Clinique Puts on the Gloss for GOSH

THE KISSABLE LIP SET

CLOSE UP: HEART KEY RING AND SELF EMBOSSED PURSE PATTERN

There’s nothing better than buying something that makes you look gorgeous as well as helping a good cause. In my mind that’s what really makes a feel good factor.

For the fifth year running, Clinique have partnered up with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH) for the KISS IT BETTER appeal. The brainchild of Carmel Allen – a former beauty director of glossy magazines, her daughter Josephine was treated at the pioneering hospital for Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer. Unless you’ve been in that position you cannot imagine the angst and turmoil Carmel and family must have gone through, but coming through the other side – thankfully Josephine, now 10 is leading a happy and healthy life, Carmel wanted to turn the experience into something positive. And make a difference she has to the lives of children with cancer everywhere. And the tagline? “The premise was simple,” explains Carmel, “kiss it better is something every parent says and does when their child is sick or injured.”

During the month of February (what a great Valentine’s Day present, so starting hinting now!) half of the retail price will be banked straight into the appeal. And wowser, what a gift! Just feast your eyes on this limited edition Kissable Lip Set. The silver purse is droolsville enough complete with a heart key ring hanging cutely from the zipper, but inside there’s everything you need to pucker and pout. Drum roll please for: the new Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Woppin’ Watermelon along with all time must-haves including, Vitamin C Lip Smoothie Antioxidant Lip Colour in Pink Me Up, Superbalm Moisturising Gloss in Raspberry and Lost Last Glosswear SPF15 in Mystic. And as an encore for the charity, a £2 donation will also apply to all Clinique lipsticks or lipglosses sold at House of Fraser stores nationwide throughout February. It’s just another reason to heart Clinique.

The Limited Edition Kissable Lip Set costs, £25 and available exclusively at House of Fraser nationwide (excluding Ireland) and online at www.clinique.co.uk

  

Lancome go lip-tastic

EMMA WATSON DOES LANCOME

Emma Watson can look no wrong. Dazzling on the red carpet it was only time before her finely sculptured features and gamine crop were handpicked by a high end cosmetic company to be their face. Well, Lancôme have gone one step further and crowned her their ‘ambassadress’ of their new tempt worthy lipstick collection, Rouge in Love. Emma’s not only a pretty face (or should I say lips) for their campaign, but has also worked closely with them on their shade range, helping to give them a younger outlook.

Spending some time with Emma’s make-up artist, Charlotte Hayward at the launch she revealed that although Emma’s skin needs little coverage – after all she’s young and blessed with great pores, she does like to experiment with colour. With 24 superlicious shades, there’s certainly a kaleidoscope of choice, but it’s the formula that makes this lipstick a huge hit too. They slick and melt onto the lip like a balm, but are as colourful and grown-up as a lipstick to give a punch to your pout. “They’re great to apply,” explains Charlotte, “as they’re ultra light and extremely moisturising. This enables them to move on the lip really easily whereby you can ‘push’ them around and blend with your fingertip. As they’re so sheer, they’re easy to layer up for that on-trend tone-on-tone effect.”

340B ROSE BOUDOIR

The heartbeat of the collection is their exclusive ‘colour catching’ formula, which Lancôme explains as forming a fine film on the surface of the lips on which pigments and satiny agents are captured. Inspired by three different moments during the day, the colours slip into morning (fresh), boudoir time (sophisticated) and evening (seductive). The packaging is pretty saucy too. Just check out the red stitching at the back which is inspired by the intricate weave of couture stockings.

As for Emma’s favourite slicks she’s plumped for Corail in Love, Rose Boudoir and Rose Sulfureuse. Thoroughly modern and pretty, it’s a lip ‘wardrobe’ that you want to kiss and make-up with. Mwah!

Rouge in Love are £21 each and available exclusively at Selfridges from 1^st February and available nationwide form 1^st April.

L'Oreal Paris Has Colour Nailed

Like bad teeth, if nails are looking neglected it notices. And just like our mouths, we often talk with our hands (you try explaining something without waving them about!) so it makes sense to preen and polish your digits.

TWO NEW SHADES: SKY FITS HEAVEN AND OPERA BALLERINA

With expertise at their fingertips, L’Oreal Paris have been doing some fact finding, and report that nail polish purchasing power is up 24% compared to 11% for lipsticks. They say we now look upon polish as a fashion accessory, almost like a piece of jewellery. And it’s true, colours that pop on fingertips never go without a glance and can really up gloss your look. With this call to hands, they are launching an impressive 41 mini shades in their New Color Riche Nail collection. And boy, do they pop ‘n’ rock. Developed by their Colour Creative Director, Orrea Light, who picked up colour inspiration during her globetrotting – shade 202 Marie Antoinette for example was inspired by the shade in Marie Antoinette’s boudoir when she visited Versailles, a ‘wardrobe’ of nail colours were gradually developed.

So, what do women want when it comes to polish? Well, L’Oreal Paris confirms we want a polish that’s long lasting, chip free and good value. Their technology ticks all three boxes. Crystal Acrylic provides high shine to the nail formula, meaning you can skip a top coat. And the Liquid Gel Technology delivers easy application and long lasting coverage. There’s also their patented brush. You could be the best manicurist in the universe, but if your brush is rubbish you’re not going to achieve a great paint job. This brush gives precision, quickness and flawless results. One stroke is all that’s needed to confidently cover the whole nail plate.

NAIL EXPERT: LORRAINE GRIFFIN

Just to finish off this post, I thought I would bring you some professional insights from the high priestess of manicures, Lorraine Griffin who was on hand so to speak at the launch. Lorraine has collaborated with such legendary fashion folk as Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs, as well as working with Beyonce and doing Kate Moss’s wedding nails. Her nail know-how is second to none – when you’re creating 17 colours for 69 girls at a Marc Jacobs catwalk show, you’re one polished act! “Designers now expect nails,” she says, “and I think that’s true for many of us.” We suddenly feel naked without polish as we would a slick of lipstick or a spritz of fragrance. Hot for spring/summer Lorraine predicts pastels including soft blues, pretty pinks, raspberries along with flesh or foundation colours that really help elongate the hand. “Dark red always stands the test of time too,” she says. “We’re also going to be seeing more of a 3D nail where colours are layered up on the nail to give depth.” Just like lipsticks, Lorraine says you can also customise nail polishes. “Two colours can be put together along with a little clear varnish and a few drops of nail varnish thinner.” And as for the classic nail mistake, Lorraine cites lack of oil. “Nails are just like the hair, it’s made up of keratin, so if it’s not moisturised it will look dry and polish will go on streaky. A chic looking nail always lies in the best of preparation.”

New Color Riche Nail are £4.99 each and will be available nationwide from April.

      

Scent Yourself Joyful

It’s grey and chilly outside, so what better way to blow away the drab winter cobwebs and lift your spirits than with a fresh new fragrance?

Especially Escada is built around a delicate rose accord, and it has to be said, there’s something about the smell of a rose that romances the soul and puts a smile on your face. The juice looks pink petal fresh in the glass flacon, topped off with a rather fabulous gold finish, ornate lid. Once unleashed, the delicate and feminine rose notes deliver a light but exotic aroma, smelling equally luxurious and warming on the skin.

Rose has long made an impact on our wellbeing for thousands of years where it’s been found to have a rejuvenating, toning and restorative effect. But shaking off its old fashion image, rose has come out of grandmother’s remedy cupboard and has been enjoying something of a renaissance, especially in perfume. With the queen of flowers at its heart (rose) this fragrance is also cleverly complemented with a top note of pear along with ylang ylang, that together creatively mingle, giving a sophisticated and effervescent lightness. With the mood you’re in more to do with your nose than than the mirror, it’s a fragrance that represents pure escapism. Go on, treat yourself and scent yourself to serenity!

Priced from £32 for 30ml up to £56 for 75ml. Especially Escada will launch this week.

Ruby's New Make-up Move

MAKE-UP MAESTRO RUBY HAMMER

Behind every shining star there’s either a good make-up artist or smart products. Ruby Hammer does both. One of the beauty industry’s most respected make-up artists; she is a major influencer in the business, where her work has been splashed between the pages of the glossy greats including Vogue, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar and Marie Claire. Passionate and friendly in her approach, she before-your-very-eyes gave members of the public a youthover for Channel 4’s Ten Years Younger programme, where Ruby taught them less can be more, an expertly shaped brow knocks off five years and being stuck in a make-up rut can make you look more retired than retro. 

More than just a dab hand with the blusher brush, Ruby has been instrumental in the UK launches of some of the most successful and innovative brands including Aveda, L’Occitane, Tweezerman and Mister Mascara. In the mid-90’s she collaborated with beauty insider Millie Kendall and established Ruby & Millie, then later the Scarlett & Crimson make-up brands. With a keen eye for trends and a head for business, Ruby along with Millie was awarded an MBE five years ago for her long standing contribution to the cosmetic industry.

So, what’s new for this make-up maestro? Her fresh new collection, Ruby Hammer Recommends has recently hit Debenhams. Cleverly put together make-up kits, all created by Ruby, they’re foolproof to use and encourage you to dab and play, putting the fun back into making up. With incredible colours and on-trend formulas, the kits are surprisingly price friendly and start from just £5. With a high end lipstick now costing £20 upwards, it allows everyone to experience a slick of true expertise.

SMUDGE & SHADE EYE CRAYONS, £15

HANDBAG PALETTE, £5

Here I catch up with Ruby for a quick Q&A:

Describe yourself in five words

Loyal. Caring. Honest. Grounded. Passionate.

Who or what are your influences when it comes to work?

Everything. I seek inspiration from my travels, exchanging ideas, film…life in general.

As a working make-up artist, what do you believe women want most from their make-up?

They want to look great. They want to make the best of themselves. And they want to know how.

What do you personally look for in a make-up line?

Whatever grabs me. Sometimes it’s the colour, texture, packaging, quality, ease of use and price. But sometimes it’s just the wow factor.

 What were your aims for your new make-up collection? 

It’s an all year round gift collection. Fun at reasonable prices. They’re good to give and receive without needing a mortgage! Very exciting.

What have you taught your daughter about beauty? (Ruby has a 25 year old daughter called Reena) 

Little and often. A regime is better than a beauty binge once in a blue moon. Beauty equals good health too.

What’s been your best ever make-up job? 

Many great sessions. Some for the creative part, some for the team, some for the locations, some for the ease and fun, plus paid at the end too. Heaven!

What’s the one thing you have learned from being in the industry for 25 years?

Just being open to new ideas. Technology and its advances. Working with creative and respected individuals in their own fields, and being one of their peers. 

What’s the most under used make-up item?

Brushes and tools that give a professional finish. People buy products but begrudge buying brushes.

If you weren’t a make-up artist what would you be?

I would work for the United Nations, or be in the diplomatic service. Similar to what I do now! Travel, meet various people, deliver a brief. My work now allows me to be creative, which is what’s different, and what I love.

Ruby Recommends available from at Debenhams nationwide and www.debenhams.com

New Year, New Eau de Parfum...with love from Dior

One of the sensual mysticism's of fragrance is not wafting around smelling like everybody else. A mass fragrance may well have appeal, but it’s likely to be worn on pulse points from Bradford to Brighton. A cult fragrance gives off its own aura and therefore envelopes the wearer with a true sense of olfactory individuality. Whether borne out of being-in-the-know or simply out priced for many people’s pockets, Christian Dior’s Patchouli Imperial could be slotted into both categories.

La Collection Privee Christian Dior is the House’s most elite and luxurious perfumery creation. Powerful in statement – the fragrances are hand-made and hand-packaged, they are a collection of perfumes that are inspired by a person, place, ingredient or a moment in time dear to the House. Their newest introduction is Patchouli Imperial, a fragrance that symbolises the House’s Haute-Parfumerie expertise. Patchouli is an essential ingredient of Dior’s fragrances, and has been since the New Look revolution in 1947.

The bottle is simple in design that only goes to enhance its elitism. The cap is comfortably weighted which is magnetically drawn onto the top of the bottle. Anyone that is a connoisseur of Patchouli will tell you of its underlying masculinity, but with feminine bewitching qualities. Interestingly, Dior reveals that Patchouli’s reputation was established in the 19^th century with the importation of silk and cashmere. The leaves were used to wrap the fabrics, protecting them from deterioration.

Thoroughly modern in its approach, whilst still keeping its heritage, this Patchouli driven scent is softened by rosy notes with accents of cedar wood, sandalwood and amber. Once spritzed, it leaves its fragrance fingerprint lingering all day. For 125ml it rings in at £120, so not cheap, but if you have any post Christmas gift money it’s well worth splurging if you’re a scent siren.

Available from 23^rd January at Dior’s Maison de Parfums at Selfridges London     

   

A Slick of Skin Comfort Love Clarins

NOT A GOOD LOOK FOR THE COMPLEXION

If there was a time your skin ever needed a reboot, it’s probably now. Central heating, getting-chilly outdoor temperatures, not to mention the post party face of too much fizz and salty snacks, they all conspire to make the complexion look dull, dry and dreary.

CLARINS TO THE SKIN RESCUE

A month or so ago my skin was feeling, and looking like the leaf above from my garden. Okay, not so mottled (hopefully), but dehydrated and ‘crispy’ feeling. Moisturiser, even after upgrading to an intensive formulation just wasn’t cutting the mustard. During these times oil can be a skin’s saviour. Many people shirk away from oil believing it will leave their skin looking adolescent greasy, but far from it. Water free and harbouring pure plant oils along with a nurturing base oil as the foundation, they are deeply penetrating. Soft lines caused by dehydration are instantly softened, making the complexion look rosy and youthful. Were there ever two words more seducing to make you buy into a formula?

My skin somersault from leaf like to bloom came about with the help of Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil for dehydrated skin. Clarins are known for their superlative face and body oils, which remain at the core of their range for high performing skincare. Blue Orchid is a facial oil recommended for restoring radiance and suppleness, it mingles three oils: Blue Orchid for its emollient properties, Patchouli for its stimulating properties and Rosewood for its soothing properties. Hazelnut oil is the anchor and rich in vitamin E. Applying at night, Clarins advise warming a couple of drops (the bottle has a dropper) between the hands and carrying out strong pressing movements on the face with the flats of the hands from the middle to the sides. My skin drunk up the oil thirstily, and after three nights I could really see and feel the difference. My pores were punch drunk from much craved moisture! Proven Effectiveness via Clarins reveal that 97.6% reported better hydrated skin and 87.8% had more radiant skin.

Clarins have launched three Treatment Oils this month, Blue Orchid, Santal for dry skin and Lotus for combination or oil prone skin, all priced at £29 each. Go try.

www.clarins.co.uk