K-Stew

Listen, I know she has a lot of haters out there and does en half moan about the way she can't go out in public anymore (suck it up princess) but lets face it, she must have done something right to win the lead role in Twilight series and leads in a bunch of other Hollywood films.
So, lets start giving the girl her due. Check her out in the latest edition of the US interview magazine. She looks pretty vampy...it had to be done..

Review: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lipcolour

As lipsticks go, I am a big fan and tend to lean towards Estee Lauder and Mac when purchasing. However, when the lovely ladies from Chanel send me bits to review I am excited at the prospect of using a new lippy and experimenting with fab new shades.

Now, I would show you how it looks on different skin types, but as my camera is still broken, this is potentially problematic...

So, here is a sexy red PR shot instead!

The innovative pop-up lid allows you to easily access the lippy in emergency situations (falling out of a cab dahling, post-snog situation....popping it on tube so you look all chic..) and once out of the classic black Chanel case, you can't help but stare in wonder.

The Stick is glossy, but not stickly-shiny and of course I am trying a peachy shade to suit my skintone - 'Instinctive' which glides on perfectly, leaving a subtle tint on my lips.

A highly pigmented lipstick like this is a worthwhile investment if you're struggling to breathe with the price. It also makes a great talking point at parties when you bet a man £10 he can't open it within ten seconds.

£21.50 @ Boots, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Selfridges.

New Moon - get the look

The hype surrounding the launch of New Moon is actually getting pretty sick...my pal Helen and I went to see (500) Days of Summer courtesy of Orange Wednesdays and were actually more excited about the prospect of seeing a two minute trailer than we were a critically acclaimed film.
hysteria grips us all - even a 25 year old and woman who has just turned 30...

..although we did feel slightly pervy checking out Taylor's pecs. My god they are solid. I wouldn't mind taking a bit out of those.

Anyway, I digress. Check out the latest New Moon posters to be released. I have chosen my favourite two - Bella looks hot with 'Come hither eyes' and Dakota Fanning looks pure evil with devilishly smokey eyes.

Bella: Start with a light base - a tinted moisturiser will do. Try Becca or Laura Mercier. If the budget won't allow it, go for something like Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse - it has a lightly whipped texture for even, smooth and glossy coverage.

A light sweeping of blusher - Bourjois little pots in Rose de Jaspe should do the trick nicely. Add a sweep of eyeshadow - bronze, brown - use a primer like Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion first - pat in one with your middle finger and gently sweep a shade like Bourjois's Ombre Stretch in Brun or check out Mac's wide selection of eyeshadow pots. Use a wide brush or pat on with your ring finger for a smudgy look. Finish with a little sweep of curling mascara after treating the eyes to a little curling magic, a la eyelash curler. Cosmo have a great one if tight on pennies. Try Rimmel Volume Mascara Flash, curved brush - £4.50 @ Superdrug.

Look out later for Dakota.

K

Mole Clinics @ Superdrug

Having had a sister and cousin treated for cancerous moles, I was pleased to see that Superdrug will now be providing Skin Cancer Risk Assessment Centres offering a completely free mole advisory service.
The role out of 216 centres is the brainchild of Iain Mack who set up the Mole Clinic in Harley Street.
Superdrug's pharmacist's and nurses will provide the free service, offering one to one advice developed by NICE.
The retailer saw a significant rise in visits to their clinic over the summer and are pleased to be offering the services in more stores.
To find out more contact 020 8684 7000 to find their nearest Skin Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic.

Cowshed

As a fan of all things natural and friend to a Vegan and Veggie, I am very aware of the number of animal products that are crammed into everyday beauty products and toiletries.
As a consumer of all things beautiful, I do try and exercise caution and practice what I preach when it comes to purchasing products. As a teenager I literally lived in Body Shop and then I discovered Urban Decay, another animal-friendly form start-to-finish brand.
I discovered the amazing Cow Shed a couple of years ago and am obsessed with their products and brand awareness. They use completely organic and natural products, apart from beeswax and Wildflower honey - and as a trainee beekeeper myself, I am completely happy with this.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been struggling to come to terms with my house burning down and have been trying to find a 'happy place' for all my pent-up emotions and fears and thought this was the perfect time to write about Cowshed again.
Check out the beautifully packaged range of candles, in Seductive, Invigorating and Balancing fragrances. From £28

I am also in love with the Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath Massage Oil. From £16. The perfect way to unwind after a hard and stressful day.

If you have yet to discover Cowshed, please, please head to your nearest Fenwick or John Lewis and stock up. The candle and oil are so rich, they will go a long way, so don't be put off by the price tag if you're feeling the pinch.
K

Q & A with Marian Newman

Marian Newman has the ultimate authority on achieving beautiful nails. I caught up with her and blagged her beauty secrets.

It's a mistake trying to use thick polish, however much you like the colour. 2 (or even 3) thin watery coats are far better that 1 gloopy coat. a thick polish can be thinned with a few drops of conditioner free remover but this only works for a short while and can't be done again. Also, it's a false economy in time and money to miss out a base and top coat as they, individually, make the colour last and look so much better. Picking it off (so tempting though!) can so easily damage nails as it can take a layer with it!

Why won't my nail polish last longer than a couple of days?

1) Is it something I am doing wrong in application? Should I be using different products (base coat, top coat etc), leaving it to dry longer etc

Lots of reasons! If you’ve just taken polish off and used a remover that has conditioners there could be a film left on the nail that will prevent polish sticking so wash hands thoroughly. A base coat will always help as it prepares the nails. Also buffed nails hold polish better

2) is it something to do with me? I have heard that is you have oily nail beds then polish doesn't stick so well, or weak, bendy nails cause the polish to split? Is this true, and is there anything you can do?

Some people do have oily nail [plates or may have just applied moisturiser and some is left om the nails. Wipe the nails over with conditioner free remover and that will remove any oil. Bendy nails or peeling nails don’t hold on to polish as they ‘bend away’ from the polish. Use a specific base coat.

3) What are your top three tips for a long lasting at home mani

Conditioner free remover (therefore oil free nails), base coat and reapply top coat every few days

Thanks Marian! and thanks brilliant Beauty Seen PR! Mwah
K