As promised, I wanted to let you in on my thoughts on the new mascara from Lancome...Hypnose Precious Cells. It promises magnified volume and it's their first mascara to be based on their research into lash conditioning using plant cell extract. With regular use, it claims to make your lashes stronger and look denser and fuller. I own the original Hypnose and Hypnose Drama mascaras and I really like them both for their lengthening and volumising effect. I'm always looking to improve the strength and condition of my lashes so a mascara that can offer those benefits is definitely something I want to look into. I do use Loreal's Lash Renewal Serum every night and this has done a fantastic job of filling out my lashline but this mascara could work as my daytime treatment. I don't use the Loreal Serum in the day as it goes a bit stringy and clumpy when you apply mascara over it.
Just a note re the photos...I really don't like these close ups of the eye area because you start discovering wrinkles you didn't even know you had!ha ha.
So onto the product...well the brush is very slim with quite short bristles which really helps to get right down to the lashline without poking yourself in the eye. This mascara wand is great at grabbing every single lash and creating alot of definition and for that reason, I do think it works better as a daytime mascara. Simply because I like uber thick, dramatic and glam lashes for night-time. It gave my lashes good length however I wouldn't say it created a whole lot of extra volume (I applied two coats int he pic above). There are days when I want to go for a more natural look and this mascara is perfect for that. The formulation is actually brilliant, it doesn't budge at all during the day so there's absolutely no flaking or smudging which is a huge plus. You can just apply it in the morning without any need to keep checking it during the day. It's also very easy to clean off at the end of the day...I hate it when you have to keep rubbing your eyes with eye makeup remover to get the damn stuff off.
So my overall thoughts on this mascara are that if you like the more defined, fanned out natural look to your daytime mascara, then you will love this. If however you go for the more dramatic, fuller lash look then you would be better sticking to something like Lancome Hypnose Drama, Rouge Bunny Rouge Amplitude or YSL Faux Cils (the original formula!). Keep in mind though that mascaras such as this one are great to create a base to define lashes before adding a more volumising mascara over the top.
I also wanted to update you guys on my weightloss. I have been absolutely dedicated to my gym programme (I go 4-5 times a week) but I have also been having one day off every week when I can have some wine or eat what I want. This seems to actually help my weightloss and I think it's because if you don't eat enough then your body tends to store more fat because it thinks you are starving. However, if you have a day off every week and eat slightly more than you would on normal days, it seems to trick your body into making sure your metabolism burns everything off. Put it like this, when I did slim fast every day I was losing 1lb a week, then when I started having a day off the slim fast, I started losing 2lbs/2.5lbs a week. I think the evidence speaks for itself. I have also been doing 15-20 mins of the Power Plate exercises 4 times a week and while this doesn't really assist much in the weightloss, it certainly helps to tone up your body REALLY quickly.
I lost just over 2lbs this week so I'm getting close to an overall weightloss total of 3 and a half stone! (56lbs). I have done this over the course of the past year and a half so it's been a slow process. I'm getting so excited seeing my body shape change, getting fitter and more toned and generally feeling really healthy. I think the Green Tea has made a fabulous difference and it has really helped me in my weightloss. I really think the only way to lose weight is steadily over a long period of time. It's weird looking back at pictures of myself from a couple of years ago because my face looks so different. I really feel like I'm in the best shape of my life and that's a really good feeling knowing that I am in control of my own body and doing it in a healthy way.
I have my wedding hair trial part 2 on Friday and my mum will also be geting her hair done so I can't wait for that! It's the first time I will get to see my hair styled with my newly highlighted hair extensions. I will take some pics and let you guys see how that works out. It's now only 6 and a half weeks until the wedding so excitement levels are high!
I am honored to announce that I have been invited by the LA Mart, to be part of a panel to discuss the topic of COLOR and its IMMENSE importance, in "Session Two" of the LA Mart Design Center's Designers' Forum 2010 Business Matters. Color Theory: Forecasting the Impact of Tones and Hues.
The Moderator of this "Hot Design Topic" will be the fabulous Pamela Lerner Jaccarino, Editor-In-Chief, Luxe Interiors and Design, and my co-panelists include Michael Berman, Principal, Michael Berman Ltd. and Merry Norris, Principal, Merry Norris Contemporary Art. 
Learn how the dynamics of economics, social issues, fashion, art, entertainment, technology and lifestyle, as well as consumer needs, moods and aspirations, translate into fresh, forward-thinking color palettes and interior products that instantly connect with today’s design-savvy customer.
