It's all in the nose

Came across this on a site and thought it would be quite fun to post.

Your nose is a thing of beauty and apparent says a lot about you. I've been told I have a short nose. I agree that I am hard working, but not sure about the rest of my supposed characteristics yet!

What does your nose say about you?

Bulbous tip: You have a preoccupation with saving


Small tip: You do not consider money important
Flared nostrils: You are a big spender and an adventurous risk-taker

Long nose: Routine work is not your speciality
Short nose: You have a talent for old-fashioned, hard work, but you crave emotional stability

Broad nose: You have stability and a purposeful nature and a powerful sex drive

Long and narrow nose: You are intelligent, witty and engaging

Long and broad nose: You have lots of staying power and concentration

Fat nose: You are optimistic and are usually good in business

Ski-jump nose: You are intuitive

Arched: You are elegant and creative

I'm looking forward to your comments as to what your nose says about your personality!

 

Image anddescription obtained sourced from Cosmetic Beauty Directory

One for the beauty bookshelf!

If you love beauty products of any kind, you should own this book!

As cosmetic companies go to greater lengths to introduce more science and technology into products, the plethora of ingredient names and their functions can sometimes be mind boggling. Do you know your peptides from your phytosomes? or your ceramides from your ceresins?

See what I mean about confusing words? When is the last time you read the back of a beauty product? You may look at the back of the box to spot now common words like parabens or sulphates, but do you know what all the other ingredients are? Be honest now!

Written by Ruth Winters, its constantly being updated. I think there may even be a 7th edition out, but I'm quite happy with this one at the moment.

You may not read it from cover to cover, but its definitely one to keep in your reference library. Trust me, it will be handy now and in years to come and at a price of approximately £10 on Amazon, its a worthy investment.

September 2010: Beautiful & Stylish

With only a week and a bit to go till September, we at Bella Queen headquarters thought it was quite apt to share this website with you.

NatMag, publishers of Company and Cosmo and Harpers Bazaar have teamed up with some of our best loved brands to bring us fashion and beauty specials for every SINGLE day in September 2010. Now that's spoiling the fashion fanatic AND the beauty bunny in you from 1st of September right through to 30th September!

http://www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.co.uk/

All you have to do is go to the above site and register your details to be in the know about stylish events like vintage shopping fairs and fashion showcases. You'll also be able to land yourself exclusive prizes from brands like Elimis, Simple, Dermalogica, Crabtree & Evelyn amongst others in the mega giveaways.

Not to mention, there's also a chance to win £500 to spend at the Ebay Outlet Store.

So, what are you waiting for? Get to registering (it takes two minutes) and setting reminders. We have!

Beauty College Chronicles

Some of you may already know that Monday 16th August is a big day for me. If you didn't, well now you know. It's a very big day, marked with a big fat red cross on my calender. It's the day I go back to beauty college to finish off my final beauty qualification, Beauty Therapy Level 3. Yikes!

I got my Level 2 certificate a little while back and whilst I didn't find it hard, it was a long hard slog, but I persevered in learning where the occipital bone was and what the patella did and so on and so forth because I was determined to be a beauty therapist after being stuck in an investment bank for what felt like forever. After all of that, I'm going back for more. I'm obviously weak for self induced punishment!

Anyway, I've heard that level 3 is not only tedious but it is HARD and CHALLENGING. Parts of it are medical degree level anatomy and physiology, so no sniggering about beauty therapists being air heads please! If I want to partake in full body massages I am going to have to know about ALL the muscles, arteries and knobbly bits of the body. In a funny way, I'm looking forward to all this though. My thirst for beauty knowledge is insatiable and nothing is going to put me off. Not even the thought of a trainee sticking needles in my leg for electrolysis practice!

So for the next nine months, every Monday and Tuesday, I'll be donning my white and grey uniform WITH mandatory white ballet pumps - provided by the college, so we all know they won't be pretty - and taking myself to beauty college to in central London. I thought it would be quite fun to record the experience, so once a week I'll be updating you on my progress: what lessons we're doing, how the practical sessions went, did anything hurt, coursework, my lack of sleep, you name it, I'll be telling it.

No doubt I'll also be looking for volunteers when my practicals start, so I'll be calling on you guys to help me if you can. I promise to be nice and have special treats for each and every volunteer!

That said, all I need to do now is get myself some brand new stationery, practice my best studious look and look forward to another adventure. Wish me luck!


PS - the best thing about college is that its right next door to my favourite store, Liberty's! Hurrah. 

The Big Clear Out

Summer is finally here and as you throw away old tights, scarves and gloves, don’t forget to throw out winter cast offs from your make up bag and bathroom shelves. All products have a shelf life, cosmetics and make up are no exception.

Mascara, must be changed every three months. It's a key culprit in harbouring bacteria which can cause unsightly eye infections. Liquid eyeliner is another staple that needs binning an a quarterly basis. Once opened and in use, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria also. Pencil liners on the other hand can last up to two years, but beware that the colour and texture can change over time and make the pencil less efficient and pleasant to use. So keep an eye (no pun intended) on it!

Powder based products like face compacts or eye shadows typically have a few years on them once opened, but beware for when they start appearing extra dry or caked up in their tins. This is a clear sign that its time for them to go.

Liquid cosmetics like cleansers, foundations and mousses tend to lose 50% of their shelf life once opened, so use quickly and make sure lids are tightly on once opened. However, once the smell starts to change or ingredients start separating it should be heading straight for the bin.

Make up sponges and brushes must be washed at least once a week to rid them of dirt, bacteria and product build up. A cost effective way to keep them clean is to wash them in some warm water with some gentle shampoo and leave them flat to dry. Airing cupboards are a great place to get them dry very quickly.

A concealer brush should be washed each time its used, as lets face it, you’re using it to cover up a spot which may be infectious, and by using the same brush again the next time, you really are only moving the infection from one side of your face to the other.

Nail Polishes – these don’t need necessarily need throwing out as much as reviving. Old polish can be revived by putting in a few drops of polish thinner, closing the lid and giving it a good shake. Be warned nail polish remover does not do the same job, instead invest in a quality thinner like Leighton Denny's As Good As New or Mavala's Thinner. Both are under £10 and can dramatically increase the life of your favourite must have colour.

So there you go, get cleaning, chuck out the dead products and give yourself and excuse to hit the beauty counters all over again!

Essence Absolue.......Absolutely essential!

Now, I don't normally talk hair, but I have to make an exception for the most beautiful feeling, most beautiful smelling, most beautiful looking hair oil by Shu Uemura. Yes, the same Shu Uemura who does make up also does haircare and just as beautifully!

All the products in the haircare ranges are lovely, but product of the week has to be the Essence Absolue Hair Oil. In its simple and elegant bottle, Essence Absolue not only conditions and nourishes the hair, it also a heat protector and protects from harmful UV rays. One of the main ingredients is camellia oil, which is intensely moisturising and good for all hair types, including Afro hair! And on the beauty front its also good for your nails and skin.

Tip - use on dry hair before washing and it leaves hair beautifully conditioned and nourished! Use again on wet hair before blow drying to add lustre and seal shine.

At around £40, Essence Absolue is an absolute must have on any bathroom shelf.

Beyond Beauty

If this isn't one step too far then I don't know what is. I like at home beauty kits and products as much as the next diva, but words failed me when I stumbled upon a bit about vagina dyeing on handbag.com. Yes, you heard (rather read) there are products out there you can use to dye your vagina AND they come in 4 different shades AND they are retailed for you to use at HOME!

According to the e-tailer, My New Pink Button, one of their little pots of varying shades of pink can really restore the the youthfulness to your labia - improving its pinkness and tone. Although, I first thought this was funny, there really is a serious element to it as its sold as an anti ageing product. I didn't really know that the vagina lost its tone and colour as women got older. Did you?

The dyes themselves which are still awaiting patent licences are all named after Hollywood sex kittens like Marilyn and Bettie and promises that with their use you can improve the va va voom in your sex life. But would dyeing your vagina really give you more punani power in the bedroom? I think not.......

I have met some seriously age conscious women and this sort of product would be right up their 'ohhh is that another fine line?' street. It preys on insecurities and body hang ups, which lets face it, we all have. And not to mention, surely painting a chemical dye on your coochie has to be dangerous. Isn't it enough that we already have cosmetic vaginal rejuvenation surgery where for a price you can make down there look smaller,tighter and prettier. Not forgetting a favouriette of the blue world, anal bleaching.

Vaginal dyeing is a lot extreme and one step too far for me in such a delicate place. Maybe I'm not brave enough, but I'd hazard a bet that most of us would rather leave our pink buttons as they are, thank you very much.

The Nail Refurb!

I am champion of natural nail! That is not to say that I don't like extensions, but with everything there's a time and place!

Come forward Mrs X who's been a fan of acrylic for years and finally decided she's had enough and picked them all off causing sever damage and trauma to her natural nails underneath!

Product of the week - Leighton Denny Renovate - saved her!

Like a home refurbishment or renovation, Renovate which is infused with rich avocado and rice bran oil helps to nourish and smooth out the nail to stop dryness, peeling and flaking.

It come with a simple 2 sided buffer and a high impact intense vitamin E cream to be massaged into the nails to return them to their former glory.

Used regularly it eases the damage from the nail and encourage stronger and healthier nail growth and combined with a good nail care regime, it works wonders on tired extension damaged nails!

A v. Fishy Pedicure!

A very fishy pedicure has been making waves in Asia and some parts of America and may soon be coming to the UK and I for one cannot wait to try it out! (I'm already on the waiting list) Its even made it way on to an Ugly Betty episode.

The Fish pedicure has been around since about 2008, but it must have stayed underwater...oops! undercover, till now. Now there is a waiting list to have one. Aqua Sheko, are set to be the first to offer Londoners the Fish Pedicure in a swish spa in Kensington.

Quite simply it involves placing your feet in tank of warm water which holds the fish. These Garra Rufa fish (technical name) are toothless and they nibble away at dead skin while leaving healthy skin untouched and can nibble away for anything up to thirty minutes depending on how much dry skin there is. They also secrete an enzyme which encourages skin regeneration - meaning brand new baby soft skin. You really couldn't ask for more!

It all sounds intimidating and it probably isn't for the fainthearted, but those who have tried it have nothing but praise for it. Word of warning though, you should always have a standard pedicure after, so that your feet can be properly cleaned.

Think of those calluses and cracked heels.....tempted??? Its worth a go, at least!

Drink yourself beautiful?

For years beauty companies have been plying us with creams and potions to rub for more beautiful skin, more glowing skin, smoother skin and more even skin. And! we've lapped it up to such lengths that some products have been granted cult status, but change is afoot and now there is an attempt to get us looking even more gorgeous from the inside out. Yes, from inside the body...

Step forward, Noah's Naturals, based in California they are set to launch a beauty drink in January 2010 which claims to fight the signs of ageing, improve tone and texture of skin and lead to all round healthier skin! It comes in a powder form and contains a cocktail of natural ingredients including collagen and elastin which are found naturally in the body. Not forgetting the several super fruits included, so here's hoping its yummy:-)



On the same 'beauty from within' bandwagon is the anti ageing water aptly named Nutra Resveratrol Anti-Ageing Water (mouthful!) which promise to prevent damage to cells from free radicals in the environment and keep the immune system healthy. This product is set for a November 2009 launch, so drink up!



Its always been said that beauty must radiate from the inside out, so looks like we're well on our way to drinking this statement true.

Go on...... drink yourself beautiful! Cheers :-)

Scrub up! Scrub Up!

Fall, autumn, whatever you may call it, is fast approaching. The weather is getting chillier and the nights considerably longer. Soon coats, tights, hats, scarves and gloves will be just like Jay Z, coming out of retirement.

With our constant central heating, frequent blasts of cold air and skin wrapped up all day, its not rocket science that our skin starts to look dull, grey and tired. It’s simply a build up of dead skin cells which stop the skin from radiating wellness.

As winter approaches, body exfoliation must not slip down your grooming to do list. Your skin may be covered up but it shouldn’t be a case of out of sight, out of mind! The skin is the body’s largest organ so must be given it due love and attention.

The easiest way to remove dead skin cells is to use a body polisher when in the shower or bath. This is gentle enough to be used every day to lift dead skin cells and leave the looking more even and radiant. Especially if you slather up in a good moisturiser afterwards.

One step up, is to use a body brush which is especially good for hard to reach areas like the back. Your back is usually one of the parts of the body that gets less love, simply because it is hard to reach. The body brush solves this problem with its long handle and the soft bristles gently exfoliate leaving your back glowing. Do this a maximum of twice a week during winter and you’ll have a back worth its strappy top come summer.

Next for a little bath time luxury, you can add an exfoliating scrub or gel in the mix. A body scrub also contains essential oils and moisturisers which condition new skin cells as they emerge. That is when you really look after your skin from inside out! There are a great many which also firm, smooth, stimulate and invigorate the skin. The choice really is yours!

Even as the cold weather descends and you snuggle up warmly in your comfy coats and jackets, remember exfoliation should a key part of any beauty conscious diva’s routine... all year round!

Time to get lippy!

A 1940’s vintage revival is on and it seems the red lipstick has come to roost in every make up bag this autumn. From deep berry colours to scarlet red, this is the season to be sporting your favourite shade of red.

The autumn/winter 09 catwalk was rife with this crimson shade and beauty magazine are touting the return of the classic red. Whether you’re into the smudged or precise lippy look, go forth and wear your favourite red proudly....bring out the femme fatale in you!

And of course, Bella Queen has scoured the shops to bring you the top 3 red’s this season:

Besame Cosmetics – Enchanting Lipstick in Cherry Red – most glam of the season
MAC – Ruby Woo – a favourite of every make up artist
YSL – Rouge Volupté – brings out your sensual side

...and remember, there's a shade of red fo evey skin tone. Have fun testing and finding YOUR special colour!

Making bath time sweeter!

I've been a big fan of REN for a few years. I love how the simplicity and natural'ness' of their products and ingredients deliver effective results and right now I'm loving their Moroccan Rose Otto Body Polish...its simply divine and a must not only for the summer, but all year round.

This delicately scented little jar can turn bath time fun into bath time bliss. It exfoliates and removes dead skin cells to reveal beautifully radiant skin! The rose extract (which is fairtrade!)makes sure your skin is uber soft and silky smooth....

...and the pleasure keeps on coming! As if a scrub isn't enough, the nice REN people also created a body wash and body oil to match. They already had me at the scrub :-).

With rose from Morocco, sugar and tea tree from Paraguay, this is one delicious gem that has earned its place in my bathroom cabinet!

Fashion's Night Out in London Town

On 10th September 2009, London will play its part in Vogue magazine's global shopping extravaganza.....Fashion's Night Out!

This is a celebration of global fashion and beauty and some of my favourite retailers from Selfridges to Zara, niche boutiques and designer brands will be holding bespoke in store events. This is the one night only ultimate girly shopping night out!

Save the date girlies, I sure have! Plus some of the proceeds go to charity, so you can indulge with a conscience.....