Beauty Truths Not Ugly Lies

Miners Cheek of It £3.99

2012-02-22T09:30:00.000Z

I really do love the Miners brand; all the products I havetried so far are just so fun and such good value for money. Recently they sentme their ‘cheek of it’ collection and I have been using it ever since. Thecollection contains a blush, a flirty pink for your cheeks that has an instantawaken quality. I sometimes use it as a lip colour too and for days when I lookreally tired blend a small amount on the inner and outer corners of my eyes tomake them appear more open. The bronzer has a great golden tone to it, theperfect shade for my skin but darker skins might want a slighter darker colour.Never the less for me it is just great, easily blendable and long lasting. Ihave even been known to use it as an eyeshadow on a few occasions. Finally thehighlighter, a gorgeous champagne gold which is fantastic for cheekbones, underthe eyebrows and the inner corners of eyes. The small size and multiuse ofthese makes them perfect for keeping in your handbag for touch ups and thosetimes when you need emergency makeup.

Billion Dollar Brows £17

2012-02-21T09:08:00.000Z

Billion Dollar Brows have designed an eyebrow pencil that isuseable no matter what your hair tone and skin colour. At first I was a littlewary that this would be possible so had to give it a try for myself. The firsttime I used it I was a bit too heavy handed with it so I ended up withridiculously dark brows, my fault for not reading the instructions. On my nextgo however I managed to use short light strokes and build up the colour. Thepencil nib its self looks quite dark but if you just use it lightly it onlyadds a hint of colour. The more you build up the colour, the darker it gets.What I found fabulous was that you can outline your brows in a light shade thengo back over them in little strokes so which makes it look so natural. I have acouple of sparse patches and to be able to fill them in like this with onebrush is really lovely. Billion Dollar Brows indeed.

Elemis Pro-Radiance hand and nail cream £22

2012-02-20T21:06:00.002Z

I think by now you don’t need reminding of the importance ofmoisturing your hands, I mean no one wants to end up with hands like Madonnaright? Not that I don’t Madonna is great, it’s just her hands are a littlescary.

Elemis pro-radiance hand cream is silicon free which meansit absorbs quickly into the skin. It is probably the quickest absorbing handcream I have ever used, and I have tested a lot! It’s fragranced with whiteflower and it has a very soft scent making it perfect for use throughout theday.

Seascape Island Apothecary

2012-01-28T12:28:00.002Z

Jersey has always been known for its beautiful scenery and gorgeous beaches, now its also going to be known for its fabulous bath and body products from Seascape. Local produce and herbs distilled on the island go into making these sensual products which are spilt into seven ranges. There is a range for children, men, an uplift set, a revive set, an unwind, and a soothe set. The ranges feature body lotions, bath foams, body washes or hand lotions.

You all know how much I love having a bath so I decided to go for the unwind bath foam. Made with Jersey Lavender and Ylang Ylang it has fragrance that is breathtakingly wonderful. The lavender takes me back to being in the South of France where lavender goes everywhere and fills the air. I only needed to put a small amount into the bath to create a foaming layer that reminded me of the bubbles you get in the sea when the tide comes in. All that was left to do was to light a couple of candles, slide into the bath and gently breath in the gorgeous aromas. In a world that is increasingly hectic moments like that need to be cherished.

Butterfly Boutique

2011-12-23T12:49:00.000Z

If you are lucky enough to live in London then this unique beauty boutique is something you should take a look at. I asked founder Louisa Barnett to tell me a little about the idea and the philosophy behind Butterfly Boutique.

Set up by Louisa Barnett two years ago after spending more than a decade in the City. She often wished that there was somewhere she could go to sort out how she looked, very quickly, before braving meetings, presentations and client events, but she didn’t want the hassle of a full on hairdresser or sitting at a public make up counter. So the idea was born, bringing the world of celeb/tv styling to the high street. A real pitstop for busy working women, based in two locations in the City of London.

One of our most recent innovations is our unique membership scheme, where clients can come in as and when they need to, all for a regular monthly fee. Just like a gym, you get a members card and it means women can look and feel fabulous every day, all at an affordable price. At Butterfly we believe that taking care of you is not just a luxury but a necessity. This is, as far as we know, the first scheme of its kind to be introduced at a beauty boutique.

As well as hair, make-up and nails, Butterfly has expanded its offering by opening up two treatment rooms in its St Paul’s boutique. Treatments include reiki, acupuncture, deep tissue massage, chiropractic services and natural face lift massage. We also offer waxing, semi permanent lashes and luxury pedicures. Everything that a woman could want (and need) for a full pampering, rejuvenating or recuperative experience.

Body Lush Leeds

2011-12-22T12:56:00.000Z

If you are lucky enough to live in leeds then you may have noticed the change in The Corn Exchange inrecent months. Left as an empty shell a few years ago it is now full of wondersto discover. Among them is Body Lush, an innovative way to buy luxury bath andbody care products with a bespoke finish.

All ingredients are from ethical sources, paraben free, SLESfree, allergen free and not tested on animals. Focusing more on the benefits ofolive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and coconut oil, all products are mild andsuitable for most skin types.

What really separates this shop from others is theindividuality and passion within, from the friendly service to the tailoring ofproducts. The products are simply divine, the body lotion melts into the skin leaving it lightly scented and deeply moisturised while the bath oils are decadent with scents that leave you feeling magical.

There are a handful of superior products on offer includingbody oil, hand and body lotion, bath oil, facial wash, bath salts, roomdiffusers and shower gel. Choose which one you want then add one of the 30deliciously crafted fragrances. My favourites are cucumber & melon,candyfloss, coconut citrus, fig & cassis, milk & honey, vanilla andarctic.

If you want you can also add the colour of your choice.Treat yourself or someone you love with a gift bag that’s been customized toyour exact taste. Body Lush is the place to go for affordable luxury that canbe as individual as you are. I hope this brand goes from strength to strength and leads the way in how we buy beauty products in the future.

Jason Shankey Expert Perfect Shave Gift Box £48

2011-12-20T10:30:00.000Z

Give someone the gift of the most pleasurable shaving experience this year by gifting them this collection of premium shaving products. Jason Shankey has won countless awards for his male shaving and body products and he has used all his knowledge to craft this box of treats. Research showed that 97% of men experienced irritation and pain due to shaving so Jason produced a step by step guide that teaches you the perfect 'barber' shaving technique. The products tackles shaving irritation by including ingredients that use natural hair growth inhibitor which slows down beard growth.

I tested this on my dear dad, who like many, has been using the same technique to shave for years. He uses the cheapest bic razor he can find and if he is feeling a like a bit of a treat might get some supermarket shaving foam. Obviously this causes shaving to be a painful nuisance so he tries to avoid it as much as possible. He does look very good for his age but I know he would feel so much better about shaving if it was a pleasurable experience and in my opinion men do look so much better clean shaven.

The set includes exfoliating face and scalp scrub, smoothing shave cream and skin soothing moisture balm. You start with the face and scalp scrub which removes dead skin cells and has an amazing scent that I can only describe as the smell of the ocean, its fresh and revitalising. Next up the shave cream smooths and softens the skin so you get a comfortable shave with no irritation. I insisted a new razor was purchased as you really do need a good quality, sharp razor, you only have one face so its best to be nice to it. After shaving the moisture balm moisturises dry skin and helps to slow down hair regrowth with a groundbreaking complex of botanical extracts and peptides.

My dad was so impressed with the whole experience of shaving this time round, I don't think he will ever go back to his old ways. His face felt the smoothest it has ever done and by improving the quality of his skin it has taken years of him. This really a gift that shows someone you love them, they not only get to enjoy the products but in the long term they will have learnt the art of the perfect shave and loving their face.

Betty Hula

2011-12-19T15:04:00.000Z

I got some lovely little samples of Betty Hula’s scented body lotion to try and they smell lovely. Both remind me slightly of Christmas, thechampagne and spice especially. The body lotion has a thick creamy texture butit’s really the scent’s that are something special. I think they would make agreat gift for somebody this Christmas.

Bliss Fatgirl Treatment Kit £30

2011-12-18T14:57:00.000Z

Bliss has brought out a trio of treatments and a unique ‘Fatgirlslimulator massage tool’.The idea is all about stimulating circulation around your thighs to reducecellulite and make thighs appear firmer and softer. The first step is to usethe scrub over your wobbly areas, it contains menthol and has a really intenseheat / cold sensation as you apply it. It’s got the right grainy texture andcombined with the heat / cold sensation instantly makes thighs feel smoother.The second step requires you to use the slimulator to vigorously work over theproblem areas in circular movements. It has the same basic principle as amassage but the slimulator has been specially developed to stimulate the skindeeper with raised bumps on it. It’s not painful in the slightest and you dostart to feel all your blood rushing to that area. Finally there is the choiceof fatgirlslim and fatgirlsleep. Both contain active ingredientsto dispeal cellulite and tighten skin, the night time cream is slightly morepowerful and has a relaxing lavender scent to it. After one use my skin on my thighs andbum certainly felt a lot smoother, after using regularly for a week I was muchhappier with the quality of the skin, it was much softer and slightlyfirmer.

Laura Geller baked foundation

2011-12-17T12:30:00.000Z

The swirling colours make this foundation easily one of theprettiest before you have even applied it. It takes a little while to get usedto as you build up the product gently and can shade certain areas as you goalong. It has the softest finish ever so your skin looks perfectly smooth andeven. I stupidly decided to take mine out with me and halfway through the nightpredictably it fell out my bag and smashed everywhere. It was from quite aheight so I wasn’t surprised that it burst into pieces, I was upset as it’s notcheap. I think I would probably buy this one again as I really liked thefinish, I just wouldn’t take it out the house.

TQ Manicure

2011-12-16T11:30:00.000Z

One day this makeup sponge arrived on my desk, I wasn’texpecting it and it was a lovely surprise. I don’t normally use sponges forfoundation, normally fingers or a brush, but I wanted to try it and see if Icould get used to it. The problem I had with sponges was that they either leftlittle streaks or I couldn’t get them to blend properly around my nose andmouth. This sponge though was great at getting into all the curves of my faceand brilliant for blending. I found the sponge is the right denseness so itevenly applies foundation to your face and doesn’t just stay on the sponge. Forthe price I think it is a really good beauty buy and it will save you having towash fingers after you apply foundation whilst still giving you a flawless finish.

Montagne Jeunesse

2011-12-15T11:30:00.000Z

Montagne Jeunesse have been using facebook to build up astrong following by giving away facemask samples to those who like their page.They have done this a couple of times over the past few months and the otherday a sample of their cucumber peel off mask fell through my door. For want ofa better world it is a quite unusual feeling when you peel off the mask, notunpleasant just unusual. The cucumber gives it a lovely refreshing scent andfeel and if you get a chance to try one of their masks you are bound to findone that suits you.

Benefit Powderflage £19.50

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000Z

I have had this sitting in my make case for a while after mysister gave it to me. She had bought it for herself but didn’t get on with it.It comes with a tiny brush to blend the powder under your eyes but it’s all abit fiddly. My love for Benefit still remains but on this occasion I was leftfeeling a little underwhelmed. I just felt it didn’t make a difference to myappearance; it wasn’t as covering as a cream concealer and not as lightreflecting as a liquid concealer. The only Benefit product I wouldn’t buyagain.

Jinny Lash Conditioner

2011-12-13T10:00:00.000Z

Lashes have been huge this year, from glitzy false lashes tothe lash extensions that are favourites of celebrities; my eyes it seems havetried all of them. All the gluing and sticking has taken a toll on my lashes.After I had lash extensions (which I naughtily pulled off myself) my lasheswere significantly shorter and brittle. To get them back to their flutteringbest I used Jinny Lash conditioner whilst I was wearing the extensions but alsofor a good six weeks afterwards. My lashes have come through all the damage Ihave put them through and they now look better than before with help from JinnyLash conditioner.

Myface my mix foundation £12.99

2011-12-12T19:07:00.000Z

I tend to change foundations every couple of months andrecently I have been using Myface foundation. The texture is a lovely creamytexture which means it fills fine lines not shows them up. You can build uplayers depending on what sort of coverage you are after, I tend just to use onelayer which just evens up my skin tone. For the price you get a great amount ofproduct which will last you much longer than some other brands. I also got thepowder to go with it which I tend to keep in my bag for touch ups. The powderpuff that comes with it is a little small for my liking but does make it perfectfor keeping in your bag and it has a large mirror inside. You only need a smalldusting to set the foundation perfectly for the rest of the day.

Radox Bath Smoothies

2011-12-11T19:05:00.000Z

I am a great believer in the healing properties of a warmbubble bath, a philosophy which is at the heart of Radox. Rather than beingcontent with the leading name in relaxing bath salts and foam, they have takena further step in bathroom domination and launched a range of Bath Smoothies. Iwent for the spirit booster which is packed full if pomegranate andelderberries giving it a lovely sweet fruity scent. Not the bubbliest ofproducts but a great scent and creamy texture.

Diego Dalla Palma

2011-12-10T19:01:00.000Z

Its party season which means all makeup needs to have thatextra staying power so that you can stay on the dance floor rather than in thebathroom reapplying makeup. Diego Dalla Palma have two products that are a must have forany beauty this season and they will last you right into the summer to.

The first up is their sensational semi-permanent mascara. Iput it to the test by wearing it all day and then climbing into a steamy hotbath. Application is easy thanks to the easy grip lid and small well bristledbrush. The mascara is quite thick but not gloopy at all. It did take a littlelonger to apply and I had to let it dry longer in-between coats. After twocoats I was really happy with the length, thickness and rich black of mylashes, the magic came though when I got into the bath. Having stayed put allday I thought there was no way it was going to stay put in a bath, how wrong I was.No matter how much water I got on my face, or how much I rubbed my eyes themascara just did not shift. The problem then came off how to get the mascaraoff. My usual makeup remover just didn’t seem to cut it, that’s when I realisedyou had to use their branded makeup remover. I eventually got the mascara offthe next morning with some Pond’s Cold Cream, it’s an annoyance but shouldn’tput you off getting the mascara as it unparallel in its staying power.

Now you have got your mascara to stay in place no matterwhat you get up to, you need the rest of your makeup to do the same. Stepforward Diego Dalla Palma make up fixer. Think of it as a lighter and less chemicallyhair spray that fixes your makeup in place. One light spray of the makeup fixerwill keep your makeup looking perfect all evening, leaving you to look yourbest.

SPC Sweet almond eye balm

2011-12-09T18:57:00.000Z

Although my eyes aren’t really showing my age I have startedto use eye cream in order to delay the process as long as possible. The onlyproblem is that I can’t tell if they are having any effects so I tend to judgethem on consistency and smoothness. The SPC sweet almond eye balm has adelicately light texture which gently dissolves into the skin around the eye.It has a light scent and a cooling effect as it intensely moisturises theskin.

Myego

2011-12-08T18:55:00.000Z

Men’s cosmetics have really taken off and the time of onlywomen caring about their skin is long gone. I have written some male skin careguides which I will be posting soon but in the mean time I have the twoproducts men should not be without. Men’s skin has a completely differentbalance of oils so they need to have products specifically catered for theirneeds. Myego’s hydrating enhancer not only gives men’s skin a burst ofhydration but will also mask imperfections and balance skin tone. For under eyebags or for areas needing more coverage, the liquid concealer is perfect. Themasculine packaging is sleek with all products being labelled simply shouldstop any make confusion.

The Chelsea Day Spa

2011-12-07T18:51:00.000Z

The television is brimming with regional reality shows atthe moment and certainly the poshest one around in Made in Chelsea. For weeksviewers have watched as perfectly groomed girls flirt with ridiculously wealthymen. Even if you are as posh as a pot noodle you can look as glamorous as theMade in Chelsea girls by visiting their favourite spa. The Chelsea Day Spa islocated in the high of Chelsea, London’s trendiest upmarket area. Unassumingfrom the outside, inside lies a palace of beautification and as you walk up thesteps to the reception the scent of nail varnish alerts you to what lies ahead.

The walls are covered in a decadent wall paper, in the smallbut fully stocked treatment area. I am here for a New York manicure andpedicure but they have the full range of treatments that you would expect,including a fabulous spray tan. They both involve intricate cuticle work whichcompletely smartens up the nail area and gets rid of any stray bits of skin ornail. The bright pink varnish I opted for my toenails was applied perfectly, Ican never get it that even and neat. For my hands I just went for a simpleiridescent shade and squared off nails. The varnish lasted well on both myhands and feet but my nails on my hands chipped much faster than the varnish onmy toes.

If you are looking for some exclusive pampering and thepossibility of running into your favourite reality star then Chelsea Day Spa isthe perfect place for you.

Sparkle Ceramic Ionic Dryer £24.99

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000Z

I have been using the same hair dyer for years. It's done me proud but I thought it was time for a new one. Along came a the PRO Beauty Tools Twilight edition ceramic Ionic dryer. It uses tourmaline ionic technology to release negative ions which help smooth the hair shaft, eliminate static, and help to lock in colour. My old hair dyer is quite noisy and frightens my cat but this one is so quiet the cats not bothered at all by it. It also dryers my hair faster and comes with a diffuser and I am quite excited to try that out on my hair.

Philosophy

2011-12-05T10:00:00.000Z

Ever since my trip to France a couple of years ago where I fell in love with mojito's I haven't been able to get enough of lime. It's such a refreshing smell and so makes a perfect scent for shower gel and bubble bath. Luscious lime £14 from philosophy is on the higher end of the price bracket but you do get plenty of uses out of it. When I use it as a bubble bath not only do I get loads of bubbles but the smell also permeates the whole bathroom so it smells lovely and fresh.

Philosophy's be somebody daily moisture lotion is a lovely smelling, rich moisturiser and it also has a sweet quote on it:

"You can be somebody without having wealth, fame and power. These gifts define a standard of life not our standard of virtue. You will be remembered for your virtues. The headlines you make in this life will be based on the differences you made in the lives of others. You are defined by the smiles and sweetness you leave behind. So be kind and know, in doing so, you are indeed not an anybody but a real somebody to love."

Red Carpet Essentials £7.95

2011-12-04T13:11:00.001Z

Berkeley Square have just released their London W1 collection and I got sent the red carpet essentials box to try. The metal tin it comes in is really cute and makes it the perfect gift for someone, wrapping up boxes is by far the easiest thing to wrap. The lip balm comes in a really solid tube which is great as I have lost lip balms before as the cheap plastic tubes crack and the lids fall off. The smell is so fruity and fresh and the light purple shades is certainly different, luckily it doesn't colour your lips. The body butter has a soft shimmer to it, perfect for rubbing over your shoulders and neck before a night out. The pot is just the right size you stay in your handbag incase after work drinks are needed. When you have used the products up, which lets face it you will do quickly as they are so lovely, you have a fabulous little keepsake tin, perfect for earrings or hairbands.

Sunnyside £3.40

2011-12-03T16:14:00.000Z

As soon as I had this Sunnyside Bubble Bar in my possession I had to run a bath straight away. The gold glitter crumbled into the hot water and made it look magical. The orange and lemon scent isn't overpowering but lovely and subtle. I managed to get a decent amount of bubbles out of it but the best part is the wavy gold tiger stripes that glimmer in the water as you wash. It's not a particularly moisturising product so I when I got out the bath my skin felt a little dry. It doesn't leave an horrible residue in the bath but left my skin with a soft shimmer. You can't help but smile after you have melted one of these into your bath.

Living Nature Nourishing Hand Cream

2011-12-02T14:36:00.001Z

My love of hand creams has been well documented on this blog, I am sure that when the rest of my skin looks 80 my hands will still look like a teenagers. This blog also seeks out products that use natural ingredients and Living Nature use 100% natural ingredients which come from New Zealand. Made with active manuka honey it is perfect for this time of year as it protects and repairs dry and cracked hands. The only way I can really describe the smell is of freshness, its what I imagine New Zealand to smell like, its smells of open spaces and nature. It doesn't leave my hands feeling greasy in the slightest and so its perfect for carrying in my handbag to use throughout the day. Handcream thats 100% natural, you can't get much better than that in my book.

Queens Cosmetics Eye Pencils £6.75

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000Z

I really like to use eye pencils on the waterline (the bottom inside) of my eyes but as I wear contacts and have quite sensitive skin anyway, it is it often leaves me with dry, sore eyes. Queen cosmetics are the experts on creating skin and body care for those of us with sensitive skin and they have won a host of awards to prove it.

What attracted me to Queens eye pencils was not only that they were for sensitive skin but also the fabulous array of colours on offer. You can get the staple black, brown and blue but also a grey, green and violet. The grey is perfect for the day when black is too heavy or for creating a smokey eye look. The green is a favourite of mine as it brings out the green in my eyes and so does the violet, plus they both make an eye catching change to black or brown. Long lasting, super easy to blend and won't irritate your eyes in the slightest.

Aspinal of London

2011-11-25T14:38:00.001Z

Aspinal of London have once again given me serious bag envy. Some people are shoe people, I am most certainly a bag person. Any type of bag as long as its well made and gorgeous gets me green but cosmetic bags I have a real weakness for. Their Barbarella Classic bag is my ultimate 'big bag' ever and the new range of Hepburn Cosmetics bag are breathtakingly stunning. As with everything Aspinal makes its all in the details and luxurious materials used. Textured ostrich print Italian calf leather and features an Aspinal signature silk mix interior lining completed with a Swiss made zip and Aspinal signature hardware. I want one badly.

HD Brows Palette £19.95

2011-11-19T13:07:00.001Z

I think I have bored you all enough with my quest to get theperfect eyebrows so you will be pleased to know that the search is finallyover. HD Brows have been building a reputation for the best brow treatmentavailable and using the knowledge they have gained over the years created theultimate eye and brow palette.

Eyebrows are so important in creating a polished look and it is so easy to get them wrong. Eye pencil that is too dark or too thick will look like it has been applied via a Sharpie and makes you look like a budget Barbie.

Available in three different sets, each palette contains four shades that will define your brows and compliment your colouring. The powders are long lasting and I find a lot more natural looking than using a pencil. It is easy to build up colour on your brows and you can blend the shades to get a perfect match. Unlike a waxy pencil the colour won't melt and rub off but will stay put all night so you can get up to whatever you like without trips to the toilet to reapply makeup (something I have never been keen on).

The amazingness doesn't just stop when it comes to your brows. Yes this will be the product that you will keep on going back to for your eyebrows but it will also become a staple in your makeup bag for its eyeshadow achievements. The four shades can be used to create a delicate daytime look and then built up to create seductive, smokey eyes.

Models Own £5

2011-11-18T13:31:00.000Z

Models Own have the most amazing arrange of nail colours and I really love how their website is set out. It may only seem like a little thing but I have been put off buying something online before because the website was too disorganised and difficult to navigate. It took me so long to decide on which colours to go for but after much careful deliberation the first one I picked was Juicy Jules.

A clear varnish packed full of rainbow glitter the possibilities are never ending. As a polish on its own it works great to just give your nails a bit of sparkle. I don't really like varnish on my finger nails because my nails grow so fast I think they look a little fake when I apply varnish on them, especially a dark colour. Juicy Jules is perfect though as it gives them an eye-catching effect that is suitable for daytime and nighttime. the fun doesn't stop there though as you can use it over any colour to instantly it give some fun factor or get as creative as your imagination allows and use the glitter to add streaks, dots and glittery tips to your nails.

The other colour I went for was Peacock Green. I was a little unsure about it as I recently tried a dark green colour on my toenails and someone said my feet looked cold but the colour was calling to me. I was so happy when it arrived as I had been right to take a gamble. Its a mixture of blue and green shimmering tones which after two coats looks fabulous and luxurious.

Competition

2011-11-17T14:06:00.000Z

The Urban Retreat Beautique have teamed up with glamorous British designer Maria Grachvogel to offer one lucky winner the ultimate, head to toe make-over prize. This incredible prize, worth up to £2,000, includes a day of pampering at Urban Retreat’s flagship Super Salon on the fifth floor or Harrods followed by an afternoon choosing the dress of your dreams from Maria Grachvogel’s coveted collection.

The competition will run until midnight on Tuesday 20th December 2011 and all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer one simple question.

Malida

2011-11-15T14:13:00.000Z

Malida have brought a fabulous range of spa products from Thailand into our bathrooms and I for one am loving the results. Thailand is an excellent place to source beauty products as they have an abundance of natural resources such as flowers, fruits, herbs and plants which make this collection one to be lusted over.

I got to try the hand cream and hand shower from the rose collection which was subtly fragranced but deeply moisturising. The aqua body oil which was an absolute revelation, it melted into my skin so quickly and afterwards I felt so smooth and nourished.

The ginger and grapefruit body scrub is one of the fruitiest and loveliest scrubs I have ever come across. All the products are very reasonably priced so you can treat yourself to some luxury without feeling it in the purse department.

I am really excited about the new Tesco beauty products

2011-11-04T19:10:00.000Z

Along Came Betty is a glamorous range of body and skincare products, inspired by 1950s screen stars and beauty icons.

This beautifully packaged and gently scented bathing range provides the perfect pampering solution for you, as well as making great gifts for friends.

So Much Bubble Skin Softening Bath Soak 400ml, £3.99Pour this sweet scented soak into running water and sink into the cleansing, luxurious bubbles.

To the Skin and Beyond Ultra Rich Body Butter 225ml, £4.00

Apply this satiny smooth body butter to cleansed, exfoliated skin to lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling silky soft and smelling divine.

Hey Sugar Sugar Easily Spreadable Body Scrub 325ml, £5.99

Massage this super buffering scrub into damp skin, while showering or bathing to allow the oils to penetrate the skin and sugar to scrub, leaving skin clean and soft.

Clean Around the Clock Soft Skin Shower Wash 200ml, £2.99

Lather up with this creamy shower was to dissolve dirt and leave skin feeling radiant.

Other products in the range include: It’s a Skin Thing Ultra Light Body Butter, £3.99, Say you Scrub me Scrubby Skin Polish £ 3.99 and The Big Scrub Mitt £2.00.

Nip + Fab Sheer Make up Fix £14.95

2011-10-30T12:37:00.000Z

The Nip + Fab products have been so popular they normallysell out before they have even hit the shelves. My two favourite products arescrub fix and lip + nip fix so of course I wanted to try the makeup fix when itcame out. Primers have been huge this year and I have tried some really greatones so it had a lot to live up to. It doesn’t have such a velvety feel as someprimers but still feels soft as you apply it. It certainly kept my makeup onfor longer and I didn’t have a shiny forehead after a day’s work as usual.

Living Nature Gentle Makeup Remover £11.75

2011-10-29T12:55:00.000+01:00

The older I get the more sensitive my eyes seem to get. If I have been out for a night with thick eye makeup by the time I get home my eyes are always desperate to to be cleansed of all makeup. The gentler the makeup remover the better and the one from living nature is lovely and gentle without losing its removing power. It contains witch hazel which is an anti-inflammatory, just the thing to sooth my sore eyes. It also contains a host of other lovely natural ingredients to cleanse and clean my skin of all makeup. With some eye makeup removers you have to wipe your eye several times to get all eyeliner and mascara off. With Living Natures makeup remover I only need to soak my eyes with a makeup pad with the remover on, a few gentle sweeps and my eyes are clean and fresh. As I haven't had to scrub at them they don't get irritated making my sore eyes worse. Even if you don't have really sensitive eyes you will still be impressed with how well Living Natures makeup remover cleans up your eyes at the end of the day.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime £26

2011-10-27T12:32:00.000+01:00

I have not been looking after my hair as best I can recentlyand as a result it has felt quite dry and damaged. I decided it was time togive it a bit of a treat and went for Kerastase Elixir Ultime, it was thesleek packaging that got me, and it just looked really luxurious. It’s quiteunusual to apply a product before you wash your hair and I thought it wouldjust wash out without really doing anything. I was wrong though as my hair feltmuch more nourished and not about to break if it gets lightly tugged. As myhair is quite thin when I left it on after washing my hair as a leave intreatment I found my hair got greasier quicker. Normally I can leave my hair aday in-between washing but if I use Kerastase I have to wash my hair everyday.It has certainly made an improvement on the condition of my hair and a littlegoes along way which is helpful as it’s not the cheapest product.

Elemis Aching Muscle Soak £32.70

2011-10-25T12:21:00.000+01:00

Although it makes me sound like an old lady, I do haveproblems with a few of my joints, they are quite loose and tend to dislocatevery often. Anyone that has ever had a dislocated shoulder or hip it’s not anice experience and can tend to be quite painful. One of my favourite things inthe world when my joints are painful is slipping into a super hot bubble bathwith a good book. I am always suspicious of products that claim to ease soremuscles as more often than not they don’t. It does smell slightly of Germalinebut I like the smell as it reminds me of being at my Grandmother’s house, sheused to smear it on any cuts when I inevitably fell over trying to run fasterthan my legs would allow. Bubbles aplenty came from three capfuls which isalways a good start. I relaxed in the hot water, thinking about childhoodmemories and not about my aching bones, which is a start. The muscle soakwasn’t a complete reprieve from painful joints but it was certainly a lovelyrelaxing experience and one I will be recreating again.

Another bath foam I have been using recently is Sainsbury’s Blue Bath Soak 61p and I only picked it up because it was cheap. I love it thoughbecause it smells of cool water by Dafadoff which is my favourite man smell inthe world.

Scented Nail Wraps £5.95

2011-10-24T12:16:00.000+01:00

The first scented nail wraps have arrived and even betterthey smell like rose wine. The people at Gallo have teamed up with the peopleat Sphix to create these great scented wraps. The advantage of using nail wrapsover varnish is that you get a completely faultless finish and I find they aremuch quicker to use and last longer. The scent is thankfully full of fruitysmells as I was slightly worried that the odour would be slightly sickly.Perfect for a girly night in or a night on the town, your nails will certainlybe a talking point.

Benefit Watt's Up £24.50

2011-10-23T12:01:00.002+01:00

In my continued quest to try ever product Benefit does Irecently got sent the new highlighter Watt’s Up. The packaging as usual withBenefit is far from boring but it did take me a minute or two to figure out howto use it. I thought maybe the sponge bit at the end allowed the product toseep through it and started to pump it against the back of my hand. Afterrealising my stupidity I took the top off the other end and was greeted by thepearlesant coral coloured highlighter. The trick is to apply a couple of dabsof the product and blend with the soft sponge end. I like to use it at the topof my cheeks and brow bone for a sculpted look. A smear under your eyebrowsalso lifts the eyebrows up and makes you look more awake. Like all Benefitproducts it has great staying powder and you only need a little bit tocompletely lift your look. I also mixed a small amount of Watt’s Up with somefoundation and it gave my skin a lovely healthy glow.

GOSH Nail Glitter £3.99

2011-10-22T12:10:00.000+01:00

Nails are big this season, from patterns and prints to glitzto glitter, the more dazzling the better. I love these GOSH pots of nailglitter as they are really well priced and in some lovely colours. You canapply them by slicking on some clear nail varnish and before that goes harddipping your nails into the little pot. To finish just dust off the excess witha makeup brush and marvel at your sparkly nails. To add even more glamour paintyour nails with your favourite colour varnish and dip the tip of your nailsinto a contrasting colour glitter. For exclusive news and offers from GOSH just 'like' their Facebook page.

National Wedding Show

2011-10-17T18:59:00.000+01:00

I have had a really busy couple of weeks and so haven’t beenposting daily on here like I normally do. I have been introduced to some greatbeauty products though so have plenty to write about over the next couple ofweeks.

My beautiful sister is getting married next year so asked mealong to the Wedding Show at Earls Court the other weekend. It was a lovely dayand I got quite emotional seeing her try on headdresses. I was exhaustedgetting the train back but it gave me time to go through all the goodies I got.

I bought some Helen E Cosmetics as they were such a bargain,£10 for a foundation and concealer set, an eyeliner, lip gloss, eye shadow andmascara. The foundation is unusual as it is meant to be perfect for any skinshade. When it was tried on my sisters skin it did blend really well althoughshe didn’t like the feel of it at first. The eye shadow is a lovely glitterygold that will be perfect for parties. All in all not bad for a tenner.

Our goody bags were also filled to the brim with beautyproducts, cereals and leaflets. If you are getting married it’s a great placeto get some ideas and really get in the mood for the celebrations to come.

New CID i-flick £18.50

2011-10-09T10:00:00.000+01:00

What a fabulous idea to have a both a liquid liner and kohl liner in one pen. I use the liquid liner to give my eyes a subtle line on the tops of my lids for the day. In the evening I add more liquid liner to the tops of my lids and extend the line out to give them sexy cat’s eye flicks. I then use the kohl liner underneath my eyes to enhance them. If I am feeling really daring I apply the kohl to the water lines and heavily smudge it under my eyes for classic smoky eyes.

Laura Geller Brow Marker

2011-10-08T10:00:00.000+01:00

After having spent years using the same eye brow pencil I am now exploring the different options available to me. Although it’s always done me proud in the past on a hot day it can leave me with eyebrows that are too thick and uneven. This brow marker from Laura Geller rids all those problems and it looks so natural. The felt tip nip lets you create small, soft strokes so you can effortless fill in any gaps. Available in a range of colours so you can get the perfect match for your hair colour. What’s more it’s extremely long lasting and completely smudge proof.

Beauty Truths Not Ugly Lies

2011-10-07T16:06:00.002+01:00

Beauty Truths Not Ugly Lies in Print

QVC are raising money for breast cancer

2011-10-06T13:29:00.000+01:00

Next Wednesday 12^th October from 7pm to 10 pm QVC will be broadcasting a special 3-hour live show called ‘be aware, show you care’. We’ll be playing moving moments from the show and offering you the chance to buy some limited edition pieces from Bare Escentuals, OPI and Leighton Denny to name a few with every penny of the net proceeds going to helping women and men with breast cancer.

QVC tune in details below:

Wednesday 12th October, 7pm - 10pm

Freeview channel 16, Sky channel 640, Virgin TV channel 740, Freesat channel 800

www.qvcuk.com

What's with the weather.

2011-10-05T13:47:00.000+01:00

The weather this year in the UK has been somewhat mixed. We started the year with mountains of snow, had a blissfully hot spring and summer was below par even for the UK. Now moving into Autumn, the sunshine has had a reprieve and even though the nights are cold and windy the days are so hot sunburn is a real possibility. The other week I went out to meet a friend for lunch and ended up burning my shoulders and back after only being in the sun for 30 minutes and the sky was pretty cloudy.

I got home slightly bemused by my red shoulders and applied Queen's Sensitive Skin Oil (£17.65) not only to my burnt bits but everywhere. I have been using the oil quite a bit since I got sent it to try. I tend to apply a couple of drops into a hot bath for a decadent feel and then glide it over my skin after I have got out the bath. I have satin sheets on my bed and there is something so lovely about freshly oiled skin slipping into satin sheets that makes me smile. As it's sensitive I don't need to worry about it upsetting my skin, I even use it after waxing to get all the small bits of wax off my skin and to sooth the skin, something I wouldn't do with most body oils. The oil also helps my legs to stay moisturised as my calfs have a tendency to get quite dry. I also you it after a shower before I go out. It makes you skin look softer, smoother and devastatingly touchable.

Although Queen's Sensitive Skin Oil was great at soothing my sunburn it would have been much better if I had avoided getting burnt at all. What I should of done and will promise to do from now on is to apply sun cream. During the summer I used Ahava's Mineral Suncare SPF 30 (£19) and I didn't even go slightly pink all summer. It easily absorbs into your skin and you don't have to spend precious time on your holiday rubbing it in and as its moisturising, my skin was left feeling soft and not greasy like some suncreams. It is water resistant so I didn't need to reapply it every time I went in the pool. It also has a great smell, it still has that summer smell you only get with suntan lotion but it also has a slight perfume. My friend is off skiing in a few weeks and asked me what beauty related products she should take. The first thing I told her to get was Ahava's Mineral Suncare as you can get really burnt whilst skiing as the sun is reflected off the snow. I would have given her my spray bottle but I am holding onto as I am pretty sure I will be needing it again this year.

Benefit

2011-09-30T11:19:00.002+01:00

For the next three days Benefit are offering a free brow tint when you pay for a brow arch at one of their fabulous boutiques. Just take the above voucher along with you for your appointment and you will fabulous eyebrows in no time at all.

Angela Langford

2011-09-22T14:54:00.001+01:00

There are lots of things to love about Angela Langford’sproducts, for one you feel like you are dealing with a person and not afaceless company. All the products come wrapped in pink tissue paper and if youpay for post and packaging she will send you a selection of productsspecifically for your skin type for free. So if my ramblings of greatness don’tconvince you, try the products for yourself.

First up let’s talk about the balanced and beautiful oil £22.55. Ihave tended to stay away from using oils on my face, I still get the occasionalspot outbreak and thought using a face oil probably wouldn’t help the matter. It’sa totally different experience from using a regular moisturiser, and the firstthing I noticed was the smell, it is absolutely fantastic. It has a scent ofsweet ginger and a hint of citrus with a natural freshness that is like noother moisturiser I have tried. It didn’t feel greasy when I put it on and itonly took two drops to cover my face and neck. I found it needs less rubbinginto the skin too absorb but I end up spending ages massaging my face as it justfelt so soft afterwards. I tend to put it on after an evening bath before I goto bed and the next morning my face looks and feels like it has just beenmoisturised. Everything about the product from the smell to the texture makesyou feel like you are really treating your skin to something special.

Beautiful Eyes £17.45 is another great smelling product but thescent is lighter than the oil. I haven’t really used eye creams regularlybefore but considering that next year I turn the big 30 I thought it best I startat least thinking about it. Beautiful Eyes is a cream that just melted into myskin, you only have to use the most gentlest of movements and it soaks intoyour skin. It’s packed full of lots of lovely natural ingredients to tighten,plump and sooth the skin around your eyes.

With both products a little really goes along way and thereis something fundamentally superior about these two products, because there areno chemicals and the quality of ingredients used. I loved them both, theluxurious application as they both melt into the skin and the instantly betterlooking skin they produce. These products aren’t going to give you a totallynew face but they will make you much happier about the one you have got.

Broke but Beautiful - Coffee

2011-09-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

Has the summer left your wallet feeling a bit light? Are you in need of some pampering but just don't have the funds? Well don't worry as I am going to give you a few tips on looking your best on a strict budget! First up a little known use for leftover coffee grounds.

Drinking coffee, it has been claimed, can have positive effects on a person’s health. In 2009 studies proposed that coffee consumption could help to lower the risk of coronary heart disease in women, can help prevent diabetes, lower the risk of liver cancer, endometrial cancer, strokes, depression and cognitive failure.

There has also been suggested a link between the caffeine found in coffee and cellulite, caffeine contains chemicals known as Methylxanthine, which are thought to break down fat. You can even buy caffeine tights that aim to shrink thighs and improve the look of the dreaded orange peel. Drinking a few cups a day has been said to reduce cellulite and some of the most expensive cellulite creams contain caffeine.

A lesser known use for coffee is as an amazing exfoliator, never will your skin have felt so soft. The used grounds from a cafetiere make a perfect scrub when mixed with a little shower gel. Using firm, circular motions, rub the coffee mix all over body when in the bath or shower, paying particular attention to elbows, thighs, knees and ankles. Rinse well so there is no residue left behind and moisturise after drying.

If you aren’t a coffee drinker some large coffee chains give away free grounds, just ask at the counter. As used coffee grounds have a tendency to go off, I portion mine up into sandwich bags and pop them in the freezer.

Broke but Beautiful - Banana

2011-09-15T14:14:00.002+01:00

Bananas are a super fruit given their high potassium content, which helps lower blood pressure, and impressive vitamin and mineral count, make the banana a great snack. Vitamin A is needed for healthy vision and skin, Vitamin B which is important for the immune and nervous systems, folic acid, Vitamin C which is full of antioxidants, Calcium and Magnesium.

The fruit are claimed to help with a huge variety of health problems including anaemia, high blood pressure, constipation, depression, heartburn, nerves and stress. It’s also claimed to be great for PMS and make into a smoothie for a great hangover cure.

There are some people however, that even given all the nutritional goodness are afraid of bananas, which is called bananaphobia. It may sound strange but it is more common than people think to be afraid of the yellow fruit. One of my friends is so scared of bananas her flatmate has to eat them secretly, making sure she hides the skins in the bottom of the bin.

Bananas also make a quick and simple hair and face mask that will leave you hair soft and shiny and your face smooth and soft. Simply place a banana in a food processor with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Blitz to a smooth and creamy consistency and smoother onto face and hair in a thick layer. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse off with cold water, wash face and hair as normal.

This is a really good trick to use up bananas that have been become bruised or are less than fresh!

Nubar Nail Lacquer

2011-09-09T16:33:00.001+01:00

It took me ages to decide which to colours I wanted to try from the huge amount available at Beauty Shed but when they arrived I was really pleased with my choices. The one on the left is Wildlife £8 an olive tone with a duochrome effect which has sparkles of pink and gold in it.

The second shade I went for was Moon Shadow £8 which is a dark violet pearlsecent tone with hints of gold and black.

Both shades were really easy to apply thanks to the well shaped lid and only two coats were needed to create a look that gave a great impact. I ended up applying a coat of Wildlife over a coat of Moon Shadow which looked fabulous and brought out the gold tones in both colours. I always forget what a difference a couple of coats on nail varnish makes and luckily these varnishes lasted the best part of a week without chipping.

Top Tip - If you don't have the steadiest hand when it comes to applying nail varnish don't worry. All you need to do is apply the best you can and not worry about getting it on your skin. After the polish has dried (leave at least 20 minutes) go and do the washing up or let your hands soak in the bath. It pulls off all the nail varnish on your skin and leaves it on your nails.

Benefit Free Delivery

2011-09-07T20:20:00.002+01:00

Until midnight on the 13th September Benefit are offering free delivery when you buy the POREfessional. If like me you are slightly depressed that winter has reared its ugly head and summer has left us, head over to the Benefit website enter the code POREDEL4 to claim free delivery to cheer yourself up.

Eat your way to better skin

2011-09-04T18:07:00.004+01:00

If you have very dry skin try foods rich in beta-carotene such as spinach and red and yellow peppers.

To combat oily skin try swapping butter for olive oil instead.

For skin prone to spots and acne, add selenium-rich food such as cashew nuts, brazil nuts and sunflower seeds.

One of my favourite quotes

2011-08-31T10:00:00.012+01:00

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Impulse and Lipsy team up to create limited edition Very Pink dress

2011-08-30T10:00:00.005+01:00

Every girl has been there and experienced that nail-biting panic. What shall I wear for that special occasion? Well help is at hand courtesy of your favourite fragrance, Impulse.

Impulse has teamed up with hot fashion brand, Lipsy, to create a limited edition, exclusive dress to celebrate one of the brand’s latest fragrances: ‘Very Pink’.

The two top brands have paired up to offer a stunning off the shoulder Very Pink dress with a delicate drape sleeve and charming embellishment at the waist. Guaranteed to ensure you dazzle whether you’re on a romantic date or a night out with the girls.

Only available from www.lipsy.co.uk the ‘Impulse for Lipsy Very Pink dress’ can be ordered from 19^th August (RRP £65). As a special offer for Impulse fans, from Monday 5^th September to Sunday 11^th September the dress is available half price, whilst stocks last at the following Lipsy stores:

22 – 26 Cameron Walk, Metro Centre, Gateshead, NE11 9ER
82-88 Queens Street, Cardiff, CF10 2GR
Westfield, Ariel Way, London, W12 7GA
122 Regents Crescent, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AA

Just show your can of Very Pink (RRP £1.99) to the cashier to get 50 per cent off the dress. Hurry, this hot dress is going to fly off the shelves!

Impulse Very Pink is available from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco and Asda stores today.

Coming up in the next couple of weeks

2011-08-29T10:00:00.048+01:00

Just to let all my beauties know that in the next couple of weeks I have some great posts lined up for you.

I will be dedicating a week to men's beauty, answering some of their common beauty problems and looking at some of the great mens skincare thats available. This will include the range from top American make up artist Michele Probst who has worked with people like Donald Trump, Tom Hanks, George Clooney and Barack Obama.

There will also be several 'broke but beautiful' segments, how you can get gorgeous without getting overdrawn. Showing you the best beauty treatments using coconut oil, bananas, coffee and red wine.

Have a lovely bank holiday beauties x

Escentual.com Turns Pink in October To Raise Funds for Breast Cancer Care

2011-08-28T10:00:00.008+01:00

To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October Escentual.com will be blushing pink in its efforts to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. The month long initiative will see Escentual.com donating 10% of the RRP from over 40 must-have pink themed beauty products including:

Clarisonic Classic Pink, Lacoste Joy of Pink EDT, Stila Lip Glaze’s, Tigi Bed Head After Party, Crabtree & Evelyn Rose EDT and Joop Homme Sexy in Pink.

To generate as much money as possible for Breast Cancer Care, Escentual.com will be turning their logo pink, featuring pink themed banners on their home page, placing themed badges on each product to indicate they are part of the fundraising initiative and are creating a bespoke section on the site featuring all products involved in the charity donation.

All the money raised will be used by the charity to offer information and support to the 50,000 people who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.

Breast Cancer Care’s Judy Beard said, “One person is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every 10 minutes which is a shocking statistic. We want to be there for each and every person and their friends and families too. That’s why we are so grateful for the support of companies like Escentual, as without them we simply couldn’t continue to provide our free services. Thank you.”

Rakesh Aggarwal, Managing Director Escentual comments,

“I don’t think there are many people that haven’t been touched by breast cancer, be it a family member, friend or themselves. Escentual.com’s hope is that by supporting Breast Cancer Care during October with our donation from sales that we can play a small part in helping to fund the amazing support and information that Breast Cancer Care provides for free to anyone who needs it. Our aim is to drive as many sales as possible towards our participating ‘pink’ themed brands to raise as much money as possible.”

New CID i-flutter Mascara £18.50

2011-08-27T10:00:00.012+01:00

In a recent survey they found that the one item of makeup women couldn’t leave the house without was mascara. I fall into that category and having a good mascara is essential in any make up bag. I love this mascara from new CID, it has a deeply intense black pigment that gives my lashes a dramatic look. The more coats I apply the thicker and longer my lashes look without them all sticky together and looking like spiders legs. Its no wonder its an award winner, its now one of my beauty truths favourites.

Little White Lie lighter tanning lotion £12.50

2011-08-26T10:00:00.000+01:00

When I came back from holiday I didn’t have a tan to speak off. Where my partner looked like a bronzed God, I looked like I had been kept in a cupboard for a week. The only good thing about going back to work after a holiday is the envy of your colleagues when they see you holiday glow. On this occasion I needed to tell a little white lie and I used this tanning lotion to get away with it. The argan oil left my skin soft and glowing while the tan gave me a natural looking bronze that everyone fell for.

Murad oil control mattifier SPF 15 £33

2011-08-25T10:00:00.005+01:00

It can be really hard in hot weather to keep makeup looking matt and stay in place. I tend to swap foundation for Murad’s oil control mattifier when the sun is shining. It protects my face with SPF 15 and also keeps my skin looking fresh and not shiny. You can use it under a foundation as a primer to, it will keep your foundation in place and stop your skin getting clogged up with oil meaning post holiday spots are a thing of the past.

Macadamia Natural Oil

2011-08-24T10:00:00.005+01:00

I didn’t know much about macadamia apart from that the nuts were over priced when you go to nice hotels. I now know that macadamia oil is fabulous for your hair. I got this travel kit that became my saviour while I was on holiday. Not only was the bag really cute and the kit contained everything I needed but it also saved my hair from too much sun and swimming. The shampoo and moisturising rinse cleaned and cleansed my hair daily while the macadamia oil infused comb kept tangles away. The leave in conditioner was great from taming my fine hair in the humidity and not making me look like I had slept upside down. The healing oil treatment intensely nourished my hair, kept my colour bright and vibrant and protected my hair from UV rays. When I returned home the deep repair mask was just what I needed to slather on my hair as I relaxed in the bath. My hair looked more like it had just been cut and blow dried rather than abused by the sun for a week.

Herbal Essences Smooth & Soft Shampoo & Conditioner

2011-08-23T10:00:00.005+01:00

Herbal Essences is probably the best smelling shampoo and conditioner around. I am still waiting for them to do a leave in conditioner that leaves your hair smelling extra fruity. Until that happens I will make do with their range of shampoo and conditioners, specifically tailored to suit each hair type. At the moment I am using the smooth and soft with has a deliciously fruity smell of mandarin. My hair has been somewhat mistreated by me what with heat styling and home dying. I was worried that it would never forgive me and would start breaking away in protest. Herbal Essences was just what it needed to regain its smoothness and go from brittle back to super soft.

Berkeley Square Lip Balm Twin Pack £6.95

2011-08-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

Channelling the style and sophistication of the 1920’s into two round metal pots of softening lip balm. Packaged in a beautiful presentation case, like antique jewellery, the rose petal and fig and cherry lip balms are here to give your lips a treat. The rose petal scent is romantic and perfect for the day, adding sheen to your lips while the beeswax and sweet almond oil nourishes them. The fig and cherry has a deeper colour to it that will leave a hint of blush to your lips making it perfect for the evening. The scent will also leave you feeling playful and passionate.

Nailene Ultra Tabs Adhesive £2.49

2011-08-21T10:00:00.003+01:00

False nails can be really great fun, especially if you can’t grow your nails or break one while the rest are perfect. I stopped wearing them a while ago as I found although they looked great, after they had come off I was left with gunky nails with glue stuck all over them and in desperate need of some tlc. I was really interested in trying new nailene ultra tabs as they claimed to answer this problem.

They were so simple and easy to use, much easier than glue in my opinion and there was no risk of glue being squeezed out the side and making the nails look messy. The nails were kept in place for 5 days and it was so easy to take them off. The adhesive tabs just peel off afterwards leaving my nails looking clean. Another great thing was that I was able to re-use the false nails, something I have never been able to do before with glue.

Payot Lait Protecteur Anti-Âge SPF 20 £21

2011-08-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to go on holiday the other week and cashed in my share of good weather karma as it was beautifully sunny the whole time. My skin is fair and very prone to burning so I have to be really strict about applying sun cream, I much prefer to fake it not bake it. It can get a bit tedious putting sun cream all the time, especially when it is hot and the cream is greasy. This sun cream didn’t feel greasy at all though and effortlessly melted into my skin so I didn’t get that horrible sticky feeling. My skin felt moisturised and protected, not a hint of redness on me at the end of the holiday. I didn’t even need to put after sun on my skin still felt moisturised and soft at the end of the day.

Enrapture Amplifying Jumbo Waver

2011-08-19T10:00:00.015+01:00

Being able to change your hairstyle at a moment’s notice is one of the joys of being a girl. You can play around with makeup but there is nothing that gives the same impact as a new ‘do’. Enrapture have burst onto the market with three new styling tools that are going to revolutionise how you feel about your hair.

I was lucky enough to try the amplifying jumbo waver and I instantly feel in love with it. As I got it out the box it looks futuristic, all shiny and sleek, I just haven’t seen anything like it. I found it so easy to use, normally with styling tools there is a degree of practice involved but with the jumbo waver I got the hand of it straight away.

I sectioned off my hair and starting with the hair at the back of my neck placed a section between the three metal tongs, about an inch from my scalp. You only need to hold the tongs together for a few seconds, and then work down your hair making sure you overlap the ridges in your hair. It only took me seven minutes to wave all my hair and my look was transformed. My hair was bouncy and full of body, something that is very rare for my limp and lifeless tresses. You can get several looks using the jumbo waver: rock chick, defined waves and my favourite bohemian (bonus points for adding a flower or leather hair band).

Bad hair days are now a thing of the past and flat hair straightened to within an inch of its life behind us. The future is movement, texture and fun hair that looks stunning. Let enrapture into your life and will love your hair forever more.

Enrapture also have on offer the fabulous Encode Totem Styler & the Extremity Heated Rollers.

Aspinal of London Cosmetics Case £65

2011-08-18T14:54:00.001+01:00

Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas presents yet? No? Good because I have my eyes on one of these stunning cosmetics cases from Aspinal of London. They are the perfect size to store all my favourite cosmetics and brushes for the day ahead. You could even use one as a glamourous pencil case. The hard choice will be what colour to go for. I am going to be a very good girl over the next few months in the hope that I receive one of these beauties under my tree.

New limited edition ghd styler for Breakthrough Breast Cancer

2011-08-16T10:00:00.006+01:00

Taking inspiration from the world’s style capitals, this year’s Pink Orchid Limited Edition from ghd takes cues from some of today’s hottest designers including Valentino, Balenciaga and Christopher Kane, who weaved magenta, rose and cerise shades through their sumptuous S/S collections. Working this season’s pink and black lace trend, this year’s eagerly anticipated ghd Pink limited edition features a sheer lace print layered over this seasons colour; hot orchid pink to create a super slick design.

And for the first time ever, this year’s Pink limited edition features the ghd Gold Series Classic styler with a sleek twist – styling plates that have been transformed into a vibrant shade of hot orchid pink – a style note from accessories shown at the House of Holland S/S catwalk show, which featured intense pink tones.

The pink plated styler glides through hair effortlessly - allowing better, lighter handling for all types of styling, easily creating the sort of looks that made ghd famous. Curls, waves, flicks and the perfect straight can easily be achieved with the styler’s rounded barrel.

Accompanying the pink plated styler, this year’s limited edition includes the ultimate accessory to compliment any super-stylish summer wardrobe. Versatile and sassy, the ghd Pink Orchid Limited Edition heat-resistant styler case / clutch bag is this season’s must-have item. The glam set also includes two ghd sectioning clips to make styling any look even easier, The Pink Orchid Limited Edition is set to be the most coverted styler yet, with £10 from every styler sold being donated to the amazing charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. This will be the 8^th year ghd and Breakthrough Breast Cancer have collaborated and in that time over £400,000 has been raised by ghd to go towards crucial funding and research carried out by the charity.

The new ghd Pink Orchid Limited Edition will be available from approved ghd salons and www.ghdhair.com from August 1st 2011 priced at £129. £10 from each sale will be donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Elemis Showers you with a gift this August...

2011-08-15T10:00:00.005+01:00

Spend £50 on timetospa.co.uk and choose a FREE Elemis sp@home Shower Gel worth up to £20.50

Choose one of these four luxurious lathering lovelies: Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream to escape and indulge, Sharp Shower to invigorate post gym, Skin Nourishing Shower Cream to relax and unwind or Revitalise Me Shower Gel to awaken the senses.

THE FRAGRANCE SHOP - GOLDEN TICKET GIVEAWAY

2011-08-14T12:25:00.002+01:00

Leading fragrance specialist, The Fragrance Shop is giving customers another massive incentive to visit their stores and online at www.thefragranceshop.co.uk between 30st August and 29th September 2011 with the launch of their ‘Golden Ticket Giveaway.’

Customers have the chance to win one of five “money can’t buy” exclusive city breaks including the chance to see Beyoncé live in concert, an exclusive trip to Milan and a helicopter ride to Monte Carlo Bay to celebrate top fragrances. 1,000’s of other ‘must have’ prizes are also on offer in this hugely popular event – back by demand.

Thousands of ‘Golden Ticket’ scratch cards have been delivered to stores nationwide and are available on-line and customers will be eligible for a card every time they spend £10 or more between 30th August and 29th September 2011. Every card is a winner with hundreds of runner-up prizes up for grabs and thousands of money-off vouchers.

GOSH Instant Tan Gel Light £7.66

2011-08-06T10:00:00.000+01:00

This fake tan is perfect for those people new to fake tan or who only want a subtle flush of colour. The quick drying gel leaves a beautiful bronze sheen on your skin and you can apply more layers to build the colour. I found this fake tan really great in hot weather. I put the tube into the fridge for half an hour so when I can to apply it was lovely and cool. As I didn’t have to wait for it to dry I didn’t need to worry about sweating and making it run, a problem with some other tans in hot weather.

My top three Bronzing Powders

2011-08-05T17:00:00.010+01:00

St Moriz Bronzing Powder Light

GOSH Precious Powder Pearls

MAC Bronze

Lightly dust bronzer over your cheeks, temples, centre of your forehead, nose and chin for an instantly sun kissed glow.

KMS Color Vitality

2011-08-04T10:00:00.000+01:00

When you have spent time and money on dying your hair you want your colour to last for as long as possible. Picking the right shampoo and conditioner is essential in keeping the vibrancy in your hair colour for as long as possible. One of my favourite conditioners is from KMS. Not only does it leave my hair super smooth and shiny but also prolongers the intenseness of my colour.

Benefit Highbeam £18.50

2011-08-02T10:00:00.004+01:00

You don’t need much of this product to a dazzling effect. Sweep a streak just under your eyebrows at the outer corners and across the top of your cheek bones for instant glamour.

Payot Doux Gommage Granule Free Exfoliator

2011-08-01T10:00:00.004+01:00

I do love the feeling of freshly exfoliated skin, not only does your skin feel so much smoother but it also looks fresh and glowing. I normally like an exfoliator with granules but I also love Payot products so I thought if there was ever going to be exfoliator that would change my mind it would be from them. The formula feels lovely and luxurious when you apply it and you really feel that you are treating your skin well. After I washed it off I was really happy with the results, my face was glowing and felt smooth but I didn’t have to use any granules to get the desired result.

Miners Pearls and Girls £3.49

2011-07-31T10:00:00.007+01:00

I love Miners for the affordable, fun and fabulous products they bring out and these new lips glosses are right up my street. The range of shades means that you are bound to find one that suits you and the price means you could buy all six easily if you wanted to. They leave you lips looking beautiful glossy, they are non sticky so you don’t have the embarrassment of your hair getting stuck to your lips and pulling the colour all over your cheeks when you try and remove it.

JINNY Lash

2011-07-30T13:16:00.003+01:00

Achieving the perfect lashes has been on the top of my wish list for a while now. There is something so feminine and flirty about long, luscious lashes that shape your eyes. Going too far with false lashes and you will end up looking a bit tranny like Katie Price and there are very few women who could pull that off. Besides, the secret to looking your best is to enhance your beauty so that people can’t tell.

In the world of lash extensions there is one place that everybody is heading to, renowned in the celebrity world and us mere mortals JINNY lash is the leading name in lash extensions. The treatment has such a great reputation that I travelled 230 miles to see what they could achieve.

JINNY lash is just off the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, in a small parlour up some stairs. From the unassuming outside you would never guess the magic that goes on there. The staff are all very polite, the shop tasteful, comfortable and compact but not much is given away by the decoration. This is a place that does not need crystal chandeliers or gold chaise lounges to entice people inside; here the product speaks for itself.

I am a little flustered when I arrive, it’s been a while since I was last in central London and it’s a hot day. I do feel instantly calm as I walk inside and sink into the large sofa to read through some guidelines. Quickly I am taken in to a small cool room to lie down so the lash process can begin. I instantly feel sorry for my technician, as I am not used to people touching my lashes my eyes start to flicker and twitch as I try to keep them closed, its not painful in the slightest just unusual. Bless her though as she show no signs of annoyance and very patiently starts the applying the individual lashes. After 5 minutes I get used to the sensation and relax so much that I drift off for a while. The hour-long process is over in what seems like 20 minutes and I am a bit sad that it’s finished as I so enjoy being pampered.

I don’t really know what I was expecting, I thought they would look nice but I was not expecting how great they actually looked. Wow. My eyes looked so much bigger and awake and I was not expecting how natural they would look. I thought you might be able to see the joins or some tale tale signs like you do with strip lashes but nothing gave them away. In fact I was completely blown away by how natural they looked. The below photo is taken on my webcam so is a bit blurry but you get the effect. Considering my eyelashes before weren’t long, curled or thick JINNY lash has worked wonders, they have given me the eyelashes I always wanted; thick and long with a dramatic curl.

The next morning, after spending hours staring at them in the mirror, I am still stunned by how fabulous they look. The ease of not having to apply lashings of mascara each morning still hasn’t hit me, I am still just in awe of my fabulous lashes.

*************************** FABULOUS OFFER *****************************

******To try the life changing lash extensions for yourself print your voucher here to take advantage of the fabulous summer promotion - an hours worth of lash extensions for only £50. This offer is for a limited time only, offer ends 15th August and you will need to book as demand is high. Trust me you will not be disappointed and will spend hours looking the mirror and how beautiful you now look.******

Pupa Lip Volumizer Enhancer

2011-07-29T10:00:00.004+01:00

If you want a pout to rival Angelia Jolie or Megan Fox without going to the extremes of surgery, which let’s face it can make you end up looking more fish than fanciable, Pupa has just the thing. It’s intensely moisturising whilst also giving your lips a gentle boost and leaving you with a perfect pout even movie stars would be proud of.

Tantastic Instant Tan £15

2011-07-28T10:00:00.008+01:00

As I have said before, in the morning I am very much a lay in till the last minute kind of girl. My morning routine is as minimal as possible so any product that is quick and easy to use is good with me. Applying fake tan is normally quite a long process especially when you have to wait till you get dressed so I normally leave it for the evening. With Tantasic though I can apply it in the morning and get dressed straight away. It is really quick to apply and as it bronzes the skin instantly I don’t have to worry about missing bits or getting streaks. I don’t have to wait to get dressed so if the weather is unexpectedly nice I can apply it, get dressed straight away and go out and enjoy the day. The tan itself is contains Vitamin E, doesn’t smell and leaves my skin a lovely bronzed colour that last for 5 days.

Tommyguns ‘leave me in’ conditioner and styling crème

2011-07-27T10:00:00.005+01:00

During the week I am so pressed for time that any product that is multi functional is fabulous. In the mornings I am always rushing and I love that I can condition my hair and style it effectively and easily with another fabulous product from Tommyguns. I use it on wet hair when I get up in time and if I ignore my alarm and only give myself a few minutes to get ready I use it on dry hair to give it a boost and it makes it smell like I have just washed it, no one can ever tell if I have been lazy or not in the morning.

Vanessa Knox Anasatasia Multi Way Jersey Dress £85

2011-07-25T10:00:00.032+01:00

There is something timeless and elegant about the little black dress. It makes us feel sexy and sophisticated, automatically you hold your heads higher and ooze confidence. When I first tried Vanessa Knox's Anasatasia dress I could not believe how fantastically it drapes. The jersey material is super soft and sensuous, looking good shouldn't mean feeling uncomfortable. It is simply ingenious, how you can change your outfit simply by wrapping a sleeve around yourself or tucking one arm out the neckline. I am the sort of person that either dresses down or dresses up, sometimes this means I get to a party and everyone looks more glamourous than I do, guaranteed to ruin my night. The Anastasia dress is fabulous for this kind of occasion, if have turned up wearing it over leggings as a smart tunic I can change into a sexy dress in a matter of moments. Also it saves the embarrassment of turning up to an event where someone else is in the same dress, a quick twist of a sleeve and its like you are wearing a different dress. It can be one shouldered or cowl neck or halter neck or strapless. It can be tight at the waist or loose. You can wear it as a top with jeans, wear it knee length for the office and go straight out to a bar and pull the hemline up a little. Talk about capsule wardrobe, if you just pack a few accessories its all you need in your holiday bag. Every woman should have one of these dresses in their wardrobe, its available in black, grey or peony and an item you will never get bored of.

Sassoon's Perfectly Smooth Straightener £17.99

2011-07-24T10:00:00.000+01:00

Sassoon have come up with a range of affordable hair straightners that also do a fantastic job. First up the ionic technology used emits negatively charged ions onto the hair shaft to break down water molecules and lock in the natural moisture in the hair, this means that the hair is left shiny, smooth and glossy. Next up the ceramic plates allow for smooth contact with the hair shaft preventing snagging, they also improve heat distribution through the hair so that he results are perfect every time.The variable heat settings means that you don't risk heat damage on fine hair.

What I loved about these straighteners was firstly the price, who said fabulous hair had to be expensive. They were also really easy to use and didn't snag or pull my hair (which I have had happen with some very expensive straighteners). The results were great, in no time at my hair was perfectly smooth. Being able to change the heat setting was fantastic, my hair is quite thin and the ends can get burnt if the heat is too high, being able to turn down the heat meant that I was able to save the ends any damage.

Beauty Truths Not Ugly Lies

2011-07-23T10:00:00.001+01:00

Here is an Beauty Truths Not Ugly Lies in print

Abahna White Grapefruit & May Chang Natural Wax Candle

2011-07-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

There is something deeply romantic about candles. One of my favourite things is to light some candles, pour a glass of wine and read a good book. When you have a nicely scented candle it can transform the scent of the room even when it isn’t alight. I got one from Abahna in the grapefruit and may chang as I wanted to freshen up the living room. Everything about the product has been carefully selected, the packaging is just adorable and it feels so special when you open it. The look of the candle is just beautiful and the smell of it is amazing, it smells natural and uplifting, a fantastic addition to any room.

Spa Find Heavenly hydration Conditioning Scalp Mud £19.75

2011-07-21T10:00:00.000+01:00

The scalp is often an area that is overlooked in the beauty routine but it’s the first step to healthy, happy hair. One of my friends was recently round and he was complaining that his hair was very thin and he was getting a bald patch at the back. I asked him what he did to his hair and he said he washed it a couple of times a week. To get thicker hair I suggested that he look after his scalp more and suggested that Spa Find heavenly hydration condition scalp mud would be just the thing. I loved everything about the product; putting it on feels slightly naughty as it’s not often you rub ‘mud’ in your hair. I like any product that you can put on and then sit back and relax while it works its magic. It rinses out easily and left my hair so soft and shiny. After my friend used it a couple of times he said he could feel the difference in his hair and scalp and he is carrying on with the routine.

XEN-TAN Dark Lotion Absolut Luxe £39.99

2011-07-18T10:00:00.020+01:00

This tan from XEN-TAN is on the higher price point from fake tan so you would expect to get something special for your money right? Apparently its taken four years to get just the right formula and my word have they done a good job! By far it has to be the darkest tan I have used which means one application sets you up for 10 days. Be sure to exfoliate beforehand and apply the product with a tanning mitt and you will marvel at the results. I went to bed looking my pale and my normal self and in the morning my man friend said it was like waking up to a different person. The formula is rich and luxurious without any hint of that chemically fake tan smell. Whats more it is really nourishing to the skin and I felt super soft and smooth. A tan makes me feel more confident and sexy and I know I am not alone in that department. The XEN-TAN dark lotion absolut luxe made me feel super confident, super sexy, super smooth and super tanned, love it, love it, love it. Really is a miracle tan.

XEN-TAN Perfect Blend £34.99

2011-07-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

This is an idea so ingenious and I am so pleased that someone has actualised it. A completely unique product that allows you to create the perfect colour tan to match your skin tone. One half of the tube contains a shimmer bronzer that instantly gives your skin some colour and the other half contains fake tan that develops in a matter of hours. This a fake tan that really is going to suit everybody and every occasion. If you just want a subtle glow turn the dial to the lightest shades and for a darker evening look turn the dial up so you add more of the long lasting bronzer. The formula is lovely and rich without any of that horrible fake tan smell. I found the product so easy to use and loved the results. The tan lasted for a week which meant I could go and enjoy myself knowing my skin looked its best, Defiantly a tan that is going to be getting a lot of use over the summer.

Flex Headphones £24.99

2011-07-16T10:00:00.000+01:00

Recently I have taken up running because feeling good is the first step to looking good, that and I figured I need to put some sort of exercise in my life. I really enjoy running when I can listen to music, otherwise it is just quite boring. The problem was though that as I was running my earphones kept on slipping out of my ears and I had to stop running and put them back in. It was getting so annoying and quite frankly ruining my running experience.

When I heard about Flex Headphones I knew they were just thing I was looking for. The earbuds themselves are really soft when they go in your ears, some I have found can be a bit scratchy but not these. Then the plastic hooks goes over your ears which stops them falling out no matter how fast you run. I decided to test them out by doing cartwheels and still they stayed in place. The hooks also mean the wires don't get in your face and put you off your stride.

As a sporting device they work fantastically so you may be forgiven for thinking that the sound quality wouldn't be again good, you would be wrong though. The problem with most of the earphones that are given out with mp3 devices is that the sound quality is really bad, this means that you end up turning up the volume to the highest which damages your ears and contributes to hearing loss. The Flex headphones have a really great sound quality, I found I only needed to have the volume up half way to fully enjoy the music I was listening to and I like my music loud. These headphones are for sports lovers or music lovers or both and a great way to make jogging more fun!

YEN YEN Jasmine Rice Body Bar £10

2011-07-15T10:00:00.017+01:00

I can’t bang on enough about the importance of exfoliating and what better way to do than with a lovely smelling body bar. YEN YEN have sourced only the best rice from Thailand and hand picked 3 types of rice grain. Jasmine rice, red rice and black rice go into their body bars which will leave you skin super soft, fabulously clean and softly scented. I have been using mine everyday for two weeks and my skin is noticeably softer, smoother and silkier. Some body bars can dry your skin out but this body bar is lovely and moisturising. I even use it on my face without the fear of dry, tight skin afterwards. Next up I am going to try the kaffir lime body bar as it is my favourite smell ever and the bamboo charcoal body bar that unclogs pores and draws out impurities. These body bars make a great gift, the natural packaging is wonderful and the scents are simply heavenly.

He-Shi 3 Step Discovery Kit £17.50

2011-07-14T10:00:00.008+01:00

I am getting so excited about my impending holiday, I have already started to gather all the toiletries I will be needing. As I don’t really tan even if I spend a life time under the sun I rely on fake tanning so I actually look like I have been away. He-shi has come to my rescue with this brilliant travel kit containing express liquid tan to get me started, day to day gradual tan to top me up and an exfoliating body wash to keep my tan looking even and prepare my skin. The clever people at He-Shi have also made sure that all the bottle are under the 100ml airline limit. The unique thing about He-Shi is that’s it is formulated for men and women, not that I will be letting my man friend borrow any of mine though!

GOSH Long Lasting Eyebrow Pen £5.99

2011-07-13T10:00:00.003+01:00

I recently raved about the GOSH eyebrow pencil for its longevity. GOSH have gone one better with the eyebrow pen though that will easily last for two days. It’s perfect if you are going to a festival and want to spend as much time as possible enjoying yourself rather than doing your makeup. It took a couple of attempts to get used to it but then it was really easy to use. It’s great if your eyebrows have gaps as you can do small light stokes that give the appearance of full, thick brows.

Garnier Mineral Invisible Deodorant

2011-07-12T10:00:00.005+01:00

Ok not a glamorous product but an essential one if you want to smell nice. How to avoid white lines on black clothes has always been a problem with aresol deodorants but Garnier have come to the rescue. To make sure your armpits are fresh without being white, hold the can at least 30cm away from your body, too close and your armpits will be snowing!

Benefit Posietint £24.50

2011-07-11T10:00:00.005+01:00

I don’t know why I had never got into face tints before now, recently I have fallen completely in love them. Posietint is my go to tint for the daytime when I am going for the ‘English Rose’ look and want to feel romantic. Just a couple of dabs of the apples of my cheeks and a swipe on my lips are all I need. Team with a floral maxi dress or playsuit, hair in a messy up do and flip flops for the perfect summertime look.

Miners Define and Line £2.99

2011-07-10T10:00:00.007+01:00

I love liquid liner and it is a staple in my makeup case. Miners have done themselves proud with these adorable liquid liners available in black, blue and brown. Really easy to use and the perfect size to pop in your handbag, I like to keep a liquid liner on me at all times, a flick of black or blue can dramatically change your look from day to evening. The blue and brown are the perfect shades to bring the colour out in your eyes. The felt tip nip makes it so easy to create the sexy cats eye flick and build up the line from thin to thick.

LUSH Charlotte Island Body Tint £5.50

2011-07-09T10:00:00.000+01:00

At the moment the weather in the UK seems to be so sporadic that one day it’s raining and the next its perfect picnic weather. Some mornings I have woken up to glorious unexpected sunshine and reached for my favourite summer dress only to be horrified with my white legs. On these occasions I reach for the LUSH Charlotte Island Body Tint. It has a gorgeous sheen to it whilst giving your skin a sun kissed look. No one will guess that it has come out of the bottle as it is just so natural.

OH MY GOSH Limited Edition Mini Nail Lacquers

2011-07-08T10:00:00.001+01:00

The summer if finally here and the colours on everyone’s nails are bright to match the sun. GOSH have come up with the perfect range (20) and at only £2.99 each you will be spoilt for choice. My favourites and the ones I shall be rocking over the next couple of months are electric pink, orange splash and pink red that look fantastic with a tan or on paler skin if you are tan adverse. If you don’t want to go for the really bright look they also have a great brown grey which is a great colour for the working week.

Bumble and Bumble Let it Shine

2011-07-07T10:00:00.000+01:00

Some shampoos and conditioners I have tried claim to give you shiny hair and after using them I am left disappointed. When I tried Bumble and Bumble I wasn’t overly hopefully even though the product smelt lovely. My hair felt lovely and soft when I used it and didn’t felt coated with product when I was rough drying it with a towel. I also like to let my hair get mostly dry naturally before I blast it with the hair dryer. As I dye my hair I want to keep it away from heat as much as possible. When I did fully dry it I was so impressed with the shine. It looked like I had just been to the hairdressers as it had that newly cut shimmer. It was the first time I had used Bumble and Bumble and I will definitely be using it again.

To add even more shine I used the shine (on and on) finishing spray. My hair looks so amazing with these products it is almost criminal.

Fake Tan Disaster

2011-07-06T10:00:00.007+01:00

This is what happens if you don't follow my guide to getting the perfect fake tan. I should really have learnt by now but I rushed it, big mistake!

My favourite hairstyle of the moment

2011-07-05T10:00:00.005+01:00

This is definitely a look I am going to be recreated and hopefully perfecting over the summer. I will do a tutorial as soon as I get it right.

Top British Beauties Revealed

2011-07-04T10:00:00.004+01:00

To celebrate the start of its Beauty Month this July, QVC, the world’s leading online and TV shopping channel, asked 2,000 men and women to vote on who they believed to be the most beautiful British women over the decades.

Audrey Hepburn has been named as the most beautiful British woman of all time. The timeless beauty and Breakfast at Tiffany’s star took the top spot in the nationwide poll. Glamorous Elizabeth Taylor narrowly missed out and came in second place whilst Princess Diana’s iconic natural beauty made her the third most beautiful Brit of all time.

With Cheryl Cole, Kelly Brook and Holly Willoughby all making the top ten, results showed that 21^st century beauties are holding their own against old school glamour. Catherine Zeta Jones and Kate Beckinsale may have moved across the pond but remain firm favourites with the British public.

The top ten most beautiful Brits were voted as;

Audrey Hepburn (11 per cent)
Elizabeth Taylor (6 per cent)
Princess Diana (6 per cent)
Catherine Zeta Jones (5 per cent)
Cheryl Cole (4 per cent)
Kelly Brook (3 per cent)
Keira Knightley (3 per cent)
Kate Beckinsale (3 per cent)
Holly Willoughby (2 per cent)
Twiggy (2 per cent)

Late entries from the Middleton family saw the new Duchess of Cambridge (12^th) steal Kate Moss’s (29^th) crown while Catherine’s sister also pipped the notorious supermodel to the post coming in 28^th place.

Blue eyed Brits appear to have beaten brown eyed girls to the top beauty spots with just under half of the top one hundred being blessed with blue eyes compared to only thirty nine brown eyed girls. With only fourteen British beauties having green eyes, this was the rarest eye colour.

Stepping over to the dark side is obviously the way forward with fifty three brunettes dominating the top one hundred versus only forty three blondes, leaving Dr Who’s Karen Gillan, model Lily Cole, singer Nicola Roberts and award winning actress Tilda Swinton flying the flag for redheads.

Actresses meanwhile seem to have the edge on any other profession in the beauty stakes as forty six of our top one hundred are thespians by trade, this is compared to eighteen models, sixteen singers, thirteen television presenters, two members of the British Royal family (with one other relative of the Royals), one chef, one athlete, one designer and one beautiful ballet dancer.

Benefit Georgia £23.50

2011-07-03T10:00:00.005+01:00

You know the morning after you have had a heavy drinking session when you look really pasty, or when you are tried and all the colour has drained from your face? Well this is the product for those times. The light peach is perfect for putting the life back into your face while the pinkish tone will make you look younger and more awake. It looks sensational on the apples of your cheeks if you have a tan or sweep gently over your face for the wide awake look.