Can you believe it is almost the middle of May? The year is hurtling by! I have had the opportunity to test some fantastic products and services over the past few months, so here is a quick fire review of some of my current faves!
3107 London
I wrote about the launch of this brand by friend and facialist Dija Ayodele in March and I have been using the two products – ‘Heart & Soul Deep Cleansing Make Up Remover’ and the ‘My Everything Soothing Face Elixir’ – everyday since then. I admitted to Dija that I had never really been into face balms, only out of sheer laziness! I am a ‘facewash in the shower’ girl, so the thought of flannels and balms seemed too much of a faff. However, I am happy to eat my words, as the Heart & Soul Deep Cleansing Make Up Remover has be a joy to use. This silky melting balm is designed to dissolve and remove the most stubborn make-up traces, daily grime and pollution. The uplifting scents of lemongrass and geranium fill the shower once I begin to wipe of the balm with my flannel. I then follow this cleanse with my usual face wash. On the weekends I use the balm as a mask, leaving it on for about 20 minutes before jumping into the shower – who doesn’t love a multifunction product!
What I didn’t need convincing about using was the My Everything Soothing Face Elixir as I love using facial oils and they have been a part of my daily regime for a while now. The concoction of essential oils and vitamin E oil in this elixir provides a soothing and hydrating mix that is lightweight and disappears into the skin with ease. This is due to the Apricot kernal oil, which mimics the skin and is easily absorbed. I highly recommend both products, which can be added to your current routine.
Colour Riot Nails Studio
Tinu Bello, the founder of the successful session nail company Colour Riot Nails, opened the first Colour Riot Studio in March. Tinu has grown her brand and her business into a successful nail and manicure enterprise and has worked with leading brands such as ASOS, EE and London Fashion Week. The Colour Riot Nails studio is a boutique, appointment only space in the heart of the capital, bringing a high quality service to serve the busy woman.
I visited the studio just after it opened and was warmly welcomed by Tinu. The boutique space is accessible but it is also secret…which is very much part of the offering. You are away from the hustle and bustle and with an appointment only service, there is no waiting around! Inspired by a visit to Japan, where Tinu saw leading nail specialists operating out of boutique spaces, she has successfully imported the concept to London! I opted for a glittery Shellac. The paintwork lasted well for two weeks, even holding up during a weekend of camping, canoeing and trekking that I embarked upon!
I was so impressed with Tinu’s story, of how she developed a passion into a thriving business whilst balancing the demands of motherhood, that I invited her to be the keynote speaker for the March Keziah CONNECTIONS. It was a wonderful evening and you can view the images taken by Sam Rigg David of SRD Photography and Design here!
Nubian Skin Curve
The launch of Nubian Skin has really been on of the best things since sliced bread for the Woman of Colour! It is SOOO great to continue to see Ade and the NS team win and win BIG…👇👇👇
When the hosiery range launched in 2015, I was ecstatic and gave the brand a glowing review. My ONLY gripe at the time was the size availability. The brand listened to their customer base and launched the Curve range at the end of last year!
Hurrah!!
Available in XL, 2XL & 3XL, the range utilises XCEPTIONELLE technology by LYCRA® to accommodate volume, whether curvy or tall, and even has anti-chafing panel, an anti-roll waistband and reinforced toe!
I was given a pair of the 2XL tights in Cinnamon and the initial fit was ok…but I soon realised that these tights were slightly too big, which goes to show how accommodating they are, however I have been rocking them extensivly during this trans-seasonal weather!
Read more about the Curve range here.
Empress Braided Lace Wig: Senegal Blunt Braids
My friends at Spell magazine sent me the Senegal Blunt Braid wig (1B) from the new Empress Braided Lace Wig collection. Taking the time and effort out of braid styles, Senegal Braided Lace Wig from Sensationnel Empress allows you to step out with today’s hottest braiding looks in seconds.
The wig blends well with my natural hair and can be styled into an updo or worn down. I have received many compliments since wearing it and it is perfect for those who love a more textured style.
There are eleven styles in the range – from braids to twists to curls – shop now!
*all items featured are PR samples
