Fashion Voyeur

People will stare, make it worth their while.

Categories: Beauty, North East, Uncategorized

Gel Nails at The Wax Bar

You’ve heard of The Wax Bar right?  Long story short, it originated in Edinburgh then opened up in Newcastle in December 2016 specialising in all things wax, if you aren’t familiar then shame on you, I wrote a post about their launch party, their branching out from wax into the art of LVL Lashes, and their awesome resident Waxpert Gemma, formerly of Newcastle Hair & Beauty Clinic.  Get acquainted Voyeurs and do your homework.  Now.

The Wax Bar specialise in way more than just the sticky stuff, they may be Wax Connoisseurs, but these gals do a mean set of gel nails at their inhouse nail bar.  Situated on upmarket St Georges terrace in Jesmond on the outskirts of Newcastle, and most importantly, with a boat load of free parking right outside the door, The Wax Bar’s pink white and grey colour scheme and minimalist decor offer a fresh, modern alternative to those who flock to Jesmond for their beauty treatments.

I was invited along for a luxury gel manicure  and got way more than I expected when I took my seat at the New York style nail bar.  Usually when you drop in somewhere for gel nails you get just that, a lovely shiny coating of gel polish in a colour of your choice that lasts for somewhere in the region of 2 weeks, give or take.  At The Wax Bar, you get a full nail overhaul;  Nails are shaped and matched in length, cuticles are clipped and oiled in preparation, nails are buffed and then you make your choice from the huge selection on the wall.

Gemma tells me that they’ve found the perfect combination of gels to give the best finish at The Wax Bar, using a branded base coat with super staying power under Shellac gel they’re able to achieve optimum shine with maximum resilience.  I opt for black (obvs) and after some very thorough prep, my nails look healthier than when I arrived, and shinier than a choir girl’s church shoes.  Once the topcoat is cured, I’m treated to a hand and arm massage to reinvigorate the skin on my hands and make it more luminous, to match my shiny new nails.  Sound familiar?  Levoi offers a similar service right in the centre of the pedestrian zone in Newcastle.

Personally, I love the convenience that The Wax Bar offers, being able to pull up and park (for free) right outside the door is a major bonus.  For people who suffer from post wax redness, particularly after facial waxing treatments, having easy access to transport home is an absolute godsend.  The fresh, urban feel of The Wax Bar is in keeping with the other new businesses breathing life into St Georges Terrace, the Ouseburn Coffee Co. is right next door meaning if you’re early for your appointment you can grab a locally sourced brew and chill in the sun outside.  One of my favourite things though, is the music; weird, I know, but when you’re lying there for 40+ minutes for a beauty treatment, the music is a big factor.  The Wax Bar don’t play typical spa music, they soundtrack their treatments with Ministry of Sound and Ibiza style chill out music and I’m telling you Voyeurs, it makes a huge difference to the feel of a place.

I’d say it’s worth taking the time to schedule a visit, whether it’s for waxing, HD Brows, LVL Lashes or gel nails, every service The Wax Bar offers is a five star treatment and the service is excellent.  My gel nails lasted a whopping 18 days before the first tiny chip appeared  (I was peeling a label off a delivery box) at the time, the second chip appeared after 21 days.  I’ve visited since then and had the same treatment, I’m 19 days in with no chips as yet.  If you’re like me and you can’t function without a bit of colour on your nails, then give The Wax Bar a try for your next gel manicure, you won’t be disappointed – that’s a promise, not a threat.

Pixie xo

I was gifted a Luxury Shellac Manicure in exchange for an honest review.  A simple Shellac file and polish is £27, rising to £37 for the Luxury Shellac Manicure.  The Wax Bar offers a 10% discount for customers who check in on FaceBook during their visit and also runs a loyalty scheme offering a stamp for every visit where £20 is spent on treatments.

Categories: Beauty, Fashion, North East, Uncategorized

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: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Turtle Bay Comes to Middlesbrough

There’s a brand new Turtle Bay Caribbean restaurant launching in Middlesbrough this weekend, the second of its kind in the North East and it brings with it a brand new, fresh, fun vibe to Corporation Street.  With £800k investment ploughed into the unit, the interior has been transformed into a little slice of the Caribbean right here in the North.  I was invited to the VIP preview night to find out just what Turtle Bay has in store for visitors to Middlesbrough…

The 231 capacity restaurant is cleverly styled with mirrored walls which makes it appear well beyond its 4144 square feet, it’s bright and vibrant and everything you would expect from a Caribbean themed restaurant, there’s even a tiki style bar decked with fairy lights serving up over 40 specialty rums that Jack Sparrow would be proud of.  The preview night was an informal gathering of local press and Bloggers to sample both the food and drinks menu and to find out a little more about the preparation and training that’s gone into bringing Turtle Bay to Middlesbrough town centre.  The first thing I notice is the decor, a typical warm, Caribbean colour scheme broken up with large wall murals offers a welcoming, fun environment.  As with all Turtle Bay restaurants, the Middlesbrough branch features those upcycled / reclaimed materials that give each restaurant a unique twist – this one features a boombox wall  and oil drum lanterns which give the place a real street food vibe.

With 50 jobs created, there are enough staff to ensure a slick operation when the restaurant opens to the public on April 23rd.  Servers have been put through an in-depth training programme where I’m told that the focus is on getting to know customers and finding out about their wants and needs whilst they’re dining, in order to deliver the best possible customer experience.

After being greeted with a drinks reception where I manage one signature Mojito (I’m driving) and pretty much everything from the soft drinks and coolers menu, we’re ushered into the dining area in front of an open kitchen, where we’re seated ready to begin our feast.  We’re invited to try taster portions of everything from the menu, which includes some brand new additions so far only served at the Middlesbrough restaurant.  As you might expect, everything served is brimming with spice, which never overpowers the flavour of the food.  I won’t lie to you Voyeurs, things got messy.  Turtle Bay is not a place for flatware, it might be there on the table, but this is messy food that’s meant to be handled – so you’ll be pleased to know that you’re also allocated a finger bowl to wash your hands afterwards.  Think coated chicken wings, sweetcorn fritters and beef cheeks, it’s all prepared with love, super tasty, and fuss free, exactly as it should be.

Turtle Bay is all about celebrating the lively, colourful, soulful and, above all, delicious experiences that the Caribbean has to offer – from rich and explosive flavours to laid back ‘liming’. Their mission is to capture the spirit of celebration that the Caribbean is famed for around the globe – making customers happy by delivering a hedonistic combination of joyous food, wicked drinks and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.  Just as food is at the heart of Caribbean culture, Turtle Bay are aiming to bring that vibe to Middlesbrough and with over 50 authentic Caribbean dishes on the menu – yes, Curry Goat and Jerk Chicken are on there – it seems that that’s exactly what they’re doing.

Now let it be known that I don’t usually cope too well with spicy food, what I mean is that whilst I love it, it turns me into a wreck – I pour with sweat but just can’t stop.  This is a little different, the flavour and the spice are cut with a zest and so are perfectly balanced.  You don’t compromise one for the other.  Yes, I’m still bloody sweating, but it’s totally worth it and there are plenty of specially crafted, creamy coolers on the drinks menu to help take the sting out.

One of the things I like about the place is that it’s set up for ‘social dining’, seats are arranged in rows, a bit like Wagamama do, and once you’re seated, you can’t help but chat to the people seated close to you, it’s nice.  There are of course, booths available for more intimate dining or for spontaneous cocktail nights with your pals, still, it’s nice to see such a welcoming environment when we’re so used to seeing people with their cellphones glued to their hands (myself included).

Turtle Bay might offer up awesome food but it cares about its cocktail menu just as much, and with 2-4-1 Happy Hour between 11.30am (yes really) – 7pm, starting up again at 10pm, it’s a must for rum enthusiasts and cocktail lovers as it includes every single cocktail on the menu.  For designated drivers, the soft drinks menu is pretty damn good too, with zesty or creamy coolers and the best ginger beer I ever tasted, you’re catered for pretty well too.  Driving or not, Turtle Bay Middlesbrough is well worth a visit and there’s nothing even similar in the town centre, I predict this one being rammed for the next few weeks so get amongst it Voyeurs, oh, did I mention, they have a pretty awesome playlist too…..?!

Pixie xo

Turtle Bay Middlesbrough can be found at 32 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RX with ample parking within walking distance of the restaurant, free after 6pm.

Categories: Beauty, North East, Uncategorized

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: Lifestyle, North East, Uncategorized

Orangegrass Thai VIP Re-Launch

When you’re seeking out a place to try real, authentic Thai food, there’s one sure fire way to pick yourself a winner; look for where Thai people dine.  It’s an easy cuisine to get wrong, and with Thai food having a moment right now there seem to be more and more Asian inspired restaurants, food festivals and pop ups on the scene with only a select few hitting the spot.  When it’s done right, it’s different to what you might expect, there’s no ‘jammy’ consistency, artificially over sweetened sauces or over boiled rice.  That seems to be the British interpretation of Thai food and it seems to be pretty widely accepted as being accurate.  That is until you taste the real thing….

I was invited along to the VIP relaunch of Orangegrass Thai in South Shields and I must confess, I’d never actually heard of the place and when I arrive, it becomes clear why.  Orangegrass Thai is like a secret society, it’s completely off the beaten track and from the outside, it hides in plain sight, like a Thai speakeasy, you’d never know the place was there – unless you knew.  It’s so stealthy in fact, I doubt I’d ever find the place again without GPS; but then I like a place that feels so secret, like you’re part of an elite regiment of diners.

The soundtrack for the evening was provided by North East singer Annabel Pattinson, if you’ve never seen her play then you’re seriously missing out, with a full repertoire of covers and some awesome original songs, she’s another secret I’m spilling and she’s playing a stand alone gig at Newcastle’s O2 Academy on Friday June 2nd.  Finish reading this, then go buy tickets – you can thank me later.

Image c/o Annabel Pattinson

I arrived to a champagne reception and an open bar, sadly I was driving but I did sincerely enjoy other revellers getting more and more intoxicated as the night went on.  I shared a table with Luxe magazine and in between courses we were entertained by Ryan Phelps, The British Hustle, who I’m convinced is an actual wizard.  With tricks I’ve never seen before and a cool, calm demeanour, this guy is straight out of Hogwarts with first class honours.

Image by Chris Ord, XtraOrdinary Photography
Image c/o The British Hustle
Image by Chris Ord, XtraOrdinary Photography

 

So, what you really want to know about is the food right?  It’s good Voyeurs.  Damn good.  Like I said, you can get the measure of anywhere claiming to serve food authentic to it’s origin by the people who dine there, as Orangegrass’ staff is made up almost entirely of Thai people, the food is absolutely authentic.  Everything from the ingredients, the spices and creams, to the presentation – expert chefs carve flowers out of vegetables to top each plate, seriously, the attention to detail is incredible.

Images by Chris Ord, XtraOrdinary Photography

We were served a selection of the most popular dishes including curry shrimp, green curry vegetables and a divine chicken dish.  Where the menu really shone though was with its beef dishes, there were two available to try on the evening but due to having foolishly filled up on shrimp I only tried the Beef Massaman which was by far the best dish I tried.  Not so spicy that the flavour was wiped out, but definitely warming.  For dessert we were served a traditional Thai pudding of  sweet sticky rice bound with coconut cream and although I ate every last bit, it’s one of those acquired tastes where I couldn’t decide whether I liked it or not.

If you’ve been dining out on ‘mainstream’ Thai food then prepare to have your mind blown.  The flavour that comes through with authentic Thai cuisine is crisp and cleane, Owner Titu tells me that the use of coconut milk and cream in Thai cuisine, cuts through the spice to allow the warming feeling but also preserves every inch of flavour in the food.  Try it, join the secret society, make the trip to South Shields and enjoy a taste of Asia for a fraction of the price of some of these hipster fugazis.

Pixie xo

Orangegrass Thai is at 7 Mount Terrace, South Shields NE33 1PN, to book a table call 0191 455 8555