Dior Comes To Selfridges... In Spectacular Style

Tomorrow, Thursday 1st October, sees the launch of Dior's most ambitious store concession to date. Yes, when the doors to Selfridges beauty hall open tomorrow morning there'll be a new prestige brand counter to peruse and gawp at.

The state-of-the-art counter will house the UK's widest selection of make-up shades and exclusive products. The Colour Creator Atelier will allow you to shop by tonality as all products for the lips, eyes and nails will be displayed around five harmonies (red, pink, nude, coral and brown), allowing you to find your ideal colour palette. More than 250 shades will be available (wow). You can then move on to the Complexion Bar where you'll find a huge spectrum of foundation shades.

Once you've dealt with your make-up needs, head to the Skincare Bar where you can peruse or be guided by one of their experts to discover what products will work for your skin issues - be it anti-ageing, targeted solutions or just something to make you feel fabulous.

To end, head to the Fragrance Consultation Area where you can find about and try all of the brand's world-famous fragrances.

The only problem is - where am I going to find the time and the money to do all of this?

PS The compact above is just one of the new exciting products that will be seen on-counter. Tyen’s Love Dior palette, created to celebrate the creative director of make-up's 30th anniversary with the brand, is a limited-edition eye palette (and accompanying nail varnish) inspired by one of Tyen’s most iconic photographs which will be showcased at his anniversary celebrations at the Palais de Tokyo exhibition in Paris. Each Love Dior palette is numbered and will be available at the new Dior counter from 22nd October 2009, exclusive to Selfridges until December 2009.)

John Richmond's First Fragrance

The British fashion designer John Richmond has joined the ring of designers who are widening their audience reach by producing products outside of the traditional clothes-designing arena.

His first fragrance is "feminine, seductive and modern" and is a combination of ingredients that I woulod describe as uplifting, floral and fruity.

Here's the breakdown:

TOP NOTES - Pink Grapefuit, Pear and Dewberry

HEART NOTES - Magnolia, White Sand Lily and Daffodil

BASE NOTES - Sandalwood, Patchouli and Amber

John says: "I wanted a perfume that celebrates the peculiarity of the lock with its bottle, the accessory with the bracelet, the uniqueness of the John Richmond woman in the fragrance, its striking personality. We jealously guard our most precious and desired possessions with a lock, we keep them private, just for us. John Richmond is a perfume “to wear”, like the collections, it is something that a woman dedicates, above all, to herself, it exalts her personality and completes how she lives these modern times."

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is known globally as the month we come together to raise money to help eradicate the scurge that is breast cancer. One woman who, in my mind, has been a true front runner in championing the cause (and the symbol of the pink ribbon), and has gone as far to say that she wants her Foundation to "go out of business" is Evelyn Lauder.

Aside from being at the top of her game in the beauty world, (she is Sr. Corporate Vice President of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.) she is also the Founder and Chairman of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Since the inception of the charity in 1993, to address a crucial lack of funding for research into the disease, Mrs Lauder and her hardworking team (of which I was once a part - I spent a year learning amazing life lessons and discovering my love for beauty within the BCRF family) have campaigned tirelessly to help rid us of this terrible disease. Through continual fundraising (BCRF have raised $175 million to date) and various product initiatives, the Foundation now funds over 150 researchers across the world. I've seen first hand the passion that BCRF staff, the researchers and the many volunteers have for this cause, and it's a very inspiring, thought-provoking environment to be in.

People often moan that October has become a free-for-all for beauty brands to slap on pink ribbons willy-nilly in order to guilt people into buying products that they wouldn't normally (and that may be the case elsewhere), but I know and feel proud to say that this charitable initiative is from the heart and the experience of being part of such an amazing charity will stay with me forever.

Image 1 - The Evelyn Lauder Lip Collection (£20 - with £5 from each purchase going to BCRF's research programme at The Royal Marsden Institute).

Image 2 - Elizabeth Hurley, Evelyn Lauder and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Beauty Scoop Is In Ibiza...

...Back Tuesday. x

The Beauty Spot - Cynthia Chua

In the beauty hot seat today is Cynthia Chua, CEO, Ministry of Waxing.

1. Describe who you are and what you do?
I’m the founder of 9 businesses and like to think of myself as an entrepreneur in the lifestyle arena. I first started out in the spa business and have grown the business (SEG) into a lifestyle empire. I am very passionate in creating brands which are missing in the market, offering the consumers interesting services previously lacking, or to refresh and improve the existing offerings.

2. What's your background?
I dabbled in marketing in a corporate environment when I first joined the workforce and realized that the lifestyle industry was my calling. I started in spa esprit, a unique and uplifting day spa which was very different as most spas tend to gear towards the ‘zen’ concept. From there, created Ministry of Waxing , Browhaus (lash and brow grooming), Mask (unique and effective facials and cult products), Qi Mantra (acupressure massage in a western environment), House (a 35.000sqft space which encourage socalising and the growth of the art scene. House also consist of Barracks Café, Camp Bar and my newest offering, Beauty Emporium, a grocery concept and treatment orientated beauty space), Tippling Club (a marriage between progressive cocktails and dishes) as well as Skinny Pizza (fresh unique pizza using the best produce on a thin healthy crust.)

3. Do you think the waxing market is saturated and, if so, what is Ministry of Wax's point of difference?
The waxing market is saturated but not Brazilian wax stores. Many consumers have commented that it’s so hard to get a good Brazilian done. This is the point of difference for Ministry of Waxing. We are a dedicated concept store focusing mainly on Brazilian wax and we do it well. Many women have shared their experience of bad wax job and have completely abstained from Brazilian waxing.After they tried Ministry of Waxing they were surprised with the level of expertise and comfort and we managed to regain their confidence again.The entire concept is to make Brazilian wax fun and part of our growing grooming culture. The innovative spirit behind the company, be it products, interior design, marketing campaigns, they are such a breath of life and refreshing. The level of expertise, the focus on hygiene are all different from what is available out there in the current market. In Ministry of Waxing, it is not just a treatment, it's an entire experience the minute you step into the door.

4. Why do you think the Brazilian wax is such a popular choice for women?
The two keys things about Brazilian waxing is grooming and hygiene. Modern women are very interested in grooming and invest to ensure that they look good. What is the point of looking gorgeous on the surface and spot a wild messy bush under those stylish clothes!. Being well groomed on all parts of the body gives you that extra boost of confidence. Brazilian waxing is also a good way to keep yourself clean and feeling gorgeous at all times. But who say this only applies to the females, a lot of men are also very savvy about grooming these days and our Boyzilians are a winner with the male population! It's all part of progression and a new body culture that is prevalent in the cities of style, fashion and design.

5. Your stores are reknowned for their quirkiness/attention to detail - who designs them and what's the inspiration behind the theme?
All our Singapore and international outlets are designed by my Creative Director, Jerry De Souza. We are inspired by anything and everything - things that happen around us, by things we see and feel. The theme changes with every outlet as we are very adamant not to fall into a cookie cutter mould. We want every store and campaign to give our consumers a different feel and experience.

6. You send all your 'waxperts' for an intensive month-long training course. What do you believe the benefits of this are?
Waxing is a delicate process and we strongly believe that each and every waxpert should provide our consumers with the best treatment possible. At Ministry of Waxing all our therapists are trained to execute our style of waxing. A lot of research and development goes into perfecting our skills and we never stop improving and advancing. Our waxperts are constantly invited back to upgrade their skills and hone it to perfection! The waxperts have intensive month long training in Singapore and another month long follow up training back in London and subsequently an upgrading course 6 months into the job.

7. What celebrities visit The Ministry of Wax?
The London salon has only just opened, however, we already seem to be proving really popular with some great high profile celebrities you have in London however, I’m afraid at the moment, my lips are sealed!

8. What's the optimum time between waxing?
I would recommend a waxing session every 3 weeks to a month. Having said that, it also depends on individual hair growth rate. Normally, the long you have been waxing, the finer/slower is the hair growth. Taking care of your beautifully waxed skin is also very important. Regular application of our X-ed Out Cream as well as exfoliating with a fine grain scrub such as the refreshing Malin+Goetz Peppermint Scrub keeps your skin in tip top condition. If discomfort during waxing is a concern, I would also advise the consumers not to wax a week before and after their period. Our wax formula is also created to remove hair as short as 1 mm.

9. Who else (people/brands) do you admire in the beauty industry globally?
I love Ilcsi, a Hungarian Organic skincare brand that is created by Ilcsi Molnar, who is in her 80s. She uses natural fruit and vegetable to concoct these effective products and is still researching and blending to create more stunning potions and lotions. Her spirit and innovation is amazing. Malin + Goetz is also another brand that I love, with their easy to use yet effective products in stylish packaging and we are very proud to stock such an exciting brand in our salons.

10. What does the future look like for Ministry of Wax?
Ministry of Waxing is already causing such a buzz! We are already looking to open more stores in London very soon and have big expansion plans for the UK and the rest of Europe. Internationally, we will be launching in Shanghai, New York, Thailand and Beijing by 2010. It is very heartening for me to see this growth and it certainly spurs me on to work my brands onto a global platform. It has always been a dream to demonstrate to the world that local (Singaporean) businesses can be innovative and trend setting. This has also proven that the brands that we have created appeals across different culture and nationality. Look out for new concepts and exciting treatments and products coming your way soon!

Thanks Cynthia. Trust me ladies, I had my first Ministry of Waxing experience a few weeks' ago and I can hand-on-heart confirm that it was the best wax of my life. It's a must-visit beauty destination.

Ministry of Waxing
17 South Molton Street
London W1
Tel : 020 7409 7343

Goodbye LFW - Burberry Prorsum

Goodbye to another London Fashion Week, but wow, what a week that was. For me, and for many others, Burberry was definitely the highlight of the week. It was the first time the brand had shown at LFW since c Christopher Bailey took the creative reins... Check out the two videos below and ogle the towering heels, the slouchy socks, the knotted silk, and the reinvented trench... oh, and belts are surely going to be a big feature next year? Practically every model was sporting one.

Also take note of the super-sleek hair and, once again, clean make-up look.

See for yourself below...

London Fashion Week - Burberry Prorsum

The Burberry Prorsum show (under the watchful eye of Creative Director Christopher Bailey) is taking place as we speak, therefore until I get the show footage tomorrow am, indulge in this behind-the-scenes teaser video of Christopher preparing for the show - it should be one of the highlights of LFW...

London Fashion Week - Christopher Kane

As a fellow Scot, I simply cannot write about fashion and not mention the mighty Christopher Kane.

This season Christopher chose a 'gingham galore' theme with the pattern featuring on most of the models he sent down the runway. This, paired with thigh-high slashes in the skirts and dresses, together with embroidered sheer material and a large focus on the bra, made for a very sexy and provocative show. Again, the make-up was barely-there (sometimes the eyebrows weren't even apparent) and the hair was a wispy, pulled-back affair.

Judge for yourself in this front-row and behind-the-scenes video.

London Fashion Week - Matthew Williamson

Apologises for my extreme delay in posting London Fashion Week content - have been jetting across to my friend's wedding in Portugal - think old-school Hollywood curls and pared-down, yet ultra sultry, make-up... fabulous.

Now, let's get on to my highlights of the week thus far...

First up, Matthew Williamson - how cute is he? And how remarkable are his latest designs (watch the video below). The ethnic, embellished garments flowed down the runway, accompanied by a severe, slick-looking bun and eye-focused hair/make-up look. I actually really liked this as it helps you focus solely on the clothes and the intricate detailing, rather than on the models' faces.

The Make-Up (and hair) at Marc Jacobs

I meant to post this yesterday but got sidetracked with dinner plans, but I really hope you saw and loved the make-up and hair at the Marc Jacobs show.

Not only was I super impressed with the sleek, exotic ballet bun theme (courtesy of Guido Palau) but I was bowled over by the make-up, courtesy of legendary make-up artist Francois Nars. The founder and creative visionary behind the NARS brand created a futuristic, space-age theme that still managed to make the models look beautiful yet other-wordly.

Magnificent.

10/10.

New York Fashion Week - Michael Kors

This is a double hitter - but both videos are definitely worth watching.

Aside from Ralph Lauren, I think Michael Kors' collections epitomise the glamour and sophistication of America - it's cool, crisp, sleek, Park Avenue Princess, delicate and totally desirable.

Check out the videos below - Mr Kors even does a cute little lap of honour at the end - what a legend.

New York Fashion Week - Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez's collection is best described as elegant with a twist. Lots of beautiful floaty numbers in block colours like white, cream and grey, with the odd dash of colour thrown in for good measure. I love the fabrics - silk, linen and see-through black mesh.

The shoes are also pretty spectacular.

New York Fashion Week - Baby Phat

OK, Baby Phat isn't always my cup of style tea but you've got to hand it to Kimora Lee Simmons (President and Creative Director of Phat Fashions), she's created a brand that is fun, frivolous and fabulous. It's not stuffy, nor does it take itself too seriously - unlike most fashon brands, dahling.

Her collection for Spring/Summer 2010, Moroccan Kiss, can't fail to please - it's a gorgeous blend of the 70s and Marrakesh style.

Check out the video below and enjoy the curvy models (yes, they are more than a size 6) work their sexy magic.

PS How cute are Kimora and her kids at the end?

Drew's Dip-Dye 'Do - Love It Or Loathe It?

Whether you love it or hate it, Drew Barrymore's dip-dye hairdo has certainly got people talking (and that's what you want, right?!)

Now, trust me on this one when I say that this look isn't for the faint-hearted - I for one would look ridiculous. However, for the experimental Scoopers amongst us, take note of what Francesca Davies, Headmasters Salon Art Director says about attempting the look... Good luck!

DO
- Texturize your hair style - it makes the dip-dye effect more tongue-in-cheek and less try-hard.
- Try before you buy - for a taster try introducing slices of colour as opposed to covering all of the ends in solid colour.
- Think of your look - before committing to this style, check your wardrobe and ask – will a rock-chic vibe suit me?

DON'T
- Even consider it if you’re over 30 and don’t fit the ‘cool’ moniker - this trend is extremely kooky and ‘difficult to carry off’ is an understatement.
- Go there if you are a commitment-phobe - blondes beware! Be prepared for a harsh cut or long chemical service to remove if you change your mind...
- Plunge in head first. Discuss options to suit you with your colourist– especially if you don't want to go for a strong colour contrast but like the dipping trend.
- Try on layered hair. This style works best on one-length styles – do not attempt if your hair is heavily graduated.

New York Fashion Week - Victoria Beckham

I've talked about my love for the Victoria Beckham line before and, once again, I'm seriously impressed by her efforts for her third collection for Spring/Summer 2010.

You will see in the video below, (played to a VB track) that each dress has had some serious thought put into it. Feminine cuts, intricate detailing and flattering lines all mean that if this collection was affordable to the average woman (i.e. me) I'd be snapping up every last one. Alas, I am more of a high street girl, mixed with the odd splash of designer, so I'll have to wait until the diffusion line emerges (please, VB?!)

Let me know what you think of her designs...

New York Fashion Week - Alexander Wang

Feel like you're missing out not being at the tents in Bryant Park in the Big Apple?

Fear not, The Beauty Scoop is here to help...

Check out Alexander Wang's show below, which took place at Pier 94 on the Westside Highwway (random). I'm loving the bushy, combed-up eyesbrows, the tousled side french plaits and the stockings/open-toe shoe boot combos. Gotta love it. Super-sexy styling from the young designer who once interned at Teen Vogue.

Wang, originally from San Fransisco and who studied at Parsons The New School For Design, said: "It's all about American heritage, classic looks, classic sportswear, all the things you do at school like football, sports and all those outdoor things like going camping."

SHUT UP, Kanye

OK, it's not beauty (again) but I had to post the video of stupid (but super-talented) Kanye West butting in on Taylor Swift's acceptance speech last night at the MTV VMA awards - where does he get off?! Thankfully, the lovely Beyonce helped Taylor recover her composure later in the show. Nice work, ladies.

See the video below.

Top 50 Beauty 'Bloopers'

According to a new survey carried out by Superdrug, too much fake tan comes out top of the worst beauty 'bloopers' you can make.

Katherine Le Clerc, Superdrug beauty director, which carried out the study said: "It is easy to make beauty mistakes which is why you’ll find trained beauty specialists in our stores who can give honest advice on the most common beauty dilemmas.

"When you’ve had the same beauty routine for years you may find that changes to fashion have past you by and bright blue eyeshadow is no longer de rigueur so our specialists can help modernize a routine. It’s no surprise to see tango tan at the top of the list, it can be easy to overdo the bronzer and end up with an orange glow rather than a healthy tan sometimes less really is more."

Read on for the rest... most amusing.

1. Tango tan (too much fake tan)
2. Shaved eyebrows with pencilled in replacements
3. Thick foundation
4. Bright blue eyeshadow
5. Hairy armpits
6. Too much make-up
7. Dark lip-liner with pale lipstick
8. Over-plucked eyebrows
9. Hairy legs
10. Too much blusher
11. Tide mark foundation around the jawline
12. Hairy upper lip
13. Streaky fake tan
14. Monobrow
15. Lipstick on teeth
16. Lip liner outside the edge of the lips
17. Tango'ed hands
18. Yellow teeth
19. Greasy hair
20. Gems in the teeth
21. Hard yellow skin on feet
22. Pierced finger nails
23. Bad hair extensions
24. Gelling hair curls to your face
25. Fake beauty spots
26. Clumpy mascara
27. Hairy toes
28. Overgrown toenails
29. Panda eyes
30. Too many scrunchies
31. Squeezing spots
32. Showing your roots
33. Half-dyed hair (blonde on top, dark underneath)
34. Wearing make-up in bed
35. Lobster skin
36. Chipped nail varnish
37. Bitten nails
38. Croydon facelift
39. Crimped Hair
40. Tattoos
41. Tongue piercings
42. Undercuts
43. Tan lines
44. Ridiculous fake eyelashes
45. Stripy highlights
46. Toe jewellery
47. Nose piercings
48. Glittery hairspray
49. Too bright lipstick
50. Acrylic nails

VMAS 2009

Woo hoo - it's the MTV Video Music Awards tonight.

Until I have pics and news (tomo), here's a little promo video to keep you happy for the next few hours.

Wonder what naughtiness Britney and Russell will get up to this year...

Happy Sunday. x

DuWop Takes Over... My Make-Up Bag

At the moment my make-up bag is housing several DuWop products. They sit nicely among my Clinique and MAC goodies but they're new to the Jaeger make-up bag family so they're getting quite a lot of attention at present.

My top 3 DuWop products;

Lashlacquer (£18)
Duo mascara - one end is a conditioning mascara (with a great brush making it easy to get to the root of the lash) and a water/smudge resistant topcoat the other (helps separate lashes and makes lashes ultra-glossy).

Blush Booster (£18)
'Boost' is the key word here. I live for my blusher and it's the one make-up item I couldn't do without - therefore I'm very choosy with the products that make it into my make-up bag. Blush Booster in Apple is light, bright and will make anyone look perky. A must-have essential.

Eye Palette for Brown Eyes (£20)

Browns and creams are the only colours that work for me so I'm clutching this palette close to my heart and praying it lasts well. The Brown Palette includes medium brown, ecru, and gold eyeshadows, as well as a dark chocolate brown cream liner and a highlighter. A winning combo.

Sign up to purchase at www.simplebeauty.co.uk.

Leaf & Rusher

I've just been introduced to the Leaf & Rusher skincare brand from Beverly Hills.

Since 1996 the founders Dr. Norman Leaf and Rand Rusher, together with their team, have been working on the skin of the upper echelons of Hollwood society at their medical skincare clinic. During this time they've been able to apply their vast knowledge of the skin's ageing process to help pamper their discerning clientele. They realised that it probably wasn't just their clients that were demanding serious skincare, including the best botanicals, the best technology and the most-effective delivery system for treating the skin above and below the surface... surely lots of people were as precious about their skin?

This thought process led them to develop their own brand of skincare - but not just any old creams and lotions. They worked closely with their existing clients - listening to their questions, testing and developing before producing a line that offers a light in the darkness that is a crowded serious skincare market.

My favourite product in the line is the Rapid Resurface product. It's an alternative to micro-dermabrasion (which I personally find too harsh) and is super-gentle and is actually a real pleasure to use.

The aluminum-free formula, gently polishes skin and leaves your skin beautifully radiant. Rice powder and calcified algae help buff the rough, dull cells while aloe and green tea protect your complexion.

It's simple to use - Gently massage with water in a circular motion over the face, avoiding the eye area. Because it's gentle you can use the product 3-4 times per week

Rapid Resurface $50

The only place you can buy the products are from www.simplebeauty.co.uk. The website launches imminently so leave your details and you'll be alerted when you're able to buy. It's definitely worth the (short) wait.

Claudia - Untouched And Gorgeous

Wowsers - Claudia Schiffer has stripped off for Tank magazine, and has not allowed the airbrush anywhere near the final images. In the words of the mad one from Pretty In Pink: "Applause, applause, applause."

I don't know about you, but if I look this good as I approach my 40th birthday I'll be jumping around shouting "I'm fabulous" from the rooftops. In fact, if I looked as good as this at my age now (28, dear readers) I'd be beside myself.

We can but dream... On that note I'm off to scoff with His Lordship at Baltic restaurant - a must-visit Polish place if you come to London.

Until tomorrow. xxx

nails inc. do The Hills

Ooo, it's a match made in my kind of heaven. My favourite nail brand, nails inc., has collaborated with my favourite TV show, The Hills to produce a fab limited edition collection inspired by the girls and the City of Angels.

The collection consists of 4 vibrant and sexy shades of polish that are named after the coolest areas in LA; Hollywood (neon pink), Rodeo Drive (dark teal), Beverly Hills (raspberry red) and Melrose Avenue (indigo).

My favourite is Rodeo Drive, natch. It's a brilliant shade for the turning of the seasons and so many people commented on it today in the Shed (my affectionate term for my other place of work.)

If that didn't satisfy you, check out the video of The Hills below... love it.

£20 from 17th September
nails inc online, asos and House Of Fraser

New From Diptyque

My heart always skips a beat when Diptyque decides to add to their already-divine and cult collection of candles and homewares.

This time it's their collaboration with iconic illustrators Kuntzel and Deygas that's captured my imagination. Presenting the Beauty And The Beast candle duo - burn together or on their own for a truly heavenly fragrance experience.

Characteristics of The Beast: A heavy yet seductive fragrance with top notes of vetiver and patchouli layered with violet leaf anf woody accords.

Characteristics of Beauty: A lighter, more floral fragrance - it's a blend of blackcurrant berries, violet leaf, geranium and tea rose.

Now all I need is my apartment in NYC and my dream is complete.

£55

Available now
www.diptyqueparis.com

Full Steam Ahead

If you haven't heard of STEAMCREAM yet, then listen up.

STEAMCREAM is supposed to be the latest concept in skincare - thanks to the process that the ingredients go through, and, as of October 2009, you'll be able to get your hands on this high-quality, natural product.

Produced with traceable ingredients (including Orange Flower Water, Lavender oil from Provence and Organic Jojoba oil), these are then bound together by a revolutionary steam-infused process to create a hydrating, easy-to-absorb vegan cream for your face, body hands (multitasking - I like it.)

A wee bonus is that the product comes in an eco-chic and limited edition aluminim tin - cute.

I'll be taking it with me on all the flights that I have coming up, and as it only comes in 75g pots, the pesky security peeps won't be able to get their mitts on it.

£9.95
www.steamcream.co.uk
STEAMCREAM launches nationwide into John Lewis and Selfridges in October.

Wanted... Yes, Please

Another video for you, Scoopers.

This time it features my favourite, yes, it's Demi Moore. She's modelling for Helena Rubinstein's fragrance, Wanted.

I decided to show you the 'making of' video instead of the final cut because, after all the recent press on Demi and her saying she's had no surgery etc, the film shows her in all her glory. Fair enough, she's most probably had a boob job, but aside from that it's very hard to tell for sure if she has infact had any facial work... decide for yourself. I for one am not convinced, but then again I'm biased.

Also, check out the website www.helenarubinstein-wanted.com.

Daphne Guinness: The Movie

To coincide with the launch of her fragrance, Daphne, a collaboration with Commes des Garçons (only 3000 bottles have been produced), Daphne Guinness, fashion icon and heiress, has directed this short film to capture the essence of her work. It's haunting, beautiful, thought-provoking, mystical and magical.

Daphne says: "… it is something of a sensory path, evoking snapshots of one's past as you smell it. It has the power to transport you from the room in which you stand, to a place buried within the depths of your memory. I wanted to demonstrate that scent can take you on a journey.

In making this film I wanted to avoid any element of exclusivity. I believe that ideas are free. That in order to engage with an idea, you should share it. The prospect of strangers stumbling across my film online and perhaps passing it on, is gratifying. I'm not a commercial person. It is the creative process that fascinates me. This is not an advertisement for the perfume, it is a film inspired by the essence of scent."

Find out more on Daphne and her scent at www.themnemosyneproject.com.
Available at Dover Street Market, London.

Marc Jacobs' New Fragrance, Lola

Marc Jacobs introduces his second and slighty more mature fragrance, Lola.

His further foray into the fragrance market is a bolder effort than the somewhat sweet-smelling Daisy and, in the words of the designer himself is "vampy".

Here's the skinny on the fragrance's combination;

Top notes - ruby red grapefruit, pink peppercorn (like Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir), pear d'anjou

Middle notes - rose, geranium and fuschia peony

Base notes - smoth vanilla, creamy musk and tonka bean

In my own humble opinion, it's worth buying for the bottle alone.

Marc Jacobs Lola - from £21.53
www.debenhams.com

Head & Shoulders Anti-Hair Loss Shampoo Ad

I don't what it is about the Head & Shoulders ad below, but it really appeals to my sense of humour. Watch 'The Parting' featuring Hairy Harry, and enjoy.

PS I've got His Lordship onto the shampoo, he's not 25 anymore...

Hot Off The Press - Ministry Of Waxing

Hairy bits at the ready, the world's first concept wax store (since 2002) is coming to London, or South Molton street to be precise on 14th September.

Introducing the Ministry Of Waxing - a super-cool salon dedicated to the art of the wax - about time too, if I may say so. With boutiques already established across Asia and more set to open in NYC and, as mentioned, London, this brand is set to be your new, and only, waxing venue of choice.

To give you a bit of background, the Ministry of Waxing take their art very seriously. All 'waxperts' are sent off to boot camp in Singapore for a month to learn the art of Ministry waxing - so you can be sure of a precise and highly-professional job. The company are repeatedly voted Best Brazilian Wax and Fastest Waxer by the likes of WWD, Wallpaper* and LUXE - high praise indeed.

I'm off to the salon next week to try it for myself and to meet their CEO so I'll let you know how I get on. I am told that the salon is something of an experience in itself - every MOW salon is individual and design-focused. South Molton street (above) is said to be very art-inspired with wax-dipped chairs hanging from the walls and Hirst-esque art adorning the walls.

Can't wait.

www.ministryofwaxing.com

Hollywood Here I Come...

Hollywood epitomises glamour, the jet-set and everything fabulous.

Like me, you might not live within striking distance of La-la Land but now, thanks to Michael Kors, you can smell like everything that the City of Angels stands for... Say hello to MK's Very Hollywood fragrance.

Escape the boring shores of Blighty and be transported to a world of sparkling mandarin, gardenia, and vetiver that could quite easily be worn by a silver-screen starlet... as well as us more normal folks.

It's luxury all the way, dahling. And the bottle will look marvellous in your Hollywood Hills dressing room (er, or in your bathroom cabinet in SW9).

Check out the campaign at www.veryhollywood.com. From £33.28.

The Very Hollywood Michael Kors Collection will be exclusive to Harrods and Brown Thomas from 14th September 2009 then nationwide from the 14th October 2009.
Stockist Number: 0870 034 2566

Leona Lewis - Back With A Bang

Welcome back to Leona Lewis, and wow, doesn't she look stunning? This pic is the cover of her new single, Happy, which debuts in November, together with her new album, Echo.

Leona has definitely benefited from her LA lifestyle - and, no doubt, an army of trainers, make-up artists and stylists... what a result - she looks divine.

Oh, for a little helping hand in the polish dept...

Lily For Chanel

Here's Lily Allen posing beautifully alongside Chanel Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld on the shoot for the Coco Cocoon campaign.

Lily's swapped her ladylike, high-class, Pretty Woman-esque look of her previous Chanel campaign for a vampy, tousled appearance.

Can't wait to see the final cut.

Kate Moss For YSL

Here's the gorgeously sexy video for Yves Saint Laurent's new fragrance Parisienne featuring a tres sultry Kate Moss which I blogged about a few weeks ago.

Magnifique, non?

New Guerlain Fragrance

Another fragrance of note is Guerlain's Idylle. This is definitely one for the feminine, rose lovers amongst us.

The fragrance consists of Bulgarian roses with overtones of raspberry and lychee, combined with a chypre harmony (very Guerlain, apparently) of white musk, patchouli, lily of the valley and freesia.

£38 for 35ml eau de parfum
Stockists: 01932 233 887
Available from 21st September

Kimberley Wow-sh For New Look

Here's Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh modelling some of New Look's A/W 2009/10 collection that she is the face of.

Wow, doesn't she look amazing.

New Look commented today: "With a look that’s half-rock, half-babydoll and a physique to rival Beyoncé, Kimberley is the pop phenomenon of recent years."

Photos courtesy of New Look.

Word on the grapevine...

... is that The Body Shop's new fragrance, Love Etc, already has a waiting list. I've managed to get my hands on a sample and, I must say, it smells a lot more expensive than it's £16 price tag would suggest.

Think jasmine combined with mouth-watering vanilla, creamy musk and a hint of sandalwood. It is light, feminine and definitely on my hit list.

Get your name down. Pronto.

PS It's the first fragrance to include Community Trade alcohol which is fairtraded and organically sourced and it comes in a recycled glass bottle - impressive.

PPS The fragrance was designed by revered nose Dominique Ropion.

www.releasetheforceoflove.com
www.thebodyshop.co.uk