So a luxury beauty brand, gets in touch and offers you a skin scanning treatment, what do you say? “When, where, can I come today?” Of course.

This is exactly what I did and ended up at Darphin headquarters to have my skin scanned. Now I have always been fairly sceptical of these scientific techniques employed by skincare brands to make you realise how bad your skin is, so that you have to buy their products.

But as soon as I sat down, I realised that this wasn’t about tricking me into buying products, but rather it was a chance to prove that Darphin really do know their stuff.

First up was a quick rundown through the history, and Darphin is based on the concept that to be beautiful is to be radiant, and to be radiant is to have perfect skin. We then chatted through my daily skincare routine, and I was quickly reprimanded for my overuse of cleansing wipes.

The skin scanner then got geared up for action, it’s actually a little roller ball mouse type contraption which they pressed against my forehead, cheek, nose and chin. The skin is then magnified and you can see what your problem areas are. There were some icky black spots of pollution, a couple of dry patches, some dead skin and this all resulted in the diagnosis of combination skin. My skins hydration was also measured, and it was slightly dehydrated. So what does this all mean?

Well firstly they were surprised that my cleansing wipes weren’t that drying (they’re MAC by the way if you’re interested), and then they talked me through serums. Darphin believe that you put a hydrating serum on every morning before moisturising, and then at night you should use an aromatherapy oil chosen for your own needs, again followed by a moisturiser. I picked the Camomile aromatic care oil, which is great for dry skin, and stressed out minds. I put four spots of it across my face and then massage it in and follow with the Darphin Arovita C Line Response Lotion. After only a few days my skin feels and looks amazing.

I have always been a bit dubious of these expensive brands, but Darphin really do have the science to back it up with. And I have a better understanding of my skin, here’s a few tips from the experts:

• Keep hydrated – Not only drink your 2 litres of water, but make sure that you’re putting on a good moisturiser and serum to keep you hydrated.
• Moisturise – Even oily skin needs a good moisturiser, but pick wisely to make sure you get one suited to you.
• Exfoliate – Pay particular attention to the t-zone, making small circular movements to remove dead skin cells.
• Know your skin – tightness or redness of the skin suggests sensitivity, use light products which again moisturise.
• Cleanse – Use a good moisturising cleanser, try to avoid wipes which can dry out the skin and delicate eye area.
• Plan – Start thinking about anti-aging products at the age of 23, prevention is better than a cure, so keeping your skin hydrated and plump will help stop wrinkles.

My iPhone is already Activated
Its very easy to find the Firmware version on a phone already activated, just touch the Settings button, then General and then About. Scroll down the page to where it says “Version” and jot down what it says.

My iPhone is not Activated
Its a bit more difficult to do here. Ok, we are assuming that the iPhone is brand new here as if you just upgraded, you should know what firmware it is.

On the activation screen, slide to make an emergency call, then dial the following:

*3001#12345#*

and hit the call button. This will take you into field test mode, from here, click on “Versions” down the bottom. This will give you some information on the iPhone. It will tell us the Modem Firmware Version and the LCD Panel ID. Use this information to determine what Phone Firmware you are running from the table below.

Modem Firmware iPhone Firmware

03_12_06_G Firmware Version 1.0.0
03_14_08_G Firmware Version 1.0.2
04_01_13_G Firmware Version 1.1.1
04_02_13_G Firmware Version 1.1.2

1. The early bird catches the worm – Get there early to enjoy the best selection of merchandise. I’ve read that some of the Rose Bowl shoppers arrive at the crack of dawn and pay higher admission prices in order to beat the rush and have a go at the merchandise before the masses arrive.

2. Bring your poker face – If you really like something, don’t show your excitement to the vendor. I once made this mistake at the Old Spitalfields Market in London and the vendor was unwilling to bargain. If you act like you could take it or leave it, the vendor may be more likely to negotiate a price with you. Act too anxious, and you look like an easy sell. As a rule, don’t go down more than 10% on the price of most items. I usually ask vendors politely if what they’re asking is the best price they can do. Furthermore, if you buy more than one item, they are sometimes more willing to give you a deal. It’s also wise to have an idea in your head of how much the item is worth or how much you’re willing to pay for it. (FYI – the Rose Bowl isn’t always the best place for bargains, as the merchandise can be quite pricey at times. I’ve even seen a few rock stars and actors shopping there.)

3. Paper over plastic – Many of the vendors do not accept credit or debit cards, so make sure you pick plenty of green off of the money tree before you go shopping. Some flea markets may have those portable ATM machines, but you may end up paying an extra fee to use it.

4. Be prepared – As many flea markets are held outdoors, know what the weather will be like so you can dress accordingly and shop comfortably. My Nike Shox, oversized sunglasses, and hat always come in handy on hot summer days.

5. Bag it – It’s a good idea to bring shopping bags or a roomy handbag to hold your purchases. I like to stuff small items in a large handbag which I carry on my shoulder, as it frees up my hands. Many people at the Rose Bowl push those wire carts, which are convenient for larger/heavier purchases. Also make sure you have room in your vehicle if you’re buying larger pieces of furniture. Last weekend I saw a man getting frustrated as he tried to cram a chair into the backseat of his Buick.

6. Keep an eye out – I like to make a mental list of items that I’m looking for before I go to a flea market. Otherwise, it can be overwhelming because of the sheer volume of merchandise that’s available. I admit it’s hard to find particular items sometimes, but I don’t want to get distracted and lose focus. There have been occasions where I’ve found great things that weren’t on my list, and that’s always exciting, but I prefer to have an idea of what I want when I’m shopping at the Rose Bowl. Some people thrive on the thrill of the hunt and the fun of flea market shopping lies in finding that special something that catches your eye. I wish I had the patience!

7. Buyer be-wear – Be sure to carefully inspect the goods before you buy. Look for stains, holes, and other possible damage. Once you buy something and take it home, you probably cannot return it. Last weekend I saw a great pair of high-waisted jeans from the 1970s that had a stain on the pocket. Not sure whether the stain would come out, I decided not to buy.

Diamond studs have been considered a classy piece of jewelry worn by celebrities and royalty throughout history and today, many people are enjoying wearing this touch of class.

Diamond studs are great for everyone and for every taste and that is why you find them at the top of most popular gifts for any occasion. The only thing you have to decide on when choosing diamond studs for a gift is the style, design, and color of the diamond.

You can choose the diamond studs to have the princess cut, bezel, round, or the 4-prong base. You have to pay attention if you are purchasing a loose diamond for your diamond studs as not all diamonds can be cut in all the various styles. Before you choose a loose diamond, talk with the diamond cutter or jeweler to ensure the diamond can be cut for the base you desire.

If you have other stones in your ring besides diamonds, you may want to see what special cleaning they need or if you can use this same method. Watch the metals because if it is silver then you need a silver cleaner. If you want professional cleaning at home then you should purchase an ultrasonic cleaner. That is what they use in jewellry stores to give it a deep cleaning for all diamond gold jewelry.

Some women wear their diamonds to match their outfits. You need to have a hefty bank account for this, especially if you need to have a red diamond. These are very rare so they are very expensive.

The diamond wedding band will compliment your engagement ring but not overpower it. Deciding what to get to match the engagement will be the next choice on your hunt for the perfect diamond wedding jewelry.

Many couples buy all three rings at one time so they all match. If you did not, then you will want to get one as close to yours as possible. You will get a bigger discount buying all together.

If you have purchased the engagement already and just need the wedding bands then you can pick out the ones that match for both of you. You may want to make sure it matches your other jewellry so it compliments them as well.

You can get a small diamond but it is cut differently and the clarity is so clear it would cost more than a larger one. If large ones have flaws and the color is off while a tiny one is beautifully cut and clear, the smaller one would be a greater price but the best in value. You do not want any flaws or discoloration in your fine diamond jewelry.

You will find a countless array of spectacular designs and styles that are available that are sure to please any taste, and any budget.

Would you like to surprise the loved one in your life with a dazzling piece of fine jewelry that is unique, and is something that will stand out above all the rest?

How about considering the truly unique style of the beautiful blue diamond ring? This unique color in sparkling diamonds that generally come from the South Africa or the India area is a precious gem that is quite rare indeed.

Being hasty in your purchases when you are selecting these often-spectacular designs can often end up in disappointment.

Just be sure to always take your time and make your selections wisely.

There are many stories that a lot of antique jewelry pieces will hold.

It can be both enjoyable and fascinating to learn of the history that is behind the selection in antique jewelry you have made.