Last Tuesday I went on a whirlwind trip down to London to attend the Pegasus Beauty Showcase. The Tuesday before that, I'd never heard of Pegasus, but when the invitation landed in my inbox the following day, I quickly learnt that they represent many well known healthcare and natural beauty brands, and that the showcase would be an opportunity to find out about lots of new product launches. It sounded too good to miss, so I booked myself a train ticket and cobbled together an outfit, including this new bag and pair of shoes from Zara.
Bag (I can only find it in navy or red now), shoes and coat - Zara, jeans - Topshop, blouse - River Island
I have finally jumped on the pointy lace-up bandwagon and I'm loving it. This was the first time I'd worn these shoes. and they did start to rub a little by the end of the day. I'm hoping it's one of those things that will disappear once they've been broken in, because other than that they felt nice and comfortable to wear. The bag, as much as I love the look of it, is totally impractical. I picked it because I needed something that would carry the kitchen sink (i.e. my camera) and figured this was large enough to fit the bill. I also thought it would make a useful travel/beach bag for my upcoming holiday in Mallorca. The problem is that Zara keep creating these big open bags with a detachable zip-up pouch inside, and you end up cramming everything into the pouch because otherwise things are going to fall out/get stolen. The result is that you are constantly scrambling around for things in a very undignified manner.
Perhaps - (gulp) - it's time to branch out from the Zara bags??? Thoughts below!
Anyway, I arrived at King's Cross in good time and made my way to the venue in Tavistock Place. I almost missed it, but this little sign outside caught my eye.
Given that I would have to leave early to get back to Yorkshire the same night, I'd made sure to arrive near the beginning of the event and was one of the first visitors to walk through the doors. I was given a very warm welcome by the Pegasus team - including a cup of tea to sip on as I made my way around the stands, which was very much appreciated! I walked into the hall and took in the sight of all the different stands laid out with both established and new products.
Then came the fun bit - visiting each display and chatting to the experts about their products. During the couple of hours I was there I managed to take in almost all of them. When I left, I was presented with an incredibly generous goodie bag full of samples, and I will definitely post reviews on the products I like best in the coming weeks. For now, though, I will give you a brief overview of the things that most piqued my interest as I walked around the hall.
First up, Witch - a brand I've heard of that's widely available in Boots and Superdrug. They target oily or blemish prone skin and use witch hazel as a key ingredient. They're bringing out a new, improved formula of their gentle exfoliating face wash, which they claim will deep cleanse and unclog pores without drying out the skin.
Next, which I forgot to photograph, Rapid White tooth whitening strips. This product interested me because having tried tooth whitening strips in the past, (Boots own brand), I know that they work pretty well and are a fuss free, affordable alternative to professional whitening treatments. However, I also know that they can erode tooth enamel and cause sensitivity, which is definitely not good news. Rapid White's new Express 5 Minute Dissolving Tooth Whitening Strips are enamel friendly and peroxide free, so I'll definitely be interested to try them.
The Solgar supplements team without a doubt had the most bling of all the stands. I'm always a bit nervous about the idea of taking supplements, as I know that having too much of a good thing can be as harmful as not having enough. However, there is a bottle of hyaluronic acid complex tablets in the goodie bag and I must confess, I'm curious about what they might do for my skin, as I know how good it is when applied topically. Has anyone ever tried taking anything like this?
Bio-Oil were keen to talk about their My Body Philosophy campaign to promote positive body image. Check it out before 15th September for the chance to win a prize!
Ladival was a sun cream brand I hadn't heard of before. Unlike other, more well-known brands, their products protect against Infrared-A rays as well as the usual UV-A and UV-B rays. Apparently, Infrared-A accounts for 30% of the sun's rays - a lot more than UV-A and UV-B - and can cause damage to the very deepest layers of skin. I'll be taking a bottle of this on holiday with me soon so I'll let you know what it's like to use!
MICRO Nail Elegance showed me their electronic nail buffer, which made my bare nails look like they were coated in clear gloss in about three minutes. They have a gift set out for Christmas (Oh yes, Christmas is coming, make no mistake about it) which includes two colours and a base coat from Nails Inc.
Weleda have a new almond range out. We were able to test the hand cream. It felt beautiful, and has a lovely, very light scent that reminds me of marzipan or Bakewell tart.
One of the products in the goodie bag I'm most excited about trying is Trilogy's new Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm. Trilogy is one of those brands I've heard a lot about but never tried. Containing rosehip, mango and coconut, this product sounds amazing and looks like it will be a delight to use. There's even an organic cotton cloth included in the box.
I quite liked this little saying too!
Like so many others, I'm a big fan of Collection's famous Lasting Perfection concealer, yet I've tried very little else from the brand. At the last stand I visited, I was colour matched for their Illuminating Touch foundation. Claiming to produce a luminous glow, it's intended to be used with their concealer of the same name - which is apparently similar to YSL Touche Eclat - and their Speedy highlighter. Together, the three products create a "strobing" effect. I'm very excited to try this - probably more than I should be!
Finally, one of the best things about going to events is getting to meet other bloggers. This time, I met Renata from Speaking Beauty UK and Alexandra from Glam O'Clock, both of whom were absolutely lovely. Getting to have a natter with them before I left really made the afternoon for me.
Alexandra, me, Renata
Later in the evening was a forum with a few industry experts giving talks, but I had to leave to get back home. So I missed that. Apparently, I also missed the cupcakes, but that's OK. I'm totally over it now. Really.
Which products do you like the sound of best?
Kate x
It looks like such a fun event and there were so many cool brands there! :) xx
ReplyDeleteThere were - I was impressed by how many fitted into that fairly small hall! x
DeleteWhat a fabulous looking event, all of the set-ups look stunning! I now definitely need an almond hand cream in my stash! I know exactly what you mean about Zara bags, but they're SO pretty (sob)
ReplyDeleteStyle Sunrise☀
:)
x
I know! Why can't they make them with proper zips and compartments?!
DeleteLove the shoes! Looks like you are having a great time! Amazing brands I don't even know!
ReplyDeleteDanielle
http://www.blushblossom.com
Thank you! Yes it was lovely, and quite a few brands I didn't know either! x
DeleteThe trilogy one would be high up on my list of products to try, but getting to chat with Renata (and you) would have been the highlight of course. i wis there´d be more events like that in Germany, or at least around where I live.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
It really is lovely getting to meet other bloggers because you instantly have so much in common with them! Hopefully there'll be something near you soon. x
DeleteAwe thanks for the mention :) It was so lovely to meet you and to chat with you! Meeting other bloggers "in real life" is one thing I absolutely love about events as well. Your pictures are beautiful :) Hope to see you soon again! xx
ReplyDeleteAlexandra | Glam O’Clock
Me too Alexandra! x
DeleteThis event looks absolutely gorgeous Kate! So happy you got to attend and I'm in love with the stylish ensemble you wore *heart eyes* those shoes! All the brands sound amazing, and it's wonderful you got to chat to so many people and meet some fellow bloggers :) Strobing sounds gorgeous, those three products all sound beyond divine and dreamy <3
ReplyDeleteSophie | soinspo xo
I'm definitely going to be giving the strobing a go! x
DeleteThe event looked like a blast! seriously want to purchase all the beauty products in the pictures lol
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thanks for sharing! :)
x Arwa
You're welcome Arwa! x
DeleteThere were great brands to discover! I like Weleda, their skin care products are great (:
ReplyDeleteNati xx
www.simplyartdicted.com
I was very impressed by them and looking forward to trying their samples! x
DeleteThank you! x
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a brilliant event with so many great brands but I think one of the highlight would be you meeting Renata and Alexandra? I've been reading their blogs for some time now and it would have been amazing to meet them in person!
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
It's a lovely feeling when you meet people you feel you "know" through blogging in real life! They were both absolutely lovely and yes, that was definitely the highlight for me. x
DeleteSuch a shame I missed you since I had to come so late (I even got lost! haha). The Showcase was amazing amazing though. They had such great brands to discuss!
ReplyDeleteAngie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
It was also so nice to meet you, Kate! I always enjoy getting to know better the bloggers I follow and admire. You're also lovely! Thanks for joining us and having a good chat :) I hope we get to see each other at events more often. xx
ReplyDeleteRenata x
UD Naked Palette or Anastasia Contour Kit GIVEAWAY
This looks like it was a great day!
ReplyDeleteJodie @ Jodetopia x