Crayola Make Up Collection

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Hands up who remembers trays of broken crayons in infant school?

And how about trying to draw all over your face with crayons?

Well, the mother of all crayon brands, Crayola, has come up with a brilliant idea for us adults. Yes, you can now re-live childhood memories with the new Crayola beauty makeup collection.

Launched last week and available exclusively from ASOS, the 58-part collection features colourful face crayons, mascaras, eyeshadows, highlighters, all boxed in the brand’s iconic yellow and green packaging. And if that wasn’t cool enough, all of the products are cruelty-free and vegan. How very 21stCentury.

ASOS says, “Crayola has only gone and launched a range of makeup based on its COLORFUL wax crayons, and our inner child is beyond excited. Who cares if you colour outside the lines?”

The makeup’s bright pigments and shades have been made to look as vibrant on the skin as a crayon would be on paper, allowing lots of creative ideas. There’s even a pencil case-like makeup bag and matching brushes.

www.asos.com

… a word from the Editor & Blogger

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We’re back!

After a week in the blingtastically boiling Dubai, I return tanned, refreshed and half a stone heavier.

It was Ramadan during our stay, and it was fascinating observing how Muslims are so strict with themselves in observing fasting-by-day. Non-fasting people eat in restaurants behind sheets and boarded up windows, to respect those fasting around them.

During this holy month ruled by the moon, Muslims fast (do not eat or drink) in order to ‘re-set’ bodies and minds, and observe a time of peace.  I would happily do the same myself, but lack the self -discipline. Indeed, I returned half a stone heavier, and admit that I did indeed scoff behind those sheets and boarded up windows.

I also enjoyed the insanely hot temperatures. It never dipped below 32, even at night and peaked at 42 degrees. The other members of my family hated it, but as one who loves to boil, I was in my element.

My other half has a “hipster” beard, meaning that he had extra Arabic warmth to contend with. Interestingly, on this exact subject, I hear that hipsters’ worst nightmares came true, when a recent poll revealed that 43% of women wouldn’t sleep with a bearded man. It appears facial fuzz puts women off. Clearly, I think this is ridiculous, since I’m married to one. To add insult to injury, novelist Jilly Cooper claims that bearded men cry all the time and are scared of women. Hmmm.

The stats roll on. Apparently, 1 in 5 men struggle to grow chest hair, whilst 1 in 10 who can shave it off, 7% snip it, 3% wax it and 1% get laser hair removal. Men from the West Midlands have the most self-confidence, with Northern Irish men being the least confident. Although clearly not in Jamie Dornan’s case.

Sounds like a load of rubbish – but just the sort of trivia that makes the world go round.

Onto this week’s instalment of Zips It Up,and we check out an Aussie Menswear label, Ibiza’s top nail & lash technicians and discover how love eggs are good for your health, not just an orgasm.

Apache Street Wear For Men

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G’day. Meet two UK friends living the dream Down Under.

 Richard Cook, a Software Developer originally from Hertfordshire, and Joe Ames, a Car Detailer and former Bouncer from Birmingham, were having a beer at their local Aussie pub, when they noticed the lack of decent ‘Street Wear’ from the smaller menswear brands.

Most brands were run by large multi million dollar companies and didn’t leave enough room in the marketplace for the smaller independent labels.  So, the boys decided to see if they could give it a go.

After month or so, they decided on a manufacturer of apparel they liked, to kick off the online shop while they were working on the brand itself. And so, Apache Street Wear was born.

Richard and Joe are also working on a selection of women’s apparel under the guise of Clair De Lune Avenue, which will feature a classic selection of ladies dresses, body suits and accessories.

The main focus at the moment is to build a strong quality brand from Apache and Clair De Lune, while keeping reasonable pricing but still maintaining high quality.

The menswear collection is vast but here are a few of my favourites.

Web: https://apachestreetwear.com

Facebook: https://fb.me/apachestreetwearor https://www.facebook.com/apachestreetwear/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apachestreetwear

Creative Rebels Ibiza

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Lashes and nail art have become big business. They’re not just for that big night out either. They’re all about general maintenance. Once your semi-permanent nails and lashes are in place, you can relax, knowing you’re ready for anything.

Wherever we may roam, we need experts in this field, and I’ve found the perfect example in Ibiza.

Creative Rebels Ibizadelivers fashion forward custom-designed nail services and bespoke eye lash extensions, wherever you might find yourself in Ibiza. And as Ibiza is ever-evolving into the organic and vegan stratospheres, the girls stock natural products bespoke to that way of life.

Technicians,Kelly Nicholson and Sophie Louise Stocker are ready to cater for all your beauty needs on the island. Thoroughly recommended by Zips It Up.

Here’s a peak of just some of their prices and services:

Brow waxing & shaping

15 minutes • €20

Shaping and tidy of the natural brows

Party lashes

30 minutes • From €20

15-30mins depending on which style of lashes applied.

LVL lash lift

Duration varies • €50

This a lash lifting treatment that will enhance your own lashes without the fuss of lash extensions giving them a beautiful curl that lasts up to 6 weeks creating a natural wide eyed look.

Russian volume

2 hours • Full set 3D-5D €120 Full set 6D-10D €140

Russian volume Lash extensions are the newest and most highly demanded lashes they range in 3D – 10D depending on how full and glamorous you desire to look, they are silky, fluffy and very voluminous.

Acrylic/hard gel removal

1 hour • €20

Safe gentle removal of your nails extensions, natural nail edges neatened and nail plate buffed, finished with nourishing cuticle oil and hand lotion.

Nail replacements/repairs

15 minutes • From €8

15-30 mins depending if art work is required

Infills/rebalance

1 hour and 30 minutes • €45-60

Infills from 2 weeks growth, 3+ weeks growth is considered a rebalance. *polish not included.

Dip acrylic

1 hour • €70

Suitable for shorter extension styles a quick semi durable method available only in a limited range of colours. *Gel topcoat €5

Hard gel Nail extensions

1 hour and 30 minutes • €85

Nail extensions applied using UV/LED hard gel method. *polish not included.

Acrylic Nail extensions

1 hour and 30 minutes • €75

Nail extensions applied using the liquid and powder method. *polish not included.

Nail art

1 hour • From €20

*price based across 10 nails, ie. from €2 per nail depending on the detail and time.

Vegan Gel polish

30 minutes • €35

Vegan, Cruelty and 5 free gel polish colour, 2-3 weeks none chip high shine wear.

Gel polish

30 minutes • €35

High shine chip resistant polish Lasts up to 2-3 weeks

Luxury pedi

1 hour • €50

Extensive cuticle and callous/hard-skin removal, cut, file, shape and buff toe nails, exfoliating scrub or moisturising mask, finished with a relaxing moisturising foot massage.

Vegan/organic mani

45 minutes • €35

Cuticle removal using old fashioned hand soak method, file, shape & buff nails, organic exfoliating hand scrub, finished with a relaxing hand massage. *polish not included. *we have a selection of vegan polishes to choose from to add to your treatment

Balearic Islands, Spain

Ibiza, Spain

Call +34 691 49 61 56

Resident & Workers discount

Duration varies • *Up to 30% discount

We offer discounted rates for residents and workers.

Yoni Eggs

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We’ve all heard of ‘Love Eggs’, but I have it on reliable authority that they’re not simply for self-pleasure. With the crystal healing assistance of certain stones, they can also bring health benefits to the female pelvic region, kidney and liver, plus reduce anxiety levels.

Introducing you to the yoni egg. My friend, sex therapist Myra S Forrester, is the expert on the subject.

 

“Firstly, let me explain what a Yoni is. Yoni, in the Indian Sanskrit language, means ‘Sacred Temple’ and refers to a woman’s vagina. Don’t you think this is a far more beautiful word to use compared to vagina, which literally means ‘sheath for a man’s sword’?”

“A yoni egg is an egg-shaped stone or crystal used to insert inside the yoni (vagina) to strengthen and tone the entire pelvic region – the pelvic floor muscles, the lower abdomen, the urogenital diaphragms and even the lower back.”

“Let’s talk about how we can physically benefit from using the yoni egg. A weak pelvic floor can cause all types of health issues like prolapse, urinary problems or a feeling of nothingness during sex. But when it’s strong and healthy you can experience…more intense orgasms and not just clitoral!

Here some further benefits to using the eggs on a regular basis:

  • Improves overall life-force energy or “chi” in the body
  • Boosts sexual energy levels and awakens the libido.
  • Helps to prevent prolapse
  • Relieves incontinence (weak bladder)
  • Balances hormones by increasing blood flow to the area, which contributes to youthfulness

 

Yoni Egg Crystals Available:

Amethyst: Third Eye Chakra. Meditation and higher consciousness stone. Supports sobriety and helps heal addictions. Better sleep. Calms mind. Emotional centering. Cleanses aura. £poa

Black Obsidian: Grounding. Protection stone. Clearing and shields negative energy. Activates and stimulates Base Chakra. Animal energy. Heals sexual trauma. £20-£90. Set of 3. £75 , set of three with wand £90

If you’re beginning the Yoni Egg Practice, I suggest you start with a drilled egg.

A drilled egg has an intentionally made small hole running through the smaller end of the stone, which you can then tie a 30cm piece of hemp string (or unwaxed dental floss) through, making it easier for removal. With a string tied through the drilled hole, you can remove the egg as if you would a tampon or eve cup. These eggs do not harbour bacteria once correctly cleaned and stored away correctly. They are cleaner than most partner’s hands and nails!

For more info:

Myra S Forrester

Wild Women

Massage Therapist & Intimacy Coach

+44(0)7905 597963

1myra1@gmail.com

Buy yours securely now!

… a word from the Editor & Blogger

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Welcome to this red-hot issue of Amanda Zips It Up.

It’s another scorching Bank Holiday weekend here in London, and having just returned from a quick jaunt over to the Balearics, it’s pretty much “scorchio” all over Europe right now.

Good news for fans of Pimms, beers and barbecues.

But a word of caution. As the booze kicks-in, don’t wear ripped jeans and sit directly in the line of the sun. The combination of ripped jeans and UV rays creates unappealing burnt red legs stripes.  I’ve experienced it, and it’s not funny.

As a sucker for roasting temperatures, there will be no blog next week as I’m off on holiday to Dubai with the family. As if 31 degrees in Europe wasn’t enough, the Middle East beckons, to bake in a standard 40 degrees plus. Expect to see me looking like Madge from Benidorm upon my return.

Onto this week’s instalment and we check out Primark’s Ibiza and Space range for men, plus check out designer tights for those who don’t want to reveal bare flesh and for those who do – who will be maintain their Toblerone Thigh Gap this summer?

Ibiza & Space At Primark

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We all love Ibiza. Fact. Many of us spend our annual holidays on the white isle. Fact.

But what happens if you can’t get to the party capital of the world this summer, for whatever reason? Do you avoid social media completely, so as not to encounter FB and Insta friends parading in the pool at Ocean Beach Club, arms aloft at Amnesia or listening to blissful beats at The Blue Marlin?

In a word, “no”. But if we can’t be there, then let’s wear the T Shirt.

Perhaps a few steps down on the barometer from actual Ibiza, our faithful friends at Primark have pulled it out the bag, with this collection of Ibiza and now-departed superclub Space merchandise.

We’re talking tees, beach towels and hoodies, to make you feel like you were (almost) in Ibiza this summer.

Grab a £4/€5 Ibiza beach towel and work on that UK tan in your garden, thinking of Salinas beach. For the high-tempo, fun lovers amongst you, imagine you’re parading around Playa d’en Bossa in one of these tees. Or if you fancy a nostaligic keepsake, try one of these official Space T-shirts, to keep the memory of the iconic club alive.

 
The collection won’t break the bank either, and everything is either officially Space merchandise or Primark’s own Ibiza range. Although it’s a menswear collection, we girls can rest assured that small or medium will fit us perfectly, so nobody needs to miss out.

www.primark.com

Gucci, Balenciaga & Fendi Tights

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What do most fashion influencers have in common? Answer: they’re seriously into wearing tights, whatever the weather.

From Gucci numbers emblazoned with interlocking Gs to sheer Fendi numbers, the Insta-pack are bringing back this old school classic. With a heftier price tag as part of the package.

According to a global fashion search platform, Balenciaga tights searches soared by 19% last month. The favourite for the fash pack – the label’s chain-print tights.

And guess what, Kim Kardashian is largely responsible for the growing Insta-phenomenon. Since sharing a snap of herself in a seriously logo-heavy pair of Fendi tights, a snowball effect was set in motion. In fact, theKardashian influence has rendered them a sell-out.

Over at Gucci, the brand is still pulling its weight as one of this year’s ‘Its’, despite the fash pack’s reignited relationship with the likes of new-but-old Fendi and Baleciaga.

Sales of Gucci’s logo-centric tights rose by 39% last month. Sounds insane in this balmy weather, but I love them and have ordered mine.

The Toblerone Thigh Gap

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AS if it wasn’t bad enough that we have to work on that thigh gap in time for bikini season, the new body must-have trend has been revealed as the “Toblerone Tunnel”, or Thigh Gap.

And while it’s named after a chocolate bar, tucking into big old triangular Toblerones is the last thing to do if you want to flaunt one on the Med’s beaches this summer.

But what is it?

The science bit: Essentially, the triangular gap between a woman’s upper thighs just below their bikini bottoms.

Can you stick a Toblerone through your thigh gap?

Thankfully you don’t need to be super skinny to pull off this look, as it works equally with curvy thighs and toned legs.

Show yours off in a black thong swimsuit if you dare, like these models, who also have eye-popping booty gaps.

Do you want the Toblerone Tunnel? Then how about a 40 minute run 3 times a week for the next month?

And if that doesn’t appeal, then tuck into a Toblerone rather than worrying if your thighs have the right angles.

… a word from the Editor & Blogger

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Welcome to this week’s fashion instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.

Firstly, thanks to Danielle Windsor at House Of Windsor for these beautiful stars earrings. Very me.

Now, I was going to make a feature of this, but I feel that everyone in existence will be overloaded with Royal Wedding info.

There’s no escaping it this side of Europe and although I have chosen to ‘escape’ to Mallorca for the weekend, I can almost guarantee the appearance of ‘flag-wavers’ there too.

Whether or not you’re a flag waver, you can’t fail to be ‘sort’ of interested in Meghan Markle and her new sparky input into the somewhat dull Royal family.

A beautiful, Feminist, mixed race, Hollywood actress. She certainly isn’t some aristocrat’s daughter whose role is to be seen and not heard. As far as fashion goes, she is rocking every British label and knocking Kate Middleton out of the park. I know that Megan will feature in Zips It Upin the future. I can’t say that about Kate, I’m afraid.

What has got me excited is this amazing Limited Edition collection of very British Union Jack handbags by Louis Vuitton, called ‘The Royal Wedding Collection’. I’d much rather carry one of these than a flag, that’s for sure.

I’ll say it once and once only, Congratulations Harry & Meg.

Onto this week’s round up and we check out who is behind Kate Moss’ infamous rock chick skinny scarves and who’ll be stocking them right here very soon. Plus, an insane new nail art trend guaranteed to get your teeth clenching.

Thanks to my Guest Ed Mira Manley for the LV Bags & nail story this week. x

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