City Girl Seeks Sexy Legs

I LOVE this product - initally for the packaging - which is flipping cool, and then for the product that lies in wait beneath. Hollywood's "secret weapon" for picture perfect legs, City Girl Firming Leg Shimmer was developed by Hollywood make-up artist Kyra Panchenko while she was working on Sex And The City (can it get any more glamorous?!)

I actually think she had pale Scottish couch potatoes like me in mind when she produced this miracle product. "Leg firming, cellulite-busting, skin-perfecting shimmer" which helps to make pale legs glow like that of Carrie Bradshaw's - they need to start selling it at the Scottish border.

£39.15
www.spacenk.co.uk

Ageing Much?

If, like me, you're starting to worry about the signs of ageing (I'm 27 and 3/4 - it's time to start thinking ahead), may I recommend the following product to pull you out of your age-worry slump.

Jemma Kidd's Skin Rescue Veil (SPF 15) is a brilliant multi-tasking product - particularly good for taking on holiday with you as it acts as a moisturiser, primer, illuminator and tint all-in-one, plus it has the added advantage of having an SPF (15) - no need for that suitcase of products - yippee.

Nourishing ingredients including active peptides (FYI - Peptides are used in advanced skincare products to stimulate collagen and elastin production and reduce wrinkle depth) to help reduce the signs of ageing, repair any damage and protect against the elements. Obviously the addition of an SPF helps protect against UV damage which means you are less likely to come across skin imprefections later on.

Smooth it on and let your skin bask in the glory of its evenly toned, radiant and moisturised being.

Yum - smells pretty good too.

£31.31
www.spacenk.co.uk

Va-Va-Voom... For The Eyes

Mascara is my crack - no, really, I can't go anywhere without it and will often need to stop off to buy one if the notion takes me, or I just fancy a wee treat.

My latest addiction - the Va-Va-Voom Volume mascara from 17 cosmetics. It comes in nice chunky packaging and houses a chubby wand whose oversized bristles help coat your lashes with lashings of product. Don't be alarmed, your lashes won't look like spiders legs, simply wide-eyed and wonderful, with not a clump in sight.

£5.86
Available now from Boots.

Get Your Colour Kicks

My make-up bag, wardrobe and various bits and pieces are injected with colour this season... I imagine yours is the same.

One place that hasn't yet seen the colourful light is my candle collection. All but one are white in colour which, as a minimalist, I love, but sometimes a girl just has to have a bit of zing in her life.

Eh voila - the new colourful candle line from US candle brand, Votivo. With eight candles in total ranging from pink tangerine (pictured) to green pepper coriander, these soy-based candles will literally become the light of your life.

£28 - cheaper than other high-profile candle companies that shall remain namesless.

www.liberty.co.uk or in-store.

Exotic Elemis

Lovely Elemis is back on my radar. I always feel immediately calm and relaxed when I use their products - must be something about the scents and the luxurious feeling you get everytime you open one of their gorgeous goodies.

Launching on 3rd August is their Exotic Lime and Ginger Hand & Body Wash and the Exotic Lime & Ginger Body Lotion.

Noella Gabriel, Director of Product & Treatment Development at Elemis had this to say of the new products:

"At Elemis, we never compromise on quality and functionality and this skin-friendly collection leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh, soft and nourished. We have combined active Citrus, Lime, Vetiver, Petitgrain and Ginger fragrances with advanced skin-friendly ingredients and bases to deliver the ultimate body care."

I think this duo would be the perfect Friday night treat. Come home tired from work and have a lovely shower using the Body Wash, followed by a moisture-boosting layer of the Body Lotion. Then wrap yourself in a lovely fluffy robe and watch old movies. Simply divine.

Oh - and not forgetting the solid oak stand the the products come on - very swish.

Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Bodycare Duo £39 (for launch period only - normally £18 and £24 separately)
Available from 3rd August.
www.elemis.com

Compact Cutie

Oooo, here's one for your must-have list. In August Clinique will debut their limited edition (natch) Most-Wanted Colour Zip Compact. Trust me, it’s fab.

Housed in a funky, chunky silver case, this compact definitely comes top of the cute category. It has a great, doesn’t-make-me-like-too-awful mirror (which is often a let-down on compacts) together with a flattering blush (Fig) and an eyeshadow trio – mine is Most-Wanted Deeps which features the deeper eyeshadow shades (Black Maple) - perfect for me as I love mixing nudes with browns.

The compact also comes in Most-Wanted Nudes (Blushing Nude eyeshadow trio plus a blusher in Pink Blush) or Most-Wanted Berries (Pink Raspberry eyeshadow trio and a blusher in New Clover).

The choice is yours.

£38.00
www.clinique.co.uk

Fabulous Feet Time

Hmm, feet are not the most glamorous of things but in my bid to be beautiful from my head to my toes, I'm really focusing on them at the moment. Aside from painting them I'm now the proud owner of a new pedicure kit that makes them practically sparkle!

Revlon's Pedi-Expert (£9.78 revlon.com) is a cute but high-quality, salon-worthy at home kit that includes a pretty pink cheese grater, ehem, I mean stainless steel foot file that removes hard skin in a flash - and has a handy little tray (or 'skin catcher', if you prefer) to collect all the 'mess'.

Also included is a pair of nail clippers and a little nail file so you can file your little toenails to perfection.

I started using mine this week and I can definitely notice a difference. The big challenge will be keeping up the good work!

If you can't quite imagine what all this looks like, take a look at the little video below featuring the pedicure-perfect Elle Macpherson...

Vintage Queen

You all know by now that I'm a total sucker for all things vintage... therefore I am quite smitten with the following website http://andreagarland.co.uk (and go to 'shop').

Andrea is an Aromatherapist who became sick of all the chemically-laden, mass-produced products that clutter departbeauty counter shelves, sitting in their dull and uninspriring packaging. Unlike most of us who moan about this but do little about it, Andrea took matters into her own hands and produced a range of natural products based around her love of all things vintage. Think antique tins, pill boxes and compacts filled with delicious products that not only look beautiful but smell divine, don't harm the environment and that will make your life a much happier place.

Have a look for yourself - I'm hooked.

Prices start from approx £14.

I Hate To Say It Again...

But, I so want this and I am definitely going to buy it next week. It's the perfect little dress for the summer (when it decides to show it's sunny face!) and Freida Pinto has accessorised it with a very on-trend skinny belt and cute pink shoes (which are also on my shopping list).

As soon as I saw the picture I knew it was from Orion - they always get laid-back cool spot on and I'm continually impressed at the speedy nature of their press releases when a celebrity is spotted out in their garments - hats off.

Get your Erin Tunic for a mere £57 at www.orionlondon.co.uk.
Also available in bright yellow and black.

Want A Super-Sexy Smile?

Look no further... MAC introduces Euristocrats 2.

While “A KISS ON THE HAND CAN BE QUITE CONTINENTAL,” a modern girl does the kissing now, knowing she has the drop-dead drama of these hot new Dazzleglass shades." I couldn't say it better myself.

I'm lusting after every Dazzleglass shade, of course, but the ones to really watch for are as follows:

Date Night (Soft Blue Purple With Pearl)
Euro Beat (Peach Coral With Gold Pearl - limited stock)
Roman Holiday (Medium Brown Coral With Pink Pearl - limited life)

Don't forget to check out the lipsticks (£12) and lip pencils (£10). Talk about a colour spectrum.

AVAILABLE AUGUST 2009 AT ALL M·A·C LOCATIONS.
WWW.MACCOSMETICS.CO.UK.

Tonight...

I'm off into Soho - yippee... looking forward to drinks in the sun, some fine Italian food and some nice chatter with my chums - see above (my head is obscured due to my laughing so hard!).

Until tomorrow beauty lovers x

One For The Men

His Lordship is always moaning that I don't blog enough about men's products... he says he's sick of just reading about lipsticks and moisturisers... well, excuseeeee me!

So, to satisfy him and my many male readers, here's something new to get excited about.

L'Occitane, they of gorgeous-smelling and hard-working luxury products, have just released a new men's collection called Cade.

Here's the skinny: "Wild juniper, called “CADE” grows in the dry Provencal hillsides and based on Cade's antiseptic and strengthening properties, L’Occitane has created expert formulas specifically for men’s shaving and skincare needs - For centuries, L’Occitane’s hardworking men have used it to soothe, soften and protect their faces from the damaging sun and wind."

Nice work.

His Lordship is rather taken with the Cade After-Shave Balm (£18.00) - it's Shea Butter and birchwood sap extract helps protect against redness, razor burn and tightness. Juniper, sandalwood, immortelle and rosemary essential oils purify skin to clean and soothe nicks and breakouts.

Definitely a product line to buy if you happen to be in the bad books at some point (for example - "Yes, these shoes were £300 but look what I got for you!)

www.loccitane.co.uk.

Want This...

2 words that I seem to say alot at the moment, but it's true, I want this Limited Edition (argh) Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick For The Body (£50). Part of the new Illuminating Bronze Collection out this month, this fab new brick is a lightweight, silky powder that can (and should) be used on your arms, decollete or... "anywhere you want to glow."

This product is perfect for us staycationers who have not yet managed to squeeze in a sunny break!

Check out the whole collection - you won't be disappointed.

www.bobbibrown.co.uk.

Apologises, peeps...

I've been ill but I'm back on top form again so expect regular blogging from now on.

You can hold me to that... kinda.

x

Love Of My Life

... No, it's not His Lordship, although in human terms of course he is the LOML. Hmm, come home soon, I miss you.

I digress, here's the bag that I've been banging on about on Twitter, Anya Hindmarch's Lotions & Potions travel cosmetic case. It's sooo me and I have to have it. I'm saving the pennies as we speak (along with saving pennies for trips to Portugal, Ibiza and India with accompanying new wardrobe choices natch!)

So, here's the deal - it's £125, it's a must-be-seen-with travelling companion, will fit all the cosmetics and beauty bits and bobs you'll need and it's available from http://www.anyahindmarch.com/.

Go on, follow my lead.

Cute Gift

I love it when brands package things together as 'gift sets'. It takes the hassle out of gift buying, especially when you want the gift to say you spent lots of dosh on it when actually it only cost you a mere £5.

Introducing the deliciously cute Nature's Way collection from Heathcote & Ivory, a quintessentially English luxury gift company "dedicated to making innovative and decorative pampering toiletries and gifts." And boy are they living up to their rep.

Aside from the fact that all the products are free from parabens, sulphates, colours and synthetic fragrances and the packaging is environmentally friendly, the products themselves are particularly fab; they look beautiful, smell amazing and leave you feeling happy that you've bought a nice gift for your chum but haven't bankrupted yourself.

My kind of beauty.

Mini Set - 10ml lip balm and 30ml handcream £5.00

www.heathcote-ivory.com

Queen Of The Shaves... That's Me

The topic of shaving/waxing/laser removal seems to come up in conversation every time I get together with my girlfriends (along with other high-brow subjects like 'how many Weight Watchers points are in an afternoon tea?' and 'do you think David Beckham was enhanced in that infamous Armani underwear ad?'...)

Anyway, I've always been a leg shaver as I feel that it's part of my beautifying routine and I actually quite enjoy the ritual of it all. Until recently I've been moving between Gilette Venus and an embarrassingly cheap and tacky version I'd picked up in Boots in a trolley dash before I went on holiday. Now, I can write smugly that I am using the King of all razors, the Azure shaver, the queen of all shavers, from King of Shaves. Previously only available for men (although I must admit I have tried the products before by half-inching them from His Lordship) they now offer their fab products for the fairer sex and I am very impressed with the results.

The Azure razor looks like an oversized potato peeler (in a pretty way though) and is gold in colour (it also comes with 3 extra blades - always a bonus). It's very nice to hold (a bit like David Beckham, I imagine!) and thanks to the TST (Touch Skin Technology) Reflex Living Hinge, your shave is firm yet comfortable and allows you a super close smooth shave. 5/5 for performance and packaging.

I use the King of Shaves (Woman) Pamper & Moisturise Shaving Gel which is simply delicious and makes my little shaving routine that much better.

A must-have for the shower room.

Azure Razor £4.99

Shaving Gel £3.32

Avilable from Sainsbury's, or at www.kmishop.com.

Lip-Smackingly Yummy

Currently trying the new Vitamin C Lip Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colours from Clinique. I'm playing around with 01 Fig-a-licious, 07 Rhubarbie and 10 Goodness Grapecious.

Whilst I am almost converted to proper lipstick after Revlon's Ultimate Liquid Lipstick found its way into my make-up bag, I can safely say that I'll probably just alternate it with these precious little goodies. The colours are strong but not too intense, they taste nice, the packaging allows really nice dispensing of the product (think Touche Eclat brush-type applicator) and, if all that wasn't enough, they also include some lovely good for you ingredients.

So whilst I look glossy and colourful, the ingredients, including Shea Butter (to help moisturise), Vitamin C (to help improve the look and condition of the lip), Pomegranate (helps protect lips against the elements) and, perhaps most importantly Acai Berry (v high levels of antioxidants) get to work on the tough stuff.

I'm sold.

Available in six shades. £13.40
At Clinque counters from Aug 1st.
www.clinique.co.uk.

When In France...

... I'm hoping to go to France next month and when I'm there I think I'll be picking up a bottle of this fine new fragrance from YSL Beaute, Parisienne. The fragrance is said to embody the glamour and seductive allure of Parisian women (I'll have some of that). It's also meant to be a more youthful, funky scent for their younger clientele.

The ad is fronted by, surprise surprise, Kate Moss. I go on and off La Moss like I do goat's cheese but she scrubs up pretty well in the ad and I must say it has tempted me to go off and sample it.

Launches in August in August and then globally thereafter.

Pictorial Evidence...

...from last weekend. Yes, my sister (bridal beauty personified) tied the knot with the gorge Al Broon (or 'my bro' as he's now known.)

What a glorious day... and my parents behaved themselves. Wonders will never cease. Apologises for bad pic quality, but the official snaps are yet to be released...

Until later, my precious beauty lovers x

Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards

The 2009 Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards took place this morning at the Kensington Roof Gardens (sadly I had to decline my invite due to subbing duties - drrr!)

Anyways, despite not being present, I can now officially impart the brands that won.

In total, the industry expert panel and celebrity judges judged 82 products across 13 categories. This included 16 products which were granted the ‘Readers’ Kiss Of Approval’ award by Cosmo readers who voted for their favourite products via the magazine and online.

Cosmo Beauty Classic Award – The Body Shop Body Butters
Cosmo Beauty Breakthrough Award- Clairol Perfect 10Lips
Best colour-rich lipstick - YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick
Best sheer lipstick - Chanel Aqualumière Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF15
Best lipgloss - Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect
Best lip balm - Kiehl’s Lip Balm
#1 Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate Lipstick - Mac Lipstick

Eyes
Best Mascara - Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara
Best Eyeshadow - Rimmel London Colour Mousse Eyeshadow
Best Eyeliner - Clinique Cream Shaper For Eyes
Best Eye-Colour Palette - Givenchy Prisme Again! Eyeshadow Quartet
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate mascara - Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara

Cleansing
Best cleanser - Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash
Best facial refresher - Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist
Best eye make-up remover - Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover
Best Facial Scrub - Olay Regenerist Daily Thermal Skin Polisher
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate cleansing wipes - Simple Skincare Cleansing Facial Wipes

Face
Best foundation - Chanel Matt Lumière Long Lasting Makeup SPF15
Best blemish concealer - Bobbi Brown Face Touch-Up Stick
Best tinted moisturiser - Olay Complete Care Touch of Foundation
Best face powder - Mac Blot Pressed Powder
Best cream/liquid/gel blush - Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush
Best powder blush - Mac Mineralize Blush
Best Bronzer - Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder
Best under-eye brightener - La Prairie Light Fantastic Cellular Concealing Brightening Eye Treatment
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate blusher - Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate foundation - Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation

Skincare

Best everyday moisturiser - Chanel Hydramax + Active Moisture Cream
Best ‘green’ skincare - REN Rose Synergy 012 Restoring Facial Serum
Best face mask - Chanel Sublimage Hydrating Masque
Best blemish buster - La Roche-Posay Effaclar K
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate moisturiser - Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus Day Cream SPF15

Anti-ageing
Best anti-ageing moisturiser - Dior Capture R60/80 XP Ultimate Wrinkle Restoring Crème
Best age-defying serum - Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex
Best line-fading eye cream - Givenchy Radically No Surgetics Day & Night Eye Treatment
Best age-busting night cream - Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Night Cream Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate anti-ageing product - No7 Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum

Body
Best body cleanser - Good Works Good Karma Shower Gel
Best body scrub - Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub
Best bath bubbles or milk - Philosophy Field of Flowers
Best bath and body oil - Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil
Best hair removal product - Gillette Venus Breeze
Best body moisturiser - Lancôme Nutrix Royal Body Butter
Best deodorant - Dove Hair Minimising Anti-Perspirant Deodorant
Best body-firming potion - Elizabeth Arden Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate body lotion - Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate hair-removal product - Gillette Venus

Hair
Best hairspray - L’Oreal Paris Elnett
Best volumiser - Shockwaves Styling Plus Gloss & Body Mousse
Best frizz controller - John Frieda Weather Works Style Sealant Crème
Best home colourant - Clairol Perfect 10
Best shampoo - Charles Worthington Time Defy Moisture Renew Shampoo
Best conditioner - Paul Labrecque Daily Condition Moisture Mud Instant Repair Best leave-in treatment - TRESemmé Curl Hydration Leave-In Cream
Best hair mask - Kérastase Masque Chroma Riche
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate hair colourant - L’Oreal Paris Excell 10’ Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate shampoo & conditioner - Herbal Essences Shampoo & Conditioner

Tool Kit
Best hairbrush - Goody Gel Handled Brushes
Best make-up brushes - Daniel Sandler
Best heat styler - GHD IV Styler
Best beauty gadget - Neutrogena Wave
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate hairstyling gadget - GHD IV Styler

Suncare
Best facial sun protection - La Roche-Posay Anthelios Extreme Fluid SPF50
Best all-over sun protection - Lancaster Suncare Tanning Lotion SPF15
Best anti-ageing sun protection - Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream High Protection
Best after-sun - Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturizer
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate suntan lotion - Nivea Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF15

Self tanning and Bronzing
Best facial self-tan - Garnier Ambre Solaire No Streaks Bronzer Dry Face Mist
Best body self-tan - St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
Best gradual self-tan - Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion
Best wash-off body tanner - Guerlain Terracotta Teint Doré Bronzing Spray for Body
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate self tanner - St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray

Men
Best hair texturiser - Fudge Matte Hed
Best face cream - Biotherm Homme Force Supreme Neutralizer
Best shaving lotion - Clinique Skin Supplies for Men M Shave Aloe Gel
Best eye cream - Lab Series Instant Moisture Eye Gel
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate aftershave - Boss by Hugo Boss Aftershave Lotion

Hands and Feet
Best nail polish - Revlon Nail Enamel
Best Hand Cream - Jurlique Citrus Hand Cream
Best foot treat - Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Cracked Heel Foot Cream
Best nail rescuer - Sally Hansen Miracle Cure
Readers’ Kiss of Approval Ultimate nail polish - OPI Nail Lacquer

Very Nice Nails

I love NARS cosmetics, and, seeing as how I hadn't used anything from the brand in a while, I thought it was about time I got down to Liberty to catch up on what's new with them. Aside from some fabby palettes, I came across these gorgeous nail colours, Vintage 2009 Nail Colours. It seems, like me, the brand has looked in the archives and re-fashioned looks and colours for today's beauty lover.

Coming in look-at-me colours like Cha Cha Cha and Blue Lagoon, I'm hooked on the kooky colours and can't wait to debut Tallulah (purple) on Friday with my gorge new dress from Banana Republic.

Life is good. Thanks, Francois.

PS The polishes are Toluene, Formaldehyde and DBP Free.

NARS Vintage Nail Colours £12.50
www.narscosmetics.co.uk

Made For Me

I just saw this gorgeous little travel kit from the glorious Diptyque brand, and I have just 3 words to say... I WANT IT!

I'm a huge fan of Diptyque, aside from the fact that I once helped do their PR, because their delicate yet complex products are housed in unassuming, simplistic packaging that would only be spotted by people really in the know.

Their new travel kit is no exception. Each kit contains baby versions of the brand's best-selling shower gels and body lotions all beautifully packed into a lovely cotton bag... I'm plumping for the Tam Dao version... holds very special memories for me.

£22.51 from Space NK
www.spacenk.co.uk