Herby Beauty: 10 of the Best

Add some flavour to your bathroom with the pick of herby beauty products...

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-oxidant Serum

Korres Basil Lemon Body Milk

Burts Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion

Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Lush Herbalism Cleanser (introductory image, above)
Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme with SPF15

Ren Seaweed & Sage Body Wash

NEOM Organic Bath Oil- Refresh, with Sicilian Lemon & Fresh Basil

The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Scrub

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Eye Gel

PRODUCT REVIEW: Hei Poa Black Sand Body Scrub

The Hei Poa range of exotic hair, body and suncare products is inspired by Tahitian women's beauty ritual of using Monoi Oil.

The packaging: The convenient tube packaging is easy to use, meaning the required amount can be dispensed without any wastage and unlike tubs, there is no mess e.g. annoying scrub under nails.

Before I even used this scrub, I had high expectations as when I squeezed out a small amount, the black gel resembled caviar- very indulgent! I trialled this before applying a fake tan as I liked the unique idea of using black Tahitian sand as an exfoliating component and the tropical ingredients certainly got me in the holiday mood! The exfoliation is very effective and my skin instantly felt smoothed and delicately scented. I've tried a lot of body scrubs but was particularly impressed with this one and at just £11 for a tube, I'd definately recommend it as a holiday beauty preparation.

Shoppers' Paradise

Firstly, apologies for the rather long absense readers... part of this can be atributed to my latest addiction, http://www.theoutnet.com/ launched last week (ok, I said only PART of my absense!). The website is the brainchild of Natalie Massenet, who almost singlehandedly shaped our opinions of online shopping with http://www.net-a-porter.com/. The discount site is timely with its launch as we're all feeling the purse strings tighten yet, I suspect, are not yet ready to forego our lust for beautiful, occasional treats. I've already bagged a pair of classic, patent beige Brian Atwood heels, reduced by almost £300 and am pleased to report a fantastic service- speedy delivery and well packaged.

Here's some other favourites from the site:

Marchesa Dress, 40% off

Marc Jacobs Dress, 40% off

Burberry evening trench, 50% off

Chloe blouse, 50% off

Anna Sui top, 50% off

Bottega Veneta cashmere cardigan, 60% off

Pauric Sweeny python bag, 40% off

Christian Louboutin Heels, 60% off

Olivia Morris sandals, 70% off

Pedro Garcia sequin shoe-boots, 30% off

Golden Globes

It was the annual Golden Globe Awards last night and by now, we all know who the winners were but who were the winners in the style stakes? Here's my pick of the best....

English Rose, Kate Winslet was one of the big winnners of the night and her evening gown by Yves Saint Laurent was suitably fitting for what was undeniably HER night.

Anne Hathaway went for classic glamour in a midnight blue strapless gown by Armani Prive.

I always look forward to seeing what Maggie Gyllenhaal chooses to wear to events and I loved how this blue leopard print assymetric gown by Lanvin was in keeping with her quirky personality.

Reverting to her signature bling form, Jlo opted for a slash front metallic gown from Marchesa.

Kate Beckinsale's J Mendel gown featured a gorgeous ruffle which added interest to the white gown.

Olivia Wilde had her princess moment in this lilac gown by Reem Acra.

Also opting for a design by Reem Acra, Rumer Willis's plum coloured dress complemented her porcelain complexion beautifully.

Amy Adams' classic black gown by Oscar de la Renta featured detailing which added interest.

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