Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Intu Fashion SS17 at Intu Metrocentre

With Bank Holiday weekend approaching, Intu Metrocentre is hosting four days jam packed with fashion shows kicking off today.

These fun shows will highlight  the latest trends, how to wear them and most importantly, where to find them.  With everything available to buy in the Metrocentre and a handy discount leaflet available from Customer Service desks, you’ll have that Summer wardrobe freshened up in the shake of a pineapple.

I was invited along to the VIP preview night for a sneaky peak at the shows you’ll be able to check out over the next four days and with streetwear, occasionwear, formal wear and even beach wear, Intu Metrocentre have you covered.  I rocked up in an A-line leather skirt from M&S (a Fashion Editor staple) and a Led Zeppelin tee with messy brows and even messier hair.

We sipped cocktails from TGI Fridays, ate chicken salsa from Bar Burrito and even played in a ball pool as we chilled in the Style Garden amongst the palm trees and flamingos before taking our seats on the frow for a fashion extravaganza.

With fresh Spring looks from Topshop, Coast, House of Fraser and many more, there’s something for every budget in the shows which take place in Town Square, right outside House of Fraser at regular intervals throughout the four days.  My absolute favourite look was a baby pink overlay skirt from Coast paired with a shimmer body top – if it looks familiar Voyeurs, it’s because I have that very same outfit and it’s awesome.  One of the real highlights of the show was actually Primark – with fast fashion for guys and girls of all ages, and some real trend led items, it was a surprising winner.

It’s nice to see Intu Metrocentre bringing back the runway show format to unveil the transitional collections.  They’ve really upped their game too, there’s none of the cheesy dancing that you often get with shopping mall fashion shows, this is slick and current and the outfits are styled to reflect a wide demographic.  So when I say there’s something for everyone, I really mean it.  If you’ve got a keen eye, you might just spot the current Miss Newcastle England, and Miss Newcastle England 2015 on the runway representing the North East too!

With hair and makeup services provided by SHOW Beauty and MAC at House of Fraser, they’ve gone all out to make this weekend a real treat for shoppers visiting Intu Metrocentre and you’ll find that there are a variety of offers and competitions on too in the mall.  So if you’re treating yourself, or someone else, be sure to swing by the show first to find out how you could win yourself some Mulberry swag, courtesy of House of Fraser.

One other little thing to sweeten the deal Voyeurs; you know all about my love of Decleor products and treatments and this Thursday to Saturday, House of Fraser are exclusively offering 20% off ALL Decleor product on counter.  If you’re familiar with the brand, you’ll know that this very rarely happens so get in, and stock up!

If you’re at Intu Metrocentre this Bank Holiday weekend and fancy checking it out, the Intu SS17 fashion shows will be held every day Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 April 2017 and you might just leave with a little vacation inspo…..

Pixie xo

Fashion shows will be shown at regular intervals throughout each day, time table shown below.

Thursday 27 April: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm

​Friday 28 April: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm

​Saturday 29 April: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm

​Sunday 30 April: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Glorious North East

Image Skincare O2 Lift Facial

Oxygen facials, we’ve all heard of them and there are hundreds of variations out there to choose from, but what are the benefits?  Well, there are actually many.  Infusing the skin with pure oxygen speeds up healing, brightens and illuminates, fights off toxins and helps to eliminate pollution damage; the big question you should be asking, is how do you deliver an effective dose of oxygen to the skin without unnecessary fads and expense….

I was invited along to Novellus Aesthetics in Jesmond by Dr Steven Land to experience the VIP Image O2 Lift – dubbed The Red Carpet facial by those in the know, and a pre-awards show staple of many an A-Lister including Jessica Biel.  The O2 Lift (Oxygen Facial) is a facial treatment with a difference, it’s administered by an Aesthetic Practitioner rather than a Beauty Therapist and every step of the treatment aims to address a particular need.  First up, skin is cleansed with Image Skincare’s Gel to Milk Cleanser to lift off any surface grime, pollution and impurities, it’s removed with a warm washcloth which opens up the pores ready for the next stage.

A very mild Fruit Enzyme Peel is applied to skin – there’s no tingling and no after peeling, it’s purely to dissolve any dead skin cells sitting at the surface and in turn, amplify the effects of the facial and prolong the result.  Once this is removed, your skin is a blank canvas and that’s when the magic really happens.  An Oxygen mask is applied over the skin, with a foamy consistency, the mask fizzes and pops until it eventually fully disappears.  The effervescent nature of the product delivers oxygen deep into the skin along with brightening agents which promote even skintone, it’s something you can really feel working, it’s a pleasant sensation and a little bit tickly.

Once skin is completely clear, a Stem Cell Rejuvenator is applied and massaged into the skin, it’s a watery serum rich in plant stem cells and vitamin C which help to seal the treatment into the skin.  Dr Land tells me that the O2 Lift is a facial treatment that’s suitable for any skin type, there’s nothing harsh or abrasive at all in it and the end result is lighter and brighter skin.  Normally at this point, you’d have a skin specific moisturiser applied and be sent on your way but Novellus Aesthetics have added in an extra step to magnify the effects of the Stem Cell serum.

Even if you don’t know it by name, you’ll have seen the Opera LED mask – it’s a big, weird looking imposing gadget that kinda looks a bit like Iron Man taking a nap – this high tech face mask has been featured in the pages of British Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and most recently on TV in reality series TOWIE.  In a nutshell, it utilises three wavelengths of low level light therapy to provide a multitude of skin rejuvenation treatments to the face and neck, adding in the LED mask whilst the skin is absorbing plant stem cells encourages faster collagen production and cell turnover which further enhances the benefits of the O2 Lift.  You can of course, opt to have the original off-the-shelf O2 Lift without the LED mask, but then you wouldn’t be VIP would you?

I’m not gonna lie Voyeurs, it’s a weighty piece of kit and it takes a bit of wriggling around to get it in a comfortable position, but once you’re set, it’s plain sailing.  The mask cycles through three different light settings which each have different skin benefits.  The infrared light works on tightening and anti-ageing, the blue light promotes blood circulation and helps to treat acne, and the pink light is not only an excellent anti-inflammatory, it also makes you look like Kimberley, the best ever Power Ranger.  Hashtag winning.  Need further convincing of the benefits of light therapy?  Look no further than Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Khloe Kardashian and Chrissy Tiegen who are all Opera LED Mask devotees.

BEFORE
AFTER

Once the Stem Cell serum is absorbed and the LED mask cycle is complete, a light moisturiser with UVA and UVB protection is applied (essential after this treatment) and I’m shown  my face in a mirror.  Once I look past the imprints of the mask which make me look like I’m wearing swimming goggles, I can see that there’s a radiance that wasn’t there before and a plumpness to the surface of my skin.  Dr Land tells me that the effects should be better the next day too.  I have enough facials to know that the following day I usually have a few surface blemishes appear as the toxins are drawn to the surface of the skin which happens to me every time, but by day three, my skin looks and feels softer and more luminous and is responding better to the products I’m using at home, like a fresh canvas.

Pixie xo

The O2 Lift Facial at Novellus Aesthetics is £80, for the upgraded VIP version of the treatment with the Opera LED Mask, expect to pay £100.

To book an appointment at Novellus Aesthetics, email info@novellusaesthetics.co.uk or visit the FaceBook page.

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Show Beauty Launches Lux Volume

This week I was invited along to the launch of the latest in hair innovation from SHOW Beauty – Lux Volume.  The whole SHOW Beauty Haircare range aims to address those hair niggles we all have, whether it’s Moisture, Repair, and now Volume, there’s something in the range that all hair types can benefit from.

I went along to the North East’s only SHOWDRY Blow Dry Bar at House of Fraser, Intu Metrocentre to get the skinny on the ever expanding hair care range from the woman with a better blowdry than Kate Middleton. With complimentary express dry styling available, I opted for this braided topknot, which lasted for three whole days. Winning.

If you’re familiar with SHOW Beauty then you’ll know the ethos, founded by Creative Director Tamara Ecclestone, SHOW Beauty is an indulgent and luxurious range that focuses on opulence and decadent glamour, from the packaging to the ingredients, no expense is spared in making these indulgent hair products.  Plus, they have serious shelfie appeal.  If you’re not familiar with SHOW Beauty, you probably know by now that I’m a huge fan.  These guys always look after me during London Fashion Week and their braids and signature blowdries see me through pretty much the whole week

Lux Volume is the latest addition to the range, enriched with white truffle and wheat protein, the Volume range adds weightless lift and boosts volume right at the root making hair look, and feel fuller with no stickiness and no nasty residue.  Caviar – which we all know is super protein rich – helps nourish and moisturise hair leaving it soft and supple so that you can achieve that perfect bouncy blowdry every time you wash your hair.

You know all about my hair struggles and dilemmas over the past two years and I’ve been using the SHOW Beauty Moisture range (not every wash) for a while now and I can vouch for just how luxurious it is.  The scent is divine, developed in partnership by Ecclestone’s and Givaudan – the perfume house behind iconic scents including L’Air Du Temps, Opium, Obsession and Poison – it’s become a signature across the entire range and ranked as one of the best ever scented hair products of all time by Allure magazine.  There’s even a Decadence Hair Fragrance finishing product that sounds crazy but I guarantee, one sniff and you’ll be hooked on it’s rich patchouli base notes.

I’m using Lux Volume on days when I’m attending events and shows and the big difference for me is the ease of styling after washing, and how weightless hair is afterwards.  I’ve used Volume products in the past which have left my hair feeling sticky after styling but Lux Volume is different, and the scent is still present after drying, almost like perfume.

As you might expect, Ecclestone’s style doesn’t come cheap and the range is pricey.  Lux Volume Shampoo and Conditioner are £30 each and there’s a Volume Lotion and Mist that complete the Volume Care Collection.  It’s advised that you double shampoo each time to remove styling product build up and environmental pollution so the cost soon adds up.  Is it worth it?  Silly question, I’m a convert and have been since the range launched in 2015, Ecclestone delays the launch of the Volume specific range in order to ensure it was absolutely perfect before going on sale.  It’s a range with as much thought put into the packaging and scent as the desired effect on the hair, if you can afford it then it’s worth the splurge.

Pixie xo

Lux Volume is available to purchase now in the North East at House of Fraser, Intu Metrocentre and throughout the UK at Harrods and selected Selfridges stores.

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Glorious North East

Decleor Facial Pilates at Intu Metrocentre

Decleor is a brand known for having its finger on the pulse when it comes to plant based skincare, with its rich, aromatic oils, products from Decleor’s skin specific ranges are something of a treat for parched skin.  As well as home use skincare, Decleor have a full suite of salon treatments to really get deep into the skin and nourish it from the outside in.  Yes, you’re probably thinking “I know all this.” But did you know that there’s a dedicated suite of beauty rooms hidden in House of Fraser at Intu Metrocentre that eliminate all background noise to make you feel a million miles from the hustle of the shopping mall?  Then read on Voyeurs…..

Decleor have just introduced their brand new Facial Pilates treatment to the market and it’s as weird as it sounds; think of it as a deep tissue massage for the face focussing on the contours of the brow bone, cheekbones and jaw.  It’s an intense facial that got me just a little bit excited.

I like my massages like I like my guys, rough and ready so when I was invited to try out Facial Pilates at House of Fraser, Intu Metrocentre, I jumped at the chance.  I met Decleor Therapist Karen on counter and she took me to the dedicated Decleor beauty room at the back of the store.  With soft lighting and even softer music it’s a super relaxing environment.  I strip to my waist and lie face down for Decleor’s famous diagnostic back massage that helps to flag up any potential issues to your Therapist.  You all know I’ve recently had surgery so it was no surprise that mine flagged up a sluggish system and dehydration.

Once we’re ready to start, Karen prepares my face for the treatment with a double cleanse and hot cloth exfoliation to remove any dead surface cells, afterwards I’m treated to lashings of Magnolia Night Balm to lubricate the skin ahead of the Facial Pilates Treatment.

To say the treatment is weird is an understatement, however it’s something I really enjoyed.  I was warned in advance that there are some areas of the face which may feel painful during and after the treatment as the purpose of the treatment is to lift and stretch facial muscles in order to plump out the skin.  Personally?  I didn’t find it painful at all, in fact I found it very pleasant and found myself drifting off a few times.  The steady petrissage movements on the forehead are deeply relaxing and the effleurage motion across the cheekbones almost sends me into a trance.  There are lots of repetitive motions during this part of the treatment to not only elongate the facial muscles but to drive the balm deep into the dermis.  That’s another thing to note about Decleor, because of the concentration of pure, microfine essential oils, the rich fragrances you experience throughout the treatment are divine, and definitely aid relaxation.

Once this part of the treatment is complete, an Energy Youth Concentrate mask is applied which is massaged deep into the skin with similar, but less intense movements.  After ten minutes of massage it’s removed from the skin and a skin specific moisturiser is applied.

BEFORE
AFTER

You’re encouraged to take a before and after picture when you have Facial Pilates so that you can actually see the effects of the massage.  We all know about Caci and other mechanical anti aging facial treatments, but Decleor’s Facial Pilates is the first of its kind in that it’s all manual, the lift and visible skin plumping effect are produced by deep massage alone.  (Sidebar, I’m aware this makes me look like I have a serious head injury – I haven’t)

When we’re done, I’m given the mirror to check over my skin and the first thing I notice is the radiance.  Well, not strictly true – before I even look in the mirror I’m aware of how absolutely exhausted I feel and ready for sleep – when I look closer I can see there’s visible fullness and definite plumpness to the skin, the apples of my cheeks look full and rosy and my face feels supple.

 

When I get home, I ask Bo if he can see a difference – he can’t – but I notice that for the rest of the day I feel more aware of my cheekbones, as if they’re sitting a centimetre or two higher and I yawn constantly until my head hits the pillow – anything that winds me down like that is a winner in my book.

Intrigued about Facial Pilates?  Well the only stinger is the price.  It’s a whopping £75 for this 60 minute facial, but to sweeten the deal throughout the month of May Voyeurs, House of Fraser have a pretty damn good offer on that’s worth checking out:  Book in for Facial Pilates on counter with a £50 deposit, the remaining balance is payable on the day of the treatment and the full value of the Facial is redeemable against any two anti ageing products.  If you’re already a fan or a client of Decleor, that’s a pretty neat little offer that bags you a free facial with visible results and you can’t grumble at that, can you Voyeurs?

Pixie xo

Categories: The Archives, The Beauty Cupboard, The Fashion Closet, The Glorious North East

Intu Eldon Square’s Walk-in Wardrobe Experience for SS17

Intu Eldon Square has had something of a makeover recently; from the subtle changes in lighting, right through to the brand new Grey’s Quarter which houses a whole host of new eateries including Tapas Revolution and The Alchemist.  There’s no denying that Newcastle’s shopping mall is looking slicker than ever.

But we’re not here to talk food, this time we’re looking at fashion, and in particular, how to take key trends for  SS17 and spin them on the high street.  If the thought of trend led dressing fills you with fear, then hang on in there Voyeurs, Intu Eldon Square have their Walk in Wardrobe experience with expert styling and beauty advice and dedicated workshops, to give you a helping hand towards Spring wardrobe success with Emma from Stylissimo as their secret weapon….

Venue: Mall space in front of Debenhams & New Look
When: Mar  24 – Apr 01

With a core collection of trends available to view in a handy wardrobe, you’ll be able to chat to a Stylist to determine the best trends and styles for your lifestyle and body shape.  Not only that, there will also be daily style talks, workshops and body mapping where you can find out exactly what body shape you are, and the clothing styles that flatter  and elongate your body.

Held daily at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, styling workshops will look at transitional pieces, key trends and styling tips – it’s literally never been easier to get free advice from a personal Stylist.

Got an event on the horizon and want to know how to look like you aced Fashion Week?  Then you’ll want to see the schedule:

24, 26, 28 and 30 March:

11am – Florals: You’ll be learning about the impact of print on your body shape, teaching you how to choose the right floral print for your shape and stature and most importantly how to style the trend to ensure you look amazing.

12pm – Swimwear Masterclass: You’ll learn all about the science behind swimwear, including how to choose the right style and shape to accentuate your assets and ensure that you feel confident and ready to go poolside.

1pm – Blush Flush: Millennial Pink is a key background trend this season, whether it’s blush nude or a deep fuchsia, Intu Eldon Square’s Stylist will teach you how to identify the right shade of pink to suit and enhance your skin tone and hair colour.

2pm – The Perfect Spring Capsule Wardrobe: You’ll be given help and advice on identifying those key seasonal pieces in order to build a selection of different looks for all occasions.

3pm – All Day Makeup: The arrival of Spring means wedding season and vacation planning are upon us.  You’ll have access to expert MUAs from all over the mall who’ll deliver workshops on how to create the perfect “5 Minute Face” as well as tips on how to ensure your makeup can stand the test of time, while remaining fresh and perfect.

25, 27, 29, 31 March:

11am – Big Spring Occasions: Weddings, christenings, a day at the races, whatever your occasion, help is on hand to help you create the perfect look from head to toe.  Already found the perfect outfit?  Bring it along for expert advice on matching (or clashing) footwear and accessories.

12pm – Perfect Day to Evening Makeup: After work cocktails?  Expert MUAs will teach you all the tricks you need up your sleeve to take your makeup look from boardroom to dance floor.

1pm– Personal Stylist Suite: A style specific Q&A workshop where you can pitch  your fashion woes and get expert advice on bringing your look up to date.

2pm – 80’s Redux: Think 80’s glam at max volume.  You’ll explore putting together the perfect party outfit with some killer trends on the high street.  You’ll learn about how to style molten metallics and high shine fabrics to your own body shape and skin tone.

3pm – The New Athleisure: Sports luxe, Athleisure, Activewear, call it what you want, the trend for luxury sports based separates is going nowhere and here you’ll look at how to incorporate those influences into your own Spring wardrobe.

1 April:  The final day of the Walk in Wardrobe experience.  The contents will be refreshed and the Stylist will be joined by a live model who’ll be showcasing the key trends and looks for Spring.

You’ll also have the opportunity to overhaul your beauty regime and look at key makeup trends for Spring 2017 influenced by the runway but toned down for everyday wear.  The Spring Beauty Pod will host a variety of beauty retailers who’ll be on hand to pimp your look.

– Friday 24: No7 Makeovers
– Saturday 25: Elemis Skincare Demonstrations
– Sunday 26: Urban Decay Makeovers
– Monday 27: Urban Decay Makeovers
– Tuesday 28: Liz Earle Skincare Demonstrations
– Wednesday 29: NYX Makeovers
– Thursday 30: Benefit Makeovers
– Friday 31: NARS Makeovers and GHD Hair Products
– Saturday 1: NYX Makeovers

I had an exclusive VIP preview (natch) of the Walk in Wardrobe experience at Eldon Square prior to its launch this weekend, and can vouch that it’s a great place to go before hitting the shops (the pink carpet helps too).  With a curated selection of key trends, all laid out by retailer, it’s a good place to start if you’re looking to tap into seasonal trends.  Emma from Stylissimo is a great soundboard for style advice, you can even bring along an outfit and she’ll show you how to style it up for maximum impact.

The Walk in Wardrobe is packed out with clothes, accessories, shoes and even home styling – there’s a rose gold pineapple in there from Accessorize which I bought immediately after my visit – in a roped off area that you can peruse at your leisure so it’s a must visit if you’re lacking inspiration.

Think of it as a curated version of the high street – the best SS17 trend conversion pieces have been selected and displayed taking all the hard work out of weekend shopping.  Take advantage of it whilst it’s there and hopefully you’ll learn something new; whether it’s how to dress for your body shape, how to create the perfect eyeliner flick or just what colour will compliment your skin tone.  If you’ve always fancied using a stylist, now’s your chance….

Pixie xo