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Dove Beauty Finish: Flawless Armpits

There are not many things that are worse than being stuck on a packed train – hot and sweaty, clinging on to the bar above, underarms well and truly exposed! Actually, what could be worse is if those underarms were looking less than gorgeous. Well Dove have come up with a little gem to have those pits looking perfect. 
Dove BeautyFinish, the latest addition to Dove’s line of deodorants uses the ingredient pearlescent mica, a mineral that is said to create a smooth finish on skin. It disguises imperfections and helps skin to appear flawless. 
I have to say, the scent is gorgeous. Instantly uplifting and bound to have you smelling of summer.

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Hangin’

They were probably not too happy about having these pictures snapped, but i say hurrah to Kate and Ke$ha for letting it hang. So popstar, supermodel, or girl about town, lets just love our wee bit of healthy wobble ♥

Kate Moss on the LV AW2011 Runway for PFW
Ke$ha proud of her muffin top and bottom while on holiday
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A Touchy Issue

In the week when French beauty brand Make Up Forever launched a campaign shunning any type of digital retouching, we also saw some images which have taken that photoshop pen to another level.
Kate Winslet, in the Lancome L’Absolu Nu Lipstick campaign looks like a different person. Apparently, the TV ad was also stopped frame by frame to be retouched. With not a flaw in sight, really, is this necessary for a lipstick promotion. 

Its not the first time Winslet has been airbrushed to the max, back in 2003 she was featured on the cover of GQ looking particularly slimmed down. She herself admitted the retouching was ‘excessive’. 
Yes, we all like to look good in photos, but over airbrushing is just so uncalled for.

Britney Spears is on the cover of the April edition of OUT magazine, once again the retouching has been wacked up to maximum!!

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REN Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm

I have recently been dipping into REN’s Guerande Salt Exfoliating body scrub. Packed with natural ingredients of Guerande Sea Salt, Peppermint Oil, Olive Oil and Basil Oil. This exfoliator claims to leave skin smooth, renewed and glowing. And being REN, this product is au natural, with no synthetic additives in the mix!

The amazingly large tub (330ml for £20)is filled with a gorgeously balmy textured potion, blended with salt grains which really do roll across the body removing dead and flaky skin. Unlike those body scrubs which are more cream or liquid than scrubby bits, i really liked the fact that the REN scrub actually felt like an exfoliator on a mission. 
The thick moisture filled balm is applied to dry skin, and spreads a long way. With a bit of elbow grease, its really easy to get into a bit of a exfoliating rhythm. It feels a bit like dry body brushing, but no scratchiness and lots of moisturising bonuses. Nothing has worked so well on my constantly dry elbows. 

This really is a brilliant must have treat for the body. My skin definitely is smoother, nourished and brighter, and this was the case straight after the first application. There is actually no need for to moisturise after using this product, but i still did as i am addicted.
If there was something i didn’t particularly take to with this product, it’s the smell. It isn’t offensive, not at all, it’s just a slightly dullish scent that i couldn’t really place. 
My humongous pot is never ending, but when it does finally come to an end, i will without a doubt be investing in another. 

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Notd: By Celeb Nail Tech Kim Treacy

There is no better way to start the weekend than with a bit of pampering!

My nails look pretty awesome today – probably because i myself didn’t paint them.This is the handywork of super celeb nail tech Kim Treacy, who has worked with literally all the top magazines, as well as Micha Barton, MIA, Pixie Geldof and Lily Cole.
I love her twist on the classic French Manicure. The glittery tips are so pretty and jujch up a nude nail, without the glitter overload. Kim used a nude shade from Dior and one of the OPI glitters for the tips! Love love love!
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First Ever Untouched Beauty Ad Campaign…there is hope!

The untouched ad. The slight shine on the models forehead, and the uneven skintone on her arm add to the fact that there is no additional enhancing involved

Make-Up Forever, the professional beauty range which originates from Paris have launched their first ever untouched ad campaign in the USA this week. The online and print ads promoting the MUFE HD products have NOT been digitally retouched at all,infact they have been nortorized to confirm this. The four variations of the ad feature girls taking photos of themselves, obvioulsy the models are all beautiful, but clever tricks such as photography lighting has been used to create fabulous images. Above all, MUFE are perfectly portraying that their HD make up is pretty amazing and you dont actually need any fancy photoshop-ing.
You can learn more about the idea behind the untouched campaign here as well as check out some before and after shots of yourself!
Some of the other images used for the MUFE untouched campaign.

  

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Pony That Tail

Pony Tails are back, and they are back BIG time. Forget about those school day hair bunches, and the Croydon facelift, these ponies are cool, chic, elegant and a must for the Spring. In fact i have already started sporting the low pony. 
Here are some of my favourite Pony looks:

Vera Wang models sported this tucked under low pony on the runway
I love this Michael Kors look. Big backcombed hair in a chic tail
So this Luca Luca Pony is really cool, but probably not very practical

…and my favourite celeb ponies:

Cheryl Cole rocked this fabulous low pony at the Brit Awards this year
Kim Kardashian has made this her iconic pony with the front quiff
A simple but very elegant ponytail on Lauren Conrad
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Want To Meet Gorgeous Orlando Bloom?

Form an orderly queue ladies….ok forget the queue and just battle your way down to Selfridges this Thursday 17th March to meet Mr Hotness himself, Orlando Bloom. The man known best for his role in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, and being voted Sexiest Star many a time, will be promoting the launch of BOSS Orange Man at the London department store. 

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BareMinerals Launch Skincare Range

BareMinerals make up has become one of the UK’s top selling cosmetic brands. Formulated from 100% pure minerals, its a range that gives back to skin in more ways than one. I was instantly hooked. So, with the launch of BareMinerals Skincare imminent, i’m more than curious to discover if these products will have the same impact.

I’ve got some items from the range to try out, so reviews will follow shortly, but for now, here is the lowdown on the BareMinerals Skincare range.


Receiving top reviews in the US, the new skincare products are based on RareMinerals activeSoil Complex. Hmm the idea of pasting soil over skin isn’t particularly appealing to anyone, but fear not, nothing of the sort is expected. In actual fact, RareMinerals is extracted from rich soils and made up of beneficial macro and micro minerals and anti oxidants. It all sounds a bit scientific, but put simply, BareMinerals have continued to keep their debut skincare products mineral based, sourcing ingredients from nature. This complex is said to boost cell turnover, reduce lines, visibly decrease pore size and give skin an overall luminosity. Admittedly, it does all sound very promising, but time will tell.

There range includes cleansers, moisturisers and treatments:
Purifying Facial Cleanser – £15
Deep Cleansing Foam – £15
Purely Nourishing Moisturiser – £27
Firming Eye Treatment – £23
Pure Transformation Nightcream – £45
The full BareMinerals Skincare Range will be available from April in Selfridges and BareMineral Boutiques.

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Estee Lauder: Pure Colour Nails

There are some delicious new nail shades in Estee Lauder’s Pure Colour collections. I’m hearting this charcoal black (Perfect Storm) and summery pink (Sweet Pea) – both with a hint of iridescence. 

I was getting bored of wearing black and almost black nail shades, but this colour is just lush and might have brought back another season of black for me.
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Back To The 80’s

For my birthday this weekend, the ladies and i decided to celebrate 80’s style. Clothes, make up and nails! It looks like an easy era to recreate, but it actually took a lot of thinking and planning. The result was fun, bright, very 80’s and a bit scary!
Step 1:Crimped hair with a touch of backcombing:

Step 2: Make up was all about Eyes and Cheeks:

Step 3: Nails had to stand out:

The overall outfit: was hilarious but so 80’s


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Backstage: Nars & Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

The girls on the Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 runway show were sporting a surprisingly minimal look; fresh but of course with a cheeky twist. It’s a totally wearable look with defined cheekbones,  blushed cheeks and a defined upper lashline. The blush is brushed downwards, a mirror effect to how it would normally be. I’d definitely recreate this for daytime.

Behind the look is the legendary Francois Nars, founder and creative director of Nars Cosmetics. His inspiration was an an old photo of a fresh faced Christy Turlington.
“Marc wanted ‘icy cold cheeks’ and so the blush is drawn down in such a way that’s unusual…unusual, but decadent. Like a Renaissance painting.”


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Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Range

When it comes to haircare products, i’m probably not that loyal. I constantly chop and change shampoo and conditioner, as i continue my quest to find something that nourishes my dry ends without weighing down roots that are prone to turning greasy.
The latest range i have tested is the new Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. I’m already a big Dove bodycare fan, but wasn’t sure what to expect from their hair products.

I have to say this range was sheer bliss to use, and to smell. It might not be the range that instantly springs to mind where hair is concerned, and it doesn’t come with a glamourous hair salon chain attached to it – but it most definitely delivers satisfying results.
My hair was charged with gloss and shine, strands were silky smooth and overall much more manageable than usual. For a change, there was no need for any GHD straightening, just a whizz of the hairdryer was enough.
For products that works so fantastically well, i’d love for the packaging to speak to same by being more chic and standout. I do however like the style of the Express Treatment Conditioner, which comes in a squeeze tube, maybe all the products should be this way? Don’t let your eyes gloss over this range on the supermarket shelves, give it a try.

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OPI: Pirates Of The Caribbean Collection

It appears OPI love teaming up with a good movie, last year we saw collections with Shrek and Burlesque, and now they have combined their skills of decking out nails in a beautiful fashion with Disney’s new movie Pirates Of The Caribbean – On Stranger Tides. You might wonder what shades would actually be involved in a range dedicated to Captain Jack Sparrow. 
I hopped onboard The Golden Hind Ship in South London one wet morning last week and was pleasantly surprised by the treasures i discovered.

Ahoy Me Hearties is selection of very wearable spring hues, but all with a slightly murky undertone, giving that grunge feel. Grunge which is key for SS11. Not only do these colours have fab names ‘Planks A Lot’ or ‘Skull & Glossbones’, but they are also perfect for the summer months.

There is a definite stand out favourite for me, and i also think it will be a popular one generally; ‘Sparrow Me The Drama’ (see images below). 

Skull & Glossbones
Mermaiad’s Tears
My fave of the range,
Sparrow Me The Drama
 a dirty rose pink shade
Stranger Tides
Steady As She Rose
Planks A Lot

In addition to the Pirates Of The Caribbean range, OPI have launched a Silver version of their ‘Shatter’ top coat. I have to be honest, i wasn’t a fan of the original black shatter shade, but this Silver Shatter is much nicer, less harsh and gives a pretty crackle effect.

Silver Shatter
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♥♡♥♡♥

I can’t say i’m the biggest fan of Valentines, but i can say i love an excuse to shower myself with beautiful things.

♥Jimmy Choo Perfume 
The new Choo scent is seductive with a fruity edge. I only wish the bottle wasn’t literally a copy of Vikor & Rolf’s Flower Bomb though. C’mon JC,  with all that shoe inspiration, an original perfume bottle should have been a stroll in the park!

♥Swarovski Sparkles
This Swarovski cocktail ring is way waaaay sparkly, but i love it. Its on my wish list. 

♥NARS Orgasm Illuminator 
Creates a lush shimmering, super-sexy look. The pinky-peach highlighter can be worn literally anywhere; as a primer, a blush or on arms, legs and décolleté. 

♥Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt
If love had a smell, this would be IT! Its exotic, sensual, distinctive and addictive…and takes my skin to paradise. 

♥Benefit’s Bella Bamba
This is the newest addition to Benefit’s cheek collection. A sweet pink shade with a glimmer of gold undertones which help perk me up even on those unloved days.

♥Diptyque Rose Coloured Mini Candles
Adorable. These Rose coloured mini versions of the classic Diptyque Rose candles ooze a beautiful tender fragrance. Enough to make any lady feel super dreamy.

♥…finally, Indulge your sweet tooth

Gorgeously yummy Valentines cakes from the Hummingbird Bakery

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Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel

Super luxe spa brand Elemis, is renown for its innovative skincare products, which mix science and nature to create sumptuous ranges. Their latest launch is no exception, the Melting Cleansing Gel is for tired, stressed and dull skin – so most of us will need this then!!
It is formulated from some gorgeous ingredients’ including one of my all time favourites; Organic Argan Oil. This truly is the equivalent of gold in the world of good skin. 

Cleasners (and possibly moisturisers) are in my opinion the hardest skincare products to get right for your skin type. They are so personal, and everyone reacts differently to them, but once you find a cleanser that works for you, you will never turn back. The perfect cleanser makes all the difference. So if you haven’t found your morning match – then i’d recommend trying the Melting Cleansing Gel.
The gel texture of this wash, as it hits the skin is soft and velour like, as you massage it in, it becomes lighter and eventually milky. It smells amazing, i sensed a slight whiff of citrus in there, but there is nothing to suggest that on the ingredients list. 

If you like your cleanser to foam into pretty bubbles, then you will be disappointed here, however, i wouldn’t let that stop you from trying out this yummy cleanser. 
My skin was instantly smoother and softer, and much perkier. Although i won’t be giving up my Eve Lom, i will be alternating these two, and at £19.40 its affordable skincare with results.

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Topshop Launches SS11 MakeUp Collection

Earlier this week Topshop took over the Penthouse at The Sanderson Hotel to launch it’s SS11 makeup collection. As lovely ladies of the fashion and makeup world mingled with cocktails, and tried out the nail art of ‘marbling’, i was excited by what was on show. TS’s new SS11 makeup is an addition to the core range they currently stock, accompanying this is also the Trend Limited Edition  –‘SandStorm’ collection. I had a little play with all the goodies on display!

TS SS11 nail colours
Great colour selection for the new lippy range 

The core summer collection is very vibrant, with lots of colour to capture attention. Both the lip and nail ranges oozed luscious summer shades which transported me to a glamorous yacht somewhere on the Mediterranean Sea.

Nail Marbling with the TS nail colours

Nail shades from the Trend Limited Edition Collection ‘SandStorm’
Highlighter Stick added to the core collection

The limited Sandstorm range is much more subdued. Inspired by the experimental Burning Man Festival held in the Nevada Black Rock Dessert, its clear to see the ‘dessert’ influences in the range which includes blusher, eyeshadows, glosses and semi-permanent eyeliner.

The SandStorm Collection displayed in a lovely glass case

Blush/Bronze combo from SandStorm
DIna modelled the SandStorm e/s and gloss in Daze for me
Daze and Tawny
SandStorm e/s items, these were my face from everything i saw

This is definitely a range to suit all skins tones, and one that can be dressed up or down, for festivals or for fun nights.
Overall, at first glance the new TS collection does look impressive, both in terms of colour and product range, the packaging is also sweet, and i even spotted some gold packaging which i always love to see. The real test will be once i have tried out a few items myself and seen them in action.

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Lipstick Loverrr

I think i have a new obsession, or even an additional obsession to my usual Bronzer obsession. LIPSTICK,  pink lipstick to be more precise. 
In two days i have bought 4 lipsticks, this may not sound like many, but my purse definitely felt some pain, especially since all four colours are so similar. I just couldn’t walk away from them, and i love them all.

YSL Rouge Volupte 30 & 7 (L-R)
T-B: Rouge Volupte 30, Rouge Volupte 7

These luscious lippies from YLS are seriously to die for. Not only was i amazed by the vibrant colours but also the silky texture. The lipsticks glide on, feeling really moisturising and light. I have found in the past that such bold shades of lipstick highlight any dry or flakey patches of skin, but these are created to nourish lips as well as colour them. And they taste yummy of Melons – mmm delish! 

Ok i know these two goodies from Mac look almost identical, but they’re not, they produce two quite different albeit pink looks. Once is Barbie on a ‘out there’ day and the other is Barbie on a down day. If Barbie puts you off, then you may not like these. They are pretty damn pink. I love the look each creates, and i love mixing them up with nuder shades to achieve a subtle shade too – so versatile! 

T – B: Chatterbox (Amplified) and Pink Nouveau (Satin)
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The New Braid?

The catwalks at the Spring 2011 shows featured something that i wasn’t initially too keen on…but i’m actually coming round to the idea now. 
Basket Weave is the new style of braiding, and has featured in quite a few shows including Alexander McQueen and Carolina Herrera. 
As complicated as it looks, i think its going to be the ‘do’ of the summer! Get practicing ladies x

Alexander McQueen
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Something To Wink About

If you have a Wink worth winking about, then show it off to the nation. Boots No7 are on the hunt for the UK’s ‘Best Wink’.

 Keeley Hawes is fronting the campaign.

To launch their new No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara, No7 are asking us ladies (and gents) to get a flirty wink on. The winner of the best flutter will bag themselves a pampering weekend, and lets face it, who would turn one of those down.

I don’t think my Wink attempts are quite up to scratch…but it was fun trying!

You can enter the No7 Best Wink Competition on their Facebook page here.