The Bobbi Buzz

Last night saw the launch of Bobbi Brown's Make Up Manual at the Getty Images Gallery in central London. Not only does this woman know how to make women look more beautiful and flawless, she also knows how to throw a great shindig.

Amongst the throngs of glamorous people, delicious canapes and inspirational make up images were famous faces like Yasmin Le Bon, Tamara Mellon, Marigay McKee and Noelle Reno. And if that bunch don't want to make you reach for Bobbi's Manual I don't know what will!

www.bobbibrown.co.uk

I can't live without this...

Nuff said.

Daniel Hersheson Profressional Hair Dryer £100
Available at Daniel Hersheson Salon
45 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2YN
T: 0207 434 1747

And if you can't face blowdrying it yourself why not try out the Hershesons Blow Dry Bar in Topshop? Choose from a wide array of styles and blow the competition out of the water. A new hairstyle in 30 minutes with no appointment needed - what else is there to say?

http://www.hershesonsblowdrybar.com/

The Beauty Spot: Noella Gabriel

Introducing our new feature, The Beauty Spot. In this section we speak to industry experts, brand founders, make up artists and beauty boffins about their lives and their careers. Not only is it interesting to read but you'll learn lots of new beauty knowledge too!

In the 'Spot' light this week – Noella Gabriel, Elemis’ Director of Product and Treatment Development.

1. Who are you and what do you do?
Noella Gabriel, Director of Elemis Product & Treatment Development.

2. Describe a day in your life?
Because my direction runs across many divisions it can start with a meeting at the counter in Harvey Nichols, to a meeting on New Product Development or on the Eurostar to Paris or meeting a journalist or calling a journalist to give a quote, to jumping on a plane to Japan to launch Elemis in a new country. So no two days are the same and my day is not about pushing paper but good and clear communication with people to educate them on the Elemis brand from the store level to our top trainers, or indeed a business meeting to discuss the future of Elemis in a spa or retail development. Running alongside that is being a Mum and making sure my daughter Kate's needs are met and she is supported - they are my priorities.

3. What are some of your favourite beauty products or treatments?
My regular Elemis facial is a must and top of my list. Another treatment every woman should have on their list is a pedicure. I love the Nails Inc pedicures and polishes - they give me the feel good factor. My other regular purchase is Bobbi Brown lipgloss.

4. What new developments are you seeing in the world of skincare?
Over the last 5 years for Elemis it has been about serious skincare, good anti-ageing supported with clinical trials. The next 1-2 years will be 'back to basics' to ensure we secure brand loyalty and ensure return clients.

5. Who else do you admire in the beauty world?
Hard working make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury who creates fabulous looks and never fails to bring a new edge. She also appreciates the importance of skincare as a base for make-up.

6. What elements do you think make up a good skincare routine?
You must have the basics right: a good cleanser, whether a wash off or cream cleanser, a prescribed toner and your prescribed day and night cream all supported with a good lifestyle consultation. Your lifestyle is constantly changing and as a result skin and body needs change, so regular updates and a change of product are a must.

7. Any tips for fighting anti-ageing?
Ageing & premature ageing accelerates through lifestyle choice i.e. you choose to smoke, drink, or live in a polluted city, so we must have an awareness around how each one of us manifests our lifestyle choices through our skin and body. With this awareness we can have a good homecare routine that changes to meet the ever changing needs. This is a classic example of how awareness of our needs is very important and this can be achieved through consultation, such as the free Elemis SkinLabs in-store.

Front Row...and Fabulous

London Fashion Week is less than a month away which means you have just a few more weeks to get looking your front row, sunglasses-brigade-best. This calls for some serious grooming action – and I have just the place to make sure you’re preened to perfection come the first shows on February 20th.

Introducing The Fashionista Hour at Groom, Selfridges. Take the weight off your Louboutins as two therapists working in tandem to preen, perfect and perform a whole lot of beauty treatments in just 60 minutes.

While one therapist performs Groom’s new Flawless Face Facial with a Lash Tint, Brow Tint and Tidy, the other will be busy sorting out your Sole Smoother Pedicure and a Manicure.

That's what I call fast fashion!

The Fashionista Hour = £120
19th - 25th February
For more information on the treatments and to book call Groom Selfridges on
T: 020 7499 1198
www.selfridges.com

Simply Brill-iant

In the words of Ms. Dianne Brill, "I designed my products to slip on and be kissed in. I am going to get you kissed!"

...And she certainly will. Welcome to The House of Dianne Brill, a seductive world filled with lace ribbons, satin sashes and sexy stockings. Founded by the flamboyant Brill, once a muse and model for designers like Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier, her beauty offerings are kitch and oh-so covetable.

Take this miniature lip glosses coffret: inspired by a little box of the yummiest bon bons, they're like your fanciest underwear - the ones you wear on a special evening. Pick from Frilly Thong, Sheer String, Satin Hipster to name a few...

Simply delicious!

The House of Dianne Brill, 'Panties in a Bunch' Miniature Glosses, £32
Available exclusively at Harvey Nichols
www.diannebrill.com

I'm smelling of Roses

My hands are a bit of a mess at the moment with all the renovations going on in my second bedroom. Not that I'm necessarily building or fixing anything, but it takes a lot of time flicking through the various home catalogues and tinkering on their websites!

As I scroll through the 500 or so sofa bed options, I've been reaching frequently for my beloved Jurlique Rose Hand Cream. It's a velvety rich cream delicately infused with the scent of roses. I like to slather it on to stop any dryness and to ensure that my hands and cuticles are always soft, supple and hydrated.

If it's good enough for Nicole Kidman...

£16.64
www.spacenk.com

Eye, eye

I love it when beauty companies come up with products that not only work effectively but also appeal to my creative eye. Eyliplex-2, from the creators of wrinkle fixer Tri-Aktiline, is a dual system eye treatment to help restore firmness and youth to the eye area. The packaging is so perfect: taking inspiration from contact lens containers, it means you have both the day and night products in one conjoined pot.

Use the Fast-Acting Day Gel in the morning to help lift and tighten the skin around the eye area and in the evening smooth on the Long-lasting Night Balm to reduce dark circles and help restore firmness. I've just started to use it and I really like the consistency and texture of both products. Make sure you let the Day Gel sink in for a couple of minutes before applying your base make up layer.

'Eye' for one am so far impressed.

£27.99
T: 0870 034 2566

Luxury life...in the tub

I'm trying to make room in my busy schedule for a bit more 'me' time. You know, turning off my mobile, switching off my Blackberry, staying away from Facebook for more than 30 minutes...you get my drift. It's easier said than done but one place I've recently re-discovered that helps melt away my worries (of which there have been alot lately) and restores calm and serenity to my daily life is lying neck deep in hot bubbles. Yes, it's the bath. I've never been a big bath lover, primarily due to the fact that I never seem to have the time to spend 30 minutes doing nothing. Last week though, while His Lordship was out partaking in some kind of sporting activity, I ran a warm, inviting bath just for me. I locked the door, dropped my clothes to the floor and slipped under the water. Sheer bliss.

I've been sampling some new bathing products to accompany my new found ritual and this week I'm splashing around with Sean John's Unforgivable Woman Bubble Bath. It comes in a rather snazzy champagne-esque bottle (that wouldn't look out of place in P.Diddy's bathroom of course) and, just as there's nothing like the sound of a popping champagne cork, there is nothing quick like soaking yourself in this luxurious liquid. It's gentle on the skin and not overpoweringly fragrant on the nose.

If, like me, you too are in need of a little luxury help, why not pick up a bottle?

£17.62
T: 0870 034 2566

Lip Service

Suffering from dry, chapped lips? I am but I'm loving the Moi Moi Lip Remedy from Face Boutique. A coat of this and I'm ready to face the cold wintery weather. Although this range is primarily targeted at young people, I love the quirky packaging and the skin pleasing formulations.

More like mwah, mwah!

£7.83
www.boots.com

Jessica Simpson - Fab or Flab?

I was a bit shocked when I saw this picture of the normally super svelte Jessica Simpson performing at a gig in Florida last weekend. If you superimposed my head into the picture I reckon this is pretty much my body shape. This would normally have made me feel quite good about myself apart from the fact that every newspaper and magazine is reporting how she's 'let herself go' and 'boy, 'hasn't she filled out'!

Ok, agreed, she ain't going to fit into those Daisy Duke denim shorts she sported for the Dukes of Hazzard movie a while back but does she really look overweight to you? Her stomach is flat, her face still holds its undeniable beauty and she has a chest that most women would die for. However, I can't help but think that until we stop comparing ourselves to stick thin models, airbrushed imagery and ignoring irresponsible reportage, we're never going to think that girls like Jessica (who is probably only a UK size 12) are to be admired for their beauty and healthy body shape.

Back to Boots

Good old Boots. Not only do they stock everything you could possibly ever need in terms of beauty products, healthy snacks and last minute holiday essentials, but they've never forgotten their roots nor veered from their philosophy of great, hard working formulations which are value for money.

Being a vintage lover, I was delighted to see the re-introduction of the Boots Original Beauty Formula products on Boots.com. Using old formulation books and researching the key ingredients that were traditionally used in Boots' earliest skincare offering, they've delivered a range that ticks all the boxes. With the collection spanning an Overnight Cream, Body Cream, Day Cream, Lip Salve and the beautifully packaged Bath Foam, it's sure to be just as covetable this time around. And none of the products are more than £12.50.

http://www.boots.com/

Zit Zapper

Yes, ok it's not the sexiest subject (or product for that matter) but they affect each and every one of us so they're worth writing about. What am I talking about? Spots and solutions to wipe them out.

Luckily I don't suffer greatly but many of my friends do and the product name that often crops up as a great, hardworking product is Blemish Complex.

Developed by US dermatological genius Dr.Murad, Blemish Complex is a three-stage kit with a Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Blemish Treatment Gel, Skin Perfecting Lotion to lock in moisture plus a target formula for individual spots. What's great is that it's been developed to not only treat inflammation, but to prevent further skin outbreaks.

It's also free from the drying agent Benzyol Peroxide and in its place lies Salicyclic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide, which treat the bacteria that causes spots but without having an adverse effect on the skin.

Hopefully you'll be spot free in no time.

£24.96
http://www.boots.com/

How can you resist?

I don't know about you but how could you possibly walk by the new Annick Goutal boutiques without wanting to step over the threshold and explore the many fragant treaures that lie within?

The brand's new stores are situated on Motcomb Street and Mount Street (pretty exclusive addresses, I think you'll agree) and guarantee to offer some of the most luxurious fragrances and treatments on the market today, not forgetting the new, delectable additions of Annick Goutal designed jewellery and lingerie.

My favourite fragrance from Goutal is Songes, which was created by Annick's daughter Camilla. In the brand's words, "While walking in an exotic garden on the island of Mauritius at night, Camille was taken by surprise by the spellbinding scent of frangipani at dusk when nature takes over the night. She could not overcome her desire to create a fragrance to immortalize this precious memory. An exotic bouquet, this blend combines the intoxicating essence of frangipani, tiare flower jasmine and gardenia to bring back memories of vacations and voyages from around the world."

You just have to try it: it's simply divine. Why not pop into the store to discover more...I know I will be.

£43.00

The SAG Awards

The SAG Awards (Screen Actors Guild) took place in LA last night and, as usual, Beauty Scoop was in her element perusing the dresses (mostly floor length and colourful), and inspecting the make-up and hair choices (mostly dewy with lots of red lips and vintage-style eye make-up.)

My top three are as follows:

3. America Ferrera - how beautifully made up and mature she looked (but not too old for her age). She looked glowing and rocked the old school glamour look effortlessly.

2. Kate Winslet - you all know my feelings for Wins-alot and she didn't fail to disappoint me last night. Beautifully coloured hair in a loose updo with nude, warm make-up. Tres chic.

And the winner is...

1. Frieda Pinto - oh, isn't she just beautiful. The Slumdog Millionaire actress will be snapped up by one of the large cosmetics houses any day now...because she's worth it, of course! Very elegant and poised in her choice of make up, hair and style.

Hello, Can I speak to the Bank Manager please?

I don't get to use SK-II all that often, simply because it's so very expensive and I end up having to use it with the bathroom door locked so His Lordship doesn't catch me using a skincare product that costs more than his monthly travel card. But hey, who said looking good was easy or cheap?!

I really want to get my hands on their latest product - LXP Moist Softening Serum. The name alone makes me rub my hands together and want to head to the nearest Beauty Hall.

It's a delicate serum with a rich treatment mission: to help improve the skin’s softness, hydration content and, of course, battle the ageing process. It contains the signature SK-II ingredient Pitera® which is a 'Yeast Ferment Filtrate', containing a blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that work together to allow the skin’s natural surface renewal process to function at its prime. Which really means it will make you look beautiful and glowing.

Good enough for me!

£160
Exclusive to Harrods
http://www.harrods.com/

Coming Soon

We love to get the inside Scoop and we've just heard that Toni & Guy's label.m range will launch a 100% organic 'skin enhancing' Body Butter certified by The Soil Association.

The lightweight liquid-gel is formulated with natural ingredients including Jojoba Oil (to inject moisture), Shea Butter (to promote a beautiful silky sheen on the top layer of your skin), Sesame Seed (to aid fast absorption) and Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (to soothe). Sounds like they've covered all bases!

I can't wait to smother my chapped little body with it! Apparently it's even great when applied to your lips! Oh, and not forgetting that it's laced with the scent of Lavender and Orange Peel Oil. Heaven.

Roll on March!

label.m Organic Body Butter 50ml/£17.75
T: 0870 770 8080
Available from Toni&Guy/essensuals salons from early March
http://www.labelm.co.uk/

REN-ew my tired skin

It seems like I'm writing a million posts today but there are just so many great beauty products out there to tell you about and, for the moment, I have some time on my hands to tell you about them.

I'm such a fan of REN Skincare. It's not just that they care about the products that they produce, how they produce them, the results that they achieve or the passion they have for innovation and technical brilliance, but it's also because I interviewed the co-founder Robert Calcraft some time ago and was mesmerised by his vision, charm and plans for the brand.

My favourite product from them at the moment (although this may change when they launch their No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm next month) is Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra Nourising Body Oil. It's skin perfection in a bottle. I like to take a long, hot shower and then massage it into my skin. It sinks in immediately and when I look in the mirror I have the kind of skin that you only see in the movies - flawless, nourished, sheen-ful, glowing and soft to the touch (thanks to ingredients like Jojoba, Argan and Macadamia). J-Lo eat your heart out.

It smells pretty good too.

£31.25
www.renskincare.com

Dry Hair? Me too

Loving the new look from Herbal Essences. This is their just launched Hello Hydration range (Shampoo, Conditioner, Mask) which promises you a glossy, quenched mane thanks to 'smart’ ingredients - a latest generation silicone, a polymer and a fatty alcohol to help replenish dry and damaged hair. Pass me the bottle!

I wonder if the extracts of exotic Orchid and Coconut will make me as happy and 'satisfied' as the woman in their original ad? Oh yes!

From £2.99
Available nationwide

Russian Spice

Da (yes, in Russian), this is VB on the cover and inside this month's Russian Vogue. Sheesh, she's getting about isn't she? Sorry to keep droaning on about her but I'm really digging her sleek, 'don't mess with me' vibe, it's just so powerful. I also want her porcelain, flawless skin, the harsh red nails and the slicked hair.

It screams high maintenance - and I love it.

Hello Boys

I've been testing lots of scents recently. I am rather fickle when it comes to fragrance, I just can't seem to stick to one (a bit like I used to be with men, until His Lordship came along!)

I usually like to stick to fairly inoffensive whiffs and apply them in small doses (please ladies, only a spritz or two daily). However, after popping into my nearest Agent Provocateur store where I often like to go to peruse their gorgeous wares and to touch the lovely silk fabric (and then leave empty handed reasoning, "I'll buy it when I've lost half a stone")I happened to spritz their Signature fragrance and was very pleasantly surprised. Instead of the blandness and androgyny that can often be found in the fragrances that big name designers roll out, my nose was captivated by the exotic and intoxicating blend of accords. Think floral:Moroccan Rose Oil, White Gardenia Flowers and Saffron Oil. It's very sexy and alluring.

Housed in a gorgeous porcelain bottle, the original material used to store perfume, I am really impressed with the whole product offering and feel proud to be provocative in my Provocateur.

From £46
T: 0845 688 3343
http://www.agentprovocateur.com/

...And lift

Ok, I’m still a spring chicken in most circles, but that doesn’t mean to say that I can be tardy in my use of anti-ageing products. Unfortunately most women only concentrate on the neck up in their approach to the ageing process, but what about the rest of the body? There’s no use in having a face that could give Miley Cyrus a run for her money when the rest of you looks more like a well soaked prune.

To ensure I’m looking lke Helen Mirren in the years ahead, I’ve started to use Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Serum Intensive Lift. It’s a non-sticky, quickly absorbed gel serum containing anti-ageing peptides and the revolutionary Padina Pavonica (algae) to help stimulate the network of skin fibres, speed up cell communication and the production of Collagen and Elastin. Phew, that’s a lot to take on board. Basically it helps really helps tighten those problem areas - think buttocks, abdomen, hands, backs of arms and the bust area. Massage daily into the areas you're unhappy with and follow up with a good, nourishing moisturiser.

Goodbye slack, ill-fitting old skin, hello body beautiful. You can but try!

£45
Available 2nd Feb
Stockists T: +44 (0)1278 727 830

Hari Yoga - Who'd have thought?!

Not content with having a super successful clothing line, Lainey Sheridan-Young, founder of the uber cool clothing line Hari, has expanded into the yoga field...and I for one am ecstatic!

Lainey has 15 years experience in various yoga practices and is also a fully qualified instructor. Her fascination lies in Nada yoga - the notion of incorporating sound into the sequence to help you to engage your yoga asana (body position) - this includes working with different genres of music - hip hop, reggae, ska, electro, rock and pop - whatever suits the moment and the yogi. Her style is totally dynamic and envigorating - a total workout for mind and body.

The private yoga class with Lainey is a fantastic opportunity for both beginners and advanced yoga lovers to rapidly increase the rate at which they develop their personal practice and a chance to focus on your individual requirements in a private environment. No more looking silly in front of that good looking chap in the front row!

To book a private lesson or inquire about classes call +44207 262 2286
or email info@laineyfashion.com.

Pretty Purse Spray

I love everything about the Chloé brand: sophisticated, feminine and oh-so-wearable (not to mention expensive!)

However, as with most designer houses, they now offer fragrances and other, more affordable little gifts to entice those consumers that might not be able to afford couture, but at least can have their own little bit of designer bling. Many people think that this dilutes the brand's stature etc but I think it's very clever business sense.

One little thing that will definitely be purchased come February is this Chloé Lisy Parfum Purse Spray - so pretty!!! Not only is the fragrance feminine and a delight to wear, the leather casing is just so darned gorgeous...I'll spend most of my time pulling it out of my handbag just to show it off.

I suggest you do the same.

£70 with the case (£55 without)
Available 2st February 2009

Posh and Becks

WOW! Talk about beautiful. Here's Lord and Lady Beckham in their undies TOGETHER! Victoria doesn't look too happy to be so close to such a hunk of a man but hey, it's rare to see a smile on her face these days. But why? She leads such a charmed life and she looks great in this Armani campaign.

Come on VB, chin up.

Welcome President Barack Obama

Beauty Scoop couldn't do her scooping without mentioning that today was the day that saw Barack Obama become the 44th President of the United States of America, and boy did he look handsome. Michelle looked pretty great too!

Watch his inauguration speech here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7840646.stm

Change is coming. It's coming here on Beauty Scoop too - lots of new graphics and sections coming soon. Watch this space.

...And er, God Bless America.

Ta-da!

Finally got my mitts on a pic of the D&G cosmetics line - ooooo, how chic. Can't wait to pull one of those compacts out of my handbag! Will need to just race off and phone my chum in NY to purchase me some much needed new make-up!

Mwah! Wonder if it'll make me look more like Scarlett Johansson?

x

Photo courtesy of WWD.com

So Fab MLab

If you haven't heard of M LAB before and you're looking for a luxurious skincare brand that does what it promises to, and feels great on your skin, then listen up.

The success of M LAB products, or more importantly, the results that they achieve, is due to the extraordinarily high number of clinical active ingredients designed to target every visual sign of ageing. The formulations are beautifully nourishing and delicious to use, and they actually do help fight the lines. I'm 82 years old, I just look 27!

My new favourite is their Anti-aging Day Treatment SPF15. The silky lotion is stuffed full of anti-oxidants and peptides to even the skin tone while working very hard to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. I love smoothing it on first thing, in the hope that the better I apply, the better it will work (not technically true, FYI!)

And as the M LAB people say, "You won't want to face another day without it." You probably won't want to look at the price either!

Approx £60
www.mlabonline.com

Scarlett Fever

I assume most of you have now seen Scarlett Johansson modelling for the new D&G make-up line. I must say that I was never really a big fan of SJ but since seeing these adverts I've come over all mushy. She cuts a very feminine shape as she poses a la Marilyn Monroe in the lipstick ad for the fashion house's move into cosmetics,

“Scarlett is sure of herself. She's a beautiful girl and is really easygoing. She is very Dolce & Gabbana,” said designer Stefano Gabbana. I agree! Get me some of that lipstick!

Laura Mercier hits London

Oh I love Laura Mercier. Not only the delicious products that work wonders on my skin, but also the lady herself. I met her in 2008 at Claridges and I was so impressed with her grace, her down-to-earth manner, and the way she talked so passionately about her brand, her staff and her amazing product range.

Now, you too can spend some time with Madam Mercier by way of a 'Private Audience with Laura Mercier.'

During this one-hour private audience (which is limited to two appointments of 25 people) Laura will share her genius make-up and beauty secrets during a Q & A session and introduce customers to her Flawless Face collection and spring/summer 2009 range of make-up essentials.

Following each session you can also visit the LM counter and have your make-up done by one of her Global Artists.

Definitely one not to be missed.

A Private Audience with Laura Mercier
12th February, 2009
Sessions: 3-4pm and 5-6pm
Location: Laduree at Harrods
£125 redeemable against purchase plus a gift of Laura’s exclusive Luxury Beauty Trunk
T: Laura Mercier counter at Harrods on 020 7730 1234

Girls Allowed

I recently went to the swanky launch party of Alfred Dunhill's new Bourdon House store in London. What a stunning place for men to hide away from their WAGS and smoke cigars, try on posh and expensive clobber, catch a movie or have a facial.

The grooming parlour is v swish and I couldn't help but think that I too would very much like to spend some time there being pampered but thought I would have to wear some sort of disguise as I'm of the female persuasion and it's boys only. But what d'ya know - they let girls in too!

Yes, you read right. Choose from a variety of delicious treats and look forward to a blissfully calm afternoon lying back in a vintage chair, being waited on hand and foot and thinking 'this is the life'.

The Spa at Alfred Dunhill, Bourdon House, 2 Davies Street, London.
T:0207 853 4440.

Eau de Lewis

I hear that X Factor songstress and global singing sensation, Leona Lewis, is to make a fragrance. What a surprise!

Let's hope it's more exciting than her personality. Sorry, I'm sure she's a lovely girl but she's just so bland!

Will let you know what it smells like when it launches (bet you can't wait!)

Copycat gets caught

I've just been reading on Perez Hilton's blog that Nina Ricci are calling in the legal eagle's over the copycat's behind the Twilight fragrance (can they not just be happy with their global movie success and leave it at that?)

You'll note from the above pic that the bottles are practically identical and we all know who was there first...

Naughty!

Touch Up

Oooo I just can't get enough of the Bobbi Brown Touch Up Stick. Had a bit of a late one last night and the old eye bags were looking slightly larger and darker than normal so I whipped out 'the stick' and said goodbye to the little blighters. I've also acquired a rather unattractive zit so I concealed that beautifully while I was at it.

Trust me, this is the concealer to have with you at all times.

£16.64

http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/

Mascara Watch

Another week, another mascara (or 10, to try out). This week I'm loving Clinique's High Impact Mascara. The bendy brush allows you to really get to the root of the lash and it also helps to create some pretty beautiful peepers. In fact my colleague just asked if I was wearing falsies (lashes not boobs!) That's a got to be a good mascara.

I'm just about to re-apply as I'm off out for dinner this evening and I fully intend to let my eyes do the talking.

£12.11

http://www.clinique.co.uk/

Golden Girls (and boys)

Well, what did you think? Well, I loved every minute of the Globes...isn't it nice to oogle the red carpet walks and spy on who's sitting next to who at the dinner? And of course the winners! Brit flick Slumdog Millionaire won big and so too did our lovely Kate! Talk about Wins-let!

And not forgetting the hair and make-up styles of course! It was an evening of smokey eyes, up-do's, red or plum lips and nudes.Heidi, Eva, Kate, Amanda and Beyonce to name but a few, all went for the updo, in a variety of ways. Make up went from full on glamour - Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez (I loved her the most) to a more, subtle, paired back look - Angelina, Miley and Eva.

One person's look which I didn't get was Renee Zellweger's - strange 'missing the front' dress, weird, curly updo. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

PS The boys looked pretty hot too. Patrick Dempsey, Brad, Adrien Grenier and little Zac E all looked divine in their designer garb.

Can't wait for the Oscars!

The Golden Globes...Tonight!

Boy am I excited about the Golden Globes tonight- the dresses, the speeches, the Hollywood hunk factor and, of course, the beautiful, flawless faces of my favourite stars.

This year is sure to rate high on the glam factor following last year's fairly low key shindig due to the writer's strike, and I cannot wait.

My favourite to win, and in the beauty stakes? Kate Winslet! She looks hot, hot, hot these days!

I intend to stay up to watch so don't expect any early morning postings!

Enjoy x

Men - Get Masculine!

I've just read an article in the Observer Woman Magazine (Of Men and Moob Jobs) which has got me thinking. Apparently British men spent a staggering £800 million on grooming last year. What the f*&k?! Where are all these fabulously groomed, hair free, smell free specimens?! I admit His Lordship and friends take care of their appearances and do splash out occasionally on shaving products and the like (or they raid my beauty/grooming box) but I can't say I know many men who apply 'guyliner', inject Botox or have 'moob jobs' - it's just too frightening to contemplate.

I like my men to be, well, men. Rough, rugged and masculine. Who wants a man who fights with you over the mirror and takes longer than you to get ready? Frankly, not I.

Resting...

Beauty Scoop is all scooped out and needs to rest for at least a day (apart from Bikram'ing of course) but will be back on top form in a day (or 2).

Until then, stay beautiful.

More Sweet Lime and Cedar - Hurrah!

Following on from the amazing creation Sweet Lime & Cedar Cologne from Jo Malone, they're on the cusp of launching the ancillary products. Today I sampled the delights of the Shower Gel - think sweet lime combined delicately with jasmine, ylang ylang, cocnut and tonka bean. So dreamy and moisturising that I didn't want to step out of the shower.

Watch out for this and the candle, body creme and dry body oil (that's a new addition completely) launching on 1st March.

Cannot wait!

http://www.jomalone.co.uk/
Prices from £30 (get saving)

Pretty in Pink (and black)

There appears to be a pink theme running on Beauty Scoop - sorry if you find this boring but there are just so many nice pink products on the market at the moment.

I love a compact - particulary when it looks this good. I was actually surprised to read that it is by Lancôme. I always associate them with beautiful cosmetics, but in safe, grown up colours. Well, I'll be damned, look at them now!

For Spring/Summer 09 their new Artistic Director Aaron De May has thrown away the Lancôme beauty rule book and done his own funky thing – and yes, I love it!

Check out this Pink Punk and Black Palette – a yummy collection of differing textures for an intense, dark look. Shimmery, glossed lips and dark, mysterious eyes. Must learn how to do proper smokey eyes rather than the 'just been punched' look I tend to sport!

£31, at Lancôme counters nationwide

Baby Gain

I mentioned previously that one of my closest friend's, Pamela, is due to give birth next month. She's one of those 'looks amazing, hasn't put on any weight' type of pregnant ladies. Very irksome! I think I weigh more than her and I'm not carrying around another human being. I'm hoping Bikram will sort me out! But anyway, she looks beautiful and glowing and I'm very excited about meeting him/her next month!

Anyway, with just 4 weeks or so until the delivery day, I need to start thinking about things to buy her, not just baby grows and the like for the little nipper. First thing on my list is a candle (sorry, I told you I was in candle mode today) from possibly the best named home candles in the world, Scent of a Scandal.

Every candle name is tres scandalicious such as Knocked Up, Kiss My Ash and Walk of Shame but I shall be purchasing the Hot Mama variety. Think sugar and spice and all things nice. The candles are a huge cult favourite in LA and are hand-poured, made from 100% soy wax and of course the names will make you smile as you inhale the delicious scents.

Just what a new mum needs when the baby's gone down for the night. Bliss!

£22.00

http://www.glowgetter.co.uk/

It's Britney, again...

Not content with making documentaries about her life, releasing a new album and going on a world tour, good old Britney is just about to release another fragrance.

I'm notoriously unfussed and unimpressed by the plethora of celebrity pongs that clog up our fragrance counters but as Britney is close in age and to my heart, I decided to blog about it.

Hidden Fantasy Britney Spears claims to take it's inspiration from Britney's favourite, wait for it, cake! Yes, apparently the perfumer built the fragrance "with a heart of sensual jasmine and sweet Napolitano cake" coming from Britney's love of white florals, vanilla and 'luscious desserts.' Interesting to say the least.

When I get my hands on a bottle, I'll let you know what it really smells like. On the plus side, at least it won't make you fat!

In the Pink

My Valentine's Day Lust List is growing by the day. Today is the time for some candle loving, and my favourite candle company Diptyque has not failed to inspire me.

As you'll probably now be aware, I am a lover of roses: in a vase, crushed down into a perfume bottle or in a body lotion. Now I can infuse my entire house with the scent and add more pink to my colour scheme thanks to the vintage looking Diptyque Roses candle.

It's a mixture of antique rose petals and aromatic geranium leaves so it burns in a very subtle and sophisticated way. Ideal for my grown up abode!

£38.00
Available from Liberty

Be My Valentine

I know it's only a month away but jeez, the PR's are really pushing Valentine's Day booty this week. Not that I'm complaining of course, it's just that some people look forward to V Day as they would the end of the world.

Thankfully I'm not actually one of those people and one of the things I'm really hoping for on Feb 14th (aside from the safe delivery of my friend's baby) is a scrumptious bottle of Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne - and the 100ml size no less!

My love affair with JM began many moons ago and I use lots of their fragrances year round, depending on my mood and the season. At Christmas it was Pomegranate Noir, last week it was Lime Basil & Mandarin and I'm now ready for my Red Roses phase. It's such a sublime, delicately constructed fragrance that just sits softs on the skin, urging you quietly to inhale a whiff.

Now, how to convince His Lordship that £59 is a reasonable amount to spend on a fragrance?

Red Roses Cologne £59.00

http://www.jomalone.co.uk/