ASTRID

Sunday, 16 November 2008

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!

Wednesday, 29 October 2008

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

Saturday, 25 October 2008

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

Wednesday, 22 October 2008

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!

Sunday, 12 October 2008

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