Saturday 29 November 2008

The Best.... Vintage Inspired Beauty Products

Create a sense of glamour in your bathroom with these vintage inspired beauty products based on an era when feminine florals were hugely popular

Rose & Co Rose Petal Salve
Bourjois Ashes of Carnations Blusher pot

Figs & Rouge Rambling Rose Facial Cleanser



Paul & Joe Foundation



Cath Kidston Rose & Carnation Bubble Bath



Penhaligon's Bluebell EDT





L'Occitane Rose Pearlescent Body Cream





Estee Lauder Limited Edition Powder Compact

Sunday 16 November 2008

PRODUCT REVIEW: id Bare Minerals Make-up

Mineral Make-up has been one of the biggest beauty trends of 2008. This has meant that many brands have introduced their own take on the idea but not all "mineral" make-up has a sufficiently high percentage of minerals to gain the associated benefits. iD Bare Minerals is the bestselling mineral foundation in the USA so I thought it would be the best one to trial.
Reportedly so pure that you can sleep in it, the foundation is ideal for sensitive skin and I was particularly impressed to discover that it's SPF15.
My skin can be on the dry side so I've always favoured cream foundations. I was a little dubious about trying a powder formula as I am not a fan of the "caked" make-up look, prefering a dewy finish.
I invested in the £45 starter set which contains 2 shades of foundation (to allow for seasonal changes in skin tone), a bronzer, a "Mineral Veil" transluscent powder and 3 brushes. The application process is 3 step: swirl, tap, buff. Swirl the brush around the powder to warm the minerals, tap off excess and buff onto skin in a circular motion. I was surprised at how easy it was to apply, taking around the same amount of time in the morning as my usual cream foundation. The make-up gives a subtle, airbrushed finish with good coverage which looks natural and lasts all day. I'm absolutely hooked & have definitely been converted to mineral make-up!

Lust Have of the Week


I'm dying to try brand-new nail polish brand, Karpati which features innovative packaging for an easy at-home manicure- why has noone thought of this before?! The 3-free range is available in 27 colours so the only problem will be deciding which one to try first!


GET THE LOOK- SATC STYLE

Everyone has a favourite character or one of the girls to which you most relate... here's how to steal their style!
There have been numerous "pap" shots of the movie being filmed & one floral outfit which Carrie wore really stood out. Her volumous top & shorts ensemble might raise a few eyebrows off-screen but this POPPY PRINT VINTAGE-STYLE DRESS FROM OASIS £85 is perfectly girly for a Summer's date or dressed up for a wedding.


Miranda always dressed conservatively for her high-powered career as a lawyer but actress Cynthia Nixon wowed at the premiere in a plunge-front black maxi dress similar to this FRENCH CONNECTION BLACK MAXI DRESS £95

Outrageously sexy Samantha's clothes always reflected her confident personality. She'd love this TIERED SATIN HALTER DRESS FROM LIPSY £50

Feminine Charlotte would love the pink of this dress as well as its classic style, evocative of that other US style royalty, Jackie O. PINK SHIFT DRESS FROM LK BENNETT £149

CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...

I'm loving REN shower gels with my favourite being Neroli & Grapefruit Zest Body Wash. Its sweet citrus scent is refreshing and uplifting and it's 100% natural with no nasty parabens, petrochemicals, etc... At £14, it's more expensive than your average Boots own brand shower gel but I think it's important to invest in a treat for the shower as it makes me smile first thing every morning!

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara in Black is a desert island essential for me- the chunky wand really coats every lash and adds volume. I'm also totally hooked on YSL Easy Liner, again in black. It's a liquid formula in an applicator which is reminscent of a felt tip pen- so easy to use, even for those with a less than steady hand- I've been known to use it on the move!

New Yorkers are renowned for their high-maintenance grooming and perfect manicures are an absolute essential. I'm loving NY brand, Essie, for its fab range of colours, fun names, long-lasting finish and great packaging. Check out http://www.nailsbymail.co.uk/ which stocks my favourite colours, "Mademoiselle" for a natural finish or "Sole Mate" for something vampish.

O.P.I is another brand worth checking out (nail station in Selfridges)- why not wear the wonderfully named, "Chick Flick Cherry Red" especially for the movie?!




Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil from This Works £32

I love everything about this product- from how sleek the packaging looks on my bathroom shelf, the texture of the oil, to the amazing scent & of course, how soft it leaves my skin feeling! A wonderful pampering treat!