A must for make-up bags everywhere

I've been admiring this product in magazines and blogs across the globe.It's so cool it hurts but how the heck do you use it? And more to the point, why would you want to use it? It's far too nice.

To coincide with Chanel's counter launch in Selfridges, Oxford street, the brand will launch a limited edition collection called London Madness, designed by their Global Creative Director, Peter Philips.

The collection exhibits Philips' love of London and will include pillarbox red colours and Union Jack motifs, as seen here on this gorgeous highlighter product.

£52, available exclusively from Selfridges in May.

Chantecaille - I Do Love Thee

I've fallen in love again... with Chantecaille. I've always had a bit of a thing for the brand, not only because the product is so flippin' good and the packaging so slick in all of its purple finery, but also because the brand and its owners, mother/daughter team Sylvie and Olivia, conjour up such visions of glamour and NYC/Hamptons-esque grandeur... you've gotta love it).

I've used one of their products, Total Concealer, for years now but recently I'd become sidetracked as I tried new, and not so remarkable alternatives. Fishing around in my make-up bag this week, I came across a pot of TC and decided to give it a whirl. It comes in a kind of paste pot so I decided to apply it with a Ruby & Millie retractable lip brush. Different, yes, but it's the best, most precise way to apply the product... and make-up rules were made to be broken, ladies.

It really is a wonderful product, it's smooth and and doesn't sit on top of the skin, instead it sinks in to give a real glow and somehow revitalises the skin. I use it on my eye bags and to banish the redness around my nose - it's a 'can't live without' product.

I couldn't find a precise price point for this product but if I remember correctly it's approx £29. Check out their counter at Fenwicks. It's old school glamour combined with chic modern technology personified.

Dolce, Dolce, Dolce

Yes, as Carrie Bradshaw once said, "I know all the Italian I need to know: Dolce, Dolce, Dolce."

And boy, was she right. Check out this delicious new rainbow bright eyeshadow compact from Dolce & Gabbana's highly anticipated new make-up line, inventively named, The Make-Up. The collection (with Scarlett J as their cover girl, remember?) is a collaboration with the legendary make-up artist Pat McGrath and features 11 products that you'll be fighting your fellow beauty lovers for. Apparently the natural shaded collection, with flashes of brightly coloured brilliance, is inspired by the Italian landscape and the glamour and sophistication of 1950s.

If it's good enough for the Italians...

Available from Selfridges... now!
www.selfridges.co.uk

Demi Does Twitter

Not only have I developed a serious Twitter addiction http://twitter.com/beautyscoop but I've also become a tad keen on Mrs Kutcher (Demi Moore) and her funny and touching tweets as she travels across the globe with her man, Ashton. Here she is on set getting her slap done. I think it's cool because it's very rare to see a celeb in the 'getting ready' process. And it looks like she uses as many products as I do...

Don't ya just love it? Wondering also what make-up brand she's using? I need to get me some of that...

Until later x

BECCA Cosmetics - A Lesson in Good Make-Up

"The whole philosophy of BECCA is about creating a natural, flawless look. It's really about skin looking amazing - everything else is secondary."- Rebecca Morrice Williams, Founder.

Wise words from the founder of BECCA Cosmetics. I've championed the BECCA brand for many years now. Ever since one of my friends sent me an email after seeing a picture of me at a party saying: "Hey, how are you? And what make-up are you wearing?" I knew then that I was onto a winner.

BECCA Cosmetics hails from down under (that's Oz to the geographically incapable amongst you - i.e. me!) and was devised Rebecca, who in her former life was a make-up artist. She was frustrated by her own inability to find the 'perfect foundation' that would look natural, conceal blemishes, feel weightless on the skin and stay fresh all day so she set out to create it herself. The result is a range of skin-perfecting products that make it possible for ALL women to experience the ultimate pleasure of a flawless and radiant complexion. Yes, indeed. And her foundations and concealing products don't just come in three or four differing shades - BECCA has 34 concealer colours and 30 foundation shades. Additionally, they have seriously high SPF protection which is ideal for my pale Scottish skin.

Now it's not just bases and concealing products that they do - they also offer a full range of accompanying products like lip glosses, creme blushes, eyebrow powder (my desert island product!) etc...

Creme Blush in Rosebud (£22) is one of their most popular products and rightly so. It glides on and really helps make you look youthful, perky and dewy. It's a must if you're off for a night on the tiles, but is also equally powerful for a natural look that you can sport whilst wearing a sarong, your biggest sunnies as you sip your first Caiprinhia of the day.

Another brilliant product is the Shimmering Skin Perfector (£32) I had a make-over a while back at their stunning flagship store on Pelham Street (top pic) - it's a real must if you're in need of a large dose of 'me time'. One of their leading make-up artists from New York did my make-up and one of the products she used was SSP. She applied it over my foundation on areas like my cheeks, down my nose and around my hairline. I wasn't sure if this would make much differnce but upon looking in the mirror, I couldn't believe how much it helped lift and brighten my face. It made my skin look gorgeously healthy and completely flawless. I was the closest I'll ever be to having the J.Lo glow and boy was I happy. A must-buy product if ever there was one.

One last thing - I know, I've been babbling. The new Half Moon Brush (£30) which is constructed from the softest and the highest grade goat hair, hand layered with super fine white synthetic fibers for super sheer blending, buffing, highlighting and contouring (think bronzers, illuminators and mineral powders.) With a flat and wide design, the Brush is shaped to fit the contours of your face, neck, chest, and shoulders.

Can you tell that I love this brand?

BECCA London, 91A Pelham Street, London, SW7 2NJ, T: 020 7225 2501
www.beccacosmetics.com