Nip + Fab Shower Fix

I have fallen in love with the new Nip + Fab range, I have already reviewed the Tummy Fix which surely must be the closest you can get to a tummy tuck without the surgery.  Next up to be tested was the Nip+Fab Shower fix.

Here's what they say:

"A daily rich and indulgent shower oil which cleanses, nourishes and protects the skin’s natural moisture balance. It keeps skin soft and velvety smooth for longer with this rich and indulgent shower oil.  Enriched with gentle oils which cleanse, nourish and protect the skin’s natural moisture balance and toning, refreshing orange this delicious shower buddy also contains mandarin renowned for its ability to activate circulation and refine fine lines.  This original and unique texture is perfect for re-energising dry skin, leaving a satin-like softness all over the body"

So basically it cleans, protects, tones, refreshes, activates circulation and refines.  Phew, so did it do what it said on the tin? 

Firstly, expect the unexpected,  It's a totally different experience to any other shower gel I have used.  I think we are so conditioned to expecting a nice foamy lather that when you put this on (to dry skin is recommended) it is like using a body oil.  You then emulsify with water and it changes into a cream. It doesn't lather and it doesn't foam despite claiming that it does.

I really didn't like this as a shower gel as I love a good foamy lather up (the more bubbles the better) but HAW absolutely raved about it.  He loved the fact it hydrated his skin whilst cleansing.

However, there is one thing that I don't like that foams up - that is Shaving Foam.  I can't bear the mess, the texture, the scum in the bath, the fact you can't see where you are shaving but it's a necessity if you want to get a good clean shave in between seasons. (wax in Spring/Summer shave in Autumn/Winter, don't ask me why) 

I have suffered for years using shaving foam (ok, pinching HAW's) and if you use soap your end up with very scaly, dry legs.  In Nip + Fab Shower Fix I have found the perfect solution.  This is the PERFECT shaving oil for the legs and underarms.   It left my legs feeling silky, soft and the scent lingered for a fair few hours.   It also makes a lovely bath oil and as it emulsifies doesn't leave an oily film around the bath.

SAM Rating:

Branding/Packaging:  8/10 Great, clean, clinical with clear explanation

Smell: 8/10 Clean and fresh it lingered for a few hours

Consistency: 7/10 lovely oil that turns into a creme

Result: 3/10 as a shower gel 9/10 as a shaving oil or bath oil

 Likely to use again: Yes but not as a shower gel (HAW loves it though although I doubt he is the target market)
Would I recommend this product - as an alternative to shaving foam, absolutely.

Priced at £12.25 for 200ml you can buy this here Nip+Fab

Nip + Fab Tummy Fix

As a massive beauty junkie I was delighted to have been sent some Nip + Fab products to review.   Nip + Fab is the latest beauty launch from Maria Hatzistefanis who is also the owner behind the premium body sculpting brand Rodial.   

While not everyone can afford the high-end price tags attached to the Rodial products, this new NIP + FAB line targets more budget-conscious shoppers as everything is less than twenty pounds and promises to deliver measurable results at prices that don’t cost the earth.  So far, so good (and that's from the woman who once spent £200 on a moisturiser!)

First up I tried the Tummy Fix which  (here comes the science) "features a revolutionary 'amarashape' formula which will help in toning, smoothing and tightening of the tummy area in both women and men. AmaraShape combines fat burning actives such as caffeine and synephrine which aid the breakdown of lipids in fat cells of the adipose tissue".  My tummy has always been my problem area and so I was really looking forward to seeing if this would work.

I have been using this for 3 weeks now and although they recommend you use 2x a day, tI have only managed this on a couple of occasions but I have rubbed it into my tummy every night.   I am utterly amazed at the results - I have lost 2 inches from my tummy, my stretch marks are visibly reduced and my tummy is most definitely smoother.  Now I have a LONG way to go in getting rid of my mummy tummy so anything that helps is a good thing in my mind. 

SAM Rating:

Branding/Packaging:  8/10 Great, clean, clinical with clear explanation

Smell: 8/10 Clean and fresh

Consistency: 4/10 It is quite gloppy but with results like this, I am not complaining and it did sink in quickly.

Result: 10/10 Does as it says on the packet, a rarity these days!

 Likely to use again: Sign me up!
Would I recommend this product - Absolutely!

Priced at £19.95 for 100ml you can buy this wonderstuff here Nip+Fab

My name is SAM and I am a beautyaholic

There, I've said it.  It's here for everyone to see and I can't deny it anymore.  I am addicted to beauty products. It all started two decades ago, when as a young, impressionable teenager, I got my first Saturday job as a make up girl in Boots. 

I was on the cusp of womanhood and my boss was an Amazonian called Sara who was a real beauty.  Being ten years older than me and with a boyfriend (yes, a real life boyfriend) who had a motorbike, I thought she was the bees knees. 

Our store was in a quiet town which gave her plenty of opportunity to teach me the ropes and believe you me, I swung from those ropes like you wouldn't believe.  This was the 1980's and Toyah Wilcox OTT make up was all the rage, I however, stuck to pearlised blue eyeshadow and frosty pink lipstick. 

When I finally got a job in the heady world of TV in the early 1990s the beauty world really opened up to me.  Again, being the youngest by a long way in an office full of Dynastyesque glamour pusses I was introduced to the beauty halls of Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nicks as well as Duty Free lounges across the world.  I quite literally had bags and bags full of Bonus time goodies but still my quest for the ultimate bronzer, cleanser, moisturiser or concealer continued.   The 90's may have been the decade for grunge, but for me it was all about glamour.  Now please don't go thinking I am the Bet Lynch of Blogging, oh no, no no, far from it, my quest is for products that can enhance what nature gave me.  Highlighters, curling mascaras and bronzers are my best friends.

I am still on that journey, I enjoy spoiling myself with a long, luxurious bath every night and then the ritual (as yes that is what it is) of cleansing, toning and moisturising.  I love trying new colours and new products and if that equates to being a beautyaholic, then I am guilty as charged!