Cheryl For L'Oreal

Cheryl Cole, she of Girls Aloud and X Factor fame has just been announced (OK, it was this morning but I was too busy subbing a gallery of Cheryl's hair in my real job to write this blog post until now) as the latest celeb face to front a L'Oreal campaign. Cheryl's remit? To promote their hair product Elvive Full Restore 5.

Cheryl said: "I have always loved the brand and have always wanted to say the iconic phrase: 'Because you're worth it', so to be given that opportunity is absolutely amazing."

Gayle Tait, L'Oréal Paris general manager, said: "Cheryl is a glamorous, stylish and talented young woman whose warmth and charm has captivated the nation and helped to establish her as an inspiration to women throughout the UK."

With the deal rumoured to be worth around £500,000, L'Oreal definitely think Mrs Cole is 'worth it'.

Travelling Light, But In Luxury

I know I keep banging on about it, but I can't wait to go on holiday - I haven't had a real break since skiing in Feb so I feel it's long overdue.

To keep me smelling sweet on my trip to the Med, I'm definitely packing Ormonde Jayne's Luxury Travel Purse Sprays. Not only will they look sophisticated and chic when I fish one out of my Mulberry clutch.

Hand-poured in the brand's perfume studio, the mini collection spans the perfume groups from floral through oriental to chypre and finally citrus.

Heaven in a bottle.

www.ormondejayne.com
Luxury Purse Sprays: £54 (10ml eau de parfum bottles).

Bella, Bella

Looking for a new fragrance that looks and smells just that bit better - and is really rather trendy? Have a gander at the new scent from D&G, 1 Le Bateleur.

Aside from the nudey ads featuring the likes of Naomi and Eva, this fragrance has really captured my attention. The packaging is sleek and glossy and the icy-looking liquid within is 'acquatic' in nature with a cedarwood and vetyver base - yum.

1 Le Bateleur is part of the D&G five-perfume-strong collection, The D&G Anthology. The line is said to be inspired by tarot cards and their markings - how intriguing.

£35 for 100ml (unisex)

Available at Boots

Clutch This... To Your Heart

Hello there, I have you in my sights. In fact, I'm so infatuated with you that I have cleared my schedule to get my hands on you.

Erm yes, these are the thoughts that sprung to mind when I saw this a-mazing Dior Jazzclub Total Eyes Make-up Clutch.

Inspired by the couture Jazzclub collection launched in 2008, Dior has produced the ultimate eye make-up clutch (complete with embossing) containing everything you need for beautiful, 'look at me, aren't I fabulous' eyes - be it for day or night.

The clutch contains a creamy eyeliner, eyebrow powder, glittery top coat, matt eyeshadow and iridescent eyeshadow. Available in two shades (the other being purple), but this smoky version is by far my favourite.

All I need now is His Lordship to get the hint...
£44
Available at good department stores

It's The Small Things...

I'm forever opening the windows, closing the windows, complaining it's too hot, complaining it's too cold, asking anyone if they have a wipe to hand... I'm hard to please sometimes, OK?

I like things nice, and a wee bit of luxury never goes a miss, even when it comes to the most minute of items. Recently I've taken to 'freshening up' in the afternoons - after a long morning in the newsroom it can feel like you've been up for 48 hours and you just need a little something to cheer you up (sadly there's no Ashton Kutcher-a-likes in my office to drool at so this is the next best thing.)

Anyway, yes, I've started to use L'Occitane's Citrus Verbena Refreshing Towelettes (£4.50). At around 1pm I whip them out of my drawer and use one to cleanse my drained skin. They feel icy cold and they're really rather zingy in terms of scent. I've got everyone asking what they are, can they have one and where can they buy them. Hmmmm, typical.

As with everything I love, they're limited edition - argh. Time to hot foot it to Regent Street to pick up some more.

www.loccitane.co.uk.

In The Nude

When I'm not munching on Nude Skincare's vitamin supplements, which I must say are extremely effective, I have taken to applying their Deep Cleansing Mask to my very stressed and tired visage (this is what happens when you try to juggle a full-time job, a blog, a live-in boyfriend, a house, friends and a Scottish family!)

Whenever I find 'me' time, which is few and far between, I turn my mobile on silent, Michael Jackson's greatest hits on at a moderate level (it was previously Madonna but in the current circumstances I feel my childhood idol deserves some Liberty Street airtime), light a few candles and work the light mousse over my face and neck.

I am prone to the odd oily patch of skin so the mask's formulation really helps to absorb excess oils and get rid of nasty blackheads and other unsavoury delights.

Here's some of the nourishing ingredients that you'll find within:

Organic Buriti - to gently exfoliate
Kaolin Clay and Propolis extract - to purify, regenerate and soothe, whilst helping to make dull skin look so much brighter and perkier
Organic Shea Butter - to lock in moisture and encourage cell renewal and repair
Apple Pectin - to protect against free radical damage
Sea Fennel - helps to leave your skin calm and balanced.

Try it. Love it.

£28
www.nudeskincare.com

Bikini Ready?

I'm not - I just ate a Twix and have decided to skip the gym tonight - I have to blog! And I have to make dinner for His Lordship (trust me, he's a right foodie fusspot so everything has to be close to perfection!) And I'm going to Portugal, Ibiza and India in just a few weeks - argh!!!

Anyway, enough from me - watch this fab and quite amusing Ultimate Bikini Goddess: Five Step Guide from Gillette Venus Embrace.



It's all about inner confidence, ladies.

www.gillettevenus.com/uk.

Gorgeous Guerlain

I'm a complete sucker for the Guerlain brand and I'm always super excited when they add to their line of divine make-up... more Terracota Bronzer anyone?

OK, not quite but it's just as pleasing. Coming to counters near you on September 5th is their new Parure Gold Collection.

Fronted by the stunning Natalia Vodianova, Parure Gold is a collection of luxury foundations for skin that has been dulled by fatigue or stressed... I think it was made for me.

Ingredients

1. Gold Radiance Pigments - to help revive and illuminate the skin with a gentle glow.
2. Precious Rejuvenating Complex - a blend of Myrrh and peptides with lifting and smoothing properties, stimulating the reconstruction of the skin - think more elastic and firm.

Say goodbye to dull, wrinkled skin and hello young, handsome men who'll think you're 20 years' younger. OK, maybe not, but at least you'll glow with youth and feel great.

Parure Gold Rejuvenating Gold Radiance Foundation SPF 15 £46
Parure Gold Rejuvenating Gold Radiance Powder Foundation SPF10 £46

Precious Light Reflecting Illuminator £26.

Chanel Fragrance Boutique Opens Today

As if dropped from heaven, the luxury Chanel Fragrance Boutique opened today in Selfridges, London.

The boutique is an "exclusive environment" where you can sniff and ruminate your favourite Chanel scents (and new ones) to your heart's content.

Here's the skinny: "The new space heralds the launch of the patented Olfactive Bar developed by Chanel Deputy Perfumer, Christopher Sheldrake. The ultimate luxury experience, you can discover the vast array of extensive fragrances and be looked after by a specialised team of fragrance experts. The Fragrance Boutique will also house the Les Exclusifs de Chanel fragrance collection, including BEIGE, the latest addition to this collection of now 12 exclusive fragrances. Created by Jacques Polge, the Master Perfumer at Chanel, this elegant white floral fragrance pays tribute to one of Mademoiselle Chanel’s favourite colours."

Wowsers - book your fragrance consultation today.

Chanel Fragrance Boutique
Beauty Hall, Ground Floor, Oxford Street

Botox = Recession Proof

I've just finished reading a worrying article in The Times regarding the fact that Botox (you know, the poison that people inject into their faces) is winning in the beauty stakes in these tough times.

It seems that Botox is now so widespread (reportedly available in about 20,000 outlets in the UK alone) that women are turning to it instead of expensive skincare and premium brand products because they believe they're getting better value for money and the effects last longer.

And it's affecting the big beauty players - the luxury product division of L'Oreal (including YSL) have just reported a 13% slump in like-for-likes sales for the first six months of 2009. La Prarie is in a similar boat with a 20% fall and good old Estee Lauder has even taken a hit - they've reported a 28% decline in their fragrance market.

Whilst I am not quite at the age where I need Botox (although that may be a matter of opinion) and I understand that people want to look the absolute best that they can, it is concerning that people are opting to inject themselves with a product which, as of yet, we don't know much about the long-term damage said product will have on the skin and the muscles beneath it.

I for one won't be tampering with the the shop window, so to speak...

Remind me of this blog post when I hit 40.

Desperate Measures?

Here's the latest celeb scent to hit the fragrance counter (next month) - a whole collection from, er, The Desperate Housewives...

I don't know about you but the mere thought of spraying 'Bree' on my skin fills me with horror.

Gaga For Gaga

Lady Gaga is a bit of a legend, let's be honest people.

This fact was cemented for me with her most recent single, Paparazzi and now with this wicked shoot in Out Magazine http://www.out.com/.

Thanks to the handiwork of the a-mazing stylist Nicola Formichetti (read - Creative Director of Dazed And Confused, Fashion Director of Vogue Hommes Japan, Senior Fashion Editor of Another Man... the list goes on) and the photographic genius of Ellen Von Unwerth, a spookily sumptuous shoot has been created for the most talked about star of the moment.

Think fangs, bandages, coffins, skeletons...

Flippin' fabulous.

It's A Girl Thing

It's really time to start thinking about next season's wardrobe (I spotted a divine red wool coat in Joseph in Wimbledon Village on Sunday!) and, with that in mind, House of Fraser are offering up to £25 off across lots of their premium women's fashion brands until Sunday 23rd August... cause shopping really is a girl's thing.

To access this exclusive deal, simply click here.

Happy shopping!

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Milly Does Make-Up... Kinda

OK, so technically Milly, the delightfully feminine and super glam fashion brand from NYC (fans include Jennifer Aniston, Cam D and Jessica Biel) is not branching into cosmetics, but the brand's founder Michelle Smith has teamed up with Clinique to produce this covetable make-up bag - yum.

Simply fork out for two or more Clinique products during Sept-Oct (26th Sept-6th Oct) at Selfridges and you'll be presented with this stylish cosmetics purse which will be filled with mini Clinique products.

That's my kind of GWP.

www.clinique.co.uk
Shop Milly clothing at www.millyny.com or www.net-a-porter.com.

Sisters Doing It For Themselves

Most of you will know that I have a close relationship with the Jo Malone brand for reasons that are too many to mention here...

However, it's always nice to mix up your beauty loves so it was with a large smile that I received the news that Jo's sister, Tracey Malone, will be launching her own range of skincare next month (http://www.spacenk.co.uk/ or http://www.lubatti.com/). Expect hard-working products in very decent-looking packaging with ingredients like almonds, violets, mango, avocado and honey.

Like Jo, Tracey has a facialist background (to an in-the-know customer base) and learned her skills from her mother, who in turn learned all that there is to know about delivering the best facial available from a lady called Madame Lubatti. Eh voila, the brand was born.

There's nothing else that I can tell you at the moment but I'll report back in a few weeks with the verdict.

PS Wonder if Jo had a hand in any of this?

And The Survey Says...

I love a survey, particularly when it involves canvassing British women about their bodies.

A Gillette Venus Embrace survey (talking to more than 1000 women) released today reveals what women really want when it comes to the ultimate bikini body – with curvier bodies and more mature celebrities' shapes coming out on top.

The survey reveals Halle Berry’s face, Myleene Klass’ hair, Ursula Andress’ iconic white bikini, Kelly Brook’s chest, Elle Mcpherson’s legs and Jessica Alba’s abs make up the ‘Ultimate Bikini Goddess'. Helen Mirren came in 3rd place as most iconic woman in a bikini ever - nice work, Hel.

The survey also reveals fears and barriers that British women feel when wearing a bikini – with a staggering 97% admitting that they dread the thought of revealing their bikini body... I hear you, ladies. I reckon a sarong is the way forward, although a spray tan is also a nice quick fix.

For more expert tips and advice on feeling like a bikini goddess this summer, visit www.gillettevenus.com/uk. I'll definitely be paying the site a visit - I'm off to Portugal and Ibiza next month - I need all the help I can get - argh!

Whoops!

I am reliably informed by the lovely Lisa that 'Something About Sofia' from Benefit is now available in the UK. The Crescent Row fragrance trio (of which Sofia is a part of) launched exclusively with Debenhams last week and stockist details are available on a dedicated microsite www.crescentrow.co.uk – there are competitions and offers on there as well.

That's you and me told - tee hee.

Enjoy.

PS I was at the Benefit store in Covent Garden tonight trialling their Fake Bake spray tan (more on that later in the week) and had a chance to try all 3 fragrances in the Crecent Row range - all are pretty divine, with Sofia being my stand out, of course.

Benefit Cosmetics, 19 Shorts Gardens, WC2H 9AW

telephone: 020 7379 0316
web: www.benefitcosmetics.com
email: coventgarden@benefitcosmetics.com

Madge Also Loves Shu Uemura

Sorry to bang on but I also had to mention that the Material Girl, Madonna, is using Shu Uemura on her Sweet & Sticky World Tour... good skills.

SU's Artistic Director Gina Brooke created the Custom Diamond Eye Shadow as part of new Madonna look for Sticky & Sweet 2009 Summer Tour.

Inspired by Madonna's hit song Ray of Light, Brooke, who has been working with Madonna since 2002, transforms the Material Girl's eyes nightly by applying a mixture of crushed, small flawless diamonds and white eye shadow to her lids.

"The resulting brightness and glow from Madonna's eyes captivate the audience and reinforces the fact that there are always new possibilities with make up - and no rules," says Brooke.

Beginning with Madonna's eyes, Brooke adds Shu Uemura's ME White 906 Pressed Eye to provide a soft, gorgeous light-reflecting, diamond-like effect.

"Since she is playing big stadiums, I decided to further enhance the shadow's diamond-like effect by using real diamonds around Madonna's eyes while was on stage," said Brooke.

Brooke feels that any woman of any age can wear a shimmery, ethereal shade like ME White 906.

"A little sheen helps enhance the eyes and gives an instantly younger appearance. Madonna is always up for trying new things and I think allwomen should feel comfortable experimenting and enhancing their beauty on stage or off," states Brooke.

If it's good enough for Madge...

Cherk out www.shuuemura-usa.com.

There's Something About Sofia

Forgive me if this fragrance isn't yet available in the UK - I've searched the web and it only appears on Sephora and places like this, but I had to give it a little mention, primarily because my friend just had a gorgeous little baby called Sofia, and, trust me, there's definitely something about her - she's super cute and I have no doubt she'll be a little heartbreaker in a few years' time.

Here's the skinny about the actual fragrance, Something About Sofia, from Benefit:

"An intriguing and mysterious scent with a free spirit.

"A delightful oriental floral, conjuring up a dream of oriental blossoms, mango & vanilla."

Fragrance notes: top notes - mango, freesia. Middle notes - sheer lily, jasmine sambac, peony petal. Bottom notes - musk, white caramel, vanilla bean.

Time for a trip Stateside, anyone?

$59
www.benefitcosmetics.com
Part of the Cresent Row fragrance collection.

Shucks, It's Shu Uemura

I love a good collaboration, particularly when it involves one of the best brands on the beauty block and perhaps one of the best Japanese Manga artists around. (Between you and me, Manga is defined as followed: comics and cartoons in the Japanese language - very pretty and arty.)

Introducing the partnership of Shu Uemura and Moyoco Anno. Anno has created an entire range of sophisticated and irresistible Manga designs called Tokyo Kamon Girls. Each bottle of the limited-edition cleansers are adorned with one of her designs, and I must say, I'm hooked.

The product works a treat too and is very gentle on the skin.

Try their store in Covent Garden - it's a feast for the eyes.

£52.

The Results Are In

My tester Sam Hughes just called with the results of the Me Me Me Light Me Up Lipgloss. I figured that it would be good to get someone else's opinion on such matters.

Here's her short and to-the-point thoughts: "Light Me Up Lipgloss is giving MAC a run for its money. V, v glossy and has lots of staying power. FAB."

I think we can glean from this statement that it is a positive result.

Aside from what is clearly a great lip product, I also loved the actual 'light up' element to the lipgloss. So many people I showed it to were amazed as I twisted the top of the gloss and it proceeeded to light up. The addition of the special mirrored panel means that it's the perfect on-the-go beauty product - making it easy to perfect your pout in a cab, in a club etc...

We're sold.

£6.99 from Superdrug.

Paul Smith New Fragrance: Man

Paul Smith Man, the eagerly anticipated new fragrance for, er, men, from British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith launches in Selfridges and Paul Smith shops this week... guess where myself and His Lordship will be tomorrow?!

If you (or he) are after a masculine blend of bergamot, anise, patchouli and iris, this sophisticated scent will tick all the boxes. The nose behind the fragrance, Nathalie Lorson, has also worked with big brands like Jil Sander and Trussardi so you can pretty much guarantee it will be a work of sophistication and elegance.

Available now.
From £24

Bobbi's Sure Been Busy

I feel like every time I let the ink dry (metaphorically, you understand) on a blog post about Bobbi Brown, another new range from the mini make-up guru pops onto my radar.

Not that I'm complaining, of course.

This time it's the Bobbi Brown Nude Collection. Consisting of a limited edition Nude Eye Palette, limited edition Nude Shimmer Brick (yee-hay!) and new line additions of Caviar Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, new Creamy Lip Colours (4 new shades) and a Cleansing Oil, this collection has definitely captured my imagination. I liken the collection to a Michael Kors ad - simple, polished and most definitely chic.

I am such a Bobbi Brown girl - I'm not great at experimenting with neons etc that brands like MAC and Illamasqua do so well, I like to stick to the classics, which is why BB works so well for me. They offer a broad spectrum of wearable, everyday colours that really to enhance what you've got.

The best way to describe this collection is extremely wearable in all circumstances. Start with a simple, light look for day-time and to the office, ramping up the intensity ever-so-slighty for the evening - you're in control.

My favourite product - the Eye Palette (£42) - it's a timeless piece of make-up.

Bobbi says: "Nude makeup never goes out of style – it’s polished, sophisticated, and always looks modern.”

I couldn't agree more.

Watch Bobbi talk through the collection here.

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

The Sanctuary - Brilliant Spa Deal

Woo hoo - the Koi Carp Lounge here we come.

This just in - The Sanctuary is currently offering a Day Spa for only £99 - amazing value, no?

Receive Day Admission, a 25 minute treatment of Hammul Rasul, afternoon tea with a glass of Prosecco Rose and a pampering vanity case gift worth £9.79.

Who said spas were expensive?!

www.thesanctuary.co.uk/

Sure Masterclass: Confidence At Work

I'm a bit video mad tonight - I think it's a great way to get across the point of a product and show the benefits rather than simply typing out my thoughts - hope you agree.

This time I'm letting you in on expert tips from Sure on how to have lots of sweet-smelling confidence at work.

Watch Sure Maximum Protection life coach Liz Wilde, and business expert Jennifer Irvine, give their tips and advice on how to deal with sweat-inducing work situations, from cracking that all important first interview to resolving conflicts at work.

Sounds good to me.

Watch it below.

Andrew Barton Helps Our Hair

To mark the launch of celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton’s range of electrical hair appliances, check out the video below to watch Andrew in action creating a grogeous Bohemian Chic look (as seen on the model above - pictured with AB).

I don't know about you but I need all the help that I can get in the hair department.

Watch the video here.

Andrew Barton's line of electrical hair appliances is available now from Argos qwith prices starting at £29.35. My favourite appliance is the hairdryer, Blown Away 2000W dryer, (pictured above). Loving the ergonomic design and the flash of neon - very on-trend.

Andrew says: "From TV makeover to celebrity hair dos, fashion catwalk to glitzy photo shoots, great tools are the secret to gorgeous-looking hair. That’s why I’ve created my own professional range for you to achieve that fabulous salon look everyday. You’ll love them."

http://www.argos.co.uk/

On Trial

Trying the MeMeMe Light Up Lip gloss at the moment...

So far, so good...

Will let you know my full verdict tomorrow... x

Scarlett Woos Selfridges

Scarlett Johansson (or Scar-Jo, as I like to call her) flew into London town on Friday to promote Dolce & Gabbana's cosmetics line, The Make Up.

I must say, she looked pretty hot and is definitely a good choice to front a seductive line like this one. Not sure about the outift though - a tad mumsy for such a gorgeous girl.

Interested in getting her make-up look? Here's the skinny - Scarlett was, of course, wearing make up from the D&G line:

1. the foundation, perfect finish powder foundation, natural
2. the blush,luminous cheek colour, peach
3. the lipstick, classic cream, iconic
4. the eyeshadow, smooth eye colour quad, nude
5. the mascara, volumised lashes, black

See you at the counter.

Only available at Selfridges or www.selfridges.com.