TrendLife Beauty

As a 15-year-old GCSE student, I was cast in the lowest stream of seven sets. I was one of the lowliest mathematicians within my school year, perplexed by the algebra, formulas and fractions that presented themselves in my Hodder Mathematics Higher Text Book I during period II each morning. Preparing to undertake a losing (GCSE grade C) battle with my mathematic inabilities, I enlisted the help of my genius boyfriend of the time, who proved to me that me + you does equal better equations *; a kindly fellow at the OCR marking board granted me with an A, much to the amazement of the Mathematics Department at my Independent Grammar School, myself and my parents. During that summer of 2006, I had pressed ‘pon the digits of my scientific calculator more frequently than those of my mobile phone.

Five years later, my lack of mathematical ingenuity remains patent; Claire + numbers = confused. So, when in the shower and lathering up with Sanex Zero Shower Sensitive Shower Gel, the ‘zero’ emblazoned on its bottle left me bewildered; I had always believed that the bigger the number, the better. On second thoughts, I realised that Sanex Zero Shower Sensitive Shower Gel, must be, in the words of my A-grade-maths-GCSE-self circa June 2006, an ‘anomaly’.

A zero to hero product, Sanex Zero Shower Sensitive Shower Gel is > ** its shower gel adversaries. Specially formulated for sensitive skin, it is both healthy for the skin and good for the environment, in that only those ingredients required for clean and healthy skin are used. Many of products in its field are ridden with ingredients that irritate the skin with their harsh, perfumed chemicals. I thus find Sanex to be a welcome alternative that leaves skin feeling fresh, rejuvenated and energised. The bathroom in the Basing-Lawson household has therefore undertaken a zero-tolerance policy for any other shower gel but Sanex, as this house believes that Sanex + our bodies = one big happy, clean family who are free from parabens, colourants, phthalates and Phenoxyethanol.

* - Lyrics taken from Riverside (Sidney Samson, 2009)

** - Greater Than (mathematical terminology) 

Watch Sanex’s Living Sculptures performance which was held on London’s South Bank to encourage viewers to think twice about using unnecessary chemicals on their bodies. The performers in paint are a metaphor for the majority of us who put unnecessary chemicals on our bodies everyday, whilst the other individual represents the idea that with a product such as Sanex Zero% you don't have to. I encourage you to be the second individual, it’ll be life changing!

£1.89

www.boots.com

In September 2008, I packed my bags, said my goodbyes to family and friends and set off on a year-long adventure. Sunnier climes and a beachside location awaited me at the other end, and as my taxi tootled along the M25 onto the M23, with Gatwick Airport in sight, I was a bundle of nerves.  Albeit the birthplace of Neighbours, Kylie Minogue, Ugg boots, Foster’s Beer and Vegemite, the land of Oz was a territory so far from all I’ve ever known, that I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Blighty; I am a pom and I am no backpacker.

Instead, 28^th September 2008 was the date I begun my fresher’s year at Sussex University in Brighton, where, armed with Banalasta skin care products formulated for the harsh Australian environment, the en-suite to my halls of residence bedroom became a tribute to those of my friends gallavanting round the golden coast on their gap year.

Three years later and my pals are back on British soil, their Australian exploits left behind, 11,000 miles away. So fond of Banalasta am I that my dalliance with this Aussie sparked a lasting loyalty to the brand; where its products are never more than metres away from my fingertips. Banalasta’s Daily Skin Vigour Exfoliating Soap, with its mixture of plant extracts, moisturisers and organic Eucalyptus Radiata Oil is a purifying facial and body cleanser that delicately and effectively eliminates daily impurities without drying out the skin. The Eucalyptus Radiata Oil contains antiseptic properties to assist in the treatment of skin irritations, cuts, abrasions and insect bites and stings. The soap also contains antiviral properties to relieve coughs, colds, nasal congestion and cold sores, curing my Fresher’s Flu and preventing a visit to the University Medical Centre where the queue was as long as Passport Control.

As a hedonistic high-heel wearer, six evenings a week wearing platforms and stilettos fared unfavourable for my feet. It wasn’t quite hiking through the Australian bush that had resulted in my sore paws, but Banalasta’s Daily Hand & Foot Repair Cream was a healer nonetheless. Splits, cracks and parched skin were rejuvenated with the essential oils in the cream that softened and restored my feet, as well as aiding against dry and sensitive skin.

For those about to book their Quantas flight for a jaunt in Oz, log on to www.banalasta.co.uk and you’ll experience Australia without even setting foot Down Under.

Banalasta Daily Skin Vigour Exfoliating Soap – £8

Banalasta Daily Hand & Foot Repair Cream - £10 

www.banalasta.co.uk www.oxyjetonline.co.uk

The hot ticket for the beauty crowd this season is Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One B.B. Blemish Balm Cream. Keen as ever to jump on the bandwagon, I hopped 'pon the tube to Fulham Broadway during my lunch hour to get my mitts on what has been hailed as a revolutionary product for the beauty world. I'm talking Charlie and the Chocolate Factory type stuff, but rather than a tour of Willy Wonka's confectionary wonders with Augustus Gloop and co in tow, my golden ticket is the answer to my skincare woes. Veruca Salt and Violet Beauregarde take note: in a few years time, you sure won't be lusting after a bar of chocolate or a lollipop, but instead, Garnier's gift to ladies around the globe. 

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One B.B. Blemish Balm Cream is a light, non-greasy formula which provides skin tone with a healthy glow. It also blurs imperfections and redness, smoothes the appearance of fine lines, hydrates for 24 hours and helps protect with SPF15. A breakthrough for the beauty industry, Garnier's Blemish Balm Cream combines five benefits in one, leaving skin to appear immediately perfected and natural. Especially in the summer months, this product is simply a must, dare I say it, my skin is looking rather tip-top these days. A winner from the guys and girls at Garnier!

Available from Boots, Superdrug, leading pharmacies and beauty stores.

£9.99

Ever wonder how celebrities have the time to work so hard and fit in a whole host of holidays while still looking the business? Simple! By keeping their regime as straightforward as possible with Dr Bronner’s magical multitasking soap! Famous fans include Bobbi Brown, Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock and Eminem.

At a practical size of 59ml, Dr Bronner’s is a total travel essential – perfect for your summer escapes on holiday, at festivals, or just to have in your bag for life’s little emergencies.

Dr. Bronner’s travel size liquid soap is £1.69 and comes in eight different scents including: citrus, rose, lavender, peppermint, almond, eucalyptus, tea tree and baby mild. All Dr Bronner’s products are fair trade and organically sourced so you can clean your conscience as well as your skin!

Not only that, but with eighteen uses in one bottle, you will never have to throw away your toiletries or squeeze your soaps into your bag again. Hallelujah! Dr Bronner’s liquid soap can:

• Fit into your hand luggage, rucksack, handbag, or pocket!
• Be used to clean clothes, hair, body, or face – perfect for festival goers and happy campers!
• Be made into a pest spray – the ultimate for hardened travellers.
• Treat cuts and grazes – eucalyptus and tea tree get our vote!
• Be used to shave for those on the go.
• Even help brush your teeth – we recommend the peppermint or almond!

Dr Bronner’s is available nationwide in stores including Liberty, select Waitrose stores and leading health shops including Fresh & Wild, Planet Organic and Whole Foods.

£1.69

www.kinetic4health.co.uk 

For anyone bravely taking on the London marathon this weekend, make sure that you soothe those aching muscles with Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Muscle Collection.

This collection includes the De-Stress Muscle Gel and the De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil. The intoxicating smell of rosemary, ginger, black pepper and lavender oils in the De-stress Muscle Gel delivers an immediate soothing and warming effect and helps to ease aching, tired limbs.

Alternatively use the De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil and enjoy a long soak and feel those aches melt away. The powerful blend of pure essential oils of ginger and black pepper helps to release stiffness while the ginger boosts your circulation. Simply add a capful to your bath and give your muscles a welcome relief.

De-Stress Muscle Gel – 150ml - £20

De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil - 55ml - £37

Available at leading hotel and destination spas worldwide

www.aromatherapyassociates.com

I’ll be making some time to relax and unwind after seeing the new bathtime treats from Radox.

The launch of the Radox Bath Smoothies follows on from the success of the delicious Radox Shower Smoothies range. The Radox Bath Smoothie is a luxurious smooth cream that smells good enough to eat and comes in three yummy flavours.

Spirit Booster is a rich and creamy mix of yoghurt, cranberry and elderberry, to boost body and mind.

Tropical Tranquillity is a divine combination of coconut, crushed almonds and myrrh to indulge the senses.

Soul Soother incorporates chamomile, blackcurrant and cranberry to calm the mind.

Available from Boots, Superdrug and selected supermarkets.

RRP £2.99

www.be-selfish.co.uk