Cosmetics and Beauty News (March 2013)

Feeling plucky?
Tweezerman, maker of some of the best tweezers in the industry, has adopted Lindsey Vonn as its brand ambassador, and in celebration, is running a contest to win around £80 of Tweezerman tools. I've already entered - and you should too! Just check out the Tweezerman website for details.

You give me fever
 Hay fever is no joke, and as spring and summer come into view, plenty of people will be getting their supply of clean hankies out - there are more than 10 million UK sufferers seeking relief each year. ESPA's Resistance Oil range, which can be used in the bath, tries to combat hay fever by including tea tree and eucalyptus to boost our natural defences against pollen and other environmental aggressors. Fumakilla's Pollen Face Spray could also be a good investment - its ion polymers reputedly stop pollen from entering the eyes and nose by creating an invisible veil over the face. It can be applied over makeup, and one bottle contains around 160 applications. Sufferers may also wish to investigate The Bakewell Soap Company's Beekeepers' Delight soap, which is aimed at highly sensitive skin and those suffering from skin ailments. Containing goats' milk, oats, jojoba oil, beeswax and organic honey, it could just help to keep you feeling lovely, rather than a snotty and irritated mess - and at £4.95 a bar, it also won't break the bank.



Extra special cosmetics
As someone whose skin tone has always been ludicrously pale, I've often had trouble with high street brands when it comes to finding foundations, concealers and powders that make a reasonable match with my skin. However, those in this situation need look no further than EX1 Cosmetics, which promises to supply those with "Asian and exotic skin tones", thanks to its provision of "bespoke shades from very fair to deep olive". Department store prices may no longer prevent you from purchasing products that actually suit you - and you can buy from a variety of online retailers at present, including Lookfantastic, HQHair, and Beauty Expert.

Spray you love me

Ladies with special birthdays coming up (like myself...cough) may be hoping for a high-quality fragrance as a gift. However, some feel that the art of scent-making has been lost over the years as the industry becomes ever more commercialised. Former VP of Chanel and Manager of Jo Malone, Dom de Vetta, definitely feels this way, and has teamed up with rising perfumer Julie Massé to create Shay and Blue, which has just launched at Harvey Nichols. Made with real flowers, fruits and spices, the perfumes promise to create rich opulent experiences that are made in England with skill and passion. Perfumes will be blended seasonally according to what's growing in the UK, and all will be sold in smoky blue glass bottles. The six scents that are currently available include Atropa Belladonna (incorporating cassis, narcissus and vanilla), Sicilian Limes (containing salt limes, rosemary and moss), and Suffolk Lavender (mixing lavender, melon and pine). And with prices from £30, they cost no more than commercial perfumes either.

Other unique perfume gifts are available from Anna Sui, whose tin houses are just too adorable to pass up. Secret Wish, Flight of Fancy, and Fairy Dance now come in collectable metal boxes that you can keep even when the perfume itself is long gone, transforming into jewellery boxes thanks to the handy hooks inside. For £36, you get a tin box and a 50ml Anna Sui fragrance.

Curl creation
We girls don't always style our hair as often as we'd like, mostly due to the time constraints wrought by over-complicated styles. However, John Frieda has just launched a video in an attempt to help women create curly hair easily - and, in celebration, has also started a competition whereby you can win weekends away, girls' nights out, and luxury meals. You'd be silly not to enter :)

Had enough. Period.
Some women manage to get through the time of the month with ease, but others (as I did when I started) have immobilising pains that make them throw up and keep them off school or work once a month, which not even prescription painkillers (such as mefenamic acid) can always touch. The Bowen Technique aims to combat cramps in a drug-free and non-invasive way thanks to specialised massage with regular rests throughout the 30-60 minute treatment. Knowing how much pain periods can cause, I would try anything to get on with my life, and would encourage any other sufferers to do so as well.

Magic matrixyl
Another chronically female concern is anti-ageing, and the beauty world has gone mad with the news that magic ingredient matrixyl is the only one to really have any effect. How far this is really the case can probably only be ascertained through detailed examination of the research involved; however, should anyone wish to capitalise on this discovery, several high street brands already contain matrixyl, such as the ranges by No7's Protect and Perfect, Sarah Chapman, Erno Laszlo, Docteur Renaud, Marks and Spencer, and Olay's Regenerist. Online shopping also offers up a wealth of possibilities: try Dr Lewinn, Medik8, NeoStrata, Skin Doctors, and DuWop.

Weight and see

Weight management is an equally perennial problem for the fairer sex. The latest product to help with this is the Malory Band, acting like a belt that you wear around your waist, underneath your clothes, to help remind you of your target weight and stop you from eating so much that you'll spend the rest of the afternoon feeling like a beached whale on the sofa. The belt's fabric is washable, durable, and can even be worn in the shower. It also comes with a unique buttonhole system, meaning the belt can be tightened as you lose weight - and by continuing to wear the band, you can maintain your weight once you've reached your target. Of course, you also use it in conjunction with eating well and regular exercise, making it one of the healthiest systems out there. 

Along Came Betty
Benefit's coy vintage style has been aped by several brands over the years, including The Vintage Cosmetic Company, Too Faced, Hard Candy, and Betty Hula. Another 'Betty', in the form of Along Came Betty, tries to appeal in the same way and is now available at Tesco, but manages to stand out on the shelf thanks to its deliberately over-dramatic black and white photographs on the pack, and lower price points (prices start from £4.99). You never know when a cheaper alternative might be better than your usual product - and you haven't got much to lose by trying this cute brand.

We're off to see the wizard
With the recent release of Oz The Great and Powerful, OPI has released a line of nail polishes inspired by the film, all with Oz-like names: Lights of Emerald City, When Monkeys Fly, and Which is Witch? are just a few of them. All are priced at £11.50, but you can get a special set of 4 mini polishes for £13.95, which is a great way to test-drive a few at a lower price (specifically I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints of Glinda, and What Wizardry Is This?). All together now: there's no place like home... 

Also on the nail varnish scene are gel polishes, with brands like COLLECTION leading the way. Hopefully a long-lasting high-shine finish is now available even for ladies who don't want to ruin their nails! COLLECTION's range of 15 colours is out in May and will cost just £3.20 per bottle. 

Our darling dads
While all of the above would make great gifts for mums, it's important to not forget our dads (especially with Fathers' Day on the approach in June). If your dad is into male grooming, you could try Crabtree and Evelyn's new sets, which contain shaving essentials and muscle soaks to name just a few and start from £8. The scents available are Sandalwood, Nomad, and West Indian Lime - not to mention the classic Gardeners range, providing gifts for surely every lifestyle.

Also available is ManCave Natural Grooming, which prices its vegan products (which all contain at least 12 essential oils) from a mere £3.99. With borage to moisturise, caffeine to energise, and willow bark to fight bacteria, high-quality products such as these will with luck ensure that our dads are kept in tip-top condition, and therefore there for us for a long time yet.

Be Zen
One of the most important things in life is surely to "keep calm and carry on". Naturally there are a host of products offering to help us do this, such as the recently-launched B/Attitude natural skincare products for face and body, which promise to fuse ancient traditions with sensory experiences thanks to ingredients such as ginseng, passion flower, juniper and green tea. Another brand, Caldrea, tries a similar tack with its aromatherapeutic line, which uses botanicals that include linden flower, angelica, and chia. These essential oils hopefully work on our minds as well as our bodies - as when our looks decay, it's only our minds we're left with. Wishing you a peaceful April :)

Cosmetics Contemplations: Summertime, and the living ain't easy

As the days get lighter and the nights get shorter, we're reminded that summer is almost upon us. Not that you'd know it from the snow/wind/rain/general coldness we've been having, but I know deep down that before I can say "school's out for summer" the IGCSE and IB exams will be underway and I'll be trying to teach and control my sweat patches at the same time, while simultaneously wondering just how to stop my makeup sliding off my face and my students skipping school.

The truth is that I really don't like summer, which is basically like saying you don't like dolphins or Crunchies or teddy bears (thanks, Marian Keyes, for that analogy). I prefer winter fashions and winter food. I don't like being hot, or being woken up by birdsong at 5.00 in the morning when I know my alarm is not due to go off for another hour and a half. And, as mentioned, summer brings its own specific set of beauty bugbears, such as the ongoing attempt to keep excess body hair at bay. 

So since being a hermit for the summer months is not an option, how can we limit feeling and looking like hot sticky messes, knowing that we'll never look like those girls in catalogues who frolic flawlessly on beautiful beaches while sporting the latest fashions? Here's a few of my tips now, so that you can start investing before it gets too hot:

1. Get yourself a decent deodorant. Mitchum, plus those 48-hour ones, are generally reliable. Hit the pound shops for savings, or wait until other retailers have their own deals on.
2. Go for sleeveless tops. This will help to keep sweat patches to a minimum. If you must cover up later (to protect you from the sun, or to keep warm in the evening), go for a shawl, or for a shirt made from a sheer fabric so that sweat patches will be less visible or avoided completely.
3. Go for long-lasting makeup so that you can go all day without touching up, whether you're at a pool party, the beach, or work (ew). Especially recommended are 17 Tattoo Me liquid eyeliner, Benefit's Stay Don't Stray primer, and Clinique's BB cream.
4. Set with bronzer. Helps with making your makeup last longer, and can be used all over your body to give a sun-kissed glow from day one. I like Agnes B's offerings, but other more experienced bronzer aficionados will undoubtedly be able to offer more suggestions that are more readily available.
5. Buff your body. Exfoliators will get rid of impurities, such as sweat, that may be sitting on the top layer of the skin just waiting to clog pores. Plus, it creates a smoother base for makeup and body lotions, prevents ingrown hairs, and makes waxing less painful. Those by Purity Organic and Lush are good value.
6. Moisturise. This not only (like exfoliating) helps to create a smoother surface for makeup to cling to and improves conditions for waxing, but also helps prevent sun damage - especially if you choose a moisturiser containing a sun protection factor. Try products by Neutrogena and Oxy for face, and products by Jergens and Astral for body.
7. Avoid heat styling. Hairdryers and straighteners are bad enough for your hair as it is, but the sun, sea and chlorine in the summer could make your hair even worse. So lay off the heat styling tools, and either towel dry your hair or leave it to dry naturally after washing. If you really can't resist, make sure you use heat defense sprays to offset some of the damage.
8. Go to the salon for a wax. While shaving is cheap and painless, and bleach can hide darker hair growth, these methods require repeated use, sometimes daily. Even though waxing means you might have to grit your teeth, it's worth it to know that you'll get through your beach holiday without the fuzz creeping up on you before you've had time to blink.
9. Get down to the gym, or out to your local park for a run, or to your nearest pool for a swim. There's a chance you'll look better by the summer if you do (at best) - and at worst, you'll feel better and will have used your time productively.
10. Protect your eyes. Use sunglasses, even if you're just on your way to work. You only get one set of eyes and squinting is never a good look. If you wear glasses regularly anyway, and like me you can't stand contacts, invest in a prescription pair.
11. Get a pedicure - feet are the hardest body parts to keep looking lovely. They're also better value than a manicure, as we do less with our feet and so the polish tends to stay on the nails longer. Better yet, to save cash, have a friend or family member do yours, and then return the favour!
12. Use sunscreen - sunburn is not a good look and skin cancer won't be either in years to come. My faves are lotions by Piz Buin and Vichy; shop online for the best deals.

Cosmetics and Beauty News (February 2013)

Have an environmentally friendly Mothers' Day
Still searching for that perfect Mothers' Day gift in time for March 10th? Look no further than Environ's gift set, which promises to protect skin from environmental aggressors and fight ageing simultaneously. Its four 20ml products and one 50ml product allegedly give "real results" thanks to their vitamin-packed formulae, and the sizes are convenient for travel too. However, it's not easy to order, as you usually have to go through an Environ consultant, but do check www.iiaa.eu for stockists, or try websites such as Care Concept, Touch of Skincare and Ebay.

You could also try Beau Choix for your gifts this year, specifically its Nahbi Gold range, which features masks, cleansers, moisturisers, toner, and serum containing gold nano-particles. Claiming to reduce fine lines, heal sun damage, brighten skin and reactivate elasticity, the products also contain organic green tea and frankincense extracts. With products starting from £25, it's affordable too. Mums can try the deep cleansing 10-day Sheet Mask Set for this price - and why not get one for yourself too?

Tales of London
In a similar vein to Molton Brown's Global Heroes set, Ashleigh and Burwood has now set out to express a little bit of London in a range of scents for the home. The Tales of London range consists of six scents, each named after various London neighbourhoods, and all are available in candle and reed diffuser form. Covent Garden evokes its famous flower markets thanks to notes of rose, jasmine, galbanum and rosemary, while Knightsbridge goes for fresh and sophisticated with moss, ginger, basil, grapefruit and lime. Buckingham uses rose, mandarin, bergamot, and patchouli to create an air of decadence and royalty, and Westminster continues the historic theme with black pepper, amber and lemon. Piccadilly is more playful with vanilla, tonka bean, candy floss, freesia and peach, and Portobello completes the range with mimosa, cardamom and musk. Definitely sounds better than the smell of cigarette smoke that pervades our apartment block...

Sustainable spray
Speaking of the banishment of bad smells, some of you have probably already seen the adverts on TV extolling the virtues of the incredible shrinking deodorant cans in the brands made by Unilever (Sure, Dove and Vaseline). The new compressed aerosol contains the same amount of deodorant as exists in the normal-sized cans, but contains less propellant, and thus takes up 50% less space in your bathroom cabinet. The smaller can also reduces the amount of aluminium and the carbon footprint of each can by 25%, and the fact that more can be transported at once also means a reduction of Unilever lorries on the road by 35%. As one famous retailer says, every little helps...

Gimme a head with hair, long beautiful hair 
Ever heard of the Brazilian blow-dry? London's Michaeljohn Salon has now launched a formaldehyde-free alternative, the Biolustre Revamp Smoothing Treatment. Specially formulated to rebuild weakened hair, it's a treatment for damaged locks that's packed with replenishing keratin to make hair feel nourished, shiny and soft for up to 14 weeks. Its patented polymer links the keratin with the hair to create a permanent protective seal that penetrates the hair shaft and bonds to the hair's inner cortex. This sounds perfect for hair like mine that gets greasy at the roots but dry everywhere else - but sadly it's only available in their Mayfair salon as yet, and not as a commercial product for at-home use.

However, it's far less expensive than another of the latest innovations to hit my inbox recently. Truffle, by Fuente, is a shampoo and hair conditioner system that uses diamond dust, meteorite and white truffle to create an 'intelligent' product that restores every hair type to top condition. The ingredients contain minerals that are extremely suited to human hair and scalps, and took four years to develop into a usable at-home formula. All of these top ingredients come at a price, though - the shampoo and conditioner set costs £275 for half a litre of product.

Much more within budget is FAST - a fortified amino scalp therapy that promises to almost double the rate of hair growth. Great for people like me whose hair grows slowly, FAST took 15 years to develop and is suitable for all hair types (e.g. curly) and people (men, women and children). I'd love to see my hair grow at the extra 2 inches a month it proposes, and at £24.99 for 600ml, it's luxurious without being out of reach for the recommended daily use. It's also completely organic and paraben-free, which is a bonus for those who consider these aspects to be important. I'll definitely be checking it out during my next visit to the UK.

Not just a pretty face

I'm already enamoured with new brand Wild About Beauty, and they've just launched their newest collection, which includes limited edition nail varnishes, and a palette entitled Safari Nights. Featuring corals, pistachios and bronzes, these new shades should see you through the spring and into the summer season. The polishes, named Flora, Martin and Tanwen, are free of traditional nail varnish ingredients such as formaldehyde and toluene, and the paraben-free multi-functional Safari Nights palette features gold and copper eyeshadows in powder and cream formats, as well as nude highlight, blush and lip colours to suit any skin tone. But it's about more than just the face, with Wild About Beauty donating £4 to the Born Free Foundation from the sale of every Safari Nights palette.

Also new on the cosmetics block this season is Clinique's Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes, which follows the international success of the Chubby Stick for lips. Ever-practical and available in a range of candied hues, they're out now at £19 each. Make sure you don't miss out!

In addition, two beauty brains have recently launched an online version of beauty concept BeautyMART. Anna-Marie Solowij (beauty writer) and Millie Kendall (of Ruby and Millie fame) have created magazine-style pages that play on a loop, featuring must-have products backed up by expert tips. Unlike with a magazine, however, you can shop straight from the page - and to me this sounds like an important future step for the magazine industry.

The best of British
Spa brand ESPA has recently announced that it has joined forces with the English National Ballet to create new products and improve existing ones. With both focusing on British heritage, and on quality performance beautifully delivered, this seems like a perfect partnership, and natural next stage for ESPA in the light of their previous collaborations with artists: past links have included chocolatier William Curley and designer Julie Verhoeven. Dancers have been busily testing products and providing feedback to shape ESPA's future offerings, with the brand's Replenishing Facial Oil and Soothing Bath Oil already receiving compliments. Waiting with bated breath to see what the second act holds for this duet.

Exposure to second-hand smoke reduced - but still too high

The latest European Commission report on smoke-free environments finds that we are doing well in terms of cutting down second-hand tobacco smoke, but still could do better. Twenty-eight per cent of Europeans were exposed to second-hand smoke in bars in 2012, which is a massive reduction compared to 2009's 46%. The report also shows that the economic impact of indoor smoking bans has been limited, neutral, and even positive over time; however, some member states are still lagging behind in terms of regulation and subsequent enforcement. According to conservative estimates, over 70,000 adults in the EU died due to exposure to tobacco smoke in 2002, with many of them being non-smokers who were exposed to second-hand smoke in the workplace - so any reduction does signify real progress. Happily, all member states report that they have adopted measures to protect citizens against exposure to tobacco smoke, although enforcement is still a problem in some places. If you care about the health of your friends and family, you'll stop smoking - or at least stop smoking around them.

Cosmetics and Beauty News (January 2013)

Bejewelled, British style
I don't often post about jewellery and accessories on here - but in the interests of supporting a new British business, I thought I'd draw your attention to Heather and Grace's new range of stunning yet affordable jewellery. With pearl-effect bracelets priced at just £5, you can also get your mitts on other Accessorize-style bits and bobs, including brooches, earrings and badges. A perfect gift for any occasion - and you'll be supporting an independent business to boot. 

Brushing your way to beauty
We all know that we should brush our teeth regularly, and that many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes for the deepest possible clean. It therefore doesn't surprise me that a new market is now opening up for toothpastes that are designed to work with your electric toothbrush for an even brighter smile. Theramed Pro Electric is just one of these, offering three low-abrasive silica toothpaste types depending on your needs (whitening, active clean, and sensitive). This is all very well if these toothpastes genuinely do offer something different to conventional brands - but with a price point of around £2.99 (which is roughly the same as that of normal toothpaste), I'd hazard that electric toothbrush users have little to lose by trying Theramed's version. I'll definitely be trying to get my paws on some, given that my attempts to whiten my teeth are invariably a part of my daily routine in any case.

Everything fades away...
...so runs a song by Mariah Carey. With luck, her new OPI collection won't fade too fast! This leading nail brand has teamed up with the popstrel to create eight new nail shades. The new collection includes four new Sand Lacquers for a matte yet textured finish, with added reflective sparkle, and the sultry yet innovative colours available (black with red sparkles, anyone?) should mean there is something for everyone. The collection of four mini Sand Lacquer shades is also priced at an affordable £12.95, making for a cheerful treat come payday.

Nail trends of 2013
The nail world is changing all the time, and while in 2011 gels were all the rage, and in 2012 it was all about wraps, some exciting new concepts are coming to the fore for 2013. For instance, China Glaze has launched a nail lacquer called Tranzitions, which reacts when a clear top coat is applied, creating a new second colour. This allows all sorts of patterns to be created with just one swipe of the brush. Both possible shades are indicated on the neck of the bottle, so no surprises - making for a fabulously innovative follow-up to similar products (such as No7's Stay Perfect Matte Top Coat). 

Even more creative is the concept of nail varnish rental. This sounded a bit too wacky to work when I first heard about it, but the more I consider it, the more it makes sense. Lacquerous, which launched officially at the end of 2012, allows you to rent the latest designer nail colours for a fraction of their retail value. All bottles are hygienically cleaned and sterilised before loan, and you must send them back in good condition at the end of the loan period, or risk being charged the full RRP. Alternatively, should you wish to keep the varnish, you can choose to pay the full retail value anyway. To my mind this is brill: how many of us have got too many old varnishes languishing in drawers that we can't bear to throw out? This system helps to alleviate ennui, be on trend, eliminate waste, and provide the opportunity for purchase if liked. Lamentably, it's only available in the US at present, but I can see the concept taking off on these shores soon. A solution to a first-world problem if I ever saw one.

At-home skin rituals
It's normal to sit at home feeling rubbish during January: I've already been signed off work for two days thanks to a shocking cold/flu/plague type thing, and have just had a lovely night in the toilet due to food poisoning or possibly even gastroenteritis (if the pharmacist down the road is to be believed). But there's no need to pay silly money to go to a spa to make yourself feel better, as with BareMinerals you can do it for free. Facialist Abigail James, who has fifteen years' experience, is working with BareMinerals to provide tutorial videos that can be viewed from the comfort of your home. This has the added benefit of you being able to see what BareMinerals' new January products (Multi Wrinkle Repair Serum, Extra Firming Neck cream & Intensive Glow Pads Brightening Treatment) look like on before shelling out the requisite cash.

It's actually quite easy being green
Contrary to Kermit the Frog, being green has got ever easier over the past few years due to the proliferation of now-iconic brands such as Green People. They're also helping to look after us during the winter months thanks to their newest line of body products. Their £19.95 body butter contains a host of good things, including cranberry, rosehip and pomegranate oils; omega 3 and 6; and Fairtrade lemongrass and rosemary. All of this promises to improve elasticity, reduce scars, anti-age, and protect dry skin. Also available is their sugar scrub at the same price, which, as well as helping to slough away dead skin cells, also contains moisturising agents such as shea butter. Both are certified organic, too, getting you off to a great start in 2013. Vaseline's Intensive Rescue range is equally indispensable in winter: with prices kicking off at just £2.99, their range of body lotions, repair balms and hand creams come with a sun protection factor, which is just as important in the colder months.

Sunday Sanctuary
In spite of all the great at-home products listed above, there are also some excellent free options, such as the Sunday Sanctuarys at Bar Galante on Sloane Avenue. Ladies can come along every Sunday between 1pm and 3pm and be pampered gratis with products from Bliss Spa, as well as being treated to classic films, Champagne Bellinis, and Argentinian canapés. Slippers and dressing gowns will also be available for use. To book your place, email rsvp[at]bargalante[dot]com - if I lived in London, I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Saving sharks with Chantecaille
Chantecaille's makeup palettes are well-known for their philanthropic aspect, and their latest one is no exception: 5% of the sales of their Save The Shark eye and cheek palette will go to conservationist group BLOOM. Inspired by spring runway colours and the freshness of the ocean, the palette consists of four cool shades: Great White (beige), Grey Reef (sandy grey), Black Tip (ocean blue) and Sea Anemone (coral). 

You're beautiful
Should you be wishing to start dropping hints to loved ones on the approach of the next big occasion in your life (or simply 'just because'), look no further than the packages offered by Michaeljohn Salon and Medispa: available exclusively in February, all packages (starting price £100) include a shampoo, cut and finish, a manicure, and a pedicure. Those willing to splash out on the £200 package also receive a bikini wax, eyelash tint and eyebrow threading session in addition to this. For those who just want to stay in the spa, the £140 package provides a warm oil massage with a manicure and pedicure. For an extra £15, the massage is replaced by a revitalising facial. For £200, you get all four, along with an eyelash tint and brow shape. Finally, the £150 package combines the best of both with a manicure, pedicure, salon blow dry, and a professional makeup session. I can assure you that these packages are top value (based on the eye-watering price of treatments here...), and that you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Fragrance news
The latest addition to Molton Brown's "Navigations Through Scent" series has just been announced, with Mahina taking inspiration from the sun-soaked lifestyle of Tahiti. Continuing with the concept of the unisex scent, Mahina uses tiare, vanilla and cedarwood to create a balanced fragrance for men and women. To celebrate the launch, Molton Brown has teamed up with Beach Tomato to offer lucky competition winners a 7-night trip to Tahiti, with goody bags for runners-up. Perfect for escaping the drizzle!

Other gorgeous-looking perfumes that have just hit the shelves include Guess Girl (raspberry nectar, melon, bergamot), Heidi Klum Surprise! (mandarin, pink pepper, benzoin), and Halle Berry Closer (waterlily, violet, cashmere musk).

Beating Botox parties
Worryingly little regulation exists regarding who can and cannot administer anti-ageing treatment Botox, leading to the existence of 'Botox parties' thanks to the proliferation of DIY kits for sale online. I've spoken before about my worries that people out there are actually stupid enough to consider injecting their own faces - and that web services are actually willing to facilitate this at-home idiocy. Thankfully, the Royal College of Surgeons agrees, and they too have spoken out against this lack of legislation. They call for a formal body to cover aesthetic practice and to see dermal fillers reclassified as medical devices, in order to ensure safety. In my view, the sooner this comes along, the better.

Cosmetics and Beauty News (December 2012)

Santa baby, slip a spa day under the tree (belatedly)
Forgotten someone this Christmas? The Sanctuary Spa Day, £155, could be the answer to your prayers. Including full use of Covent Garden spa facilities for a day, the lucky recipient can also benefit from a 55-minute treatment of choice (including the Muscle Melt Massage and the Serenity Dreamtime Float, to name just a few of the options available). The gift card for the spa day also comes with the Sanctuary Ultimate Body Revival Gift Set, which is worth £20. And, what's more, the voucher can be sent straight to the receiver's inbox, meaning you needn't waste another second in making up for your slight lapse in organisation this Crimbo. Plus, it can be a great way to brighten up a dull January (the month of austerity and diets...ew).

Roq-ing around the Christmas tree?
Labs around the country are already beginning to surprise us with the latest developments for 2013. This particular new discovery, which comes from scientists working in Cambridge, could help with anti-ageing thanks to the anti-inflammatory qualities of a surprising food source: Roquefort. The cheese develops these anti-inflammatory factors during the ripening process, and these factors perform best in acidic environments, such as the skin surface. It is increasingly believed that sub-clinical inflammation is behind ageing, and the paper released by researchers suggests that regular consumption of Roquefort and other fermented cheeses like it (such as Camembert) could be behind the French population's low cardiovascular mortality rate, as the cheeses' anti-inflammatory properties can also have a positive effect on the buildup of plaque on arterial walls. Hopefully this means we'll all be roq-ing around the Christmas tree (groan) well into the new year. 

Witch skincare should I choose this year?
We all over-indulge at Christmas, and it's possible that this could take its toll on our skin, along with over-heated workplaces contrasted with cold weather outside. Witch wants to help with its range of products that could prep your face for the new year. Their Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash promises to help rejuvenate with natural exfoliants, while the classic Witch Blemish Stick uses pure witch hazel to try to kick blemishes into touch. Finish with Anti-Blemish Cream to care for your whole face, before using Witch's Anti-Blemish BB Cream afterwards in place of foundation (this one's already one of the range's top sellers despite only being out for three months). On the move? No problem: their Cleansing and Toning Wipes can pick up the pieces. And the best part? This shouldn't hit anyone's New Year budget too hard, with all products priced between £3.05 and £6.99. I'm trying to save up as much as anyone (aiming for 10k by the end of 2013!) and every little helps :-)

When the lights go out all over Europe

Cigarettes in 2014?

As per its decision on December 19th, the European Commission looks set to follow through on its promise to revise the Tobacco Products Directive, which involves strengthening and clarifying the rules regarding how tobacco is manufactured, presented and sold. Large pictorial health warnings will be mandatory on cigarette packets and roll-your-own products, and flavoured products may also face the axe. Internet and other cross-border sales will also see tougher regulations. My interest in this new legislation is something I've made clear in the past - not just due to history in my own family, but also as part of my role as teacher, where I regularly see students as young as 13 (and probably younger ones that I don't know about) taking up smoking. It is my fervent wish that one day it will become so unfashionable that I never see young people smoking again.

COMME DES GARCONS PARFUMS AMAZINGREEN x POSTMATTER.COM DEMO from MERI Media on Vimeo.

Comme des Garçons, comme des kaléidoscopes
A lot of culture these days seems to be all about multi-sensory experiences: think about Fabrice Hyber's lipstick sculpture (that of course, smells strongly of the stuff and had people's fingerprints all over it when I went to visit it) and dinner at Berlin's Unsicht-Bar, where you famously eat in the dark. Fragrance brand Comme des Garçons aims to do just that by extending its new perfume campaign with a kaleidoscopic display online. The new scent, called Amazinggreen, features wild leaves, coriander, and white musk, and is intended to be complemented by the display featured by iPad-exclusive magazine POST. Conceptualized as a 3D rainforest journey, the audience controls the display through their own computer cursor.

Healing our hair
My hair is really the bane of my beauty regime after my skin. Getting it cut and conditioned professionally is so expensive, and I'm constantly fighting between greasy roots and dry ends, with my hair never seeming to have the Pantene-style gloss that my sister-in-law seems to sport effortlessly. High-quality at-home products are therefore a must, and Unite's latest offerings, under the U LUXURY label, are definitely tempting. Its healing shampoos and conditioners contain argan oil, white honey, and crushed pearl, all of which are rich in regenerating calcium, magnesium, and amino acids. Many celebrities are already fans of the brand - including Victoria Beckham and Eva Longoria - and now you can get hold of it too, via several salons in London. The rest of the country is sure to follow once people realise that this is hopefully the hottest property for our hair this year.

Shower-time swirls
And finally, for a little more luxury this 2013 (you know I'm big on it), I present to you Dove's Crème Mousse Body Wash, which thanks to a series of cock-ups by the French postal service has not yet reached me in sample form. This sounds to die for thanks to its thick, non-drip formulation and luxurious feel, and a perfect addition to the Dove body creams that I've already had the pleasure of test-driving this winter. Even if I don't get to test it, I urge you to. 

Cosmetics and Beauty News (November 2012)

 OPI falls through the sky 

In celebration of new Bond release Skyfall, OPI have released a limited nail collection exclusive to shopping channel QVC. Comprising four limited edition shades plus the award-winning Nail Envy treatment, the kit represents excellent value at £28 (or under £6 per product). Perfect for creating bold statements and polished glamour this winter, I can't wait to try out the new shades, which are cleverly named after Bond films. You Only Live Twice is a pink/red concoction, while The Living Daylights allows you to add glitter to any shade. Casino Royale is a classic purple, and On Her Majesty's Secret Service should take you from work to nights out thanks to its cool blue/grey shimmer. A fabulous Christmas gift for the female Bond fan in your life!

Lift your life with Lebanon

If, like me, you're constantly on the look-out for the hottest new perfume on the block, look no further than Reem Acra's Eau de Parfum. Lebanese couturiere and bridal designer Reem has harnessed the powers of perfumer Pierre Negrin to create her signature scent, which includes ginger, peach and orange notes. The beautiful gold bottle is embellished with a dove pattern and would look lovely on any dressing table in 2013.   

On a quest for quality of life

As well as just being fun to use, evidence is emerging that cosmetic products and good physical appearance could even significantly improve your quality of life (or QOL). The authors of the study, which has been published in the Archives of Dermatology, have even developed a new QOL measuring instrument called BeautyQol, which has been tested on more than 3200 subjects across the world. The instrument is said to provide one overall QOL score as well as five sub-scores for social life, self-confidence, mood, energy and attractiveness, and allows the impact of cosmetics on QOL to be scientifically measured. This means that comparisons between populations, products and situations could now be possible, making for interesting developments in marketing and the genesis of new products. Pilot studies have already been carried out in relation to pigmentary disorders and oily skin, among other parameters. By measuring how much cosmetic products improve QOL, BeautyQol allows to evaluate how much they also improve general health, according to the World Health Organization definition of health: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". The BeautyQol instrument is also going to be adapted to more countries in order to better assess cultural differences in the use of cosmetic products. If this gets off the ground it could be fabulous in terms of helping people everywhere to balance their well-being; for the moment it does sound expensive, however.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Details of new Christmas collections have continued to flood my inbox this November. One thing to watch out for is Heyland & Whittle's Orange Spice Collection, which promises to spice up this festive season with all kinds of holiday accessories, including reed diffusers (from £16) and candles (from £12). The zesty orange scent, which contains cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, promises nothing but joy. For gifts for the younger members of your family, try looking to the iconic Pineapple Dance Studios, which have just launched three new fragrance gift set ranges at Boots. Try the Choose Dance scent for something fresh, the fruity and refreshing Studio 79, or the simply-named Pineapple for those who prefer the soft, floral and feminine. Containing 50ml of fragrance, 100ml of body lotion and 100ml of body wash, these are fab value at £13 each. At a similar price, Crabtree and Evelyn's sparkling Christmas choices would be perfect for anyone in their mid-twenties or older: their £9 shimmer lip gloss comes in three shades, and their Golden Petals Body Nectar and Bath & Body Wash start at £12.

And, for really lightning-speed Christmas gifts, the uber-time-pushed can always visit Harvey Nichols' beauty vending machine, which is part of their fourth-floor BeautyMART. With clever kits and quick picks just fingertips away, you can choose from over 100 iconic beauty brands as a gift to your loved ones - or yourself.

App-tastic
If you're looking to pep up your smartphone in preparation for the party season, look no further than Mobile Makeover, which offers access to over 50 step-by-step makeup and hair tutorials, each created by a professional makeup artist or hair stylist. These include photographs, instructions and recommended products, and cover everything from everyday looks to high-impact fashion. You can even search by occasion and skin tone, and check your final look using the mirror function, so that you can be confident in the results. While sadly not yet available for Blackberry (my phone of choice), if it were, I would definitely get one, as for £1.50 it sounds well worth the cash.tylist in your pocket, for less than a price of a lipstick.

Websites to watch

I'm always looking for innovative new beauty retailers, and Mumpreneur has just given its gold award to one that sounds like it fits the bill, with Cocktail Cosmetics being a one-stop shop for organic, natural, vegan, and niche beauty brands. Another one that I like the sound of comes in the form of Lucy Victoria, which specialises in products that aren't widely available in the UK, currently carrying products from Bath and Body Works mainly. However, they have plans to expand to include other popular brands, such as Victoria's Secret and CO Bigelow. I'm just waiting for them to start stocking Helena Rubinstein and Prescriptives: two of my faves that are no longer sold in Britain. However, being a big Bath and Body Works fan means they're already on my watch list - and they should be on yours too.

From spa to you
If you have serious money to burn, you could also consider investing in an Aureus luxury massage couch this season. A bespoke piece of furniture designed to complement the design of your home, but when I say serious money, I mean serious: prices start at £12,000, which I suspect is beyond the reach of most of this blog's readers (not to mention this writer!).

More affordable is the £60 Dream On massage, as recently launched by Spa & Massage to promote healthy sleep patterns. Integrating reflexology, Swedish massage and head massage, with the use of organic lavender oil, it promises to combat some of the most common contributors to a troubled night's sleep. Massage is proven to increase the body's production of serotonin, which in turn helps to stabilise melatonin levels and restore circadian rhythms to improve the length and quality of sleep. With just five clinics in the UK, though - and all of them in London - this will also only reach a fairly limited audience. However, as someone who regularly has trouble with sleep, just about anything appeals: even if I have to travel and/or spend in order to get it.

But even this is not always necessary to help calm anxiety and relax the muscles: sometimes all you need is a bottle of Palmer's, a willing helper, and one of these - a combination which really helped to relieve my twisted shoulder just the other night, and all for a darn sight less than £60.

We got retro style

Perhaps what the above shows is that sometimes the most traditional methods can be best, and it appears that this is something also espoused by Along Came Betty, which takes its inspiration from 1950s Hollywood stars. With luxurious ingredients that promise high-performance benefits, the recently-expanded range of products is sure to have something to help every starlet this season. I've personally got my eye on their Pore.fectly Clean range (from a mere £3.99), which would be perfect in helping me banish excess oil from my perpetually clogged skin. Another big plus is this range's antioxidant content: amazing for those who, like me, are trying to combat spots and ageing simultaneously. I also fancy testing their B Brilliant BB Cream (£5.99) and comparing it to the battalions of blemish balms that I've already tested this year. Given that it's available at Tesco, you can even pop it in with your weekly shop.

In an equally fun retro twist, Betty Boop has been chosen as the face of Lancôme's newest mascara, Hypnôse Star, which should make for some eye-catching ads on my commute. Build up the layers so that you can go from fresh and luminous in the daytime to glamorous and intense at night; Betty even shows you how to do it here. 

For your pre-tox

In the run-up to Christmas I try to "pre-tox", as a means of limiting the damage that the season will surely bring my way. This covers my diet, but also extends to my skin. One thing that could help is Aduna's baobab, brought from rural Africa to the shelves of Britain’s most prestigious department store, Harrods, as well as Planet Organic, Revital and Nutricentre. Baobab is a 100% natural, nutrient-dense raw wholefood with one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any fruit in the world - and Aduna has made this pure, nutritious supplement available in three different formats with its Feel Good Fruit range. As I'm feeling a little rough around the edges at the moment thanks to a sore throat, it sounds like it could be a welcome addition to my day on several fronts - and the African women who've used it to boost well-being and general health for centuries surely can't be wrong. With prices from £17.99, it's not cheap, but it's still affordable, and definitely not prohibitively out of reach for most.

Valentine's Day at Tesco

You wouldn't believe that the big firms are already dropping Valentine's Day press releases into my inbox, but they are. Tesco is already working on its range of beauty gifts for two months' time, releasing beautiful images of its Calcot Manor bath and body care ranges. With hand and body lotions promising the perfect day, and with prices from just £3.99, there's plenty to love about this Valentine's collection.

Boosting business in 2013

Also to look forward to in the new year is the opening of L'Oréal's largest factory to date. No matter what people say about L'Oréal, you can't accuse them of not boosing the economy with their 66000m² building in West Java, Indonesia. Having already invested €100m in the project, I hope that the high standards of investment will continue with L'Oréal paying their new employees correctly. The company's executive vice-president of operations hopes that it will be a new production hub for South-East Asia and to supply the region with "products with superior quality and value.”  The new facility means there are now 43 L'Oréal factories worldwide, with the Java factory alone set to produce 200 million units, with the hope of eventually producing 500 million units per year. The entire factory has been built according to US standards of excellence, sustainability, and safety, and will employ 450 people. The levels of poverty that exist in some areas of Indonesia are appalling - and I hope that L'Oréal's business projects in the country will also prompt other companies to invest, as this can be the first step in lifting poor countries to a better future.

Tis the season to be pale

The negative effects of sunbed use are already well-known, and a GP from the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors is now publicly supporting a ban on young people using them, following the publication of a new report that suggests that hundreds of thousands of skin cancer cases are caused by them every year. The review, entitled 'Indoor tanning and non-melanoma skin cancer' and published in the British Medical Journal, claims that each tanning session increases skin cancer risk by 1.8%, and adds that the risk increases for under-25s. The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers the process "carcinogenic to humans", and Dr John Tanqueray agrees, stating that over recent years he has "noticed more skin cancers occurring at a younger age than before," and that "sunbeds are contributing to this." At least three of his patients have asked for laser treatment to remove a mark, which he has then had the unpleasant task of diagnosing as skin cancer. He goes on to state that anyone with concerns should visit their GP for a professional assessment. I say don't let the desire for a tan ruin your Christmas - or your life. Get yourself to the doctor if needed, and reduce your UV exposure from today in any event. Stay safe and enjoy December :)

Cosmetics and Beauty News (October 2012)

Like mother, like daughter

NUDE skincare is set to see its first mother-daughter collaboration in preparation for the next generation of products, with co-founder Ali working with daughter Jordan. A sneak peek can be seen in Helena Christensen’s exclusive behind-the-scenes film, which provides insight into the mother-daughter working relationship and the products themselves, which include ingredients such as omega oils and n-probiotics. You can view the video here. 

Another good option to nourish skin this winter comes in the form of Environ RAD Lips, which contains UVA and SPF15 UVB filters, protecting against premature ageing, wind burn, and UV damage. The fragrance-free balm also utilises rosemary extract, shea butter and bees wax, as well as vitamins C and E, in order to nourish lips and protect against ageing. Priced at £9.95, Environ was created by South African cosmetic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes, who specialises in the use of topical vitamins to address the effects of the environment on skin. For more information, visit www.environ.co.za.

New London perfumery opened

East London has seen the opening of a new perfumery this month thanks to Angela Flanders’ shop at 4 Artillery Passage, which unlike her Columbia Road outlet will be open Monday to Saturday inclusive. Angela’s recent recognition for Best New Independent Perfume at the 2012 FiFi Awards for fragrance Precious One should have fans flocking to her shop in no time. This joins her Artillery Range, which promises six classic eaux de toilette. Firstly there’s a new version of Napoleon’s favourite, named Le Premiere, which is scented with bergamot, lemon, neroli, rosemary and mint. Eau de Lisbon carries flavours of bitter orange, cedarwood, pepper and rose, while Hungary Water uses melissa, lemon, mint and rose. Vetivert combines lavender, spice, and woods with vetiver, and a sandalwood fragrance is created by blending this with rose and cedarwood. Finally, Patchouli Spice uses cardamom, green spices and green ginger to create a fresh and unique scent for the 21^st century. Priced from £55 for 50ml, however, it’s arguably one for the wish list.  

Of course the onset of Christmas means that there’s a whole slew of fragrances out there for you to choose from – whether as a gift for a loved one or as a gift to yourself. Molton Brown’s Valbonne, for instance, is inspired by Provencal tanners, and as such contains overtones of leather, as well as containing orange, orris and mimosa, among other ingredients. Equally intriguing is the new range of fragrances by the White Company, which are affordably priced from £18 for 30ml of eau de toilette. The company’s debut fragrances are named Blanc and Noir, which contain blends of musk, juniper, and geranium; and orchid, amber and mandarin respectively. Body creams, hand creams, bath oils and scented candles are also available. Topman has also announced the introduction of its first fine fragrance, named Distil, which uses scents of petitgrain, blood orange, ginger, olibanum and cashmeran, to name just a few of the fragrance’s many layers. Distil will be available from November 5^th in two sizes on Topman.com, as well as across 20 selected stores.

 But perhaps the biggest fragrance news comes in the form of Chanel No 5’s Forever Feminine, which is marketed by Brad Pitt and promises to be “the most feminine fragrance of all time”. To have ladies made weak at the knees therefore seems part of its DNA! And speaking of which…
 
Test your anti-ageing DNA

Have you ever wanted to see how you really will age? Now the anti-ageing DNA test at the Organic Pharmacy makes this a reality, with geneONYX suitable for all age groups. Immediate results mean that data doesn’t need to be sent away for analysis, allowing you to choose a course of action most suited to your age and skin type. While I’m not sure I believe in any miracle cures in the combat against ageing, this may help young enthusiasts in particular to take preventative action.

In other anti-ageing news, one brand has harnessed the power of the often-overlooked Aloe ferox plant in a new capsule skincare range. Timeless Skin claims to use the power of nature with the power of science, creating a creamy cleanser, alcohol-free toner, day and night creams, a serum and a mask – all with the South African aloe ferox. Distinct from the much more famous aloe vera plant, aloe ferox also helps to moisturise skin and stimulate natural collagen production, while being twenty times stronger than aloe vera. The level of bitter anthraquinone is what helps to pack the punch, thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties. The range is aimed at women aged between 35 and 55, so arguably slightly out for me at age 26 – although one could say that it’s never too early to start anti-ageing. Exclusive to Natural Beauty Care, the products are sold from www.natural-beauty-care.co.uk . And who knows? Even if you’re not in this company’s target age bracket, I still reckon aloe ferox will be a top ingredient in 2013.

L’Oreal to sell Body Shop?

Many consumers were unhappy about The Body Shop selling out to L’Oreal some years ago due to apparent odds in the two’s ethical credentials. However, there are whispers on the wind of L’Oreal selling up thanks to incompatibility between The Body Shop and L’Oreal’s other brands. Lush is one of the beauty specialists rumoured to be taking The Body Shop on, with the latter’s fortunes failing over the past five years arguably because of cheap brands expanding their beauty lines and undercutting Anita Roddick’s pet project. Some consumers in the UK and abroad have also criticised The Body Shop for its slightly outmoded packaging and lack of change in its products. It’s clear that such criticisms are subjective; however, with the beauty market set to grow by 2.6% in 2013, the brand possibly has to change to compete.

Florence and Fred moves forward

One brand that is adapting to the times is Tesco’s Florence and Fred, whose makeup brand (F&F Made Up) is now available online for the first time. Launched last year in Tesco Beauty Shops, the brand is now available to all at www.tesco.com/beauty. Priced from £5, it makes for an affordable way to glam up and a convenient way to shop for modern day looks – whether it’s in your weekly shopping trolley, or in your cart online.

Another new kid on the online block is Wild About Beauty, founded by Louise Redknapp and Kim Jacob, which has just been launched in the UK. International makeup artist Kim advised Louise after she developed skin pigmentation following the birth of her son, with natural, fresh and glowing looks made possible without heavy makeup. Their Divine Twilight palette for eyes has already earned a mention on this blog for its bewitching array of colours – and with luck I’ll have some reviews available for you soon.

Beauty comes from within

It’s often said that beauty comes from within, and it’s possible that Purifyne is about to prove it with its new Beautifyne Cleanse Plan. Similarly to Onça, which I road tested this May, Beautifyne is a juice that you take daily. It’s said to flush out toxins, balance your body’s pH level, and provide skin-beautifying vitamins and minerals, with the green juices used said to rejuvenate and stimulate cells, and to act as an antiseptic. Beautifyne promises to brighten and hydrate skin, and increase energy levels. However, Beautifyne is only within reach of the select few, as it’s even more expensive than Onça, at £395 for a five-day supply. You can find out more at the Purifyne website - www.purifyne.com – but I suspect that for many of us it won’t be a stocking filler in 2012.

Perhaps slightly more attainable is Laura Mercier’s signature 10-brush collection, which is being sold exclusively at Harrods. With its wooden handles and professional-grade bristles, it’s still £195 for the set, so I’d be more inclined to pin my hopes on a few other beauty bits and bobs that I’ve got my eye on, including Philosophy’s spiced pumpkin shower gel.

Sugar and spice and all things nice…

Assuming I can’t get hold of the Philosophy stuff (seeing as they don’t ship to the UK and stopped retailing in France not long ago), Ashleigh and Burwood could be offering a good alternative as far as sugar and spice goes. London’s master fragrance house offer conventional perfumes as well as fragrance lamps and scent diffusers, and are expanding their range for the festive season. The holiday scents promise to destroy harmful bacteria and eliminate unwanted odours, rather than just masking them, and Ashleigh and Burwood offer their fragrances in a range of colours to suit any home. As for the scents themselves, I’ve got my eye on “Mulled Wine”, “Festive Figs and Spiced Clementines”, and “White Ginger and Roasted Nutmeg”. What will you choose?

Leading cosmetic clinic advocates diet over surgery
Court House Clinics have finally confirmed what many of us have long suspected, by supporting findings that a ‘quick fix’ cosmetic treatment for weight loss just isn’t viable. The national cosmetic group has used a case study of their own to provide evidence for their statement. A Birmingham housewife weighed 15st and 2lbs when she approached Court House Clinics seeking advice on bariatric surgery. With a BMI of 42.8, she was advised to lose weight naturally first using their Alizonne diet programme, and in this way she dropped seven dress sizes in eight months. Dr Patrick Bowler, the clinic’s head consultant, explains: "These results cannot be achieved by surgery alone. Obese patients are put at risk by quick fix surgeries which do not have any long term health or medical benefits. Court House Clinics advise anyone thinking of undertaking a weight loss treatment to fully investigate the programme before investing money. Surgical solutions are only ever part of the solution, not the whole solution according to the group. Patient participation and commitment to treatment is a key factor in getting the desired results." It’s wonderful to finally see clinics and patients using treatments in a responsible way, and using surgery just as a last resort. If only others would follow their example.

(Lip)sticking to art

We all love lipstick, but artist Fabrice Hyber has taken his love of the stuff one step further by making it into a work out art. The “1m³ of beauty” sculpture is made entirely out of lipstick and is part of his Raw Materials (or “Matières Premières” for our froggy friends) show at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Hyber praises this unusual medium, describing it as “supple…especially in a large quantity. [It] permanently moves…[and] is never finished, …is always evolving. It’s a living oeuvre.” I’ll definitely be trying to make it there to see it before the exhibition closes on January 7th 2013, and hope you manage to as well.