PRODUCT REVIEW: Erb Eastern Treat Nourish Body Cream

Eastern Treat is the bestselling range by ERB Thai Spa, aimed at normal to dry skin. My post-Summer skin was looking distinctly dehydrated so I was interested to trial this product.

The packaging- a plastic tub with a metal screw-on lid- is sleek but doesn't particularly scream "luxury Thai Spa" to me. I liked that the label states the key ingredients, including Rice Cream with Vitamin B to moisturise, Jasmine to soften & soothe and Mint to gently cleanse & refresh the senses.

Upon trying the product, I found the tub packaging quite annoying as the cream has to be scooped out which was quite messy, getting under my nails and difficult to portion out. It's a rich consistency but unlike some creams, was easily absorbed without leaving a greasy residue which really impressed me. At first, I wasn't keen on the Jasmine scent, finding it far too overpowering, however, once the scent developed, it was actually rather pleasant. Overall, this product was effective, keeping my skin feeling smooth and hydrated for hours & whilst I did enjoy using it, for the hefty price tag, I'd rather spend my pennies on a more indulgent brand or an organic option.

Why GoldenEye isn't just a Bond movie

Model Photo- backstage at Tuleh, AW08 collection, with thanks.

Metallic beauty dazzled at the AW08 shows, making gold one of the key beauty trends for the season. It's a gorgeous look for evenings- the trick is to build up colour on the eyes and keep the rest of the face sheer, simple & nude. Don't forget to use the best brushes you can afford (I swear by MAC) & invest in Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion for all-night-long staying power. Here's some fab brands to try...

Benefit's bestselling "Moon Beam" helps to create a flawless base- it's a highlighting liquid with delicate golden pigment. Apply to cheekbones or, do as I do & mix with your moisturiser for overall radiance.
The more I see from Jelly Pong Pong, the more I love it! The products have quirky names, are reasonably priced & have strong pigments which last without having to be reapplied. I adore the packaging of "single & lovin' it" eyeshadows which have a mini mirror for easy application & magnetic closure to keep the product protected. They don't come with an applicator but hey, a girl can't always have everything & besides, I'd rather use a decent brush than one of those fiddly sponges. Their "Natural Blonde" shade is a fantastic base for the metallic look- a light, sheer gold with plenty of shimmer pigments for a grown-up sheen. It also works well to highlight (use just under the brows, along the bone) and can be applied dry or wet for more intense pigment.

Chanel's Soft Touch "Gold" eyeshadow (number 62) is a delicate gold shade which is highly pigmented and definately recommended for sweeping over the entire eyelid. If the luxurious packaging doesn't make you feel like a million dollars when you are getting ready for your night out, nothing will.

One of the favourites I've tried is Sisley Golden Touch. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Yes, it's pretty pricey & I know that plenty of brands offer gold eyeshadows but I haven't come across one which is as good as this. If you can only afford to invest in 1 shadow, make it this one. Sisley is certainly not one of those "cosmetic giants" which springs to mind when considering various brands but once tried, customers return again & again. Sisley's products all contain the best natural ingredients which feel wonderful when applied to the skin. Sisley Touch is available in Golden, Copper or Silver and the powder-cream formula is incredible- it glides onto the skin beautifully, it contains moisturising ingredients such as Calendula & boasts amazing staying power. Use a wash of colour on your eyelid, or as a highlighter by applying by your tear ducts to brighten the eyes & make them appear larger.

Shu Uemura is one of the best in beauty at creating eyeshadows (I STILL can't decide between MAC & Shu Uemura for first place!). Their pigments are strong & one of the most intense I've tried, with amazing staying power. ME Gold 350 is a gorgeous shade which really stands out and is definately the most "metallic" of those trialled. You only need to apply a small amount to create impact so I'd use this on the outer corners of the eyelid. Due to the strong pigment, this is an excellent choice for darker skins. The only negative is that it's a slightly darker gold to those used in the trend images I've seen, with the fashion shots showing a lighter wash than this, which has some copper tones.

After all your hard work creating a beautiful, metallic base, be sure to finish the look in an elegant, subtle way. In my opinion, black is too harsh a choice for the liner & mascara so is best avoided unless you want to look as though you are on your way to an Egyptian fancy dress party. Instead, opt for brown, earthy tones which will look far softer. Personally, I like Elizabeth Arden's Bronze Eye Pencil which glides on without dragging the skin & it might also be of interest to note that there's a sheer gold offered. Finish with a slick of your favourite brown mascara.


The great thing about the metallic look is that it works on everyone- from those with the fairest skin to dark skin tones (+ it also helps to brighten tired eyes!) & it's an easy, wearable way to tap into an AW08 beauty trend without the intimidation of other looks such as goth. So, use this as a golden opportunity to try it yourself today!

You say Topshop, I say Topstore

US readers will no doubt be excited to hear that access to Topshop clothes is now far easier than having to catch a plane across the Pond. Topshop has launched Topshop USA. com, making its collections available online to US customers for the first time. As far as I can see, the site offers the same collections as the UK and the prices work out at around the same rate too. I'd love to hear what you guys think, any experiences from visiting this site, etc..
Check it out... http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=13052&catalogId=32051

On another note, Kate Moss's new AW08 collection for Topshop is now available. Personally, I think the sooner this woman disappears from the fashion scene, the better- she's just sooo passe in my opinion and I'm almost reluctant to post words about her! The collection appears to be another predictable combination of skinny jeans, tank tops, a few party dresses & more of the same print tea-dresses....basically, she's spent about 5 minutes pulling a few items out of her wardrobe & had them copied, paying no attention to the words "quality control" & Topshop have slapped vastly inflated prices on them. And as for the naff tank top with a picture of her face on it? she really must be on drugs!

Good Karma

It's my mum's birthday this week and as she's just taken up yoga, I chose to give her a gorgeous yoga mat to act as motivation.



I chose a mat from every yummy-mummy's favourite brand for yoga, Calmia (pictured above). I was disappointed to see that they do not directly sell yoga accessories online but followed the links to one of their stockists & was delighted to discover the website http://www.whatagirlneeds.co.uk/

The aptly-named site is filled with tempting treats but I was VERY restrained, just ordering the yoga mat for mum and crossing my fingers that it would arrive in time. I was AMAZED when it arrived bright & early the next morning (I'd only ordered it a few hours before!)- the parcel was packaged well and despite being quite heavy, had not cost me a fortune in postage. The mat looks fab so hopefully mum will like it!

I can highly recommend this site & what's more, they are offering 20% off purchases for the next few days- check it out!

If the excitement gets too much, here's a tip for a relaxing yoga move which you can do at home, kindly provided by Donna Morrison, Personal Trainer at TEMPLE Country Retreat & Spa in Ireland. http://www.templespa.ie/
"When you have a few moments to yourself, deliberately stick out your tongue as far as you can, curling it downwards to ease tension in the jawline. At the same time, try to synchronise this with clenching of the fists/ opening them in a flicking movement alternately. All movement should be in a downward direction to push away any negativity, frustration & stress. Finish by shaking out the hands- a fantastic, quick stress reliever!"

YSL Beaute AW08 Collection Review

Many fashion houses view the cosmetics & perfume market as an easy way to gain mass market appeal & extend their brand offering without necessarily giving much thought to the actual product. Yves Saint Laurent, however, is one brand whose cosmetics offering proves that investment in R & D can really pay off. Their much-loved Touche Eclat has definitely earned a place in the Beauty Hall of Fame with 1 reportedly being sold every 20 seconds globally & personally, I simply can't live without their Easy Liner so I always look forward to their new season collections with childlike excitement!

For AW08, the collection is spot-on.

For skin, there's Top Secret Flash Radiance (pictured above)- this is the product which originally caught my attention. Presented in YSL's signature easy-to-use packaging, this is a base product which promises to add a natural glow to even the most fatigued winter complexions. To use, it must be applied to cleansed skin, wait 2 minutes for it to dry then moisturise. I found the 2 minutes waiting time somewhat annoying but patience is rewarded as skin is left feeling velvety smooth. The formula contains pink micropigments which reflect the light to really flatter and I'd definitely recommend this as a good boost for skin if you are happy to go without make-up. For those who can't live without their foundation, however, I'd say stick with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. It doesn't contain the pigments but for ease of application and a sheer base, you can't beat it.

I was more than impressed with the eyeshadow palettes which have been introduced. There are 6 new palettes to choose from, each containing 5 complementary colours. The gold compact packaging is totally fabulous & the pigments are a fantastic mix of everyday taupes to party brights, meaning there's something for everyone. I'm particularly lusting after the purple "Lilac Sky" combo and green "Garden of Eden".

Finally, there are 2 new lipglosses- a shocking pink which, in my opinion, is far too bright although is obviously packed with pigment so a good choice if pink's your thing and a much more wearable wine shade which goes on as a sheer gloss which is incredibly chic.

September Offers & Sample Sales

We'll no doubt be bombarded with glamorous photos from the various Fashion Weeks this month but lacking an A-list budget needn't mean missing out on superstar worthy treats!

Offers:
http://www.beautyexpert.co.uk/ is offering a FREE Aromatherapy Associates tealight trio when you buy any product from the Enrich Bodycare range
http://www.beautique.com/ is offering a FREE Seriously Black Kohl Pencil when you buy any Urban Retreat product
http://www.lookfantastic.com/ is offering a FREE Joico white vanity case when you buy any three Joico products
http://www.nailsbymail.com/ is holding a clearance sale on Essie nail polishes, with prices from £4.25- there are some gorgeous neutral shades so why not check it out?
http://www.champneys.com/ is inviting you to bring a friend for FREE when you book a two night spa break

Sample Sales:
Rupert Sanderson is holding a sample sale with past-season shoes from £50. He's one of the nicest guys in fashion & fans of his designs include Scarlett Johansson & Emily Blunt- as if you need an excuse!
25-27th September. Thursday & Friday 10am-7pm and Saturday 10am-8pm at The Grosvenor Chapel, 24, South Audley Street. London. W1K 2PA.
N Peal cashmere is holding a sample sale with cashmere from £20- just in time to stock up & wrap up warm for Winter!
4th & 5th September, 4-8pm at 37-40, Burlington Arcade, London. W1J 0QD
The London Fashion Weekend sale is one of the best, in my opinion, as there's such a range of brands under one roof. With various sponsored bars & beauty treatments to provide a break from shopping, this is a great way to spend a girly day so grab some friends & head down!
From 24th-28th September at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington- check out http://www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/ for details.

Tried & Tested... Hand Creams

The market is completely saturated with hand creams, ranging from the cheapest of the cheap to budget busting luxury buys so it can be hugely confusing knowing which one to choose. Hopefully the tried & testeds below will go some way to making the decision a little easier because heaven knows that once you've made that choice, you'll be faced with a dozen others... tall, Americano, skinny, sugar free...

1) Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment has a light, gel-cream consistency which is easily absorbed, leaving hands feeling smooth but not greasy. As the name suggests, this is scented with the distinctive Eight Hour Cream fragrance which I know is not to everyone's liking. I'd say that this is the best choice for beauty buffs who are likely to already be familiar with the scent and who'll appreciate the sleek packaging which won't embarasss when applying in public- a great one for the office desk drawer!

2) The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector is one of those classic products which made the brand a success. The scent is distinctive and in my opinion, has the most unisex appeal of those tested- luckily, it won't matter if your man pilfers some as this cream lasts FOREVER! Offering excellent value for money at £10 for 100ml, this cream works miracles on even the driest, cracked hands after just one application of the teeniest amount.

3) HEAVEN by Deborah Mitchell Vanilla Pod Hand & Nail Cream is a sweetly scented, rich cream which does leave some greasy residue, meaning that it's a better choice for nighttime. I like the old-fashioned glass pot which this is packaged in as it's quite unusual & looks cute on the dressing table. This is the best eco choice as it's free from nasties such as parabens.

4) Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Therapy is one of my favourites for its fresh scent and effective moisturisation. Teamed with La Source Hand Recovery exfoliator, it makes an indulgent yet quick hand treatment- perfect for at-home pampering! The choice of a 100ml tube or 50ml handbag size mean that you need never be without it!

5) Molton Brown Naran Ji Soothing Hand Lotion SPF 15 is a light, easily absorbed lotion formula with a delicate orange scent. The old adage, "you can tell a person's age by looking at their hands," means that it makes perfect sense to care for your hands as you would your face and that includes using a daily SPF protective moisturiser. For anti-aging prevention, this lotion is great as it has UVA & UVB broad spectrum sun protection meaning that it gains my recommendation if you're choosing to buy just one hand cream- make it this one.