Beauty UK - Birmingham NEC

Fab or Faux...?

I admit, I'm not always feeling the love for being sociable in my own time but its the name of the game in this industry, it's about networking. Exciting for some, a chore for others. This year, the BeautyUK @ Birmingham NEC was actually quite enjoyable. It's easy to get a bit spendy, lots of twinkle and glitter to catch your eye. First thoughts? Where did all the men come from? Not just exhibiting but attending... perplexing. The birth of the metrosexual man has clearly given way to men taking more interest in male grooming (yes, there's money to be made from men in the beauty industry!)


Plenty of treatments on offer, feet, nails, airbrushing, tattoo's, piercing. Demo's on spray tanning, body painting and vibrating plates! Elemis had their glam bus, O.P.I dominated a large stand as did Louella Belle, Sienna X, Dermalogica and Fake Bake. Nice to see a few new faces to the show, Royal Brushes had amazing kits at amazing prices.


So, what did I leave with? Nail polish, strawberries dipped in chocolate AND a pair of sore feet. Was it worth it? Hell yes, just to see a few faces, meet a few people and exchange ideas! I'm reminded that we can never be complacent in this industry, there always something new, exciting and promises to make you feel amazing.


Next up.... Olympia Beauty in London in September, followed by Professional Beauty (North) in October! It’s a date, I'll see you there in conjunction with www.louisepageacademy.com

Wipe on, Wipe off. 3 Instant Tanners to read about...

Fake it, bake it or instant tan? You’ve heard of St Tropez, Sienna X, Fake Bake, Xen Tan. What about the other instant wipe on, wash off sort? Here’s 3 that are tried and tested by 3 of the Zola Panel...

Rodial, Brazlian Instant Tan. RRP £40.00

Available online http://www.rodial.co.uk/category/Perfect-glow-tanning-Products/173

Uber pro looking product, clean, tidy and simple just the way we like it. Only thing is, it takes a DIY person to pump wildly to get a decent amount of product into your hands (and don’t forget to pop on the rubber gloves!). Smells delicious and applies easily, good news is that it doesn’t dry too quickly so you have time to blend to avoid patches.  GREAT product for virgin self tanners because of the non quick drying time, no sticky residue to be found and can put on clothes without any staining... all in all, a pleasant surprise and none of that you’ve-been-tangoed orange nonsense!  Would defo use again and use in my kit, pretty reliable. Comes in different shades.

*** out of *****

Soap & Glory, Glow Getter.  Available from major Boots www.boots.com  RRP £8.17

We all love a bit of soap and glory don’t we! Always fun packaging and name to match. Spray action product... might be best to stick to spray in the great outdoors or you could be in danger of tanning everything the spray falls on! Comes out quite dark, probably not great for beginners or pale skins but fabulous for those who have a tan and need a top up. Covers up a multitude of sins and can disguise patchy skins or fake tans.  Blends well, smells friendly and isn’t sticky. Great product all in all. **** out of *****

Benefit, Jiffy Tan.  RRP £19.00

RIP Benefits Jiffy Tan, my usual instant tanning buddy, I hear that Benefit aren’t continuing the range.  I’ve already hunted down supplies on Ebay and Amazon so I’m not in imminent danger of being pale quite so soon and when it does, Im pretty sure the Glow Getter gets my attention. My parting words about this product is that it is fabulous. Easy to apply, great coverage, non orange, blends well and stays on streak free. Easy Packaging and you can keep applying for a darker shade, non sticky, quick drying, doesn’t rub off. **** out of *****  

Fancy meeting the Zola Panel? Meet my new products testers....

Intro the ZOLA PANEL... that’s right. I have a recruited a team of product testers. They are all a bit camera shy, I'm working on that... give me time!

Mizz C. 36 year old married hag, got crows most birds would die for! Plenty of good living keeps this lady from her beauty sleep.

Mrs J. 63 year old been-there-seen-it-done-it retired lady. Glamorous? Hell yes! Mature skin, had a few nips n tucks but generally in good nick. Good job she’s good got a sense of humour (one hopes!)

Mr DB. 40 year old male (female in disguise!) who simply has to have good products dahling! Gay? Naturally. Any man would have to be to be on my Zola Panel!

Mizz JT. Mother of 2, feels 100 years but is in fact 33. Always on the run, never enough time to pamper herself... enter product godess (ME) to help revive her tired skin.

So, all we need to do is crack on and get some product reviews out there.. right here, right now - we're off!

Watch out for our upcoming reviews on hottest Eye Creams and Ahava Products.