pixie tenenbaum Archives - Fashion Voyeur

The Secret to Growing in Showstopping Brows

This is the one you’ve been waiting for Voyeurs, the secret to my awesome brows…

I pick up a lot of compliments on my brows and with the hell I’ve put them through over the years they deserve every goddamn nice word they get. I was a motherplucker in the 90’s, I didn’t go to quite the same extreme as Kate moss or Pamela Anderson but I definitely veered into apostrophe territory and for some reason they ended up way shorter overall than they should have been.

Kate Moss holding her ponytail over her haid looking sideways, early 90's

90’s Kate Moss

Pamela Anderson on a beach, early 90's wearing double denim

90’s Pamela Anderson

Now if you know anything about the laws of hair then you will know this: The hair you want never grows, and the hair you don’t want grows at a rate of knots unless you intervene. Ergo, the hair on my head is never as long as I would like, my eyebrows never grew back on their own, and my bush sprouts like wildfire. In terms of growing back lost eyebrow hair, they definitely need an assist.

The arrival of Cara Delevingne on the modelling scene sparked a whole new trend for brows and changed the beauty industry completely. With her thick, grown in brows that blew the “Facial Measuring” rules out the water, suddenly a new brow shape was king and with that trend came a new division of the beauty marketplace.

Brow gels, palettes, powders, waxes and serums flooded the shelves and overnight, brows became big business. Next came the brow growth products from serums to ‘stickers’, there was a whole new range of products aimed at 90’s motherpluckers like me, claiming to be able to grow your brows back to their former glory.

Up until a few years ago my brows were thin and kinda looked ‘stuck on’, my efforts to grow them in over the years had been futile. For every small amount of growth I’d get, some trigger happy Beauty Therapist would wax or tweeze it back off despite my protesting. When you’ve waxed, tweezed and plucked for so long, you’ll know that any brow regrowth you’re lucky to see is different than it was before, it’s not uniform, the colour is different and the hair is more translucent due to damage to the follicles. I spent a small fortune on RapidBrow, from the makers of the hugely successful Rapid Lash which claimed to grow back and also darken brows with regular use, in as little as three months. Eighteen months down the line my brows showed no difference and at £37 for a tube that lasts a month, it’s a hefty investment to get nothing back from.

So I did a little research, and there’s some science behind all of this so take a seat and settle in. Why should you listen to me? because I grew back the most awesome pair of brows from pretty much nothing. Ready? Here comes the science:

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH RAPIDLASH & RAPIDBROW?

If you used the product from the beginning then you’ll know that it used to be pretty effective. Not any more. Why so? Well, RapidLash used to contain an active ingredient called isopropyl cloprostenate. It’s an ingredient which has some molecular similarities to a medical active ingredient called bimatoprost. Why am I telling you this? Bimatoprost is an ingredient used in medication for the treatment of glaucoma, after extensive medical trials it was discovered that one of the side effects of its use in an eye drop formula was that it caused eyelashes to grow longer and darker in participants. Something cosmeceutical manufacturer Allergan jumped on and harnessed in a product developed for the US aesthetics market called Latisse.

Still with me? Allergan successfully brought a case against the makers of RapidLash outlining the similarities between the molecular makeup and performance of the two ingredients and used the years and years of patient trials as evidence which detailed benefits, side effects and potential risk factors. RapidLash put forward a limited defence which contained no actual human research, all of their testing is, or had at the time, been done on animals. Case closed. RapidLash were ordered to remove isopropyl cloprostenate from all products in their line up. However, and here’s the rub for any of you still using RapidLash, despite still being marketed in the same way, RapidLash and RapidBrow are little more than expensive conditioners and serums. Ouch. Still think shelling out £41 is a good investment for a product with no active ingredient? Then consider this, RapidBrow came so much after the original RapidLash product that it never actually contained any active ingredient at all.

MIND BLOWN! SO WHAT DO I USE INSTEAD?

Well remember that potentially active ingredient Bimatoprost i told you about? It’s available in a product in the UK designed to grow lashes, but because of it’s medical licensing and cosmeceutical benefits, it must be prescribed by an aesthetic doctor or nurse. It’s not something you can just go ahead an buy on the web, but then nor do you need to be diagnosed with a medical condition to get it. Let me explain…

Lumigan is a product that’s been crafted for the UK aesthetics market and it comes in two different formats. The first is an eye drop bottle, the second is as individual eye droppers in a pack which lasts 2-3 months depending on how you use it. The intention and the way it’s marketed is for growing eyelashes and it works, my lashes were ravaged by my addiction to lash extensions and I was at one point left with none at all. Lumigan helped me grow them back quickly, however it’s also suitable for brow growth too. I use it on both my lashes and brows – obviously this means I get through more of it in a shorter space of time but trust me, it’s worth it. Apply with the brushes which come with it, leave to dry et voila. Well, not quite et voila but it doesn’t take long to see results.

SOLD! HOW CAN I GET IT?

You need to book a consultation with an aesthetic doctor or an aesthetic nurse with a prescribers license. Once they’ve checked you over for any contra-indications and given you the lowdown on how to administer the product, you’re good to go. You’ll find it marketed as Eyelash Growth Serum and the formulation and dose are the same whether you’re purchasing the product to use on brows or lashes.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

That’s a good question. Depending on which aesthetic practitioner you choose (not all of them will prescribe Lumigan as one of their products), and whether you opt for the 0.1mg/ml or 0.3mg/ml strength, it ranges from £40 – £120 and a lot of this is to do with the name of the practitioner, or the repackaging the clinic has done to make the product look prettier. My advice? If you’re serious about growing back your brows, find and buy the 0.3mg/ml product if you’re starting out & the 0.1mg/ml version for maintenance, at the cheapest provider. You’re not buying expertise with the product, you’ll administer it yourself at home and throw the packaging away. If you’re talking filler, wrinkle relaxing or any other type of aesthetic procedure which requires an injection then always choose expertise over cost but in this case, cost is king.

Personally I get mine on a private prescription from Dr Steven Land at Novellus Aesthetics in Newcastle where it retails for £65 and if it’s in stock, is dispensed the same day where it can be collected or shipped to you at your home address. Remember it’s a prescription only medication (POM) so there are guidelines with this, it requires a proper consultation with a Doctor, Steven talks through what the product is (it’s for lashes and brows as an aesthetic medicine), how to use it and what to do if you have an adverse reaction – I’ve never had one but some people using it for lashes have reported a minor change in the colour of their iris.

Lumigan 0.3mg/ml

Lumigan 0.1mg/ml

WHAT DO I DO WITH IT?

Paint it sparingly on to your brows, or the parts around the existing brow shape where you want the hair to grow and leave it to dry before putting on moisturiser or makeup. It’s that simple. Using it for your lashes? A very small amount along the lash line, any more is just waste.

HOW LONG BEFORE I LOOK LIKE CARA?

I saw a big difference to my brows within three months but everybody is different. Trials for Latisse in the US reported participants seeing results to their lashes in as little as 4 weeks. Persevere, it’s something that’s been proven to work and we all know that brows are big business that require commitment!

To complement your new brows, you’re going to need some products to keep them in check, look out for my Best Brow Products post so you can tame your face framers and be the envy of everyone you know…

Pixie xo

Categories: The Archives, The Fashion Closet

What I Wore: To Try to Catch a Sunset in Menorca

Now that I’m back in the rainy and wet UK, I thought I’d indulge you in a few outfit posts from my lovely sunny vacation to visit Mama Tenenbaum in Menorca. Whilst it sucks to be back here in this cold, wet weather, it’s nice to look back at just 48 short hours ago when I was frolicking about on Sant Tomas beach taking in the second best sunsets in the entire world.

I don’t often do outfit posts but judging by some of the Instagram comments I’ve read recently, it looks like something you might want more of, so I’m starting with my vacation outfits and I’m sipping Peppermint Xoriguer direct from the Mahon distillery so if this goes a bit wobbly, you know why…

This outfit was one I wore for our first night in Menorca, I hadn’t been out in the sun so didn’t have a tan and hadn’t quite acclimatised to the temperature so still felt cold on the first night. We took an early walk out to try to catch one of those famous Sant Tomas sunsets I keep raving about; seriously, Sant Tomas is officially rated as having the second best sunset in the world after Mallory Square in Key West and I can vouch for both, despite having repeatedly missed them this time in Menorca.

This is an outfit for highstreet lovers, it’s cheap, cheerful and a bit of fun. You know I love a slogan tee and this one was actually bought and shipped to me by Mama Tenenbaum straight from H&M for the grand old price of £12. It’s a box shaped tee which means that it works best with trousers and jeans and it’s a highstreet take on the Dior led Feminist slogan tee that came straight from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s arsenal.

These sandals are from Primark, unfortunately they’re last season and I really wish I’d stocked up as they’re my favourite and most comfortable and they were only a tenner! The trousers are also Primark, they’re stretch trousers with a high waist and side zip, you can’t see from this image bit they have a tiny dogtooth check repeat on the fabric and they’re super comfortable. The best bit, they were £7 and they’re in store now. Wanna know just how stretchy they are? Check this out…

Pixie Tenenbaum Royal Son Bou Play Area 1

Pixie Tenenbaum Royal Son Bou Play Area 2

This tee is one I’ll wear over and over again, I had compliment after compliment on vacation on the one day I wore it as people flocked to the beach that same evening. I teamed it with a Topshop choker (£12), Dior So Real sunglasses (£450) which are my absolute favourites, so much so that I have them in four different colour ways and my signature metallic star tattoos.

Pixie Tenenbaum Sant Tomas Beach Menorca 1

Pixie Tenenbaum Sant Tomas Beach Menorca 2

Pixie Tenenbaum Sant Tomas Beach Menorca 3

I love these pictures because I still had lilac in my hair from my last stint with L’Oreal and it had just hit that perfectly faded shade, soon to be completely eliminated by chlorine and sea water. I also wore no makeup during this vacation and it’s lush to look back and see just how much my skin thanked me for that!

Got any questions about What I Wore? Feel free to drop me a comment and I’ll be happy to help!

Pixie xo

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

M.I.A SS17 Campaign Shoot

I’ve been a fan of North East accessories brand Mirror Image Accessories since I discovered it around two years ago, the distinctive llaser cut, Art Deco shapes had me hooked at first sight. I’ve bought a few Gatsby style pieces from M.I.A and have been lucky enough to have been gifted some too, all of them are vacation staples for me because of the awesome way they reflect light.

Each style is designed in house by owner and designer Ellie and sold via her Etsy store before being packed up and shipped. Each style is produced in small numbers meaning that whilst you’re pretty unlikely to bump into someone wearing the same item, but also that if you see something and fall in love with it, you’ll need to act fast. These pieces are a good shout at a family wedding and an M.I.A accessory is always a conversation starter.

Loving the brand as much as I do, I was ecstatic to be asked to front the M.I.A SS17 accessories campaign. Ecstatic, and super surprised to find out that Ellie is a fan of Fashion Voyeur, if that isn’t the perfect fit then I don’t know what is.

We set about creating campaign inspiration boards and ideas of how we’d create the perfect look to fit the theme of the latest collection. With an 80’s glam vibe in mind, Ellie pulled together an awesome all female team to shoot the cocktail inspired collection in a Gatsby-esque waterfront cocktail bar in South Shields.

Styling on the shoot was a real homage to the 80’s with huuuuuuuge hair and super colourful paintbox style makeup, think Elizabeth Shue in Adventures in Babysitting crossed with Young Jenna in 13 Going on 30, and you’re on the right track. We even worked in some experimental lip stripes to to give the first part of the shoot a modern twist.

With fun pin badges, hibiscus chokers & cute mismatched wooden studs, the SS17 collection is kitsch and adds another dimension to the brand, expanding on M.I.A’s usual 20’s style pieces. The Flamingo choker is a vacation essential and the smaller pin badges are a dream on oversized denim. My favourite piece though, is a laser cut deco style necklace that Ellie tells me was born out of an experiment. Needless to say it came home with me to compliment the other pieces in my M.I.A collection.

The full collection launches in the M.I.A Etsy store very soon but for now you’ll have to make do with my behind the scenes shots from the set. With a distinct Summer vibe, the SS17 M.I.A collection is full of vacation must-haves, I’ll be wearing the pin badges on a denim pinafore and the mismatched wooden earrings with braids while I’m sunning myself on Sant Tomas beach.

Keep your eyes peeled for the full campaign Voyeurs, it’s due to drop any time!

Pixie xo

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

LVL Lash Lift at The Wax Bar

You’ll remember that I visited The Wax Bar back in December 2016 for one of their namesake waxes, but did you know, they don’t just offer waxing? Sure, that’s their specialty and I’m pretty sure these gals could wax in their sleep, but they also offer creative enhancements such as Insta-worthy nails, and LVL Lashes.

If you’re not already familiar with LVL Lashes, it’s a revolutionary treatment pioneered by the lash gurus at Nouveau Lashes. The treatment works to enhance your own natural lashes without the aid of ‘crunchy’ lash extensions or clusters. LVL (Lift Volume and Length), often referred to as ‘Lash Lift’, is a game changer – fact. Unlike the eyelash perm of the noughties, LVL works to straighten the lashes at the root, forcing the lashes up and out, meaning that when you look at the lashes straight on, they point upwards instead of forwards opening up the eye – your selfie game just changed forever. Lasting anywhere between 6 and 8 weeks, this just negated the need to travel with mascara. Winning.

The Wax Bar in Jesmond pride themselves on their high standard of training and staff truly are specialists in each discipline, I was introduced to my LVL Technician, Leah, who talked me through the process and each step of the treatment. The treatment takes around 45 minutes and is comfortable – I’m pretty squeamish and get grossed out by eye treatments but found this no problem at all, Leah took pictures of me during the treatment and it looks way worse than it felt. It’s performed with your eyes closed for the full treatment and once you’re set up and ready to begin, it’s actually pretty relaxing.

Leah has been The Wax Bar’s resident Lash Expert since she started with the brand in Edinburgh years ago, she tells me that the trend for fuller, natural lashes is huge in Edinburgh and that the salon at weekends would be like a conveyor belt. With the price point just above the national average at £50, Wax Bar clients get a dedicated Lash Expert delivering their treatment to the highest standard (until the end of January 2017 LVL Lashes at The Wax Bar Newcastle is just £30 and there’s 25% off all other treatments. If you’re a student then you’re really in luck, the salon offers a thrifty 25% discount on all treatments with a valid student card and it’s Love Club is open to everyone who likes a cheeky offer now an again.

In a nutshell, a solution is applied to break down the bonds inside the lashes and force them to take on a different ‘shape’. Leah tells me that because I have very long natural lashes, we should go for a more dramatic look for maximum effect. The salon is clean and inviting and the sounds of Ministry of Sound Chill Out Ibiza make the space feel current and relaxing, Leah gets to work on my lashes and once the solution has taken, she tints them darkest blue black to match my heart.

I’m assured that the LVL Lash treatment doesn’t cause any damage to natural lashes, and referred to the Nouveau website for information on the research that backs this claim. Whilst it’s not a treatment that’s new to me, I never fail to be amazed by the results, when you’re first handed the mirror after the treatment it’s hard to believe that you’re looking at your own lashes. My lashes look darker, thicker and way shinier, like they’ve been coated with a conditioning serum, but unlike lash extensions they don’t feel ‘stiff’ or crunchy’.

A couple of important points to consider when you’re booking your LVL Lash treatment at The Wax Bar: First of all, you’ll need a patch test at least 48 hours before you plan to have treatment and after treatment you can’t wet your lashes AT ALL for 24 hours otherwise the solution will deactivate. If you’re planning on having this treatment for a big night out, it may be best to have it done a few days in advance so that you can remove your eye makeup afterwards without fear of deactivating the LVL solution.

The great thing about The Wax Bar is its uber cool location, set on leafy St George’s Terrace in Jesmond with free parking right outside the front door, it couldn’t be easier or more convenient to get in and get out with minimum fuss. The colour scheme is super modern and minimalist with on point branding throughout the salon, cool grey, black and white are the perfect backdrop for the brand’s pink logo. Therapists are introduced on a first name basis and clients are looked after with hot drinks etc. as they’re talked through their choice of treatment.

I had my LVL Lash treatment 3 weeks ago and they still look awesome – I told you this was a game changer and I meant it. It’s a Fashion Voyeur approved treatment and one that’s an absolute pre-vacation essential, be careful though, it’s highly addictive….

Peace out Voyeurs

Pixie xo

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

10 Years of Hublot All Black Concept with Alan Shearer

Last night Alan Shearer took to the stage for an exclusive Q&A session to celebrate ten years of the Hublot All Black Concept at ROX Newcastle.

As a society event calls for less quirk and more class, I opted for an Alesha Dixon for LBD party dress that I picked up from my favourite Yarm boutique, DC Couture with super uncomfortable Kurt Geiger shoes, because apparently fashion is painful.

Hosted by Sky Sports Presenter, and the voice of FIFA, Geoff Shreeves, Shearer spoke passionately about his football career, his recent CBE, and his beloved Newcastle.

A hand selected audience were treated to personal stories from throughout Shearer’s career, from THAT Gareth Southgate penalty at Euro ’96 to his heart-wrenching decision to retire from his Captaincy of the England team to continue to play league football. With anecdotes thrown in about in team fights, Sir Bobby Robson and playing two touch in a shoe shop in fancy dress, Shearer had the audience riveted from start to finish.

But whilst anecdotes are great, and these ones really were, the reason this exclusive event took place was to celebrate 10 years of the Hublot All Black Concept. As a Brand Ambassador for Hublot, Shearer was given free reign in the design of a signature timepiece, named the King Power Timepiece; two of which were produced to his exact specifications. One of these sits in pride of place firmly on Shearer’s wrist, the other is up for auction for a very special cause close to the ex-footballer’s heart.

The Alan Shearer Foundation is a charity set up by Shearer to benefit children and young adults with disabilities. This isn’t just something Shearer has lent his name too though, he’s actively involved in the running of the The Alan Shearer Centre, the maintenance and the commissioning of new services and facilities within the unit. It’s something he speaks briefly but passionately about. The Foundation hosts an annual fundraiser and at the next big event in February 2017, the watch will be sold during the final hours of the live auction (you can bid on the King Power timepiece here) with bidding expected to reach upwards of £50k All of which will be ploughed back into The Alan Shearer Foundation. Kudos Shearer.

After the Q&A concluded, I caught up with Shearer to discuss his plans for the foundation and the type of people it aims to help. His answer? Anyone who needs it. Plain and simple, the centre was set up to provide support and respite for families just like mine, who care for disabled children or young adults. With an onsite respite unit where children can stay overnight with round the clock care, parents are given the opportunity to take a break once in a while. The best bit? It’s all provided free of charge. ??

With a personal invite to visit The Alan Shearer Centre in West Denton and Shearer promising to look after me, I got a real sense that Shearer is the real deal. That he doesn’t do this because it’s good PR, it’s because he’s fortunate enough to be in a position to make a difference, and he wants to do just that.

I had a great night partying with my girls, looking at beautiful jewellery and listening to inspiring stories from the most capped footballer in British history in his hometown. Doesn’t get much better than that Voyeurs.

Some boy that Alan Shearer….

Pixie xo