A Chance Encounter at Stylist Live Event

Up until this year, I have attended every Stylist Live event. If you have no idea what I am talking about then I suggest that you read the below very carefully.

Stylist Magazine – A Female Movement

Stylist is a weekly magazine covering topics related to women. Ok, I am underselling it somewhat. It is a magazine filled with everything from beauty and lifestyle tips to stories of female empowerment and activism. I read it each and every week. I have been addicted for years.

Stylist is distributed throughout London outside tube stations free of charge. It is also distributed in Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Birmingham. Further, you can find them in French Connection stores, airport lounges, city centre offices and gyms. Fear not if you are not close to a distribution point, you can access the magazine’s articles on-line. Furthermore, you can order paper copies through Newsstand, an online magazine subscription store.

The First Stylist Live Event

One of the magazine’s 2016 editions advertised a Stylist event in London. Over three days, the event would feature more than 150 talks and workshops by leading international females. There would be a Topshop fashion show in collaboration Swarovski. 100+ boutique pop-up stores, beauty demonstrations, stalls by leading cosmetic, leisure, health and street food brands. I purchased a ticket immediately.

The first event was a ‘Festival of Inspiration’ held at The Business Design Centre in Angel. The event quickly outgrew this location and was moved to Olympia in Kensington.

Each and every event has been amazing. To be more specific, inspirational speakers. Interesting workshops. Lots and lots of brands with countless demonstrations and discounts. With each year I have invited more friends to attend with me…..sharing is caring! Everyone has loved attending. Some have even opted to attend for a second day to take advantage of the different workshops and masterclasses.

Most recently, the 2019 event evolved to include more immersive experiences, events outside of London and has became more luxurious with increased VIP packages. Click here to watch a video on the events new format. I cannot attest to the new format as morning sickness stopped me from attending. That being said, judging by past events, I am excited to attend this year.

Th Start of My Love Affair with Clarins

In 2017 Clarins had one of the largest stands. It featured a discounted pop-up shop with therapists delivering massages and makeovers.

For clarity, I had been using Clarins face products and make-up for years but I had never considered their body range; this was my chance. I queued for a hand massage and was introduced to their Relax Body Treatment Oil, it was heavenly! The scent was hypnotising. The feeling of relaxation and calm was intoxicating. I had to purchase it.

As with nearly all of the stalls on the day, I was able to purchase the oil at a discount and was given a number of free gifts. Again, I am underselling this part. If you have purchased from Clarins in the past you will know that they frequently gift travel/sample sized products with purchases. I cannot remember the free products I chose on the day but the Clarins website is currently offering three sample sized products with purchases. These travel sized products are particularly useful when you are travelling and in using cabin bags.

I purchased a whole host of products whilst at Stylist and would strongly suggest attending this event. This post may focus on Clarins but I have been able to trial a number of products over the years as well as being educated on every subject relating to being a successful, positive women.

Sign-up for the Stylist mailing list to be one of the first to hear about 2020s event. Now, back to the Clarins body oil.

I Am An Oil Addict

I have been a fan of body oil for a number of years. Initially, I used oils due to speed of application and absorption. I now use them as part of my morning and evening relaxation rituals.

I shower both in the morning and at night. Whilst in the shower I use aromatherapy essential oil based body oils and apply them to my décolletage. My Aromatherapy Associates post provides more details as to my favoured products. After bathing, I apply further body oils to the rest of my body. Queue Clarins Relax Body Treatment Oil.

Oils and Pregnancy

Noteworthy, many aromatherapy based bath and shower oils cannot be used during pregnancy due to the concentration of essential oils.

I appreciate that not everyone reading this blog will be pregnant but for those who are, or indeed, plan to be in the future, seek advice when using essential oils. Having consulted many specialists I was surprised to find that the majority of essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy.

I wrote to Clarins to ask which of their products are suitable during pregnancy. They responded the same day and confirmed that:

‘All Clarins products are classified as cosmetic, which means that they target the skin, not the complex circulatory system and the concentration of essential oils required to do this, is sufficiently diluted to be safe to use at any time’ Consumer Service Agent, Clarins (UK) Ltd, 01279-774-215

Within the response, they also stated that the below products meet the specific needs of a mothers to be:

What Makes This Oil So Special?

This oil contains 100% plant extracts including but not limited to geranium, petitgrain, camomile and basil.

There is no surprise that the above are the key scents. Petitgrain, despite being extracted from leaves and green twigs of the bitter orange tree, is less floral and less citrusy in fragrance than neroli or orange. Its aroma is sweet, yet tart with subtle floral and woody characteristics. It has soothing and mild cleansing qualities, it also gives you a natural energy boost. It blends well with geranium.

Geranium is a floral scent distilled from its leaves and flowers. It helps to restore balance to your skin and aims to rebalance your emotions and hormones by enhancing your mood.

Overall, the aim this body oil is to relieve stress and fatigue. Whilst it can be used morning and/or night, I opt to apply it after my evening shower, especially when I have been to a spinning class and require muscular relaxation.

Lastly, this product also contains Hazelnut Oil which is known to lock in moisture.

Application Hints and Tips

The oil states that it should be applied to the neck, back and abdomen but I apply it all over. Top tip, apply to wet skin as you will use less product.

Also, on occasions when I require extra moisture but do not want to apply additional product, I add this oil to Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Fragrance Free Body Lotion. This has worked incredibly well, especially whilst on holiday when my skin is most dehydrated.

Another tip, I often dilute my oil based products in Sweet Almond Oil. This oil is 100% natural, pale yellow in colour and is easily absorbed into the skin.

I favour this natural, cruelty free, vegan, no GMO oil by Naissance. Further, I use this oil for everything from making my own creams (more on this in a later post) to diluting essential oils. Naissance oil presents exceptional value for money. It can be used for massages, aromatherapy, skincare, hair conditioning, face cleansing and as a natural make-up remover.

Naissance Sweet Almond Oil - The Scent Explorer

Naissance have a whole host of oils for different purposes. You can purchase it on Amazon.

In summary, I love Clarins products. In particular, this body oil is really good value for money. I have now used it for a number of years and it has consistently performed as stated on the label!

I Travel Around The World Searching For Undiscovered Scents