Lierac Lover

Wedding dresses, mine in particular, don't tend to show massive amounts of skin. The only areas on show in my case are my arms, shoulders, neck and face. Aside from lifting the odd weight (and I will admit I've been fairly lax on the exercise front of late) I've started to apply Lierac's Body Activ Modelage Ultra Firming Body Cream on a daily basis to help my skin look more taut and toned.

The press release claims it is the "1st ultra-frming body treatment that helps restore the skin's 'stretching' abilities" so, obviously, I was very keen to give the product a whirl. The cream is rich and luxurious, gliding on and sinking in fast. I've only been using it for two days so far but I have no doubt that it is protecting, moisturising and helping to firm up my skin.

What I can't confirm yet is whether it really is helping to strengthen and re-tighten my skin. The press release claims that "rye extracts and a silicon derivative work to enhance the fibroblasts' abilities for 'stretching' and strengtehn the skin's suport structures, helping to restore tone and firmess."

I'll continue on my skin mission and report back with my findings in a month's time. Here's hoping... I've only got three weeks to be in tip-top shape!

To use: Gently massage cream all over your body, paying particular attention to arms and thighs.

£36 for 150ml

Avaiable from Harrods and independent pharmacies.

Straight, Sleek and Fabulous

As my wedding fast approaches (three weeks!), I'm now in serious grooming mode - with that in mind, the next couple of posts are all to do with looking my very best on the 17th of July.

My hair isn't really my strongest point - it's quite fine, although I have a lot of it, and I am very prone to split ends, thanks in part to my previous obsession with ghds. Aside from planning my cut and colour schedule with military precision over the last few months, I am also using deep, intensive conditioners every week to ensure that my hair is as moisturised and looked after as it should be.

The current favourite is Herbal Essences Seductively Straight Sleekening Intensive Mask (for dry and damaged hair). Aside from the ridiculously long product name, this mask is perfect for my hair. Apply it after shampooing and leave for five minutes, letting the rich formula of conditioning ingredients and deliciously-smelling pear and silk extracts get to work on your damaged mane.

Blow-drying is easier due to the fact that your hair is tangle free and you can really notice the shine and glossiness as your hair dries. Hair heaven.

This one is definitely for keeps, much like my future husband.

£3.99
www.herbal-essences.co.uk.

One Year On

As I said on Twitter on Friday, I'm still in musical mourning one year on from the King of Pop Michael Jackson's death. I still don't really think he's dead - probably because, aside from seeing him twice in concert, I didn't exactly hang out him all that often! However, by continuing to play his tunes, watch his DVDs (when His Lordship is out!) and giving a nod to him at my impending nuptials, I feel I'm playing the part of a good, geekish fan.

The picture above was released the day before the first anniversary of his death and will go up for auction later in the year - and I think it's beautiful.

The picture, called Michael Jackson's Blue Eye, was taken by French photographer Arno Bani in 1999 and was reportedly one of the choices for the cover of MJ's final studio album Invincible which was released in 2001.

Happy 10th Birthday, London Eye

To celebrate the 10th birthday of the iconic landmark that is the London Eye, various capital city hipsters, including Kate Moss, Henry Holland and Sadie Frost, have inked special drawings to mark the occasion.

My favourites are above (top image by Sadie, second image by Kate) - I intend to buy them and frame them. The perfect gift.

All proceeds from the prints sold will to Guy's & St Thomas' Charity to support the Evelina Children's Hospital.

The prints are available from the London Eye shop for £5.00.

British Hairdresser Of The Year 2010 Nominees

The 2010 British Hairdresser of the Year nominees have just been announced.

The nominated hairdressers are;

1. Andrew Barton - previous winner of British Hairdresser of the Year 2006, Andrew is the owner of Andrew Barton Salons in Covent Garden. This is Andrew’s ninth nomination.

2. Errol Douglas - this is the 14th nomination for Knightsbridge salon owner Errol Douglas, previous winner of Afro Hairdresser of the Year 1993, 1995 and 2007.

3. Tim Hartley - this is Tim’s first British Hairdresser of the Year nomination.

4. Mark Hayes – this is the second nomination for Mark, the International Creative Director of Sassoon.

5. Akin Konizi - Artistic Director for hob salon group, and the current British Hairdresser of the Year. Akin also won the title in 2008, making him only the third person in the awards history to win the award for two consecutive years. This is Akin’s fifth nomination.

6. Angelo Seminara - the 2007 British Hairdresser of the Year and International Creative Director at Trevor Sorbie. This is Angelo’s fifth nomination.

7. Phil Smith - as an investor in 25 international Toni & Guy salons, this is Phil’s eighth nomination.

8. Gary Hooker & Michael Young - this is the third nomination for owners of salon group Hooker & Young.

The winner will be announced on Monday 22nd November 2010.

Colour Me Happy

I'm currently working my way through a plethora of new Pure Color Gloss shades from Estee Lauder.

The glosses (there are 24 in the line) come in a variety of finishes; Shine, Sparkle and Shimmer - with my favourites being found in the shine department - Nude Rose and Tempting Tearose being particular stand-out shades.

The gloss works for me because they're moisturing (Vitamins C & E protect), non-sticky, colour-dense and smell deliciously of dried prunes. Your lips also look fantastically glossy and full, making them oh-so kissable. And I'm not the only one that thinks this...

Tom Pecheux, Estee Lauder's creative make-up director said: "Gloss brings a highlight and sensuality to the face. For me, a woman who wears gloss looks like she wants to be kissed!"

Too right.

NEW Pure Color Gloss
£15

www.esteelauder.co.uk

Available now

Burberry Make-Up

I posted a while back about the launch of a make-up collection from Burberry, along with some fairly poor visuals (it was all that was around at the time).

Now, however, I am pleased to furnish you with this picture, which shows the collection in all its beautiful glory.

As Christopher Bailey, Burberry's chief creative officer said at the time, the collection embodies an “effortless elegance”.

After seeing this picture I am in total agreement.

The line launches in July.

Diane von Furstenberg At Claridge's

Only one more day until fashion maven Diane von Furstenberg officially launches her personally designed range of suites at London's Claridge's Hotel.

Cannot wait to see what they look like - will post pictures as soon as I have them.

Pearl Lowe For Peacocks

Super-cool mother/daughter duo Pearl and Daisy Lowe have joined forces for Pearl's debut accessories collection (which forms part of her Summer 2010 fashion line) for the high street retailer Peacocks.

Offering designs including a delicate butterfly shoulder bag (£10), a retro straw beach bag (£15) and a mock croc vanity case (£25), mixed in with vintage-style tea dresses and lace camisoles, Pearl caters perfectly for her girly audience - with Daisy on hand to model her mother’s exclusive dress collection (which forms part of the collection), in an exquisite, sun-soaked shoot for the brand.

Pearl Lowe said: "I’m so excited that for my high summer collection I’ve added accessories including some vintage inspired bags and vanity cases. The collection has been inspired by a summer packed with visits to outdoor music events. In my life fashion and music have always gone hand in hand, and in our family summer life has always centred on festivals. Every one of these dresses has been designed to look equally as fabulous at Glastonbury as they would on a summer evening at Kenwood or Glyndebourne, or even sat at work dreaming of the next weekend away."

Too good to miss, I say.

The range will launch in selected Peacocks’ stores and online on 28th June 2010.

Marc For Marc Jacobs

I know, I'm sorry, it's all about fragrance tonight but so much has happened/launched since I last posted (my lack of posting I put down to my impending nuptials - run off feet with organisational matters - and the small matter of moving jobs which happens next Monday - gulp! - more on that later).

So Marc Jacobs has pulled his clothes off, all in the name of work, of course. Here he is posing for his new men's fragrance, Bang. Think masculine woody notes, vetiver, white moss and several shades of peppercorn - delicious.

The shoot apparently didn't start out with Marc minus clothes, it just sort of happened: "We tried it with clothes, but it didn’t work." Mr Jacobs said.

Works for me.

The fragrance is set in the UK exclusively at Harvey Nichols on 1st August and everywhere else on 25th August.

Givaudan Launch iPhone App

Givaudan, the world's leading fragrance manufacturer, will this month unveil an iPhone app called i-Perfumer. The app, the first of its kind, will help guide the user through the myriad of fragrances on the market and recommend one to suit based on the date you enter.

Linda Harman, a Givaudan spokeswoman, said: "This tool is a comprehensive representation of the fine fragrance market and we aim to update it on a quarterly basis to ensure that users have the right information about the latest launches."

I cannot wait to download it.

Lacoste Signs Alexa Chung

LACOSTE fragrances has signed Brit style icon Alexa Chung , 25, to front its new female fragrance, launching in January 2011.

Model and TV presenter Alexa is obviously pretty chuffed with her new role: "I'm very flattered that LACOSTE invited me to model for its new female fragrance. I've always liked LACOSTE’s casual chic image, so I'm excited to be representing the brand in this new campaign."

Looking forward to sampling it in just a few months' time.