine is healthy. Go figure.</div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-30694518659991414112013-09-18T18:20:00.001+01:002013-09-18T18:20:19.513+01:00Intelligent Nutrients Plant Stem Cell Renewal Complex Review!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuet6oZ09XE1RbxqYVToHohk1J87KpObteRnVe0jgGZlXB3SmRnNKx5C09ljw3hyphenhyphenvdGGkWbt8ROuLzUZMnTVXiARKz8OdmjyqOdzqvPIJSrEdUHj0DNnsNUyAj12gDPAjDkTpkdozbKg/s1600/20130106_133509+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuet6oZ09XE1RbxqYVToHohk1J87KpObteRnVe0jgGZlXB3SmRnNKx5C09ljw3hyphenhyphenvdGGkWbt8ROuLzUZMnTVXiARKz8OdmjyqOdzqvPIJSrEdUHj0DNnsNUyAj12gDPAjDkTpkdozbKg/s320/20130106_133509+(1).jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rating: <b>4/5</b>, available from <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/skincare/advanced-skincare/plant-stem-cell-renewal-complex.htm" target="_blank">Being Content</a> for £52 (inc p&p),<a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Intelligent-Nutrients-Plant-Cell-Science-Renewal-Complex-Target-Treatment-12ml" target="_blank"> Feelunique</a> for £52 (inc worldwide p&p), <a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/products.cfm?id=4625&" target="_blank">Naturisimo</a> for £42.60 (inc p&p).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I'm a bit slow posting on this one but I felt like we should weigh in on Intelligent Nutrients® Plant Stem Cell Skin Science Renewal Complex. According to Intelligent Nutrients® it is designed to be used as targeted treatment for areas such as wrinkles surrounding the mouth, upper lip, delicate eye area, forehead, age spots, stretch marks, scars and other skin imperfections.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps reduce redness and other skin discolorations—and firms, lifts, smooth and softens while increasing collagen synthesis. Plant Stem Cell Renewal Complex is also completely eco-sustainable and features antioxidant-rich plant stem cells cultivated in the purest lab, without the use of soil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's take a look at the ingredients:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Aloe Vera</b></u> is full of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E which can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated. It can also help reduce stretch marks and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as a multipurpose skin treatment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edelweiss contains many antioxidants, and also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has excellent protection properties to increase the youth of skin cells and keeps the skin fresh and youthful with a road to destroy harmful free radicals. It reduces wrinkles and helps maintain skin firmness, rejuvenates damaged cells and reduces the signs of photoageing. Check out <a href="http://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-showcase-edelweiss-small-and-white-but-with-anti-aging-might" target="_blank">this article</a> at annmariegianni.com if you want to find out more about edelweiss. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Coneflower</b></u> (Echinacea Angustifolia) has antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal qualities and stimulates collagen synthesis (cell renewal), increases hydration and elasticity and revitalizes dull and tired skin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>Pennywort </b></u>(also known as gotu kola) can improve skin metabolism and even skin tone, improve elasticity and firm the skin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Glycerin</u></b> is a tricky one - Clinical studies have shown that glycerin is more of a friend than a foe, click<a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/the-deodorant-diaries-weleda-vs.html" target="_blank"> here </a>for more info.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Dehydroacetic Acid</u></b> is a synthetic preservative, fungicide and bactericide with low hazards according to <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701893/DEHYDROACETIC_ACID/" target="_blank">Skin Deep</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and <a href="http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/dehydroacetic-acid" target="_blank">Truth In Aging</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Sodium hydroxide</u></b> is a ph adjuster, is also known as a very strong irritant and sometimes goes by the name of lye or caustic soda. Considered a moderate hazard by <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/?ingred06=706075" target="_blank">Skin Deep</a> and <a href="http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/sodium-hydroxide" target="_blank">Truth in Aging</a>. In short, be careful with anything that has this ingredient in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aside from the last two ingredients, those are some natural beauty product heavyweights!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>The review</u></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uSQ75mZTDeIp7Jv0D_x4X_eB17VK0FwSzjP4KEnEDl-HPUbBZ_sURm5Xf68vCwbckOjiZ_7sRXpjJgqQw665IXl5FdD7W21u9K6ID8m6d0pOp5U2OQME4TDEw3WFbXm0DzfJUNo_LQ/s1600/20130106_133155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uSQ75mZTDeIp7Jv0D_x4X_eB17VK0FwSzjP4KEnEDl-HPUbBZ_sURm5Xf68vCwbckOjiZ_7sRXpjJgqQw665IXl5FdD7W21u9K6ID8m6d0pOp5U2OQME4TDEw3WFbXm0DzfJUNo_LQ/s320/20130106_133155.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We tested it over 4 different age groups of women;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 26 -30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50 and 50+ (51, 54, 58, 64, 81 years)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All participants over 40 responded the best, over the course of 2 months their lines became finer and their skin plumper. Our lovely 81 year old volunteer used it on her liverspots and it did help lighten them, which has triggered a couple of the other members in our 50+ and 41 - 50 group to start using it for that purpose too. So far the results are looking good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We didn't combine this skin serum with anti-aging moisturisers, just a bit of olive oil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scentwise, it smells a bit marzipan-y but that soon dissipates. The texture feels like a cross between water and a very light gel and it soaks into the skin quite fast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skin imperfections: In terms of dry skin patches we found that it did nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scars: As it turned out Em's Aunt managed to burn her face with a barbecue skewer this summer. That's right, someone got a bit impatient and couldn't resist tasting the scrumptious kebabed delight straight from the barbecue. It left her with a 3 inch scar that we decided to treat with this product.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The results were visible within a day, this isn't to say that the scar disappeared immediately (that took 2 months of daily application), but the skin responded to the serum very quickly and 2 months on it's as if she never tried to eat from a fiery skewer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warning: if you are not old enough to be using anti-aging skincare (i.e. under 35), do not apply this to your entire face - I did and I woke up to a swollen, kind-of-bloated version of my own face the following day. Do, however use it as it is designed to be used - as a targeted treatment. Worried about frownlines? use a drop, a little goes a long way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all, we would recommend this product as a preventative measure and as an anti-aging treatment. It is expensive, but it lasts for longer than you'd imagine and the results have to be seen to be believed. But because of the price tag it is definitely under the "treat" section of cosmetics shopping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you used Intelligent Nutrients® Plant Stem Cell Skin Science Renewal Complex? What did you think?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin *, Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) stem cell culture*, Pennywort (Centella asiatica) stem cell culture**, Coneflower (Echinacea) stem cell culture**, Xantham Gum, Benzyl alcohol*, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>*Certified Organic</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>** Plant stem cell antioxidant</i></span><br />
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Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-15174730511749076312013-09-11T09:05:00.000+01:002013-09-11T09:05:00.095+01:002-for-1 on massive no-no's: part 2 - Orogold review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After the experience in part 1 we managed to spend another 2 hours at the fair, eventually succumbing to sleepiness we left. As we walked towards High Street Kensington we caught the attention of an Orogold member of staff who was handing out sachets of samples. I didn't want one, I didn't even want to go in, but it would seem that sleepy feet and tired bodies gravitate to the prospect of a chair quicker than I gravitate towards a table full of sweet treats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXGtxIo113GdkebJtn_bLBYZW2jSA3dmUTGWe_ocVNlHw_t6Xdl8_9EvTrm5hwXhVzlmG1mddV8BsYiQW2YjSRqCszssEHEW17tV_ckm_hIX-kW2Bsx2-cDIHWBPJrOtP7XejVTIoJQ/s1600/oro+gold+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXGtxIo113GdkebJtn_bLBYZW2jSA3dmUTGWe_ocVNlHw_t6Xdl8_9EvTrm5hwXhVzlmG1mddV8BsYiQW2YjSRqCszssEHEW17tV_ckm_hIX-kW2Bsx2-cDIHWBPJrOtP7XejVTIoJQ/s320/oro+gold+post.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Dressed in a black suit, guiding us to the comfiest leather chairs I have ever come across (OK, maybe not ever, or at all. But my cousin can attest that we were very tired and that a cardboard box would have been welcomed at that point). Our 20-something Orogold sales assistant didn't introduce himself, but asked us about our skin regimes, "have you ever used a peel?" he asked, "Well no, how old do you think I am?" I responded, he smiled and continued with his pitch. Apparently Orogold has "no chemicals in" and is "non-allergenic", my spidey senses were tingling, this wasn't right. He refused to tell us what was in the product and before I knew it he had grabbed my wrist and was already applying this peel while talking to me.<br />
My brain snapped back into function and I blurted out "I want you to stop because you are freaking me out", thankfully he listened and took it off, spritzing my wrist with toner. He then couldn't believe that I didn't detect any difference between my "peeled wrist" and my normal one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooJXArPHD89Iql-AFZnK58UUaD4jVd4lB3L86wzSN5YZRr5U9E23qzigw7scki_ak3cPfc8r0h2sU5zH_yfXON_EHrr4C_8M4oB0eiWmnhCpYx7k5toMDAEqvytXoJdWCXpMGhkO4PQ/s1600/oro+gold+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooJXArPHD89Iql-AFZnK58UUaD4jVd4lB3L86wzSN5YZRr5U9E23qzigw7scki_ak3cPfc8r0h2sU5zH_yfXON_EHrr4C_8M4oB0eiWmnhCpYx7k5toMDAEqvytXoJdWCXpMGhkO4PQ/s320/oro+gold+ingredients.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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But then, my wrist started burning. We asked for water, initially he refused and only offered toner. "No, I know my skin and something is wrong, I need water" I said, he wandered off to his senior and asked for directions. We had a bottle of water in our bag and started using the cotton balls on the counter to try and soothe what had now turned into the kind of burning you would get if you rubbed an open chilli into a papercut. Sharp, stingy and unstoppable.<br />
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The orogold sales assistant returned with water "don't touch it! your skin will get better if you don't touch it!" he insisted.<br />
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"Really, I know my skin" I replied. My cousin then grabbed the box, "oh, sh**!", "ohh sh******!!!!!!" she said as she read each passing ingredient. . . "wait, this has nuts in?!" she said to the orogold sales assistant who, by this point, was loosing his calm exterior, "are you freaking serious?!" she said, "you can't pull people in off the street and apply it to their skin, what if they have an anaphylactic shock?! Oh my god, this place is awful! How can you charge so much for something this bad?!?!"<br />
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Orogold sales assistant hit meltdown "erm, erm, do you guys have a nut allergy?", without missing a beat my cousin replied "yes", she grabbed our bags and headed out of the shop "come on Layla, we have to get you to a doctor", I got up, a bit dazed, my phone dropped to the floor and the assistant picked it up for me, profusely apologising, but to be honest I couldn't hear what he was saying over the pain.<br />
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I don't have a nut allergy, my cousin does. While I am dealing with a painful, inflamed rash, I'm glad he grabbed my wrist and not my cousin's because if that was the case I would be writing a very different post.<br />
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After doing some searching, it turns out that Orogold's reputation preceeds them. DO NOT ACCEPT A SAMPLE FROM THEM, DON'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THEM, EVEN IF YOU ARE VERY TIRED.<br />
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Hanne @ <a href="http://beautylovin.com/2013/04/beware-of-oro-gold/" target="_blank">Beautylovin</a> posted a similar experience, and from the list of comments it sounds like this is how they do things.<br />
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Love,<br />
Layla<br />
xx<br />
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Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-67494832185650437902013-09-10T15:48:00.002+01:002013-09-10T17:08:00.755+01:002 for 1 on massive no-no's: Part 1 - Ignorance <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Part 2 will be posted tomorrow. . .there's no point in drowning you in a massive post!</i><br />
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Yesterday we were in London for a food trade fair, you see the reason that I've not been posting is because I've been helping my cousin with her social enterprise, <a href="http://9teacups.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">9 Tea Cups</a> which is a great company and I am super proud to be involved. But I'll be letting you guys know about what I'll be doing there in a future post.<br />
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So there we were doing our job and minding our own business when we found a stall filled with sweets from our childhood. For those of you who read the blog regularly you will know that my ethnic background is mixed. I gravitated towards this particular exhibitor so excitedly, the table was full of sweets from a place that I hold very dear to my heart.<br />
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So I ask about these sweets with their original names, not the translated names written in english, the stallholder (also from the place I hold dear to my heart) metaphorically leaps at me and starts an interrogation line of questions whilst scanning my face "how do you know the names?!", "you aren't <insert ethnicity="" here="">!", "your name isn't <insert ethnicity="" here="">, sorry!" and "your skin colour isn't <insert ethnicity="" here="">!". She then turned to her assistant and asks here what she thinks, thankfully her assistant wasn't an idiot and just smiled helplessly, then the woman starts on my cousin. I stupidly answered all of her questions, providing more info than necessary at some points. I'm proud of my heritage, the only reason that I haven't included it here is that it is irrelevant to the ultimate point of these paragraphs. </insert></insert></insert><br />
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<br />
I tried to bring her back around to what we were there to talk about; food. But she couldn't get over her own issues with her definition of what it was to share a genetic background. Maybe she was having a bad day, but that is no excuse. I'm used to people approaching me with curiousity, I'm used to the face scan to detect features that back-up what I am saying, I'm used to comments about the colour of my skin, I'm used to other ethnicities being offered up "I'd say you were x, y,z, maybe even p, but not a", not to mention the unintentionally hurtful "huh, you don't look it". But what I will never understand in those circumstances is what can only be described as a compulsive desperation on the part of the listener to tear down what I'm saying, instead opting to decide that I am lying about something that has no impact on anyone but me.<br />
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Badgering anyone with questions like that is the same as having someone insist to you that you are not male or female. Not only is it ignorant, it's frustrating and it's offensive. </div>
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So this post is for anyone who has ever been marginalised, for whatever reason. You are worth so much more than a passing comment.</div>
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</div>
<div>
Then we came across part 2: Orogold. Check back later.</div>
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<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Layla</div>
<div>
xx</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-34342649551374903642013-08-29T16:48:00.003+01:002013-08-29T16:48:44.056+01:00New layout...new post!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's about time, right?<br />
<br />
Massive sorries for the state of our header, for some reason blogger doesn't like pixlr's white......but we'll sort that in time!<br />
<br />
How have you been? what products have you been using? let us know!<br />
<br />
xx<br />
<br /></div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-26061297142288852392012-12-17T22:42:00.000+00:002012-12-17T22:42:47.335+00:00All Nighter Dry Shampoo Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshkgXFoI0H_bR7YCOTx6EplCd0re-6o82ePHLDhJHu0TFlSCdxD_lf1e0OVAqrbHVl5DEhG8JfMSNlT5AkFsG67Q0drKOuZtWKM-aqEvc9uZWUVrpgnuQ_fqjo7eX0jhYw0WAdKzwqw/s1600/all-nighter-group-600x371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshkgXFoI0H_bR7YCOTx6EplCd0re-6o82ePHLDhJHu0TFlSCdxD_lf1e0OVAqrbHVl5DEhG8JfMSNlT5AkFsG67Q0drKOuZtWKM-aqEvc9uZWUVrpgnuQ_fqjo7eX0jhYw0WAdKzwqw/s400/all-nighter-group-600x371.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Rating: 4/5, usually available from <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/filter/brand/a-beautiful-life.html">Being Content</a> (but they seem to be out right now!)<br />
<br />
Created as an alternative to hair powders that were full of parabens, aluminium, silica
and talc the All Nighter was the first all natural colour-matched dry
shampoo on the market.<br />
<br />
All Nighter Dry Shampoo arrived in the UK in 2010 after becoming a cult favourite in the US. Made using a mixture of
pure rice and tapioca starches, cruelty free silk powder, zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide, this stuff isn't just meant to postpone hair washing but to revive a blow dry, tussle the hair, and absorb extra oils in the hair. So how does it do it and how does it compare to it's unnatural alternatives? <br />
<br />
<b>Battle#1: Versus batiste?</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.mistrys.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/700x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/a/batiste_dry_shampoo_original_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.mistrys.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/700x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/a/batiste_dry_shampoo_original_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Okay okay, I know I shouldn't like batiste, it's full of things that we at TBT don't like to use on our bodies. But, when you're caught in a pinch it's surprising how fast the rules can be thrown to the wayside. Batiste is remarkably effective and is easier to apply, however, the scent can be overpowering and is a little synthetic. The All Nighter isn't scented and it does work as a dry shampoo, but it needs to be worked into the hair much more than Batiste dry shampoo. <br />
<br />
<b>Battle #2: Versus L'oreal super dust?</b><br />
In terms of staying powder both products die down after a while, but to revitalise super dust charged hair all you need to do is scrunch it up. For All Nighter charged hair you need to reapply and given that it's pigmented you need to make sure it's brushed in properly otherwise you will have pigmented dots on your head that are difficult to get out, which might not be a problem if you have thick or fair hair. But if your hair is an average thickness and you use redhead, golden brunette or dark brown/black then you're going to need to make sure that you brush it in really well...and that it doesn't get on your clothes because it does stain.<br />
<br />
<b>The conclusion!</b><br />
Ultimately the natural alternative, the All Nighter is a little more maintenance than L'oreal's superdust and batiste, but the effects are just as good. If you have the time and are willing to try a natural alternative it is worth a go but it is pricey, if you can get hold of it. Alternatively, try out a <a href="http://beauty.thefuntimesguide.com/2010/01/dry_shampoo.php">home remedy for dry shampoo</a> which would be a lot more cost effective<br />
<br />
Have you tried the All Nighter? what did you think?<br />
<br />
Layla,<br />
X</div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-11749199843793484612012-12-02T21:14:00.000+00:002012-12-02T21:14:23.098+00:00Dr Drew: the guy who makes Dr Spacemen look good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Dr Drew:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="384" scrolling="no" src="http://www.hlntv.com/embed/51643" width="416"></iframe>
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Dr Spacemen: <br />
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<br />
Go figure...<br />
<br /></div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-12998795332949674952012-11-12T08:30:00.000+00:002012-11-12T09:44:18.984+00:00Ooosha Raw Advanced Raw Chocolate Level 2: The Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.ooosha.co.uk/uploads/1/1/2/5/11252164/9412696_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 480px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moulded Raw Chocolate eggs (Image borrowed from Ooosha.co.uk)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<br />
Price: £200<br />
Time: 11am - 4pm<br />
Location: East Sussex <br />
<br />
One word: Amazing.<br />
<br />
It's fair to say that we love chocolate, and a few weeks ago I
headed down to East Sussex to complete my level 2 chocolate class with the ridiculously talented Amy Levin.<br />
<br />
<br />
It was an awesome way to build upon the skills that we had learned in <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/ooosha-raw-amy-levins-raw-chocolate.html">Level
1</a>. Level 2 covers 3d chocolate moulding, chocolate work, ganache, raw
chocolate truffles, cookie dough bonbons, and cremes (think after eight style
treats).<br />
<br />
<br />
This time around I forgot my water bottle, left the snacks at home, packed
an apron, got some tupperware for the chocolate goodies and brought my trusty
pen. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="202" src="http://www.ooosha.co.uk/uploads/1/1/2/5/11252164/6906763_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ganache filled cookies (Image borrowed from Ooosha.co.uk)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Level 2 booklet is twice the size of the Level 1 booklet and does not
disappoint; packed full of recipes, information, and tips and tricks.As you might expect Level 2 is bigger and better than Level 1. There are also more tasting sessions and it's ever so slightly more hands on than the Level 1 class. Combine this
with the fact that everyone at the class was lovely and equally enthused about
chocolate and you’ve got yourself a really fun class. Who could ask for more? But enough about that, let's talk about the reason you're really here: chocolate.<br />
<br />
<br />
But before we get to the goodstuff, let's deal with any monday morning chocolate skepticism.....<br /><i>Really? raw 3D chocolate moulding?</i> I know, it doesn't sound right, especially if you have tried (and failed) at 3D moulding with shop-bought-chocolate. Not only was the raw chocolate 3D moulding impressive, the thin chocolate shells gently stuck together to form one of the strongest hollow chocolate eggs I have ever come across (later evidenced by my mr burns inspired 3 minute attempt to break one with my bare hands, regardless it was delicious!).<br />
<br />
<br />
Once more Amy made it all seem effortless. And the solutions to chocolate
(and truffle) making pitfalls are so clear now, I’m still making teensy
mistakes but practice makes perfect – and Em &L are happy to have a steady
supply of weekend chocolates. <br />
<br />
And what of raw ganache? oh my, so very smooth and packed full of flavour. It even impressed a very choosy friend of mine. No dairy, no gluten, no added-tives, and no icky artificial flavourings. And with the use of natural low GI sweeteners these ganaches are suitable for diabetics. We were lucky enough to work with earl grey ganache and cherry ganache; both of which were amazing (the TBT house favourite was the cherry ganache).<br />
<br />
<br />One thing that you won't know about Amy's classes are that the light lunch mentioned off-hand in the course description is really a delicious highlight. We had fresh salad in a beautiful dressing, with squash crackers, 2 types of nut cheese and berry kefir. I also had the opportunity of tasting some Coffee Kombucha and another Kefir.<br />
<br />
In the afternoon we covered cookie dough bonbons, which happen to be so moreish that if given the chance I would have devoured the whole lot, and chocolate cremes, which are Em's new favourite treat.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to know more about Amy and her class schedule click <a href="http://www.ooosha.co.uk/">here</a> to be taken to the Ooosha site where
you can also buy her chocolates (as of the 1<sup>st</sup> December) and check
out some of her recipes. You can also check out the Ooosha Raw Culinary
Artistry blog <a href="http://ooosharawculinaryartistry.blogspot.com/">here</a>.
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<br />
If you're super interested (and have completed the Level 1 class) there are still some spaces on the December 1st class!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
P.S. I didn't manage to do any swish photos this time which is why I've had to borrow from Ooosha.co.uk . Let's just say that here at TBT we really do love chocolate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBXUmLf3W-N8zRvhE9QgCoB94aC96zLSz-oNwETSwV7uqH0a3m33NrtogkrcQBx-uJQKhcL3lJuW9WNEowPkuuWopcPsmvxQc3YA7009X7iznVGrFaCnPXW2IA8bL79RRita521AH-Q/s1600/20121014_155725+%2528773x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBXUmLf3W-N8zRvhE9QgCoB94aC96zLSz-oNwETSwV7uqH0a3m33NrtogkrcQBx-uJQKhcL3lJuW9WNEowPkuuWopcPsmvxQc3YA7009X7iznVGrFaCnPXW2IA8bL79RRita521AH-Q/s320/20121014_155725+%2528773x800%2529.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take home treats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-90527640638712604522012-10-01T11:30:00.000+01:002012-10-01T11:30:06.718+01:00Rosehip oils: Trilogy vs Pai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tGuTrrADJy4DJZlnTSiSbsI2uYngl2n-qtgxgvnSQ-uX9AIV_fUwtI1gz695fjKfmx7a7Fk124DeI2_GQ_O2k5IbxzaeWA3ybwEa0Af3fuIGmjNbUesThFJwGgYMfVb7-osPUdO7aQ/s1600/tril.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tGuTrrADJy4DJZlnTSiSbsI2uYngl2n-qtgxgvnSQ-uX9AIV_fUwtI1gz695fjKfmx7a7Fk124DeI2_GQ_O2k5IbxzaeWA3ybwEa0Af3fuIGmjNbUesThFJwGgYMfVb7-osPUdO7aQ/s1600/tril.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We've blogged about the wonders of Trilogy before (<a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/trilogy-everything-balm-45ml-review.html">here</a> and <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/battle-of-cleansers-liz-earle-vs_01.html">here</a>). But Other than christmas gift suggestions, we've never featured any Pai Skincare products here. That is only because we are lazy; pai skincare products have become part of our daily skincare routine and we've not looked back.<br />
<br />Founded by Sarah Brown after she suffered allergy induced acne and skin rashes, Pai is now one of the best natural beauty brands around. As a fellow allergy sufferer, a quote from Sarah Brown, in InStyle really resonated with me.<br /><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
‘Now I’ve finally achieved true skin confidence, and it’s really empowering. I know it’s hard to completely get rid of an allergy, but knowing what sets it off and staying calm means I can control it.’</blockquote>
<br />
there's a lot of truth to that, it's probably why our allergy posts are the most popular around holiday season; getting through thanksgiving, birthday's, any number of religious festivals and new years is hard when you can't eat half of the food on the table.<br />
<br /><br />
After my new allergy to phenoxyethanol following exposure to antipodes night cream NOTHING was making my skin better, pre-phenoxyethanol (Now banned for use in certified organic skin care products by Ecocert and COSMOS, the new EU organic certification standard.) my other allergies rarely affected my skin. Now, it's one of the first places to show. Which is incredibly demoralising. True to form, I hit the books hard. How can you repair really damaged skin? time and time again the same answer came up; antioxidants and rosehip oil. <br />
<br />So we took the plunge! I'd been using Trilogy rosehip oil for 2 years with a 3 month break following a very painful skin reaction courtesy of Antipodes. I bought a bottle of Trilogy Rosehip oil and a bottle of Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil and used them TBT experiment style!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tkbOnC-km0CZGqsafatvTX8bGyZN9skvNNMdxZ9wpXwVF8-mvwZR1eSDP-emmkSytGVtV0LL7ejPckZ2kRhVawJgdSLI8V7a-eN3y_m_aNgvFBGUVWz-bSdTQE3ZoeF_N99HY3CS4Q/s1600/Pai-Rosehip-BioRegenerate-Fruit--Seed-Oil-Blend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tkbOnC-km0CZGqsafatvTX8bGyZN9skvNNMdxZ9wpXwVF8-mvwZR1eSDP-emmkSytGVtV0LL7ejPckZ2kRhVawJgdSLI8V7a-eN3y_m_aNgvFBGUVWz-bSdTQE3ZoeF_N99HY3CS4Q/s1600/Pai-Rosehip-BioRegenerate-Fruit--Seed-Oil-Blend.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<u>Rosehip oil; the benefits</u><br />
<br />Rosehip oil is full of omega's 3 & 6, not to mention carotenoids. It also contains antioxidants, trans-retinoic acid (vitamin A) in the form of unsaturated EFA's which help to reduce the effects of aging, regenerating damaged skin (including scarring), stimulating cell renewal and diminishing fine lines. <br /><a href="http://www.ctcpjournal.com/article/S1744-3881%2805%2900034-4/abstract">One study</a> has also suggested that the use of rosehip oil (as well as other oils and balms high in fatty acids, such as aloe vera) to help repair radiotherapy-induced damage to the skin. It really is magic.<br /><br />
I used trilogy rosehip oil for three months straight taking 1 month off and then began using Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil for 3 months. <br />
<br />Our other testers (L and Em) did the same, applying the oils just to the face, neck and decolletage.<br /><br />
<u>Trilogy oil vs Pai BioRegenerate - what's the difference?</u><br />
<br />Rosehip BioRegenerate™ contains a concentrated rosehip fruit oil which contains twice as many regenerative sterols and five times the carotenoids of rosehip seed oil. Pai use CO2 extraction to get the most out of their rosehips and they argue that it is this process that makes their rosehip oil more powerful than cold pressed rosehip oil.<br />Rosehip BioRegenerate™ also contains vitamin E.<br />
<br />Trilogy keep their secrets close to their chest, we're not sure how they extract it and it's not clear whether their rosehip oil is seed, fruit or both. But their c<a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-trilogy-rosehip-oil---100-organic.cfm.">linical study results are pretty staggering and they've won an awful lot of awards.</a>. <br />
<br />The differences in appearance and smell, however, are obvious; The scent of Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate is softer than Trilogy (Beyond that it's hard to explain and both dissipate quite quickly). Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil is bright orange - Testament to the carotenoid levels in the oil, it's also is a little thicker than Trilogy's.<br /><br />
<u>The Result</u><br /><br />
There is nothing bad to say about either product. After 3 months, Trilogy made our skin look bright and fantastic. But it did nothing to my allergic skin.<br /><br />
Pai's BioRegenerate Rosehip Oil has helped reduce the damage to my skin and it's gotten so much better that it's not at all obvious anymore. If you were to run your hands over my face (which would warrant more questions than, "hey, while you're there; what do you think of the texture of my skin?") then it would be apparent which areas of my face suffered the most from the allergic reaction. Even so, the texture of my skin has improved so much that I am still using it.<br /><br />
L and Em loved Pai and Trilogy, as far as they were concerned both bottles contain skin elixirs.<br />
So it depends on your needs, for super nourishment and healing of the skin go for Pai, for radiance and moisturising both are equally good.<br />
<br />
(Recently Trilogy have released an amped up version of their rosehip oil called Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ which contains rosehip seed oil, tomato seed oil, cranberry seed oil, acai seed oil and oat extract. We would have loved to include it in this review but that one's next on our things-to-buy-and-review list!)<br />
<br />
X</div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-29774220822719621082012-09-24T10:30:00.000+01:002012-09-24T10:30:03.185+01:00The deodorant diaries: Weleda vs SoapWalla vs Garnier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you're anything like us you'll know the hazards of anti-perspirants (if not click <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-185071/How-safe-antiperspirant.html">here</a>). So, we decided to put 2 natural deodorants up against 1 mainstream one. Not quite scientific but it's the best we could do.<br />
<br />
We enrolled onto 2 intense fitness training courses (both of which lasting 1 day each) and put these bad boys to the test.<br />
<br />
<u>Deo #1: Weleda Citrus Spray</u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQN3_ZDpIhDQDwQtU0DODjWDe01UFx5tH8el6v0j4WIl71Z06RqFbJ-6RTNEyla5dZ5MQbqCFD5xkrTPI08oTeFaOnyqN34GYdFsUKsc3ZehDx8X-HPa3TT9BHi1D2MrhQMiQsxhu_A/s1600/Weleda_Citrus_Deodorant_100ml1259850845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQN3_ZDpIhDQDwQtU0DODjWDe01UFx5tH8el6v0j4WIl71Z06RqFbJ-6RTNEyla5dZ5MQbqCFD5xkrTPI08oTeFaOnyqN34GYdFsUKsc3ZehDx8X-HPa3TT9BHi1D2MrhQMiQsxhu_A/s320/Weleda_Citrus_Deodorant_100ml1259850845.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
Rating: <b>4.5/5</b> available from <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Weleda-Citrus-Deodorant-100ml?q=weleda%20citrus%20deodorant">feelunique</a> for £8.50 (inc p&p)<br />
<br />
Containing just 6 ingredients, we've got to admit that we were a little dubious. Did a few sprays promise to take Em through 8 hours of exercise? Could a natural deodorant do that?<br />
<br />
Here it comes; the obligatory ingredients list breakdown<i>...</i><br />
<br />
<i>Denatured Alcohol: </i>In cosmetics denatured alcohol usually contains water and a bittering agent (such as denatonium benzoate) and another additive. In this instance it's just been ethanol (the alcohol part) and water. Ethanol is drying, which is why it's great in this product. It's shown to be safe to use but because it is drying it's one of those ingredients that should be approached with caution, and has been shown to be potentially dangerous when mixed with other ingredients.<br />
For a great run down checkout futurederm's post <a href="http://www.futurederm.com/2012/04/19/is-ethanol-in-skin-care-products-safe/">here.</a><br />
<br />
<i>Lemon Juice: </i>Full of vitamin C, citric acid, and B vitamins you'll all know that lemon juice is acidic and *warning* application of this deodorant will result in a mild stinging sensation sometimes (i.e. after a shower) that will go away after a short period of time. Used as a folk remedy for healing acne, it's also a great exfoliator, and this might be why it's used in the deodorant; by getting rid of dead skin cells that have been exposed to sweat you're more likely to feel fresher for longer, but that's just us hypothesising!<br />
<br />
<i>Lemon and Orange essential oil:</i> A detoxifier and antiseptic, these oils are great for keeping the skin healthy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Glycerin: </i>while it is said to help
moisturise the skin, it also draws moisture from your own dermis to your
epidermis. In the words of the lady from truth in aging; "Your skin
might feel moisturized, but you have just borrowed from Peter to pay
Paul and ultimately it will get dryer. I also found plenty of references
claiming that in order for <span class="il">glycerin</span> to attract water from the
atmosphere, humidity must be higher than 70%."<br />
Clinical studies have shown that <span class="il">glycerin</span> is more of a friend than a foe;<i><br />
</i><br />
<ul>
<li>1 study found that high <span class="il">glycerin</span> creams used over a five year
period in people with very dry skin, resulted in a significant
improvement in skin quality.</li>
<li>Another study found that when used by people with atopic
dermatitis twice a week for four weeks, a significant improvement in the
hydration of the outer layer of the skin and the skin's normal
protective barrier was restored.</li>
<li>It's also been shown to helps skin cells mature properly and aid bruised and swollen skin</li>
</ul>
So what's going on with <span class="il">glycerin</span>? as it turns out <span class="il">glycerin</span> helps degrade
the corneodesmosomes (proteins that help hold skin cells together),
which in turn results in consisten desquamation (shedding the outer
layer of the skin) and that, in turn, results in smoother looking skin.
The question is whether our skin needs encouragement in exfoliation?<br />
Here's the science bit; corneodesmosomes are specialised protein
structuren that are a bt like rivets and they hold the corneocytes
together. These structures are also a part of the "mortar" in the "brick
and mortar" of the skin analogy. Corneodesmosomes are the major
structure that must be degraded for the skin to shed in a process called
desquamation (aka exfoliation). Interestingly we only understand parts
of the desquamation process. Water and PH play a significant role but
that's about all we know...<br />
<br />
<i><b>Ingredients:</b> Alcohol denat; water, lemon juice, oils of orange, lemon, glycerin. Nominal ethanol content 71%.</i> <br />
<br />
<u>Deo #2 SoapWalla deodorant cream</u><br />
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<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5714466/il_570xN.233619692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5714466/il_570xN.233619692.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> Rating: </i><b>4.5/5, </b>Available from <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/filter/brand/soapwalla.html">Beingcontent</a> for £13.80 (+p&p).<br />
<br />
If you haven't heard of SoapWalla deodorant cream, where have you been? Featured in Vogue, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Dirty-Looks-Siobhan-OConnor/dp/0738213969/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348434646&sr=1-1">No more dirty looks</a><i> </i>and by many a beauty website, this magic deodorant is applied like a cream and<i> </i>glides on. The scent is quite mild and you only need to use a little bit. Just the right size to be tucked away into your handbag (or sportsbag) and taken around with you, SoapWalla is like magic.<br />
<br />
It also only needed to be reapplied once and has an ingredient list that would make even the staunchest natural beauty fan swoon. Like the product description says "all-natural yet powerful deodorant utilises superfine vegetable powders, clays, and lavender, peppermint and tea tree essential oils to absorb moisture, inhibit bacteria and ensure a long-lasting, effective experience. A creamy consistency ensures effortless manual application and quick absorption". I think that covers our usual ingredient list. In terms of our use only one re-application was required.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i><b>Ingredients:</b> Organic Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil; Organic
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil; Organic Rosehip Seed Oil;
Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Butter; Organic Corn Starch; Sodium
Bicarbonate; Kaolin Clay; Organic Vegan Kosher Glycerin; Essential oils
of: Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender); Organic Melaleuca
Alternifolia (Tea Tree); Organic Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange); Organic
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint); Citrus Aurantium Bergamia
(Bergaptene-free Bergamot). </i><br />
<br />
<u>Deo #3 Garnier mineral ultimate protection roll-on</u><br />
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<a href="http://www.garnier.co.uk/img/our_products/PRD_DEO/prod-MINERAL-big.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.garnier.co.uk/img/our_products/PRD_DEO/prod-MINERAL-big.png" /></a></div>
<i>Rating: </i><b>2/5, </b>available from most supermarkets and pharmacies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The thing is that the cynics amongst you might find yourself thinking "well of course the garnier one didn't get a good review; it's a natural product beauty blog". But that really had nothing to do with it, firstly the ingredients list is so small that we honestly don't know what was in it and secondly we are scientists baby; we're all about trying to be as objective as possible.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Out of all of the deodorants, this one underperformed on duration of fragrance (really floral and ran out super fast), left L's poor armpits soaking and had to be reapplied so often that she kept it next to her waterbottle (sorry L).<br />
<br />
<u>But, you ask, which one would we choose personally? </u><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So you've read the reviews and you may have noticed that SoapWalla and Weleda have the same score. So which one do we choose? Well, it's all got to do with your purpose. If you're in a situation where you're unlikely to have the time to smear cream under your armpits then the Weleda spray is probably your best option and it comes in a 30ml travel size for anyone interested in carrying it around with them.<br />
But if you aren't super busy and quite like the smooth consistency of SoapWalla then by all means get the SoapWalla.<br />
<br />
As far as the Garnier goes we were really disappointed, we were expecting to have to write a meager review on the natural alternatives and justify why they wouldn't match up. But to our delight that just wasn't the case. Go natural or Go home . . .or just stick with what you're happy with - we just wanted the opportunity to sound as hardcore as our fitness trainer.<br />
<br />
Lots of Love,<br />
Em, L & Layla<br />
X <br />
<br /><i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-1965995109651172282012-06-27T10:25:00.002+01:002012-06-27T10:36:40.714+01:00Huge savings@ MichaelJohn & Naturisimo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.michaeljohn.co.uk/Themes/michaeljohn/Content/images/michaeljohn_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://www.michaeljohn.co.uk/Themes/michaeljohn/Content/images/michaeljohn_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The lovely people at<a href="http://www.michaeljohn.co.uk/"> Michealjohn</a> have a sale on with massive savings on natural beauty brands like Trilogy, Rahua Suki it's well worth a look!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/pix/organic_skincare_cosmetics_naturisimologo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.naturisimo.com/pix/organic_skincare_cosmetics_naturisimologo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Naturisimo have a kickass sale on right now with brands like Inika, Bellapierre, Rawganic, NUDE skincare, Neom, Viridian and more! Click <a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/">here</a> to check it out!<br />
<br />
X<br />
<br /></div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-53419030270942655862012-06-25T14:20:00.000+01:002012-06-25T14:20:17.439+01:00Avena's V.V. cream & oil Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.avena.co.uk/cms_media/images/150x150_fitbox-1296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.avena.co.uk/cms_media/images/150x150_fitbox-1296.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image borrowed from <a href="http://www.avena.co.uk/">Avena</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rating: <b>1/5</b>, available from <a href="http://www.avena.co.uk/product_catalogue/v-v-calendula-twin-pack/index.html">Avena</a> for £13.99 (excl. p&p). <br />
<br />
Long time, no posts right? I can't tell you where the time has gone!<br />
<br />
So today we're reviewing 2 products. Everyone has at least 1 'beauty' dilemma that bugs them. for some folk it's their cellulite, for others it's their greasy and for at least 2 members of the TBT writing team it's thread veins. We don't know where they come from, more specifically we don't know why they appear and we have found no way of stopping them or making them disappear. And we'd rather use laser surgery as a last step.<br />
<br />
We have tried home aromatherapy blends, expensive potions and lotions and even specialised massage. So far we've found that home aromatherapy blends and Kimia Glow have a little bit of an effect. Other than that we're stuck for answers. Antioxidants are supposed to help as are vitamins C,E & K but we're hardly strangers to antioxidants and our vitamins, we always wear sunscreen and thanks to the wonder that is the "British summer" we don't really get sun exposure and we're not tanners or sun bed fans.<br />
<br />
So when we discovered Avena's V.V. (short for Visible Vein) oil we jumped on board and when we found that they did a cream too we ordered them both. On arrival we split them between us and eagerly let our beauty experiment commence. 2 months later and the results are in; there was no improvement, it didn't soak in very quickly and to top it all of it didn't smell that good :( <br />
<br />
Back to the drawing board.....<br />
<br />
Let us know what your (in)visible vein tricks are or whether you've had better luck with Avena's V.V. oil or cream in the comments!<br />
<br />
X <br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients list to follow!</i></div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-63742208267060948882012-04-24T22:05:00.000+01:002012-04-24T22:05:02.809+01:00Natural Baby Products for Mother & Baby that Contain Phenoxyethanol<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In our last post we discussed the dangers of phenoxyethanol and the news that the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=FDA+phenoxyethanol+warning&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a">FDA<span class="article-content"> warned nursing mothers from a product containing phenoxyethanol because it can cause vomiting, dermatitis and it might just shut down the nervous system.</span></a><br />
<br />
<span class="article-content">According to ingredients listings it's a soil associated approved preservative....we don't really know what to say to that, other than "You Broke My Heart Soil Association! You....Broke....My...Heaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaart!".</span><br />
<br />
<span class="article-content"></span><br />
<span class="article-content">Ahem, definitely not something that you'd expect to find in products for anyone let alone Mother and Baby products. So we hit the ingredients lists of all of the "natural mother and baby products" at one of our favourite and most trusted online natural apothecaries; Lovelula, and we have listed any offenders here.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="article-content">The thing about natural apothecaries is that new ingredients are being used all of the time, and should the ingredients carry an "approved" stamp from a trusted body then stores and consumers are more likely to trust it's safety. Unfortunately, in some cases, the ingredient isn't worthy of the approval.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="article-content">Thankfully, the products in the new mum section were phenoxyethanol free but quite a few baby products contain it. To take a little bit of the pressure off busy parents or parents to be shopping for baby friendly baby products, <u>here are the products to try and avoid</u>:</span><br />
<span class="article-content"><br /></span><br />
<span class="article-content"><u>Baby Wipes</u> </span><br />
<span class="article-content"><a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-simply-gentle-baby-wipes.cfm">Simply Gentle 100% Cotton Baby Wipes</a> </span><br />
<span class="article-content">Yup, as if nappy change time didn't have enough perks, the makers of these baby wipes thought they'd throw a neurotoxin in. What the hell, right?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="article-content"><a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd_earth.cfm">Earth friendly baby organic skincare baby wipes </a></span><br />
<span class="article-content">Earth Friendly? Doubtful. Baby friendly? Hell no. One Reviewer says they're great for removing make-up. Research Says: Especially if you want a rash.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd_beaming_baby_organic.cfm"><span class="article-content">Beaming Baby Organic Baby Wipes</span></a><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">
<span class="article-content">According to one reviewer, "t</span>he smell is just gorgeous, they have a lovely texture" and she is "thrilled with them". I know what you're thinking, we were thinking it too. . .is it her or is it the neurotoxin speaking? &, just in case you were wondering, their <a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd_beaming_baby_organic.cfm">Beaming Beauty Organic Face Wipes</a> have it in too<span class="article-content"> </span></div>
<span class="article-content"><br /></span><br />
<u><span class="article-content">Bubble bath</span></u><br />
<span class="article-content"><a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd_earth_friendly.cfm">Earth friendly Baby Organic Lavender Bubble Bath</a></span><br />
<span class="article-content">According to the product description, a little bit goes a long way. . . at least they're being honest; that's right people, it goes TOO FAR!</span><br />
<span class="article-content"><br /></span><br />
<u><span class="article-content">Baby Cream</span></u><br />
<span class="article-content"><a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-bamford-baby-cream-75ml.cfm">Bamford Baby Cream</a></span><br />
<span class="article-content">I'm not even going to comment on this one.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd_green_people_3-in-1_no_scent_baby_lotion.cfm"><span class="article-content">Green People 3-in-1 No Scent Baby Lotion</span></a><br />
<span class="article-content">In the ingredients section phenoxyethanol is listed as a "preservative". . . .it probably depends on what you're preserving</span><br />
<span class="article-content"><br /></span><br />
<u><span class="article-content">Shampoo </span></u><br />
<a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-jason-earth-s-best.cfm"><span class="article-content">Jason Earth's Best Baby Shampoo</span></a><br />
<span class="article-content">2 commas would have made that shampoo sound like a superbaby product line. Maybe next time, Jason, maybe next time.</span><br />
<span class="article-content"><br /></span></div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-18391195312373275112012-04-24T16:39:00.002+01:002012-04-28T21:34:28.812+01:00Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream; the natural moisturiser that makes you go ".....erm???"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.feelunique.com/img/products/Antipodes_Avocado_Pear_Nourishing_Night_Cream_60ml1302853209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.feelunique.com/img/products/Antipodes_Avocado_Pear_Nourishing_Night_Cream_60ml1302853209.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Rating: ...erm???</b>, available from <a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-antipodes-night-cream.cfm" target="_blank">Lovelula (£33 inc p&p)</a>, <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Antipodes-Avocado-Pear-Nourishing-Night-Cream-60ml" target="_blank">Feelunique (£32.99 inc p&p)</a>, <a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/products.cfm?id=2890&nme=Antipodes" target="_blank">Naturisimo (£32.99 inc p&p)</a><br />
<br />
Winner of a multitude of awards, this creaming promises a lot (it promises a lot more if you use it inconjunction with their divine face oil too), according to the product blurb this cream is "clinically proven to stimulate collagen production in human fibroblast skin cells by <b>up to 92%</b>".<br />
<br />
Sounds tasty, just like the ingredients:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>Shea Butter </u>- Recently mentioned in our <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/lazy-winter-skin-care-natural-oils-and.html" target="_blank">lazy winter skin care post</a>, shea butter is a staple natural beauty darling. Packed full of Essential Fatty Acids, vitamins A & E, and antioxidants, shea butter can be used all over and studies have shown that it anti-inflammatory and can help to prevent skin damage from UV radiation. </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Because of it's beauty status Shea Butter can be found in hundreds of natural products. Here are a few of our favourites: <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/intelligent-nutrients-lipgloss-review.html" target="_blank">Intelligent Nutrients lipcare & lipgloss</a>, the miraculous <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/sheabutter-cottage-akuaba-belly-butter.html" target="_blank">Akuaba Belly Butter</a>, <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/sheabutter-cottage-authentic-african.html" target="_blank">African Liquid Soap</a>, <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/fushi-wellbeing-organic-eczmaid_12.html" target="_blank">Fushi Organic Eczmaid Chickweed and Chamomile Ointment</a>, <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/cioccolatina-argan-cocoa-butter-liquid.html" target="_blank">Cioccolotina Argan & Cocoa butter Liquid Shampoo</a> & <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/dr-alkaitis-organic-eye-cream-review.html" target="_blank"> Dr Alkaitis Organic Eye Cream</a></blockquote>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>Vegetable Squalane</u> - We've blogged about <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/olive-squalane-review.html" target="_blank">Olive Squalene</a> before and we loved it, vegetable squalane is similar. As one of the main components of sebum, the skin loves squalane, it helps to plump the skin up, protect against UV rays and smoothe wrinkles out over short periods of time. It's another product that is multipurpose and is used in lots of products. </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u> Avocado Oil</u> - Packed full of EFA's, lecithin, amino acids, Vitamins A, B6 & E, copper, magnesium and iron, avocado oil is a veritable gourmet meal for the skin.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>Manuka Honey</u> - Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, manuka honey is great for all skin types, providing nourishment and TLC to the body. However, the ingredients and the <a href="http://www.antipodesnature.com/" target="_blank">antipodes site</a> don't specify whether the honey has a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) which is basically a way of saying that the honey is "active" kind of like the difference between Live Yogurt and Yogurt. </li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>Macadamia oil</u> - Also featured in <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/herbfarmacy-organic-rose-face-oil-25ml.html" target="_blank">Herbfarmacy's Organic Rose Face Oil</a>, macadamia oil is light, non-greasy and full of EFA's.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> <u>Calendula Oil</u> - Anti-inflammatory, astringent and full of tannins, calendula has been used to treat skin problems for years and it's amazing! Also Featured in <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/kimia-glow-kimia-exquisite-rejuvenating.html" target="_blank">Kimia Glow</a></li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>Coconut Oil</u> - naturally moisturising, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial, Coconut oil imparts a mild SPF and acts as a great skin and hair conditioner.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>Gluconolactone</u> - is an antioxidant that can chelate metals and might actually help to scavenge free radicals, potentially protecting and repairing sun damaged skin.(<a href="http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/gluconolactone" target="_blank">ref</a>).</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>Calcium gluconate</u> - traditionally applied topically to burns victims and studies have shown that people with higher calcium intake experience less premature aging (but that may also have to do with the fact that they're eating a well balanced diet).</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><u>Vinenza Grape Grapeseed Extract</u> - all we can find is that this is a "quintessential antioxidant from New Zealand's sauvignon blanc grape seeds which revitalises your skin" which we're pretty sure is a quality posessed by grapeseed's in general.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Sounds lovely and with prices starting @ £33 for a 60ml pot we've got to admit that we were hoping for some serious beauty kudos. The kind of product you use sparingly before bed and wake up looking like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://reinventingfabulous.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Miss-Piggy-Muppets_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://reinventingfabulous.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Miss-Piggy-Muppets_l.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok, maybe not looking like this but definitely feeling swishy, glowy and a little diva-esque. But it didn't, we tested it on friends and family members with no extra oomph from the product.<br />
Once more we are the only bloggers not feeling this cream. . .it did nothing, we took 2 and a half months to test the product across a range of testers 17 - 62 and no-one had anything nice to say, no morning dewy skin, no glow, no love. Just "I suppose it moisturised" and to us that's just not good enough. <br />
<br />
In fact on closer inspection of the ingredients you could just buy<a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/fushi-wellbeing-organic-eczmaid_12.html" target="_blank"> fushi organic eczmaid chickweed and chamomile ointment</a>, add in a dash of honey and squalene and have yourself a very similar product for less money and without any preservatives. <br />
<br />
Now we're on the subject let's talk about some of the less desirable ingredients:<br />
<br />
<u>Ceteareths and Ceteareth-20</u> (aka "it all depends on who you ask"):<br />
<a href="http://www.ewg.org/node/21286" target="_blank">The EWG</a> classify this as a toxic allergen that can increase skin absorption of other toxic nasties, and they recommend that consumers steer clear of any product that has any ingredients with "ceteareth" in the name as they claim that it can increase carcinogens in the given product. This is because ceteareths may contain 1,4-dioxane
and ethylene oxide which have both been linked to cancer. However <a href="http://www.cir-safety.org/" target="_blank">the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel</a> say that 1,4-dioxane can be controlled for using proper purification methods to remove it prior to blending into cosmetics.<br />
<br />
The EWG and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel say that cosmetic products containing ceteareth-20 claiming that the
ingredient is not safe to use on injured or damaged skin. When used on burn victims cetearths may result in kidney damage.<br />
Ultimately the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel say that so long as ceterateths are properly used then they are safe to use. Ultimately, it's up to the consumer. Most brands are unlikely to improperly use any ceteareths, if you'd rather not take the risk then it might be best to avoid. But that is entirely up to you</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Iodopropynyl butylcarbarmate</u> - commonly used in skincare, lip and oral hygiene products it has been deemed as safe to use. However a 2006 <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1997.tb00400.x/abstract" target="_blank">study</a> <span class="article-content">found that Iodoproynyl Butylcarbamate can be a toxicant, cause contact dermatitis and have immune effects in some people.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span class="article-content">Last but not least there is <u>phenoxyethanol</u> - A glycol ether and the new alternative to parabens - phenoxyethanol is used across the board from </span><span class="article-content">paint to
jet fuel to cosmetics (anti-bacterial) to perfume (stabiliser). Oh yeah, lest we forget to mention the FDA warned nursing mothers from a product containing phenoxyethanol because it can cause vomiting, dermatitis and it might just shut down the nervous system.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="article-content">This is getting to be a pretty long review so I'll give you a run down of research findings:</span></div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="article-content"> A bunch of </span>animal studies
demonstrate that it is toxic and an irritant at moderate and low concentrations. </li>
<li> <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6351353">The Environmental Protection Agency data sheets</a> show chromosomal changes
and genetic mutation effects in testing as well as testicular atrophy (break down)
and interference with reproductive organs in mice.</li>
<li>The EU has classified it as an irritant and Japan have a concentration limit for it's use in cosmetic products</li>
<li>Phenoxyethanol has been shown to have <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10959804">neurotoxin potential </a>, now that is something you never want to see on your report card.</li>
<li>Phenoxyethanol is in the top <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16823706">10 most frequent allergens in allergic contact dermatitis</a>, with the author's noting, <i>"Even after healing of the skin lesions of allergic contact dermatitis,
it must be considered that sensitization persists indefinitely.
Therefore, patients have to be informed exactly about their relevant
contact allergens to ensure complete avoidance. To do so, physicians
need a detailed knowledge of the most common contact allergens which are
discussed in this paper.". </i>So basically, once you've developed contact dermatitis it is unlikely to ever go away completely. Fabulous...to back their findings up, another study found that <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16191031">phenoxyethanol is a contact allergen</a>.<br />
<br />
And in the wise words of the author over at <a href="http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredient-spotlight/what-is-it-phenoxyethanol-and-is-it-safe">truth in aging</a>: <br />
<i>"Phenoxyethanol breaks down to phenol and acetaldehyde, acetaldehyde
converts to acetate. Phenol can disable the immune system's primary
response mechanism. Given that, it is at best ironic, that
phenoxyethanol is used as an anti-bacterial in vaccines. Acetaldehyde
occurs during the breakdown of ethanol, (alchohol and 2-phenoxyETHANOL),
it is a suspected carcinogen. Inhalation studies have shown irritation
of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
</i><i>I feel that <b>given the wealth of evidence, I'd rather give it a miss
even at concentrations of 1% or lower. </b>That, however, is easier said
than done. Phenoxyethanol is becoming ubiquitous and it is hard to
avoid." </i><br />
<span class="article-content"> </span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
Don't let these findings overwhelm you, there are a lot of products that don't have phenoxyethanol. Antipodes should know better and the fact they've won so many awards is a bit of a joke... Now we know about how bad the ingredients are we feel terrible about testing it on our friends and families not to mention ourselves.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Ingredients: Water, Shea butter, Squalane, Avocado oil, Manuka
honey, Macadamia oil, Calendula oil, fractionated coconut oil,
<a href="http://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/glyceryl-stearate" target="_blank">Glyceryl stearate</a>, Ceteareth-20, Ceteareth-12, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl
palmitate, Vitamin E, Lecithin, Grapefruit seed extract, Sandalwood oil, Patchouli oil, Ylang ylang oil, Iodopropynyl butylcarbarmate, Phenoxyethanol. </i></div>
</div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-84509979893631359692012-04-22T18:42:00.002+01:002012-04-22T18:42:25.462+01:00Lovelula Spring Sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blu150.mail.live.com/Handlers/ImageProxy.mvc?bicild=&canary=L6RDGHvkWzY9hGgAS7NGcmjRfd4I0Nbn0P%2bSF3OG9g4%3d0&url=http%3a%2f%2fi1.cmail2.com%2fei%2fr%2fFE%2fDE2%2f7BD%2fcsimport%2fspring_sale_ll.163908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blu150.mail.live.com/Handlers/ImageProxy.mvc?bicild=&canary=L6RDGHvkWzY9hGgAS7NGcmjRfd4I0Nbn0P%2bSF3OG9g4%3d0&url=http%3a%2f%2fi1.cmail2.com%2fei%2fr%2fFE%2fDE2%2f7BD%2fcsimport%2fspring_sale_ll.163908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With brands like Kae, Ila, Nvey Eco, Jurlique, Neal's Yard & Elysambre it's worth heading over to <a href="http://www.lovelula.com/" target="_blank">Lovelula </a>to check out the spoils! Open Now Until Sunday the 29th April.<br />
<br />
X </div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-38289387203292396592012-04-22T00:00:00.000+01:002012-04-22T00:00:14.013+01:00Earth Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2koObKkSxQLp08UkWCUfPr1TDppOh9-8Bu0CZvhQTEforoVYluPayrZe4BH597kd3VlDCCIJv32rEpcdaC9Tj8tMBR3xQEBvS1yPC2mgSiOi-y1DFunIeJUJ0OwEJ8tPEkWDhZjhblXGW/s1600/Earth+Day+Cupcakes+7+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2koObKkSxQLp08UkWCUfPr1TDppOh9-8Bu0CZvhQTEforoVYluPayrZe4BH597kd3VlDCCIJv32rEpcdaC9Tj8tMBR3xQEBvS1yPC2mgSiOi-y1DFunIeJUJ0OwEJ8tPEkWDhZjhblXGW/s400/Earth+Day+Cupcakes+7+logo.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image borrowed from <a href="http://birdonacake.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/earth-day-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">Bird on a Cake</a>, click on the link to see how the lovely Robin created these cakes!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is Earth Day, it's all about raising awareness about taking care of the planet for our future generations; our children, our nieces, our nephews, our friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To learn more click <a href="http://www.earthday.org/" target="_blank">here</a> & for earth day quotes click <a href="http://www.quotegarden.com/earth-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Earth Day Everyone, Thank You So Much For Visiting!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
XXX</div>
</div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com1United Kingdom55.378051 -3.43597336.641164 -43.8656605 74.114938 36.9937145tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-78283018066369594212012-04-19T12:20:00.002+01:002012-04-19T12:20:37.152+01:00Amazing Oskia Sale @ Cocosa right now!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lovelula.com/misc_images/oskia_main_image2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lovelula.com/misc_images/oskia_main_image2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
UK Sales site <a href="https://www.cocosa.com/Sale/?sid=16131&catid=Women" target="_blank">Cocosa</a> is having an Oskia Sale and with prices starting from £23 it's definitely worth a look.<br />
<br />
If you're not sure about Oskia check out our reviews of their <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/oskia-bedtime-beauty-boost-50ml-review.html" target="_blank">Bedtime Beauty Boost cream</a> and <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/oskia-get-up-glow-worth-hype.html" target="_blank">Oskia's Get Up and Glow Serum</a><br />
X</div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-4258778858318033232012-04-17T17:48:00.004+01:002012-10-10T13:13:56.121+01:00Avena's Bra In A Jar Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.avena.co.uk/cms_media/images/150x150_fitbox-335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.avena.co.uk/cms_media/images/150x150_fitbox-335.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Rating: <b>6/5</b>, available from <a href="http://www.avena.co.uk/product_categories/beauty_products/bra-in-a-jar/index.html" target="_blank">Avena</a> with prices starting from £6.99 (+p&p for all orders under £25).<br />
<br />
One Word: AMAZING!<br />
<br />
You've probably heard of mama mio's boob tube cream and a gazillion other products claiming to give you your perk back or to simply maintain the perk you had in the first place and/or to simply firm you up . The thing is that a lot of the time these products are filled with nasties and, as we've heard, aren't very effective.<br />
<br />
Avena's bra in a jar is an all natural product that is not tested on animals. Ease of application is good and it has a light smell of mint, it absorbs fairly quickly and lies somewhere between a cream and a serum. In terms of longevity, the 60ml pots lasts for about a month.<br />
<br />
This stuff is amazing, in fact in our eyes it is as wondrous as <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/sheabutter-cottage-akuaba-belly-butter.html" target="_blank">Akuaba Belly Butter.</a> We were so impressed by this that we passed it on to our families. Incredibly effective across the board - our new-mum-friends loved it, our sisters loved it, our mothers and aunties loved it and so did our grandmothers. In fact, our grandmothers rave about it.<br />
<br />
X <br />
<br />
<br />
Allergy Warning: <b>Contains nut oils!</b> <br />
<i>Ingredients: sunflower oil, water, beeswax, adeps lanae, almond oil, patchouli oil, peppermint oil, benzoin oil.</i></div>
Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-79359701041355305402012-04-07T12:58:00.000+01:002012-04-07T12:58:45.937+01:00Konjac sponge review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjikCPnb6bBWILOy1FCCf3AzWLT0f9m7_TEKFd-ORmiom4ralkexOEY767nOKJaTg3wND9KKleL_mx6uqqMlp3aioYXuL89UGplyDuQK0ZELwM4-OndCJY9tA5D7R3SWKy_v4n187g2w/s1600/Konjac+Sponge+Company.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjikCPnb6bBWILOy1FCCf3AzWLT0f9m7_TEKFd-ORmiom4ralkexOEY767nOKJaTg3wND9KKleL_mx6uqqMlp3aioYXuL89UGplyDuQK0ZELwM4-OndCJY9tA5D7R3SWKy_v4n187g2w/s1600/Konjac+Sponge+Company.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Available from <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/search.html?keyword_search=konjac&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Being Content </a>with prices ranging from £5.75 - £6.99<br />
We have to opt out of a rating for this one. For whatever reason, it's not really done anything for us. Em, L, and I all bought one each and have tested it out for the past 3 months. The packaging is cute, the longevity is good but the effect is not that noticeable. Maybe we were using the wrong one for each of our skin types, maybe there was no noticeable effect because we bodybrush or maybe it's just one of life's mysteries...we can't be sure.<br />
<br />
Made from the fibrous konjac plant, these sponges hav been used for over a century in Japan. Konjac sponges have a mild exfoliating effect and are said to help gently cleanse and increase circulation, they are also suitable for all skin types because they are alkaline, full of vitamins and minerals (try magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, E, D, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, folic acid & fatty acids), they're also completely biodegradable.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/product_images/medium/2505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.beingcontent.com/product_images/medium/2505.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Clay Konjac Sponge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They are available plain (which is perfect for all skin types) but you can also get<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>green clay for normal to oily skin (Em used this one)</li>
<li>red clay for dry and sensitive skin (L & I used this one)</li>
<li>pink clay for tired, devitalized skin </li>
<li>Bamboo charcoal for very oily or acne prone skins</li>
</ul>
They can be used alone over the face and body or you can add a touch of cleanser. They are easy to use and, if they work for you, could make a lovely addition to your beauty routine and are perfect if you're in a hurry!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/product_images/medium/2820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.beingcontent.com/product_images/medium/2820.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Body & baby konjac sponge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Honestly, it's a super cute gift idea and the novelty factor is great, so it could be lovely in a care package or as a stand alone gift. But we had no luck with this product :( which is a shame because we'd really been looking forward to reviewing it and it has had so much love in the blogosphere.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to know more about the konjac sponge click <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/magazine.htm/brand-profiles/konjac-sponges" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<br />
Have you tried konjac sponges before, what did you think? Did you have better results?<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Hope that you're having a lovely weekend!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Layla,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">X<br /> </span><span style="line-height: 14px;"></span></span></span></div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-84981230705887577832012-04-04T17:10:00.000+01:002012-04-04T17:10:53.501+01:00Intelligent Nutrients lipgloss Review: Say hello to toxin free make-up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Intelligent Nutrients, the brand behind our <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/intelligent-nutrients-spray-on.html" target="_blank">favourite spray on detangler</a> has created a range of really exciting products when it comes to non-toxic beauty.<br />
Founded by Horst Rechelbacher (the original founder of Aveda), Intelligent Nutrients use 100% food-based, safe, non-toxic & organic ingredients. And all after-tax profits from the sale of Intelligent Nutrients products are donated to environmental and social causes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74Lm6Pc3M_O5ohSTYDjGFLWhVTWIa8ox1rZwDS-J0_-bd7GiVQSGljWBLPwdDtu2JG94awQ-B7ZB7Rf_lhSt29-k8cqW-Mqv0qKR_IJJWgfJmqiU7oGfUQ-FVUE10PCKnwhFGXjFuUw/s1600/SIDEBAR-ART-PSCS+LIP-GLOSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74Lm6Pc3M_O5ohSTYDjGFLWhVTWIa8ox1rZwDS-J0_-bd7GiVQSGljWBLPwdDtu2JG94awQ-B7ZB7Rf_lhSt29-k8cqW-Mqv0qKR_IJJWgfJmqiU7oGfUQ-FVUE10PCKnwhFGXjFuUw/s1600/SIDEBAR-ART-PSCS+LIP-GLOSS.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image borrowed from <a href="http://www.intelligentnutrients.com/" target="_blank">Intelligent Nutrients</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All Intelligent Nutrients (IN) products are certified organic and are cruelty free. IN also collaborates with Henry Ford Hospital & the
Mayo Clinic, ranking #1 (with a rating of 9.5/10) in a study of
50 natural & organic cosmetic brands conducted by Organic Monitor.<br />
<br />
This review covers Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Lip Delivery Nutrition, and the 3 Lip Delivery Antioxidant Glosses; Purple Maize, Cranberry and Clear frosting.<br />
<br />
Personally speaking, I've never been able to wear lipgloss - it's not that I haven't tried or that I don't like it, it's because I have intolerances to so many things. In the instance that I do wear normal brands of lipgloss or lip balms, my lips swell up a little and all the remains of the lip gloss is a line of goo on my lower lip. Not a good look or a good feeling.<br />
<br />
So, when I found this range I wasn't sure what to expect. All of the Ingredients looked great and safe but prior <a href="http://treasureboxesandtrinkets.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/make-up-review-lavera-intense.html" target="_blank">experience</a> had taught me to wait until the run through.<br />
<br />
Update: US readers can buy straight from the <a href="http://www.intelligentnutrients.com/" target="_blank">Intelligent Nutrients site </a><br />
<br />
<u>Certified Organic Lip Delivery Nutrition Review</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/product_images/medium/2662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.beingcontent.com/product_images/medium/2662.jpg" /></a></div>
The bottom line of this product's description reads:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Softness. Smoothness. The seductive and irresistible allure of not being coated in petroleum."</i></blockquote>
Sounds sexy, right? Ok, maybe not sexy but for some reason I can hear it being read in a husky voice while classic perfume ad music plays quietly in the background "mmmm, no petroleum".<br />
Joking aside, that can only be a good thing. I'm pretty sure petroleum and it's byproducts weren't designed for being slathered over the body (check <a href="http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=661" target="_blank">this article by Stacy Malkan</a>, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Just-Pretty-Face-Industry/dp/0865715742/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333549435&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Not just a pretty face: The ugly side of the beauty industry</a>, at the campaign for safe cosmetics and be sure to read the NY Times piece about the findings of the president's cancer panel's research <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/opinion/06kristof.html?_r=1" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
And while we're talking about things that aren't in this lip balm you can also count on the fact that you won't find mineral oil or lead in this product.<br />
<br />
But enough about the health dangers of common ingredients that simply aren't here. What about this lovely non-toxic lip balm. Simply put, it's perfect; lasting softness, intense lip nutrition, and it won't leave any goop on your lips.<br />
<br />
<b>TBT Rating:</b><b> 5/5</b>, available for £14.00 (17.50 Euros / $23.94) inc P&P from <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Intelligent-Nutrients-Certified-Organic-Lip-Delivery-Nutrition-2g" target="_blank">Feelunique</a>, <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/skincare/lip-treatments/certified-organic-lip-delivery-nutrition.htm" target="_blank">Being Content</a>, <a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-intelligent-nutrients-lip-delivery.cfm" target="_blank">Lovelula</a> & <a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/products.cfm?id=3572&cat=skincare&nme=intelligent+nutrients" target="_blank">Naturisimo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>I</i><i>ngredients:Beeswax*, Coconut Oil*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Red Grape Seed
Oil*,**, Cranberry Seed Oil*,**, Castor Seed Oil*, Palm Kernel Oil*, Red Raspberry Seed Oil*,**, Pumpkin Seed
Oil*,**, Rose Hips Seed Oil*, Black
Cumin Seed Oil*,**, Shea Butter*, Vanilla
Plantifolia Fruit Oil*, Peppermint Oil*, Natural
Orange Mint Flavor*, Corn Mint leaf oil*, Nutmeg Kernel Oil*, Limonene,*,***, Eugenol*,***, Isougenol*,***, Vitamin E.
</i><br />
<i>*Certified Organic
</i><br />
<i>**Antioxidant Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex
</i><br />
<i>***Naturally Occurring Component of Organic Essential Oil Blend</i><br />
<br />
<u>Intelligent Nutrients Lip Delivery Antioxidant Glosses, 12 ml, the Review</u><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnuNoZZBcJIUCUrLZOUmzfFkCKYhoF1phprIZFyGyEsgaA68nODMMz8az3midawctKh31bPSxIuXLfo2fvwt6ryXY3rp4d_inKEMjl83k41qX4EQhoQegm-pn5oQAPMJ0ejNAApTFHg/s1600/intelligent_nutrients_lip_set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnuNoZZBcJIUCUrLZOUmzfFkCKYhoF1phprIZFyGyEsgaA68nODMMz8az3midawctKh31bPSxIuXLfo2fvwt6ryXY3rp4d_inKEMjl83k41qX4EQhoQegm-pn5oQAPMJ0ejNAApTFHg/s400/intelligent_nutrients_lip_set.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Cranberry Glow (only available as part of the In Joy Set in the UK), Purple Maize, Clear Frosting & Lip delivery nutrition.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After failed attempts at getting swatches that looked like the colour I realised that the swatches on the site are true to form (aside from the clear frosting which gives you a really nice light shimmer).<br />
<br />
Here's the blurb:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"combining powerful colorful antioxidant chemistry and nutritious food
ingredients with a high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (antioxidant)
ORAC value. Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss is free from toxic mined or
mineral pigments, heavy metals, synthetic colorants. Every ingredient
chosen to feed your lips with power-packed antioxidants and Intelligent
Nutrients’ signature Antioxidant Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex to help
battle oxidative stress and aid in fighting pre-mature aging while
delivering delicious moisture and shine. The aroma/flavor is filled with
certified organic Agave, Caramel, Coconut, Raspberry and Vanilla. It
not only tastes good, it’s good for you."</blockquote>
<br />
<div align="justify">
These glosses are free from:</div>
<ul>
<li>Gluten</li>
<li>Lead & Other Heavy Metals <br />
</li>
<li>Mined Minerals & Synthetic Colour<br />
</li>
<li>Synthetic Oils & Waxes</li>
<li>Mineral Oil & Petrolatum</li>
<li>Artifical Fragrances & Phthalates</li>
<li>Silicones & Parabens </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
These glosses aren't sticky, if your hair blows into your face you won't have to go through the laborious task of having to gently pull your hair out of your lip gloss (and then try and comb the lip gloss out of your hair).<br />
<br />
The staying power is great and the quality is brilliant.<br />
<br />
Cranberry glow gives a really cute bitten lip lok and purple maize is a little more vampy, if you want more of a colour pop just layer up. The added benefits of these glosses is that they also act as lip conditioners and they taste delicious!<br />
<br />
Is the In Joy The Shine Set worth it? <br />
If you love lip glosses and are likely to buy at least 3 of the items reviewed then yes. The lip glosses and lip delivery nutrition balm are all full size and you get a handy tin to carry them in. Not to mention the fact that 3 items would add up to a minimum of £44 which is the same price as the set - and for that you get an extra lip gloss.<br />
<br />
<b>TBT rating: 5/5</b> available for £15 inc P&P, from:<br />
<i>Purple Maize:</i> <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/cosmetics/lips/lip-delivery-antioxidant-gloss--purple-maize.htm" target="_blank">Being Content</a>, <a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/products_other.cfm?id=3719&type=Lip%20Gloss&nme=intelligent%20nutrients&makeup=1" target="_blank">Naturisimo</a>, <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Intelligent-Nutrients-Certified-Organic-Lip-Delivery-Antioxidant-Gloss-12ml?curr=GBP" target="_blank">Feelunique</a>, <a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-intelligent-nutrients-lip-delivery-antioxidant-gloss---purple-maize-12ml.cfm" target="_blank">Lovelula</a>.<br />
<i>Clear Frosting</i>: <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/cosmetics/lips/lip-delivery-antioxidant-gloss--clear-frosting.htm" target="_blank">Being Content</a>, <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Intelligent-Nutrients-Certified-Organic-Lip-Delivery-Antioxidant-Gloss-12ml?curr=GBP" target="_blank">Feelunique</a>, <a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-intelligent-nutrients-lip-delivery-antioxidant-gloss---clear-frosting-12ml.cfm" target="_blank">Lovelula</a><br />
<i>Cranberry Glow: </i><a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/cosmetics/lips/lip-delivery-antioxidant-gloss--cranberry.htm" target="_blank">Being Content</a><i> </i><br />
<i>In Joy The Shine Set</i>, available for £44 (inc P&P) from <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/gifts/gifttravel-sets/in-joy-the-shine-lip-care-kit.htm" target="_blank">Being content</a>, <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/p/Intelligent-Nutrients-Certified-Organic-Lip-Care-Kit" target="_blank">Feelunique</a>, <a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/products.cfm?id=3718&nme=Intelligent%20Nutrients" target="_blank">Naturisimo </a><br />
<br />
<i>Clear frosting Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil*, Beeswax*, Agave Leaf Extract*, Sweet Raspberry Natural Flavour*, Coconut Oil*, Vanilla Bean Natural Flavour*, Caramel Cream Natural
Flavor*, Acai fruit Oil*, Cocoa Butter*, Shea Butter*, Carnauba Wax*, Coconut Cream Natural Flavour*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Rosehip Oil*, Black Cumin Seed Oil*,**, Cranberry Seed
Oil*,**, Red Raspberry Seed Oil*,**, Red
Grape Seed Oil*,**, Pumpkin Seed Oil*,**,Vitamin E.
</i>
<br />
<i>*Certified Organic
</i><br />
<i>*Antioxidant Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex</i><br />
<br />
<i>Purple Maize Ingredients: </i><br />
<i>Castor Seed Oil*, Beeswax*, Coconut Oil*, Agave Leaf Extract*, Purple
Corn Extract*, Sweet Raspberry Natural Flavor*,</i> <i>Vanilla Bean Natural Flavour*, Caramel Cream Natural
Flavor*, Acai fruit Oil*, Cocoa Butter*, Shea Butter*, Carnauba Wax*,
Coconut Cream Natural Flavour*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Rosehip Oil*, Black
Cumin Seed Oil*,**, Cranberry Seed
Oil*,**, Red Raspberry Seed Oil*,**, Red
Grape Seed Oil*,**, Pumpkin Seed Oil*,**,Vitamin E.
</i>
<br />
<i>*Certified Organic
</i><br />
<i>*Antioxidant Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex</i><br />
<br />
<i>Cranberry Glow Ingredients:</i><br />
<i>Castor Oil*, Beeswax* Agave Extract*, Sweet Raspberry Natural Flavour*, Coconut Oil*, Water, Vanilla Bean Natural Flavour*, Caramel Cream
Natural Flavour*, Kaolin, Carrot Extract*, Radish Extract, Lemon Extract*, Annatto Oil*,</i> <i>Shea Butter*, Carnauba Wax*,</i> <i>Cocoa Butter*,</i> <i>Coconut Cream Natural Flavour*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Rosehip Oil*, Black
Cumin Seed Oil*,**,</i> <i>Pumpkin Seed Oil*,**,</i> <i>Red Raspberry Seed Oil*,**,</i> <i>Red
Grape Seed Oil*,**, Cranberry Seed Oil*,**, Cranberry*, Orange Peel*, Rosa
Damascenta Flower*, Vitamin E.</i><br />
<i>
</i><i>*Certified Organic </i><br />
<i>
</i><i>**Antioxidant Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex </i></div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-49645991758532104082012-03-29T14:26:00.000+01:002012-03-29T14:34:29.521+01:00You = Perfect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Regardless of where you are in your body plan you’ve got to know one thing; Your body is perfect. Sometimes life is hard, sometimes we make bad choices, sometimes we’re too busy to see what’s going on but as a society we're so messed up that as a species we’ve decided to take those issues out on the way we see our bodies and, in turn, the way we see ourselves.<br />
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Have you ever seen a dog, cat or farmyard animal look at themselves in a mirror and lament about their body? If you’re overweight, underweight or just need some good old toning up then own it. I'm not saying don’t make changes to get yourself on the right track, I'm saying that to do anything about it you need to accept who you are and choose to make any changes for you. There are positives and negatives.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/125045327123731415/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache4.pinterest.com/upload/117023290287466346_VCPJb7R1_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=687165816450598478" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">Uploaded by user</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/9teacups/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Layla</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Before I developed food intolerances I was overweight and happy. I won’t lie to you; inside me there is a happy fat girl who loves food. Of course there were times that I wished I was thinner and those times were mainly when I had to go shopping for clothes, but other than that I was what I was. I loved being able to sit at a meal and not have to miserably pick through my food for fear that my body might change.<br />
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You know as well as everyone else that we don’t need celebrities, stores or media outlets to let you know that it’s okay to embrace your body. <b>Your body is awesome and beautiful because it is yours</b>. <br />
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<b>You are perfect.</b> I can't stress that enough.<br />
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Have a lovely day<br />
X</div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-11963297010890700842012-03-26T17:55:00.001+01:002012-03-26T18:34:27.717+01:00Boom Boom Pow: Zumba @ The Ministry Of Sound with Tanya Beardsley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been an age since I last posted, so without further ado we'll get right to our most recent adventure: Angela and I went to the first Zumba night at the Ministry of Sound.<br />
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First off the ticket price (£12) was amazing given that we had the opportunity to be lead by Tanya Beardsley and thanks to synchronicity I happened to have a meeting in the capital that day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanya Beardsley @ ministry </td></tr>
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The people there were hardcore zumba fans who busted some awesome moves, most of them also had the sense to come in groups of 3 or more. Angela and I had not, we did meet some lovely people but all allegiances were thrown to the ground when the music got going; people scrambled to the front, desperate to get as close as possible to the stage. We don't knock ambition, but pushing past people in an already small room just seemed unnecessary.<br />
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The lighting could have been amazing, but I think that the ministry of sound forgot that a Zumba night requires a leader and if you can't see that leader...well...you're just shaking your butt in different directions in the hope that you're doing something right. Over the course of the session the lights on stage went off and a bright red light was shone onto the audience for a good chunk of time 2 or 3 times. Anyone further than 4 rows back was just blinded and by the time the stage lights went back up the people in the crowd who had not won 'guess the move' (myself included) looked just like this;<br />
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--- OK I have literally spent the better part of an hour searching for the hip hop class scene from the fighting irish episode of 30 rock. I have given up, all I can say is: HILARIOUS MAJOR FAIL on my dancing in the dark attempt ----</div>
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Another problem was that the screens only showed the top half of tanya's body, and as someone unable to see the stage I was one of the many people who had to decipher the steps based on her upper body movements - if you thought it was easy to guess footwork based on the movements
of the upper half of someone's body from a distance then you were wrong,
in the end everyone at the back was doing a chinese whisper step of the
footwork at the front. Which was unashamedly bad. At one point people were passing the directions to the step down the line, which was a pleasant surprise because you can feel a little lost at sea in those circumstances! <br />
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And when I was able to follow the steps? punching, stamping on toes, bruising, scratching and a busted lip. At one point I got punched on both sides of my face by two different men at the same time, like a badly choreographed zombie jackie chan movie featuring only the medium of dancercise. <br />
Angela's blood was drawn at least 6 times, and I came in at a close
second with a total of 5, Lol! I don't know whether I should be
laughing, but I can tell you that it doesn't hurt as much now.<br />
While I think that a degree of stepping on toes and a little pushing or elbows meeting elbows (or arms) is to be expected the spacing should have been better planned.<br />
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And to add insult to injury, we were all watched by reality tv 'celebs' from a balcony above. I didn't recognise any of them but for those of you who are interested they are name dropped <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2118497/Mixing-fitness-pleasure-Lizzie-Cundy-throws-wholeheartedly-Zumba-party-help-buff-male-partner.html">here</a>. The guy holding the lady in the article was actually amazing though, seriously <br />
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There were three pro's, the first was Tanya, the second was the sound guys and runners who were all amazing and incredibly helpful, the management were flat out rude and the third was the amount of dancing talent in the room. If Tanya ever hosts a Zumba at the ministry of sound again then I would go with additions to my outfit; face pads, long sleeves and some sort of antiseptic spray!<br />
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If you plan on going our tips are to try and get to the front, stay hydrated, and try and go in groups of 3 or more! literally for space holding! <br />
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Did you go? What did you think?<br />
X</div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-890447787289786162012-03-11T15:40:00.001+00:002012-03-11T15:40:49.994+00:00Oh celiacs just stay away from wheat & barley & rye. . .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a while since my last post, I promise to get back into it as soon as I can. Time has really been getting away from me lately!<br />
In the meantime, enjoy this song:<br />
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Happy Sunday! <br />
X</div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687165816450598478.post-37639222285316592432012-02-27T17:43:00.005+00:002012-03-03T18:32:58.994+00:00Zaggora 30 day challenge: The review & final weigh in.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://zaggora.com/product_images/zaggora_new_logo_final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://zaggora.com/product_images/zaggora_new_logo_final.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The time has come for our final Zaggora post and while we're a little late posting it, we promise to tell you what we made of the 30 day zaggora challenge. <br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you've been following the blog lately, you'll have noticed that there weren't too many (ok, none) overtly positive comments about zaggora hotpants. In fact all we've heard from ladies e-mailing in is that their zaggora hotpants have ripped or laddered and that they feel quite cheated by the product - it's a fair complaint. Both Angela's hotpants and z's flares suffered the same fate, the customer service people at zaggora happily replaced Z's flares but didn't replace Angela's because they were ordered through firebox. Angela's still in the process of trying to get a replacement (if/when we receive a replacement we'll let you know).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Update: Z actually hasn't received her replacement flares...we're going to try and chase it up!</b><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Over the course of<b> Angela's 37 day challenge</b> she has <b>lost; 1 stone 2.2 lbs</b>. Which is a <b>weight loss percentage of 7.25%</b>. Check out her weight loss graph:</span></div>
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src="data:image/png;base64,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" 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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela's weight loss.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />We're still waiting for Z's results :)<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Before we get to our conclusions, let's hit two of the major points raised:<br /><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Q: Angela and Z are working out a lot as it is; how do we know that their weight loss isn't just a result of all of their hardwork?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />A: The short answer is that we don't know. What we do know is that it has given angela more confidence when it comes to working out in a gym full of people who range from a size 8 to a size 14. However, research has shown that Zaggora hotpants are a more effective weight loss aid when compared with a control item of clothing.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">For a fitness professional's point of view we spoke to Angela's personal trainer, it's safe to say that she isn't impressed by the hotpants claims. In fact, she argues that Angela would have lost the same amount without the hotpants.<br /><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Q: Isn't it more of a placebo?</i><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A: Now, we don't necessarily think that this product is a placebo. It is, however, a clever way to get even the laziest exerciser to do that little bit more. Everyone knows that the more you do, the more energy you burn. But the fact that this product throws in the notion of a fast track to weight loss helps shift almost any user into putting that little bit extra in for maximum results, which is a positive step to being more active.</span></div>
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<a href="http://zaggora.com/product_images/m/385/capri__14627_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://zaggora.com/product_images/m/385/capri__14627_zoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>Our Conclusions</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Ultimately this product is not a weight loss cure all. Whatever your reason, healthy weight loss is work and while the hotpants can work, our results have been varied and their effect isn't clear given that angela has been working out pretty hard; 4-5 days a week for an average of 1 hour 10 minutes each day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">In terms of comfort angela has noted that the seams are very scratchy and have actually cut her after longer training sessions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />While you can find positive reviews on the <a href="http://zaggora.com/hotpants/%20">Zaggora website</a> and other blogs, the experimental background only shows how much you could lose in a 30 minute workout if you have a BMI of around 23.3. The thing is there is no study that has found out what happens when you use the hotpants repeatedly over a month long period or more, or whether it is more effective based on fitness level (e.g. would a more active or less active body respond to the product better?)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://zaggora.com/content/img/how_it_works2/0.jpg?s232sdf3ssddss" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://zaggora.com/content/img/how_it_works2/0.jpg?s232sdf3ssddss" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're not hating, but with any claim like this "can" is the operative word. Just because I can eat a gluteny sandwich doesn't mean that I will.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">That doesn't mean that we don't think that they are a worthwhile product for people who need to lose weight. If you need that extra push Zaggora hotpants might be a worthwhile investment for you, the pricetag is a little steep and you might not get anything out of them. I own a pair of Zaggora flares and have been wearing them alongside angela so I could get an insight into their effect on the body. I do yoga, freeweights, running, zumba and hiking. In the 30 days I haven't lost any weight, I'm not eating more or less just going about my business. It might be that it's a better product for people who start off with a low activity level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Zaggora's celu-lite technology is still a mystery, according to the product composition label Zaggora flares, capris and hotpants are 100% neoprene but according to the <a href="http://zaggoragirl.com/tag/bio-ceramic-technology/">Zaggora blog</a> , it is the <i>"bio-ceramic technology embedded between the neoprene that makes the magic happen. Celu‐Lite™ emits far-infrared rays to reflect the wearer’s body heat back upon itself, leading to the deeper warming of tissue and breakdown of fat cells"</i>. For anyone interested, this patent might shed some light on it all...but we've still not been able to track down any empirical studies on the technology itself, if anyone has could you let us know?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />We managed to find a <a href="http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=20030106129">patent from 2003</a> that discusses the use of bioceramics and neoprene in weight-loss clothing - which might be of interest to any of you out there interested in buying the hotpants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Would we recommend it? Yes, but only if you are dedicated to a healthy weight loss program and only if you can afford it. Otherwise you may as well throw £44 away, and if you're planning on doing that you can give it to a lovely charity.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>TBT rating: 8/10 (with conditions)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.s. check back later for before/after photos and the conclusion of z's 30 day challenge.</span></div>
</div>Laylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06891889641326684180noreply@blogger.com3