Holiday Prep... Almost Complete

Now that I've had my hair cut (Aveda - more of that to come next week), my bikini wax (The Ritual Rooms - more of that next week too) it's time to get packing, and I'm not just talking about the clothes (although I must say that I'm particualarly pleased with my night-time outfits - cannot wait to be sipping vino blanco in the Beach Bar in Burgau... two more sleeps and I'll be there).

I digress. Two products that I've definitely be packing (aside from my Liz Earle Mineral Sunscreen) is Fekkai's Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves Spray and e.l.f.'s Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF15.

I'm loving this slickalicious gloss - it glides on to a nice tasty finish - think watermelon and not a hint of stickiness - quite delicious. And it's got a good SPF protection in it so you can continue to be a beach babe with the wet-lip look without compromising on your sun morals. Simples! (I have to stop saying that.)

While I pucker up good and proper, I'll be spritzing my hair into sexy, tousled locks with Fekkai's Beach Waves. Cameron Diaz, eat your heart out. It smells really fresh and coconutty (a bit like a Pina Colada - if that kind of thing flats your boat) and I'll take great pleasure in spritzing through my soon-to-be frazzled hair. In fact, the whole range is worth investing in if you're sunshine bound.

I'll paint my nails tonight in bright pink, natch (neons are in, dontcha know?) and tomorrow I'll finish off the grooming game with a quick spray tan. Lovely.

Fekkai Summer Hair range - Available from June 2009: Space NK, Selfridges, Brown Thomas and HQHair.com. £19 each.

e.l.f. cosmetics - The Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 (£1.50) comes in 9 shades and are available from http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk/

The Beauty Spot: Paula Dorf

In the spotlight this week is make-up artist and founder of Paula Dorf Cosmetics, the one and only, Paula Dorf!

Come find out what a high profile make-up artist thinks about the beauty market, what products she can't live without and why she decided to launch her own range of cosmetics. It's all so fabulous!

Who are you and what do you do?
I'm Paula Dorf. I was born in NY and I'm a make-up artist who has worked in the industry for over 25 years. I've lead the beauty industry by fashioning a mainstay of easy to apply make-up colours, products and “trick tools” embraced by celebrities, fashionistas, beauty authorities and most importantly, everyday make-up lovers who flock to Paula Dorf Cosmetics to pick up the latest must-have item.

How did you start in the beauty industry and how did do you get to where you are today?
It began in the 80’s when I was a make-up artist for a lot of the big rock stars in the US and did the make-up for their tours and concerts. I was finding it really difficult to find the perfect foundation brush for my job. I wanted a brush that when used with any foundation; would provide a long lasting finish on the skin and withstand the harsh stage lighting and heat. However, I didn’t want the application to look too mask like and cakey. Because of this (and because I’m a perfectionist!) I decided to try and create my own. I went to a nearby art store, bought some artists brushes and just started cutting them up to create the perfect shape I needed and that was how my range started – we now have products for eyes, lips, cheeks, bases etc.

Can’t live without beauty item(s)?

Some good quality make-up brushes – just pick a few key one’s such as a good blender brush for the eyes, a cheek brush and a good all round face brush. I’m a big fan of primers for the face – they kind of act like your skin’s base coat and give you more of a professional, polished finish. You should always find time for a quick dab of blush. I like to use a creamy formula such as my Cheek Color Cream in Peek A Boo as it gives a nice dewy effect. A beautiful peachy shade, it adds a fabulous flush to the cheeks but also works wonderfully on the lips if you have forgotten your lip gloss! And mascara - just one coat will instantly open the eyes and lift the face.

Describe a day in your life
I can honestly say, my life is so varied that no two days are the same. I can be working behind the scenes on a TV show one day and the next, I might be in the lab developing new products!

What are your thoughts on the beauty industry at the moment (trends, financial climate, organic, natural products, Dr brands etc)?
There's no denying that it's tough out there in the cosmetic market right now and I don't think we will see much change for the next few months or perhaps at least even until the end of the year. I do think that consumers are re-evaluating their purchasing power right now and are wanting more value for money, better quality of products that last, rather than buy a handful of cheaper items. And I think we will also see a trend for consumers wanting to use multi-purpose products. The beauty industry is such a saturated market and I think that you have to create products that consumers really want to use and continue to use again and again.

What are your brand’s philosophies, and how do you put them into practice on a daily basis?

My brand philosophy and registered phrase is Become Your Own Makeup Artist®.

Name some hero products in the range.
Paula Dorf Eye Primer, Paula Dorf Foundation Brush and Paula Dorf Transformer and just a handful of make-up brushes. They can really extend the life of your make-up.

Greatest achievement to date?

There are so many highlights over the last 25 years. As the years have gone by, I’ve been lucky enough to work with a long list of celebrities and on some really great TV shows in the States and also find the time to create my own makeup range! I’ve been honoured to receive 4 Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Awards for my products. Also, I’m thrilled to have patents on 2 of the brushes in my collection: Paula Dorf Eye Transformer Brush and Paula Dorf Cheek Cream Brush.

Hopes for the future?
To be in the industry for another 25 years!

Buy Paula Dorf in the UK by visiting www.SkinBrands.co.uk or call 020 8997 8541

Zoom to Zuneta

From today Zuneta.com has launched an new promotion that offers any customer that spends over £30 a FREE Butter London Nail Varnish, which has a value of £10.

It's one of my fave beauty etailers so do click on - what a great offer.

www.zuneta.com

Hard work doesn't stop at the neck

dr brandt microdermabrasion for the face has gained a cult following and, as if by magic, now Space NK introduces the new dr brandt microdermabrasion body exfoliating cream. Super sleek skin here we come... just in time for summer.

We all know (or should know) that the skin acts as a natural, protective barrier and is constantly exposed to harsh elements and environmental stress, and while a meticulous skincare regime may be a daily essential for the face, the body tends to get neglected - tsk, tsk. The body, just like the face, can show imperfections and signs of ageing, which is why regular exfoliation is essential to help stimulate cell renewal and give the skin a smoother and more youthful looking appearance.

dr. brandt microdermabrasion body effectively polishes dead skin cells away on the body, instantly revealing smooth, radiant, healthy skin. Massage the formula into every inch of your skin and let the soothing, antioxidant ingredients (including lavender, geranium, green and white tea) work their magic.

You'll be thankful when you feel confident enough to strut your stuff on the beach.

dr brandt microdermabrasion body £34.00
Available from May 2009 exclusively at Space NK stores
www.spacenk.com
Mail order 0208 740 2085

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.

The next best thing...

As I'm presently dieting to get into my bikini... ON FRIDAY (ARGH!) I am avoiding anything sweet or remotely fattening like the plague. It's proving quite tough and my mind constantly wanders to images of bars of Galaxy and fruit scones with clotted cream.

To keep my mind off the sweet stuff, I'm using philosophy's coconut frosting salt scrub (£20). Not only does it smell sugary sweet, it's also helping to get my body ready for my imminent trip to the sun.

Jump in a warm shower and cover your body with the sweet treat (a bit like icing a cake) and gently massage it into key areas; thighs, bottom and tummy area.

Towel dry and ogle your firm frame. A well deserved, guilt-free beauty treat.

The coconut frosting range is available from John Lewis stores, Selfridges, hqhair.com and QVC.
Stockists: 0870 990 8452

Facial Fabulousness

I know I've banged on in the past that some face wipes dry out, and can also dry out your skin, but these babies, Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wipes from The Body Shop, are the top of the pile when it comes to wiping off the slap in fast forward.

I met up with my girlies last night and each and every one of us agreed that these wipes came out on top. Not only do they smell divine, they take off even the thickest of make-up (not mentioning any names) and are effectively your cleanse, tone and moisturise routine all rolled into one.

Here comes the ingredient science:

Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that moisturises and helps to protect skin against premature ageing and environmental aggressors.

Wheat germ oil, a rich natural source of Vitamin E, moisturises, nourishes and helps to condition skin.

Glycerin effectively moisturises skin to help improve softness and maximize hydration.

Sold? I am.

Vitamin E Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes £5.35
www.thebodyshop.co.uk