Monday 26 September 2016

Garnier Skin Active Tissue Mask.

Like any beauty blogger or skin care fan, we all want hydrated/healthy looking skin. I normally use facial masks but never have I used this type of mask, so when I purchased Garnier Skin Active Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask I were excited to see what it was all about. 

The packaging is very enticing with key words like; "super hydrating" "hyaluronic acid" "plant serum" "reduces the look of fine lines" so for me as a buyer, yes it were ticking all the boxes. 


Any product that can use active ingredients sourced from nature - antioxidents- scientifically proven & can be used for any skin types as per their philosophy. To me means a trusted product who knows their customer & distributors. 

Application! 
The next part can get a little messy but super exciting as you can see the mask drenched with serum goodness, just make sure you unfold carefully & apply the white side onto clean cleansed skin, so the blue protective film is on the outside.(fool proof). Gently remove & pat the white tissue into the contours of your skin. Leave it for 15 minutes then peel off slowly & dab excess serum with a cotton pad into your skin. 

Now take the time to wonder with delight that your skin appears & looks firmer, super hydrated & glowing.  

This will be the fourth time I have purchased this product & I don't think I will ever get bored. Give yourself some pamper time & let me know what you think. 




Lots of love Sara xoxox

You can find me on:
Twitter @saralwalton
Instagram @saralwalton
Bloglovin.com/allaboutthebrunette


 

Tuesday 6 September 2016

Kiehl's Skincare

Hello guys, 

Welcome to my blog.

 I wanted to post about a few lovely products that were sent to me by Kiehl's, after chatting on Twitter.
 In the blogging & vlogging world the name Kiehl's gets about & I can understand why our peers love these products. For anyone who is not familiar with Kiehl's here's a little information about them & link to their website:

Founded in 1851 "Where it all began in New Yorks East Village as an Old World Apothecary" 
In 1988 Kiehls sponsors an Everest Expedition Climbers scale Mount Everest, using Kiehl's products to help their skin in very drastic weather conditions. 
How amazing, that in these conditions the Climbers could count on Kiehls. This alone has my seal of approval. 
They use & I quote " Unique formulations made with finest- derived ingredients" Lavender, Squalane, Calendula, Vitamin C, to name a few. 
So let me show you what the delightful team at Kiehl's sent to me.


How perfect do they look displayed beautifully in my bathroom. 

Rare Earth Pore Refining Tonic (left) with Amazonian White Clay- Give this bottle a good shake before you start & gently apply with cotton wool in a dabbing motion, the results are astonishing. To have a product that actually does what it says on the bottle boosts me with a copious amount of self-confidence. I have used this product for a couple of weeks now & it really has helped my skin. 


Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 
The soothing action of this balm provides almost a barrier from anything that can harm or trap your lips & I find it is a perfect base coat for under lip sticks. This does not leave my day to day handbag. It's my necessity. 

    
Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avacado. Tested under Ophthalmologist & Dermatologist control, we know we have a trusted product that moisturizes & keeps the eye area hydrated. I have made this lovely product part of my daily skincare routine. 


Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer for all skin types with Squalane. For a perfect base leaving your face refreshed, soft to touch & works deep into the skin. Possibly my favourite ever, because it is none greasy & I have oily/ combination skin! it is perfect, light weight & none greasy, it apply's flawlessly.


So what have I learnt about Kiehl's? 

These guys know there onions. Beautiful ingredients that can compliment any skin type/tone. Their product range is endless providing ultimate skincare for the masses. 
These products now live in my beauty drawer proudly. I would sincerely recommend these products to any skincare enthusiast or newcomer.  

If you are interested in any of their products or would like to know more please visit:


  
If you would like to leave a comment or catch me on my other social media channels there are:

Twitter:@saralwalton
Instagram@allaboutthebrunette
Bloglovin.com/allaboutthebrunette

I hope you enjoyed this post. 

Sara xoxo


Friday 10 June 2016

My Home Style Evolution.

Lets throwback to nine years ago at the age of twenty my husband & I bought our very first two bed semi detached new build in Leeds. As you would expect with a new build clean cut lines, Magnolia takes presence on your walls & your finding yourself sat on tool boxes for sofas, a mattress with no bed frame, minimum cutlery, though as long as there is a kettle it is all good. (according to my husband). 

Those treasured memories of  good & bad style decisions eg: picking a brown wallpaper with red & white flowers on a rectangular feature wall with a livingroom shedding  hardily any natural sun crisp lighting. (What were we thinking)? Needless to say my husband & I have evolved & through hard work & dedication to our dream, we were able to rent our current home & invest in a beautiful family home that we could gut out & renovate.

 Here is were my inspiration started. 

Not for one minute do I think of myself as Kevin McCloud or have I ever thought of inviting  him to give his delightful monologue of his thoughts. But this was our very own grand design that would engrain literally our blood sweat & tears into these red brick walls. 
My husband is an engineer & has the mind of an architect, he certainly had alot inspiration as did I. 
Imagine Industrial metals, meets fresh plastered white walls, layering bed linen flowing over the fluffiest fine pillows, with swimming scents of Gucci & White Jasmin running in the hall ways & original doors stripped off years of paint waxed to their rugged orignal state. 
The juxtaposition  of curves & lines synronise together with LED spotlights that play feature in our living room, textured grey deep arm sofa & wooden slat venetians manipulating daylight bursting through the enormous bay window.

Accents of my mothers art work grace the walls & simple oak frames accend up my stair case to a modern open shower glass walls heated ceramic tile floor & the fresh smell of cotton towels rolled organically on a rail. 




A few little teasers into what we have done so far. 

My colour trends: greys, whites, sand & mauve.   

Materials: wood, metals, linens. 

We mixed innovative hand made furniture (made by my husband) with premium & high street pieces. 
Flashes of colour flow throughout our house with bold over sized statement furniture & fine crockery to lay over a black glass square table & fresh flowers anywere in your home brings the spring inside & looks delightful when entertaining or a space filler. 


The house is still a working progress with huge plans. I would love to develop my creative flow, as interior styling is fast becoming a passion of mine. 

I would love to hear your thoughts & if you would enjoy another post  letting you into my home,  pictures let me know. 

You can find me on bloglovin.com/allaboutthebrunette
Twitter- @saralwalton
Instagram- @allaboutthebrunette

Hope you enjoyed this. I certainly enjoyed it. 

Love Sara for allaboutthebrunette xx

Sunday 17 April 2016

Occasion Wear to Impress with allaboutthebrunette.

Occasion Wear with Debenhams




Summer 2016 is upon us & we all have up & coming events, UK Blog awards, weddings, VIP parties to attend, but with the help of Debenhams Designer Clothing & Accessories they will have you covered.


If I have learnt anything from countless series of Project Runway is to make a statement on the red-carpet or the runway is to be innovative - try to stay away from muted tones & full length is not always a necessity, so with this in mind I think I have found the perfect outfit.




Lipsy Purple Floral Print Wrap Dress


This ultra feminine & I feel DVF Inspired piece with Lipsy you can`t go wrong. The floral pattern adds dimension & the dress nips in, in all the right places, creating an elegant yet effortless style.


 Carvela Black 'Jessie' high heel sandal       

These Jessie Shoes give the right amount of va-va-voom with the feeling of Carrie Bradshaw walking the streets of New York. An essential Black shoe that is undeniably beautiful & timeless. Let this be a staple piece in your shoe cupboard.


Coast Simple pearl earring

Just a big of sparkle I feel completes any look no matter what the occasion. These pearl earrings will show the beauty of your hair & makeup & not overshadow your dress. I would advise a pretty chignon or a sleek low ponytail tapered down with your favourite styling products.

This look was created all from Debenhams


#allaboutthebrunette
Twitter - @SaraLWalton
Instagram - @allaboutthebrunette
Bloglovin.com/allaboutthebrunette




Sunday 10 April 2016

My mummy life!


Not that I separate my life as a mummy, life is full on 24/7.
  Would I change it? Hell no. 
   I am exhausted? Yes! 
   Am I still me? Yes.
I have to say nothing has challenged me more in my life than having my two kids. Finley aged 5 & Coby aged 19 months. 
My life has just gotten busier, I still strive & aim for my passions & an entrepreneurial spirit.
 I just have to be very savvy with my timing, for example today: 
The hubby was playing his first American Football Game however I didn't quite feel brave enough to take 2 young boys to a stadium so I had a day at home consisting of; multiple colouring books, outdoor adventure, our daily trip round Kirkstall Abbey yelling for Finley to slow down (because now he is 5 he insists he is faster on his scooter & yes I am running to catch him up with the pram- which by the way is getting heavier! I really need to purchase a stroller)! Anyway the day as always involved intervals of eating, healthy snacks & yes more eating. Then we had some Cbeebies down town with Flash cards, alphabet, then Fin & Cobes thought it would be funny to dive on me, more playing happened followed by Finley decribing how much he likes me more than an object. I.e "Mummy I like you more than Lego" which coming from Finley is an honour. 
"Mummy I love cake but I love you more" & yes I had that question all parents dread the "Mum where do babies come from & how are they made?" my responce to this since he asked me while we were waiting to cross the road was "we will chat with dad later". Now please don't judge, I was thrown off I didn't see it coming. These are the random conversations that happen daily. 
We then hd dinner, daddy came home followed by lots of chatter, bath time washing their hair which can be a battle in itself. Coby loves it & Fin hates it. I Can't win, when you have 2 kids no matter what - one child will like & one will dislike it's just the way it is. Coby then raided my makeup bag as he does, lots of cuddles & kisses then tuck up in bed. 
Now your thinking relax right? No. 
Time to work out tonight I did a Tone it up, HIIT, butt lift workout then yoga. Now your thinking relax? No. That awful pile of ironing & the pots! So I got that done pretty sharpish & now I am writing this post. 

Not that i'm moaning or complaining, I love my life I also love the fact everyday is completely  different & my boys are reaching new milestones everyday, they make me laugh so much. I am a busy life lover & these kids certainly help to keep me going. 

(Trying to take this selfie took me 20 minutes as Finley thought it was funny to jump up & down behind me). I wonder how long it takes Kim Kardashian West to take a near perfect selfie? #mummyproblems


There is always time for food & smiles! Thank god for Aldi otherwise I would be bankrupt, if this is how much they eat now, how much are they going to eat when their a teenager?!


Finley's idea of a great picture. Excuse the boiler in the background we just this new one put in ££££ ouch it was pricey!


Parents don't feel bad when it comes to bath time. In my eyes you have survived a tiring but a worthwhile day loving, nurturing & teaching your beautiful children. 
But I literally don't sit down all day so when it comes to bedtime & after my chores, exercise, emails & social media.  I'm done. 
It's now time for Hubbys big blue dressing gown which I have technically pinched indefinitely thanks JP, & I get my bottom on the sofa, a little TV, shower  & bed. 

So night guys! I hope you have enjoyed reading. 

 To all parents out there your doing great! Lets support eachother & enjoy the time while they are kids because weeks, months really do pass by when you have kids. 

#allaboutthebrunette

You can find me on:

Bloglovin.com/allaboutthebrunette
Twitter: @SaraLWalton
Instagram: @allaboutthebrunette

Xoxoxo 


Saturday 26 March 2016

Nouveau Lashes Lash Extend with Bliss Spa.

I have been super excited about this post. As I am a member of #lashgang 

I got the chance to have a treatment done: The Lash Extend by Nouveau Lashes.
 Just before I get started here is a link incase you would like more information - https://nouveaulashes.com/extend-individual-lash-extensions


I was booked in at Bliss Spa, Street Lane, Roundhay, LS8 2AP -  With Michaela  a trained beauty technician. http://www.blissbeautyspa.com/


With my job I am use to an iddilic setting & Bliss Spa Street Lane did not disapoint! 

 

As I entered, I was greeted with helpful staff & happy clients, which was a great sign as this was my first time at a Bliss Salon. I made myself at home in the lounge area & filled in some forms. Then Michaela my beauty technician took me into a private room & we had a little chat & then we got started. 

I had the Lash Extend treatment which is individual lashes applied to create a fuller, flawless look. They are also applied with Latex Free Lash Adhesive which I liked & all technicians are trained to the highest possible standard within their Uk Academies. So rest assured you know you are instantly getting a quality product. 

Michaela started with taping down the bottom lashes (slightly uncompfortable but you get use to it). She cleansed the eye area & then on her hand were strips of individual lashes which she applied with 2 tweezers. 1 hand moves your lashes to find the new short ones & the 2nd hand applies the individual lash. Very technical & the way Michaela looked after me through the treatment was as if you had the girls round for a good catch up. I was relaxed & enjoying the treatment. She would often go from eye to eye & changing her angles for optimum view & precision.  
I have mentioned a lot on twitter that I have short lashes & this treatment really had me excited & I couldn't wait to see the end result. Just before Michaela had finished, also included was a brow wax & thank god as I needed it. I am normally a threading girl but she may have converted me to a waxing girl. 

This is my lashes before, pretty much none existant. 

After




Crikey! What a difference! 
These Nouveau Lashes may of changed my life- they are soft, natural, lightweight & a gorgeous shape. I had the medium set & I think they shape my face lovely with my tailored brows. Perfect!  

Since having them done my family & work collegues have commented how natural they are & I am constantly getting compliments. I have had these lashes on for a week now & only 1 lash has fallen out since the treatment, so a huge thumbs up from me. I am also due for a 2 nd appointment for a little maintenance as the lashes can tend to wriggle about a bit but its fine don't worry. Your lashes have a 28 day cycle so let them move it increases your flutter.  I couldn't be happier with my results. Please check on the links above to check the full range of treatments & what Nouveau & Bliss Spa can do to make you feel more beautiful than you already are. 

Sincerely thank you Nouveau I heart my lashes to the moon & back! 

Finally can I add the pictures taken at Bliss Spa was with permission from Michaela. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. I really have. Let me know if you have had a treatment done & what you intend to have next. 

Bye for now xx

Sara #allaboutthebrunette #lashgang 

Twitter @ SaraLWalton
Instagram @allaboutthebrunette
Bloglovin.com/allaboutthebrunette


Wednesday 16 March 2016

The Long bob bandwagon

Hello, hey, hi everyone. It's been just short of 3 months (ouch). So why not kick it off with the latest hair trend that seems to be making its way round the globe. So why did I jump on the long bob  bandwagon? Well why not? Frankly every woman I have seen has been effortlessly rocking this style, either sleek or beechy waves. My hair is my staple piece. No matter how I feel about my body, stretch marks or anything my hair is me! All about the brunette. My hair gives me the confidence, an unforgettable hair flick (embodying Beyonce I wish), it just makes me feel better about myself & I am all for positive outlook on life. 
So tadah! 


To achieve this look my hairdresser Claire at Architect Hair in Headingley introduced me to Alterna Hair Care. 


Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner- free of : Parabens, Gluten, Sodium Chloride, Phthalates & Synthetic Color. Eco- certified bamboo & smoothing kendi oil for strong, sleek, frizz-free hair. 

Theres no going back. Alterna Haircare have beautiful products & I am that crazy about their range I now have my mum & sisters using it. 

The packaging is edgy with a twist lid so no chance of any wasted product, just make sure you apply a 10-50pence piece into your hands & let the product develop by rubbing your hands together then massage into your hair. The bamboo smooth range really speaks for itself. 

I urge you to check out their website: http://www.alternahaircare.com

I hope you guys enjoyed reading. 

Please leave me a comment on any of my social media sites;

Twitter @SaraLWalton
Instagram @allaboutthebrunette
Bloglovin.com/allaboutthebrunette

Lots of love #allaboutthebrunette