New Year's Eve party!

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and I am really excited! I have picked up some great items to wear over the last week and some fab new beauty products.

First I will be using my favourite exfoliating face wash from Witch and amazing new 'Off your Face' face-wipes from Soap and Glory. Witch also have a great Natural Sunshine moisturiser which helps to build up colour on your face, so perfect for this time of year.

I will be going for the smoky-eyed look, along with some silver glitter eyeliner. La Senza and Eyeko have some great silver eyeliners that are both under £10 and help to define eyes. Infact I have just looked at La Senza's website and all their cosmetics are now £2! Hope you all have a great New Year - I will be back with some great detox solutions... happy partying!

Elemis products for skiing!

If you are off skiing this winter (lucky you..!) then it's worth checking out products from my favourite skincare brand Elemis. 

For women, there is the lovely Maximum Moisture Day Cream (£35)  with adaptive technology which intelligently adjusts to the skin’s individual needs. Providing continuous hydration, whilst actively helping to protect against environmental toxins, its lightweight formulation visibly improves the skin’s condition and makes your skin really smooth! For your man, there is the SOS Survival Cream (£39) which helps sooth sensitivity, irritation, dryness and blemishes. The powerful formula of marine extracts, Lavender and Myrrh instantly soothes problem areas and leaves the skin perfectly hydrated and comfortable - and it smells gorgeous too! Happy skiing!

Day out to Westfields!!!

Today I went to Westfields Shopping Centre in London for the first time.. and its fab! We arrived there nice and early (8.55!) which was lovely as it was so quiet. The shopping centre itself is structurally beautiful, with lots of glass and very spacious. There are no junk food outlets, no crowds of teenagers - just lots of fabulous shops! I got some great bargains in Next, La Senza, Bershka and New Look. Definately worth waiting a week or so when items are 70% off though!. 

Happy Christmas....Indian Infusion

Hope everybody has had a lovely Christmas! I had a fab time with my family and am off on holiday on Monday so can't wait! 

As you know it's a problem when you go away, what products to take with you.. I have this dilemna every time!! Well, I have found a great travel-sized kit from Indian Infusion (£23), which contains cleaner, toner and lotion which is perfect for taking away! The range is the creation of Health and Beauty expert Janet Ginnings, who has used recipes that her mother taught her as a child and is really gorgeous. 

New anti-ageing range from Simple launches in January

Hot off the press, Simple are launching a revolutionary new anti-wrinkle range in January! I am a big fan of Simple products, contaning natural ingredients and reasonably priced. Active ingredients, including Iris extract and a blend of vitamins and minerals, complement Simple’s unique formulation for sensitive skin by harnessing the power of nature. The products make your skin really soft and smooth, so are a lovely treat to use. 

The range consists of a day cream, a night cream and an eye cream and starts from £7.50 from Boots and Superdrug.

Detox tea for after all those Christmas parties...!

Christmas is nearly here - yipee, one more day left at work! Have over-indulged waaayyy to much, so if you have like me, you need to try the new Shiso Detox Infusion tea (£30). It's made using the finest Shiso leaves, contains powerful vitamins and minerals to internally fight pollutants, helping to detoxify the body and cleanse it from accumulated toxins, preparing the way for healthier and more radiant skin. I'm not a fan of herbal tea myself but this tastes pretty good and definately a better option to wine!

MAC Dame Edna range is here!

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, MAC has teamed up with Dame Edna to bring out a new post-holiday range.  The range includes six key products, from cheek powder to the cult Lipglass in Edna-inspired sparkling pinks and reds, all packaged in glittering lilac and stamped with a pair of the drag icon's infamous horn-rimmed glasses. My favourite is the lovely Lipstick in Kanga Rouge (£11) which is perfect for upcoming Christmas parties! Prices start at £8 and are available from www.maccosmetics.co.uk  in January!

Be Never too Busy to Be Beautiful

The name says it all.. I totally agree with them.. a girl should never be too busy to be beautiful...! I have visited the B store in Poole a few times and fell in love with the beautiful products and packaging that takes inspiration from India and Morocco. The store on Oxford Street also has a cool cocktail bar as well for all you London girls!

They have some beautiful gifts out for Christmas, my favourite being the lovely Boudoir Puffs (£18.60) which are three mini versions of the powder puffs. Keep it Fluffy Dusting Powder covers you in cuddles and keeps you smooth and silky. Then, to keep you looking bronzed and shimmering for some serious party glamour there is the delectable Keep It Fluffy scented Bronzing Powder. The third, Temptress Lust Dust not only covers you in glitter, but it's also made with a deliciously edible chocolate flavour.......yummy!

Hopefully I will be able to try out some of the lovely make-up (maybe Santa will reading!) so I will report back! 

Eyeko

I came across a great new brand called Eyeko at the Clothes Show Live, that had some great offers to try out their products. 

Eyeko means LOVE in Japanese and is the brainchild of beauty innovators Max and Nina Leykind who began the collection in 2000 with the Eyeko cream, which was created for girls to perk up their skin counteracting the draining effects of staring at their computer screens, late nights and city life.

My favourite product was the 3-in-1 Cream (£5) , which is a moisturiser, highlighter and eye cream in one! It contains skin-perfecting light reflectors and antioxidant Vitamins A& E plus a Vitamin C boost for a radiant, clear complexion. It goes on really smooth and smells a bit like E45 cream with a faint fragrance. Definitely should be used before applying make-up for a radiant look! You can buy Eyeko products in Superdrug and all are reasonably priced - I am looking forward to trying out a few more...!

myLook - yes please!

I am really excited about becoming a member of New Looks' fashion community, where shoppers like you and me can have a real influence on the High Steet. It's about time brands starting taking notice of their customers and what they think - so well done New Look!

Inside myLook you can share your views, suggest improvements, connect directly with New Look and the community, and tell them what’s right and wrong in the world of fashion. AND there’s the possibility of winning goodies by entering exclusive competitions on the site - you even get invited to VIP next seasons press launches (yes please!)

All you need to do is to fill out a couple of short questions about yourself and tell us why you think you deserve to be part of this exclusive community. Once you’re a member, you can invite friends and family to join, too. Click  here to apply and say you were invited by Secret Diary of a Beauty Addict!

Zoya Nail Polishes

I am loving Zoya nail varnishes, a new brand from the USA which literally includes every shade you can imagine!  Zoya is the first nail care brand to remove toxic ingredients, including toluene and formaldehyde, from its products, making for a healthier and longer-lasting finish to your manicures. You can buy Zoya nail varnishes from the lovely Buy Organics site for £8.76. 

Kate Somerville at Space NK

Cult American skin care, Kate Somerville, will officially be available from select Space NK locations, mail order and on Space NK's website from 7 January 2009. I tried the Clarifying Treatment Toner, which clarifies & balances oily/problematic skin and leaves skin feeling lovely and clean.

Amanda Lacey Nourishing Pink Cream

After reading about the Amanda Lacey Nourishing Pink Cream on Look website, I was desperate to try some out!

Apart from having the cutest packaging (yes I am a sucker for nice packaging!) this luxurious anti-ageing moisturiser is rich in nourishing plant oils and is suitable for all skin types. All you need is a little bit and your skin is instantly smoother and radiant. It is a little pricey at £65 but is definately worth it as it will last for a long time! Get this on your Christmas list now!!!

Shopping Shopping Shopping! The best of the bargains!

Sorry for the lack of posts over the weekend, have been away in Germany with the boyfriend. Had a lovely time and managed to get some of my Schwarzkopf Gliss Blonde shampoo that you can't get in the UK so was very happy! Apart from that, no new beauty finds to report due to the poor exchange rate we now get with the Euro which makes everything EXPENSIVE! So you are better off sticking to the UK for last minute Christmas presents... here are my best bargains that I have tried and recommend:

1. Braun Series 5 shaver - was £185.95 now £92.97

With a sleek new design this intelligent gadget comprises the very latest shaver technology to ensure yor man will maintain a smooth look.  The Series 5 range is one of two to include the craftsmanship and expertise of Gillette with Gillette Blade technology used in the foil cutter, helping to deliver a uniquely close and comfortable shave.  The Series 5 also includes a Comfort Setting Switch; a new personalisation feature that controls the level of pivot according to your comfort and skin type.  As well as all this innovation, the Series 5 also includes the Clean&Renew™ System ensuring a hygienically clean shave every time as well as a 7 x LED monitor and 5 minute quick charge option.

My boyfriend (fussy person) was very impressed with the shaver, especially as due to his ezcema, he doesn't normally use electronic shavers. Definately a great gift for your bloke or your Dad this Christmas!

2. Safe & White, with the VAT reduction, now has an extra 25% off in Boots! Their teeth whitening kits are now £22.00 from over £30.00, great news for the savvy shopper and any Christmas pressies still to purchase.

3. The Body Shop are offering 30% off their Warming Mineral Mask which treats partied-out skin and contains feel-good ginger, cinnamon oil and kaolin clay to deep cleanse all skin types. To redeem this offer:

In-store – Find your nearest store and quote GTIN code 38914 at the till.

Online - Visit www.thebodyshop.co.uk and enter code DHAD000423 at checkout

See here for Terms and Conditions 

VAT reduction will be applied at checkout

So happy shopping!

 

Supersoft Smoothies - yummy!

The last few weeks I have been using Supersoft Smoothies Red Berries shampoo and conditioner which give you scrummy-smelling, smooth and silky hair. I remember first seeing the products on Coleen's Real Women show so its great to actually try them out.

Whether you want to fight the frizz or boost your barnet there's a smoothie shampoo and conditioner combination for you. Feed your thirsty locks with the Supersoft Yoghurt and Coconut Smoothie or control your colour with Supersoft Yoghurt and Red Berries Smoothie. With five flavours to choose from, each with yoghurt protein and natural fruit extracts you and your locks will be ripe for the picking.

They are also priced at a credit-crunch friendly £1.79 which is brilliant!

The Recessionista’s 12 Days of Christmas - Gorgeous Gifts That Don’t Cost The Earth

The Body Shop have launched a really cute Facebook application called the Recessionista's 12 Days of Christmas, with some amazing offers and competitions in the run-up to Christmas to help with those last-minute presents.

Simply click here to add the application to your Facebook profile and then check the calendar every day to take advantage of the fantastic offers and competitions. With up to 50% off products and some fabulous prizes to be won, there’s sure to be something for everyone on your gift list, including yourself! I am loving the satsuma Body Butter that is half price on Friday - don't miss out on that!

Fantastic day shopping at the Clothes Show Live!

So I am back from the 20th anniversary Clothes Show Live and have had a great day shopping and enjoying a great catwalk performance, with the Saturdays in it!

Armed with my trusty trolley, I hit the Juicy Couture stand first, as it's my favourite bit about the Clothes Show..well usually it is! NOT this year! We queued for 1 hour 15 minutes, which was crazy as I have never waited for that long before. The products on offer were not worth the wait and were obviously from last year or before. There were no purses, limited tracksuits and actually had more products on sale for dogs than women it seemed!!! Anyway, despite the negative start, the Clothes Show lived up to it's usual success and is definately worth a visit for some Christmas presents!

My favourite zone is always the pink zone - for beauty addicts like myself! But here are my top five purchases of the day:

1. Gorgeous dresses from Closet (managed to get £15 off lush black/brown dress)


2. Ben Sherman watches and belts from Intercity Watches (£5)


3. TIGI Bedhead products - 5 for £35


4. Jelly Pong Pong make-up goody bag (£12) - gorgeous products at a bargain price


5. Diamente clutch bags from a stand I can't remember the name of - £5!

Biggest disappoints - don't bother wasting your time!

1. Juicy Couture (looooonnnng queue! and not many products on sale compared to last year)


2. All Saints - soooo messy and couldn't work out what was on offer and how much it was!


3. Rimmel make-up - was it actually on offer???


4. Company magazine selling out before I could get one :-(

All in all, I had a brilliant day as I always do at the Clothes Show and can't wait until next year for the show in London - 29-31 May 2009!! I WILL BE THERE! If you haven't yet gone to the show, get down there for some last minute bargains as there will be loads!

Bobbi Brown’s new Limited Edition Party Collection

Party animals listen up, last week Bobbi Brown launched their amazing new limited edition Party Collection, which contains high colour metallic eye shadows (£13.70) and glitter lipglosses (£12.72). The eye shadows and glitter lip glosses can also be popped out to fit perfectly into the customised palettes as well (which I still don't have yet Santa!)  My favourite is the lovely 'Glitz' eye shadow which I will be wearing throughout the party season!

Off to the Clothes Show live!

Sorry for the lack of postings this weekend, I am at the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham! I have am having a fab time and if you are reading this from the UK then go and check it out at the NEC! I will report back later tonight when I am home with all my purchases ....

Nutri Heat Hairdryer

After seeing the NutriHeat Nourishing Hair Dryer on the TV, I was keen to try it out especially as it is being endorsed by celeb hairdresser Trevor Sorbie. Firstly, you insert a capsule into the hairdryer, which produces silk proteins into your hair, protecting and hydrating hair. This helps eliminate frizzy and unruly locks like mine! Definately a great purchase for a last minute Christmas present. Superdrug are selling it for £21.99 at the moment - click here to buy!

Moor Spa Products - perfect for Christmas

I was really excited to try out the lovely Moor Spa products, in particular the White Chocolate Body Experience which contains the secret ingredient of pure moor and yummy white chocolate. An extension of Moor Spa's celebrated Moor Body Wrap; the white chocolate paste works at opening the pores, enabling the skin to receive the anti-oxidants, breathe and shed impurities whilst the indulgent aroma of warm chocolate relaxes and soothes even the weariest mind. It also smells simply divine and made my skin exceptionally smooth. I've had a tough week being ill (snif snif) so was really lovely to feel better again!

I also tried out a few products from The Moor Spa Natural Selection, with products ranging from herbal Bath to cleansers, toners and moisturisers which are all colour coded for according to skin type. I definately recommend checking out the site www.moorspa.co.uk to see all the yummy products.

Elemis Pro Collagen Quartz Lift Mask - a treat for winter skin!

I have had a bad cold this past week, so my skin has not been in the best condition! So I fancied a bit of a lift to hydrate my skin and banish all languishing colds. My favourite skincare brand Elemis have launched the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask (£45) which I have been looking forward to trying for ages! This luxurious cream mask combines the power of Quartz with Padina Pavonica, adaptogenic Noni, Moringa and Argan Tree Oil (very scientific!) to instantly uplift and hydrate the skin - just what I needed! My skin now feels super-soft and has definately put a spring back in my step, thank you Elemis. 

Ohh and I have just heard Elemis are launching a new anti-ageing skincare collection (£58) to freshen and renew dull skin to a visible glow, which will be available exclusively at Elemis spas, salons and selected department stores from 1^st January to 11^th February 2009. So watch this space, hopefully I will be lucky enough to try this out soon! 

After reading about Kyoku on Cult Beauty, I was delighted (Well my boyf was!) to try out the new Kyoku for men range, which has great packaging so can reside in my bathroom!! 

The facial moisturiser (£43) is incredibly hydrating for winter as it contains soline (derived from sunflower oil), while green tea leaf and avocado oil softens and rejuvenates skin. In addition, algotan (derived from brown seaweed) protects skin cells. My boyfriend absolutely loves this moisturiser and he is incredibly fussy so I am taking his word! The best bit is it includes anti-ageing bamboo, pea extract and Vitamin E and is SPF15 to protect against daily UV damage, so perfect for any upcoming ski holidays! Additionally, he also likedthe Kyoku Lip Fuel (SPF15) which is great to protect against chapped lips, as it contains 3 organic butters as well as avocado oil to soothe and moisturise. I will be stealing that I think! Check out Kyoku online here.  

Girl 2 Go Girls on Tour Brush Set

If you're stuck doing Secret Santa this christmas but still want to get a cute present, this Girl 2 Go on Tour brush set (£7.83) is a great idea for every woman.. I mean you can NEVER have too many brushes and you need to replace them every 6 months. This cool set contains a powder/blusher brush, eye shadow brush, lip brush and an eyebrow groomer, all in a stylish satin wallet. Boots has got 3 for 2 on all Girl 2 Go gift sets at the moment as well..