Best of Beauty 2011

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Holiday Beauty Essentials

Whether you’re going abroad or just kicking back in your garden, we all love a bit of sun! But with the sun also comes frizz, burns and melting make up. Here are my top tips and beauty products to help you channel your inner beach babe.

Skincare

 Suncream (Obviously!)

Suncream is sooo important – if you want to tan you’ve got to do it carefully and gradually – the lobster look looks good on no one when you’re older, who wants to look like Donatella Versace?

If you’re going abroad go armed with a range of factors. I normally start on 30, then drop to 15 where I can (gone are the days of, oh I’ll just use a factor 6 oil). I use a separate, non-greasy high factor on my face.

Boots’ Soltan family collection is really good value offering 3 factors and an aftersun for £12.99. I love a high factor sun lotion that is non-greasy, absorbs quickly and doesn’t block pores like Piz Buin In Sun Lotion SPF 30, available from Cheapsmells

Lipbalm, preferably with SPF

So many people forget to protect their lips, but if you want to rock that colour popping lipstick at night you need to protect against chapped, burnt lips – SIMPLE!

Moisturiser

After a days sunbathing you need a great moisturiser to lock that tan in! I’ve never know if it’s better to use after sun or a regular body moisturiser, but I’ve tried both and got the same results. I’ve always been a big fan of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter and Soap & Glory’s Righteous Butter – unfortunately so are FLIES! In Egypt last year I stuck to Soltan aftersun with insect repellent, which was still very moisturising. AVOID aftersuns that market themselves as a tan prolonger. If it contains self tanning ingredient, I find it doesn’t mix well with the natural tan and leads to premature pealing.

And I’d never go on holiday without Elizabeth Arden’s Eight hour cream – for burns, dry skin and chapped lips. Keep it close during the flight – it’s the perfect antidote to the moisture zapping, dehydrating aeroplanes. 

Make Up

I love holiday make up. You can take all your current routines and rules and throw them out the window cos if you can’t experiment in a foreign country where no one knows you, when can you! Even if you’re not feeling so daring, the heat and humidity forces you to change it up anyway.

I do think holiday make up should be kept to a minimum, not least because those pesky airlines get stingier on luggage allowance every year, but who wants to waste their time applying the wall paint (only for it to slide off during that first cocktail) and with your bronzed holiday glow you shouldn’t need as much, right??? I wouldn’t bother with it during the day, but if you have to make sure it’s waterproof and opt for cream products over powder.

Cream Blush – my number one holiday hero!

A cream blush is great for adding a pop of colour on the cheeks without clogging the pores. In the heat they last longer and look fresher. I love Mac Blushcreme in LadyBlush (read review) and Stila’s Convertible colours – both can be used on the lips too.  Tip – keep them in the fridge so avoid theit textured becoming too liquefied.

A Multiple Stick

Multi taskers are really all you need for beach glamour.  I love Topshop’s Cheeks in Prism, an all-in-one shimmer stick, which is super-easy to apply and looks lush on any skin tone. It can be used on checks, lips and eyes or apply in a ‘C’ shape around the temples to lift the face and complement a tan.

HOT nail varnish and lipstick

Holidays are the perfect opportunity to sport that bright lipstick you’ve been wanting to try but were too scared to. Try a bright fushia or coral – perfect compliment for a tan. I love Mac’s Girl About Town and Cost Chic.

The same goes for the nails, step out your pale pink comfort zone and reach for something eye popping or sparkly! I might even unlease the Ciate Mohita (aka shrek green) that I received in my Glossybox.

Waterproof mascara

If you can go without, do! If not, whether there’s water involved or not, better make it waterproof. The heat and humidity can be just as damaging – panda eyes is never a good look, especially on a hot summers day… or night.

Hair

A salty/touselled/ texturising type spray

You’re on holiday, frizz and waves are inevitable so save time and effort blowdrying, straightening and trying to combat the kink and ride those beach waves. Some type of saltly/touselled/texturising spray will help you look all beachy and fabulous.

I like Umberto Giannini’s grunge glamour tousled salt spray or make your own DIY spray with actual sea water!

Tangle Teezer

I don’t know how I coped without this for so long, home or away. Great for teasing out those sea salty tangles without breaking hair.

And don’t forget your toothbrush!

Bargain Beauty Buys

With the summer sales in full swing I’ve traipsed around the shops and trawled through hundreds of online pages  to bring you some of the best beauty bargains out there .

Marks and Spencer

Not one of my regular beauty haunts, I must admit but whilst browsing in the home department I wondered along (like a moth to a flame) to the beauty sale. Stock was limited but there’s some bargains to be had – this is what I picked up

Lazy Spa – Shape up contouring gel Was £6 now £1.50

This all over intensive body contouring gel contains CellActive® – Shape and witch hazel. Combined with massage, these active ingredients help to firm, tone and reduce the appearance of cellulite. With a beach holiday coming up, it’s got to be worth a go.

Busy But Beautiful Body Shimmer BalmWas £5 now £1.50

Give your skin a subtle luminescence with this sexy scented body balm. I was more attracted to the tin, which you can re-use as a great make-up brush holder or a stylish case for all your beautiful cosmetics, but the balm itself is a lovely highlighter type balm for the body and smells divine.

ASOS

A lot of people don’t realise that ASOS stocks beauty treats, as well as fashion faves. Their ever expanding beauty department includes brands such as GHD, Nails Inc, Illamasqua and Soap and Glory.

There’s some great bargains to be had in their summer sale, here are my top pics…

Nails Inc SS11 Collection Was £25.00 NOW £16.25

Featuring four on-trend colours, ideal for creating this season’s colour-clash nails. Including Wellington Square, a pastel peach inspired by the coral tones at Fendi, Hampstead, a subtle biscuit beige, Queensgate Terrace, a soft cornflower blue and Brook Street, a vivid pinky coral. Inspired by the catwalks and this season’s on-trend colours, they are ideal for creating fashion-forward looks.

Soap & Glory ‘Clear Here’ Oil Control Daily Moisture Lotion 50ml Was £8.20 NOW £4.75

Oil control daily moisture lotion by Soap & Glory. Designed to smooth and protect then skin whilst helping to minimize pore, prevent spots and control shine.

Cheap Smells

Another of my go to online beauty shops – great for cult favourites at discount prices including YSL Touche Eclat and Elizabeth Arden Eight hour cream

I also spotted…

Elizabeth Arden – Color Intrigue Gel Eyeliner and Brush with a whopping 81%off WAS £26 NOW £4.95 Available in Ocean Teal and Brown

Lancome Colour Design Eye shadows from £5.95

Topshop

I picked up a set of 3 lip polishes for just £5 in store – fabulously glossy and available in 3 great colours.

Don’t worry if there’s nothing left in your nearest Topshop, there’s still a few online beauty bargains like Gel EyeLiners, various colours WAS £8, NOW £2

Happy Summer Sales!

Best of… Pink Lip Glosses

Lip gloss is something I’ve loved for years. In fact it was probably my first make up love. I started with Lancome’s Juicy tubes then progressed to everything and anything shiny and glossy. Although I’m increasingly drawn to lipsticks now, I still can’t walk past a make up counter without sampling their latest gloss. My current obsession are nudes and peaches, but for a long time it was all about the pinks. Here’s some I have in my collection….

Left to right

Mac Viva VI Glam Special Edition Lipglass £12.50

I wasn’t sure whether to include this one as it’s at the lilac end of the spectrum, but it’s actually quite a nudey pink when applied. Typical of Mac Lipglasses it’s thick, luxurious and Long lasting, but can be a bit too glupey. BEST FOR: Highlighting a tan

Clinique Long Last Glosswear – Air Kiss (Full Size £14)

I got this sample size gloss free with a Clinique Bonus Time gift, otherwise I wouldn’t have chosen it, but I’m glad I did. This one’s Sheer, Shiny and Sticky. It’s a very pretty, light pink and great over lipstick because it lasts long-time! BEST FOR: Wearing over lipstick

Mac Lipgelee Limited Edition – Bubble Lounge £12.50

This one’s special. Creamy, shiny, shimmery and luxurious. It’s a light nudey pink with a creamy, frosty finish. Long lasting but not sticky, smells great too. Whenever I whip it out on a night out it’s quickly snatched off me and passed around. BEST FOR: Maximum impact WOW lips

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Candy Gloss £8

This one’s a light peachy pink that’s heavy on the glitter. It has a heat activated plumping effect for the ultimate pout – don’t worry it doesn’t sting or burn. Nice on its own for a hint of glimmer and has a fabulous vanilla scent. BEST FOR: Plumping

Mac Limited Edition Wonder Woman Collection Lipglass in Emancipation £17

Candy pink with a suitable gold shimmer. It’s sticky long lasting and JUMBO sized. Quite highly pigmented giving it a great coverage. It’s my current number one! BEST FOR: Everything

Clinique Colour Surge Impossibly Glossy – Prettiest Pink

This gloss is the darkest of the bunch, verging on hot pink. It has soft, creamy feel – comfortable to wear and not especially sticky. Has a satin sheen finish. Unfortunately, I think it’s been discontinued now – don’t you hate it when that happens! BEST FOR: Coverage

Pout Plump Lip gloss

Unfortunately Pout cosmetics no longer exists, but you can still pick some of these babies up online. This one’s been in the collection for years and I’m scared to let it run out. It smells and tastes minty with a cooling effect that plumps the lips and with regular use, and claims to increase collagen. That I’m not sure about but the texture is creamy with a sine/satin finish. The medium pink is great for a nice hint of colour without being too bold.  BEST FOR: Plumping

Let me know your recommendation and watch out for my Best Of… Nude glosses

Valentine’s Day 2011 Beauty Gift Guide

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and love (apparently) in the air, now is the time to discover the gorgeous beauty gifts we really want this Valentine’s day.

Sorry Men, but  we really don’t want petrol station flowers or giant heart shaped boxes of chocolates this year, and tacky underwear from Anne Summers, do you really think we don’t realise that’s a gift for you and you alone. Ladies,  whether you’re single or just can’t trust the man in your life to come up trumps, here are some heavenly scented products that might help cushion the blow.

Molton Brown Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Skin Care Gift Set

Nothing says I love you like a bit of luxury, and few do it better than super brand Molton Brown. Combining the fragrant oils of African ginger, patchouli and Reunion Island pink pepper, this luxurious skin care duo from will leave you feeling refreshed and energised.

Presented in a lovely gift box, the set contains:

• Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower (300ml): this bodywash cleanses your skin, helps to protect it from environmental pollutants and reawakens your energy
• Molton Brown Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Body Lotion (200ml): with pink pepperpod extract and essential oil of Brazilian peppertree, this warm, sweet and deeply spiced, lotion will nourish and hydrate your skin

Available form John Lewis £35

 

Mac Tinted Lip Conditioner Pots

I know it’s sterotypical but girls do love pink, creams and pots – and this wonder product contains all 3.

This protective emollient balm formulated with SPF 15, gives a sheer wash of colour and an all-natural sheen. Conditions lips, locks in moisture. Contains Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, Vitamins A and E.

Keeps your lips soft and kissable, just in case he deserves to touch them this Valentine’s Day; the pot looks pretty cute in your bag too.  Available in 3 colours, I’d recommend Petting Pink.

£11 online and at mac counters

 

Horny Cow Seductive Bath & Body Oil from Cowshed

For something cheeky, check out Cowshed’s Horny Cow range.

Treat that special someone to a Valentine’s massgae and Get frisky with Horny Cow’s Seductive sensual bath & massage oil

Bath & Massage Oil is a floral, spicy blend that evokes your sensuality and passion with rose absolute, and essential oils. Men, when will you realise, if you put some effort in, you might get something in return!

Available online at COWSHED £20 100ml

 

Soap and Glory Breakfast scrub

Don’t skip…THE BREAKFAST SCRUB™ Oat, Shea Butter & Sugar Body Smoother. But be warned, this product should carry a health warning! With scents of Banana, Almond, Honey and golden sugar , you’ll literally want to eat it, not rub it in. For the perfect start to your day Slather yourself in this wonderfully thick and luxurious products to leave skin soft and sparkling.

You’ll smell so sweet you’ll be fighting them off.

£9.45 for 300ml at Boots.

 

L’Occitane Cherry blossom discovery collection

Relax and indulge with this pampering cherry blossom discovery collection from L’Occitane. The rejuvenating and luxurious properties makes this a truly indulgent and pampering set that is perfect for a little you time! This cherry blossom discovery collection from L’Occitane features soap, shower gel, body lotion, hand cream and shea hand cream.

Available online at Debenhams and L’Occitane stores £17.

Treat yourself if no one else will…

REVIEW: SOAP & GLORY WISH UPON A JAR

I’m a big fan of Soap and Glory products, some might say borderline obsessive. Like honey to a bee I’m enticed by the chic, girlie packaging, cheeky strap lines and oh so delicious scents. I’d been wanting to try their WISH UPON A JAR™ 21 Day Collagen Overhaul Cream for some time, but when I tried to buy it, it  was sold out – a good sign I thought?

The jar says Take a deep breath, concentrate, and make a…WISH UPON A JAR™ 21 Day Collagen Overhaul Cream For tired, dull and aging skin, with shea butter, tetrapeptides, antioxidants and oxygen boosters. It claims to illuminate the skin and minimize the visual aspects of lines, wrinkles, shadows, large pores, pigmentation and discolouration.

The packaging is fab, the little silver ball is the perfect compliment to my bathroom, as is the signature S&G scent, but at £14 a pot, it needs more than fancy packaging to win me over. The cream itself is very thick and luxurious. It spreads easily and a little goes a long way.

Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to penetrate the skin, it just sits there and after a while it feels quite greasy. As someone with dry skin, it’s rare I find a product greasy. The instructions advise using it morning and night, which I did for the first week, but found it too greasy to wear under make up. I’m persevering, but only using it in the evening.

I can’t say I’ve noticed any benefits in my skin. It makes a nice enough night cream, but after 21 days, have I had a collagen overhaul, are my pores smaller, lines reduced? No, No and No.

It’s my first thumbs down for Soap and Glory I’m afraid.

Skincare is very individual, just because it isn’t working for me, doesn’t mean it won’t for you. If you fancy giving it a go, Soap and Glory products are 3 for 2 right now at boots. If not I can highly recommend Righteous Body Butter, Flake Away body scrub, Fab Pore 15 minute facial, Hand Food… you get the gist.