NEW From Models Own: Sticky Fingers Nail Art Collection

March 14, 2014, 3:21 am

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Oh Models Own, when will you stop being so awesome? Fresh from delivering us a great collection of speckled nails, blogger favourite Models Own are launching these fab little nail art kits this March. Available in three varieties, each pack contains a polish and a sheet of stickers that can be added to nails in seconds. You've got the option of white polish with colourful paint blobs, lilac polish with delicate floral designs, as well as red polish with corresponding batman inspired cartoon bubbles. Although the polish is nothing special, the devil is in the detail of the cute stickers - there's no need to faff around creating intricate nail art designs when you can wack on a sticker and get the same effect in no time at all.

Unlike many other nail art adornments which are clunky and have trouble sticking, these are sticky enough to attach right onto a polish nail with ease - no top coat required! The sticker is really thin and the transparent edges ensure there's enough of it to hold on to, making these a great treat for nail lovers. The stickers really do stay in place until you want to remove them, with no flaking, curling or catching on tights... In fact they take a little effort and some scraping to remove from the nail once you've soaked it in nail varnish remover.

The sticker sheets come in a strange 'L' shape, designed to fit around the pot in the cute packaging, which does make them look a bit odd and a pain to store away. However, you get plenty to create at least two full manicures - more if you use them to adorn just a few nails for a statement look. I'm actually in love with these stickers and hope they release them as a stand-alone addition to their nail range; it's a pain to have to keep re-buying polish when all you want is the stickers.

I personally think the stickers all look great over white nails (which are so hot for spring,) which also helps to blend the design and hide the transparent edges. However, you can of course mix and match polish colours and be as creative as you'd like. At £6.00 a set these don't break the bank either, making fab intricate nail designs achievable rather than just a dream. What do you think of these cute new kits?

The Models Own 'Sticky Nails' collection launches this March into Boots and Superdrug, as well as their Bottleshops and online. Priced £6.00 per kit.

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It's About Time: Joan Collins Launches A Makeup Collection

March 14, 2014, 5:30 am

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Can you believe Joan Collins is 80? She just oozes glamour, sophistication and sassiness, proving that age doesn't matter when it comes to carrying off red lipstick. I can't believe it's taken her this long, but finally the woman who became a shoulder-pad idol of a generation has launched her own range of Timeless Beauty. Within the collection, which covers all aspects of makeup, fragrance and skincare, is this beautiful and elegant duo compact. Pairing a translucent powder (for ladies room touch-ups) with a shade of bright red lipstick, the duo is the ultimate in timeless glamour. Packed in a 1920's inspired gold case, this is something to be treasured by every generation.

I love the design of the metal case and the little details that make it feel special. Once you open the top it reveals a little pan of powder, a branded puff to ensure your nose is shine free, plus a gorgeous lipstick of your choice. Joan Collins has designed eight shades of red lipstick that can be added to the compact, all inspired by her previous character roles; including Alexis, Sabina, Fontaine, Sadie, Melanie, Evelyn, Helene and of course Lady Joan, there's a shade of red for every inner vixen.

Although the translucent powder is just a basic powder that helps to remove shine, perfect the skin and ensure you're looking flawless at all times, the lipstick is something to be reckoned with. The texture is extremely thin and light, almost feeling invisible on the lips; however, the pigment packs some punch and is extremely strong - these aren't shades for the fainthearted, these are shades for ladies that love a power lip.

The lipstick works best when applied with a brush, layering up the colour and blotting to ensure it stays put for as long as possible. It does transfer incredibly easily, so for a flawless finish you'll definitely need to keep popping to the powder room for a touch-up. I'm just so thoroughly in love with this little compact and how Joan has created something that doesn't just appeal to my mother and grandmother's generation; these can be treasured by women of all ages.

The Joan Collins 'Timeless Beauty' compact duo is available from QVC and via her website, priced £34.00. The lipstick alone is £18.00 and available in 8 shades.

Introducing eBay Collections: Shopping Made Fun

March 14, 2014, 5:17 pm

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There was a time when eBay was a bit naff and full of second hand shoes, watched DVDs and dresses still with their labels on. Although it was great for hunting down a bargain, there was a lot of work needed to track down that fabulous one-off piece that saved you a fortune. In 2014 things are a lot different to what they once were, eBay being the place to find must-have accessories, fun home furnishings, electrical gadgets and unique fashion from sellers across the globe. I've spent hours searching for quirky additions to my wardrobe that I know my friends will ask about, knowing that it's both cheaper and better than a Topshop alternative! Now eBay has launched their new 'Collections' feature, they're finally becoming a shopping force to be reckoned with; essentially a platform to allow you to curate the great things you find, eBay Collections makes shopping and searching online fun again!

I've curated twelve boards of my own, in collaboration with eBay, to showcase some of my favourite bits and bobs. Including shoes to revolutionise your wardrobe, quirky fashion must-haves, great makeup storage, statement accessories and even the best clutch bags for this season, there are so many bargains to be had. Suffice to say I've already snapped up half the contents of my boards already and couldn't be more chuffed... A transparent perspex clutch for the cost of a Starbucks and statement cushions to match my brand new sofa? Brilliant.

To create your own Collections, all you have to do is click the little star next to a listed item that says 'add to collections'. In a similar way to Pinterest, all you have to do is create a board and start adding the fab things you find so you don't forget them. It's a great way to generate inspiration, find the best slogan tshirts or compare prices of Yankee Candles. I personally think this is a great idea and am so excited to see eBay push this out across the globe so we can all get creative together.

Why don't you check out my Collections here and start your own this weekend? 

I've been compensated by eBay to create my Collections.

NEW: Braun Silk-Epil 7 Skin Spa Epilator (Your At-Home Spa Gadget)

March 15, 2014, 6:55 am

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If there's one thing I hate most about being a woman, it's the time investment I have to make in all kinds of hair removal. As we step into Spring and the opaques are lingering on the dresser, it's become essential that we spend a little time preening our legs before stepping out without tights. Although shaving is quick and easy, it also brings the inevitable re-growth within days; waxing can be painful and time consuming, while IPL can be incredibly expensive. I've long been a fan of epilation, it being a great compromise on both price, time and performance, so I was super keen to get to grips with the new Braun Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa Epilator. The new model can not only be used both wet and dry (making it both shower and bath suitable,) but it contains an exfoliating brush head to leave legs feeling super smooth too.

The ergonomic angle of the epilator makes it extremely easy to use, getting to grips with even the shortest of hairs to remove them practically pain free. If you're not familiar with epilation, then the device contains the equivalent of 40 mini tweezers that pluck individual hairs from the skin to leave it hair free. You simply run the device over the skin's surface, using the handy guide light to highlight where you need to focus; the light also helps to highlight the little hairs you may have missed, ensuring an extra efficient result.

The Braun epilators are great at removing most hairs, providing a long-term smooth result that can see you hair free for around 2-3 weeks (depending on how dense and dark your hairs are.) However, as I have extremely fine hairs it does struggle to pluck away every last one. The epilation process removes all visible hairs, but I do often need to just touch up with a razor to remove the fine hair that isn't removed - this is purely for super smooth legs, rather than removing any hair that's visible to the naked eye!

Although there are loads of other epilators available, the new 'Skin Spa' also provides a body exfoliation function. The exfoliating head contains 10.000 fine bristles which gently sweep away dead skin cells and stimulate the regeneration of the skin surface, while more than 3000 micro-vibrations per minute exfoliate your skin four times more effectively than a manual treatment alone. It can be changed extremely easily and clipped into place, and worked over the skin's surface on one of two speeds; the result is great after you've epilated as it helps to buff the skin and remove dullness from the surface.

In addition the Braun Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa contains multiple heads that can be clipped on to turn the epilator into a razor, suitable for all your intimate areas. Basically this is a 3-in-1 product that will service all your hair removal and body maintenance needs in one session. Epilation isn't completely pain free, but it does become a lot more bearable after the first session; it feels like lots of little elastic bands being pinged at you, which as you get used to the process becomes barely noticeable. Although the tools can look a bit scary, once you've tried epilating it's hard to go back to anything else!

This super epilator is quite pricey (normally £169.99 but on offer in Boots currently for £113.32,) but when you take into consideration the practicality and the added razor/exfoliation benefits, it seems a lot more reasonably priced. I've tried cheap and cheerful epilators before and it has to be said that you can really tell the difference; if you're serious about hair removal then it's worth investing in a great tool such as this that will become an essential part of your routine.

Do you epilate? What's your preferred hair removal method?

The Braun Silk-épil 7 SkinSpa is available from Boots priced £169.99. (However, right now you can pick it up for £113.32 and save over £56.00. Why not reserve online and pick up in store so you can make the most of this ace saving!)

NEW: Barry M Gelly Lips (Another Great Chubby Stick Dupe?)

March 15, 2014, 5:22 pm

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We've all become a little obsessed with Chubby Sticks and their more affordable equivalents. Not only are they really handy for applying on the go, but they provide a hit of colour and great shine to match. Barry M are really pulling the dupes out of the bag at the moment, completing their lipstick offering with these new Gelly Lips. Sold as soft, moisturising lip crayons, they're available in five shades and provide a serious hit of colour that's rather unexpected.

Unlike the Chubby Stick originals, which focused on hydrating lips with a little colour as a bonus, the focus with these Gelly Lips is most definitely the colour result. All five shades provide lips with high pigment and a glossy finish, combining the colour of a lipstick with the texture of a balm. They're super smooth and creamy to the touch, gliding onto lips to provide a fab finish; the small nibs ensure you can achieve a precise result too, rather than struggling to get the colour where you want it (which is often the case with the traditional Chubby Stick.)

Although these smell really cheap (they've got that 'plastic' smell that a lot of cheaper cosmetics have,) the result they provide for their £4.99 price point is really quite good. Available in pink, orange and berry shades, there's also a colour to suit most skin tones - it's just a shame there aren't some subtler shades or nude tones to complete the collection. These don't provide the comfort of a Chubby Stick, but the finish is fab if you're on a budget.

The Barry M Gelly Lips are available now in Boots and Superdrug priced £4.99 each.

On-Trend White Eyes, Three Ways

March 17, 2014, 2:31 am

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White eye makeup (ranging from the subtlest of shimmery pigments to the dramatic matte eye pencils,) has found its way through many makeup collections as of late, shying away from its previous back-of-the-drawer status. A white eye can brighten and lighten the face, covering up a bad night's sleep or adding a touch of on-trend colour to an otherwise nude look. Here are three ways that you can channel the look easily, without looking like a 90's icon.

1: A Simple Sweep Of Colour
For this I’ve equipped myself with a loose eyeshadow from Models Own. It’s the perfect shimmery white pigment in small compact packaging, that contains way more than you will ever need. Other than being the perfect inner eye and brow highlighting shade, it works well when swept over the lids for a subtle take on the white eyes trend. For ultimate simplicity this could be paired simply with a dash of defining mascara, but if you want to add some drama then a black feline flick is ideal.

2: 1960’s Inspired Matte Look
If you’ve decided to take things up a notch and that white eyeshadow is for you, aided by the fact it suits the entire spectrum of eye colours, then this is a great take on the trend. Taking a flat eyeshadow brush and packing it onto the lid gives the strongest effect, although going it with full force isn’t necessarily the way to go. To add a bit of dimension and possibly tone it down a bit, I’d recommend a pale grey colour added into the crease. Mascara is an essential and adds a dark edge that I know you’re all dying for.

3: Winged Statement Eyeliner
Arguably the coolest approach of them all is to keep the lids nude (perhaps evening out any redness with a colour-correcting primer or concealer,) and then mixing things up with a white feline flick. This keeps things striking yet simple, while allowing a strong lip to be added into the mix. For this I’m using a kohl pencil from Rimmel, which is kind on the wallet and easy to use. However, if you’re brave and have a seriously steady hand, why not try this with liquid eyeliner?

Will you be trying out any of these looks? Are you loving the white trend this season? 

Written by Thalia Fairweather
@thalialucyf

Handbag Queen Lulu Guinness Partners with BirchBox Beauty Box

March 17, 2014, 4:41 am

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Although there have been a million beauty subscription services launched in the last few years, most fall by the wayside as they simply don't offer anything worth subscribing to. However, Birchbox were the original and still remain a great service that provides a bit more than just a box full of beauty samples through your letterbox. Birchbox prides themselves on providing customers with a handpicked selection of products that suit their skin type, complexion and likes, as well as lots of little bonus treats and experiences. Not only that, but all the products you receive in your box can be purchased via their website - with free shipping for the month of their inclusion. This is a service I can really get behind, especially as they're bringing us lots of exciting things... Including this month's collaboration with handbag queen Lulu Guinness. This March Lulu has handpicked her products of choice, of which include household names and undiscovered secrets. Not only that, but there are lots of extra suprises in the box that are hard to resist...

The box is beautifully wrapped and stays true to Lulu's identity, especially as her Spring 2014 collection is inspired by sweeties; many of her new season bags look like humbugs and liquorice alsorts, so it's no suprise she's chosen a stripey box and even included a stick of rock. I don't want to ruin the surprise too much if you're planning on ordering one of these, but the box contains a little book of Life Lessons written by Lulu Guinness, as well as a voucher to pop along and have your brows sorted at Benefit and even £20.00 off any Lulu Guinness purchase until the end of the month.

The box itself includes Benefit's Stay Don't Stray eye primer, Dr Brandt's Pore No More pore refiner, Aroma Works body oil, Molton Brown hand cream and English Laundry No7 perfume. It's great to see a real combination of products and a variety of textures, encouraging us all to push our beauty boundaries and try something we wouldn't normally have thought of. All these products are 'classics' and I can see why Lulu chose them - they help to get your skin looking tip top, as well as adding a hint of classic fragrance to your look.

If you want to nab one of these beauty boxes, then you better be quick as you can only get your hands on them until the end of March. As a special treat, enter the code BBXBloggers at the checkout to get this box for only £5.00 - yep, just a FIVER! There's even a money back guarantee, so if you're not happy with a box you can get a refund within 14 days. It's hard to find a reason why not to give it a go, especially as they've packed it so nicely...

Are you a fan of beauty boxes or Lulu Guinness? What do you think of this collaboration?

Find out more about Birchbox on their website: www.birchbox.co.uk

NEW From Urban Decay: Electric Eyeshadow Palette

March 18, 2014, 2:59 am

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Are you a serious colour junkie? Do you love the bold eye looks and striking colours that are due to be so on-trend this summer? Then Urban Decay's latest eyeshadow palette launch is just the ticket; Electric contains ten amazing shades of colour that can be used not only as an eyeshadow, but as blusher and lip colours too. Although they're famous for the subtlety of the Naked palette, colour has always been at the heart of Urban Decay so it's great to see them going back to their roots. This palette isn't for everyone, but if you love being creative and experimenting with colour it could just make you go weak at the knees...

Containing blue, pink, green, orange, yellow, silver and purple, the palette is like a rainbow of dreams. The eyeshadow texture is extremely soft and creamy (which is why I love Urban Decay shadows so much,) whilst providing a shocking amount of pigment when applied. This isn't for the feignthearted, but it does encourage us all to be a little more experimental; created as an artistry palette, Urban Decay are encouraging us to use the colours in lots of different ways - the pinks and oranges can be used as blush and lip colour, the silver as a highlighter, and the darker shades as eyeliners. The palette also comes with a super handy double-ended brush, with loose bristles on one end and a precision tip on the other, so you can apply the colour with perfection.
 
The colours in the palette include:
REVOLT – bright metallic silver shimmer with silver glitter
GONZO – bright turquoise matte with floating tonal pearl
SLOWBURN – bright red-orange matte with floating pearl
SAVAGE – bright hot pink matte
FRINGE – bright metallic teal
CHAOS – bright blue matte with floating tonal pearl
JILTED – bright metallic fuchsia with blue shift
URBAN – bright metallic purple
FREAK – bright green with gold shift
THRASH – bright lime green matte with floating gold pearl

I do love this palette, although I don't know how often I'll be daring enough to use it! It's so great to see so many bold colours and an on-trend collection of shades that can be used to create bright eyes or statement flicks. However, when I posted a picture on Instagram of this palette I recieved a few comments from worried readers about the suitability of the shades for the eye area. I contacted Urban Decay, who provided an explanation as to why in the US there have been a few issues and assured me that the palette is completely safe to use in the UK. FYI, here's the statement in full from Urban Decay on the suitablility of the pigment for the eye area:

"We created the Electric Pressed Pigment Palette with artistry in mind. Using pressed pigments was the only way for us to create heavily saturated brights with the intense pigment load we craved. Traditional eyeshadow formulas just wouldn’t cut it. To achieve shades like these, we started with our existing Eyeshadow formula and modified it to create a new Pressed Pigment formula.

Everywhere but the U.S., the Electric Palette is an eyeshadow palette. Because of a technicality, in the U.S. it’s considered a multiuse artistry palette. To get the most out of this palette, experiment and see what works for you. You can use the Electric Palette all over (and that’s where the creativity comes in!).

A few shades contain a colorant that has not yet been approved for the use around the immediate eye area. However, this restriction only applies in the U.S.; in every other country where Urban Decay is sold, these shades are approved for use around the eyes.

Bottom line? We didn’t want to limit the Electric Palette to eyeshadow. It’s an artistry palette with unlimited possibilities! How you use these shades is up to you. (And no matter where you use them, you’ll get insane colour payout.)"  

Are you excited for this new collection? Will you be daring enough to wear bright orange eyes?

The palette is available from 1st April priced £38.00, via Debenhams and House of Fraser.

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My Love Affair With DKNY Be Delicious (Now Available In City Blossom)

March 18, 2014, 5:39 pm

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It's been proven endless times that your sense of smell can evoke memories and emotions like no other sense can. It may be the smell of bread takes you back to your childhood kitchen, the fragrance of a passing man reminding you of an ex that broke your heart, or simply the notes of furniture polish transporting you back to your grandmother's living room. For me, DKNY's Be Delicious is one of those scents that instantly reminds me of my youth and the fun times that were had, before I was a 'proper grown up' with responsibilities and a future to prepare for. The light apple notes and woody base instantly put a smile on my face and have me reminiscing about those days when I spent more time dancing the night away in a dingy pub than is probably socially acceptable to do so. Be Delicious was the first fragrance I actually chose for myself, so for me it signifies independence, strength of character and the optimism that only comes with being fresh out of Uni with a future as yet unwritten.

Before my love affair with Be Delicious started, I'd always inherited perfumes from my mother or been given them as birthday gifts. Although I was often taken on trips to choose a scent I liked, the pressure of the sales assistant combined with other people's taste inevitably left me picking something that was probably a little more mature than I needed. Be Delicious was the first scent I smelt that instantly made me say "I want that." You could say it was love at first sniff! I wore it for about five great years before my fragrance wardrobe expanded rapidly and it got shunned to the back of the shelf, in favour of more exotic and complex scents.

I was recently reintroduced to Be Delicious via its sister scent Be Delicious: City Blossom. Although the two are extremely similar, the blossom variant has just a hint more of floral to make it reminiscent of New York flower markets and walking through the West Village. Ever since I've gotten my hands on this extension I've worn the fragrance daily, it becoming a great companion for spring days when I need a little uplifting - especially when it's a little dull or raining outside my window. If you love the original as much as I do, then you'll definitely love the City Blossom scents and fragrance extensions now available. If you, like me, can remember the days when Be Delicious was the scent to be smelt in, then maybe you should reignite your love affair with the apple scent too... Are you a fan of Be Delicious? Do you have a fragrance that means a lot to you? 

DKNY Be Delicious is available nationwide priced £34.99 for 30ml.

YSL Colour Correction: NEW CC Cremes in Lavender, Apricot & Rose

March 19, 2014, 2:52 am

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If BB Creams were the product of choice for 2013, then in 2014 it's the turn of it's sister product CC Cream. Although BB Creams are great at helping skin look healthy, covering imperfections and providing a great base for makeup, they don't actually correct colour problems that many of us suffer from. Yellowing dullness, the redness of rosacea and grey tints can all play havoc with our makeup, but CC Creams actually help to correct the colour by counteracting it with another. Yves Saint Laurent are one of my favourite beauty brands, continually launching luxurious innovations that help to create the effect I always dream of. Their Touche Eclat and Babydoll mascara may be classic must-haves, but these new CC Cremes are sure to join them in the YSL hall of fame...

Available in three shades, each targeting a specific problem area, the YSL CC Cremes visibly correct the appearance of skin colour irregularities and immediately help to reveal your inner glow. The lightweight and refreshing texture is quite thin to the touch, ensuring it can be applied to skin under makeup to help foundation and concealer work even better. The lavender shade works to counteract yellowness in the skin, often caused when we're tired or our skin is lacking hydration; this is by far my favourite as it instantly counteracts the colour and leaves my skin looking more 'awake.'

Although it does leave a slight purple tint to the face when used alone, if you apply concealer and foundation over the top the result is pretty incredible - my makeup has such an easy job and I need about 50% of the amount I would normally use. I've found that applying this with a brush, delicately around the eyes and nose, helps to create a more uniformed tone that my foundation can work with. It gives me the confidence back in my skin that I often only have after a serious sleeping session or a mini break to a beach!

The CC Creme is also available in rose and apricot; the rose shade counteracts dullness in the skin and helps to provide a rosy and healthy complexion, while the apricot provides a natural glow and minimises the appearance of imperfections. Although these two shades are great, it's the lavender variant that I really can't recommend enough. All three CC Cremes also help to minimise the appearance of pores and inperfections, provide a touch of radiance, contain UVA and UVB to help protect the skin from premature ageing and are even suitable for sensitive skin. I haven't found another CC Cream that works as well as this, regardless of price point, which really helped me to instantly see the difference between YSL and the other formulas. If you're concerned about pigmentation and colour imperfections on your face, then a tube of this could really help to soothe those issues away.

At £30.00 a tube these are pretty pricey, but to find a CC Cream that works is (in my opinion) totally worth the money. I would happily go out and and repurchase this as soon as I've used it up, although I'm pretty sure this tube will last me for a whole year and beyond! For best results it's better if you use a little, building up the colour result and blending with a brush, otherwise you could look a little purple and get strange looks in the street... But applied properly, this is one product that will become a makeup staple throughout 2014 and beyond.

The YSL CC Cremes are available now, priced £30.00, from Selfridges and online.

NEW: Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi & Intense Foot Serum

March 19, 2014, 5:44 pm

≫ Next: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: The Perfect Gift Set For Mother's Day

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When Scholl launched their Express Pedi machine in 2013 I got a little bit excited. Finally I could achieve smooth and pretty feet at home, rather than having to traipse to a pedicurist once a month to sort out my cracked heels. The handy gadget has been by my side ever since, coming out to play pre-shower every week or two to help remove unsightly dry skin from my feet and minimise embarrassing cracked heels. Although I love the machine and can't recommend it enough, it can get a little messy... The skin you remove can build up to leave the handheld device covered in foot dust, which is about a gross as it sounds. However, the Scholl Express Pedi 'take two' has all of the benefits of the first version with added practicality. Paired with Scholl's new and innovative Foot Serum, you'll have your tootsies Summer ready in no time at all.

The new design features an ergonomic handle that is much lighter and more comfortable to use, especially when it takes around five minutes to fully buff each foot. The file is a lot more abrasive than the original (which is smooth to the touch,) ensuring it's even more effective at buffing away dry and dead skin from the foot's surface. However, it's still comfortable to use and extremely hard to buff away too much skin - something that is as bad as having too much. The main point of difference for me is that there's a gap between the file and the pedi machine, ensuring the skin that's removed is free to fall directly onto a towel or into the loo (I file my feet over the toilet bowl so there's no mess!) Unlike the previous version, which had a tendency to get a little jammed up with flaky skin, this ensures the device is clean and free from residue.

I love the Scholl Express Pedi machines and truly believe they're a great investment buy - half of the reason I have a pedicurist on speed dial is to help with my dry skin, but with these gadgets I barely need her help at all. Although this is £39.99, it's the equivalent of two emergency foot spa sessions... Something that starts to make sense when you break it down! You can even nab this in Boots with a £10.00 saving currently, making it almost a steal at £29.99.

In addition to this new extension, Scholl have launched a range of foot care products that include a BB Cream, Night Treatment and this Velvet Smooth Intense Serum which provides an intense shot of hydration. Containing hyaluronic acid and green caviar, the formula is really light and can be easily massaged into even the hardest of heels. The instant cooling effect helps to soothe feet and leave them feeling light after a hard day, while the serum absorbs quickly so you don't have to hop around for ages with sticky feet. You can instantly see the impact it has too, providing feet with a smooth quality that looks and feels great. This is great to apply after a long day walking, or before bed so you can get the full benefit of hydration.

Scholl are really pushing the boundaries of foot care and using inspiration from other areas of the beauty market to launch some truly innovative products. I can really appreciate how they treat feet the same way that other brands treat the face, putting as much care and attention into their products as a new anti-ageing face cream. If you're concerned about your feet or just want to get them looking tip top in time for the warmer months, then definitely invest in some of Scholl's handy new products.

The Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi is available from Boots priced £39.99 (currently on offer for £29.99) and the Intense Serum is £6.99 (currently on offer for £5.24.)

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: The Perfect Gift Set For Mother's Day

March 20, 2014, 2:30 am

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Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is a cult classic for a reason. Not only does it help to soothe dry and chapped skin, but it offers a multitude of skin benefits incomparable to other products. (I covered my top ten uses in a previous post!) It's a fab multi-tasking skin protectant that is also trans-generational, making it a perfect present for the most important lady in your life this forthcoming Mother's Day. Launched just in time for you to grab her a perfect gift, this special edition gift set contains all the Eight Hour must-haves packaged in a luxurious and handy red case.

Containing  the classic formula in a full size tube (worth £22.00,) this special set also contains travel sizes of the Body Treatment, Hand Treatment, Daily Moisturiser and Sun Defense Facial SPF. It's a great way to try new products, or just stock up on mini versions of your favourites that are perfect for travelling. The case the collection comes in is also incredibly handy - both for weekends away and bathroom storage. It's the perfect size to hold all your makeup and skincare products, but equally works well to hold jewellery and accessories all in one place. This set is available for £38.00, meaning for an additional £16.00 from the standard Eight Hour Cream price you receive four mini products and a cosmetics case... Not bad at all! If you're stuck for a great gift this Mother's Day then you simply can't go wrong with these multi-use products.

The gift set is available from Boots and department stores priced £38.00.

Getting A Good Night's Sleep: My Bedside Table Essentials

March 20, 2014, 5:49 pm

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Sleep doesn't just help us look our best, but it's vital for maintaining good mental and physical health. A good night's sleep allows the brain to take in new information and strengthen our memories, as well as having a positive impact on our mood, energy level and ability to concentrate. However, if we don't get a good rest every night it can affect your work, cause relationship problems and make it difficult to complete simple tasks. It's crucial to our health that we learn to sleep well and take the time to recoup from our busy lives when the sun goes down. However, if you suffer from interrupted or limited sleep then there are a few measures you can take to ensure you're prepared. I keep a little box on my bedside table of all the things I need to help me off to the land of nod, so I thought I'd share with you my nighttime routine.

1. Light A Candle 
Setting the mood is essential for when you slip beneath the covers. I always have a candle on my bedside table that I light an hour before I want to get into bed, as the delicate scent will fill the air and help to relax my senses. Anything that contains lavender will help you to drift off, but I also find rose extremely comforting. Just avoid citrus or floral notes that will refreshen and awaken your senses - the last thing you want when you're about to get into bed! 

2. Soothe The Senses
I've been using drops of Bach's Rescue Night Remedy for a couple of years now, which can be dropped straight onto the tongue about thirty minutes before you want to drift off. It helps to relax you and put your mind into a state that is susceptible to sleep. I've also been trying Aromatherpy Associates new Relaxing Balm, which can be applied to the pulse and pressure points; the delicate balm contains chamomile and sandlewood to help soothe the mind.

3. Hydrate Your Extremities
If my lips feel dry or my hands are tight, it really stops me from drifting off. I always have a little tube of Burt's Bees lipbalm and L'Occitane hand cream for nighttime emergencies, as well as using a little before I get into bed to ensure I don't wake up feeling uncomfortable. Both of these have a very natural scent and texture too, preventing anything too strong from waking you up once you catch a sniff.

4. Block Out Noise
I can't recommend wearing ear plugs enough. If you're a light sleeper, or just going through a period when you can be awoken easily, then ear plugs will help block out any noise that can irritate you. They're also great for when you wake in the middle of the night and find it hard to switch off again; they allow you to focus only on falling asleep, rather than the smallest sound you'd normally ignore. I have 100% better sleep when I wear them!

What do you keep on your bedside table to ensure you get a great night's sleep?

NEW From Calvin Klein Fragrance: Endless Euphoria

March 21, 2014, 3:36 am

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Ever since they launched the iconically 90's 'CK One', I've always been of Calvin Klein fragrances. They manage to get the balance right between creating something timeless, whilst ensuring there are modern and on-trend notes that appeal to our inner fashionistas. The perfumiers also manage to perfectly combine notes to create an uplifting, yet comforting scent that appeals across generations. With the latest extension to their Euphoria fragrance line they've added a touch of sunshine to an already extremely popular scent, as well as bringing the bottle right into 2014 with ease. Endless Euphoria is described as "an intoxicating breeze of cherry blossoms, tipped with refreshing mandarin and bergamot. The heart blooms with beguiling floral notes of violet, pastel rose and syringa. At the base, bamboo, sandalwood, and bare musk exude a dream-like seduction."

Refreshingly light and radiant, Endless Euphoria translates the iconic original fragrance into a something altogether more subtle - perfect for Spring days. This is definitely a 'daytime' scent, as it adds a touch of something without overpowering the wearer. It reminds me of sunny days in the park, or sitting down by the river sipping on a cold glass of Pimms. I love the bottle too, especially the simplicity combined with the statement piece they've made from an otherwise functional plastic tube. Even though I'm completely not girlie and mostly detest anything in shades of pink, this is edgy enough for me to proudly display on my dressing table next to a blooming vase of flowers.

Are you a fan of Calvin Klein fragrances? Endless Euphoria is £36.00 for 40ml, or £48.00 for 75ml.

What Is Your Skin Type Telling You?

March 21, 2014, 6:00 pm

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Human skin is the largest organ in the body and is highly intelligent. Everyone is born with a specific skin composition, but did you know your skin type is also influenced by both internal and external factors? Around 10% of your skin's performance and condition is due to your DNA, but 90% is due to external factors such as the environment, your lifestyle and the products that are used on your skin. There are four 'traditional' skin types which include normal, oily, dry and combination.  Although these by no means cover all bases, they're a good starting point when we're looking at our skin's condition and attempting to understand it. So what is your skin type telling you and what can you do to help it?

Normal Skin
The characteristics of a 'normal' skin type include well balanced oil secretion, invisible pores, no dry patches and zero congestion present.  If you're lucky enough to have this skin type then congratulations, you are the envy of most women! Hormone levels will be balanced, which means sebaceous glands will be secreting an even amount of oils and the moisture level of your skin will be high. Keep up the good work - make sure you regularly cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise the skin to keep it looking flawless and nourished.

Oily Skin
Excess oils are triggered by the sebaceous glands being over active; this results in blocked pores, congestion and discolouration of the skin. There can be many reasons why sebaceous glands over produce oils - including being triggered by stress, puberty, contraception or an increased secretion of other hormones that are part of the Endocrine system. Excessive oil production can also be stimulated by the products we use on our skin; if a product is too harsh it can strip the skin of hydration, which could result in an over stimulation of oil production to compensate. Try to avoid using chemically based products or anything containing alcohol - these ingredients will dry the skin and upset the pH balance of the skin's natural protective barrier. Try to avoid over exfoliating the skin too; if you're constantly stripping the skin of its natural goodness it will over produce oil and worsen the condition further.

Dry Skin
Dry patches of skin are never fun. The basic science behind dryness is that the sebaceous glands aren't producing enough natural oils to lubricate the skin, so your complexion becomes dry, flaky and blemished. One of the significant causes of dry skin is the lack of hormones; during the menopause estrogen depletes, which has an adverse affect on the skin by causing both dryness and visible ageing. Dry skin can also be caused by too much exposure to the sun, smoking, drinking alcohol and medication - all of these factors can mess with your skin's natural function and starve it of nutrients. A dry complexion is lacking in oil (not water,) so remember to regularly use face oils to ensure you're replensishing the lost moisture: rose hip is a great face oil to encourage cell renewal and prevent the signs of ageing.

Combination Skin
This skin type is a combination of the above and is the most common, seen mostly within the 13-30 year old age bracket. Depending what combination of symptoms you have, your skin will be telling you different things. The main thing to remember is to treat all skin ailments; don’t miss out symptoms or warning signs because they have different characteristics... It's important to listen to your body. Do you have a healthy balanced diet? Have you changed your skin care products? Are you using the correct products to suit your skin type? Skin care experts have now said a whopping nine out of ten skin conditions are caused by mistreating the skin, so make sure you're looking after it to the best of your ablity.

If you have noticed a skin condition develop or worsen, this could very well be your skin telling you something. Listen to it and seek advice from a skincare specialist if you're unsure of how to treat it. Remember, you skin is an organ and is just as important as your heart, lungs and liver.

Written by Amy Bambrick
@amys_loves

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#MakeoverTheWorld: RSPCA Petition for a Woldwide Ban of Animal Testing

March 22, 2014, 4:09 am

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Many people believe that cosmetics testing on animals is a thing of the past, yet thousands of animals worldwide still suffer in the name of beauty. Around 27,000 animals are estimated to still be used for cosmetics testing across the world. This includes the use of mice, rats and rabbits in tests which can cause pain and distress. According to the RSPCA, 70% of people want a complete end to cosmetics testing on animals - not just within the EU. Since 2009, using animals for testing cosmetics products and their ingredients has been banned in the EU; this was updated in March 2013 to include an EU-wide sales ban prohibiting cosmetics or ingredients tested on animals outside of the EU from ending up on our shelves.

However, many well-known cosmetics companies continue to test their products or ingredients on animals outside of the EU to introduce new products to countries where the authorities require mandatory animal testing. There are already more than 20,000 chemical ingredients available to producers of cosmetics products that are considered to be safe, so there is no excuse for any more animals to suffer. If we can end animal testing for the EU - why not everywhere?

Join the RSPCA as they call on the top ten global cosmetics companies (including   Avon, Estee Lauder, Kao, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Shisedo, L'Oreal and Unilever) to ‘Makeover the World’ by committing: not to use animals to develop new products or ingredients; not to market further products in countries where animal testing is required; to help further the development of humane alternative methods.

The RSPCA say: "We want to see the day when no new cosmetics products or ingredients are tested on any animal, anywhere in the world!" You can join the movement by signing their petition, or simply giving yourself a makeover and sharing it with the hashtag #MakeoverTheWorld (and the link to the petition!) You could really make a difference and help the cosmetics industry change forever. What are you waiting for?

Find out more about the campaign here. Sign the petition here.

NEW Brand Alert: NV Cosmetics (Exclusive to BooHoo.com)

March 22, 2014, 11:50 am

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Although we'd all love to fill out makeup bags with exclusive, premium and luxurious products, the majority of us can only afford to shop from the budget aisles. Finding affordable products that really perform can sometimes be like searching for the holy grail, but with new makeup brand 'NV Cosmetics' on the scene the answer may just be within reach. The budget makeup costs between £3.00 and £6.00 and covers everything from individual eyeshadow pots, to lipstick, pencils and cheek stains. Considering it costs the same as a morning muffin and latte, the packaging is pretty slick and avoids feeling like a 'budget buy' - the plastic casing is heavy, smooth and completely fit for purpose. There are some real gems in the range too, providing a great hit of colour without the horrendous greasy feeling cheaper cosmetics sometimes offer.

My favourite product from the range has to be the handy chunky Cheeky Blush Sticks, which provide a great hit of colour that can be blended on the cheeks for a natural flush. Available in two colours, a swipe of product upwards on the cheekbones provides a subtle hue that can be set using a transluscent powder. There's no horrendous scent or greasy feeling, just a fab finish that lasts all day. These are great for when you don't want to wear too much makeup, as well as being perfect for when the months get a little warmer and you don't want to pile on the slap.

I also really like the lipsticks, which provide a great colour result without being too heavy. Although they do have that slightly 'cheap' scent, the colour result is great without feeling cakey on the lips. If you're a fan of colour but not the normal lipstick texture, these provide a lightness I'm sure you'll love. The eyeshadows also provide a pretty good pigment for their price, packaged in a MAC-inspired black compact with a secret compartment under the pan. Although the eyeshadow doesn't wow me, the shades do provide an affordable way to experiment and still get a strong pigment that blends into the eye easily.

NV Cosmetics also offers a range of chunky pencils and Chubby Stick inspired lip crayons, both of which provide a decent colour and texture. The pencils do drag a little and need some working into the skin to get the best result, but the lip crayon is a great on-the-go alternative to lipgloss. I've actually been using this nearly every day, as it provides a natural colour and shine without being OTT or smelling like plastic! It's very comfortable on the lips and is comparable to much more expensive alternatives.

Although NV Cosmetics is new on the scene and only currently available online, it is available via BooHoo.com - so you can grab a couple of products with your next fashion splurge and try it for yourself! I'm really impressed with this budget range of products, especially as they look a little more glam than your usual Superdrug buys. I predict big things for this brand, so why not get in on the secret now before everyone knows? 

The NV Cosmetics products are available via BooHoo.com and are priced £3.00-£6.00

NEW From Schwarzkopf Professional: Bonacure Color Freeze Hair Therapy

March 23, 2014, 3:24 am

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Looking after coloured hair can often become somewhat of a hassle. Colouring hair professionally is expensive and time consuming, so we want to ensure we're keeping our style looking fresh for as long as possible. Coloured hair can, as a side effect, cause multiple problems for your barnet - including frizz, damaged hair, lack of volume and a need for moisture - but tackling all these simultaneously becomes almost a full time job. Schwarzkopf Professional's new Color Freeze range of hair poducts aims to provide up to 90% colour retention and 100% more shine, tiding you over until the next salon visit. Their breakthrough lamination technology claims to protect colour vibrancy and seal in shine, helping your hair to both look and feel much healthier. So, from the six products available which ones do you need to rush out and buy?
 

The range includes a shampoo, conditioner, treatment, gloss serum, thermo-protect cream and spray conditioner; together the six products provide you with practically everything you need for a well maintained look. Starting with the core products, the Schwarzkopf Color Freeze shampoo, conditioner and treatment help to create a nourished feeling head of hair with a good level of shine. After washing and conditioning, my hair feels soft, smooth and detangled - so much so I've been forgetting to brush it prior to drying, as there are simply no tangles or knots in my normally messy head of hair. My colour does appear a little more vibrant and my hair definitely benefits from a subtle shine, although there's no revolutionary effect that's incomparable to the hundreds of other brands I've previously tried.

Using a couple of drops of the gloss serum can help to smooth hair without weighing it down. Although the texture is extremely light, don't be fooled into using more than the recommended amount - the result is simply greasy locks that lose the ability to bounce and move as you'd like. Similarly, although I loved the idea of the 'spray conditioner', it leaves my hair with a little too much texture and a slightly waxy feeling on the surface. This is definitely one product that would work better on longer hair, or used sparingly alone for maximum effect; however, when left in for the duration of the day it does add shine and smoothness to hair.

The 'thermo-protect' cream offers two benefits in one, great for coloured hair that's in need of both treatment and protection from further damage. Not only does it act like a intense treatment for dry ends, but contains heat protection to prevent damage occuring during heat styling. Although this is a little heavy for my incredibly fine hair, it would be great for those with thicker or longer hair that are in desperate need of a helping hand. Overall the range provides a definite helping hand to those of us struggling to maintain our coloured hair between salon visits, although it's essential to not layer the products too heavily if you've thin hair like mine. However, as these are actually very reasonably priced for a professional brand (£8.80-£11.15) they're definitely worth checking out.

The Schwarzkopf Color Freeze range is available in salon and online priced £8.80-£11.15

NEW The Body Shop: Raspberry Jam 'Early Harvest' Body Butter & Scrub

March 23, 2014, 12:36 pm

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Raspberry jam always reminds me of fruit picking in the woods when I was a child. We'd come back covered in blackberries, strawberries and raspberries, looking like we'd literally walked through a berry bush backwards. The sweet smell and seedy texture is extremely comforting, evoking childhood memories and making my tummy rumble. In recent months The Body Shop have been pulling out all the stops, launching innovative and fun products that appeal to both our indulgent and scientific sides. With these 'Early Harvest' body products they're really onto something great - the luxurious raspberry body butter has a sweet scent to be adored, while the body scrub looks and feels like jam. Mmmmmmm.

I've always been a big fan of The Body Shop's body butters, as they provide a serious hit of hydration combined with a luxurious and indulgent texture. Although they are a little too rich for the day, they make a great bedtime accompaniment when lathered over limbs. The raspberry version smells extremely rich so may be a little too sickly for some, but used sparingly it's a great comforting indulgence as we move from one season to the next.

The body scrub has a jelly-like texture, moving as one in the container. When a small handful is picked up and applied to the body, it feels like you're smothering yourself in jam! The formula contains a great deal of sugar crystals to help gently exfoliate the skin, as well as seeds to buff away dead skin. This isn't a harsh scrub, making it suitable enough for daily use, but it is a fun indulgence to perk up your morning shower routine.

If you're a fan of The Body Shop and love jam as much as me, then you'll want to rush out when they launch in April. They're limited edition products too, so they won't stick around for long. Will you be picking up these sweet smelling treats?

The 'Early Harvest' body products launch on 15th April into The Body Shop stores.

Elemis Does Mother's Day: Perfect Pampering Gifts For Mum

March 24, 2014, 11:12 am

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Still stuck for a really great Mother's Day gift that will show her how much you care? Never fear, Elemis have a great selection of gifts that will provide a little indulgence while helping to keep her looking fabulous. With these boxed treats you don't even need to worry about wrapping, as they're already cased in luxurious packs that mum can even keep on her bedside table.

The 'Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules' are still one of Elemis' best selling products, ten years after their first conception. This turquoise limited edition set boasts a tub of Rose Capsules for the day and a tub of Lavender Capsules for the evening, both containing an innovative serum which works to repair and replenish the skin. The rose capsules work to restore a youthful bloom to the skin, reduce the visible signs of ageing whilst injecting skin with a refreshing vitality; the lavender capsules are designed to restore cell metabolism and repair overnight, working to re-balance stressed skin and leave your complexion soft, supple and younger looking. The limited edition set contains 60 capsule of each, providing two months supply and even some handy travel jars so mum is never without these wonder serums.

Also available is a special box of Pro Collagen Treats, containing my ultimate cleansing balm as well as Elemis' innovative eye serum. The Pro-Collagen Balm dissolves make up, dirt and oil from skin in seconds; enriched with a nourishing blend of precious starflower, elderberry and optimega oils, rose and mimosa waxes, the balm deeply cleanses, smoothes and hydrates skin to leave you with a glowing complexion. I adore it and it's worth every penny, making this special 'treat kit' a must for mum. Available at a special price of £49.00 (with a saving of 40%,) as well as including a statement silver magnetic box that's great to keep her jewellery in.

If your mum is more into her bathing than skincare, why not treat her to a bottle of Jasmine and Rose Milk Bath? The luxurious formula boasts unique replenishing benefits, as well as Jasmine and White Lotus Flower Milks to soften and nourish the skin. Argan Oil and Vitamin E work to improve hydration too, so this decident bath cream will give your mum rich, supple skin all over. You only need a small amount to get both the skincare and fragrance benefit, so this giant bottle will keep her in luxurious bath times until at least Christmas. If you don't have time to get out to the shops, then LookFantastic.com are currently offering free next day delivery on all Mother's Day gifts... So there's no excuse not to get her something fabulous.
 

The Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules are available online priced £67.58 for a 60 day supply.  Pro Collagen Treats are available online at a special price of £49.00, while the   Jasmine and Rose Milk Bath is available with 15% off online, priced £37.50 for 400ml.