Ruby Red Cosmetics

At this time of the year skin needs major moisturisation and Ruby Red’s organic shea butter (£10.99) is great for tackling dryness on-the-go. Using only one ingredient – 100% pure organic shea butter from Ghana, it naturally nourishes and relieves winter conditions from chapped lips and dry hands to wind-burnt cheeks. There’s no aroma, nothing added and is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin. It’s also great to take with you in your handbag for a hydration boost – fabulous! Buy Ruby Red online at www.rubyredcosmetics.co.uk or at or at Harvey Nichols, Planet Organic and selected high street retailers.

Introducing myface at Boots

I have been using Myface cosmetics over the last week and I must say despite not knowing much about them, I have been impressed with the quality of the products and recommend them for great stocking fillers.  The new range has been created by Charlotte Tilbury who is one of the most influential make-up artists in the world, whose client roster includes Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Gwen Stefani and Drew Barrymore, to name but a few. She is now allowing every woman "access" to her professional expertise with the launch of the make-up brand myface.cosmetics that syncs a person's make-up with their skin tone. All the make-up has sleek packaging designed to look like iPods and the range is divided into three main skin tones, fair, medium and dark -  so you'll know straight away what blush or foundation will best suit you! 

My favourites are the Eye Touch Eye Shadow trios (£9.99) that contain a mixture of colours including a 'blingtone' shade for a striking look and the Lip Pop Glosses (£7.99).  Myface is being exlusively stocked at Boots.com.

Soap and Glory Skincare is here!

The Skincare we have all been waiting for is here from Soap and Glory. I have been really looking forward to trying the new range after reading about it on Cult Beauty. Soap & Glory have named each of the new eleven skincare products something that will make you smile including 'Off Your Face' make-up remover wipes and a 'Glow Job' moisturiser. I'm pleased to say the range lives up to the hype and my favourite is the Glow Job Daily Radiance Moisture Lotion (£7.82), which has the first formula of its kind and leaves you with a gorgeous, one-day only glow. You can buy the new range from www.boots.com.

Facial for your man while they shave!

If you are struggling to find stocking fillers for your man, Max Skincare’s Self heating shave balm (£15.95)  is a great option. It’s a unique skincare product, which generates an instant burst of heat when applied to the skin, which relaxes and opens the pores and softens the hair to help your man enjoy the most comfortable, cleanest and closest shave ever. It protects against in-growing hairs and razor burns, leaving skin feeling incredibly smooth and amazingly clean. Think I will be using this as well - it's like a mini-facial! Check out the range at www.maxskincare.co.uk 

Winter Skin Healers

If your skin is suffering this winter thanks to the heating (mine is!) then I definately recommend using Dermalogica products, as they really do work! My favourite is the multivitamin power recovery  masque, which contains vitamins and botanical extracts to calm and soothe environmentally-stressed skin. It's also really important still to wear SPF during the winter, as UV rays damage the skin all year round. The Sheer tint moisture provides the ideal combination of moisture to combat dehydration, antioxidants to protect against free radical damage, UV protection and gives skin a nice colour so you don't need to wear foundation Check out www.dermalogica.com for more details. 

Metalic Eyes for ME!

If you are on a bit of a budget before Christmas but want new make-up for the party season (who doesn't?!!) then try out the new range of Metallic Duo Eyeshadows and Nail Varnishes from MeMeMe. The sparkling shades add glamour to your outfit which will look perfect for the party season and are priced under £6! Pop into Superdrug to check them out!

Soap and Glory gift sets

If you are looking for a gift set for a travel lover friend then check out Soap & Glory Make It Big (£30), which contains a selection of fab Soap and Glory products. Clean On Me Body Wash;  Righteous Body Butter;  Flirtigo Body Moisturising Mist; exfoliating Body Polisher and my favourite Hand Food Hand Cream. All the products come in this gorgeous travel vanity case which is great for trips away. You can buy Soap and Glory products from Boots. I am waiting to review some of  the new skincare products which look gorgeous, so will keep you posted! 

Elemis gift sets - perfect for Christmas

This Heavenly Body Gift Set from Elemis is a perfect Christmas present and arrives wrapped beautifully in a blue gift box.  The new Pro-Collagen Radiantly Smooth Body Cream is my favourite and is simply gorgeous, makeing your skin super-smooth. The Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt will also leave you with an all over glow, just what we need during these cold months! The set is reasonably priced at £65, saving you £71 if you bought all the products seperately and definately worth trying.. I mean buying for a present.. ;-) Check out all Elemis's Christmas sets at www.timetospa.co.uk

ColorSport

Don't you just hate it when your eyeliner and mascara runs all over your face and doesn't last the whole day?! Drives me mad! Well I have found these great products from Colorsport - a 30 day mascara and a 24 hour eyeliner which really do last! At first I was a bit confused about how a 30 day mascara works, as I always religiously take off my make up every night! However, as I heard it has a cult following across the US and the UK I was convinced it would be easy to use, which it was! It's perfect for summer holidays and winter ski trips and only costs around £8. 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

Elizabeth Arden has launched a new limited edition of their iconic Eight Hour Cream (£16) this November. This vintage edition takes inspiration from the 1950’s, capturing the decade distinctive retro designs and love of beauty icons. The packaging looks so cute, I didn't want to get it out of the box! With its multi-tasking and skin restorative abilities, this ‘miracle’ cream remains unchanged in formula since launch.  Its effectiveness is attributed to a perfect balance of skin-shielding petrolatum, vitamin E and soothing, anti-inflammatory beta-hydroxy acid. This ultimate multi-tasker works on everything from cracked lips to dry elbows, eyebrows, sunburn, cuticles, insect bites, windburn, or as a gloss for lips, lashes and cheeks. 

JR Watkins Apothecary

In keeping with lovely smelling products, you must try the luxurious J.R. Watkins Apothecary shea butter body creams that are now available at Superdrug! J.R Watkins have been around since 1868 range in the US and have some great nostalgic pharmacy packaging. Through using all-natural botanicals, oils and extracts, J.R Watkins beautifully blend nature and science to produce superior quality products. My favourite product is the lemon cream (£5.99) that smells delicious like lemon meringue pie... :-)

Littlecote Soap Co - gorgeous organic soaps

Hmm I love the smell of the gorgeous Littlecote soaps that arrived last week, in a beautifully packaged box, perfect for Christmas pressies. The organic soaps are vegetarian friendly and are made with olive oil, herbs, essential oils and sophisticated perfumes and smell delicious! Another great thing about the products is that people with sensitive skin, dry skin, eczema and psoriasis enjoy the benefits of paraben-free and SLS-free bath and beauty products containing luxurious, pure and natural ingredients to soothe, moisturise and nourish the skin.  My favourite flavour is the pink champagne soap (£3.50) which actually contains real champagne! Check out all the great products at www.littlecotesoap.co.uk

Teeth White Bling Kit

Nothing boosts your confidence and self assurance quite like a beautiful smile with stunning white teeth. So this week I have been trying out Teethwhite’s Bling teeth whitening kit (£55), which promise to give you a 'celebrity' smile. 

The cute kit comes complete with everything needed to start whitening straight away and was really easy to use. So far the results have been fab and I love my new smile but will keep using for a few more weeks to get the full result!

Lee Stafford Shine Head Range

As you all know I am a great fan of Lee Stafford products and am loving the Bling Range. Well, I have also been trying out the fabulous Shine Head range, which is cheaper option than Sebastian if you are watching the pennies. The science bit includes some revolutionary ingredients to restore condition and improve the gloss of your hair. The products have adiamond cluster ingredient to make sure you sparkle, so use with the Bling Range to sparkle the night away! Prices start from £4.99 at Boots. 

Sebastian Laminates - the secret to sleek hair

I have been trying out a load of hair products over the past few weeks and have come across some great product for sleek hair.

Sebastian Laminates Sheer range is amazing and well worth the price tag. The products infuse your hair with the lustrous Shine Innovation Complex, so light refracts off every architectural curve. They also smell amazing, with a fragrance of of citrus top notes with a woodsy musk base. After using the products a few times, my hair has felt super soft and really shiny, which made straightening my hair much easier - love them! I've just checked out the Sebastian website and I see they do a Blonde shampoo so will be trying that as well hopefully!

Inika - from Buy Organics

As you know I am really interested in using mineral make-up and have found a great brand called Inika on Buy Organics.co.uk. My favourite is the bronzer (£17.99) which creates a warm tanned look without laying in the sun. The bet bit about Inika s all products are 100% Certified Vegan and 100% Cruelty Free and wherever possible, uses 100% Certified organic ingredients, so are suitable for women with sensitivities or severe allergies. 

I also love the fab vegan kabuki brush (£20) which you use to apply the bronzer and let you see the tan building evenly on your skin. Definately a great brand to check out for all you ethical beauty lovers out there! Buy Organics is also a great site for organic presents and has some beautiful products on sale. 

Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo - great beauty gift for Dad!

Struggling to find something for your Dad this christmas? Well, Beauty Addict has the answer (hopefully your Dad won't take offence!) 

Alpecin’s Caffeine shampoo (£4.99) has recently arrived in the UK at Boots from good old Germany (where they have lots of bald men!!!) The shampoo’s innovative caffeine ingredient has been clinically proven to help prevent hair loss as part of an everyday grooming routine. Replace usual shampoo with Alpecin’s caffeine shampoo and leave it on for two minutes. It can also be followed up with the caffeine lotion ‘Alpecin Liquid’ that is applied after showering and not washed off. Sounds great.! I have given mine to my Dad to try out and will report back with progress! 

Safe and White - Boys Toys..

Safe and White have a great gift on offer for the man in your life... If your man is image concious and  short of time, the perfect gift this Christmas to whiten teeth in an instant is with the Safe & White whitening brush-pen (£12.99) You use the brush pen’s applicator directly on teeth to dispense the unique gel formula. It’s so simple you can even do it at work! Not only will the pen keep your teeth looking bright, white and healthy, it’s small, compact and gadget-like so perfect for men.. oh and you can steal it too! 

 

 

My favourite beauty store Space NK have some beautiful gift sets this Christmas. My favourite is this Tuberoli Minature Gift Collection, £20, which is perfect for a travel lover! Space NK have some great brands, including Laura Mercier and Nars so should be the first stop for your Christmas shopping!

Schwarzkopf Gliss Range

I am making it my personal mission to combat my wild, wavy hair this Christmas - so any products please put forward to me for review! I really like the Gliss range from Schwarzkopf, which is the first range to repair inside the hair cell and great to your product during the credit crunch. 

By repairing the damaged hair the Cell Repair System increases the hair’s resistance against future damage.  Glissified hair is left nourished, glossy and feeling fabulous. I'm a convert! For shiny hair, I used the Liquid Silk range which starts from £1.99. The Shine Tonics in particular smells lovely and gives her a lovely shine, as well as protecting it. 

 

Clarins Satin-Smooth Body Lotion

You must try the new Clarins Satin-Smooth Body Lotion (£25.50) this winter as it is simply devine. It gives skin all the softness, suppleness and radiance of satin and smells gorgeous as well. I will definately be using this every day - my boyfriend loves how soft my skin is now! My other Clarins must-have is the cult Beauty Flash Balm (£25) which eliminates all signs of tirednes and smooths out facial features, giving skin a radiant glow before applying make-up. An essential for skin after a late night out! 

MAC Holiday Collection 2008

My favourite make-up brand MAC have launched a new Holiday Collection and my favourite range is 'Red She Said...'. The retro-starlet allure of Hollywood glamour, with a modern twist. A season where lips connive, then confess in shades of provocative holiday reds. Party season and passions flare! "Red" She Said, and no one could resist her...Love this description of the range from the MAC website. My picks of the range for Christmas are the limited editions Mineralize Eye Shadows (£12.50), which each offer three different shades for a complete eye look. Check out 'word-of-mouth' and 'inter-view'. To finish off, you must try MAC Dazzleglass lip-gloss that dazzles with light and shine to bring an exciting dimensional pop to your lips.

I also heard on the grapevine that MAC are launching a Dame Edna range in January, which will have her trademark glasses on the packaging! Can't wait to try that out! Watch this space.. 

Redfoot Shoes

Check out Redfoot Shoes for the party season! No more sore feet at the end of all the Christmas parties, these shoes are really comfortable and look stylish with any outfit. I think I might wear them all night as they look so good - visit www.redfootrevolution.co.uk to check out all the designs. My favourite is shown in the photo above - called Ava and is cost £25. 

Sanctuary Gift sets - 3 for 2

I have found a great offer from Sanctuary, who are offering 3 for 2 on their gift sets on their website, which are perfect for Christmas presents. I have got this lovely Skin Quenching Collection (£12) which contains five gorgeous body butters. The gift set looks so lovely I can't bring myself to open it! Definately a beautiful present for a loved one this christmas.

Blusher and Highlighter Duo from Miners - under £5

The next few weeks I will focusing on the best beauty pressies for Christmas!My best buy so far are these Blusher and Highlighter Duo's from Miners. For under £5, one compact contains a silky soft blusher that adds a warm glow to the cheeks. The other contains a highlighter to accentuate and define your best features. The gorgeous snowflake centre creates a shimmering finish that will add a subtle sparkle to your festive look! Lovely and great stocking fillers too or secret santa pressies!

Miners also have a blog that I have added to my list of favourites - check it out  http://www.minerscosmetics.blogspot.com/

Take That in new M&S ad...

Check out Take That on the new M&S christmas advert....;)

Equilibra... taste of life in the Caribbean :)

Don't you wish you were here....! When I was in Barbados this year, my secret beauty tip was Aloe Vera. Despite the hotel staff telling us not to use it (it stains the towels apparently!) I bought several bottles of Aloe Vera juice from a local seller on the beach and used it every evening before a shower, then rinsing it off in the shower. It's the best thing I have ever put on my skin and leaves your skin sooo soft. It helps sooth sunburn and can also be used as a hair mask! Well, I tried to take some home back to the UK and let's just say it didn't travel that well! So now I have come across the next best thing! Equilibra Aloe Body Cream looks after the skin, protecting it and giving it a pleasant refreshing sensation. It contains a high amount of aloe (40%) having hydrating, tonifying and soothing properties, and jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and shea butter having a nourishing and emollient action. The fab range also includes face wipes, day cream and body gel and can be purchased from Chemist Direct now. So get some today to get back that holiday feeling....!

Well done Bobbi...

My favourite make-up artist Bobbi Brown was presented with Fashion Group International's prestigious Beauty Star Award at the annual Night of Stars event on October 23rd. Bobbi received her award from photographer Bruce Weber, who she has dedicated her newest book, "Make up Manual" which is due out in January 2009.

Bobbi has also launched this year's Christmas collection - the Copper Diamond line. "Copper Diamond was designed to warm up the skin while adding light and subtle highlights," says Bobbi about her new range. My favourite is this metallic Shimmer Brick; a combination of five golden shades which when blended together on the skin gives a soft, sparkling glow. Perfect for Christmas parties! Its £30 and available from Bobbi Brown counters nationwide and www.bobbibrown.co.uk.

Eve Lom

I love Eve Lom hand cream (£20) which helps to keep your hands looking supple and line-free. It doesn't have a particularly strong frarance, but has an SPF of 10, shea butter and antioxidants to help prevent the first signs of environmental damage. 

Check out the Eve Lom website www.evelom.com which has some lovely spa products on offer!

The Clothes Show Live...is nearly here!

I am soooo excited about the Clothes Show Live, which takes place at the Birmingham NEC, from 5 to 10 December 2008.  The best deals from last year, which I hope will be there this year are: Tigi Bed Head products, Jelly Pong Pong make-up, Bourjois Make up, All Saints, Juciy Couture, Lipsy and Lambretta for guys. I will be stocking up on Christmas pressies for all my family as last year I managed to get all of them in one trip! I will be also be bringing my trolley as I couldn't carry everything last year!

There is also an added bonus this year of The Style Show, which is presented by my favourite beauty site Handbag.com. Tickets are on sale now for £24 and are available from the box office on 0844 579 3178 or online at www.clothesshowlive.com and includes entry to both shows.

Bobelle

Another great organic site called Bobelle, where they sell wonderful fairly traded, hand made and recycled gifts for all occasions. All gifts are complimentary gift wrapped in acid free tissue paper and sent in 100% recycled packaging which is filled with 100% biodegradable filler to protect. I havent been able to try any products yet but worth a shout for ethical products this Christmas.... 

Graduation party beauty routine!

My graduation was this week, which was fab and allowed me to try out all my best beauty products in the evening!! Firstly, I used the new Fructis Blonde Shampoo thanks to my German in-laws, which is lovely for shiny blonde highlights. However, it’s not yet available in the UK :-( but watch this space! To finish off, I used products from the new James Brown hair range - high gloss serum spray and shine and fragrance spray, which are perfect for party hair. Both are now 2 for £8 at Boots.com - click here to buy! 

I took my trusty Braun Cordless straighteners with me, which are always on hand when you need them. They are ideal for refreshing or touching up your style, especially when it rains!! I really can't live without them...!

I love the Scrubilicious Coconut body scrub from Delicious which exfoliates and smoothes the skin before wearing a slinky dress. Their mint foot butter is also fab for silky-smooth feet. After showering I applied Organic Surge fresh ocean body butter. Boosted by pure plant extracts, the natural and organic products work together with no harmful build-up of chemicals on your skin. The company also works with helping African orphans to provide them with a better future. To finish off I used nail varnish from Karpati in Mocha Moments, which is free from dangerous chemicals and available from Selfridges priced at £9.99. The best bit about this brand is you can slip the bottle onto your fingers (as you would a ring) and paint away! 

Before applying my make up, I used Witch Radiance Serum which is light, oil free and contains light reflecting particles to ensure your skin is glowing and radiant. Love it! The most important part of my routine is taking off my make-up, where I used my trusty Witch face wipes (£3.99) and Garnier Nutritionist night cream… oh and plenty of water before bed!!

Mirabelle jewellery worn by Cheryl Cole

I love this beautiful bracelet worn by Cheryl Cole on the cover of Heat magazine a few weeks ago, from Mirabelle jewellery. It's called the Harmonia bracelet and can be purchased direct from Mirabelle Jewellery online at http://www.mirabellejewellery.co.uk 

It looks perfect both for a night out and during the day and really compliments an oufit. I wore it on Friday for my graduation and had lots of comments my friends... it matched my yellow and blue robe perfectly!

The Purity Project Face Range

Keeping up with my love of organic, eco-friendly products at the moment, I have just started using the new Purity Project Face Range.

Purity Project is a new eco skincare range created by renowned mineral hairdresser, Daniel Field and is a range of pure and ethically produced skincare products that are totally free of any known toxins, common allergens or irritants.  All products are independently evaluated as the safest, purest and most ethical formulations as well as performing to a very high standard.  Many ingredients commonly used in other natural ranges have been rejected by The Purity Project, taking their formulations to the next level of purity. The lovely Face Range consists of: Face Wash (£12), Face Cleanser (£15), Light Face Moisturiser (£15) Eye Lines Serum (£18), Face Firming Serum (£15), Anti-Age Day Moisturiser (£20) Anti-Age Night Moisturiser (£20) and Organic cotton Cloths (£5). I particularly love the Night Moisturiser as it’s really soothing after a long day at work. You can buy all these lovely products at www.purity-project.com. 

50% off Coconut Body Butter!

Exclusive offer for all you Beauty Addicts! Body Shop are offering 50% off Coconut Body Butter when you shop in-store or online from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th November 2008. That's a saving of of £6.25! With a celebrity following, this excellent moisturiser melts at body temperature, leaving the skin feeling soft and silky smooth for up to 24 hours!  It also contains natural coconut oil, as well as Community Trade shea butter and Cocoa Butter from Community Trade cocoa beans from Ghana. Click here take advantage of this fantastic offer - we certainly have and so have Cult Beauty ;-)

 

ELEMIS Skin Nourishing Milk Bath

I love the new skin nourishing milk bath, from the Elemis bodycare range. This unique product feeds, heals and harmonises the skin when it is out of balance. It contains a high Milk Protein content as well as Japanese Camellia Oil and Oat Extract to soothe and nourish dry, sensitive and irritated skins. My boyfriend (the eczema sufferer.. yes, him again!) loved the milk bath and normally he doesn’t have baths as they irritate his skin. However, this acted as an immediate softening treatment and is perfect for excessively dry skin, skin allergies, acne, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis and sunburn. Yes it’s a little pricey (£39) but a great gift for somebody this Christmas and well worth it for eczema sufferers. You buy Elemis by calling +44 (0)1278 727 830 or purchase online at www.timetospa.co.uk

Moxie - the cutest tampons ever!

This weekend I have discovered the CUTEST new range of sanitairy products ever! Introducing Moxie, a brand new range of gorgeous and girly feminine hygiene products from Australia. Think beauty mixed with fashion and you’ve got Moxie; a range of products that delivers classic femininity, style, convenience and excellent quality all in one. Moxie’s aim is to combat those issues that have annoyed women for ages – things like those cheap and flimsy packs that break open in your bag, causing tampons and towels to spill into (or out of!) your handbag.

Launched in Superdrug in October 2008, Moxie has arrived in the UK to bring a touch of fabulousness to that most oftendreaded ‘time of the month’. With a range of tampons, towels and panty liners, Moxie has a product to suit your needs,every day of the month. Complete with 100% recyclable or reusable tins and 1930’s-esque, candy-striped ‘boudoir boxes’ that are colour-coded by absorption, Moxie is the perfect necessity for every dressing table and handbag. Anything to make periods more bareable and this new range will brighten up your day! Prices range from £1.79-£2.99.