Beauty Scoop Gets Engaged

Yes, it is true! The Beauty Scoop is engaged and soon to be married to His Lordship - I am over la moon and already planning my hair and make-up, venue, guest list, invitations, food & drink and, most importantly, the dress. Current thinking is Jenny Packham or Amanda Wakeley (will have to start saving my pennies - or speaking very nicely to my parents!).

Weirdly, said engagement took place overlooking the Taj Mahal which was the last picture I posted before I went on my travels - I think it must be fate. As for the engagement ring I intend to have Katie Holmes' rock copied, but instead of the diamond I would like an aquamarine with little diamonds around it and down the band. Delicious.

Now, back to beauty blogging! x

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

Beautiful - From Your Head to Your Toes

Hold up, this ain't no beauty product? Quite right, dear readers, it isn't. But heck, these are pretty beautiful specimens, no?

I know I'm acting like a petulant child today but I want them. Now.

Yes, these super cute Mini Marc Jacobs pumps are not only fashion gold, they also feature an adorable mouse design at the toe end. The only bummer is, there're only available in little girl sizes...

I reckon I could squeeze my size 4s in there, don't you?

The Shop at Bluebird, 350 Kings Road, London, SW3 5UU
T: 0207 351 3873

Bathe in Chanel No.5

No, I'm not suggesting that you empty out your precious fragrance into the tub, I'm actually talking about the launch of Chanel's limited edition Velvet Bath Milk.

Ok, I know we're living in tough economic times but a girl needs a wee treat now and again. At £42, this product will deliver endless hours of fragrant joy and will help soothe and moisturise your overworked body. Yes, ok, it's a tad expensive but you need something to cheer yourself up and I think this is just the tonic. Think vanilla, neroli and jasmine to name but a few of the divine ingredients.

It's maybe best to hide it from your other half though, it might be a tad difficult to explain the benefits of such luxury to he who counts every penny (not mentioning any names, His Lordship...)

Happy bathing.

Available from Chanel counters nationwide.

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

Happy 100th B'Day Selfridges

Ah, the haven that is Selfridges. You can't deny the empowering feeling that you get from pushing back those big heavy glass doors and rushing to the Beauty Hall. It's Mecca, for beauty lovers.

To celebrate the store's 100 B'Day, it's collaborating with some of the biggest names in the world of beauty to create limited edition beauty products in Selfridges’ iconic 109 pantone.

Like this world exclusive La Prairie Art of Bath Set Selfridges Centenary Special Edition (£280). Inside a delicious handcrafted white-lacquered wood box are all the makings of a totally pampering evening when you tell your husband/boyfriend to clear off and you turn off your mobile phone. Think aromatherapy, relaxation and utter indulgence.

In addition to cleansing, energising Cellular Bath Foam and smoothing, moisturising Cellular Bath and Body Oil, a selection of four natural oil blends and four fragrance oil blends are designed to add a relaxing or energising dimension to your bath water. Added by droplets to the Bath Foam or Bath and Body Oil in a special ceramic dish with its silvery mixing spoon, these oils enhance your 'me time' experience. And four fragrant votive candles with the same notes as the fragrance oils will help heighten your bathtime bliss.

Available exclusively from Selfridges beauty halls from May 2009. Selfridges' celebrations will start on 1st May and continue throughout the summer.

PS Check out the Beauty 100
Throughout the month of May Selfridges celebrate the best in beauty during its centenary month with the Beauty 100. The event will run every Thursday evening from 6pm – 9pm in association with Kiss FM and each week will include an exclusive personal appearance. Selfridges Oxford Street beauty hall will be the destination for beauty every Thursday evening for a night of fun-filled beauty extravaganza.

Beauty 100 highlights include:
Beauty and fragrance brands offer exclusive treatments and product
Johnny Woo Vogueing Workshops
Male Trolley Dollies
Storm agency scouts for a new model

www.selfridges.com