Tried & Tested

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Publication date: 5th June, 2012

Body Back. The mother's handbook to medical, physical and emotional well-being. By Heather Porter

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About Heather

Mother of four, Heather Porter shares her hands-on experience of getting your old self back. With her team of experts, she provides an understanding approach and addresses all the issues you wanted to know about but were too afraid to ask.

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Tried & Tested

I have always been interested in health and beauty, hence why I have written BODY BACK.

For years I have kept notes and comments on products I have liked, found worked (and still use) or have been a total waste of time and money! I am continually searching for medical and alternative health cures, nutritious secrets, clothes that compliment the figure, and of course the anti-aging miracle.

Welcome to TRIED & TESTED

O.Mega Super-Rich Body Cream by Mama Mio (5/5)

The tag line on this large bright tube is ZAP SUPER-DRY SKIN and it caught my eye so I thought I would try it. I have been exercising a lot this week and layered this cream on after my shower. I swim daily so my skin really needs nourishing after all that chlorine etc. This cream is slightly thicker than the average moisturiser but not so thick it feels like an emollient. It has a fresh lemon smell to me, which is funny because lemon is not an ingredient! But the contents are a good well considered list; aloe, avocado, rose hip, evening primrose and sweet almond to name but a few.

Posted under Dry Skin, Lotion, Mama Mio, Skincare

Clean Slate, cleanser by Mama Mio (4/5)

This is a gentle foaming cleanser rich in aloe, omega 3,6,9 and probiotics. A healthy boost albeit a face wash not a moisturiser, but great the fact that it is moisturising too.

Posted under Face Back, Mama Mio, Skincare, Skincare

Vitamin E Hand & Nail Treatment, The Body Shop (3/5)

This is a nice hand cream, the vitamin E content provides healthy moisturizing for the skin. The Shea butter may be the ingredient that makes this cream a bit too greasy for my liking.

Posted under Body Shop, Hands, Hands Feet & Nails, Nails

Graceful Hands Delight, Reverence de Bastien (5/5)

The packaging of this product is the first of it's kind. There are 4 mini hand creams in a very smart silver tin with Bastien's logo on. The great advantage is that the hand creams can be opened one at a time so the product remains fresh (rather than opening a large tube and it lingering for months).

Posted under Hands, Hands Feet & Nails, Nails, Reverence De Bastien

Round Body Brush, The Body Shop (2/5)

Dry brushing is important to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. It also helps lymph drainage and is good for the circulation.

Posted under Bath, Beauty Tools, Body Shop, Dry Brush, Dry Brushing, Shower

Bee Venom Mask , Heaven by Deborah Mitchell (5/5)

This wonder pot of a mask has a strange smell, it’s list of ingredients resembles the list of an apothecary’s shelf some notable ingredients include: bee venom, Manuka honey, tea tree oil, rose extract oil, lavender and silica.

Posted under Age-Defying, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Bee-Venom, Deborah Mitchell, Face Mask, Heaven, Heaven Skincare, Mask, Skincare, Skincare

Relaxing Body Wash, La Source, Crabtree & Evelyn (5/5)

A one stop body cleanser and moisturizer for the shower (or bath). I absolutely love this scent, definitely for the female only it does smell floral and lifts the senses. I had this in my hospital bag for all four pregnancies and I think that has given me a huge emotional attachment to this scent.

Posted under Bath, Bath & Shower, Body Wash, Shower

Listerine Zero (4/5)

I have highlighted this one because it does not contain alcohol and the taste doesn’t sting the mouth. It provides a final clean and reduces plaque, also freshens the breath.

Posted under Dental, Everything Else!, Listerine, Mouth, Mouthwash, Smile, Teeth

Collagen, Linda Meredith (5/5)

My favourite collagen serum. It is light, clear and non-sticky, hence it spreads finely and easily over the face and neck.

Posted under Age-Defying, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Anti-Wrinkle, Collagen, Linda Meredith, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Pro-Collagen Serum Amplifier, Epicuren Discovery (4/5)

Epicuren’s answer to an age-defying serum. This serum is more like a light soft cream.

Posted under Age-Defying, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Collagen, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

O Mega Body Buff, Mamma Mio (5/5)

This is a great exfoliant for the body. It contains micro-ground pumice, sweet almond oil, aloe vera, chamomile and vitamin E. The tiny granules are plentiful so the exfoliating can be fast and easy. The consistency is just right, not too liquid and slippery, but not too dry and granular. It advises on the product to use before the shower for optimum effect.

Posted under Body Buff, Mama Mio, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Paparazzi Don’t Preach, Nicole by OPI (3/5)

This colour is great, it reminded me of a Hard Candy colour I used about 15 years ago, when candy floss pastels with block colouring were ‘in’. I saw an episode of Revenge with Emily Van Camp and the character who plays Madeline Stowe’s daughter was wearing a jade green dress, plum lip gloss and a cream butter colour with a hint of peach, delicate but full block over the nail – not see through.

Posted under Hands Feet & Nails, Nail, Nail Polish, Nicole Richie, Opi, Paparazzi, Polish, Varnish

Kiss the Bride, Orly nail lacquer (1/5)

I am always looking out for the perfect French manicure colour, ever since mademoiselle by Essie became thinner I have been searching for an alternative. I tried Orly for the first time. This colour ‘kiss the bride’ looked just right. I tried it over white tips and without to see what coverage it gave. It was most disappointing, the colour was streaky, therefore required three coats before it looked half decent.

Posted under Hands Feet & Nails, Nail Polish, Nail Varnish, Orly, Pink

Relaxing Yuan Zhi, Bath & Shower, Molton Brown (4/5)

This is a favourite shower gel in our household. It is deep purple in colour and the scent is fabulous, making it unisex (not frilly and rosy, women only)!

Posted under Bath, Bath & Shower, Bath & Shower, Molton Brown, Shower, Yuan Zhi

Shampoo Repairing Dry and Damaged Hair, L’Occitane (3/5)

This shampoo contains 5 essential oils (ylang ylang, lavender, geranium, angelica, sweet orange) the combination of which results in a lovely smell. It gently lathers up and is recommended for two shampoos, leaving the last one in for one to two minutes.

Posted under Damaged Hair, Dry Hair, Hair, Hair, Hair Care, Shampoo

StarBlue Men's and Boy's Swim Shorts (5/5)

This new brand of swimshorts is really super. The styles vary are some are similar to vilbrequin without the high price tag. Dads and sons can have matching patterns!

Posted under Clothing, Clothing, Men's, Shorts, Swim

Guerlain Noir Noir Mascara (5/5)

My favourite mascara so far. This elegant looking smooth lined gold case has a mascara wand at both ends. It is double ended! You get two for one. What is fantastic about this is the short wand is more delicate and perfect for lower lashes and for flicking out the end corner lashes or upper lid.

Posted under Eye Makeup, Eyelashes, Eyes, Makeup, Make-Up, Make-Up, Mascara

Lucky Legs, Mama Mio (5/5)

A light serum feeling lotion for legs and feet, bringing relief from water retention and fatigue. The scent is lovely and fresh containing spearmint (refreshing, smells clean – good for smelly feet), chamomile (reduces swelling, calming, – after a day on your feet), aloe vera (nourishing for the skin) and other natural ingredients including a mild antibacterial tonic.

Posted under Legs, Skin, Skincare

Lotion Tonique Invigorating Mist (for dry skin) Yonka (5/5)

I use this toning mist as my regular toner, morning and night. The perfect partner with my Lait nettoyant (Yonka cleanser) It is a light spray with a lifting fresh scent. Alcohol free.

Posted under Skin, Skincare

Lait Nettoyant Cleansing Milk, Yonka (5/5)

A soft pale blue, mildly scented cleansing milk. Like its partner, Lotion (toner) I have used this for ten years and my skin has not tired of it.

Posted under Skincare

MultiplEYE liquid eyeliner, Tarte (4/5)

This is a new brand of make up I recently discovered. I bought the liquid eyeliner by default as I didn't have time to find a Mac store and I really like the Mac eyeliner pen.

Posted under Eyeliner, Make-Up

Concealer FX (3/5)

Comes in a little tube and could be applied with a finger tip if on-the-go, but ideally with a concealer brush.

Posted under Concealer, Foundation, Make-Up

Orange Flower Cell Renewal, Heaven Skincare (5/5)

This is a super toner, it is fresh, scented but not too sweet. After cleansing or shower, this toner has an easy to use pump top and doesn't get fully absorbed by cotton wool immediately.

Posted under Heaven Skincare, Skin, Skincare, Toner

Rejuvenating Eye Remedy, Shiffa (3/5)

This middle eastern brand is becoming more and more popular. I was recently recommended this eye cream by a facialist in LA who said in her experience it was the best eye cream she has come across.

Posted under Eyes, Skincare

Yonka Advanced Optimizer Serum (4/5)

This serum gets absorbed quickly, without leaving an oily layer on the face. I like this quality in a serum.

Posted under Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Skincare, Yonka

Yonka Advanced Optimizer Crème (4/5)

This is the cream moisturiser, ideally to pair with the Yonka serum. The scent compliments the serum and I appreciate it every time I use it. For morning this does also absorb well into the skin....

Posted under Cream, Skincare, Yonka

South Beach diet SNACK BARS Whipped Peanut Butter (4/5)

I have tried the Whipped Peanut Butter flavour which contains no artificial flavours or sweeteners. I never go for chocolate snack bars even if they say low calorie, I am always suspicious of what has happened to the chocolate to make it low calorie, cocoa and sugar are cocoa and sugar after all.

Posted under Diet, Diet & Nutrition

COVER FX (5/5)

When I had my make up done for the Good Day LA morning show, I was introduced to a new foundation and powder. Both in compact form with SPF factors, always one to try new products, I was impressed at the natural look achieved, with good coverage.

Posted under Foundation, Make-Up, Powder, Spf

Nuance Moisturizing Day Cream by Salma Hayek (4/5)

This is a face cream with SPF30 which is always handy when you forget to put on regular sunscreen, it will provide some cover.

Posted under Day Cream, Moisturiser, Moisturizer, Skin, Skincare

Body Shop Peppermint Foot Balm (3/5)

The Body Shop can always be relied upon for environmentally friendly products and good value too.

Posted under Hands, Hands Feet & Nails

Butter Nail Fertiliser (4/5)

Butter is from London but I have only come across the product in the States so far. A popular brand at spas in Los Angeles. I have been pleased with this base coat. It is a super name for an undercoat!

Posted under Hands, Hands Feet & Nails

MIH Jeans: The Corky, High Rise Vintage Flare (5/5)

I bought these in America but to my surprise the brand is from London – Lots Road, Chelsea! They are really super jeans for ladies with a little tummy left over from pregnancy.

Posted under Clothing, Jeans

Mastey SuperPac Intensive Reconstructor (5/5)

This is the best conditioning treatment that I have tried on my hair ends to date. It is simple and easy to use, one doesn't need a shower cap and thirty minutes dripping 'goo' off ones locks.

Posted under Conditioning, Hair

Hampton Sun SPF 15 Gel (3/5)

I enjoyed this sun product, it is a silky clear spray and feels like you're oiling your skin, but in a much lighter way and without being sticky.

Posted under Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Spf, Suncare

Lancaster Global Protection Cellular Support SPF 30 (3/5)

I approve of all brands a bright orange colouring on, because I link them to sunny weather and they are easy to find in the depths of a beach or handbag.

Posted under Spf, Suncare

Linda Meredith Vtox (5/5)

The nearest thing to Botox in a pot.

Posted under Botox, Moisturiser, Moisturizer, Skincare

Dr Brandt Laser in a Bottle (4/5)

I applied this AM and PM until the bottle ran out.

Posted under Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Skin, Skincare

Bath & Body Works anti-bacterial moisturizing hand lotion (5/5)

The sea island cotton hand lotion has such a lovely scent, mix a summers day at the seaside with fresh linen.

Posted under Hands, Hands Feet & Nails

Soap & Glory Scrub Actually (3/5)

This scrub is granulated enough for one to feel a difference,the granules are in a jelly-like 'gloop'.

Posted under Bath & Shower, Exfoliant, Shower

Silky Foot Talcum Powder Cool Veil by Reverence De Bastien (4/5)

This silky talcum powder is refreshing for feet and enriched with kaolin

Posted under Feet, Hands Feet & Nails

Celeste, Leg Shimmer Dry Oil by Reverence de Bastien (4/5)

For summer legs or in the evening when no tights are needed

Philip Kinglsey Flaky Itchy Shampoo & Conditioner (5/5)

This shampoo has won awards. I used it first on prescription from Philip and now it is available on his website.

Posted under Conditioner, Flaky, Hair, Shampoo

Amazon by Linda Meredith (5/5)

This is the most amazing cream, it’s texture is more like a silky paste and it is best for night time healing and rejuvenating.

Posted under Amazon, Night Cream, Skincare

La Tweez (5/5)

Pro Illuminating tweezers, these are brilliant tweezers, they come with a little lipstick style cartridge case which includes a mirror

Posted under Beauty Tools, Eyebrows, Tweezers

Space NK Seaweed Crystals (4/5)

As soon as the lid comes off you are taken to the seashore, that wonderful fresh marine scent is captured perfectly.

Posted under Bath & Shower, Shower

4head stick (4/5)

A cooling fine gel that you can roll gently on the temples or forehead, behind the ears, pressure points

Posted under 4Head, Cold, Everything Else!

Vaseline (5/5)

What a great invention, good for so many things.

Posted under Skincare, Vaseline

Lierac Body Peel (2/5)

Milky serum to help rid body of dead skin. I didn’t find it strong enough for cellulite

Posted under Bath & Shower, Peel, Skincare

Vitamin E Oil (5/5)

Superb for the skin, low cost, easy to find at a drugstore/chemist. I use vitamin E oil on any scar dry patch of skin.

Posted under Skincare, Vitamin

Almond Oil (5/5)

Fantastic for hair, low cost available from any pharmacy/drugstore or even some grocery stores.

Posted under Hair, Hair

Hair Powder Bumble and Bumble (4/5)

This is a talcum powder basically for greasy hair.

Posted under Greasy Hair, Hair

Jo Hansford Protect and Shine Leave-in conditioner (4/5)

The best leave-in conditioner I have found so far.

Posted under Conditioner, Hair

Finishing Serum by Dessange (3/5)

For split ends this is a sticky serum that looks like it glues the split ends together.

Posted under Hair, Split Ends

Echinaforce from A.Vogel (5/5)

In adult and child form I keep these bottles of echinacea in the kitchen, bathroom and travel bag.

Posted under Colds, Diet & Nutrition

Spa Ritual Nail Varnish Base Coats (3/5)

This brand is vegan, free of DBP, toluene and formaldehyde which makes it the closest polish to organic I suppose.

Posted under Hands Feet & Nails, Nails

ESSIE Nail Varnish Colour Adore-a-Ball (4/5)

This hasn’t thinned out yet – so ESSIE please don’t!

Posted under Essie, Hands, Hands Feet & Nails, Nail Polish, Nail Varnish

ESSIE Nail Varnish Colour Mademoiselle (1/5)

This brand has changed ownership. My favourite colour unfortunately appears to have been thinned down.

Posted under Hands Feet & Nails, Nails

Body Back

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