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

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!

Top 5: Hallowe'en Beauty

Forget trickery- treat yourself to these beauty goodies in celebration of the spooky holiday!

Philosophy- Haunted House Hallowe'en Gift Pack

The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser

LUSH Limited Edition Ghost Shower Gel

OPI Here's Jack Nail Polish

Jelly Pong Pong Halloween Soap Popsicle

The Ultimate Handbag Guide- Part 1

Handbags are a girl's best friend- practical, pretty & the ultimate impulse purchase with no trying on necessary, they can instantly transform an outfit & there's something about an amazing handbag which just makes you feel FABULOUS!

In tribute to this most wonderful of accessories, I've decided to introduce a Handbag Guide to my blog, with different areas of handbags looked at in each part. Part 1 will look at the best day bags this season in a spectrum of colours to brighten & add interest to even the most muted winter outfits. Although these bags are seasonal, I'm confident that they are styles worth investing in which you'll love for years to come.

RED handbags are made to make an impact and this Aspinal of London Barbarella bag in patent leather fits the bill perfectly. £375

CREAM- Donna Karan Modern Aries bag from the new Zodiac range is a relaxed hobo worth investing in for years of enjoyment. £1,185

PINK needn't equal Jordan style tackiness. This structured Marc Jacobs Klein Patchwork Tote with a delicate hint of blush is the ultimate in ladylike chic. £840
BURGUNDY- this Miu Miu Woven Leather Tote screams luxury. £800

ORANGE looks fab with brown. If you're going to brave an orange bag, really go for it with a large style such as this Marni Oversized Crinkled Tote- I love the textured detail & it's roomy enough for an umbrella & spare jumper. £554

TAN should feature in every girl's handbag wardrobe as it's a wearable tone which goes with everything. I love the elegance of this Anya Hindmarch Brady shoulder bag which contrasts tan ponyskin with chocolate patent trim. £895

YELLOW may be a little bright at this time of year so instead, choose a mustard tone such as this Smythson Maze bag. £775.




WHITE needn't be reserved for Summer. The Jimmy Choo Lara Shoulder Bag will look fabulous with jeans & a chunky knit. £1,100

GREEN, particularly dark almost-black tones, can add intrigue to an outfit. I'm loving this Anya Hindmarch Brando Bag in patent bottle green. £545





TEAL is a gorgeous jewel tone for autumn winter and this Yves Saint Laurent Patent Trapeze bag is perfect. £720



BLUE might not be the obvious choice when it comes to choosing a bag but it's a colour which lends itself well to showing off interesting textures, as this Fendi Studded Suede bag shows. £1,110
BROWN bags are classic & worth investing in, particularly as quality leathers tend to look even better with age. This Givenchy Distressed Leather Tote is the ultimate in effortless cool. £769






GREY- the patent Chloe Bay Tote adds interest with its toughened styling & high gloss finish. £1,072



NEUTRAL bags work year-round. Keep things interesting by looking out for unusual textures as on this Miu Miu Nappa Patch Tote. £720




PURPLE reigns as THE colour of the season & it's easy to see why with this stunning Botkier Morgan Satchel. The fringing detail adds interest & a fun rock chic vibe. £456

Wake Up to these gorgeous products!

As the clocks change, the mornings get colder & ever darker, why not introduce these products to your morning regime? They'll make getting out of your warm bed that little bit easier & deliver a blast of much-needed energising!

HEAVEN by Deborah Mitchell Cleanse & Tone Face Wash with zesty Mandarin essential oil to invigorate.

This Works Energy Bank Bath & Shower Gel smells amazing & provides an effective energy boost

Ole Henriksen Loofah Body Scrub is fantastic for early morning energising

Balance Me Wake Up Cream for body contains spearmint & basil to awaken the mind

PRODUCT REVIEW: Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator

I'm a huge fan of Elemis products and love using them to indulge in home spa pampering so was excited to try their Gentle Rose Exfoliator. £23 for 50ml
As with all Elemis products, the packaging looks sleek and is a tube which makes for easy dispensing. In spite of the name, there is not a strong rose scent- it's delicate and fresh. The exfoliator is a clear gel formula with small, non-abrasive beads which means that it's gentle enough to be used everyday.
I enjoyed trialling this product- it simply needs to be massaged into damp skin & rinsed off so I found it easy to incorporate into my daily skincare regime. I had some dry, flaky patches which completely disappeared after just 2 days use and found that my skin felt soft, most likely the result of my moisturiser being able to penetrate my skin more effectively. I'd definately recommend trying this!

Beee Soothed with Lemon & Honey Treats

It seems as though everyone's ill at the moment. I find the most soothing thing a cup of hot water with lemon & honey which got me thinking about these as ingredients in beauty products, either together or individually. Citrus lemon adds refreshing zing whilst honey soothes and is wonderfully beneficial to dry skin.
Top Image: Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Honey Bath, £30

L'Occitane Honey & Lemon Sweet Sugar Scrub, £24

LUSH Honey Beehave Dusting Talc, £5.95

Jurlique Lemon Body Oil, £21

REN Perfect Lip Honey, £10

The Body Shop Honey Moisturising Shampoo, £5.50

Original Source Lemon Shower Gel with Tea Tree, £1.99

Benefit Honey...Snap Out of It! Facial Scrub, £18.50

The Organic Pharmacy Lemon & Neem Nail Oil, £18.95

Ten of The Best.... Cuffs

Cuffs are HUGE this season, adding glamour to even the simplest of LBDs so get some wrist action with these best picks....

From Top:

Metallic Woven Cuff at Urban Outfitters, £12

Croc print Gold Cuff at Assya, £110

Erickson Beamon Cuff, £310

Kenneth Jay Lane jewelled cuff at My-wardrobe.com, £230

Mimco Bow Cuff, £49

Christian Lacroix cuff at Net-a-porter.com, £445

Butler & Wilson Pearl cuff, £34

Dorothy Perkins Jewelled Cuff, £15

Accessorize Rope Cuff, £16

Miu Miu Jewelled Satin Cuff, £200