Tales from Beautyland...

ER....

2011-11-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Been away for a bit. Here's why...

New job over at the amazing Stylist magazine.

New beauty blog over at The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/2011/aug/31/beauty-for-dark-skin

Increasing love of Tumblr, just because it looks more chic and its more visual.

I will more likely than not come back to this blog in the next few months, so for now, join me on Tumblr:

http://missanitab.tumblr.com/

PEEK: My current look....

2011-09-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

Currently rocking lots of 80's inspired threads... can only be described as 'Dynasty meets Dracula'

LUST: Marnie from The Hour

2011-08-30T13:09:00.001-07:00

This is the best picture I could possibly find, but it barely does justice to how brilliant Marnie's (aka Oona Chaplain) make-up is in The Hour. Its the chalky pastel aqua shades with defined brows and red lipstick that shouldn't work on anyone, but seem to look both feminine and modern at the same time. Even in recreating retro looks, its easy to just stick to the red lipstick and black eyeliner combo - if you're a rockabilly gal day-in-day out, it's nice to have a few more options.

REVIEW: MD Formulations Facial

2011-08-08T09:02:00.001-07:00

Eeek, late review!
I had an amazing md formulations facial, which was my first medi-brand treatment! The brand is FDA approved and works on the deeper living layers of the skin.

The products use high strength glycolic and vitamin a which do, er, tingle a little on the first application. But stick with them and you’ll definitely see the results. It’s used for treatment of skin conditions like acne, rosacea, pigmentation, dehydration, sensitivity, eczema and psoriasis so the range is perfect for problem skins.
As for the facial, my skin felt brighter and it cleared up my problem area which is between the eyebrows. Worth it for that alone!!

SLEB: Jessie J

2011-08-04T03:38:00.001-07:00

I wasn't hugely into her old black bob. But this is a truly EPIC hair colour. Massive Massive WIN.

PEEK: Hyper Hyper Japanese festival!

2011-07-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

NAILS: OPI Rainbow Connection meets Rimmel

2011-07-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

As soon as a new nail polish hits my desk I'm physically compelled to try it out. NO matter how hideous the combo. 3 great polishes, amazing separately, dire together. BEHOLD:

MY WEEK IN BEAUTY

2011-07-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

1. So goth I have a claw. I feel like this is my awakening.

2. Bobbi Brown cuppycakes. If any beauty PR's read this, please only ever send me fruit, because I will eat everything edible you send me.

3. An Ice version of the BodyShop launch White Musk Libertine, out later this year. I spent 10 FULL minutes try not to lick this.

4. My first time at the Last Tuesday Society shop in Hackney. It's a place of JOY and taxidermy.

VOYAGE: To Avene, France!

2011-07-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

First to Gatwick and the duty-free. Hello Mac Semi-Precious eye shadows of BEAUTY. I want you all, yes I do! Look at the pigments!!

Ahh...relax

French Pharmacies are wonderful places. I popped in and grabbed a mini Bioderma (the cleanser/make-up remover used backstage by the pros) and also found this Fracas solid perfume for £38. SCORE.

FOTD: Blue Lips...

2011-07-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

J'adore Felder Felder's AW11 catwalk look. So I thought I'd give it a crack myself using Illamasqua's Disciple. I *almost* wore this to work and ina brief moment of bashfulness decided against it. Self doubt is the biggest crime against beauty. I wonder how many awesome looks have been smeared off on a tissue over the last century? I'll try again soon and as far as blue lipstick goes, this is bold but incredibly chic.

ICON: Kel, This is England...

2011-07-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

"you can be my punk rock princess"

That baby pink mixed with the tough skinhead edge is my favourite fashion/beauty combo. It's a really feminine girl with a huge bad-ass tattoo, or a wearing a floaty dress and big biker boots. It's why I used to have my septum pierced - the contrast of traditional femininity with masculinity absolutely fascinates me.

And so, androgyny is a key trend for AW11. I think it's quite hard to do unless you look a bit like Katie Sketch, Agathe Mougin or Shane from the L-Word. I'll be working the trend by keeping skin matte, with pale lips and graphic eyeliner. Brows will be upswept and thick. Hair will be up in a Dalston topknot. Job done.

MY WEEK IN BEAUTY

2011-07-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

YES! Compelled to post because there are some bang tidy beauty bits that have changed my world.

1.Maybeline Eye Studio Gel Liner - Black

My love affair with gel liners started, predictably, with Bobbi Brown which did the job, but met its end when I left the lid open and it dried out. I'd tried a few others with mixed results before ending up at the much-hyped Clinique version, but found that the black just isn't black enough - a prerequisite if you have black hair and/or dark skin. This Maybeline £8 version is -by far- my favourite gel liner, not only for the beautiful creamy consistency and intense pigment, but the little brush that comes with it creates the most precise lines - it's an incredible tool and I've never seen a brush this good for liner! Im-pressed!

2. Perricone MD...

Skin woes, sometimes all it takes is for the right balance of nutrients, sleep and products to get it just right. At the moment, I'm in that place and the Perricone MD Skin Clear Cleanser (£28) and Hydrator (£44) seem to be keeping everything in order. That's almost £70 in skincare, granted, but if you're equally cursed and blessed with oily skin this is a brilliant little combo!

3.Alpha-H Microcleanse

So I've mentioned my 'alone time' in New York in 2007 before (wandering through NY aimlessly, HEARTBROKEN, running up huge bills). So to cheer myself up, I went to Sephora (the one by Bloomingdales) and bought this little Philosophy Microdermabrasion kit. They don't make it anymore, but what a thing of joy! It was a weak solution of glycolic acid, alongside an exfoliator but did seem to do the job. On the downside it was a little fiddly, what with the two pots n all! So this little tube does essentially the same thing - it's only £24 which isn't awful. The scrub does contain glycolic acid too, but its alongside rice bran and peppermint essential oil which makes me at least feel better. Use ONCE a week, no more! Over exfoliation isn't a boyfriend, it's a brief weekly fling!

HAIR: Red, pure and simple

2011-06-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

Angela: It had become the focus of everything. It was all I could feel, all I could think about. It blotted out the rest of my face, the rest of my life. Like the zit had become... the truth about me.

I'm watching My So Called Life at the mo, but can’t quite believe I’ve never seen it before. I *was* Angela but more tortured Goth and far, far, less cool.

I love Angela's hair. It’s longer at the front, bright grunge red (remember when Kurt (or Kurdt?) had it like that?

It’s all the teen torment that goes along with that beautiful, dyed, red hair. It’s like follicle armor. It says something about you and your personality before you’ve even uttered a word.

BENTO MAD: food fun!

2011-06-23T04:46:00.000-07:00

So although I have nothing to say on beauty (I will soon, promise!!) I do have a new sideline obsession...BENTO BOXES!

My thoughts are filled by what healthy (WW friendly) joy to put in them. I also have travel chopsticks, and it's true you do eat less because they're a bit more effort. It's a god send if you have a very short attention span like me...I'm totally bored about half way through! The top one is mine, i'm convinced it's the chic way to do lunch!

PEEK: My current base products...

2011-06-08T13:49:00.001-07:00

Just FYI... SHAKEY HAND + IPHONE = SHIT PICTURE.

Clockwise from left (ish):

1. Make Up Forever Face and Body – Controversial granted, but I seriously rate this over the much used MAC version. The MUFE version is more gel-like, and perfect for light (buildable) coverage that retains the texture of skin. So it’s ideal for edgier looks like a very dark or bright lipstick to keep the make-up looking fresh.

2. Bourjois Intense Little Round Pots - Best black ever, FACT. You've got a goth verdict on that! In fact all these little pots are unbelievably pigmented.

3. Clarins Double Fix Mascara, Clear - Keeps my brows in place after I've drawn them in with the above black (yeah, I like my brows bold!)

4. Ilamasqua Gleam Cream - I didn't rate this initially, the online hype made me rebel against it. But it’s fast become a daily staple used to bright light to my cheekbones. Light is SO important with darker skins – keep the base too flat (unless it’s a deliberately retro look) and it can risk looking dated.

5.NARS Blush/ Bronzer Trio Orgasm / Albatross / Laguna - I only use Albatross (if I’m honest) which is a BEAUTIFUL gold highlighter that I'd say is actually more suited to darker skin tones. So it's odd that Orgasm and Laguna are included, as they don't even show on my skin. As in NOT AT ALL. I'm still always a little disappointed when products are too light for me. I think it's loaded memories of going to Howells department store as a teen in Cardiff and never being able to get make-up to suit my skin tone.

6. Bare Minerals Flawless Volume Mascara- GREAT.BIG.BRUSH.FOR.GREAT.BIG.LASHES. I wear 3 coats and purposely smudge it a bit underneath. I think it looks kinda art-school. In reality, it probably looks a bit dishevelled Dalston-girl (there I said it!) And, it reminds me of a STP lyric: "I got a girl, she went to art school, I got an art school girlfriend yeah...")

7. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer and Corrector - The peachy shade combats any blue-toned darkness (that blessed colour wheel, it makes sense) and the creamy concealer then evens out skin tone. I think it works best with a small light synthetic brush (maybe Illamasqua’s Eye Shadow Brush) rather than a flat brush. I’d never bothered with under-eye concealer before one of the ladies from BB showed me how to use this. Now je suis hooked and conversely je suis shit at French!

8. Clinique Gel Liner - The bonus is that this liner doesn't dry out if you leave it open (like the Bobbi Brown one does, I’m beauty negligent) the minus is that I still feel like the pigment could be much stronger. I use this liner with a Screenface liner brush, followed by a slick of the Bourjois Black Intense pot to get the blackest black liner ever.

9. ByTerry Blush Terribly - This is an incredible product and deposits just the right amount of blusher for a natural but radiant (there is finely milled shimmer in there) hint of colour. I was expecting to hate this blusher as ByTerry aren't great for darker skins, but I'd truly recommend this. It's a pricey £51 mind and although the case is fairly sexual, it's still freaking heavy!

DELAY: Over a week without a post...

2011-06-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Truly unheard of, work has just been frantic!

MORE tutorials
MORE FOTD
LESS product reviews. I just feel like there are other blogs that do this so well, that I'm only going to review things I know really do the job!
MORE fashion/street trend led looks
THE START of video updates!

Much to look forward to all-in-all. Should have some great iphone shots from launches this week too - huzzah!

x

TEST: Kiehls Imperial Body Balm

2011-05-27T15:54:00.001-07:00

I'm going to start with the glaringly obvious - how sexual does this look? It's MADE to sit on a dressing table looking all luxe and decadent.

Anyone who isn't swayed by packaging is a machine, really. The way they look part of the experience of buying and using a beauty product; it's their emotive capacity. Needless to say, the balm itself doesn't disappoint. It's a shockingly bright yellow and is incredibly rich so it's ideal for very dry skins. The balm is inspired by old-world Russian herbal remedies and contains sea buckthorn berry oil, which is a plentiful source of vitamin C!

It's a lovely product, but worth the £39.60 for 200ml?

VID: Petrilude does glitter (and touche eclat)

2011-05-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying his use of the darker Touch Eclat shades, he's one of my TOP vloggers - AMAZEBALLS.

LUST: Beautiful things from Sephora...

2011-05-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Guerlain, Rouge Automatique in Rouge D'Enfer 121 $35

A hydrating and long-lasting lip color in an innovative flip-top applicator.

Boscia, Pore Purifying Black Strips $15 for 6

A pack of six peel-off strips that absorb dirt and oil to reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads. Its full-contact delivery system instantly applies charcoal powder, an ingredient that draws out impurities and detoxifies the skin. Silica, a natural mineral, controls excess oil while witch hazel extract, a natural astringent, tightens pores.

Urban Decay, Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Lolita $16

A lip tint infused with a honey flavor, natural oils, and collagen-boosting vitamin C.

Laura Mercier, Baked Eye Colour in Black Karat $22

Smudge resistant, dense pigments and ideal for AW11’s tough-love make-up trend!

TEST: Bliss Pore-Fector Gadget

2011-05-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

To say that this little gadget has been buzz worthy is an understatement. I've literally wanted to try this for almost a year! What it’s supposed to do is use its 27,000 sonic vibrations per minute to ‘power wash’ pores of daily dirty and grime. It’s also meant to be used as a massage treatment, but that function didn’t work for me – it felt like a slendatone for the face, eek!

After a week of use, I’m getting the hang of using it. Initially I was underwhelmed by its effects. For the price I'd expected spa-quality skin. And although my pores felt refined, they weren’t totally clear after using the gadget (you will need to see a facialist for proper extractions). But what I have learned is that to get a pretty decent result, you actually need to scrape quite hard and use it regularly - which to be fair - is what they suggest.

I’m definitely going to keep using it because it has helped some of my problem areas, but they key is not to expect that this little white wand will be the end all your skin woes – it wont. But it will help keep things under control, especially if you have oily skin that’s prone to blocked pores. My advice? If you’re not sure about the gadget, go to the Bliss Spa in Debenhams and try it before you buy. It's a helluva lot of of money to part with otherwise.

Bliss Pore-Fector, £127.70

FEATURE: YSL Touche Eclat

2011-05-22T09:19:00.001-07:00

Check me out talking about the new range of Touche Eclat for darker skins in the Daily Mail below:

Daily Mail, Beauty revolution

SLEB: Gaga on Graham Norton

2011-05-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

Jesus, I'm sorry. Two celeb related posts in a row is a bit much. But I've had a breakthrough. I'm totally coming around to Lady Gaga and after seeing her on TV t'other night was mesmerized by her make-up. INCREDIBLE.

SLEB: Nicola Roberts again...

2011-05-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

I can't quite tell you why this keeps happening. Why this certified metal chick ends up posting again and again about Nicola Bloody Roberts. Fact is, she looks amaze. I can't quite tell how much styling she's had, but its so nice to see a celebrity actually try. When so many young female celebs all look the bastard same (Alexa Chung you have a lot of banality to answer for!) NR deserves some serious props. Loving the two-tone mane and clash of clothes. Work it baby!

TRAVEL: Some pictures from Milan

2011-05-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

This isn't me being an airhead, there are plenty of beautiful sights to takepictures of in Milan, but I've been before and these are simply for the blog!

PEEK: Andrea Fulerton

2011-05-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Got mah nails did by one of Andrea Fulerton's talented ladies. A week later and it's still going strong! I'm enjoying the gold moon, vintage but with a modern twist!

NEWS: Superdrug beauty card

2011-05-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm very VERY excited about this.

Superdrug are launching their reward/points card tomorrow. You can use it on anything in store, and you'll get 1 point for every pound you spend. Unlike the other loyalty cards you can use your points to part-pay for items, and you'll get extra points for spending on your designated favourite brands! (I'll be choosing Sleek!)

What's more, the card if actually a mirror too - they've thought of everything and I love it!

At Superdrug stores, from Wednesday 11th May.

PS; Sneaky peek at a new line called Fashionista launching in Suoerdrug in August - lovely pigmented shades, keep an eye out for it!!

PEEK: Gold lips sink, er, pirate ships

2011-05-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

Thom Browne S/S 11, kinda loving the lips. I long for the day when absolutely bonkers lipstick is totally normal. For a less severe version, use a dark lipcolour with a smidgen of Illamasqua's Liquid Metal Solstice (£17.50) or Sleek's Molten Metal (£7) on the centre of the bottom lip. Keep eyelids nude, with lashings of mascara!

SLEB: Xtina in dire need of revamp

2011-05-09T01:32:00.000-07:00

I love Xtina, so it saddens me to have to post this, but it's actually making me depressed seeing her looking so bad every week. If anyone is in need of reinvention its her. Where are the fashion police when you actually need them!

1- Tit hanging out is never a good look. I’d say sack the stylist, but I'm fairly sure this ensemble didn't warrant one. I know, I know she's off duty, chillaxing (yeah, I did just say that) but there's still no excuse when you have THAT much cash. Prada do casuals too y’know.

2- She's had so many different hair styles over the years, the best being the Fighter-esque black and the white blonde with blunt fringe from the 'keeps getting better' vid. But the problem is that her skin is such a weirdy patchy shade of orange that nothing looks quite right. Time to ditch the tan, there is no beauty crime worse than white-blonde hair and an orange face. Only Pammy can get away with it. Fact.

3- Finally: HATCHET FACE FROM CRYBABY IS NOT A BEAUTY ROLE MODEL.

PEEK: Vera Wang Love Knots purse mirror

2011-05-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

Just stumbled across this little mirror of joy in the Selfs website (a thing of beauty in itself, fast becoming my lunch hour porn of choice.) It's silver plated with the signature VW ribbon tie and incredibly elegant.

Giving beauty products as gifts is tricky - they're so incredibly personal, and I'm probably not alone in saying that unless they're a little luxe, they tend to be a dissapointment. I own every beauty product I'd ever need and still think I'd like to recieve this as a gift. So it's passed that test!

Selfridges, £35

TALK: Extensions, the saga continues...

2011-05-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

I went and had this done, see below:

Just pulling your leg! Although Charlie Le Mindu could do my hair anytime (come on Mr Mindu - get involved - we move in the same circles!) Actually, I'm posting because I'm due to have round two of natural (read: cost-effective) extensions at Lucinda Ellery. So how have I found them? Very comfortable, brilliant quality Indian hair and they've almost lasted four months.

The downside is that I'm now addicted to the volume and fear this is going to become de riguer in my life. That's all I really need, another expensive beauty habit, as if Creme De La Mer and bespoke facials weren't expensive enough - gah!

My natural hair length is 15" so when my extensions are applied they're the same length. Ideally, I'd have 18", but then the process is different and I'd need more exenetions and much more hair. However after getting no less that 5 quotes, generally speaking, this would cost around £1000. No matter how much I want hair like Taylor Momsen, it's not worth cleaning out the mortgage fund (formerly known as the Miu Miu fund!)

With my saved money I could - in fact- buy this bag of joy I spied in Selfridges last week!

NOTE: If you're tempted to go somewhere cheaper to get the length just email me and I will send you HORRIFIC pictures from when I did that very thing. Once they go wrong, there is nobody to fix the mess!

PEEK: bareMinerals hits the big 35

2011-05-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing says Penblywdd Hapus like a Hummingbird cake - FACT.

How many WeightWatchers points? Suffice to say I'm running around Clissold park like a bat out of hell tomorrow morning.

FACT: Nars and cars!

2011-04-30T04:51:00.001-07:00

Here's a little factoid for you!

Apparently Nars iconic blusher Orgasm sells the same amount - in weight- as Lamborghini sells in cars.

Whilst that's rather an alarming amount of rosy cheeks, I do wonder if it would have had the same effect if it was called 'peachy bronze.'

Proof - as if you needed it - that SEX SELLS.

TEST:Bobbi Brown's SPF 15 Tinted moisturizer Oil Free

2011-04-28T03:26:00.000-07:00

Beauty confession: I've never ever worn tinted moisturizer. Ever.

I've seen women slather it on like foundation and have always wondered 'what's the point?' In my mind, if you want sheer coverage you use MAC Face and Body (or MUFE's version which is incredible) or you simply go without.

Having very oily skin means that anything that goes on my skin has to be carefully vetted for staying power - and as such - tinted moisturizer never makes the cut. Whilst I still don't entirely grasp with the idea of it as a product that gives coverage, so many friends swear by the stuff that I thought it was worth trying.

So this week I've been wearing Bobbi Brown's SPF 15 Tinted moisturizer Oil Free (£27) in Dark Tint, the darkest shade they make. Here it is and where I've rubbed it into my skin to the right of the blob.

This amount could probably do almost two faces, a little seems to go a very long way.
And the next surprise? It's genuinely oil free, that's almost entirely unheard of with any SPF product I've tried.

But what sold me is that it comes in 7 shades - if only every brand did the same. My one small point is that if you're between shades, I'd advise going for the lighter one.
This shade actually oxidised throughout the day and darkened a little, but that can happen with any product. Legendary make-up artist Eve Pearl once told me that darker foundations can mix with oils in the skin and the air and darken a little during the day. Unfortunately I added to the problem by using face powder rather than blot powder (MAC's Blot Powder is a godsend for oily skins) which created that dull ashy appearance on darker skins.

Above all though, it's an incredible glow giving product and is a brilliant swap for summer if you're a foundation junkie with pretty good skin. However, if you're worried about acne scars, pigmentation or open pores, I'd still stick with a sheer foundation!

REVIEW: My (Milanese) week in beauty...

2011-04-28T01:11:00.000-07:00

ONE
I have this one, slightly bizarre, beauty ritual I adopt on every holiday. As soon as I step off the plane I buy a local oil and use it as a body moisturiser and a hair conditioner. In my mind, I’m reaping the rewards of natures hard work and it sort of makes me feel like a local. I know there is no logic to that statement, stay with me.

So, as I’m in Milano, I’m doused in extra virgin olive oil and smelling a bit, well, salady if I'm honest. In India I go for jasmine or coconut oil favoured by the locals for long lustrous locks. But my ultimate choice on my travels so far has been Hawaiian kukui nut oil, which is also the main ingredient of Connock London's range www.connocklondon.com. It's especially high in omega-3's which is alwyas a bonus!

My skin is actually the softest its been in forever, so olive oil is one tradition I will be adopting back home. Albeit with a few drops of lavender oil added in so I don’t smell like insalate on the 38 bus. Not chic, just weird.

TWO
I’ve also ditched the make-up for a week, it's another odd holiday beauty habit and I’ve left it ALL at home. It's liberating actually, I can't lie. But Jo Malone’s Vitamin E Lip Conditioner (£22) is briliant at adding a little shine (ergo light) to my lips, lids and cheekbones. Bellissimo!

THREE
The new Nars Spring '11 collection (on counters now) is overwhelmingly my favourite make-up collection of the year so far. I just think it's really difficult for brands to keep 'inventing' new colours that we've never seen before, and Nars have managed to pull it off in style.

The key picks for me are the Nail Varnish in Desperado (£13.50), an indescribable yellowy-mustard goldy yellow (clearly I make my living from words.) It's a wearable shade, but still weird enough to look a little bit edgy. J'adore.

The Lipgloss in Nana (£17.50) is a deep blackberry purple shade. It's more translucent than I hoped for, but would look all kinds of dramatic and macabre over MAC’s Media (or Verushka if we’re kicking it really old skool.) Maybe even over a dark blue/purple eye liner (used as a lip colour.)

Also really enjoying the Soft Touch Pencil in Celebrate (£16.50), a bright lime green which granted, isn’t especially wearable, but would look divine with a peacock blue/metallic green accent. Or, as I plan to wear it one day (probably IMATS 2011) as acid alien style lip statement. If only every day were like IMATS and one could wear green lipstick without fear of recrimination or frightening small children. That's not a flippant statement, this has genuinely happened. I was wearing MAC's Verushka (dark matte black/burgundy) and a little girl that normally waves at me on the bus looked at me, crunpled up her face, pointed and shouted 'NO!!!' before hiding under her seat. I wish I was joking, lipstick FAIL.

FOUR
My beauty heroine of the week is Jennifer Hudson. She’s eschewed the usual bronze colours saved exclusively for black skinned celebrities in favour of beautiful pastels and peach shades in recent pap shots. She looks amazing below (waving the WW flag nonetheless.) Major props J-Hud - loving the new do!

FIVE
I'm also doing a bit of blogging for DIRTY http://magazine.dirtyloves.com the East London mag! Keep 'em peeled for pics and news...

HAUTE: Shelly D'Inferno, why you need this chick in your life...

2011-04-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

It suddenly dawned on me that I have some seriously talented and creative friends in the beauty/style world. So every now and then I'll be popping up some pics of their work to inspire!

First up, let me introduce you to the many beautiful guises of Shelly, and they're all incredibly striking! Follow this make-up artist, stylist, model and photographer on twitter http://twitter.com/ShellydInferno because not only is she exquisite on the outside, she's beautiful on the inside too! Aww...

QUICKTEST: Illamasqua Nail Varnishes in Radium and Gamma, Dior Rock Coat

2011-04-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

Boys and girls of every age, wouldn't you like to see something strange?
Come with us and you will see, this, our town of Halloween.....

I'm the queen of the dark, but even I'm hating on these spooky colours, especially together - eek! The green would look incredible with OPI's Shatter Topcoat (it's a black topcoat that crackles fyi.)Almost like a greeny leopard print - tres psychobilly!

It's nonsensical, but I'll wear anything going colour-wise on my face (I used to shave and draw my eyebrows on in bright blue FFS) but I feel like a child if I wear really bright nail varnish. Hence why - in a bid to appear more grown up - I'll be passing these on to a pal.

Next up is Dior's Rock Coat. Should that be RAWWWWKKKKK COOOAAATTTTTTTAH!
Actually, I'm not sure it deserves the fan fare, because it yielded less than impressive results. This top coat is supposed to add a dark veil over your existing nail color - essentially reinventing the existing shade - but didn't deliver. I'll try it again on something less matte and keep you posted. Is the whole concept a little too much effort? I feel like Dior should concentrate on coming up with an amazeballs limited edition palette or make-up jewel that I just HAVE to have.

FASH: Quicksilver/Roxy

2011-04-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

My picks for skiwear...how dope are these Trussardi glasses? Loving them!

REVIEW: My week in style...

2011-04-16T05:15:00.003-07:00

ONE

How to do rockabilly summer-chic from Eloise aka The CircusCat. Doesn't she look bellissimo? Totes giving DVT a run for her money. Work it baby!

TWO

Saw this is Top Shop, got angry about the bastardisation of metal and stormed out. You can have Nirvana (don;t even get me started on that Elle shoot a few years back), but you can't have FNM Phillip Green. Eff off.

THREE

No not a joke. I think Sarah Harding looks lovely here (botox aside.) A little too much with the base make-up (what is UP with the bronzer?) But the colour of her lippie and hair really suits, she's taken a total risk but it pays off! Thoughts?

FOUR

Why does my desk always look like this? I feel it's an adequate representation of my life. Well, they do say chaos is the sign of a creative mind...

FASH: Peacocks SS11

2011-04-16T05:15:00.001-07:00

Take note, peacocks have some amazing boutique lines and stunning maxi dresses coming up.

UPDATE: Maybe tomorrow I'll wanna settle down...

2011-04-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's a funny old thing moving house. That overwhelming feeling of displacement, it takes a while to settle.

I've had the theme tune from The Littlest Hobo (remember the little dog who didn't belong to anyone? No? See below) stuck in my head all week. There's a voice that keeps on calling me, down the road that's where i'll always be....

Anything out of the ordinary or not planned seems to throw me into total chaos. SO before I use this as an excuse to extend that to my diet/fitness I'm joining WeighWatchers quicksmart.

So after week 1, I've lost 1.5lbs and I'm enjoying it. The new system takes a while to get your head around (if you did the old points system) but looks at the nutritional values after you've eaten whatever it is - this all makes perfect sense! It takes planning and vigilant tracking, but I'm hoping it will work (and the iphone app is bloody genius.) What is the moral of the story? Slow and steady wins the race. (There is nothing in my very being that EVER wants to delay gratification so this is tricky.)

My WW rules

In addition to the actual WW rules, I'm following a few of my own...
1. Protein with every meal
2. Make treats count by going for good quality every time. Eg, Booja Booja raw chocolate truffles - divine! Seriously, I had a Dairy Milk the other day and it tasted foul.
3. Make the healthiest choice possible, whenever possible. (Weirdly enough, this isn't as hard as it should be and I don't feel deprived!)

This whole self-preservation project was about my life as a whole not just the way I look. At the moment I've hit a mini brick wall. So I'm going to take a little piece of advice Karren Brady gave me. 'Get two sheets of paper and write out where you want to be, the on the other piece work out what you need to do to get there.' She's my hero. The fact that she was dressed in Chanel when I met her only fuelled my love.

REVIEW: My week in beauty...

2011-04-07T14:01:00.001-07:00

ONE

There are some beautiful new shades from the OPI Touring America AW11 collection coming up. Haven't tried any on yet, but they're all very chic, no crazy colours which - actually - I'm really loving! Also, inhales the little pack of New Orleans Pralines that came with (they're to die for!)

TWO

Chatted with the LOVELY Gail Porter this morning - what an amazing woman. She's lost her hair twice, had tonnes of other stuff happen and is incredibly honest about it all. This is what we need, more REAL celebs - major props to her. Ignore my glowing face, it was hot, I was sweaty and didn't use MAC's blot powder - so it's my own fault. That's the end of it.

THREE

LCN white crackle polish - bargain-tastic - especially for under a fiver. Thoughts or a raspberry ripple anyone?

FOUR

A brilliant facialist once advised me to try Gloprofessional's Ultra 15% Vitamin C Serum, then their B5Hydration serum. So far, so good! No obvious results as of yet - only been a week mind. www.gloprofessional.com

FIVE

How hard is it to get a moisturiser WITH SPF protection THAT DOESN"T cause oily skin to erupt? Well, it's probably easier to keep Amy WInehouse off crack, put it that way. Thank you, thanks, TY, Estee Lauder. With this light-weight SPF 15 lotion you have changed my life. Totally addicted this easily makes my top ten beauty products of all time.

PEEK: Blow PR press day...

2011-04-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

All kinds of beauty, I want EVERYTHING here!!! Especially the Charlie Le Mindu Underground creepery platform shoes. HAUTE!

SLEB: Cher Lloyd...

2011-04-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Never thought she'd make an appearance on my blog. For want of a better phrase, she's skank-tastice but, heavens, doesn't she scrub up well in the new issue of Wonderland? Love the hair, nails, brows and dress - HUG THE STYLIST!

VITALITY SHOW: What a hectic few days...

2011-03-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Some Vitality show pics....

PEEK: Illamasqua Precision Ink in Glister

2011-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's one of the newbies from the Toxic Nature collection - it's all kinds of beautiful and really lovely on dark skin. I lined my upper lids in black liner (clinique) and used Glister above that line. A pale colour on the middle of the lid really opens up eyes up. Next time you watch Gossip Girl, look at Blake Lively's make-up. She's got quite small eyes, but the way they apply shadow, right in the middle of her lid, makes them look much bigger. Not that you're looking at her eyes with 1- those follicles, 2- those boobs 3- those legs!

FOTD: In semi-homage to Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-27T13:38:00.001-07:00

'Now is the time for guts and guile'

You're so right Elizabeth <3

It's STILL my year!

2011-03-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!

I should be packing, but like all the other things I’m putting off, updating my diet blog is one of them.

So, what’s occurring? A stone and a bit down on The Cambridge Diet, a very low calorie diet (VLCD) that consists of shakes, soups and bars (some food too ona variation of the diet.) I’ve done this diet before a few years ago lost LOADS, lost the plot, then put most of it back on because the way I deal with food didn’t change.

So I tried again (the lure of a quick fix is too hard to resist) and lost about a stone. The weight didn’t fall off like it did last time, rather, my body clearly has had enough. I’ve just written a feature on metabolism, and although experts say our metabolism’s return to normal after extreme periods of dieting, mine doesn’t feel like it’s ever quite recovered. Still, it did the job initially.

The last few weeks my weight-loss stopped, and I moved over to Atkins. It’s based on a similar process to CD, in that it relies on ketosis (the body using it’s fat stores to fuel activity) but it’s much higher calorie. The downside if that it’s heavily processed and relies on massive amounts of meat, cheese and eggs. Let me be clear, there are only so many omelettes a girl can take. The thought of an egg now makes me want to projectile HURL.

And now? Well, I’ve put on 1lb which is to be expected coming out of ketosis, but to compensate I’ll be hitting that gym. I’m back to ‘regular’ eating, but I have learned that protein rich foods are the way forwards for me! So will make sure I have protein with every meal, and to have a little bit of what I like rather than tonnes of processed foods. I’m considering joining weight watchers, so will keep you posted!

Other notes:
-I am, no joke, terrified of bread and pasta now.
-Turning down Sarah’s homemade pecan brownie was the last straw.
-There will be cake in my office every week. Fact. Just have a weeny piece or better yet, none!

Moral of the story, quick fixes are ok, but actually, there is only so long you can forcibly make yourself (and others) miserable. Hello (to some) carbs, goodbye chemicals.

BRING ON
THE SUMMER!

VIDEO: Scott Barnes doing concealer

2011-03-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

I love Scott Branes. He's all cheesy and American, but he's incredible with base products like foundations and concealers.

INDEPTH: bareMinerals Skin care

2011-03-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Voila, the new bareMinerals skin care range (above.) I've also enlisted the help of Kate, a beauty PR for the brand. She lives and breathes Bare Minerals, literally any beauty convo's we have go straight back to BM, so I thought who better to introduce the line!

Why I love bareMinerals....

I've always been a foundation girl, it's my one beauty must-have, you can ask anyone who knows me, I really love the stuff! Flawless skin not only looks healthy, but it's the ideal base for any other make-up you apply. After trying bareMinerals, I was hooked, straight away and I've never looked back. It's not just because I work for the brand, but I would NEVER wear liquid foundation again - nothing else gives me this kind of natural coverage and stays put all day.

But something else amazing happened when I started wearing BM foundation. My skin condition actually became clearer and I stopped getting even occasional spots. It's hard to believe, but make-up actually made my skin better. It didn't make sense to me to be using all these natural make-up products, but then ply my skin with synthetic ingredients with my skincare.

And that's why bM skincare is special to me. My skincare is healthy. My makeup is healthy.

bareMinerals skincare will shake up the beauty industry - this is genuinely what excites me the most. We own an ingredient no one else has called RareMinerals Active Soil Complex. A skincare devised from...erm....soil. Did you know your body doesn't produce minerals? I didn't. Which is why you include mineral rich food within your diet. So why would you neglect your skin?

My favourite product is the Pure Transformation Night Treatment, I haven't seen anything else like it! A night treatment you apply in the same way you would the foundation, except it's not makeup. It is available in four shades Clear, Light, Medium and Tan. Why is it tinted. Vanity! That's what I love. Go to bed looking gorgeous. Wake up looking gorgeous. Hello, what's not to love? It's perfect if you're conscious of how your skin looks in the morning - no more 6am dash needed before he wakes up!

What's more, it has the highest percentage of RareMinerals Active Soil Complex too - which means as I sleep my skin is drowning in nourishmen, and I wake up, turn to the new man on the scene....and he just thinks I have FABULOUS skin. And he'll never know any different. Amen to that!

Fellow journo and friend Maggie tried the bareMinerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment.

'As a single girl who lives with two male friends and who may enjoy the company of gentlemen callers from time to time - this treatment has become a lifesaver.

Having suffered through my teens and early 20’s with problematic skin, I'm hugely self conscious when it comes to revealing my bare face to the world. I'll go to great lengths to avoid being seen make-up free. It's not until I'm safely behind closed doors at night that I'll scrub away the make up of the day. God help the friendly flatmate who attempts to come in for a late night chat once I have cleansed, toned and moisturised! If I have shared my bed with some fortunate fool then as the sun rises I can be found stealthily,but silently, crawling down the hall to the bathroom in order to create my sexy “morning after” face before my bedfellow awakes.

But the Pure Transformation Night Treatment has put my days as a clandestine make-up artist behind me. Where before I would arrive home, shower away the day, swaddle myself in cashmere pyjamas and then spend 15 minutes re-applying make up, I now simply brush on this light translucent powder. It's subtle enough to look natural - yet - somehow manages to even out skin tone, cover blemishes and give you a radiant glow. And the powder actually holds, meaning you wake with fresh, glowing skin and no need to surreptitiously apply foundation, powder and blusher before you face the day.

That alone would be enough to get me to invest. But the real clincher is that this treatment is actually good for your skin. According to bareMinerals the treatment activates your skin to help achieve cell-renewing benefits for firmer, smoother and brighter looking skin. Who doesn't want that?

I can feel the benefits of letting my skin breathe more; it now gets at least 2 hours in the evening free of heavy foundation and powders. And personally, the joy of being able to relax, make up free in my own home, has made a real difference to my confidence.

As such this magic little pot has deservedly earned a much-coveted place on my bedside table and I strongly suggest you give it a go too.'

My thoughts?

My skin is quite sensitive skin and does often react to skincare products. But no reactions here! I genuinely liked everything in the range, but there were a few stand-out products. The line isn't cheap, so would be amazing if they did mini sizes (like Liz Earle) so you can try before you buy!

1. Deep Cleansing Foam, £15 - If you've got dry skin, this is your saviour! It's rich in avocado oil and totally luxe- love it.
2. Purely Nourishing Moisturiser, £27 - Vitamin A, b5, C and E? I loved this rich cream, again ideal for mature or dry skin. No SPF though which is unusual these days?
3. Firming Eye Treatment, £23 - Caffeine based eye cream, it's soothing and light, so wont cause any irritation like many of the heavier creams can. I do think this is a little expensive though, compared to the cleansing foam.
4. Pure Transformation, £45 - Kate's right, this is a totally unique product. We all have our little beauty secrets, so if you're worried about your morning skin and something like this will give you a little more confidence then I'd always invest in it. I'm a big fan of buying the products that make a real difference to your life, even if they cost a little more.

GUESTPOST: Ellie tries Philosophy 'Help Me' Retinol night treatment

2011-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

What they say:
This winner of Allure magazine's editor's choice "Best of Beauty" award for best antiaging treatment helps keep pores clean and minimized, reduces wrinkles and discoloration, and boosts tone and firmness. It delivers the key ingredient, retinol, through encapsulated microsponge technology, which offers stability for gradual release into the skin. The time-release innovation, along with a soothing dose of bisabolol, increases efficacy and helps prevent irritation.

What Ellie thinks:
'I love this being on my dressing table-there is something a little 'Wonderland' about a small white tube of cream with the words 'Help Me' printed on it, and lets face it, we all need a bit of help don't we? I had to Google 'Retinol' and discovered it is a form of Vitamin A which is used both in the treatment of acne and increases skin cell turnover which in theory gives a more youthful appearance. Being in my mid 20's anti-ageing isn't my main concern (that would be vodka and inappropriate men) but using a product like this a couple of times a week certainly isn't going to hurt, especially as your mid-twenties is the time to start really looking after your skin. I've been using it before bed, and in the morning my skin is beautifully soft.'

The research:
In an eight-week independent clinical study, clinician grading showed:
- 100% of subjects had improvement in fine lines.
- 100% had smoother skin.
- 94% had improvement in wrinkles.
- 88% had firmer skin.

FIRSTLOOK: Make-up Forever airbrush-free ad

2011-03-16T02:59:00.000-07:00

This MUFE ad from this weeks US mags is the first airbrush free beauty ad. You can see the discolouration on the models arm which would have been evened out usually.

Beauty ads are terrible for airbrushing, I think that's part of the reason people are turning to blogs for info, because you want to REALLY see what a product can do. You've only got to look at the mascara ad's - what a crock of....
But does it make you feel worse to see girls like this sans airbrush? Normally i'd be more than a bit jealous of their gorgeous skin, but I know it's the genius of this foundation. I swear by MUFE's HD Foundation and the colour range is amazing - especially for darker skintones! ( FYI I used this a few posts below for my forties tutorial and my skin looks pretty good. That's so cocky - sorry - i'm going to get a huge zit now, I can feel it!)

FIRSTLOOK: Illamasqua Toxic Nature...

2011-03-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

It's Illamasqua Toxic Nature show and tell time!

So what is Toxic Nature all about you ask? 'We scoured the abandoned toxic wastelands of the world to create an eclectic selection of corrupted hues for the eyes, lips, nails, face and body. Flitting effortlessly from poisonous pastel to hazardous neon, this cataclysmic mix of brave new tones take your look to the outer limits of nature's palette.'

Below: One of the make-up looks from the collection.

ABOVE L-R:
Precision Ink in Glister- blended and in a line - Really beautiful pink colour, quite unlike anything else out there, and very striking - probably more so on dark skin.
Cream Pigment in Emerge - bright matte peach, making it a lovely summer shade. Think it would be beautiful with a dark green shadow in the crease.
Cream Pigment in Dab- Less keen on this colour, just never think lilac suits anyone - sorry!
Cream Pigment in Delirium - kinda blah on me, might be better on lighter skintones?

ABOVE Nail Varnish in Purity. Incredible colour, afraid to say that even with super strong Sally Hansen topcoat it chipped after one day. I've found that all Illamasqua varnishes do this, such a shame because the colours are exquisite!

What I did with Delirium...

OVERALL THOUGHTS:
It's hard to do summer make-up without going for the usual boring pastels or yet another bronzer. Well played to Illamasqua for trying something different (well, it is what they do best.) There are some really unique colours in the collection, but what I think might be difficult is actually making a daytime 'look' out of them. I'm looking forward to playing and experimenting with them, and will post/report back.

PEEK: Forties make-up, updated technique

2011-03-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

I've done a tutorial on this before, so this is just a brief technique update. It's such a simple, timeless look but - for the first time in forever - I got it almost perfect yesterday so thought I’d share.

BASE: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer around eyes, followed by a 5-pence sized application of Make Up Forever HD foundation. My way of updating this vintage look is to keep skin glowy and translucent. Add Illamasqua Gleam Cream (benefit high/low beam or Givenchy Mister Bright will do good job) to cheek bones and arch of brows to add sheen and catch the light.

CHEEKS: Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush on apples of cheeks only and slight contouring of cheeks using either a bronzer or an appropriate powder. I use MAC’s Contouring Powder, but think it could be a pro product (in which case buy from Carnaby Street store or Sleek do a similar product.) Keep the cheeks really simple to avoid looking like a Victorian doll.

EYES: MAC Paint is my favourite base for eyes; choose a neutral colour slightly lighter than your skin tone to catch the light and widen eyes. Leave the eye shadow, but do add a little contouring in the sockets with the contour powder. (Tip: if you can’t find your sockets, just lift the arch of your brow upwards and it should magically appear!) Curl lashes and apply Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner to the lash line with small brush. My eyes are almond shaped, so drop slightly towards the ends, so to counteract this thicken the line towards the outer half of the eye. When you’re extending the flick make sure you pull the line straight across and not downwards with creates too much of a ‘dip.’ Finish with two coats of Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells mascara, top and bottom.

BROWS: Use a small angled brush with appropriate eye shadow colour to fill and define brows, keeping them thick.

LIPS: Use a dark red lip liner to make the cupids bow really rounded. I over-lined my lips here to make them fuller and also coloured in my lips to even out the tone. Apply MAC Ruby Woo lipstick straight from the tube. Et Voila!

TEST: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer kit

2011-03-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

A quick review of the new Bobbi Brown concealer kit (look at post below for actual product.) It's not a new product as such, (BB are famous for their concealer/powder duo) it's just repackaged and had a few formulation tweaks, so now it contains:

- Vitamin C and E (guess they can't hurt!)
- Silica to soften lines (it's the main ingredient in most primers/hd prducts)
- Kaolin - a natural mineral to keep the concealer in place

VERDICT? I think it's brilliant and has made a huge difference to the pigmentation under my eyes. I apply it without the brush, patted on very gently with the ring finger. It's a heavy concealer, so definitely go easy on it, or like any product around the eyes it will settle into fine lines. I personally prefer it without the setting powder. My friend Sally tried it too, we both agreed that it does make your eyes look smaller but if you're conscious of under-eye pigmentation, it's a small price to pay to have them erased!

REVIEW: My week in beauty

2011-03-11T04:04:00.001-08:00

ONE
My favourite beauty moment of the week was my 'make-under' by Bobbi Brown! Got to sample their new creamy concealer and corrector, and some of the lovely new lipsticks. Just look at that pink, how brilliant is that? Being BB it's also really moisturising! (Excuse my mental flyaway hair)

TWO
Loving Jennifer A's new grown out bob.Takes years off her and it's so much more relaxed!

THREE
Illamasqua unveiled their new Toxic Nature line...

FOUR
The new Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Collection, with lots of lovely bath goodies. I HEART TF, Black Orchid is one of my scents and I just love the pacakaging - totally luxe. Selfridges from 28 March. Pic and info from Telegraph beauty.

TEST: Aromatherapy Associates Intensive Skin Treatment Oil

2011-03-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

Eloise Kerr aka The Circus Cat reports on her newest beauty find...

'I've started swimming regularly, so my skin is starting to feel the effects of the harsh chlorine water. I was on the lookout for something new to use as a night cream/treatment and I certainly found it! This is such a lovely lovely luxurious little product. It smells of natural roses but it's not too fragrant and only a few drops with smooth over the whole face. Although it's not specified on the bottle, I'd say this is best suited as a nourishing night treatment - make up would never sit on the top of it. It has made my skin feel more healthy and moisturised so it's a total winner in my eyes! Can't wait to buy more from the range!'

PEEK:Rococo nails...love and first paint!

2011-03-09T11:44:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with this combo... it's the Gold Leaf Lacquer (£25) with Me Me Me (£12) underneath.

I kid you not I had my nails done on the Friday a week later they were still in tact. I had a good 9 days before they started to chip, but - even then - it still sort of looked quite elegant (work with me here, think of it like a beautiful ruin, the Sistine Chapel of nails.)

I'd seen the brand in Space NK -quite honestly- how could you miss them with colours like these? They're totally decadent and luxe - I'm all over it!

INSPIRE: Club kids rule the world....

2011-03-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Or do they? Famous for nothing?

The top one is Michael Alig, who famously murdered his drug dealing housemate over a drug debt (as seen in the film Party Monster.)

LUST: Chic storage

2011-03-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

If only...

I'd need a good 5 of these bad boys for my make-up stash, but these are a fucntional chic way to store your beauty goodies. I'm so into anything Japanese at the mo.

From Muji stores, nationwide.

DEBATE: Gappy teeth

2011-03-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

I don't get what's attractive or desirable about gappy knashers like this. I think we're just trying to justify really bad British (or French in this case) teeth. It's too bloody early for Halloween and these are a FRIGHT.

NB: A bit of a gap at the front is fine, but not when it looks like you're actually missing teeth like VP above - eww.

PEEK: Picked this up in Harvey Nics. Tres cute, oui?

2011-03-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

HAUL: Show and tell...

2011-03-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

Actually more to show than to tell really.

I'm still fairly miserable truth be told, not even make-up can fix it. What would fix it you ask? Hmm...a hug or a new comic book maybe. I'm a simple (READ:geeky) girl.

Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Resolute - Generally a huge fan of the liquid metals, but this shade almost verges on blah. Personally none of the metals match up to Solstice (their original gold liquid metal) in texture and utter showmanship - it's so striking. Although Resolute a pretty enough colour, it's not special enough. Sorry, it's just not.

Illamasqua Shadow in Daemon - This replaces my old stargazer red eyeshadow (had it for 10 years-argh!) which is the trusty staple of every teen goth. Daemon is a lovely dark matte red, brilliant for theatrical work and that corpsey look around the eyes. Also is you pat it over red lipstick you'll get a really velvety matte look. Smooch-tastic!

Lancome French Touch Lipstick in 306 - I fell for the bullet style exterior, but now I feel cheated by it's beauty. Nothing wrong with this shade per se it's just not very exiting. Bottom line, it's a good choice if you're new to dark shades or want a more natural glossy finish. This is one i'm donating to my mother!

Chantecaille Lasting Eyeshadow in Titanium - Chantecaille are one of those luxe brands I adore - without any firm ground to base my adoration on. The powders are beautifully milled, granted. Aside from that, the colours are average and the prices extortionate this here shadow is £22 of your shiny earth pounds when MAC's shadows are just over a tenner!

Illamasqua Disciple Lipstick - J'Adore! A rich blue/black that I shall be rocking with nude eyes and sharply defined brows, plus the old *Dalston topknot. I want to desperately wear this into central London to scare the normal people.

*The Dalston topknot is the nonchalant messy bun worn especially high up on the head almost nearing the forehead, see below. You can call a Dalston girl a mile off (I'm not saying that's a good thing fyi, merely an observation. I'm not a Dalston girl hater - every scene has it's look!)

THREE: In which she hits a hurdle...

2011-03-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

HANGRY

It’s that angry feeling you get when you’re starving and need to be fuelled. Add that to MISERY, (soon to be homeless and other assorted life stress) and it’s fair to say I've got a case of the mean reds. My whine level has gone up a notch and taken on a nasal self-piteous drone. I threw a hissy fit in Nando’s today, as if those people don’t have it hard enough. Sheesh, what a churl!

Normally, I’d comfort myself with something decadent and divine. But learning to break those habits is tough and essentially comes down to a choice. Whether you want cake or you want to lose weight (and be healthy). It seems I want the latter more, and I’m hoping my resolve sticks. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I feel really low and, well, quite sad.

It’s that point you reach in any diet or healthy eating regime. The starvation existential crisis. ‘What does it all mean, why am I doing this? Why don't I just eat and make myself happy, I deserve that!’ you cry to yourself walking past a Krispy Kreme. (Actually my vices are Maison du Chocolat macarons and Waitrose Florentines, but you get the idea.) But, in the end, maybe what I'll gain from not eating is the better reward?

On plus side (arf!) I have gone down a dress size, and none of my jeans fit. Annoying and cool at the same time. And Ive almost doubled my running time, so there is light at the end of the long, hungry tunnel. Whether my amazing lovely friends at work disown me is quite another matter. (Please don’t guys I NEED YOU, like I used to need hobnobs.)

TUTORIAL:glossy black eyes

2011-02-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

I'm a beauty virgin when it comes to eye gloss. Even though it's a look I absolutely adore editorially. So last week I finally gave it a go with mixed ( but overall decent) results. Tutorial below, along with some lessons that I learned the hard way!

1. First apply black kohl all over the lid and using a blending brush work the colour into the lid and crease. Repeat until it's fairly thick and sooty. Then apply your mascara, curl your lashes, add you falsies etc.
2. Keep the brows undefined and lighten with concealer. Bleach them if you're really brave! The reason to keep them so pale/ out of focus is that strong editorial looks are all about proportion - it's just too much having perfect skin, brows, lips and contouring. The texture of the eye's is the focus, everything else has to be toned down.

3. Using a little bit of concealer, or a very sheer foundation (MAC or MUFE Face and Body) dab any problem areas and set with fine translucent powder (MAC blot powder.) The skin has to be sheer, so add illuminator to cheers and cupids bow (Illamasqua Gleam Cream.)
3. Using a gloss (MAC mixing medium gloss or La Metier de Beaute Magic Cream) dab onto centre of the eyelid only. For a bluey green petrol-esque gleam take the medium and mix in with a dark metallic blue shadow before applying. Use any colour you want really, but keep it dark.

4. Very little blush (Bobbi Brown Pale Pink) and a neutral matte lipstick (Edward Bess)

The result, after a few hours of partying with my girls on Soho! This is Eloise AKA The Circus Cat who blogged for me below BTW!

CAUTION:
-Glossy eyes are high maintenance. You'll need to be on it with the upkeep. Er, so don't get trashed.
- It smudges something chronic, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR EYES THEN TOUCH YOUR FACE. You'll look like a mechanic or Kenickie from Grease - bad times.
- Take your gloss with you for touch-ups.
- Lip gloss on eyes doesn't work - it's not thick enough and is too sticky. Get one of the products above.
- In hindsight, the lashes are too much, just go for lots of mascara and kohl. Keep it really cool and basic - it needs to be thrown together, and never too perfect.

GUEST BLOG: Eloise does Rebel Nails

2011-02-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

I'm lucky to have lots of creative artsy fashun type friends, Eloise Kerr aka The Circus Cat is just one of them. She's an amazing make-up artist and just had to report on her newest find...

'It must be said - I was excited by these nail transfers but highly sceptical too. I'd seen the Minx nails and the amazing work at Bleach in Dalston - but realistically - could any of us recreate the same at home? Would it be fiddly and time consuming, leaving me in nail-crisis?'

'I am happy to report however that I've had them on now for three full days and not lost a single one! The instructions were straight-forward and basically you measure your nails, cut the transfer, apply and use a hair-dryer to seal them. They took no longer to apply than varnish, but here's the best bit. THERE IS NO DRYING TIME! They're also chip-resistant, which is amazing in my line of work as we're constantly washing our hands. They are - in a nutshell - RAD.'

Video below showing application:

From £2.99, www.rebelnails.co.uk

NAILS: Make a statement?

2011-02-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

RESULTS:
Does a statement nail work? Undecided.
What statement am I trying to make? Undecided.
Did I have to actually tell all my friends that I was rocking a statement nail? Yes, I did.
Did this defeat the object? Probably, I don't think it was a big enough statement. *sigh*

PS: I know it looks like I can't paint my nails properly, but by the time you've had a shower or washed your hands, the varnish on the skin comes off!

Using OPI Give Me Moor, MAC Originality, Sally Hansen Mega Shine Top Coat

FOTD: Au naturale - ish

2011-02-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Just MUFE Face and Body Foundation,Lancome mascara, gold MAC paintpot and a bright Nars pink.

TEST: Clinque Bottom Lash Mascara

2011-02-13T04:50:00.000-08:00

Like the beauty equivalent of Ronseal, this does precisely what it says on the tin. I find the concept of having two mascaras somewhat odious, especially when you think of all the cosmetic artillery women tend to amass already. To add yet another mascara - just for bottom lashes - seems redundant.

The product itself applies well, and the minute brush makes application a breeze. Personally though, I think Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara does a better job, primarily because the spikes are so fine on the wand, that you can really reach every single hair. Plus, you can use it on your top lashes too - I found that a little tricky with the Clinque wand.

In days gone by, I was one of those matchy matchy perfect make-up people. But, something Terry Barber, MAC's Director of Artistry once said always sticks with me. 'If you labour at perfect make-up too much, it loses it's appeal. It shouldn't take hours and be totally perfect. And if you can't see your mascara - even the smudges- there is no point in wearing it.' And he's right! Perfection takes the joy out of make-up for me, making it a battle rather than expression.

Bottom line; I'd only really buy this if you have lash extensions, and want definition on the bottom lashes, or you're a a MUA doing close-up editorial work. A little mascara smudge never hurt anyone, revel in the imperfection!

Clinque Bottom Lash Mascara £10, John Lewis
Mascara on the bottom is Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells!

GUEST BLOG: Sally tries some bits and pieces

2011-02-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

Online journo Sally tests some products - true to life - she doesn't hold back! ;) For more Sal Sal, click here: Sally on Twitter

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shine Spray, £7.20

'I'm a bit dubious of hair products in general. I have insanely thick hair that can't contain a hairband, let alone a piffling spray. My mane does what it wants, so I ignore the hair pages in magazines and every day - after a spritz of Batiste - I leave it down in its natural, unbrushed (I like to think 'tousled') glory. That said, a product that promises pure shine in a tin has to be tried. So I dug out one of my industrial strength hairbands, created a high pony and after the obligatory shake of the can, sprayed away.'

'I tend to use a bit more of all hair products than stated (nothing in this case: 'Apply to finished style') so expected the same starchiness you get with standard hairsprays but happily, there was none! As for the shine, it was noticeable, but not see-your-face-in-it L'Oreal style, which is what I was hoping for. I think it would be a better shine on dark hair but the saving grace is that this product manages add shine without any glitter, and thank Tammy Girl for that!'

Maybelline Eyestudio Lawless Lavender, £tbc

'I'm a bit baffled about the name of these shades, because there's nothing lawless about them. It's officially the daintiest eye colour I've come across! I used the light pink on the inner corners and blended the lavender out. I needed to really swish my brush around in the colour to get more than a nearly transparent shimmer, however with a slick of vaseline instead of mascara I found it a nice, delicate daytime look.'

'I can feel a bit naked without mascara so on it went. With a few layers of black on the lashes it's certainly jazzier, but I think the harsh black overwhelms the pretty shade, and is slightly on the tacky side. For mascara-dependants, brown mascara would be the perfect balance.'

TWO: In which she learns the power of No.

2011-02-12T07:37:00.001-08:00

The big two-seven, and it’s still on my mind…

I was sat at the back of the 38 bus today, watching a crackhead fall asleep against the window, his breath steaming up the glass. I’d just watched The Big C, a dark US comedy on Channel 4, where else, about a woman with terminal melanoma. ‘Time is precious and certainly not to be wasted’, I thought to myself. ‘Carpe diem Capricorn, not a moment to lose!'

Yes, today I will be better.

That was the error. If you had just a year to live what would you do with those fleeting 525 948.766 minutes? Oddly enough, being better/the best/ better than anyone else doesn’t have a sliver of bearing now. It doesn’t seem like very much time does it - and yet – I’m sure we’ve all wasted time with self-doubt. Letting tiresome episodes play out gathering speed and size in our minds before they become colossal and all-consuming. Failing to reach our goals, whether they’re mind or body related.

It’s time to put ourselves first and scrap being better.*

That’s the basic premise of It's My Year. (But your year should be about you - naturally - not about me because that would be weird, but thanks for the good vibes there.) You can control a fair amount of your life health-wise; from what you eat, when you work out and so forth. Even if you’re surrounded by a trough of lemon drizzle and you’re hallucinating hobnobs (this happened Wednesday night, I wish I was joking,) you have an active choice.

Here comes to the CBT bit; you can strengthen your ‘no’ muscle and weaken your ‘giving in’ muscle with practice. When you’re offered a slice of vicky sponge, think about the muscles and which one you want to work on, and say no. Whilst that’s easier said than done - especially in the face of daily adversity – it’s a choice nonetheless. And if you keep making those choices, they’ll become easier and easier to make. Until we all live happily ever after.

It’s not that easy – otherwise we’d all be skinny, myself included. But – the muscle imagery does help to make the right choices and it’s really helped me, so I’m passing it on.

*This is not to say you should be mean to people, in any way. You can put yourself first and still be nice. Meanness causes wrinkles – fact. **

** Er, it doesn’t cause wrinkles per se, but if you frown all the time one day the wind will change!***

***This is not a fact either.

READ: The Beck Diet Solution, Judith Beck, (£6.99, Oxmoor House)
WATCH: The Big C, Channel 4, Thursdays at 11pm

POSE: The new Agy?

2011-02-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

I jest with the title of this post. Nobody could be the new Agyness Deyn. But what 20 year old Agathe Mougin also has (besides a cool name and tatt) is that amazing and quite rare androgyny that still manages to clasp onto it's impish femininity. She has a solemn and almost willfully morose appeal. Je l'adore!

Ps: Something of the Shane/L-Word about her I feel!

GUEST BLOG: Alex tests them out!

2011-02-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

I asked friend and fellow journo Alex to test some products for me...here are her results!

TEST: Ojon Hairspray (£24.50/300ml)

'With a semi-recent bob, I'm still experimenting with the scrappy bed-head look. Roughing my hair up with wax usually does the trick – but an hour or two in - it can look fluffy and feel a bit greasy. So, I was ready to swap the wax for some hairspray.

Ojon's Extreme Hold Hairspray promises volume and lift with firm hold. Brownie points on the sweet smell and when I spritzed and shook it through my hair - although my hands were sticky for a moment - the spray dried quickly. It lifted my roots into the desired “neat mess” (very Alexa) without any heaviness. As I write this, my hair has stayed in place through a café fry-up, an unromantic headlock from the boyfriend and a breezy walk outside. The height held well and whilst it feels a little crisp, it certainly doesn't look it.

I'm so-so about the price,but the product brushes out easily and holds well so I'm happy with the results!

TEST: Bourjois eyeshadow in ambre à paupières (£1.99)

'I've always loved how dinky, shimmery and yummy-looking Bourjois eyeshadows are. They're also easy to build on gradually but this nude peachy shade didn't show up on my pale skin tone, so my naturally tanned housemate also gave it a go. We concluded it works well as a base and looks lovely combined with darker browns and golds. It's pretty low-impact and washes pale skin out somewhat, but is ideal for a little daytime sparkle with a slick of mascara and soft, smudgy brown eyeliner.'

TEST: Pureology Super Smooth Shampoo (£13/300ml)

'Shine. Colour-protecting. Smooth. Nourish. All words we like to hear when it comes to shampoo, but ones that are bandied around a lot by hair brands so I was keen to see if this one held up to its promises.

Twenty minutes after using Purelogy's Super Smooth Shampoo my hair is feeling uber clean and soft. Honestly? It doesn't seem much smoother than with my usual product - but the fly-aways at my roots are a tad less wispy. By the next morning as I hit work I'm getting a few 'Ooh your hair looks nice' comments from my team - result! Whats more, it smells delish and there's no heavy residue. Although it's pricey, you only need a coin-size amount as it spreads easily.I have new highlights and want to see how they hold up with this. But so far, so very good!'

PEEK: Mac soiree meets OPI shatter polish!

2011-02-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

I like the chicness of the bronze and the the texture of the shatter, a definite winner!

UPDATE: Time I took my own advice

2011-02-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

We’re always at the end of our to-do lists. By we I mean women. Friends, family, boyfriends, girlfriends, work, washing our sheets, walking the dog – the list is endless. Come on, be honest; how many times have you shirked off a much-needed haircut for something mundane that simply had to be done maitenant?

I’m a repeat offender. I find nail painting a real chore, going to the gym actually requires a bribe (4 times a week and I get a fashion-related treat) and anything else is a real bonus. This isn't some inane vanity quest, but about taking the time to actively do what makes you feel confident and happy. Ask any psychologist, making time for what you enjoy is vital for self-esteem, because you're worth spending time and effort on.

Turning 27 shook me up a little. I decided that 2011 was going to be the year of being organised, responsible, and less haphazard. In every aspect of my life, but particularly in my approach to how I look after myself. As a health and beauty journo, I'm no stranger to what I should be doing for my health. I write about it every day, it's certainly time I started taking my own advice.

DIET:
So, with this in mind, I’ve cut out carbs, sugar and alcohol and intend to stick to it for 3 months. I have PCOS and although it's not too severe, I feel much better with a high protein intake to keep my insulin levels steady. I’m drinking 3 litres of water a day and trying to limit my caffeine to 2 cups a day. I’m also sitting down to eat, eating slowly and planning what I’m eating in advance. I’m following the advice of Judith Beck, in the Beck Diet Solution. Beck uses Cognitive Behavioral therapy to conquer food issues and keep you focused on your goals.

EXERCISE
I’m unfathomably jealous of people who actually like working out. As soon as somebody says they're a gym bunny, I watch them turn green and float back onto their spaceships - aliens, the lot of them. I’m hoping that one day it will suddenly become addictive, until then I’m seeing my strict (gulp) trainer who will be keeping me on track. I’m also pledging to go 4 times a week. I just learned that exercise is more important to our overall health than our weight. So you can be slim and have no physical output, but if you're overweight and have regular exercise you'll probably be 'healthier.'

HEALTH
2010 wasn’t a great year for my wellbeing. I had every sniffle going, then managed to royally mess up my stomach in Barcelona on a wine tour (almost worth it for the Torres Vina Esmeralda 2009) which hasn’t been the same since. I was also stressed to the max, and driving myself insane with self-doubt – it’s a real pitfall of being a perfectionist. You’re never good enough for yourself. So in 2011, I’m cutting myself some much needed slack.

So, there we have it. Will update every few weeks with progress and any great tips I pick up along the way. So far, I’ve been on the plan for 3 weeks and have lost 7lbs, 2cm from my hips and 5cms off my waist. So I hope you'll come along for the ride, I know you're out there, I get 100 hits a day so introduce yourselves at once I implore you!

SEPHORA: Lots of lovely beauty buys i'll never have!

2011-02-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

Confession. I'm one of those always-want-what-I-can't-have people. At restaurants, what I order rarely compares to everyone else's food. I consistently have handbag envy - even though my Marc Jacobs Kate bag does the job rather nicely, I always want to trade it in for a Miu Miu Matelasse or Proenza satchel. And so, it should come as no surprise that I always want beauty products that aren't available in the UK. There simply isn't anywhere better to rub that fact in than Sephora online. Here are some lust-worthy pieces that I'll probably never own - and doesn't it just hack me off royally.

Tokidoki Robbery Palette $49
'A keepsake tin with so many elements that it can be broken up into a number of thrilling gifts. Each of these makeup palettes can be taken from the tin. But be sure to return it to its rightful place—when a palette is removed, the illustration reveals a tokidoki character locked behind bars!' I'm unsure whether this is a toy or for small children. It’s the Polly Pocket of make-up - but I still want it.
/>Kat Von D, Kat Eye Brush Set,
'A five-piece makeup brush set.' Nothing like being concise, but that's the problem I'M NOT. I have two full pro sets of brushes, and tonnes of mini ones to boot. Will these magical brushes make me look like Kat Von D or help me meet Nikki Sixx - slim to none. They are pretty though.

Stila Artist's Inspiration Palette $15
'A limited-edition mirrored palette containing six award-winning, must-have eye shadows.' I didn't give two hoots when Stila was still available in this country - but now it's gone - I'm addicted!

GLEE 6 Piece Mini Kit, Sephora by OPI $24
'A set of six mini nail colors inspired by characters from the Fox Television series GLEE.' So deliciously juvenile - I'm a total Gleek.

Look of Love Set, Too Faced $45
'A seven-piece collection of spring best sellers in fresh and feminine shades for the eyes, lips, and cheeks.' So many little products, I'm overwhelmed with joy.

Tarte:The Jewelry Box $52
'An exclusive, limited-edition palette packed with 32 new eyeshadows, eight lip glosses, a mineral bronzer, a new shimmering powder, five deluxe long-wearing eyeliners, and a detachable necklace.' It's my beauty bugbear that Tarte aren't sold in the UK, and this set (I just love a set) adds insult to injury. I'm furious now, and off to look at my make-up collection in utter disdain.

IMATS 2011: part 3...J'adore Alex Box

2011-01-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

Finally, Alex Box's performance art piece set to four musical scores with some incredibly detailed and beautiful make-up. The hall was completely full - she seems to have this rock star status - almost entirely due to her graciousness, talent and pioneering attitude to beauty. She is amazing - FACT.

So watch the video first: This was how she started..

The make-up above then became this:

Then the music morphed from maudlin classical to techno/clown

Next, to goth-electro

Finally to this:

IMATS 2011: part 3

2011-01-30T14:42:00.000-08:00

My friend Lizz who works for MAC in action she's AMAZE.

IMATS 2011: Part 1

2011-01-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

PEEK: Haute at Shoreditch with Illamasqua

2011-01-30T14:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics from HAUTE 2.0 at Concrete in Shoreditch, in association with Illamasqua. I stole Imelda May's hairstyle - but i'll give it back promise!

My friend Ellie aka The Circus Cat. She's one to watch in the styling/make-up artist world!

The Haute/Illamasqua clientele in all their beautiful glory.

TUTORIAL: 1/2 blocked out brows

2011-01-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here is my cheats guide to blocking out eyebrows in a jiffy. The trick is to A- Use glue and B- Only block from the arch outwards to save time. It's ideal if you want a little drama, without going all 80's goth (for the ref, I love that look.)

At the end of my tutorial, there is a video from the amazing Petrilude, a v-logger in the US who is by far one of the best out there. He explains the glue method too - plus shows you how to do it properly (professionally) with morticians wax. The glue works fine for me for a quick fix, but for a really pro result go for the wax (just remember to buy the sealer and remover.)

STEP 1: Comb through brows and apply pritt stick to the outer arch and below using your little finger. Leave to dry and repeat until all the hairs are stuck down and the surface is totally flat.

STEP 2: After the brow is totally dry, apply a thick-ish concealer (I use MAC studio fix) using a sponge. It needs to be applied gently, so the glue doesn't peel off. Repeat until you're happy, then go in with your foundation to match the rest of your face. Set with translucent powder (I actually use Illamasqua Powder Foundation, I like a heavy matte finish for fashion make-up.) Gently outline how you want the brow to look, using a gel liner or kohl pencil.

STEP 3: if you want them super black and a bit shiny, go over your brows again with liquid liner. Et voila.

PETRILUDE'S VIDEO TUTORIAL ON BLOCKING BROWS

TEST: Creme de la mer

2011-01-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

I caved when confronted with the BA duty free magazine. I always do, even though the products aren't that exciting. In hindsight - well - I probably shouldn't have.

It's not that it's a bad product as such – for the price there is no way that it could be. And, it doesn't have celebrities and beauty ed's swearing by it miracle properties for nothing. In fact, those with super dry skin would find all the answers to their skincare prayers in this little pot of joy. But - for oily skins - its intense richness and thick formula definitely aren't compatible. It was an expensive mistake to make, somewhat of a binge-buy on the flight from India. If you happen to make the same price with expensive skincare there is a way around it. Just take a small amount of the product, warm with your hands and press into the skin gently. Don’t apply it straight to the face, on you’ll get the full effect of the heavy cream. So whilst it's not right for my skin, the way I'm applying it seems to be working and my skin looks great. Can't really argue with that can you?

£90 for 30ml (I paid £70)

PEEK: Matte orange lips

2011-01-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

After watching the Stila backstage video a few posts back, I followed my own advice and used eye shadow (one from Sleek palette) over lipstick for a perfectly matte orange pout by the way of MAC Morange. Tangerine kisses!

QUEST: For not even perfect, just nice hair!

2011-01-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

I was actually terrified before going in to Lucinda Ellery's consultancy. I've wasted a fortune on terrible hair extensions and it would break my heart if they flopped again. Lucinda Ellery are the go-to people for extensions and they have a serious celeb clientele. That aside, if you suffer with Alopecia or Trichotillomania they're the specialists.

The whole salon is friendly, lavish and very relaxed. It's not full of tacky wags, just real ( and very chic) women who want a reliable, albeit pricey service. Nobody looked as if they'd had extensions, which is the real test. I can hand on heart say that I was looked after every step of the way and couldn't have received better service.

Why get them? My hair is really fine at the top. It hasn't always been weedy, I used to have really long thick hair as a child, but was diagnosed with pcos (which plays havoc with hormones) and over the years it's really thinned out. So here are so VERY unflattering sans make-up pictures of my hair, before and after. I'm pretty pleased :)

TALK: Race and Indian magazines...

2011-01-20T12:45:00.000-08:00

This Indian ad caused a huge media furore some years ago when it aired – not so much from within the Asian community – but from those outside who couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Shah Rukh Khan, the ‘fair and handsome’ character is the Bollywood equivalent of Brad Pitt, so it’s not as though he’s strapped for cash. Rather that he probably didn’t realise what the implications would be outside his own society.

But this is just one of a plethora of adverts in India that promote lighter skin as the ideal and beautiful. Open any India classified matrimonial section and you’ll see credential like ‘female doctor, fair, tall etc’ written with total honesty. When an Indian TV producer was questioned about why the dark/light skin criteria was so, he merely replied ‘the dark girl represents eroticism, the whiter girl you would take home to mommy.’

Fair and Lovely, a whitening skin cream is still one of India’s biggest selling beauty products. You can’t help thinking that it’s either a desire to ape the ‘superior’ west or a hangover of the colonial rule (in which case a total rejection would be more fitting). Culturally, shouldn’t we all moved on? No magazines in India feature darker skinned Indian girls and they’re not the only culprits. Brands know there is money to be made from this skin lightening culture. Across Asia premium advertising brands like Chanel, Lancome et al all featuring Asia-only whitening ranges.

The insecurity (‘I’m too dark to be attractive’) only perpetuates itself with the lack of darker skinned female role models in the media to reinforce it. I’m not sure if there is an answer - just that it makes me genuinely sad to see beautiful women buying these products.

Edit to add: Somebody from the brand left me a bizarre comment about him looking handsome and fair - FREE SPEECH. Take your racism elsewhere ta.

NEWS: Ditch the collagen

2011-01-20T04:56:00.000-08:00

Scientists have revealed today that topically applied collagen products has – literally - no effect on out skin.

It’s something dermatologists have been saying for a while- yet - we’re bombarded with creams and lotions promising to replenish our lost youth. The collagen molecules are too large to pass through the epidermis, or top layer of the skin, so just sit on the surface waiting to be washed away. The bottom line – any anti-ageing products with high volumes of collagen probably aren’t going to work, so save your pennies!

VID: Easy ways to wear SS11's make-up trends with Stila

2011-01-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

Eyeshadow/blush on lips is a brilliant way to get the matte look. Keep the skin dewy to contrast textures - it's so this season dahling.

PEEK: Hairpin tin!

2011-01-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

I bought this at a Japanese store in Singapore, it's really handy for keeping in my bag. You never know when you'll need to create a deliberately unkempt shaggy-chic up do in a jiffy. You certainly can't do it without bobby pins that's for sure, they're undoubtedly a necessity. If the world implodes tomorrow and we only have an hour to live at least I'll have kirby grips with me.

This is why my handbag weighs as much as a small cow.

TUTORIAL: Orangey fun!

2011-01-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

Super speedy picture-only tutorial. 2011 is the year of change for me - so - gone is my routine smokey eye and here is COLOUR. For some reason I seem to have it in my head that in order to create definition on the eyes colours must be dark; it's just not the case. So welcome 2011 and may the colour continue!

TEST: Opi Katy Perry collection

2011-01-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

I picked up the mini Katy Perry OPI collection and the OPI shatter polish when I was in Singapore (it's just launched in UK too.) It's not entirely clear from the pic, but the sparkly pink shade (teenage dream) is really bright and glittery. The blue glitter-shade however is dissapointingly bland however which is a real shame. I'm not so keen on the other shades either so - in hindsight - I wish I'd just bought a larger bottle of the pink.

Both Barry M and OPI have launched this shatter polish and I've tried both. Though OPI is probably twice the price of Barry M, it's worth the extra for my money. It goes on more evenly and creates more defined cracks. The trick is to apply it very liberally to get a distinct pattern. Basically, the opposite of what I've done below. ;)

All in all, the pink and black shatter are incredible - but - this doesn't mean I actually like Katy Perry now. She's still ick!

VINTAGE: An evening in Paris

2011-01-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

I found this in my grandmothers house, it's a Bakelite case for the Bourjois perfume from the 1930's. Bakelite was the first form of plastic, and lots of jewellery and household objects were made from it. The Baekeland family were really interesting but quite dysfunctional if you've seen the film Savage Grace or read about the beautiful Barbara Baekeland you'll know what I mean!

The perfume itself was introduced in 1929 and contains jasmine, Ylang Ylang, turkish rose, violet, peach, cedar, vanilla, musk and bergamot notes. Unfortunately, the perfume bottle is missing, my mother informed me that she broke it as a child. (She also broke a Mont Blanc pen of my Grandfathers so I'm doubly gutted.) It's not worth more than £70 (£150 with the bottle), so it's much more of a keepsake and lovely vintage beauty item.

PEEK: Who says functional can't be pretty too!

2011-01-14T11:34:00.000-08:00

JETSET: In search of beauty, SIngapore

2011-01-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

These mags are fab, especially Female. It's all the best bits of Nylon, Stylist and Company rolled into one! Wish we had something like it here!

Collagen with your cuppa? No ta!

As a brow fascist, I'm loving the propaganda ;)

Sephora + Sale = happy days (and rapidly diminishing bank balance)

PEEK: Bobbi Brown Brights Palette

2011-01-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

Having mentioned this is not one, not even two, but three previous posts I was a woman obsessed with owning this beautiful palette. It's almost too lovely to use and although the colours aren't as bright as I would have hoped (put it this way, they're not MAC bright) it's still all kinds of cute!

TEST: Shiseido benefiance creamy cleansing foam

2011-01-02T18:35:00.001-08:00

Like Justin Timberlake bringing sexy back, I'm bringing foam cleanser back - back where it belongs. Regular facewash has become totally passe in the beauty world, instead balms, oils and combination cleansers are the have become the new way to wash. I bought this foaming cleanser on a whim, not realising that the range is actually suited to mature dry skin. Its non-comedogenic and doesn't leave your skin feeling taut after you've used it. It does have some granules- but its not especially exfoliating so don't ditch your regular scrub just yet. Overall, I'm totally sold and a little really does go a long way!

Ingredients: Water, Potassium Stearate, PEG-8, Potassium Myristate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Potassium Laurate, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sorbitol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauric Acid, PEG-60 Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyethylene, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Talc, Trisodium EDTA, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Ethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Iron Oxides.

MEME: Just to pass some time...have some killer jet-lag

2011-01-02T18:34:00.003-08:00

What’s the worst beauty mistake you’ve made? Plastic blue hair – though entertaining - wasn’t my best look. I’ve got so many to pick from its criminal.
What’s your daily skincare regime consist of? Morning: Shiseido foaming wash followed by Crème de La Mer moisturizer and lip balm. I need to add a serum in there but trying to find one with a decent spf. Kose do a nice one if you’re in Japan anytime soon.
Night: Wash again with Shiseido, then on alternate nights apply Lancome Absolue Nuit cream, eye cream and lip contour cream. Plus ByTerry Baum de rose balm on my lips. I go night cream free every other day to let it breathe (that’s such a wanky beauty term.)

What does your daily cosmetics regime consist of?
It totally changes every day, but generally: Touche Eclat #3 under eyes then Mac Paint in Sublime Nature on lids (makes perfect base for shadows.) Lots of Chanel Kohl pencil, curled lashes and 2 coats of Diorshow Blackout or Bare Minerals mascara. Brows done with Mac 266 angled brush and dark brown Bobbi Brown Shadow. Lips are generally Illamasqua Welt – a dark matte pink and a weeny bit of Illamasqua blush in Thrust. I only use foundation for night’s out, so just a little Mac Blot powder in Deep Dark during the day – et voila!

Favorite Beauty treat? Amazing scented candles from Diptique, Estee Lauder gold compacts (I’m collecting them) and anything miniature. I have a huge stash of mini and sort of useless mini beauty products – it’s a compulsion.
What’s your favourite beauty store? Sephora, Sephora, Sephora. I spent 3 hours in the Orlando one once! The Cosmetics Company store (there is one in Bicester) is awesome too for discontinued MAC products etc. And of course Illamasqua and Carnaby Street Mac Pro.
Favorite Budget skin/make-up brand? Sleek – incredible products. Their £5 palettes are a dream every girls should have one!!
Favorite Premium skin/make-up brands? Illamasqua, Mac, Crème De La Mer, Lancome, SK-II, Shishido, Kose, La Prarie. I’m really into Japanese brands at the mo.
And Hair Care brands? Premium: Bumble and Bumble quenching range is both incredible and extortionate and Frederic Fekkai Protein range is lovely too. Budget: Lee Stafford styling products are fab – I use the blow-dry spray.

What Fragrances do you wear? My staples are Black Orchid by Tom Ford, Fracas by Robert Piguet and Coco by Chanel. Then I have one other I throw into the mix, at the moment it’s Coromandel by Chanel.
What’s your “every girl must own one” item? One amazing bright lipstick. Can be any colour, but as long as it’s loud so it can pull together any plain black outfit!
And finally, best beauty tip? Only 20% of ageing is hereditary, so the other 80% is environmental (and I mean the nature/how we treat it.) Wear an spf and only exfoliate once a week or you’ll have no skin left! ;)

PEEK: Mac Cham Pale

2011-01-02T18:34:00.001-08:00

I'll admit it. When I first saw this collection I did roll my eyes. That's all the world needs, more nude shades. Talk about yawn-inducing. But this is a unique take on nudes and what is so lovely about the new collection is that the colours are genuinely beautiful luxe metallic shades. They're also very in keeping with the whole mood for SS11 with a 70's vibe. I think most skin-tones could buy the entire range and be able to work them. I'm totally enamoured with the LipGelee in Bubble Lounge and the two Chromographic Pencils (NC15/NW20 and NW25/NC30)which are multi-use skin tone pencils that I'm hoping might work as an eyeliner instead of white on the waterline! (I think white looks too stark on darker skins.)

I love the model too - I did think they'd go down the whole porcelain skin, baby pinks route which most of the brands would probably go down, but obviously don't work for everyone. It's fab that they've gone with a black model!

Unusually, I also like her mismatched brows. And no -I'm not joking - really I do like them. They're huge, beastly even, but I admire their audacity. Statement brows should be celebrated. That is all.

BYE BYE: Back in a few weeks!!!

2010-12-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

I'll be doing a load of backdated posts when i'm back! Much love xx

2010: My year in beauty....

2010-12-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

BEAUTIFUL AND THE DAMNED, BEST OF 2010
What rocked my world this year...

SKINCARE BRAND: Lancôme Absolue Nuit Precious Cells - I'm addicted even though it’s aimed at 50+ skins.
HAIRCARE: Bumble & Bumble's Mending range made me actually like my hair, but it made my wallet hate me. At £40 for small bottles shampoo and conditioner using it regularly isn’t really an option I’m afraid.
BALM: Baume de Rose, ByTerry might seem a bit extravagant, but I now own two pots of this glorious stuff; its luxe in a pot.
FRAGRANCE: I'm a fragrance stalwart, so Tom Ford's Black Orchid, Coco Chanel and Fracas are my classic scents. I didn't find anything new to tempt me away from them - especially not the celebrity scents that seemed to saturate the market. Come off it who wants to smell like Coleen Rooney?!
NAILS: Andrea Fulerton - how much fun can you possibly have with nails? The answer is endless amounts for just a few pounds! Illamasqua's beautiful green polishes in Elope, Milf and Viridian were my must-have colours.
MAKE-UP: Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Solstice is a one in a million product and undisputed must have for anyone with olive to dark skin tones. I bleated on and on about Sleek's eye shadow palettes to anyone that would listen. Well, £5 for intensely pigmented pro quality shades needs to be shouted about! Edward Bess lipsticks and Guerlain glosses also rated highly for excellent pigments.
OVERSEAS BRAND: Make Up Forever, their HD foundation is the best I’ve ever used, it's a perfect colour-match and amazing for darker skin tones.
MAKE-UP ARTISTS: Aaron De Mey, Terry Barber and Alex Box for general inspiration.
CELEB: Leigh Lezark for doing something a different with long hair - her asymmetric locks are to die for! Christina Hendricks for THAT hair and being Joan Holloway. Finally and contentiously I loved Taylor Momsen. She’s a total brat on and offstage, but she does rock chick as it should be done (i.e. not like Fearne Cotton) so props to little J!
IMPROVEMENT: Clarins, Estee Lauder and Lancôme really ditched their old-fashioned appeal this year and looked firmly to the future. So many of their products were incredibly pigmented and pretty amazing.
OVERATED: I didn't feel that La Metier de Beaute were worth the extortionate amounts and that MAC seemed to churn out mediocre collection after collection, thoughtlessly at times.
CAMPAIGN: Nars Daphne Guinness campaign. That purple eye-shadow takes intense to a whole new level, it's show stopping and so was Daphne in the pics. Also loved Tom Ford Grey Vetiver campaign – it’s a bit naughty though!
FACIALIST: The Red Carpet Facial at Rani Mirza in Knightsbridge was THE BEST facial I've ever had! www.ranimirza.co.uk
SHOP: Superdrug for Sleek and Illamasqua’s new flagship store on Beak Street.
WEBSITE: Love Lula for organic treats.
ORGANIC BRAND: Neom Luxury Organics – their Christmas candles are unbeatable.

Beauty Wishlist for 2011 and a little round-up!
If you have any product suggestions let me know!

1. A fabulous cleanser.
If 2009 was all about the balms, then 2010 was the year of the cleansing oil. I tried a fair few and although I did like the Bobbi Brown version the best, they still weren't quite right for my combination skin. So here is to 2011, the year of fabulous cleanser (I hope!)I think Dr Murad or Dr Brandt nay be able to help!

2. The perfect mascara
A few new ones caught my eye in 2010. Bare Minerals and Lancôme Hypnose rated very highly, and gave a dramatic thickening finish. I do miss the definition of mascara like say Chanel Inimitable so hopefully their new offering Inimitable Intense might be my new beauty diktat.

3. A daily moisturiser
Nothing seems to work as well as my Jo Malone Ginseng Day Cream I think it's the only beauty product I've been faithful to. What does concern me is that it's not an spf. But finding a compatible spf moisturiser that isn't greasy c'est tres dificile.

4. A new amazing make-up brand
I'm not sure anything will beat Illamasqua and Sleek - 2010 was ALL about them for me, but I know there are some fabulous MAC products to come in 2011.

TEST: Mac Pro Longwear lipcreme

2010-12-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

If you're a regular reader, you'll know my penchant and eternal quest for gorgeous matte lipsticks. I've had so many disappointments and wrote this Mac Pro Longwear Lipcreme off as another epic fail. Yet another lippie promising all kinds of magic that it couldn't deliver, pillaging my purse on its way.

However, in the days to come I realised that the tester stripe I'd applied on my hand just wouldn't budge, no matter how many times I washed my hands. So I retried the product again and realized the trick is in the application; namely that you apply it and wait until your lips are perfectly dry.

It’s much better that Mac Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour (that’s the double ended gloss/colour combo) as not only is the colour gloriously rich and creamy, but holds without going dry and bitty like the latter tends to. I bought Prolong, a bright postbox red and Extended Play, a dark blood red for £14.50 and I’m very happy with both.

I bet Connie Francis is glad her best friend didn't wear this lipstick, or else she'd never know that her chap was cheating on her! Watch the vid ;)

TALK: Vintage beauty ads

2010-12-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

Just found a 1959 copy of Woman and Home magazine and the beauty adverts are something else! Just look at this Maybelline ad, she does look more polished - but I still think it's a realistic and achievable change.

Although many of the beauty ads from this era conform to the cosmetics-make-you-beautiful-so-you'll-get-a -husband mantra, there's something endearingly honest about their transparency. They're not nearly as patronising as Cheryl Cole with her fake hair and fake lashes beaming down at me from my TV screen with her £20,000 veneered gob. It's not something that can be wiped off at the end of the day, even Cheryl doesn't look like the old Cheryl anymore. I'm just not sure what 'ideal' we're being sold these days.