Beauty Launch: NARS Matte Multiples

As a Copacabana and Orgasm addict, I'm excited to hear that NARS is growing its range of cult Multiples sticks with the introduction of the NARS Matte Multiples collection, set to launch

Eve Lom Complexion - Skincare Meets Makeup

From the brand that brought you hero skincare products like the cult Eve Lom Cleansing Balm comes a skin-enhancing makeup line. Eve Lom Complexion builds on the beauty brand's skincare success and takes that knowledge a step further by introducing

DIARY DATE: Beauty Mart 50% Off Flash Sale

Outstanding, hero product bazaar, Beauty Mart is having a half price flash sale on

LCN Baked Apple Lipgloss - YUMMMMMMM

It's that warm, cosy, apple pie, cinnamon spice time of year again

Louise Gray for Topshop Makeup

OK so, as promised, following my earlier blog post on the awesome Louise Gray for Topshop clothing collection which launches in stores and online tomorrow, here's a look at some of her limited edition beauty line for Topshop Makeup which hits at the same time.

Louise Gray for Topshop Makeup includes glitter nail polishes (fine glitter orange 'Dart' and electric blue chunkier glitter 'Junkyard' polishes pictured here), mascara with the prettiest gold spotted packaging, a great bright pink lipstick in Legend, bold cheek colours like this 'Up In The Air' cream blush and some beautiful make up brushes.

There's also a Glitter Duo pack of hearts and sequin style spots (pictured here in 'Peacock') to stick in your hair as well as on your skin (think beauty spots, eyebrow adornments a la Bjork, etc or check out how Louise herself models the beauty range here for some inspiration.

Louise Gray for Topshop clothing and make up collections launch tomorrow at Topshop stores and online at www.topshop.com

Cute Candy Store Cases Launch In UK

I saw the new Candy Store range of accessories all made from colourful, lightweight silicone yesterday and came away with this fab little mirror compact (£10). The US brand has just launched in the UK and includes make up bags (£20) and coin purses (£9) too which the wipe-clean fabric lends itself to perfectly and all close with this super cute bobble snap clasp. They're relatively cheap and very, very cheerful. Me likey!

www.candystorestyle.com

Kipling's 'I AM' Bag Analysis Project featuring me!

It doesn't take an expert to work out that the contents of my handbag mean I carry too much stuff but when I was asked to take part in European bag and luggage brand Kipling's new 'I AM' campaign, where they would analyse the contents of my handbag from a photo, I thought it might be fun to see what all this stuff says about me and what's going on in my life right now (other than I need to edit).

So I tipped out my bag and, pictured above, boys and girls, is what I carry around with me - on a good day, at least. I'm still looking at this pic going "what? no tissues?? where are the pens?" etc. (I'm very much a 'just in case' kinda gal). I had to choose a word to describe what I was doing while I carried/lugged all this stuff about and finish the sentence 'I am...'.  After a lot more deliberation, discussion and thought than was probably necessary, I settled on 'I am pootling'. Cos that's what I do. I pootle. Simple as that.

When I have the professional's findings based on this photograph of one of my favourite handbags and the random toteable possessions contained within, I'll post them but for now, come get involved too! See the gallery of other bags pictured for the I AM project on Kipling's My Bag = I Am..? Pinterest board (mine's there to Like or Repin if you fancy), or submit your own via their Facebook page by clicking here.

PS. For anyone who's interested, the contents of my favourite (huge) old Marc by Marc Jacobs Aidan shoulder bag, are:- 

2 x notebooks from Artbox, Marc by Marc Jacobs turnlock coin purse, Gloomy Bear drawstring used as a mini make up bag and filled with a MAC eyeshadow quad compact, Benefit Bad Gal eyeliner, lippies from Chanel and Topshop Make Up, Nanoblur, Pixi Beauty concealer compact, Philosophy mineral powder foundation and MAC Wonder Woman lipstick (both now sadly discontinued), Marc Jacobs Lola solid perfume ring and it's little leather bag, Laura Mercier Coconut and Almond hand cream,  Coca-Cola flavoured Lip Smackers lip balm, Duane Reade aloe vera hand sanitiser, Philosophy Pure Grace roll on perfume, mock croc Marc Jacobs Oyster card holder, Fuji FinePix F600 EXR digital camera in a case from Artbox, giant Lip Smacker lip balm in Candyfloss, Extra chewing gum in Apple Pie flavour (nommmm), travel size leopard print compact Tangle Teezer hairbrush, Nintendo DS (I love a bit of Professor Layton), Power Monkey travel iPhone charger, Ugly Doll key chain, glasses and case from Warby Parker, Carmex Healing Lotion moisturiser, scraggy half used packet of Panadol, Scope breath spray, Caitlin Moran's 'How To Be A Woman' and my old iPad in its little Marc by Marc Jacobs Dreamy sleeping bag case.   Ow, my neck.  

OPI Minnie Mouse Nail Polish Collection Launches

Who doesn't love a bit of Minnie style? Any regular readers will know I sure do. OPI - who do the best colour collaborations IMHO - have just teamed up with Disney to release this Vintage Minnie Mouse nail lacquer collection which comprises four polishes in varying shades of the prettiest pinks.

From left to right we have...
Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It - a confetti-style heart shaped glitter confection
I'm All Ears - hot pink
If You Moust, You Moust - Sugary sweet bubblegum pink
The Colour of Minnie - A cheery, cheeky cherry colour

All shades are £11 each (and these babies last FOREVER - I'm still nowhere near half way through my Alice in Wonderland collab polish from 2010) and you can find stockist info as well as doing a virtual try on of the polishes via a clever little tool that allows you to adjust skin tone and pick shades and even crackle finishes, over at www.opi.com

Rainbow Nail Art - Step by Step 'How To' Guide

As promised in my Revlon 'Style of Wight' post last week, here's that step-by-step 'How To' guide to recreating these Rainbow nail designs created by Jessie J's go-to nail gal, Jenny Longworth, at home.


Step 1: Apply your base coat to make your nail art last longer and prevent staining.

Step 2: Apply your base colour - here Jenny uses Revlon Nail Enamel in 'Dreamer'. She advises doing this in three strokes - one down the middle, then another either side.

Step 3: Paint a Rainbow! Using a fine nail art brush start the Rainbow by painting the bottom tier on first being careful not to overload the brush (blot any excess on a tissue).

Step 4: Using the white as a guide, add in your additional brightly coloured rainbow stripes, layering them above the white. Once you've built up your confidence using these shades, add in a darker stripe under the white one. Don't worry if you go over the edge of the nail - you can tidy this up using a concealer brush dipped in nail varnish remover afterwards. Some of the lighter colours may need a second coat but you can tidy as you go.

Step 5: Finally, seal the deal with a top coat making sure to 'float' it over the nails so as not to drag the polish.



Jenny used the following Revlon products to create this look:
Basecoat - Nail Enamel in Dreamer, Whitest White, Fashionista, Siren, Fushia Fever, and Sassy - Nail Art Detailer Brush - Topcoat.

First Ever Hello Kitty Beauty Spa Opens In Dubai

This is too cute. Hello Kitty has just opened up it's first ever beauty spa - complete with Hello Kitty Cafe -in Jumeirah, Dubai. Aimed at kids and old-enough-to-know-better adults, the plush pink beribboned beauty parlour has a treatment menu tailored to the age of their clients with only organic, sensitive skin formulations being used on the youngsters, whilst there's some harder core professional treatments for women.  I think this may be too much even for me but still, AWWWWW. 

   

Head on over to www.gizmodiva.com for more pics and info.

Revlon 'Style of Wight' Festival Make Up Looks

I love make up but hate having to touch it up. I don't want to carry loads of products around, I never remember to bring my bag with me to the toilet anyway and I use all kinds of primer under waterproof everything in the hope it all just stays put.

Revlon seem to be thinking along the same lines as they've put together this 'Style of Wight Festival Survivial Kit' all ready for this weekend's Isle of Wight Festival where they're the official backstage make up experts this year. If, like me, you're into minimal effort, maximum staying power beauty - this is one for you.

Crack Revlon ace and celebrity make up artist, Lee Pycroft, knows the score, advising festival-goers to aim for a clean, dewy skinned look with an outdoorsy flush of colour. She says"Fake a modern, flawless glow and aim to hide the multitude of sins created by sleeping in a tent or partying too hard!”. 

Revlon PhotoReady Eye Brightener and Primer (£9.99) and their PhotoReady Crème Blush in Pink (£7.99) will take care of that, whilst the rest of the Revlon Style of Wight Festival Survival Kit is made up of  Just Bitten Kissable in 'Lovesick' (£7.99), Revlon Nail Enamel (£6.49) to cover up inevitably filthy festival nails, Revlon Liquid Quick Dry to seal your colour and prevent smudging (£6.49), PhotoReady 3D Mascara (£10.99) and ColorStay Liquid Eyeliner Pen £6.99.

Peacock nails!

In addition, top nail artiste and Revlon brand ambassador Jenny Longworth, whose clients include Jessie J, is creating various nail designs backstage. Three of my favs are pictured here - how cute are the rainbows below?? For those who like to go DIY, check back on Monday for a step-by-step guide on how to re-create the Rainbow nails at home.

Rainbow nail art - <3

For more info, stockists or to buy any of these products, visit www.revlon.co.uk or check their Facebook page over on www.facebook.com/RevlonUK

Starry Sky nail design

Diamond Jubilee Nails - Exquisite Silver Sparkles

I can't tell you how much I love my sparkly silver nails right now. They were an experiment as a nod to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations but now I just want them all the time.

They shine and catch the light in the most beautiful way - the delicate grown-up glitter of Avon's Nailwear Pro + Starry Night polish is unlike any other silver nail varnish I've ever tried before. It really is just like liquid silver.

I used a couple of coats, then followed with Boots' No.7 Stay Perfect Silver Glitter Top Coat, dabbing tiny pretty pailettes on in clusters like little sprinkles of diamante.

This gave an expensive, manicure feel to the look and, unlike other home nail art products I've tried, the gorgeous glitter finish doesn't leave your nails all bumpy and weird looking, they lie totally flat. #LOVE

Avon Starry Night silver Pro + nail enamel, currently £2.49 from £6.00 at www.avonshop.co.uk
No. 7 Glitter Top Coat in Silver (also available in Gold), £8 and currently part of a 3 for 2 offer at www.boots.com

Glossybox x Harrods Miniature Beauty inc. Burberry Lip Cover

Readers of my Huffington Post blog will already know how much I love Glossybox.  Being a sucker for anything tiny or trial size, this beauty service which collates five of the best new high end products around each month - and, btw, they're not always miniatures - totally speaks to me. Handy for travelling as well as trying out the latest goodies, Glossybox makes a great gift to yourself as well as for treating friends (boys or girls - they do men's versions too).

Scuse dodgy sideways pic - Blogger's obviously trying to be funny today

For a super luxe version, Glossybox have teamed up with the iconic London department store, to produce The Harrods Edition, which includes miniature skincare products from the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and Clarins. My favourite from the Harrods Glossybox is this purse-sized Burberry Lip Cover in Rosewood (pictured) - a densely moisturising lipstick in a universally flattering pink-tinged cinnamon shade which makes you look instantly more polished, even if the rest of your make up did only take two tube stops *ahem*.

Check www.glossybox.co.uk to sign up or for more info.

Revlon's Scented Nail Polish - A Commuter Essential

OK so you might think scented nail varnish is a bit childish - I can see that - but since I started using it last year it's become a key component in my commuter arsenal.  Stuck next to the smelly guy on the bus but too British to hold your nose? Strike a pose - holding collar/necklace, touching glasses and leaning on my hand are my winning moves - and let the fruity aromas waft from your nails to your nose, blocking out odours from less fragrant travellers.  The sparkling pink Grapefruit Fizz edition pictured above from the Revlon SS12 Scented Nail Enamel collection, is particularly delicious.  This new range of glittery polishes also comes in Grape (purple), Pineapple (yellow), Watermelon (cerise) and Orange. £6.49 each from Boots and currently 3 for 2. 

Missing! Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas Foundation with SPF 15

 * * * THIS IS A PUBLIC APPEAL FOR INFORMATION * * * 

This - Philosophy's The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas mineral foundation with SPF 15 - is my favourite every day foundation for all levels of quick and effective coverage.  You literally just bang it on your face and smudge in.  Not very technical, but that's basically what you do and you come out looking like you spent ages on your base.  So it's incredibly sad to hear that it's no longer available in the UK.  I've tried everywhere I can think of but still no joy finding any left in stock in the UK - has anyone stumbled across any in Natural Ivory (often just called 'Natural') please?  The US site has such an amazing range, I wish we got the same products here *sniff*

 * * * IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION PLEASE COME FORWARD * * *  

Sportmax Pastel Fade Heels & Matching Hair

I am so coveting these Tiffany blue/green coloured heels with the faded pastel heels from Sportmax that I saw in the Observer.  I'm not quite sure why but they make me want to lick them - maybe it's a subconscious ice cream type thing.  I'm really into fades at the moment from these heels to my hair which is currently an autumnal dark auburn fading through a variety of reds through to strawberry blonde ends that border on the colour of Fruit Salad Chewits, although I'm feeling one of these looks as my next hair move...  Check out Bleach London's site for more work-unfriendly hair dyespiration.

COO COO EYES: LUNA & CURIOUS X PAPERSELF BIRD PAPER EYELASHES

How incredible is this eyelash art from Luna & Curious x PAPERSELF?  

Made from paper and based on the Chinese craft of paper cutting, these eye catchingly intricate falsies are only £12 from my new favourite website, Culture Label (get involved, it's an amazing endeavour encouraging people to 'shop for the arts' with over 90% of every purchase goes straight back to their art partners).  Guaranteed to turn heads this Christmas Party season.

www.culturelabel.com

SPA 1851 - KIEHL'S OPENS ITS FIRST SPA

THE GOOD NEWS: Kiehl's, the all-American apothecary behind internationally recognised hero beauty products like the super moisturiser Creme de Corps body lotion and its incredible Lip Balm #1, has opened its first ever spa.

THE BAD NEWS: There's just the one (so far), and it's in NYC.

Cool, urban treatment room at Kiehl's new Spa 1851

The new Spa 1851, which opened last night, takes inspiration from the brand's heritage roots - including the location keeping to New York's East Side where Kiehl's first neighborhood pharmacy started out 160 years ago - although they have moved from the Lower to the Upper East.  Fancy.

Spa 1851 has services for men as well as women - click for the full treatment menu

Successfully fusing traditional skincare methods and ingredients with cutting edge technologies, as with the brand's products, Spa 1851's provides highly personalised treatments specially developed by Kiehl's innovative pharmacists and herbologists. Offering a range of tempting facials (all of which come with a free chest, neck and head hot oil massage - bliss), body treatments and massages, as well as mens grooming services (including haircuts - check out the sleek, retro chic of the hair salon in the pic above), I have everything crossed that they spread the Spa 1851 love to London very soon.

If you're in or visiting New York, as a massive fan of Kiehl's products - I particularly cannot function without my Ultra Tinted Facial Moisturiser for an everyday glow instead of foundation -  I just know this is going to be amazing.

Kiehl's Spa 1851 157 East 64th Street at Lexington Avenue. www.kiehls.com/spa1851

BEAUTY GETS LIPPY - VIOLENT LIPS TEMPORARY TATTOOS

Aren't these GREAT??!  Violent Lips tattoos are temporary lip art transfers that last 4-8 hours and wipe off with baby oil.  

Available from Selfridges at £10 for a pack of three lip appliques (all the same design).  Click here to see their full range.

SERIOUSLY MASSIVE SPACE NK SALE

Thriftysomething product junkies, prepare to rev up those bank cards...! 

The By Terry compact blushers, a former fash mag favourite, now £15 from £32

Premier beauty emporium Space NK is giving us the chance to snap up a host of premium products from discontinued lines with up to a whopping 75% off. 

Gorgeous 'Celebration' palette from Laura Mercier, £20 from £42 

This online-only sale started today but - as you can see from these examples - by the looks of some of the prices, it won't last long -  there's already a lot less available than there was this morning.

By Terry bronzer, £20 from £40

There are great items from the likes of Laura Mercier, Rodial, By Terry, Frederik Fekkai as well as Space NK's own eponymous lines.

Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache bath & body travel set, £15 from £29

Get browsing now on www.spacenk.co.uk if you fancy treating yourself or, if you're more organized, stocking up on a few gorgeous gifts.

Saccharum (Sugar Cane) candle from Carriere Freres Industrie, £15 from £30