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.

Cosmetics Contemplations: My Vaniqa experiment

Part of me thinks I should really stop hanging out on discussion fora. While they can be bastions of great friendship, humour, knowledge and generosity, I've also experienced the other side of it: narrow-mindedness, nastiness, arguments worse than any in real life, and people turning on you at the drop of a hat. Sometimes it feels as if I'm too old, and beyond the immature individuals that can frequent these places.

However, it seems that I just can't keep away, and my current favourite forum is that of the MoneySavingExpert website, which covers all subjects from how to save old style to which diet works best. It was while I was on the Health and Beauty bit of the forum that a conversation started about unwanted excess facial hair in women. It's one of society's remaining taboos: nobody in real life ever talks about this, so as I suffer with this myself, I joined in the discussion keenly, waiting with bated breath to see if solutions would be offered that I had not already tried (or dismissed as impractical).

I first suffered the demon facial fur when I was about 15. I don't remember how I first started trying to combat it (but as I wasn't waxing the rest of my body then, I suspect it involved a razor), or exactly when I began trying to remove it (although it was probably when I realised it was noticeable, when girls at school added this to the long list of things that they already made fun of me for). Quickly realising the limitations of shaving, I turned to my mother, who was sympathetic, and suggested wax. This didn't hurt too much and she seemed to be suggesting that I would only need to do this once a month. So as we stood over the gas stovetop waiting for the wax to melt, I remember thinking, "Yeah, once a month...I can handle this."

Sadly, the hair grew back again too quickly, and so I resorted to the razor again for more regular maintenance. Of course the vicious cycle with excess facial hair is that you have to let it grow in order to wax it, but that you don't want to let it grow in case it becomes too visible (and with my hair being dark brown against my pale skin, I have it pretty bad). Once I started waxing the rest of my body hair, I went for a combination of shaving and tweezing, knowing that removing the hairs at the root would (...eventually...) reduce the growth. In more recent years, I have resorted to hermitdom for the first five days of each school holiday, letting the hair grow long enough for it to be waxed, which does seem to improve the situation. The hermitdom and constant scarf-wearing at this time are less of a perk, however.

All of these ideas naturally came up on the MSE thread, with others being added, including threading (which carries the same problems as waxing) and depilatory creams (which unfortunately don't slow regrowth). But then a solution was suggested that I'd never heard of before: a prescription-only cream called Vaniqa*, which is said to reduce hair growth over time thanks to twice-daily use. I didn't know how it worked, but I was intrigued, and got myself some. The side-effects didn't worry me. The most common one is chin acne, which I again suffer from anyway, so I figured that I wouldn't be losing out much even if it didn't work.

All of this was at the end of August, or beginning of September this year. I naturally did my research before embarking on my trial of the product (which was carried out, by the way, entirely at my own expense), finding that while information about Vaniqa itself is readily available, finding tales of people's actual experiences is much more difficult. Perhaps it's that taboo subject thing. One excellent, very detailed account can be found here, written by Vickie in the early 2000s. Although people's experiences can of course vary, her report really helped me to make my mind up on whether or not to proceed (but I certainly didn't agonise over it in the same way that I considered whether or not to proceed with a course of Roaccutane).

So - to the product itself. I don't like the name Vaniqa, by the way, as it seems to suggest that excess hair is purely a cosmetic issue. Until society changes the way it sees beauty (yeah...good luck with that one...) it will always be much more than that, with sufferers often feeling and/or being socially stigmatised as a result of it. The cream itself, though, is easy to apply, is absorbed quickly into the skin, and doesn't sting at all. It's also not too heavy, so shouldn't clog pores - it's more comparable to a gel-cream than to, say, a heavier night cream. Apply twice a day after moisturiser, and wash your hands afterwards. Not difficult really.

The accompanying information in the Vaniqa leaflet clearly states that it may take up to 8 weeks to see a difference, and this is what I have found to be the case: having started the course at the beginning of September, I have noticed a huge reduction in hair growth between then and now (end of October). Even though the manufacturers say that you will need to keep using Vaniqa for the effects to be sustained (i.e. the hair may grow back if you stop), the increase in confidence that I've experienced makes the prospect of applying an extra dab of cream to my face each morning and night seem only of infinitesimal concern.

I'm really just amazed that GPs either don't seem to know about this product or don't want to prescribe it - this was never suggested once to me as a remedy when we did seek help at the doctor's surgery for my PCOS and talked to the doctor about the excess hair. Polycystic ovary syndrome can have such severe and long-lasting effects (as mentioned, I was 15 when the excess hair kicked in, and I'm now 26) that it almost seems criminal to not prescribe something that could potentially improve a sufferer's life so much. This also makes me question what other treatments could be lurking to assuage other PCOS symptoms (which include rapid weight gain, difficulty in shifting weight, acne, infertility, and more besides) and makes me wonder why doctors I've seen have had such a laissez-faire attitude towards the condition, rather than adopting a more proactive or combative approach.

The good news is that I still have stacks of cream left in the one tube that I've acquired. I probably use a pea-sized amount each day (not each application - each DAY) to cover my chin area, which just goes to show how far the cream spreads. Depending on your needs, you could make one £40 tube last at least six months, which compares favourably to the cost of several big-brand anti-ageing concoctions. This suggests that even when my tube runs out, I will be replacing it. And all thanks to those 'immature individuals' on MSE! Overall, the experiment appears to have been a success - and I would truly urge other sufferers to look into it too.

*Also available on the internet at around £40 a tube from various suppliers...but you go down that road at your own risk.

Eyesbright Contact Lenses

 

Bianca's Beauty Blog's Eye & Eye Makeup Correspondent, Gemma Summons, tries out Eyesbright's Contact Lenses with positive results:

I was sent Eyesbright's fashion contact lenses in September, with them being intended for daily use. They supposedly last 3 months under this pattern of use, but do come with a container with fluid, so you could feasibly use them for AGES if you weren't likely to use them every day. The lenses themselves are really comfortable and easy to put in. However, there is an obvious problem: if you're someone who really relies on normal contact lenses to actually SEE anything, you can't use these. Either that or you'd have to wear glasses, which, if you're using them for a special occasion/event, might defeat the whole point of them. Eyesbright should therefore consider bringing out a range with prescriptions - but as it is, you've either got to have perfect vision, or be happy to wear them with glasses.

I selected 'natural green' lenses, but the website does specifically have lenses for people with dark eyes (i.e. me). However, I wasn't a massive fan of the colours offered for dark eyes - they seemed really lurid or quite blatantly artificial (cat eyes, 'twilight vampire' eyes, etc). This would be fine if I was going for the shock factor and so would be perfect for Halloween or a fancy dress party, but not for more frequent use. So I did go for the natural green because I preferred the colour, but they don't actually show up all that much on my eyes, which is my fault for not following the website guidelines. However, looking at the lens itself, I think you'd get quite a nice effect if you had light eyes (blue, grey), although the colour around the edge is quite 'pixellated' - you wouldn't notice from conversation distance, but it's noticeable up close.

Gemma's right eye has the lens in

The strange thing is that the lens is larger than my normal iris - so you can see the ring of green around the edge, but it doesn't look bad. I suppose they make my eyes look a bit more hazel, which isn't a bad thing, so I don't have any problems with the colour (other than wishing it showed up more). My irises look like they've got a bit more 'dimension' to them because the lens is quite multitonal. But because the lenses ARE larger than my normal irises, my eyes do look a bit... weird. Not sure if anyone else would notice anything, but my irises are now bigger. Maybe I just have naturally small irises? Who knows. Either way, I'm quite undecided on the effect- I don't know if it makes me look a bit spaced out, or whether it actually makes my eyes look nicer.

If you wanted to play around with eye colours, or if you had to do fancy dress, I do think it's a great product. The lens is comfortable and easy to put in and it's good that they last such a long time. I don't think I chose the best lenses for me - I think you'd have much more success with all of the lenses if you have light eyes to start with, and the change would be much more dramatic. Even though the effect is not drastic enough for me to use them every day, I'd happily consider them if I had a themed party.

Eyesbright contact lenses can be purchased from https://www.eyesbright.com/

Ultradex Low Abrasion Toothpaste

RRP: £6.10/75ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Clinically proven formula that delivers exceptional oral care, whitening and fresh breath confidence. The intelligent iQ+ ActiveOxi Technology™ within UltraDEX works with your natural oral pH level to release the appropriate amount of active ingredient to meet the individual needs of your mouth.

• Clinically proven to whiten teeth within 14 days by gently oxidising organic stains to reveal the true brightness of your teeth

• Clinically proven to prevent bad breath by eliminating, not simply masking, odour-causing Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC)

• Anti-bacterial action. Kills bacteria that, without the correct preventative measures, can cause gum problems, tooth decay & plaque. Bacteria cannot become resistant to UltraDEX and regrowth is inhibited.

• 100% free from harsh abrasives with a low Relative Dental Abrasivity* (RDA) of only 53

• 100% free from Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and non-foaming to enable longer brushing time. [...]

• Clean, fresh mint taste."

--Packaging--

 The white and blue theme is not uncommon in the toothpaste market, so unfortunately nothing here will be making this tube stand out on the shelf. The squeezy screw-top tube operates in the same way as any other.

--Usage--

Pop a pea-sized amount onto a toothbrush and clean your teeth as normal. Nothing tricky here.

--Appearance--

Again, all very ordinary; white with no visible grains or streaks.

--Scent and taste--

Very minty - nothing weird here as with some toothpastes for sensitive teeth.

--Texture and consistency--

There's not as much foam as you'd ordinarily be used to, but now I find that normal toothpastes create too much lather by comparison, so it's clearly just a matter of habit.

--Effects on the teeth--

Teeth are left feeling squeaky clean and stains are gradually buffed away, improving tooth appearance noticeably - although perhaps not within 14 days.

--Value for money--

There are clearly positive results and one tube lasts ages. To pay over £6 for a tube of toothpaste therefore still seems extortionate in some respects - this is three times what most households usually pay. However, it's less than the cost of a scale and polish at the dentist, and less too than some specialist whitening toothpaste brands, such as Blanx. I would consider replenishing stocks once my free PR sample runs out, but perhaps just for use as a once-a-week treatment rather than for everyday use, as the price is prohibitive otherwise.

perfect partners

Anti-Bacterial Coated Interdental Tape, £3.49/25m

Wire Free Interdental Brushes, £5.49/30

Daily Oral Rinse, £8.15/500ml

Yves Rocher Sublime Skin BB Cream

RRP: £18 (though currently on offer at £9.00)
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--

"BB cream- 1 beauty step, 6 results, Perfect Skin!

Sublime skin BB cream 6 in 1 :
- 24-hour moisturising,
- Evens out skin tone,
-Hides imperfections and signs of fatigue,
-Smoothes skin,
-Amplifies radiance,
-Protects against external aggressions.
A light texture that spreads uniformly over the skin."

--Packaging-- 

The peach, white and green colour scheme is not terribly modern, but does capture the idea of white tea very well. The squeezy tube is convenient and easy to use.

--Application--

Applying blemish balms is slightly different to applying foundations and tinted moisturisers; to avoid them looking caked on, you almost need to 'slap' them on. Many websites have articles written on this subject; just Google "how to apply BB cream" for more information. But don't worry; it isn't rocket science.

--Appearance--

The light shade of the cream initially looks a bit grey straight out of the tube, but matches my pale skin tone perfectly once on. Hides signs of fatigue well, evens out skin tone and promotes radiance as mentioned in the promotional material, but I found that face powder was needed for a more matte finish.

--Scent--

Nothing chemical, although the white tea is hardly detectable either. I'd go as far as saying it's scentless.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy and luxurious, yet easy to blend in. Never once feels cakey or greasy, drying to a powder-light finish.

--Coverage--

Doesn't quite last 12 hours, but then again it never claims to. It hides imperfections quite well, but not perfectly: I found that extra concealer was needed for me.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin felt moisturised for sure, but I would have expected slightly more turbo-charged healing properties. For a couple of weeks I thought I saw a difference in my acne, but then the situation reverted to how it had been before. A shame.

--Value for money--

I would definitely repurchase this for the launch price of £9.00. However, at £18 I would hesitate. Even though Yves Rocher is a quality line that uses natural ingredients well, I would be more inclined to go for Clinique's in this price bracket, as it offers greater sun protection, or to try BB creams by Missha or Skin79, which are genuine BB creams all the way from Asia. One of the best Western BB creams on the market, however.

perfect partners

Concealer, £7.90

Pressed Powder Compact, £10.50

Perfect Primer, £18.90

Radiance Corrector Pen, £13.00

Natural Blush, £11.50 

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A

RRP: £15.95/60 capsules

--What does the promo say?--

"By feeding skin internally with vitamin A you can dramatically increase the results you get from topical skincare. Skin Vit A contains optimum levels of retinyl palmitate to normalise skin, boost collagen and increase natural moisture levels."

--Packaging--

Most supplements come in bottles, so I'm loving the pouch format, which seems as protective yet more robust for travel. It's easily resealable and the white and blue colour scheme makes it unisex too. The image of the capsules as depicted on the sachet is also accurate, and the back of the pack shows all the required information without being too wordy.

--Usage instructions--

Take 1-2 capsules per day with food. Easy peasy - especially if you already take medication, such as the contraceptive pill. Those who don't normally take medication may find it trickier to remember to take these, however.

--Appearance--

The capsules are a dull grey-brown colour and appear to be made of plastic. The join between the two capsule halves is quite visible and I think the two halves would be quite easy to take apart if necessary. The capsules are not too large, though, so aren't daunting to take on first sight.

--Scent and taste--

Perhaps slightly plasticky, but nothing really serious. They certainly don't taste disgusting at all and go down easily and tastelessly with water or juice.

--Texture and consistency--

The capsules are not grainy or too large, and so slide down easily with fluid.

--Effects on the skin--

While I experienced slight dryness during my trial period, I did ultimately also notice a decrease in my acne, and the dryness is easily controlled with a good moisturiser. For me, I noticed a more positive effect when taking two capsules a day rather than just one.

--Value for money--

Due to taking two capsules a day, my supply lasted one month, but if you were to find that one capsule a day is efficient enough, the pack would last you two months, at which point it is of course better value. Nonetheless, I don't feel that £16 for 60 capsules is extortionate and would definitely continue to take a vitamin A supplement having seen the positive effects on my skin. Good work, ANP!

perfect partners

Skin Vitality 1, £17.10

Skin Omegas, £20.60

Skin Vit C, £10.90

Skin Accumax, £34.90

Cosmetics and Beauty News (September 2012)

Tartan-ing it up

With autumn coming, tartan patterns and berry and forest colours are on their way back in, and with dark greens, burgundies and purples currently rocking the catwalk, there’s plenty of room for Burberry’s new long wear matte lipstick, Lip Velvet, to sneak into our makeup bags. Inspired by opulent English fabrics, the moisturising ingredients help to give a radiant as well as matte and water-resistant finish. The packaging naturally features the iconic Burberry tartan design, and comes in twelve perfect autumn shades, including Redwood and Hawthorn Berry.

Spook your nails

For an original look this Halloween, try pimping your witch outfit with the Halloween Collection by Andrea Fulerton Nail Boutique. Blacks, silvers, oranges, purples and reds all help to create a ghoulish look, as do skull-shaped nail tattoos and crystal gemstones. The even more creative amongst you could also try the Dot and Flick – an eyeliner-style polish that allows you to draw bats, cats and others on your nails. Available now at Superdrug, it’s a surefire and affordable way to jazz up your costume.

Bright eyes

As well as making your nail designs even more eye-catching, you can also take colour coordination to the extreme by trying out some coloured contact lenses. Bianca’s Beauty Blog has already been sent some to test recently thanks to the generosity of Eyesbright - however, there are plenty of options for those who fancy a change, including MesmerEyez, who offer fifty colour choices starting at just £5. Available shades include Velvet Grey, Midnight Blue, and Pacific Turquoise, to name just a few. So whether you’re after a complete colour change or just subtle enhancement, there’s a lens for every look.

Analyse your skin

The other thing to consider with the approach of the festive period is the inevitable number of photos that will be taken. Many of us are concerned about our skin and the thought of looking awful in the camera’s glare is a worry we just don’t need. Luckily, many brands offer free online skin analysis, including Johnson’s, Vichy and Dermalogica. Just answer the questions and get tailored advice on how best to care for your skin, including recommendations of specific products that might help you. You may even find that your skin type is not what you thought: people who suffer with acne, for example, could have a dry skin type (if skin is overly dry, the skin can over-produce oil to make up for it). It’s now just less than 11 weeks until Christmas, so plenty of time to kick any skin problems you may have into touch.

There’s also an app to help with your makeover: Mary Kay has just launched an app that allows you to try out every look from the latest fashion weeks. Upload your own photo, and then add colour to eyes, lips and face to try out the newest looks. Hair and accessories can also be experimented with, and all for free – so a great way to try new things out in a moneysaving way.

Buff your body

I’ve already written recently about how to get your body skin looking good all year round – not just in summer. Ashleigh & Burwood’s Panier des Sens (literally “basket of senses”) bodycare range offers an appealing solution to help with this. Using only organic and ethically-sourced fragrances, they promise to transport you to the south of France with four classic scents, including “Relaxing Lavender” and “Energising Verbena”. You can create a spa experience with their shower gels, and then follow with their natural body lotions. The brand also offers liquid soaps and hand lotions to keep your hands smooth through the winter. As well as essential oils, the products include shea butter and sweet almond for the ultimate in smoothness. Although the packaging won’t be bucking any trends (it looks more suitable for a pensioner’s bathroom than for mine), I can well believe that the products themselves are effective, and their price means they’ll also make perfect Christmas presents.

Making it over

Another perfect gift for the younger beauty fans in your life could come in the form of Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Powerful, which claims to contain beauty stories to inspire confidence. The makeup mogul’s seventh title contains makeover ideas, product recommendations, expert tips, and of course beauty stories from hundreds of ordinary women. With six categories (natural, strong, radiant, bold, classic, and authentic), the book professes to start with who you are, rather than how you look, and each category is matched with a celebrity guide, including singer Estelle and philanthropist Lauren Bush. This should arm anyone with plenty of beauty tips to take them throughout 2013.

In addition, Bobbi Brown has also released a limited edition pink peony set in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Illuminating Pink Peony bronzer and mini face brush together cost £35 and help fund research into breast cancer for the sake of women everywhere, with £5 from each sale being donated. Out October 1^st, and available while stocks last, it could make a beautiful accompaniment to Bobbi’s book to complete the perfect gift.

Time to quit?

With a new year looming on the horizon, plenty of people will also be considering their new year’s resolutions. For me, it’ll be about getting my driving licence so that I can spend that time in the gym instead of behind the wheel. For others, it might be to go on a diet or to stop smoking. For the latter group, they can look to Barcelona’s football club for inspiration, as the club has just partnered with the Ex-Smokers Are Unstoppable campaign. The partnership, christened “Quit Smoking with Barça”, brings together two major campaigns - the pan-EU "Ex-smokers are Unstoppable" and Barça's "Sense Fum" movement as a truly unstoppable combination. You can watch the promotional clip for “Quit Smoking with Barça” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7i1mcUOrAoM

 In addition, there’s inevitably an app for this, with the “Ex-Smokers” campaign also launching their iCoach tool recently to help people quit. Available for iOS and Android systems, the app will offer iCoach users ease of access to this valuable digital health coach while they are on the move. The App is available via www.exsmokers.eu/mobile, and in the Apple Store under "Ex-smokers iCoach".

Rejuvenating over Christmas

It’s true that when most of us think of Christmas we don’t exactly think of rejuvenation. When it comes to me, I’m all about damage limitation in the months leading up to my favourite season, because I just know that come December, I’ll be keeping the mince pie industry afloat almost single-handedly. But a spa break is appealing at all times of year, especially at Christmas, when getting away from the hustle and bustle can be difficult. Ragdale Hall spa’s Bring A Friend Offer is a great value way of getting together with your nearest and dearest for a special treat during the festive season. All meals, treatments, use of spa facilities and exercise and relaxation classes are included for a Christmas break within the UK of exceptional value.

Going organic

But even if a spa break is not possible, it’s certainly possible to recreate parts of the experience at home. Get Ashleigh and Burwood’s organic products in (see above) and with some Organic Pharmacy face masks you’ll be well on your way to a Zen-filled state of bliss. In Selfridges’ Beauty Workshop, the Organic Pharmacy offers its full range, including its three latest masks: the enzyme peel mask with vitamin C and papaya, the honey and jasmine mask, and the purifying seaweed clay mask. These masks promise to improve skin, tone, deeply cleanse, and hydrate, leaving you with a healthy, radiant complexion and ready for the new season.

So once you’ve got your spa-style treatments, how else can you make your own spa day? Look out for an article on this very soon.

Five-star fabulous

Once you’ve prepped your skin to perfection, what about your makeup? Look no further than QVC, who have just launched bareMinerals’ Five Star Fabulous collection on the UK’s favourite shopping channel. Exclusive to QVC, the set of five eyeshadow shades costs £36, and includes two brand-new shades, as well as those that are already best-sellers in the UK, US and Japan. It encompasses neutral shades for daytime and glittering shades at night, and the five can be combined and tailored to suit your mood, meaning you can go from work to the Christmas party in no time.

Wild About Beauty’s newest palette, Divine Night, is also out now. Formulated by Louise Redknapp and Kim Jacob, it embraces a range of berry colours for the perfect autumn and winter look. Costing £29, it has shades for eyes, lips and face to suit all skin tones, from apricots to roses, via smoky, dusky purples. Available at House of Fraser and Debenhams now, to me it sounds like an excellent travel investment, without an overabundance of products for just one area of your face.

From madness to mindfulness

Some people love Christmas and adore nothing more than getting organised months in advance (like me). For others, it’s a seemingly unending delirium of crowds, cooking, and buying gifts for others that you don’t know they’ll like. Those people might like to try the Mindfulness Massage, which is offered by The Third Space Medicine in Soho, an exclusive fitness and lifestyle hub. The massage is an hour-long treatment designed to engender physical and mental tranquillity through meditation and physical manipulation. Developed by experts in yoga, cognitive behavioural therapy and complementary health care, the massage can also be followed by extra mindfulness coaching. Sounds like a great way to work smarter, be more focused, and increase emotional stability all year round – not just in what for some can feel like the most stressful season of the year.

Going for gold

Even though the Olympics are over, you can still go for gold with the world’s first 24-carat gold shapewear, whose nanoparticles promise youthful skin. British brand Peachy Pink London have outsourced production of this innovative shapewear to Italy, where the central technology, Nylgold, is used to offer anti-oxidant and moisturising benefits. In each item (you can opt for shaping leggings or high-rise shorts, both available in gold or black) there are more than four billion gold nanoparticles per square centimetre, which, when combined with hyaluronic acid molecules, promise to combat ageing. Available from www.peachy-pink.com, the products also give the appearance of a more sculpted body in the short-term, with sizes 8-22 currently in existence. However, given the starting price of £70, they might be one for your letter to Santa.

Cult brand Anatomicals now available at Tesco

The brand beloved by so many is now made available to even more people thanks to its recent deal with Tesco. Known for their tongue-in-cheek names and beautiful fragrances, Anatomicals is also affordable, with their body cleaners priced at £2.99 and hand products starting from £2.49. There’s even the Manatomicals line for the fella in your life, which could make great stocking fillers. Shop now, and avoid queues at the beauty counter later…

Smoothing your skin into winter wonderment

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just one of the brands of body lotion lurking by my bedside

 If you're anything like me, you've got a whole host of body lotions by your bed (and in a big box under it...and stuffed into the bathroom cabinet...) in a quest to find the best one to keep you from turning into a lizard. From Molton Brown to Bath & Body Works, and from Villainess to Body Shop - you'll probably find it all within arm's reach at any given time at my place. Heck, my collection probably deserves its own postcode.

One of the perks of blogging is that I get sent quite a few different kinds to try. One of them is Deep Heat's latest version - great for easing physical and mental stress thanks to its aromatherapeutic qualities, and its warming sensation means it's great for autumn and winter too. People tend to go into overdrive in the summer, moisturising and buffing their bodies to a state of perfection so that they're ready for the beach, but come winter they tend to let themselves go. Not I: I'm constantly basting myself not just to combat dry skin and ageing generally, but also in pursuit of a luxurious experience that will make me smell lovely. 

Some creams and oils are extremely effective - such as Astral's body lotion and Johnson's baby oil, both of which I was also sent this year by generous PRs. However, they err more on the side of functional than spa-tacular, and when I get to choose, I'm looking for a product that not only leaves me smooth and strokable (sort of like one of those hairless cats) but also feeling like a million dollars - all year round.

The Japanese Cherry Blossom body butter...one of my undying favourites

Consequently, the Body Shop bodycare collection is one that I keep going back to. Catering for every possible need (including aromatherapy, massage, deodorants, and intensive foot rescues), they also don't forget the classics that people love them for while still adding new stuff. Their body butters are one such classic (and there's 50% off them online at the moment with the code 50BUTTER, woo!), and looking at the array of scents available, it's easy to see why one is sold every two seconds. There really is something for everyone, from the summery pink grapefruit to their typically spicy and fruity winter collections (candied ginger, anyone?). 

But for those of you who don't like the thick-and-creamy feeling so much, the Body Shop's fantastic body lotion offers a lighter option, without losing that sumptuous feeling. Browsing the website makes me marvel at and fall in love with their innovative concepts all over again. The classic yet creative Dewberry and Satsuma scents that I've loved since teenagehood is still there, but there are plenty of new ideas too. You can bet your bottom dollar that once I come back from this week's business trip to the south of France (OH isn't life awful?!), you'll find me down my local branch discovering their Love Etc body lotion (which contains babassu oil and grape seed oil), as well as their Dreams Unlimited lotion (its ingredients include sesame, brazil nut, shea, coumarin, lemon and geranium).

The Body Shop's 2008 winter collection

That should certainly tide me over until the Body Shop's newest winter collection (of which no word yet, sadly). It's great to know that there are ranges you can always rely on for efficacy and luxury - come rain or shine - and that thanks to this, none of us should have no trouble keeping our smooth summer skin in a state of winter wonder.

Deep Heat Neck and Shoulder Cream

  RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Neck and Shoulder Cream has a rosemary and vanilla fragrance. It eases everyday stresses and tensions. The applicator allows for specific areas to be targeted."

--Packaging--

The screw-top lid and built-in sponge applicator means this product is not going to get away with leaking all over your stuff when you travel. I initially felt dubious about the efficacy of the sponge applicator, but my fears were soon allayed - it allows even application even on the parts of the shoulder that are the most awkward to reach, and can also be removed if required. The combination of red, orange and purple imposed on the white tube means it should appeal to everyone and it seems to be clearly part of the Deep Heat range without the logo being overpowering.

--Application--

Squeeze the tube until some lotion appears on the sponge, then rub evenly over your back and shoulders until absorbed. No need to get in there with your fingers - the sponge applicator does the job all on its own, so this is totally mess-free.

--Appearance--

The lotion is smooth and white, and doesn't leave any visible residue on the skin or on bedclothes or bedsheets.

--Scent--

The rosemary is the most obvious scent, with the vanilla being barely detectable, but it's not overpowering and should appeal to males and females equally. A good, strong, natural smell.

--Texture and consistency--

As mentioned, this absorbs easily and is not runny or sticky. Even though it's intended to target muscle pain, it feels luxurious rather than medicinal thanks to its creaminess.

--Sensation--

The warming sensation promised is not immediately obvious, with it initially seeming more like a cooling sensation. However, things gradually heat up and the result is a lovely, warming, satisfying feeling akin to an electric blanket or hot water bottle. No burning or stinging sensations were experienced and it does a great deal to chase away muscle pain and stress. It's fabulous when you're feeling ill too. 

--Value for money--

I've never encountered a product like this and find this one to be extremely innovative and effective. Even though I was sent this one for free, I would gladly cough up the £5.99 for a replacement when it runs out. Super stuff.

perfect partner

Muscle Rescue Bath Soak, £5.49

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

RRP: £28
# of shades available: 5

--What does the promo say?--
"Moisturise, perfect and protect-instantly and over time. Now it's easier than ever to get great skin with Bobbi Brown's new BB Cream SPF 35. Inspired by a skincare/makeup hybrid that's a cult favorite in Asia, this formula combines moisturiser, treatment, SPF and a lightweight foundation in one. Plus, it's available in five skin tone correct shades carefully formulated by Bobbi herself. Consider it your skin's new best friend. The secret to its multitasking magic: Water-attracting molecules boost hydration; light reflective pearls brighten dull skin; botanical extracts and caffeine reduce discolouration and redness; pore-reducing peptides minimise fine lines; and finally, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants fend off future damage."

--Packaging--
The black and white design keeps things minimalist and simple, and the dispensation of product is well controlled. Bobbi Brown also has the advantage on its side that BB stands not only for Blemish Balm but also for Bobbi Brown - so half of the brand's work seems to already be done.

--Application--
BB creams often require more of a "slapping" motion as you put them on, rather than a "stroking" motion, so that they blend into the skin correctly and don't just sit on top in a cakey layer. This is no exception. After primer, "slap" this on, and then add concealer and powder if necessary.

--Appearance--
A very thick, luxurious cream, which on the skin provides a perfect match for my skin tone (Bobbi Brown's PR team sent me a free tube of Extra Light) and boosts radiance. It also really covers blemishes well: once I'd put it on, I'd often find myself reaching straight for the face powder rather than bothering with extra concealer.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible; no need to worry about chalky, chemical or overly-perfumed smells.

--Texture and consistency--
As mentioned, this is thick and luxurious and yet blends easily.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, I didn't notice much healing going on throughout my use of this cream, which is supposed to be part of the effects of BB creams.

--Longevity--
Lasts quite well, but tends to come off more easily around the chin area (which is possibly the area of my face that I touch the most, so it's probably more likely my fault than Bobbi Brown's).

--Value for money--
At £28, this is expensive, but a high-quality product in terms of the finish provided and the high SPF is a great advantage. However, I'd perhaps expect its short-term healing powers to be greater, in line with more traditional BB creams (although this product does have other traditional BB cream qualities). In the same price bracket, this compares favourably to Clinique's BB cream, and I'd also be interested to try versions by Dr Brandt and Smashbox to see how they match up.

perfect partner
Long Wear Gel Eyeliner, £17