Friday 8 April 2011

How to get rid of Cellulite - Step 3


Hey you guys!

Ok so my final step to preventing cellulite is the use of Lush Sugar Scrubs. Priced now at £2.65 for one (they used to be £2.50!), you can get 4 uses from one piece. I chop mine up in quarters making it just under 70p for each use.
Sugar Scrub is a vegan product aimed at diminishing cellulite using sugar, cream of tater, lavender, ginger and fennel extracts. The ginger and fennel oil extracts are the 2 active ingredients that help to minimise the look of cellulite with lavender oil having a soothing effect on the skin.
As this product is made from sugar it is not supposed to be used in water (i.e. in the bath). While showering, you need to ensure that the designated area is wet, and then with your quarter, gently rub the sugar scrub over your skin. The scrub is quite gritty so you will definitely have to start with a light hand or you will end up seriously scratching your skin. You will notice that the scrub will begin to break apart ever so slightly... at this point you should continue to massage the sugar scrub with a more firmer hand into the skin. Rub your skin for a few minutes while the scrub starts to lather up, and then rinse off with warm water. Your skin will look a little red - don't worry though, this is just the deep exfoliation of your skin cells. You yourself can determine how hard to rub the scrub into your skin.
I specifically use the Lush Sugar Scrub on my thighs and after the first use you immediately notice a difference - skin is left super smooth and soft, freshly exfoliated, with the added bonus of active ingredients penetrating the skin to combat those problem areas.
I tend to save my Sugar Scrub chunks for special events/holidays as the results really are that noticeable. I try to use a whole sugar scrub a week before a special event (where my thighs might be on show due to a dress im wearing, or a week before im due to go away on the beach). I would suggest that if you are going on holiday, take a few chunks away with you, and each time you have a shower, just use one of these chunks on the backs of your thighs. They will definitely improve the look of your skin for the next morning!


Which scrubs do you use to combat cellulite?


Wednesday 6 April 2011

How to get rid of Cellulite - Step 2


Hey you guys!

So my next step for combatting cellulite is a product review. The Garnier BodyTonic Hydrating Lotion.

Featuring Mandarin Zest, and Stimulating Caffeine, with a unique blend of fruit essences (grapefruit, kiwi, apple) which are known for their smoothing properties, this lotion is designed as an energy cocktail for your skin, to keep your skin moisturised all day long, firming each time you use it.
The uplifting citrus fragrance is not too overpowering which I like. The texture of this product is a gel creme formula which is not greasy at all. It glides on easily with a very hydrating feel to it. The gel creme almost dissapears/sinks into the skin as you apply it.
The Garnier range is currently on offer at Superdrug at better than half price making this product £3.04.

I have been using this product specifically on the backs of my thighs after showering so combined with the workout regime I have been doing its hard to say whether this product alone actually firms my skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I do think it is a combination of both working out, and then massaging this into the backs of my thighs. The massaging movement stimulates the blood cells which in turn can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. I am yet to try the additional Tonic products in the Garnier range but based on the lotion I will definitely be repurchasing this product as I love the fresh citrus scent, the active ingredients, the smoothness of my skin after using it, and the bright yellow summery packaging.


What do you think of the Garnier BodyTonic range?
Step 3 of combatting cellulite coming soon...

Monday 4 April 2011

How to get rid of Cellulite - Step 1

Hey you guys!

As the summer is approaching I thought I would do a couple of posts on cellulite with my 3 steps to preventing &/or minimising the look of it.

At a size 6/8, 5'3, weighing 8 stone I am not considered plump let alone over weight but the truth is cellulite affects most women no matter what shape or size you are. Last summer I noticed dimples on the back of my thighs at the top and near my bum. I don't have a straight stick thin figure, I do have curves in the right places. I have always done around 20 sit-ups a day to maintain a toned, flat tummy, but I have never done any other form of exercise. I never wanted/needed to lose weight as I love my curvy derrière, plus I have high metabolism so im lucky enough to be able to eat what I want and still remain a petite size 6/8.

I decided last September that I would combat my cellulite in 3 easy steps.
The first step was to start working out 3-5 times a week to tone up my body. I have been following 2 workout regimes - both found on YouTube!

The first is The Beach Bum Workout which is great! This workout tones up your arms, legs, & bums. It is not designed for you to lose weight, it is designed to help you tone up your body. What I like about this workout is there are 3 ladies to follow; each one doing the same workout, but at slightly different stages (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
As YouTube only allows each video to be up to 15 minutes in length, you have to search and save each clip, and then stop and play the each video, when the other one finishes.... So what I did was downloaded each video to my MacBook and import them on iMovie to compress the full 45 minute session into 1 clip - that way I can just open up iMovie and play the entire workout.
The workout starts with a warm up and I then go on to do arms, legs, bums, and finally a cool down. Now let me tell you, you will definitely feel this workout the next day on your body, but in a good way! The tension lets you know you did a good job! I do this workout usually after breakfast, or if im having a busy day, I will do it in the evening around 7pm.

Another workout that I came across is the Island Girl Workout (Tahitian Workout). You learn a selection of Hula steps, combined with fitness moves to deliver amazing results. What I love about this workout is throughout the entire session your legs are slightly bent, so your thighs really feel the punch. Perfect for combatting cellulite! In addition to this, your stomach muscles are constantly contracting, so although your not directly doing sit ups, your stomach is still getting a really good workout as well. I would probably say that this workout is much more harder than the Beach Bum Workout. I tend to do this workout every 3 days when I want to switch it up a little from the Beach Bum Workout. I don't know why but I always feel like "im dying" when im doing this workout LOL. You will definitely need the bottle of water at arms reach for this one!


Have any of you tried either of these workouts? If this is your first time doing the workout after reading this post how did you get on?
Step 2 to combatting cellulite coming soon....


Sunday 3 April 2011

Oriental Fashion Trend S/S11


The weather is horrible this afternoon! Not only is it raining, its dark, grey, foggy, & thundering! I mean hello we are in April! I've heard of April showers but this takes it to a whole other level! I cannot wait for some sunshine to hit the UK - preferably for more than 2 days!

Looking at this weather I can't help but invision China, old town China, where the buildings are beautifully constructed, with intricate artwork, Geishas strutting in the streets, immaculately finished from head to toe, shielded from rainfall from the over extended roof tops.
We have seen Louis Vuitton encapsulate the S/S11 collection with tastes from the East, heavy satin finishes, Mandarin collars, subtle cherry blossom prints, refreshed with minimal eye make-up and dark cherry red lips, lined with plum. In addition to Louis Vuitton, Chanel's S/S11 runway also took inspiration from the East, with a monochromatic take on the trend.

So what has the high street got to offer? With Zara, Miss Selfridge, Topshop and River Island all providing items at affordable prices there's no excuse not to pick up an item or two. Above is a polyvore I created with some high street items to take you through the Spring/Summer season.
Btw - how beautiful does Jennifer Lopez look in this new add campaign...
Have you purchased anything from the Oriental trend?

Spring/Summer Rose Gold Trend - Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch MK5128


Alexander Wang's AW11 collection showed rose gold tasselled loafers, with Jason Wu showcasing rose gold dipped stilletos heels, not to mention THAT picture of Victoria Beckham rocking rose gold Brian Atwood's rose gold platform pumps... were these pumps specifically requested to match her rose gold Rolex? Who knows...

Rose gold is appearing everywhere this Spring/Summer, especially with jewellery. The warm pinkish undertones make it suitable for all skin tones, in addition to adding a hint of vintage appeal.

Im not one to wear watches, I think the last time I actually wore a watch day-in-day-out was when I was at school and Baby G watches were the 'in-thing'.

A few years ago I started lusting over the Chanel J12 & a simple gold Gucci number. Considering I don't wear a watch every day the price tags on these babies were a biiiiit out of my range. Fast forward 2011... helloooooooo Michael Kors MK5128.

I absolutely LOVE this watch. Not only is a great dupe to the rose gold Rolex that Victoria Beckham has got, its also not that big! By big I mean the face size on my little wrist, the watch itself had to have 6 links taken out. The watch itself is rose gold plated with a bracelet strap, round dial with rose gold plated stainless steel case, Z clasp fastening and quartz movement. I like that this watch has a combination of both high polish and matte rose gold. Its not too showy, but not too subtle either, its perfect.

Currently on sale at ASOS for £199 which I do think is a tad expensive. I got mine from John Lewis on one of their price match mega days - they were matching a promotion that House of Fraser were running, so that promotion combined with a hook up of staff discount brought it down to just £120! Bargain! Im now on the lookout for some rose gold bangles...


What do you guys think of the rose gold trend? Love it or hate it?