Monday 10 March 2014

OIL PULLING - HOLY GRAIL OR FAD?














Recently a friend posted a Facebook link to Oil Pulling. Originally a traditional method for keeping the mouth healthy it has, in recent times, become something of a phenomenon, sparking much debate online and within the natural health communities. 

So here I at 6am on a Monday morning about to try it for myself… Turns out I'm not a natural swiller and only last 5 minutes with the oil in my mouth before I spit it out - bleugh! My lips do feel beautifully moisturised though and the faint taste of Coconut is pleasant. I will endeavour to continue this routine once a day, building up to 20 minutes and report back on my findings.


What is Oil Pulling?

Swilling Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes a day

What does it do?

Supposedly rids your mouth of bacteria to improve oral and overall health

Benefits of Oil Pulling?

  • Whitens teeth
  • Strengthens your teeth, gums and jaw and has been recommended for those with sensitised teeth.
  • Prevents cavities & gingivitis.
  • Clear Breathing and Reduced Allergies
  • Reducing Skin Conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis
  • Aids in overall detox
  • Prevents Bad Breath
  • Remedy for General Pain and hormonal Imbalances


Does it really work?

There's a huge amount of discussion out there on the web about Oil Pulling...

My teeth are so so so much whiter (which is great cause I can’t do any sort of white strips- my teeth are too sensitive), I have been sleeping much easier which is a big feat for this insomniac, my teeth have been less sensitive to hot & cold, & the best result of all- MY JAW PAIN HAS DECREASED BIG TIME!!! I have major jaw issues & awful TMJ 

Negatives?
Oil pulling’s positive effects are based entirely on anecdote and not at all on clinical research – because there’s been very little. Pubmed lists six clinical studies related to oil pulling, all performed in India, and their quality and results seem all over the map. Some do indicate mild improvement in gum health, comparable to mouthwash use. But they’re not well blinded, use very small sample sizes and involve oil pulling only as part of a proper oral hygiene regimen. So it’s impossible to tell what’s causing said improvement. 

Like it or loathe it? I would love to hear your thoughts and, of course, I will keep up with my efforts and report back if I notice any improvement on my overall health and general wellbeing.


Thursday 6 March 2014

CLASSIC DOLCE & GABBANA MAKEUP WITH PAT McGRATH




Delicious makeup looks from Dolce and Gabbana Winter 2014 - perfectly classic for the cold winter months here in the Southern Hemisphere.



Wednesday 5 March 2014

CHRISTIAN DIOR COUTURE - BACKSTAGE 2011/2012

If you feel like your Wednesday is lacking a bit of glamour here's a flashback to Christian Dior's Haute Couture Show from 2011-2012


I love the theatrics of it all, the taped eyes to elongate them into the hairline, pristine hair, liner and lips. Not to mention the paled faces, grey contour and white highlights.

Needless to say you might not want to replicate this exact look but here's my selection of Dior products you can use to create a more wearable version.




LIPSTICK: Rouge Dior in Sterling Red
LINER: DiorShow Art Pen in Catwalk Black
POWDER: DiorSkin AirFlash Matte Touch in Universal Beige
BLUSH: DiorBlush in Beige Nude

Tuesday 4 March 2014

KATE HUDSON'S HAIR FOR 2014 OSCARS




Kate Hudson wowed fans yesterday on the  Red Carpet. Just as talked about as her stunning dress was her gorgeous hair in Veronica Lake-esq waves. Read on below to get the look using some of my favourite products.




























  1. Add O&M Styling Cream to damp hair and blow-dry using GHD Thermal Brush to create smoothness and volume.
  2. Part the hair in line with the outer corner of the eye using a tail comb for accuracy.
  3. Section hair in blocks away from the part.
  4. Spray each section with L'Oreal Pli, comb through and curl with a one and a half inch tong. When tonging - wind hair from the ends to the roots ensuring the ends get the most heat therefore the most curl.
  5. Pin each curl on top of itself using a flat pronged clip.
  6. Do makeup and nails while hair cools.
  7. Use Postiche Brush to brush out curls and shape hair into waves.
  8. Spray with Schwarzkopf Silhouette Hairspray to set.
  9. Finish with a light mist of Bumble and Bumble Shine Spray.

Monday 3 March 2014

MAC AW14 LONDON FASHION WEEK



I'm a sucker for Backstage makeup - especially so when many of the MAC artists on this video are friends I worked with over the last 9 years in London! Take a look at what went on backstage at London Fashion week AW14.


Get the Look: Shimmery Smokey Eye

I was lucky enough to shoot with the beautiful Oona Chanel a couple of years ago and I still love this look we created for her for Topshop Magazine, Topman Generation.




Here are the key products I used to create the look



I firstly applied MAC's Fluidline in 'Blacktrack' up to the crease in the eye using Tom Fords eyeshadow brush. 

I then used a clean MAC 217 brush to buff around the edges to soften the shape. 

Finally I applied MyFace Cosmetics 'Blingtones' eyeshadows in 'Black Ice', pressing it on to the lid using the Tom Ford Eyeshadow brush. 

In some of the shots I added 'Gloss Texture' by MAC to the lids, a look that is awesome for editorial work but a bit harder to pull off in your day to day life.