Beautiful Songs

Everyday I ride the bus and to drown out the noise of many different languages being spoken and shouting over mobile phones I plug myself into the ipod. As I was scrolling through my song choices the other day my first thought was to find something loud - I was looking for something by AC/DC when I had a rare brainwave. Write a post on songs about beautiful women. It's quite amazing how many songs have been inspired and written about beautiful ladies.


The first one that came to mind was INXS - Beautiful Girl. But have you ever listened to the words of that song? I guess I had forgotten but it's really quite sad and it's all about this lost girl so scrapped that idea. I can't bear You're Beautiful by posh toss James Blah and Pretty Woman (except the Van Halen version) makes me feel physically ill.


My favorite is this one by Frankie Sinatra - swoon! Any others?

Red Lips For Everyone!

Throughout history women have painted their lips red. Pastels were popular in recent decades sure, but red is the shade that has stood the test of time and demands attention!

Red lipstick has been used as far back as Ancient Egypt. Egyptian women took a mixture of red lipstick on a palette into the after life to look their best. Similarly the Japanese Geisha’s apply it to perfection on their porcelain painted faces, the Victorians powder their faces to enhance the contrast to their crimson mouth, stained with poisonous mercuric sulfide. The 21st century women, including the 1940’s woman, equally maintain the right of a woman to look good under all circumstances. The 1940's woman dawned the red lipstick, even as they worked long hours in weapons factories to bring their men back home.


During a recession, the red lipstick is the instant booster at an affordable price. Estee Lauder’s chairman even coined the term lipstick index in 2001, when he noticed that lipstick sales increased after the 9/11 economic downturns. A lipstick is also a cheap way of owning a brand (i.e., Chanel, Dior).

Red lipstick has been linked to women with confidence and so many shy away from it saying it doesn't suit their personality or only certain girls can pull it off but I assure you ladies there is a shade out there for everyone and it will help you from becoming a wallflower to someone that you want to get to know - come out of your comfort zone! 

The Gorgeous Red Lips of Sophia

Top Reds

Guerlain Rouge G in Gala

Nars Jungle Red

M.A.C. Ruby Woo

Revlon Fire & Ice

Chanel Hydrabase Shanghai Red

Workout Makeup for Gym Bunnies

I don't understand why some women feel the need to wear makeup to work out. I mean - what good can come of it? You're clogging up your pores as well as wasting good makeup and application time as it pours down your face. Now you just look ridiculous!
I have asked around and the men I know that gym it find a girl much more attractive if they're  red faced and super sweaty than someone all made up. However, some ladies feel completely naked without  makeup on so I have found a few things that you can do but please people - be sensible!

Absolute Dont's

• Foundations/Tinted moisturisers - No, no, no! Since these have a lot of pigment they tend to stick out when they dissolve on your face during intense workouts that result in tons of sweat.
• Blush - Skip it. When you work out, your body produces heat therefore blood flow is increased giving your cheeks that nice flush naturally.
• Eyeliner/Eyeshadow/Mascara - Who wants panda eyes? Take it off!
• Sunscreen - It will seep into your eyes and burn them!  

Do's (if you must)

• Clear or waterproof mascara - If you feel completely naked without at least a couple of swipes of mascara, then stick to mascara that is either waterproof or clear for a little definition.
• Browliner - Brow powder tends to rub off easier than pencil.
• Lip Gloss- Lip gloss does a great job at giving your lips a slight hue and still looks okay when it goes outside the lines of your lips accidentally.

Monica Hair Syndrome

On a hot and very humid summer holiday a couple years back in Barcelona, partner in crime Emma and I had a laugh over what we now describe as "Monica" hair. Which I sadly have. Monica was a character in U.S. sitcom Friends. Her and husband Chandler go to Barbados and once the humidity hits she loses complete control of her hair which so many women like me can relate to.

I have tried everything. Sadly with curly hair I will never have complete control in humid places but I do have a few tips that that will help. I always take these with me - even if it doesn't last all day or night it makes me feel better knowing they are around to touch up. Get a good pair - use as a curler to help define your curls.

Step 1 - Shampoo your hair with a good moisturising shampoo. Frizzy hair is often exacerbated by dryness so it's imperative to keep hair hydrated. A really good one I have used is Korres for dry hair (£8.00).

Step 2 - Condition your hair after every shampoo. Conditioner will help tame. Opt for a moisturising conditioner since it will be heavier and weigh your hair down a bit more.

Step 3 - End your shower by rinsing your hair with cool water. Hot water leads to further dryness and frizz. Cool water helps to seal the hair cuticle, making your hair look smoother.

Step 4 - Apply a good product such as Bumble & Bumble Calming Creme. Using a good product like this one helps to keep the frizzles at bay and define the curls.

Step 5 - Just give up blow drying and let it dry naturally. Apply a serum like Sebastians Taming Elixir.

I am not going anywhere hot in the near future but I know a lot of people are escaping the cold weather so let me know how you get on or any further tips are welcome!

Topshop Makeup

I went out last Friday night after work with a friend that was visiting from Canada. I wanted her to experience a Friday night in an English pub. We managed to drink our weight in wine and I woke up the next morning still drunk with a realisation that I had promised her a trip to Topshop among other department stores on Oxford Street, London.

Has anyone ever done this hungover? As Ashley, (Canadian friend) wandered around the shop she put it perfectly "there are no words for this experience". It is mental in there. You have to be mental to try and do it on a Saturday in the first place but we survived and I have to say it is still one of the best shops London. They have all the pretty things you could ever want - you could go bankrupt in just a few short minutes.

So they have their own makeup range now which I am really impressed with. I am completely in love with their Kohl Dust in Ash. This stuff is easy to manipulate to get that smokey eye look and you can really vamp it up by putting on a few layers or tone it down using your fingers for a light coat.  It has a little sponge applicator which is handy for applying under the eye. It is dust though so be careful not to get on your clothes. Tip: keep makeup remover or a wipe close by for your hands. I have also tried the Nails in Under and Over which I thought did work very well for a base and top coat mix. Reasonably priced so check it out although if you are stupidly hungover save yourself a lot of drama and purchase online. Thank goodness for the Interweb!

Chanel - Paradoxal

Photo and Nails by Maggie

Paradox

[adjective] seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true.



Paradoxal is not a word (of course you knew that already) but when you see the colour you get the take on Paradox. It's fitting for this perfectly interesting shade by Chanel. My glamorous friend Maggie brought it to my attention and has kindly modelled so we could share with you today.

Lots of us agree that sometimes it's really hard to find a shade that suits your skin and that switches easily from day to night so that's why Mag's likes this one so much. The polish has everything she wants - gothy, vampy, somewhat saucy but sophisticated.  It's very modern and suited to all ages. It has a grayish undertone which is suitable for day wear and the very slight shimmer can only be seen outdoors making it more interesting. She also mentioned that it holds up well and this photo was two days in and she has been doing dishes, bathing babies and changing nappies.

Get it while you can ladies - it's set to be become the highest in demand Fall/Winter 2010. If you can't afford it right now then this is the runner up (taken from Nikki's nail blog).
http://nikkisnailcreations.blogspot.com/2010/10/barry-m-dusky-mauve.html

On Another Note:
Mag's also found this - check out Serena Williams grand-slam duo pack! http://www.alllacqueredup.com/

Pregnancy Stretch Marks and my Correspondent Mothers

I know a lot of seriously hot mothers. That's why I knew it was a good idea to send an email round asking about skin care during pregnancy (and after) and what they did to help reduce stretch marks. I myself have not had a baby but I have lost some weight and can see a few on my lower back and hip region so going to try a few things myself. Thank you to my correspondent mum's!

Leila says - "See link - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stretch-marks/Pages/Prevention.aspx - basically its about a good moisturising routine in my case I used good old fashioned aqueous cream and had no stretch marks. Lots of people swear by Bio Oil but to be honest I suspect it is more about feeling you have some control over your rapidly changing body. It is good to pamper and the products can give you a little boost even from simply smelling nice - I like Burts Bees. Overall I would say treat yourself (they aren't cheap!) you deserve it but don't be disappointed if you still get stretch marks and they do fade promise!"

Lisa says - "As far as stretch marks go I believe it's a genetic thing. You will either get them or you won't. That being said I lubed up with Bio Oil the whole time and didn't get one."

Brianna says -  "I have used plain old coconut oil from the health food store or a natural pharmacy throughout both pregnancies and I am happy to report that I do not have one stretch mark. I was fanatical about it and put it on twice a day, starting as soon as I found out I was pregnant and well before I started showing. I know alot of people spend tons of money on pregnancy/belly creams, oils and lotions but coconut oil is natural, non-irritating, cheap, and it worked for me. I am still using it on my whole mid section (breasts, stomach, thighs, muffin top and bum) as everything shrinks back into place, just to keep things toned and smooth."

Christie & Exfoliating Facial Cleansers

Christie and Princess Arabella
Chris is also 9 months preggers here and looks AMAZING!

This morning I woke up to a really wonderful email from beauty fanatic friend Christie. Christie and I have known each other for years and when we get together we can talk about beauty products for - like - EVER! She wanted to tell me two things - firstly to tell me about a great exfoliating cleanser she's found and also to mention she's got a new job designing cool stuff here which is so up her ally it's sick. Congratulations darling - you are going to rock that job! Good things happen for those that have to wait it out you see!

It's really important now that the colder weather is upon us to exfoliate. Gently does it but if we don't get rid of that top layer of dead skin the moisturisers we use will not be effective. The benefits of regular exfoliating are that it will improve your complexion, make your skin look brighter and feel smoother, increases blood circulation and prevents breakouts just to name a few.

Step 1 - Cleanse your face using a mild cleanser to remove makeup

Step 2 - Wet your face and apply an exfoliating cleanser, designed for the face, or sprinkle it onto a sponge or brush.

Step 3 - Scrub using gentle circular motions, avoiding the eye area because the skin is very delicate and can be easily damaged by abrasive products.

Step 4 - Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat it dry

Step 5 - Apply an exfoliating mask (not everyday - maybe once a week) - it will bring a glow to your skin and nourish it. Rinse.

Step 6 - For everyday skip step 5 and apply moisturiser.

Christie has amazing skin so I am going to insist that you trust her on this recommendation for Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. I myself have tried Philosophy products and believe in them too. They are an investment but this is your gorgeous face we're talking about! Some others either I have tried or heard great things about.

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash - £20.00
Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream for all skin types - £16.50
Murad Vitalic Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask - £19.50
On sale at ASOS - organic - Nude Facial Scrub - £28.00 but on sale for £17.00

Eyebrows

American actress Courtney Cox (best knows from sitcom Friends and the lucky cow got to dance with The Boss in a music video) once said "I only have to do three things to look halfway decent, curl my eyelashes, fill in my eyebrows and put some lipstick on".

I completely agree with her about the eyebrows. Your face looks altogether more groomed if you give them a little care and attention. I am one of those girls that has crazy eyebrows but it only takes two seconds in the morning to brush and set them with an eyebrow gel like M.A.C Brow Set. I use the clear version as my eyebrows are quite dark already but for those that need to fill them in there are coloured versions. It's another can't leave home without product and I thank friend Linsay for showing me the light. On a trip to Manchester she mentioned and I have never looked back.
http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT21845&PRODUCT_ID=PROD66089

I also found out that it's OK for women to trim eyebrows (who knew - I thought just men!). I think this is essential if the single hairs are long and thick. Pluck some hairs and trim the others, brushing them up, evening the ends (be careful - not too much!), then brushing them down checking again and again as you go along.

Here is a helpful website for shaping and plucking and trimming. I think the most essential thing is not to over pluck. Let them grow and you'll have them looking like Brooke Shields in no time!

http://hairremoval.about.com/od/eyebrowshaping/ss/eyebrow-shaping.htm

Keep It Clean!

Nobody likes eye infections or rashes. Makeup can be the absolute worst for collecting bacteria so it's really important that you keep your brushes and sponges clean. Also make sure your hands are clean before application!

1. Wash the makeup residue and oil from brushes regularly by adding a few drops of baby shampoo or Fairy liquid to the palm of your hand, wetting the brush and swirling it around in the soap until no makeup washes out. Foam applicators or sponges can be dipped into soapy water and squeezed gently until no makeup emerges. Rinse all of the makeup tools well and allow to air dry.

2. Avoid sharing products with friends to keep makeup sanitary. It's too easy to transfer germs that can cause infections like Conjunctivitis (pink eye - gross!) via a mascara wand, eyeliner, eyeshadow applicator or makeup brush, for example.

3. Use particular makeup care with products that you use on or near your eyes. Mascara should only be used for two months or replaced even sooner if its color or smell begins to change. If you've had an eye infection or cold, for example, be sure to clean eye makeup immediately, particularly mascara. Some mascaras last longer like my £20 version but I buy bacteria wipes from any grocery store and just ensure that I am constantly keeping the wand clean.

4. Replace solid, stick-type makeup at least once a year, particularly if it's a stick concealer or foundation product that you've used to dab on blemishes. It's also important to keep makeup sanitary by touching only a clean makeup brush or applicator to the bottle instead of your fingertip to minimize germs.

5. Buy some disinfectant wipes  and use them frequently to wipe down your brushes after use. I like to give my concealers and lipsticks a gentle wipe and clean off any old residue before use. This will keep the makeup looking fresh and therefore better on your face.

 

 

Let's Hear It For The Metros!

Ryan Seacrest - The Poster Boy for Metrosexuality

How far is too far? My mate David and I have been thinking this one through. We wonder - when does your husband or boyfriend over step the mark when he asks to borrow your nail file and Sally Hansen. Is it OK he's using your tweezers and taking a look at your waxing kit? 

Fine for me! If he wants to use my special shampoo and conditioner then all the power to him. I actually would rather have a well groomed man than one that slightly smells - I don't care how much you love them lets be honest. Lovely products for men are now in abundance and it's no longer taboo for a man to peruse the cosmetics section of Selfridges. Men - liberate yourself and embrace your feminine side!

We've thought of some of our favourite things for men - even lumberjacks and construction workers can spend a little time on themselves and look and smell better! Hooray! 

Buy a good shaving bowl and brush. David says it may be a little more expensive to purchase everything at the beginning but a bowl of shaving soap lasts 3-4 times longer than a can of foam and better on the skin.

GEO F Trumpers soap in a bowl - http://www.trumpers.com/shop_detail.cfm

Taylors of Old Bond Street shaving brush - http://www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk/acatalog/shaving-brushes.html

For those that aren't afraid of a little pampering in the bath or shower. Great gifts as well ladies!

 

Ortigia Sicila bath oil - http://www.ortigia-srl.com/shop/products/bath-oil

Kiehl's Pour Homme Bath & Shower Body Cleanser- http://www.mankind.co.uk/src/base/Kiehl's-Pour-Homme-Bath-&-Shower-Body-Cleanser-250ml-PRODKHBS3/

For men that like to keep the gorilla look to a minimum.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Veet-Hair-Removal-Creme-200ml/dp/B000KKNQBK

Men's Nail Buffer and Filing Kit

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elegant-Touch-Mens-Implement-contains/dp/B001J2ZJR2

Tips for men with beards (I am a sucker for a beard). You do need to clean them!

• Just like your hair, wash and shampoo your beard regularly. A mild shampoo is easier on your skin.
• After shampooing, you may use a conditioner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Failure to rinse sufficiently may result in flaking. Because beard hairs are so coarse, conditioners will have less effect on the beard than on the hair on your head. But a conditioner will still help make your beard feel softer.
• Gently pat and wipe your beard dry with a towel. Blow drying is not really necessary and can be harsh on your skin.
• Comb your beard and mustache with a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles. Optionally, you can finish up by using a brush.

An Step Too Far:

There is only one thing really that would really turn me off - and that's if a man was obsessed by tanning. Orange isn't good on anyone. 

Eyelash Curling for Beginners.

Curling lashes is the best way to open up your eyes and emphasise them. Curling your lashes with an eyelash curler makes your eyes look wider, brighter and longer and doesn't make your lashes look fake.

The lash curler must be positioned very gently on the tip lashes and the movement may be repeated until you achieve the desired look. One important thing that many women forgot is that mascara should always be applied after the lashes are curled otherwise you can seriously cause damage. There are three types of eyelash curlers, metal curler, plastic curler and heated eyelash curler. They all are available in every drugstore and cosmetic section.

Step One Clean the eyelash curler An eyelashes curler should always be cleaned and disinfected before use because any dirt may easily enter the eye and cause irritation.

Step Two Heat the curler If you heat the eyelash curler it will be easier for you to curl your lashes and your lashes will stay curl longer – until the next day. You can heat the curler by two ways – using a hair dryer or with hot water. Blow air on the curler for about 10 seconds and make sure it isn't too hot. If it’s hot let it cool for a few seconds. If you don’t want to use a hair dryer you can put the eyelash curler in hot water for 10 seconds and again make sure it isn’t too hot.

Step Three Position the lash curler Position your eyelash curler around your eyelashes – the upper lashes must be between the edges of the curler.

Step Four Squeeze the curler Carefully squeeze the edges of the eyelash curler together and hold for a few seconds.

Step Five Release the curler Gently release the curler from the lashes and repeat again if necessarily. Always make sure that the curler is fully open before removing it.

Step Six Apply mascara Look down into a mirror and stroke lashes upwards with just the tip of the brush. Make sure that the wand isn’t overloaded with mascara, if it is – take some off with a tissue before applying. Let the first coat dry and then apply the second coat.

Step Seven Comb the lashes After you have curled your lashes and have applied mascara you should comb the lashes using a lash comb to separate each lash. Combing the lashes also makes your lashes look more natural and remove any excess mascara.

The History of Nail Polish

Partner in crime Emma has just recently travelled to one of our favourite cities to play in - Berlin. On one of her gallery jaunts she took this photo and I instantly fell in love. I do not profess to know anything about art but I know when I see something I like. This 1930's women oozes glam, charm and confidence to me. Most importantly she's very much on trend with green nail varnish. Cabaret tastic!

"Dora Maar mit grunen Fingernagein"
Photo taken by Emma, Berlin, 2010. Painted by Pablo Picasso 1936.

It got us to thinking what's the story behind nail polish? Obviously it's been around for awhile so I did a little digging and have a few facts for anyone that might be interested.

The idea of colouring nails is an old one. The Egyptians stained theirs with henna and the ancient Japanese and Chinese also stained their nails with various herbal extracts. However, modern nail polish wasn't invented until the 1920's.

The man that started mass producing modern nail polish with the company that is now Revlon was Charles Revson (who was born in the Jewish section of Montreal, Canada until his family immigrated to Boston, USA). When Elka, the cosmetics company he worked for, did not promote him to the position of national distributor, Revson decided to go into business for himself.  Beginning in 1932, the company specialized in nail polish, offering a wider variety of colours than had been currently available. It was marketed through salons, and later department stores.

He and his two brothers (who he partnered with, one was a chemist) employed a French make-up artist, Michelle Renard, who wondered if the new technology used for painting cars could be used to make an enamel for the nails. The revolution in thinking was to abandon staining the actual nail, but instead to paint a hard-wearing enamel on top of it. She managed to create a modern lacquer made of the same nitrocellulose dissolved in solvent, that was used on cars (except not the same strength).

They thought the idea had market potential and set up a factory to manufacture it. Because their nail varnish was created from hard-wearing chemicals rather than from herbs, it had the advantage that it was easy to store and keep - as long as the bottle was sealed and the solvent could not evaporate, the varnish was as good as the day it was created. This went on sale in 1932 (thank goodness - women everywhere must have been delighted).

It was Hollywood that made the new nail polish big. Colour movies had just arrived, and audiences could see their favourite actresses wearing the reds and mauves of the Revlon company, and they searched out the product in the shops. It helped that it was relatively cheap as far as make-up goes. Painting your nails and buying the matching lipstick gave you a bit of Hollywood glamour even if your clothes were cheap. I think it was Annie that told me that this trend continues when a recession hits. Women still manage to find dosh to beautify themselves with small things like nail varnish and nice shampoo.

In the 1960's clear nail polish came in, to give a natural look that complemented the nude lipsticks that were in fashion then. But it wasn't till the late 1990's that cosmetic companies abandoned the idea of matching lips and nails and started producing greens, blues, golds, silver etc. Now it seems that greens and blues are all the rage again.
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/090710-green-nail-polish.aspx


If you want nails like the vixen in this painting go 1920's and buy fake long and thin finger nails (if you've got them already well done you!). Nails were worn very long and painted in the middle. During this period the nail polish colours were also very bright.

Desert Island Beauty

 
I'm thinking Cast Away but on a much lower scale. You're stuck on a desert island (tropical of course) for three months but you know Johnny Depp dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow is coming to rescue you. You only have one beauty item in your back pocket - what is it?

Mine is a pair of tweezers, but I guess I need a mirror too! Bah! In that case it would be this Rose Petal Salve from Rose & Co. Apothercary. I never leave home without it.

ROSE PETAL SALVE  http://www.rose-apothecary.co.uk/home.html
Useful for chapped lips, dry patches and rough skin, there seems to be no end to the uses of this magical little balm and you have used it for many and varied purposes including: to tame brows and condition and define lashes, lip balm, to protect the skin when tinting lashes in your salon, to soften cuticles on fingers & toes, to smooth elbows and knees, as a sheen over lipstick, as a lipgloss on its own, as an eye gloss on brow bones, mixed with shimmer powder to highlight cheek bones, to fix body glitter and sequins...


Nominated for Beauty Magazine "Best Lip Product" 2006!!


20g Silver Ointment Tin
Price: £5.00

A Whirlwind of Glamour-Induced Excitement.

I have received my £20 mascara and my new eyelash curler (which I am determined to use after I have been told how much of a difference it will make). I cannot contain the excitement and yes - the £30 spent is completely justified. I was battling with financial guilt since ordering them but the packaging - ohhhh I am a sucker for packaging! Look how retro and pretty!

Duwop Lash Venom in black - £20

 Mister Mascara Lash Curler - £7.50

Both from http://www.lookfantastic.co.uk/

* After experimenting this morning I do believe that curling your eyelashes is beneficial. You look more doe-eyed or something. I will be doing a blog on how to do correctly.

Beauty Tips from Around the World

Once in awhile, when I am on the bus and heading home to Lewisham where multiculture has new meaning, I think about how women from all over the world must have very different beauty regimes. I have listed a few tips here, some word of mouth and others I read about or researched.

New Zealand - Manuka Honey. Wonder honey that has been used as a top skin tonic for generations. Originating from the Manuka tree native plant in New Zealand which is famed for it's antiseptic oil, the honey is rich in minerals and has a reputation for special germ-killing and wound healing abilities. Will help rejuvinate skin and combat acne. Works for dandruff and eczema as well. Most health food stores will stock.
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/iq.asp?xs=1527FF274E2E478E80F771BCE687349D&SearchText=mauka+honey

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/3787867.stm

China - They have incredible glossy hair. They tend to use a hair rinse made of rosemary and green tea.

The tea is rich in health-boosting antioxidants, rosemary is detoxifying and can help rid hair of impurities, giving it a healthy shine. Try Neal's Yard Remedies Rosemary & Thyme Shampoo (£5.25, 200ml)

http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/

Japan - Applying perfume properly is important and the Geisha's knew exactly which body parts worked best. Put on before you put anything else on. Wrists, base of the throat, behind the ear lobes, the bend in your elbows, and between the breasts. Do not dab your wrists together after applying perfume fragrances-this breaks down the scent. We all know that body heat rises, so apply perfume to the back of your knees to leave a lasting impression. Remember - less is more!

Greece - Yogurt isn't just a healthy snack you know! In Greece yogurt is a renowned topical beauty treatment. A natural source of lactose, proteins, vitamins and minerals, Greek yogurt has been used directly on the skin for years to treat sunburn and other skin problems. Lather all over your face for a mask - it's super hydrating. Just make sure it's the full fat kind. Usually stocked at your local grocery store.

Brazil - Cellulite busting. They must know what their doing in order to have so many gorgeous bod's on the beaches. It's quite simply sand. While relaxing on the beach Brazilian beauties rub wet sand on their bodies to smooth and stimulate their skin. I really can't see myself doing this as I don't have sand and I live nowhere near a beach but I am happy to exfoliate in the bath or shower. From personal experience it does work. Get a good brush or set of exfoliating gloves from Boots or other drug stores. Use an exfoliating scrub or bar of soap and lather up. You can buy soaps that have sand in them like Lush for Sandstone soap (£1.95, 100g). Rule is to go in the upwards direction towards your heart. Circular motion is fine on buttocks area. Gently does it on décolletage and thigh areas as the skin is more delicate here. Make sure you moisturise afterwards!

Israel - Look younger with Dead Sea products. People travel from all over the world to slather themselves in nutrient-rich mud from Israel's Dead Sea. Even Cleopatra is reputed to have travelled there from Egypt to immerse herself in its waters. Indulging in a black mud body wrap -a mixture of Dead Sea minerals - can cleanse and stimulate the skin, toning and firming tissues for a youthful glow or you can opt for a cheaper at home remedy using Dead Sea Magik products. Various prices at Waitrose or Ocado online.

http://www.ocado.com/webshop/getSearchProducts.do?clearTabs=yes&entry=dead+sea

France - The French see pampering as a top priority, and have strict beauty regimes, from applying creams all over their bodies to taking luxurious baths, using products only of the best quality. They feel that less is more, and would rather use a dab of concealer where they need it than plaster themselves in make-up. French women also believe that a woman is beautiful when she is comfortable with herself, and frown on excessive cosmetic surgery. Old doesn't mean unattractive, and many women prefer to age gracefully (think Juliet Binoche). Make time for pampering - set aside an evening a week where you can exfoliate your body and treat it to some moisturising products. Think yourself sexy - you are!

World Wide - Flawless skin. This can be put down to a single product that's cheap and easy to come by - water! Knocking back at least two litres of water every day will flush out toxins, also splash your face with  water throughout the day to revitalise skin and reduce puffiness. Aim to drink at least six to eight glasses a day (very difficult I know - keep a glass at your desk so you're reminded).

Sarah's Special Canadian/English beauty tip - turn that frown upside down. Nobody is attracted to a grump (learned this from experience). Free.

Any more global tips are welcome!

Batiste Dry Shampoo

I never, never, let myself run out of this. In fact I thought it was an important mention on this blog. Thursday night I didn't have a chance to wash my hair for the third day (don't be grossed out this is a normal occurrence for my poor, dry, naturally curly hair). I had been to the gym and it was looking a little (actually a lot) greasy but thank goodness I keep in my drawer at work.

This is a cult classic and I wanted to share with you in case you've not heard of it. For my North American readers I looked at various websites and doesn't look like they have it but Ebay sells (not cheap there though!). But here in Blighty it's super cheap at approx £2.09 - for which I am most thankful.

Note: It comes out like a fine white powder spray. If you have very dark or black hair I would purchase the special version for black hair or you could look like you have dandruff or going prematurely white. Most brunettes/red heads will be fine with the normal versions as long as you work it into the hair well.

Directions:  Shake can vigorously before use and in between sprays. Hold can approximately 30cm from hair and spray lightly giving even coverage. Use fingertips to massage through hair and leave for a few moments. Brush product out, preferably using a natural brush.

Superdrug http://www.superdrug.com/bin/venda?ex=co_wizr-locayta&template=wz_locayta&pageno=1&perpage=24&collate=ivtype%3Aprice%3Acat%3Abrand&refine_sort_alph=&setsortorder=relevance&fieldrtype=type&termtextrtype=&typertype=exact&fieldcatrestrict=xancestorid&termtextcatrestrict=shop&typecatrestrict=exact&typekeywordsearch=keyword&termtextkeywordsearch=batiste

I would use ASOS as they have every single kind made and many different scents to try. I personally love the Tropical and the Fresh. Diva made me a bit sick.

http://www.asos.com/search/pgeSearch.aspx?q=batiste

Of course they aren't the only ones that do a dry shampoo, some companies have tried to follow in their footsteps and I have used Lee Staffords version when Boots had sold out of Batiste and I also tried AVEDA's Pure Abundance Hair Potion for £17.50 (must have felt minted that day) but always come back to using this.

Have I raved enough!?

Bourjois Baby!

Trivia for today is related to Bourjois cosmetics. I think my partner in crime and fellow beauty lover friend Emma alerted me that they are owned by Chanel so yes girls - buy up the nail varnish and lipsticks - it's almost the same thing but slightly cheaper.  One other little fact is that they are the oldest cosmetic company in France.

They must know what they're doing to be around for so long!

http://www.bourjois.co.uk/home/the_story_of_a_brand/brand_history

http://www.bourjois.co.uk/

Wipe On - Wipe Off

Wipes have only been around for the last few years and I was certainly addicted to them. They're ingenious - you can use them anywhere, they fit in your bag, you can take on a plane, they take off makeup when you're too drunk or hungover to wash your face. However, a health conscious friend alerted me to the fact that they do tend to have some rather naughty things in them and we shouldn't be spreading that all over our face and necks. It's really crazy and if you can just stop and take some time to research what we're potentially letting our skin soak up. If it's got Benzyl Alchohol or Petrolatum in it DON'T BUY IT. Try and stick with organic brands from health shops or ones without scent.

My Aunt Laurie kindly sent me this very helpful website where you can check ingredients.

http://cosmeticdatabase.com/

I researched a few today instead of working at my day job so I can save you some time.
Good
Simple Facial Cleansing Wipes - 25 wipes for around £2.97
Simple Spotless Skin Quick Fix Facial Wipes 25 per pack around £2.99

A company that does everything organic is Jason. Most health food/organic shops will stock. They don't do wipes but have cleansers.
http://www.jason-natural.com/
Holland & Barrett have a good range and sell Akin products which are really lovely. Here is a two in one cleanser and toner - not a wipe but can just use with a Kleenex or cotton.
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=2459&prodid=2708


Bad
Olay Daily Facials Refill - 30 wipes for around £3.99 (it has Petrolatum - which isn't great girls) http://cosmeticdatabase.com/ingredient/702512/FRAGRANCE/#misc

Loreal RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes - 30 wipes for around £4.00
http://cosmeticdatabase.com/product/283416/L'Oréal_Advanced_RevitaLift_Radiant_Smoothing_Wet_Cleansing_Towelettes/