My Beauty Highlights 2010

After being stranded in Paris last week and being ill, all I wanted to do was eat, sleep and watch Christmas TV, hence the major backlog of blogging I have caused myself.

I'm going to kick off with my beauty highlights of 2010, these are all products I recommend as my 'Star Products' and have experienced noticeable results with. 

The first brand I highly commend is Liz Earle. I had heard a lot of talk about the Cleanse & Polish

product, but had never tried it until this year, it's a lovely cream cleanser which removes all traces of make up, dirt and oils with a muslin cloth. I am most impressed with the whole ethos of the brand, the natural ingredients, the extensive range of glorious products and the wonderful affordable price point. 

I also had the greatest pleasure in meeting Liz Earle at the launch of the long awaited (and amazing) Botanical Shine shampoo and conditioner range. I have been using the shampoo and conditioner since August, the shampoo makes my hair smell like lemons and feels squeaky clean. You can read more here.

Trish McEvoy has always been one of my favourite brands from my days as a MUA (Make Up Artist), there are a couple of products from Trish which will always sit in my day to day collection;  

Instant Eye Lift: a long wearing under-eye line filler and brightener, this does not budge at all! It makes such a noticeable difference.

24 hour Eyeshadow and liner in Topaz, I have never come across a cream eyeshadow which doesn't crease (without an eye base). This is my favourite eyeshadow for quality and colour.

Eye Base Essentials, this is a brilliant eye base which is nice worn alone or under eyeshadows to keep them in place all day, zero creasing! 100% true!

Finally, the Lash Enhancer, which I spent a few weeks monitoring the results, I need to stock up on some more because I have really noticed the difference since I have ran out. You can read more here.

This year, us gals went doolally for the new hybrid gel polish, yes, a manicure that REALLY does last for 2 weeks with no chipping and no smudging. I knew about gel polish way before Shellac launched due to the industry I work in and I can also tell you that Gel Polish will be BIG business next year too with other brands jumping on the bandwagon. Harrod's Urban Retreat is offering EzFlow Gel Polish called 'Gelez' manicures and Space.NK's Spa have chosen IBD's Gelac Gel Polish.

I am really happy to be a part of the beauty blogging world because the beauty bloggers I have come across are so lovely and helpful. I have made some great blogger friends, some I have met (the 6 inch stilettos, beautywowza, i heart cosmetics, hell candy) and some I would love to meet in 2011 (to many to mention, but you're all on Twitter). 

Beautywowza introduced me to the ultra glam eco body range 'Davina Peace'. This was one of my favourite launches of 2010 and I can't wait for the face range in 2011! I'm so excited! The Wowza also took me along to the launch of a beautful natural and halal cosmetic range, called 'Inika'. The Kabuki make up brush is magnificent, I wonder what Inika will bring out in 2011?

Boots launched the Nip + Fab range, my sisters and some friends have all went and bought the eye brightening concealer because they were so impressed. It's way better than YSL's Touche Eclat and half the price!

Friends and readers will know how much I LOVE Korres (I wish the store on King's Road was still open), this year I got to meet the beautiful Lena Korres, where she presented some new product launches. I can't wait for the perfumes to be launched in March, the plum/pear one smells just like my Creed Aqua Fiorentina. I'll be stocking up! I'm also predicting that the Quercetin Antiageing & Antiwrinkle range will be flying off the shelves of Liberty and Zuneta.com, this range is delectable. The primer (which has NO silicones like conventional primers) is a wonderful make up base.

This year, I finally got my paws on some OCC Lip Tars, thanks to beauty fulfilled, she sent me to www.geniecosmetics.co.uk! I didn't even know OCC was available in the UK until this little beauty sent me the link (she is wearing the bright pink lip tar on her home page, I also have it, he he, but it looks way better on her).

Other websites I discovered this year and love are; www.zuneta.com and www.thegreengrocery.co.uk.

I feel like I've rambled on a bit much now, there are many more products I could mention but these are definitely my top ones.

Thanks for reading.

x

Rimmel’s GlamEyes Liquid Liner Vs Mac’s LiquidLast

I have been using Mac’s LiquidLast liner for around 6 years now, I love it! It doesn’t flake, smudge, budge, it stays put all day/night long. You could sleep in this eyeliner and wake up with the same perfect black flicks created the day before.

I have been told by a number of friends that apparently Rimmel’s GlamEyes is exactly the same but a quarter of the price. Do NOT believe anyone who tells you this. I picked up a GlamEyes liner while I was at the Clothes Show because I had to try this out for myself.

I like Rimmel, it reminds me of when I was a little kid and I used to draw all over my face with my ma’s chunky double ended eyeshadow sticks (they were great). I also like Mac, not everything though, I have loads of Mac lipsticks because I love the colours but the quality is certainly not the best, they are drying and flakey. However, I do have my hero products from all make up brands and the LiquidLast eyeliner is without a doubt my Mac hero product.

Application

GlamEyes is easy to apply, the brush is nice and long and the formula is quite watery which is good for someone learning how to use eyeliner but not for me, it takes to long to dry. I have been doing eyeliner for over 10 years so I can sweep a flick on in one swoosh. Mac’s LiquidLast has a shorter and finer brush and the formula is slightly thicker, it’s also prone to thickening if you have it for too long (which is fine for me but my sister doesn’t like it for that one reason.)

Lasting power

Like I said before, LiquidLast literally lasts until you remove it with an oil based make up remover/cleanser. It’s great and I like how it dries black, unlike other eyeliners, which dry as a dark grey colour. I found that GlamEyes flaked and started to look grey throughout the day. I put both eyeliners on the back of my hand, after washing my hands once, the GlamEyes completely washed off.





Top: Mac LiquidLast Bottom: Rimmel GlamEyes

Only Macs' LiquidLast after washing hands once

And the Winner is…, definitely Mac’s LiquidLast. It’s worth spending that bit extra money on a superior quality product. You’ll have to make sure you’re confident if you decide to use LiquidLast because it does dry quick and if you make a mistake, you’ll have to use baby oil on a cotton bud to fix it.

Which is your favourite eyeliner?

Some gems from New CID Cosmetics

If you want to keep your make-up bag to a minimum, check out these five key must-haves from New CID;

i – prime (£26.50)

Containing pigments to blur imperfections on the skin, this must have primer will leave your skin looking radiant and flawless all day long. Wear alone for a simple and pure look or use as the perfect base for foundation.

i – smoulder (£18)

This eye pencil and shadow in Charcoal is the ultimate tool for creating the perfect smokey eye. At one end the twist-up eyeliner creates a thick, sultry line, while the other end with built in sponge and cream maximises colour and effect.

i – flutter (£18)

An award-winning mascara that is perfect for volumising and lengthening. The double brush wand delivers superior separation whilst flexible polymers work with the individual lashes to create the perfect plumped up look. Say hello to fabulous fluttery lashes.

i – glow (£23.50)

This marbleized glow powder in Sirocco can be used to give skin a radiant look or can be layered on for a beautiful bronzed finish.

i – groom (£15)

With strong eyebrows being a key look this year, this grooming pencil and brush in-one, will create brows with full on attitude.

All New CID make-up is available from House of Fraser.

Perfect Pout

Hello and Good Morning,

I was meant to update my neglected blog over the weekend but got sidetracked doing (also neglected) housework and watching the X Factor final (Rebecca should have won, her make-up was AMAAAAAZING! I think she is the only person I've ever seen who can pull of vamp lips.)

I have loads to blog about, such as my trip to Paris to meet the founder of Orly, Jeff Pink, The Clothes Show, some swatches and some Winter essentials.

I'm kicking off with an obessesion of mine - the perfect pout. Ever since I was a teenager, I always look at lips/pout when admiring pretty women. I have found the perfect pout in real life which belongs to a real women and these are her REAL lips!

These lips belong to Sarah, a beautiful beauty blogger (who is also wearing one of my fave YSL lipsticks). Check out her blog, i heart cosmetics.

I haven't been blessed with my dad's full lips, so I'm happy to 'enhance' mine with fillers, I just don't know where to go. I want to go to a nurse with experience who will enhance what I've already got rather than give me a trout pout or duck lips like Jordan and more recently  -Sarah Harding.

Can anyone recommend a decent injectables nurse in the West Midlands reasonably priced, who can create Sarah's pout for me? I've read about the 'Lip Queen' in Knightsbridge but I've also seen her Knighstbridge prices.

Help our endangered wildlife friends this Christmas

Remember when we you were a kid (depending on your age) and there were adverts saying ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’? Well, I think that advert should be brought back along with a new one educating children and adults about endangered wildlife too.

So, instead of wasting money on a load of unwanted or unappreciated presents, go for an ethical fair trade gift like these adorable cuddly toys from Save Our Friends. This is a fantastic way to show your support for endangered animals across the world by raising awareness and funds for the plight of our much loved yet critically endangered species.

With twenty adorable, super cuddly toys across four environments to choose from, every ‘toy with a conscience’ sold makes a contribution to one of our wildlife charities – Born Free Foundation, Marine Conservation Society and World Land Trust.

Furry, feathery or finned, many of our beloved species are struggling to survive in today’s troubled eco system.

Every Save Our Friend Cuddy Toy arrives in beautiful recycled packaging designed to educate and comes complete with a set of five colourful endangered animal postcards. The box provides information on the conservation status of the animal, information about the charity and statistics, all providing food for thought in an imaginative way. Family and friends can purchase the toys from http://www.saveourfriends.co.uk/ and choose from 20 toys in four environments – African, Ocean, Polar and Rainforest Friends.

The Save Our Friends Cuddy Toys retail from £23.95 exc

VAT and delivery and are available from http://www.saveourfriends.co.uk./

Help us Save Our Friends, the animals we all love and would hate to lose. By buying one of our toys, you will also be making a contribution to endangered animals in the wild and the world we live in.

For anyone who wishes to treat me, I’ll have the Chimpanzee, the African lion and the cheetah. Haha.

NIP & FAB-ULOUS

I love finding new products, especially new products which actually work.

Boots have recently launched a new product range called NIP & FAB from beauty expert and creator of Rodial, Maria Hatzistefanis.

NIP & FAB is a clinically tested range for face and body with 11 targeted treatments from eye brightening to skin plumping. When I was at the Selfridges Celebrity garage sale, everyone was going crazy to buy goodie bags which were full of these products. I really like the packaging, which looks like it belongs in the beauty hall of Harvey Nichols.

I have been using the Eye Fix, which is a brightening concealer. I can’t tell you how many compliments I had at work during the first week of using this product. I love the way it gives that Jennifer Lopez really fresh eyed look.

It gives the skin around eyes a softer, fresher and more radiant appearance, it’s actually a dual purpose product which I love, it’s an eye cream and concealer in one. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid (my bff), softening glycerine and soothing cucumber extract to reduce puffiness.

The smallest amount goes a very long way, so don’t twist to much, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I have used this under my eyes and on eyelids and the girls at work all asked what eye shadow I was wearing and why do I look so ‘fresh’ – the secret is NIP & FAB’s Eye Fix.

It’s such a steal at only £9.95, move over YSL Touche Eclat! I never did like YSL’s touché Eclat and never understood why everyone raved on about it, I find it watery and greyish looking). This product has completely concealed the heavy luggage under my eyes. Love it!

Other products in the NIP & FAB range include;

Multi-fix Oil (the next product I’m going to try)

Cellulite Fix

Bust Fix

Tummy Fix

Lip + Nip Fix (and this one)

Available from Boots!

The Healing Powers of Peace

Around two weeks ago I stupidly burnt my arm on a hot-as-hell oven tray. I was left with a 7cm burn mark, which was fine, I have lots of other burn mark scars. However, I accidentally discovered that the Davina Peace Body Oil has been healing the burn scars on my arm.

Due the cold weather lately, I have guiltily indulged in having a bath at night and after my bath, I have been using the Davina Peace Body Oil because it sinks into my skin right away and I don’t have to worry about having time to moisturise in the morning after my shower, because my skin still feels silky smooth.

Anyway, around two days after I first burnt my arm, I noticed the burn mark had started to scab over and heal; my skin usually takes a week to get to this stage of healing. I couldn’t work out at first why it was healing so quickly, and then I remembered I had used the Davina Peace Body Oil for the first time.

This skin elixir contains the finest organic repairing oils such as, Organic Jojoba Oil to enhance skin’s supplenmess and elasticity, Organic Borage Oil, a rich source of Gamma Linolenic Acid) to relive and heal dry skin and Organic Saflower which replenishes moisture. The anti-ageing Crambe Maritima sea plant extract revitalises, smoothes and helps maintain youthful skin.

After 2 days of using Davina Peace Body Oil

After 4 days



My arm yesterday

I used this oil seven times in total, at night and my burn mark is fully healed, there is the slightest redness if you really look hard but it’s like it never happened. I highly recommend this product, I wish it was available in a super size so I don’t have to use it so sparingly. It’s absolutely amazing.

Davina Peace Body products are available online or in Harrods.

100ml bottle costs £45.00.

My precious...from Orly



L - R: Sapphire Silk, Fancy Fuschia, Gilded Coral, Royal Velvet, Pure Porcelain, Ancient Jade



For centuries, people around the globe have been enamored with lush fabrics, rare stones and extravagant finishes. Create your very own French Revolution with Pure Porcelain complexions, voluminous Royal Velvet gowns, lavish Gilded Coral corsets and hints of Fancy Fuchsia. ORLY’s new Precious Collection oozes the real essence of French fashion, with a touch of ORLY opulence, a renewed appreciation for exotic workmanship and sumptuous fabrics known to accompany the luxe life.

Precious lends a sense of romance and richness to every spring ensemble, and perfectly complements the variety of looks seen in the Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk collections – from the high voltage retro look at Burberry Prorsum, to the floral fancy colours at Loewe, finishing with the sheer luxe and glamour at Marc Jacobs.

Be sought after in Sapphire Silk

Wear Gilded Coral corsets

Be belle of the ball in Fancy Fuchsia

Explore the party in Ancient Jade

Get a Pure Porcelain complexion

Experience Royal Velvet gowns

The      Precious Lacquers will be available from February 2011.   Price: £8.95

To find your local stockist go to www.orlybeauty.co.uk