Snowboarding update

After six days of having my feet strapped to a board and trying in vain to look stylish, I have decided to stay in the chalet today and blog. Thank heavens! Now that I've had my baguette with lashings of jam and butter, washed down with an orange juice and a cup of English Breakfast tea, I am now sitting at my bedroom window typing this and thinking what a gorgeous view the mountains make.

Should you wish to try your hand at snowboarding in the glorious place that is Meribel, check out http://www.rtmsnowboarding.com/ We had a wicked guide called Rob who teaches in both Meribel and Courcheval - he's a bit of a legend. A must for any beginners.

I shall endeavour to continue my snowboarding next year...

The Beauty Scoop Has Gone Snowboarding

See you in a week.

Stay beautiful x

Bronzed in Blighty?

Yes, I know it's cold outside but that doesn't mean you have to forfeit a nice, healthy glow.

Arcona, the brand I'm currently hooked on, also produces a suncare range and I'm lusting after the Self Tanner (£24). The light, oil-free bronzer/self-tanner creates radiant, natural-looking colour without requiring the sun's help. It bronzes on application, then deepens to a natural glow.

It also helps to hydrate and nourish skin with shea butter and protects skin from free radical damage with the inclusion of vitamin E and grape seed extract. Plus, the Arcona ethos of using natural ingredients always is firmly in place.

Who says you need a trip to St Lucia to covet a healthy glow?

ARCONA is available in the UK exclusively from http://www.glowgetter.co.uk/

Roll On Summer

I don't often veer from my trademark red talons, but sometimes you gotta make an exception. When the sun finally comes out I'll be heading to Superdrug to 'invest' (I use the term loosely because at £4.89 a pot, it's definitely a price my budget can stretch to) in the delicious new nail colours that Danish nail brand GOSH have developed. Choose from Flamingo, Peachy or Wild Lilac...I'm going to go wild in the aisles and buy all three, and I've no doubt that my doppelganger chums will quickly follow suit.

They're also free from possibly harmful agents DBP Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor and Phthalic acid and contain no perfume - just lots of pigment for hard-wearing, quick-drying colour.

Who says happiness can't be found in a credit crunch?

Look Like Freida Pinto - Hell Yes!

Before you all send me emails telling me that I'm behind the times and that the Oscars were on Sunday etc etc, I am merely posting this because I love Frieda Pinto and really wanted to mention her on my blog. I just read that she wants to be known as more than 'just a pretty face' so I've decided to concentrate on her Oscar 'do rather than her natural make-up.

Here celebrity stylist, Jeffrey Paul, who did Frieda's hair on the night, shows us mere mortals how to achieve her glorious red-carpet hair with the help of some trusty AVEDA products.

Radiant in John Galliano, Pinto’s hair is divided into three parts and twisted back into an architectural, couture flower shape on the right side of the head. “This look has a beautiful architecture; hair is twisted back into a youthful, feminine flower shape that complements Frieda’s face shape and stunning Galliano gown.”

Here’s how to get Pinto’s look:
Start with Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo and Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Clay Conditioner.

Mix a cocktail of Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam and Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip. Work the product into wet hair to add texture and volume. “When creating an updo, it’s important to use products that give thickness and body,” said Paul. “Pinto’s hair already has a lot of shine. The cocktail of Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam and Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip provided just the right amount of hold, body and texture without weighing hair down.”

Blow dry hair back to add lift and height at the roots.

Create a left side part and divide hair into three sections: three quarters of hair in one section on the right and the remaining hair into two smaller sections. Pull the right section of hair back into a low ponytail just behind the right ear above the nape of the neck.

Twist the ponytail, working Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip into hair. Wrap the ponytail around the base, creating a flower shape. Secure in place with pins.

Work Aveda Light Elements Defining Whip into each of the remaining sections and twist back and around the flower shape, creating a layered, rose-like effect. “The three twists flow together for beautiful movement,” said Paul.

Finish the look with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray. Lastly, shake the head a bit to loosen up the look and provide a sense of natural movement.

Eh voila, red carpet ready... time to hit, er, the local disco...

Safe Fun On The Slopes

As I mentioned earlier, I'm off to Meribel on Saturday for a week of fun, laughter and most probably, a bruised behind. This year I've decided to ditch the two planks and opt for the board - in a quest to push the physical boundaries. I'm not sure whether I'm brave or just plain stupid (Dad, don't answer that question).

Amongst my goggles, thermals and bottom padding, I won't be leaving the chalet without my beloved Liz Earle Face Protector SPF 25. I discovered the Liz Earle Sun Shade mineral sun protection range about 5 years ago and I can put my hand on my heart and say it's by far the best sun range available. Not only does it contain optimum high-level UVA and UVB protection but it's packed with antioxidant green tea, pomegranate and natural source vitamin E to help protect skin from ageing free-radical damage caused by the sun. And at just £4.85 for 15ml, I'll have plenty of Euros left over to enjoy some apres ski activity!

Think happy, healthy, protected skin. Visit www.lizearle.com.

Competition Time!

It's still the credit crunch (although I'm not acting like it is - I'm off snowboarding to Meribel on Saturday and I've got my eye on a new bag from NET-A-PORTER...erm, where is my boyfriend's AMEX when I need it?)

So, to help out the beauty obsessed amongst us, who simply cannot give up their expensive skincare addiction, I've secured a little giveaway of ARCONA skincare. A favourite of celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Bosworth, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett and Jessica Alba (and remember how glowing and beautiful their skin is) ARCONA is totally natural and unprocessed, so your skin gets to benefit from every last nutrient that is packed into the products. The range was also developed by a chemist and pioneer in holistic skincare, ensuring the top quality ingredients used, penetrate deep into the cellular layers of the skin, and bring about real change.

The result is glowing, healthy skin whatever your age or skin type. And all without subjecting yourself to harsh treatments or the surgeon’s knife.

I have the Basic Five (ARCONA’s recommended foundation programme) to giveaway to one lucky reader (RRP £110). By following this programme, your skin’s natural balance will be restored, and premature aging combated.

The products – which include fruit-enzyme cleansers/exfoliators, light hydrating gels, and balancing serums – achieve this by enhancing and speeding the skin’s own renewal cycle from 30 to an incredible 7 days. Surface layers of dead skin continuously dissolve, the dermis (the deepest layer of skin tissue), becomes highly stimulated and production of collagen and elastin increase.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply email me the name of one of ARCONA's celebrity users together with your name and full address details to beautyscoop@hotmail.co.uk.

Good luck!

ARCONA is available in the UK exclusively at www.glowgetter.co.uk.