Friday, 11 December 2015

Feature Friday- dirty skin

I had just read an article in Living Skin magazine, Is our skin dirtier than ever? The next day, I woke up to a what's app message from a client saying her skin is lumpy, spotty and HELP! it's the festive season.  Skincare is an essential part of daily routine, and many already follow a simple cleanse, tone, moisturise regime every morning and night.  This basic regime is great to have in place, but it is important to do it properly. 


Research by the International Dermal Institute found that 'women only spend about 20 seconds washing their face.' For thoroughly clean skin it is advisable to use a double cleanse routine such as Precleanse by Dermalogica which is made from apricot kernel and kukui nut oil, the oil helps draw oil, impurities and makeup away from the skin. Then use a second cleanser to suit your specific skin type- foaming, cream, etc. Each cleanser should be massaged into the skin for 60 seconds. Count as you massage your face in gentle upward strokes 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi until your reach 60 then remove the product with a warm damp flannel or sponge. 


The environment is much dirtier now than it used to be in our parents and grandparents era because there are so many more pollutants, types of makeup, sunscreen, etc. The face is exposed to everything everyday and a quick 20 second cleanse won't cut through the dirt, oil and makeup on your skin. If your skin isn't properly cleansed then the moisturiser can't penetrate to the skin properly and a dull appearance then starts to become congested. Exfoliating can help, but start with a good basic regime and build on that to maximise glowing healthy skin. 

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Skincare Saturday- Clear Start

Clear Start has been formulated by Dermalogica to provide skin care solutions for teens. 


'Three out of four teens get infected with acne and some of them may end up with severe psychological damage or physical scarring for life' -Dermalogica UK 


This range contains potent active ingredients and gentle botanicals to achieve clearer skin in three easy steps. 

1. Cleanse- use Foaming Wash morning and night. For a power cleanse mix Pore Control Scrub with Foaming Wash, or use on its own before applying Breakout Clearing Cooling Masque. 

2. Tone- spritz All Over Toner onto the face and neck before moisturising twice daily. This can also be used to absorb shine throughout the day. 

3. Treat & Moisturise- if the skin is congested apply the Daytime Teeatment or Overnight Treatment and then moisturise. Use Matte Moisturiser in the day to help control oil & protect against ultraviolet rays, or Hydrating Lotion at night to rehydrate the skin. 

For extra clearing you can add Emergency Spot Fix as a 'zit zapper'; Breakout Clearing Cooling Masque to calm and soothe, and oil blotting sheets to absorb shine during the day.  

Saturday, 7 November 2015

Skincare Saturday- NEW Hydrating Lotion

This week the newest addition to Dermalogica's Teen range was launched! Clear Start Skin Smoothing Hydrating Lotion is a light-weight and oil-free moisturiser which has been specifically formulated for young adults with dry, dehydrated and breakout-irritated skin. 


It has been developed with Ginger, Orange and Grapefruit botanicals to help soothe and protect skins that are sensitised from prescription acne medications. 

Hyaluronic Acid and Squalene rehydrate and soften making this a great lotion to nourish the skin throughout the night. 

To use, apply on its own or over Overnight Treatment after cleansing and toning. 


Friday, 6 November 2015

Feature Friday- it's all about brows

I'm It's all about the brow, about the brow, about the brow, no trouble...

Whether it's brow extensions, growth serums or makeup, this season is all about eyebrows! 

Eyeshadow applied with a soft round brush to maintain a subtle natural finish. (Makeup by Claire Mulleady) 

I went to a MAC cosmetics masterclass at their Carnaby Street store yesterday. They've recently remodeled their Pro Store and have a private demonstration room upstairs. The Senior makeup artist had just got back from doing the International Fashion Week circuit and was full of ideas, insight and inspiration. 

Each model had very different brows from an Afro-Carribean well defined eyebrow to an Oriental fine eyebrow. There is a way to add definition to suit all styles- pencil, powder, gel, colored brow mascara are just to name a few. 

Even if you use a brow serum such as LiBrow or have extensions to enhance the natural appearance make up is needed to complete the look. MAC's new range has a brilliant array of Colours from fair blonde to red to dark brown. Full eyebrows with a natural finish are trending this season and are a hot topic for next Spring/Summer styles. 

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Flip the Switch on Anti-ageing with Overnight Retinol Repair

Dermalogica have launched their best anti-ageing product to date!! The NEW Overnight Retinol Repair contains 0.5% encapsulated retinol so 100% of the retinol is absorbed into the skin reducing fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and uneven skin texture. 

As the skin ages the thick fibrous network that gives young skin its strength and resilience starts to degrade and the production of collagen and elastin starts to decrease.  The skin also starts to have less hydration causing the collagen fibres to become brittle and the skin becomes more delicate and vascular issues are more apparent. With these factors working against the desired youthful complexion it is important to help the skin by using products that promote biological stimulation and ingredients that kick start the skin renewal process. 

The most profound results with this product are between the ages of 50-70 years because there is a differential change in the skin. Those who are in a younger age range still notice better texture and brighter skin as a result of using the Overnight Retinol Repair. 

This customisable retinol therapy comes with a complimentary buffing cream that enables you to adapt the product to suit the client's individual needs. There is a formula to follow to introduce retinol to your skin and to help build its tolerance. 


ORR:BC
Week 1-2 1:3
Week 3-4 2:2
Week 5-6 3:1
Week 7-8 ORR


Changes in texture are noticeable within the first few days, but results are noticeaeable within 15 days of daily use and the skin's appearance continues to improve with the best results after 90 days. The Retinol works at a cellular level, so the skin retains at least 12% of its regeneration once the treatment is complete. For ongoing repair it is important to discuss treatment and product options with your skin therapist. 



Saturday, 12 September 2015

Skincare Saturday- 3 tips to healthy hands


Looking after your hands is just as important as your face because they show signs of ageing just as much as the facial, neck & decollete areas. Hands can't be hidden behind makeup or a face lift. Yes you could wear gloves, but it's not practical all year round. Gloves are an important factor in taking care if your hands and should be worn when doing the dishes, cleaning, gardening, and daily during the cold months of autumn and winter. Maria Thorburn, International Senior Instructor for Dermalogica says,
“Don’t forget that whilst driving you can also catch the sun. A great idea is to keep an SPF product in the glove box of your car. You can then apply as needed, especially to the backs of your hands whilst driving.” 
So how can you look after your hands? It's pretty simple really, it just takes a bit if thought and dedication by following these 3 simple steps. 

1. Moisturise- every time you wash your hands apply a hand cream. I keep a hand cream by every sink in the house to help this.  Also reapply as needed throughout the day- keep one in the car, your handbag, and in your desk to help prevent ageing. 

2. Wear Gloves- as mentioned above, wear gloves to protect hands from harsh chemicals and the elements which dry hands out and can accelerate skin ageing. 

3. Wear SPF- apply sunscreen when your hands are exposed to the elements and when driving to help prevent age spots.  

By following these three guidelines your hands will reap the benefits. I have a client in her sixties who even wears gloves for peeling vegetables and her hands look fantastic- no age spots in sight! 

Thursday, 10 September 2015

Feature Friday- FMON & charity


We had a very successful second annual Face Map Our Nation event with 12 women having their face mapped in the skin scanner. 

The skin scanner enables clients to see their skin condition, pigmentation and sometimes damage on a deeper level. It helps them to understand how their current regime or lack of affects their skin with a one-to-one consultation and skin analysis.  Each client received a customised product prescription so they could participate in a skin bar session enabling them to try the products that suited their skin type and lifestyle. 


Excellent feedback from those who attended. Thank you for your support! 





Wednesday, 9 September 2015

Wedding Wednesday- 'correct toes' support for glam shoes

Wedding Wednesday- glam shoes and party feet are essential at weddings. Podiatrist, Helen Seamer recommends 'Correct toes' to keep feet comfortable in heels. This pliable plastic contraption fits between each toe to give support in closed-toe shoes. 


'Align, restore & strengthen your feet' says Helen Seamer, podiatrist at All About Feet. These medical grade toe spacers can help a variety of foot problems especially those with bunions and corns. 

Monday, 31 August 2015

Makeup Monday- rainy day makeup tips

When it's raining and you're out and about its best to keep makeup simple so that it will withstand the elements. Here are 3 tips to rainy day makeup: 

1. Apply a tinted primer to help smooth out fine lines & add a little colour to even out skintone. 
2. Use a splash proof or water proof mascara to prevent mascara from running. 
3. Wear a bright lipstick to brighten up your face and complete the look. 

Saturday, 22 August 2015

Skincare Saturday- deep cleansing back treatment

If you suffer from back acne, having a monthly back facial will help to purify breakout-prone skin. This treatment helps to relax the muscles, extract blackheads and comedones, and combat breakouts. 


Using Dermalogica's MediBac range helps to calm irritation, but control acne without compromising the skin's integrity with ingredients like licorice to aid sebum regulation and sooth inflammation. 

The dual exfoliation process combines lactic & salicylic acids which gently detach surface cells and stimulate cell renewal with bromelain & papain to digest dead skin cells leaving the skin smooth and refined. 

Then after extractions a deep-cleansing clay masque will help to purify the skin and absorb excess oil with bentonite and kaolin which will refine pores and clear congestion. 

Using products that are specially designed for acne addresses the four main contributors- overactive sebaceous glands, cell accumulation, bacteria and inflammation. 

By having a regular back purification treatment the area that's hard to reach will be cleansed, polished, hydrated and refreshed! 

Tuesday, 4 August 2015

Trial Tuesday- LiLash Update Week 1

One week into using the American LiLash serum and the results are fantastic! This serum boosts hair growth and strengthens the individual lashes. My eyelashes have never been this long!


I've also been trialling LiBrow by applying the serum every evening onto my eyebrows. I haven't noticed much difference in my brows, but I don't feel I need to put as much colour on them. 


This is the result after 1 week of applying LiLash and LiBrow every evening. 


The pictures are taken in different bathrooms, but my eyebrows appear slightly darker and I've noticed my eyelashes have lengthened! 

We are the only stockist in the South West of England and currently there are only 3 of us in the whole South England! If you would like to buy one please email orchidsretreat@hotmail.co.uk 

Tuesday, 28 July 2015

Trial Tuesday- Li Lash & Li Brow

One of my clients has been using Li Lash for a couple years and has beautiful Bambi eyes. After researching further I found Li Lash in Scottsdale, Arizona USA! 


Today our supply of Li Lash (£53.95 each) landed at Orchids Retreat! So our trial begins of Li Lash and Li Brow! 


The beginning of our trial, we will post weekly updates. 

Regular Li Lash user after an eyelash perm and tint. Amazing results!! 




Wednesday, 8 July 2015

Wedding Wednesday- dresses for sale

One of my clients is selling her dresses if anyone is interested in a pre-loved wedding dress and unworn gown. 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...

This dress is designed by Suzanne Neville in an ivory silk, size 10 with alterations. The original price was £2400, but the Bride is asking £500. 


This is the website to show the dress without the lace bolero. https://dragonflycontemporarydesigns.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/copy-of-martaize_01_015-1000.jpg


The second dress up for grabs is an Alfred Angelo (one of my favourite designers- I have several dresses and they all are well made classics!) This one was £275 new and as it's not even been worn £100 is a bargain price. It works well as a simple wedding dress, ball gown or as a bridesmaid dress. This is a size 10, ivory chiffon dress bought originally as a wedding dress and then the Bride found 'the one'! 


'It's really pretty and feels good on. I was going to wear it with a jacket. Also a small brooch works well slightly positioned on side where pleats meet on the bust'-Bride to Be 
If you are interested in either of these dresses please contact Jo 07779296865 

Monday, 6 July 2015

Makeup Monday- look in a box

Off on holiday, quick business trip or city break this MAC 'look in a box' has everything you need for a day or evening make-up application. It comes equipped with a duo brush for eyeshadow contouring and lipstick application. It has a nude lipstick, which is perfect for a softer daytime makeup or a brighter coral for an evening. All you need to add is a mascara, eyelash curler, couple extra brushes and a tinted moisturiser! 

This face kit comes in two different colour tones- this one is 'all about beige' which suits those who suit more Spring or Autumn colours. It contains a blusher, bronzer, light eyeshadows for daytime or contouring and darker shades to add definition in an evening. I take out the brush and use that slot for an eyeliner- MAC photogravure Technakohl Liner is great in the heat!
To create this look follow these five simple steps: 
1. Apply Dermalogica Ultra Senstive Tint all over the face (after normal cleansing routine) 
2. Use darker shadow to accentuate the brows 
3. Curl lashes and apply eyeliner along lash line 
4. Medium shade all over the eyelid and lightest on the brow bone. 
5. Apply two coats of mascara 
6. Apply lipstick and blush to complete the look! 

Voila! Makeup in a box super easy for travelling and minimalist packing! Enjoy your summer holidays! 




Saturday, 4 July 2015

Skincare Saturday- City Skin

Off on a city break this summer? Make sure you look after your skin daily by cleansing to remove all of the pollution, hydrating to prevent premature ageing and fine lines, and protecting it against free radicals. Orchids Retreat also offers a pre-city break facial tailored to protect skin from pollution! 

Whether you work, live or visit a city here are 3 tips to healthy skin: 



1. Cleanse- a deep cleanse is important to remove all impurities. Using a double cleansing routine such as Dermalogica's Precleanse and another cleanser to suit your skin type will remove all of the dirt and makeup leaving you skin clean. 

2. Hydrate- use a hydrating spray after cleansing and throughout the day so that your moisturiser is easily absorbed and your skin stays hydrated. For dehydrated skin, using Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Booster and Skin Hydrating Mask which contains Hyaluronic acid will give your skin a weeks worth of water with one application. 

3. Protect- wearing a daily moisturiser and spf is a vital part of a daily skincare regime to protect the skin from ultra violet rays and the elements. A broad spectrum spf 30 or above will protect your skin from sundamage. 

Friday, 3 July 2015

Feature Friday- hydrate your skin in the heat

Hyaluronic Acid is a widely marketed ingredient in moisturizers, masques, boosters and serums because it is known for it's powerful hydrating properties as it holds 1,000 times its weight in water. 

Sodium Hyaluronate (SH) is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid that helps to retain the moisture levels in skin tissue. There is a further researched ingredient called Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer (SHC) that retains 5 times more water than normal SH which increases the skins moisture giving it a weeks worth of hydration in one application. It also naturally fights free radicals to help prevent cell damage and skin ageing. This unique cross-linked ingredient traps moisture to deliver time-released hydration which improves skin elasticity and suppleness. 

Only three of Dermalogica's products contain the SHC cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid which give the skin 5,000 times its weight in water. Skin Hydrating Masque £32.50, Ultrasmoothing Eye Serum £36.90 and Sheer Tint SPF 20 £34.80. 


I've listed below the other products in the Dermalogica range that have Hyaluronic Acid in them, as you can see it plays a big role in their ingredients and there is at least one product in each range that contains this special ingredient holding 1,000 times its weight in water. 

Skin Hydrating Booster £52.20 
Daily Resurfacer £70.60 
After Sun Repair £29.90 
MAP-15 Regenerator £73.20
Lip Renewal Complex £24.40 
Overnight Clearing Gel £41.30
Pure Light SPF50 56.40
UltraCalming Serum Concentrate £52.60
Super Sensitive Shield SPF30 £39.00
Ultrarich Body Cream £39.50
Soothing Shave Cream £19.90
Invigorating Shave Gel £18.60 

In a daily environment that has factors that are zapping moisture from your skin- heaters, air conditioning, sunshine, etc it's important to rehydrate through water consumption and product application. Quench your skins thirst with this amazing ingredient daily to prevent dehydration, premature ageing and fine lines! 

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Wedding Wednesday- Beautiful body skincare

Another highlight for Dermalogica! The Body Hydrating Cream has been featured in Perfect Wedding magazine.
"This is great value as there's so much of it!  It instantly improves the appearance of my skin, so it's great to use just before you head out the door!" 
That's one way of using this body cream, it can also be used fresh out of the shower, as a hand cream, after swimming to rehydrate the skin, and as a top up throughout the day if you're in a drier climate. 

This body cream is a non-greasy emulsion that is quickly absorbed into the skin, botanical oils that helps to smooth and soften the skin leaving the skin feeling hydrated and revitalised. It comes in three sizes, a 75 ml travel size perfect for a holiday or handbag, a 250 ml pump container for easy storage, or for the Body Hydrating Cream lovers a 473 ml pump bottle for great for daily use! 

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

Fingers and Toes Tuesday- funky pink

Change up your normal nail polish for the summer. Pink is on trend this season, so add a pop of colour to any outfit and jazz it up with a bit of glitter! 

We used OPI's Strawberry Margarita and Nothin Mouse Bout It

To create this look follow these 6 easy steps: 
1. File the nails using a crystal file as it's more gentle on the natural nail. File in one direction and bevel downwards to ensure a smooth finish. 
2. Prep- apply OPI Chip Skip to each nail to balance the ph of the nail and enhancing the length of wear. Follow with a base coat like Nail Envy to strengthen the nail. 
3. On the toes apply Nothin Mouse Bout it to each toenail and alternating fingernails. 
4. Use Strawberry Margarita to create a French-style finish on the toes and paint the remaining nails. 
5. Apply Nothin Mouse Bout It to all of the toes and fingernails. 
6. Protect- finish off with OPI Quick Dry Top Coat to seal in colour and add shine. 

Allow 30 minutes to dry before applying a hand and foot cream. 

Sunday, 28 June 2015

Suncare Sunday- Use Aftersun Repair after exposure to the elements

Round the Island Race is an annual sailing race around the Isle of Wight, located just off the South Coast of England. The race is 50 nautical miles around the island and can take up to 12 hours from start to finish depending on the weather conditions. That's a lot of exposure to the elements! 

Wearing sun protection and reapplying every 2-3 hours is vital as the sun rays bounce off of the water giving the skin double exposure to the UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the sunscreen used has a circle emblem with UVA in the centre to ensure its a broad spectrum spf thus protecting the skin from both types of ultraviolet rays. For a few tips from the experts, check our blog post http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/09/suncare-sunday.html 


Just as it is important to protect the skin, repairing and replenishing the skin after exposure to the elements is crucial for healthy skin. Dermalogica Aftersun Repair is an excellent product to use after exposure to the elements to help rehydrate and repair the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid which gives the skin a weeks drink in one application. This soothing balm can be applied all over the face and body. For best results apply after bathing and reapply as necessary to calm irritation. It can also be used after waxing, on insect bites and to calm acne! 

A five star review from Seattle, Washington USA 
This is the best lotion-like product I have ever used! It is a moisturizing gel that soaks in immediately so I don't feel greasy. I got a terrible sunburn after a weekend trip to the coast and the reviews on this product were overwhelmingly positive. They weren't lying! It made my sunburn feel oh-so-much better. The effects of aloe only last a few minutes, but this worked for hours. I exfoliated and applied this and the peeling stopped. What blew me away is that this gel has been a dream on my acne! The redness is so much better and my facial skin is very soft. I have recommended it to everybody with a sunburn.- Anonymous 

Saturday, 27 June 2015

Skincare Saturday- Festival Skincare

Off to the music festivals this summer?! Make sure you look after your skin or it will suffer from a crazy days away. Use the 'less is more' rule to protect your skin with multi-tasking products that are compact for light packing, but full of effective ingredients. The best skin tip from Dermalogica for skincare in the Great Outdoors, 

'Don’t be tempted by cheap alcohol based wipes that leave skin drier than the raisin in your muesli. Get clean fresh skin with modern cleansing wipes that give all the convenience combined with healthy clean skin.'


Cleanse: Make sure you use ph-balanced face wipes to remove daily make-up and grime without access to water. Dermalogica's Pre-Cleanse wipes even remove waterproof make-up and they come flat packed to fit into a backpack. 

Protect: A tinted moisturiser with spf is a great two-in-one product to give your skin light coverage whilst dancing the day away.  When outdoors it is essential to also protect the skin against other elements to prevent sensitisation. Dermalogica's Barrier Repair can be used all over the face and eye area to help protect the skin, apply a 5p sized amount and the velvety texture will melt into your skin. Climate control is a revolutionary product that prevents inflammation and sensitisation. Apply all over the face and lips to shield the skin from the wind and rain- a must have in your camping kit. 

Recover: Once your epic weekend has come to an end it's important to help repair the skin through a specialised Recovery Facial and home care advice. Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins and eat a healthy diet to help your body and skin recover. The MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque is a wow product full of vitamins to feed and nourish the skin. 



Friday, 26 June 2015

Skincare Saturday- Men's Skincare

Feature Friday- Feel Better Week Results

Look Good Feel Better Week was a great success nationally and also for Orchids Retreat! Our Cupcake Sweepstake ran for the entire week 1-7 June 2015 and with only 21 places to enter the £1 drawing we raised £28 from supportive and generous entrants. Orchids Retreat then matched the amount raised to donate £56 to this worthy cause. 


'WOW! That is such fantastic news, thank you so much for letting me know.  We are so hugely grateful for Orchids Retreat supporting Feel Better Week.  Please pass on our grateful thanks to all involved. The funds raised will enable us to fund a place at one of our confidence boosting Workshop at Southampton General Hospital.' -Ian 

To spread the LGFB love we drew two entrants one for the Dermalogica travel sized Daylight Defence products and the other for He-Shi Overnight Ageless Tanning Balm. The winner of the Daylight Defence was off on holiday to Marbella, Spain so some handbag sized treats were most welcome. 




A happy client and lucky winner of the gradual face tan! Thank you to everyone that entered and supported Feel Better Week! 

Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Wedding Wednesday- Safari Skincare


Planning on heading off on a Safari honeymoon? Make sure your skin is ready for the desert heat by having a facial to help protect and repair against dry heat, and you are armed with the right skincare products to protect your skin. 



Multi-purpose products are great for travel and for quick and easy skincare regime. Here are 3 products to help maintain hydrated skin in the hot weather.

Tinted Moisturiser- In the heat layering products feels like your makeup will just melt off your face, so use a dual action product to protect your skin and add a bit of colour with a tinted moisturiser. Ensure there is an spf of 30 or above to guard against ultraviolet damage. Opt for something like Dermalogica's Ultra Sensitive Tint spf30 to give your skin a healthy glow, light coverage to even out skin tone and protection from ageing UV rays. 

After Sun- Aftersun helps to soothe sunburned skin and rehydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid.  'Look for products with Japanese Alder which stimulates DNA repair and contains enzymes that accelerate skin recovery.' -Dermalogica For sensitised areas reapply every couple of hours to boost hydration and reduce discomfort. 

Hydration- Long periods of time in the dry desert heat can dehydrate the skin.  It is essential for the body to maintain hydration by drinking at least 6 pints of water daily.  Boosters and Masques that contain hyaluronic acid will help to rehydrate the skin after overexposure to the elements. Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Masque smells of cucumber and can be added to your daily moisturiser, used on it's own, or as an eye treatment to give your skin a drink. 

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

Wedding Wednesday- leave makeup to the professionals

Weddings are a joyous & memorable occasion filled with lots of friends, family and photos. 

It's important that makeup is applied to last the entire day and enhance your best features for the pictures. 


MAC cosmetics have excellent staying power and offer a wide range of colours and tones to suit each Bride and her bridal party. 

We have over 10 years experience in Wedding preparations, bridal and special occasion makeup. Make sure you look radiant for start to finish! 



Tuesday, 16 June 2015

Fingers & Toes Tuesday- Stay polished!

Nail polish lasts about a week and the gel nail finishes such as Shellac and OPI Gel Color last up to two weeks. 

A friend's New Years resolution was to be 'more polished' in many ways- eticate, appearance, manners, etc. Here are three tips to ensure your appearance is 'more polished'. 

1. Make the most of this splash of colour by matching it to your outfits for the next week or two! 

OPI liquid sand in Kiss Me at Midnight

2. Ensure your polish colour compliments or blends with your accessories. 

Top Left- sun dress Top Right- House of colour eyeliner in Electric Blue and OPI liquid sand in Kiss Me at Midnight Bottom Left- matching nail polish and eyeliner Bottom Right- Boden glitter bag 

3. Coordinate makeup with your nail colour. For example if you're wearing pink polish wear a pink lipstick. 



Monday, 8 June 2015

Makeup Monday- highlights for brows

Thuya have produced a blonde brow tint! This is a fantastic product for lightening the brows! 

Normal lash and brow tints come in brown, black, blue, purple and grey. Mixing the different colours creates different depths of colour, but sometimes clients want to lighten their brows to match highlights. The blond tint helps to lighten the hair. 

Tinting brows helps to frame the eyes and enhances makeup and natural complexions. 

Friday, 5 June 2015

Fun Fact Friday- LGFB stats

This week is Feel Better Week to raise awareness for Women and Teenagers with cancer around the United Kingdom. 

This charity is actually international and is currently running in 26 countries worldwide! It is the only cancer support charity globally! 

Photo from www.costhetics.com.au

That said, over 130,000 females are supported each year by 600 organizations and 21,000 volunteers. Amazing support and being such a worthy cause it will only continue to grow. 

Show your support by donating through PayPal orchidsretreat@hotmail.co.uk to enter our Cupcake Sweepstake for your chance to win Dermalogica Daylight Defence minis or HeShi gradual face tan. The prize draw will take place on Sunday, 7 June, 2015. 

Sunday, 31 May 2015

Makeup Monday- Look Good Feel Better

The This special charity supports women with cancer to provide practical support to those struggling with the side effects of cancer treatment. 

LGFB held their first workshop in 1994 and has helped almost 115,000 patients! Workshops and master classes are held across the UK by volunteers to share their tips and techniques in skincare and makeup application. Our nearest location is Southampton General Hospital in their McMillian Centre. 


This charity is the only one which focuses on the problems associated with visible side effects of cancer treatment. It addresses how hard loss of hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and other skin related issues can be to cope with. Professionals in industry volunteer to demonstrate how to use skincare products and how to apply makeup to enhance the natural beauty. 


This week is celebrating LGFB by promoting a weeklong fundraising campaign. To support Feel Better Week we are doing a Cupcake Swwepstake! Pay £1 (or more, it's for charity!) and choose the number of the winning cupcake. At the end of the week, if your number is drawn you will win HeShi Ageless Face Self Tan! 


Friday, 29 May 2015

Feature Friday- ear piercing

The last term of school starts on Monday and then it's summer holiday time! Six weeks off to enjoy the sunshine & the perfect time to get your ears pierced! 


Inverness is one of the safest brands on the market. All earrings and backs are 14k gold and individually packaged to keep them sterile. 

The procedure takes only a couple of minutes and is fully explained during the consultation. The ears are then cleansed, marked with a pen to ensure the perfect location and pierced with the desired earrings using a speciailised gun. 

The healing process takes six weeks. Ears must be cleaned twice daily with the aftercare solution provided during the treatment. Then other earrings can be worn. 

It is advisable to clean new earrings before wearing them to avoid irritation or infection. Earrings should be worn regularly in the first six months to avoid the holes from closing. 

It is such a memorable experience having ears pierced for the first time. A treatment that lasts a lifetime! 

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Makeup Monday- mascara tips

MAC makeup artist Cher Webb, is a self proclaimed mascara junkie. Here are a few tips from the Pro: 

-Always curl lashes to open the eye
- MAC mineralise mascara is a current favourite because it creates a 3-D effect 
- create volume and length with a favourite mascara then 'coat lashes with waterproof so the mascara doesn't travel'
- use the tip of the brush to coat the lashes and blend outward with a zig zag sweeping motion to create a liner effect. 

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

Tan Tuesday- shimmer tan

If you've run out of time to apply sunless tan in advance of a special event, here is a quick guide making pale skin look more bronzed. 

1. Use an exfoliating scrub or buffing cloth in the shower to remove dead skin cells. 
2. Mix a 50/50 ratio of tanning gel and shimmer lotion 
3. Thoroughly massage into desired area
4. Allow to dry for 10-15 minutes, get dressed and enjoy the event!