Best in Beauty: August

I am so sorry that it has taken me this long to post my August Best in Beauty picks but better late than never, no?

This month I headed off to Lanzarote for a chilled holiday with a few of my girlfriends for sun, sea and sangria. I had a wonderful time in Spain, and was grateful for the opportunity to try out some sweet Summery beauty products.  

So, here are some of my top beauty picks for the month of August, with each and every product tried and tested by yours truly.

If you have any questions about any of the products please do just post below or tweet me @SWfashion_ .

Ooh what's that? Urban Decay NAKED Skin Face Ultra Definition Finishing Powder - £22 here
And what does it do? The latest addition from Urban Decay's NAKED collection, this finishing powder proposes a high-tec alternative to traditional chalky products. The product is jet-milled for a fine, buttery texture that works to airbrush imperfections without masking skin or caking with foundation.
How do I use it? Just as you would any other finishing powder. Though the product comes with a sponge, I far prefer to use a small dense brush to apply the powder in swirling motions. Apply your foundation or base of choice, dab on concealer wherever necessary and set your base with this light, almost invisible powder.
So does it work? I have to admit that I was very impressed with this product. I have always worn a powder with my foundation, as my skin is prone to oiliness, but even my favourite powders have the tendency to go rather dense. This powder is lighter and far more subtle on the skin. Provided you don't overload your skin and use sparingly, this product blends seamlessly and gently mattifies without dulling. 

Ooh what's that? Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-oxidant Serum- £45 here

And what does it do? A daily-use moisturiser, rather than a post-CTM boost, this is a simple but effective product.  With extracts of virtuous grape seed, panthenol and parsley seed, Aesop's fresh serum offers deep nourishment for dehydrated skin, particularly in humid climates. 

How do I use it? A little goes a very long way with this aromatic serum. Simply remove make-up, cleanse thoroughly once again and then apply a few drops of the serum to your face in sweeping upward motions. It will feel light but nourishing, cool but conditioning. 

So does it work? To say I am obsessed with Aesop is to put it very lightly, but this product really is worth an investment. It smells so beautiful and refreshing, making it a great product for high Summer or for those living in sunnier climes. My skin is dry in parts, and this serum brightens and softens my skin without clogging pores. This is an essential, whatever the season. 

Ooh what's that? Herbal Essences Bee Strong Strengthening Cream - £4.79 here

And what does it do? The Bee Strong collection is the latest from good old Herbal Essences, and this leave-in conditioner is one of two styling products in the range. Enriched with honey and apricot extracts,  this sweet scented spray-on conditioning creme claims to simultaneously strengthen and protect damaged hair while leaving a great shine. 

How do I use it? Spray a three-five times into hands and work into towel dried hair. If you have fine hair just work it into the midlengths and ends. Don't be tempted to use too much product- it could weigh the hair down. 

So does it work? I actually bought this product right before going to the US. I was having a bit of a trolley-dash around Boots, searching for a strengthening or conditioning creme to stop my hair drying out on holiday. I grabbed this one without really thinking much of it- it's such a bargain!- and didn't realise how impressive it was until I actually used it. The first treat is the sweet honeyed fruit scent, closely followed by the light but moisturising texture and the ease of application. It was the only styling product I used on holiday, save a few droplets of MoroccanOil light, and it really was my Summer hair saviour. . 

Ooh what's that? Soap & Glory One Night Tanned Instant Beach-Bronze Buttergel - £11.50 here or here

And what does it do? With such a fabulous name, it's hard to believe that this delicious treat is actually an instant tan. Boasting a tropical coconut scent, a rich blend of shea and illipe butters and unique "tanwrap" technology, this "buttergel" sounds just like a beach body in a bottle! 

How do I use it? As per other self tans, I would suggest applying this luxurious product with a mitt. The chocolatey tan gives an instant caramel colour, so it is easy to see any streaks or imperfections, but do make sure you work the product in fully to ensure a natural appearance. Prep skin beforehand with a sugary scrub (Soap & Glory do the best budget ones) and skip the moisturiser if tanning.  

So does it work? Though the only tan for me this year is the pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan by Vita Liberata, this one comes in a close second. Firstly it smells like a creamy tropical cocktail and secondly it has a gloriously rich texture which just glides effortlessly. It is an easy-breezy instant tan that lasts well and softens skin. 

Ooh what's that? Vita Liberata Capture the Light Translucent Illuminator in Gold - £29.95 here

And what does it do? The ultimate tan enhancer, Capture the Light highlights skin with a golden luminescence while also protecting skin with SPF 25. It is a rich, creamy texture to be used on both the face and the body to invigorate dull skin. 

How do I use it? There are a number of ways to use Capture the Light. You can use it to highlight a tanned decolletage, arms, legs and even an exposed back. It also works well on the face worn over a dewy base on cheekbones, cupids bow and under the eyebrow arch. It is quite a powerful product, so use sparingly as a little goes a long way. For a gentler sheen mix a couple of pumps with your favourite moisturiser and use all over your body to brighten your skin tone. 

So does it work? This is the first body illuminator that I have actually liked. I found it made my skin look glossy and healthy, rather than glittery and cheap. I used it in Spain when wearing low-cut and strapless dresses to highlight my collarbones, and also mixed with my Philosophy Almonds and Cream body lotion to give my legs a subtle sheen.

Best in Beauty : May 2013

Another month, another wave of gorgeous new beauty products to splurge on... After all, we must get beach-ready. What else are we supposed to spend on?

I've tried some fabulous products this month, so just thought i'd do my duties in sharing them with you !

Have you tried something particularly yummy? Comment below and let me know !

Looking to tone up before you have to squeeze in your bikini? If you're anything like me, then this is sure to be the case. Actually, if you're anything like me then THIS will be the case... Anyway, I digress. If you're looking for the easy-ish way out, then treat yourself to this minty cream from Soap & Glory with the most pun-tastic name imaginable. Brace yourself, ladies, for THE FIRMINATOR (£12 here). Slather all over your thighs after a shower and wait for the firming to begin. Of course, this works better with a bit of toning work at the gym!

 Bourjois are known for their best selling Little Round Pot blushers. Soft, delicate and easy to blend, Bourjois' powder blushes are the best on a budget but it does not take a genius to know that during the warmer months, powder blushes are not always a good idea. Usually in Summer, our skin is a little better and it's all about getting a dewy glow. Praise the beauty lords, then, for Bourjois have now launched these amazing creamy blushers. A snip at just £7.99 exclusively at Selfridges, these blushers go on so smoothly and offer wonderfully buildable colour.

With a new beauty collection inspired by cupcakes, this powder from MAC is great for adding a little pearlescent sheen to a beauty look. It is £21.50 here. 

If you're lucky enough to go lovely and bronze during the Summer months, then this Bobbi Brown multipurpose product is sure to be your saviour over the holidays. A bright bubblegum pink with plenty of delicate shimmer, this Summer Pink blush stick will add a little glow to your barefaced beauty look. Add a little slick to lips and finish with No7 BB lip balm for a killer look. It is £18 here. 

A lovely light scent for Summer, my current fragrance obsession is See by Chloé's suitably chic new fragrance. You can buy it here- £49 for 50 ml. 

A foundation that has the power to actually heal spots? Count. Me. In. This full coverage foundation from Seventeen has just launched and i've been lucky enough to try it already. While i've not been using it long enough to notice a huge difference, the coverage of this foundation is just ideal for Summer, especially if you have problem skin. The formula contains salicylic acid which works to dry out pimples while the creamy foundation provides just the right amount of coverage. Just what the doctor ordered for a cool £6.99 here.

Best in Beauty: Early April

I can't believe that my Easter holidays have been and gone and I am back to London today until Summer holidays. Yup. SUMMER.

Without risking sounding like a grandmother, WHERE has this year gone?

Oh to be young again.

Anyway, without further ado, here are my first best in beauty picks for this month- i'll do another batch towards the end of the month because i'm that much of a beauty junkie.

Hope you likey! 

My first picks this month have to be two of the finest mascaras of the moment. Stila is a cult label that last year saw a long overdue relaunch. While their nourishing, super-shiny lip glazes are particularly iconic, I must admit that I have heard nothing but great things about their Stay All Day mascara (£15 from Space NK here). It really is in the name on this one, girls, for this mascara supposedly does not budge all day long. I am thinking that this shall be one for my Summer beauty bag (back off panda eyes- just back off) and will keep you posted when i've tried it. If anyone has already just pop a little comment below.

My second mascara pick is one that I have been using for a little while and must say that I do swear by it for giving me super fluttery eyelashes in just a couple of coats. Don't be perturbed by that snazzy looking old tube, for this MAC False Lashes mascara is certainly a keeper (£18 here). While it is certainly not smudge (ahem - tear) proof, this glossy mascara is thick but not clumpy and is perfect for lengthening and volumising without too much hassle. I always curl with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers beforehand, of course. 

I shudder to think how much money I have spent in this lifetime on lipgloss. I go through it at the speed of noughts, and buy way more than I really should. I just love a good lipgloss, I do. I also am pretty pernickety about the glosses I go for, as nothing is more off-putting than an overly viscous or oily "gloss", it's got to be suitably sticky and preferably sweet. 

My favourite, month by month, is always the NARS lipgloss. It is thick but not gloopy and has just the right amount of pigment to remove any need for a base lipstick or colour. It is a little bit more expensive than your average Superdrug shot (£17.50 here), but it is also a big bit better. This Turkish Delight colour is a pale, powdery pink and is soon to be the latest addition to my ever expanding beauty bag. See ya in Selfridges... Or Space NK... Or Harvey Nicks. I'm not fussy. 

Another product I am really keen to try is the Benefit Dandelion lipgloss (£14.50 here). If anyone has any feedback on it just let me know- I love the blusher personally for it's delicate touch of petal pink, so I can only imagine that the lipgloss is just as lovely. 

I featured these Urban Apothecary candles in my Mothers Day post a while back (after spotting on the amazing Discover and Escape) and I just had to feature them again because they sound SO delicious! I still haven't found an excuse to treat myself just yet, but don't they sound so lovely? Inspired by french macaroons (mmmmm...) these delightfully sweet candles come in an array of sugary scents that sound so very decadent. I felt as we edged into Summer, I should stay true to good old Great Britain and bring out the strawbs and cream! This luxury candle comes in a beautiful little glass jar which is perfect for storing trinkets once the candle is all gone. You can treat yourself here for £30. 

You know i'm off to New York this June, right? Don't know if i've mentioned...

Eep! I am so very excited to visit the Big Apple and on reading a book called The Stylist's Guide to NYC, I got even more excited about checking out some of the cities' big name perfumery stores such as Le Labo.

Le Labo scents are a tad expensive, but they are delightfully unique and can even have the labels personalised. What could possibly be a better souvenir? 

I think I shall be inclined to go for Jasmine. A light but floral Spring scent, this charming and distinctive scent is ladylike but still powerful. You can buy for £95 here or at Liberty (as per the one in the image)

Yesterday over lunch, my mother, sister and I spent a good half hour talking about our favourite nail polish brands, which made for a riotous old time for dad, as I'm sure you can imagine. 

While initially I flew the flag for Essie (I love Splash of Grenadine and Ballet Slippers- call me cliché!) and OPI, my mother plumped for Leighton Denny and my sister full on championed Butter London polishes. 

I must admit that my sister and I rarely agree, but on this one I could not argue. Butter London polishes really are quite fabulous and for Spring they have some delicious shades around. I just featured a couple of my favourites here- Fruit Machine, a poppy candy pink and Kerfuffle, a sugary soft coral. 

The polishes offer great coverage and don't go as streaky as other luxury polish brands tend to. Both these soft new interpretations of pastel shades would be great for the warmer months whether on your fingertips or tootsies. (both £13 at Butter London)

While skincare is not among the most girly or glamourous of beauty products, it is undoubtedly the most important, particularly if you suffer from skin problems like myself.

My skin is scarred from acne, dry in parts and oily in others, and also extremely blemish prone, so I spend my life in pursuit of a regime that will balance all of the above or, perhaps, make it all go away?

While this Eucerin DermoPurifyer hasn't quite cleared everything up, it really is helping. I have been using the cleanser (£9.18 here), toner (£9.18 here), concentrate (£9.50 here) and moisturiser/night here (both £9.18 here) every day and night for the past few weeks and I have noticed a great improvement in my skin.

My skin is nourished and no longer as oily, and spots are far rarer than they have been in the past. I have also been eating a far more nutritious diet since being at home, with more fats than I care to think about, which probably is a contributing factor, but I really would recommend this regime if you're a little conscious of your skin. 

Last but not least, a little touch of luxury from Anya Hindmarch. I really do wish I could call this make-up bag my own, but I think it's something I would need to ask for as a gift!

How adorable is it? This "Face Repair Kit" in soft metallic leather is £135 (here) but is perfect for carrying around all your favourite beauty essentials! 

How could you resist?!

Pursuit of Prettiness: March's Best in Beauty

Okay, it does NOT actually feel like March. 

Today I have been constantly freezing, so much so that, on return to my flat, I invented a new form of hot yoga which consists of shoulder standing in front of Rachel's electric heater. You heard it here first, guys, I don't want Deborah Meaden and that Dragon's Den lot cashing in on this beauty of an idea before I get this trademarked.

Anyway, I digress (as per), for this post is actually nothing to do with the temperature, nor is it even remotely linked to yoga.

In fact, this post harks back to my age old pursuit of prettiness. I've not done one of these posts in a while, so I thought i'd kill a few birds with one stone and combine this post with another idea of mine.

In honour of Crufts, I thought i'd do a little Best in Beauty thing, rosettes and all. Hopefully, if this works out, I shall be doing one every month to keep you all up to date with the products which actually work... In my view, that is.

While I still may look nothing like Rosie Huntington Whiteley, my pursuit of prettiness has not been a total failure to date and I have tried some truly wonderful products that I would definitely recommend.  

Here are a few favourites for March. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I have truly awful circulation. When I spotted the Elemental Herbology SOS Circulation Serum on Space NK I was more than a little bit intrigued to give it a try. With specific instructions on how to apply, massaging only in specific areas and motions, followed by a cup of natural herbal tea, this vibrantly scented balm certainly smells invigorating. The active ingredients include grapefruit which is known to boost the blood circulation to the skin and I have found that this aromatic gel has a firming, cooling effect which certainly gets the blood flowing to the extremities. I think I have a new favourite skincare brand, actually, having been sent a few samples of the Elemental Herbology facial products... Their delicate cleanser has the most calming, soothing scent and makes cleansing and moisturising at deeply therapeutic process. Shop the range here. 

It's taken me long enough to actually try it, but now I FINALLY get what all the fuss is about Moroccan Oil. I have heard such great things over the years- backstage at shows, from stylists on shoots, at various magazines- but I have never actually tried it for myself.

I have to admit that I was nervous to apply oil to my hair. My hair is fine, albeit dry, and very rarely looks healthy and bouncy (you can find out about my hair growth attempts here), and therefore I felt that adding oil would just bring in a little greasiness to the mix: not ideal.

However, this oil is a miracle worker. It is light- just a couple of pumps on the midlengths and ends of damp hair and you'll start to notice a difference immediately. It makes my damaged hair feel smooth, silken and, above all, healthy.

It really is a cult product for a reason and i'd highly recommend it.

During London Fashion Week I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Handpicked Media LFW Lounge at The beautiful One Aldwych hotel over the weekend. On the Friday, we were joined by a few of the lovely girls from Superdry, promoting their latest launch: Superdry Beauty. With an assortment of beauty staples in bright packaging, in keeping with the Superdry brand, this range is full of great fun beauty products at great prices. Their Kabuki brush is a real standout (it's so soft and popped up in British Vogue this month) as are their great nail polish colours. Bold, zingy and fun, this Soda Pop shade was my shade of choice during fashion week, the perfect way to pep up a dull March day. The polish is £6 and the brush £14, you can purchase in boutiques or online here. 

I must admit that I have always been a little sceptical of BB creams. It is not easy going for minimal, natural coverage when your skin is erupting in stress-induced spots or dotted with angry acne scarring. When I take off my mask of make-up, what's underneath is not exactly a blessing!

 I have tried a couple of BB Creams but, I must admit, they were nothing to write home about until now. The Bourjois BB 8 in 1 compact is exclusive to Selfridges and I have found this cream to powder formula works wonders for my combination skin.

Nothing makes a complexion look worse than caked foundation and powder, and this balmy compact offers a matte, airbrushed finish just with a few little sweeps across the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose. While I may still have to layer this with a little (read: a lot!) concealer, if you're blessed with decent skin, this one is about to make your make-up bag a whole lot lighter!

This is, perhaps, the third or fourth time I have featured the Jo Malone Sugar & Spice collection on my blog but oh my goodness, they are just the nicest scents around for Spring. They really do smell edible! Each time I have worn the Ginger Biscuit, The Redcurrant and Cream and the Chocolate Orange, I have been complimented on my perfume and asked about it. There is something charming about being asked what you're wearing and replying "Ginger Biscuit". It's spicy, warm and sweet. It's also good enough to eat. 

I am tempted to stock up on these- it breaks my heart that this is a limited edition collection - I want them all!

I hope you liked my post- if you would like to read more of my beauty posts, click here.

Comments are always welcome, you lovely lot! 

Flutter, Flirt and Frolic

Firstly I must apologise that i've been posting rather rarely of late, university work is getting the better of me unfortunately and every single time I go to write a post, I seem to fall asleep. I fear that this is old age getting to me, as i'm now officially 19. EEK.

I also must apologise that the visuals for this post aren't exactly amazing for I'm working, for the time being, from my sister's laptop which has no Photoshop (shock horror)... Back to basics I go.

Anyhoo, Valentines day is this coming week, so I thought it high time to post a little beauty guide on how to optimise your flirtation factor on the 14th.

FACE

1. This Revlon PhotoReady Powder  (£11.29) is a hero product of mine. I have been using it for a few months now and I really can't get enough of it. The powder is finely milled with light reflecting particles. It doesn't cake in the slightest and really does softly airbrush the skin without caking even slightly. Just layer over your choice of Beauty Balm or Foundation for a radiant, romantic complexion.

2. I have been itching to try a Beauty Balm for a while (I know, i'm rather behind the times) and this one from Dr Jart+ is a great one to start out. I opted for the Regenerating Beauty Balm (£14 here) and have found it a lovely, light base for a freshfaced glow. Plus it's so easy to apply, just a little bit goes a long way.

3. The one beauty product I really can't cope without is the NARS Blusher in Orgasm. It is a cult product for a reason, trust me, and this peachy pink blusher is every bit as good as the name suggests. It is £21.50 but really is worth every last penny. The image I have above, I have realised only now, is not actually of the correct blusher, but I honestly can't recommend this prettifying powder enough.

4. A little tip off from my marvellous mum, this Lancome Effet Miracle Primer/ Blemish Balm is an absolute godsend. I could even go as far as to say it is the best primer I have ever tried. It is a sure way to get strokeably smooth skin. Now, just to save up that £26 to buy my own!

EYES

1. Nothing says flirtation quite like luscious fluttering eyelashes, and these Shu Uemura eyelash curlers are the best out there, without a shadow of a doubt. A make-up artist I worked with recently referred to them as his 'Shu's'... Perfect for those of us who can't quite pronounce the full brand name. It'll be the best £20 you ever spent, ladies.

2. Only recently have I been informed of the totally transformative quality of strong, slick eyebrows. They actually do make such a difference in framing the face and all it takes is a little bit of contouring with a kit like this ELF one which is a ridiculous bargain at £3.75, available in four colourways. It is the perfect way to cheat that natural beauty look that your Mr. Right will adore.

3. Now, let us get back to those flirtatious fluttering eyelashes. I have recently been trying out this new mascara sample from Bourjois, and I must admit that I am very impressed with this FAN-TASTIC VOLUME edition. I've always said that Bourjois mascaras are the best budget option (alongside Max Factor) and this new one, with a fan-shaped comb, lengthens and intensifies eyelashes a treat. It is just £9.99 and is great for creating a wide-eyed natural look that is perfect for catching his eye.

LIPS

1. Ready to pucker up? This sugary pink lipstick from Topshop make-up in Macaroon is a gorgeous candy colour that will make that pout extra kissable. Just apply one layer for a nude look.

2. Another Orgasm, this time in a lip gloss. It has all the brightening and flattering qualities of it's blusher friend, but it provides the most enticing glossy coat on lips.

3. Make sure that your lips are totally immaculate by priming with this delicious Red Velvet lip scrub by Sara Happ, available here. It tastes just like a sweet, sumptuous red velvet cupcake and the find sugar granules buff away any dry skin for the most soft and sweet kiss imaginable. A treat for you and him!

EXTRAS

1. The ultimate indulgence, Laura Mercier Ambre Vanillé Soufflé body cream is a beauty must for Valentines day. It smells absolutely edible with the most intense vanilla notes that money can buy. It is also lusciously rich and nourishing, leaving supple skin with an inviting scent.

2. Continuing along the good enough to eat road, this Jo Malone Sweet Lemon Cologne, from their new High Tea collection, smells just like a sugary lemon tart. Very soon I shall be sharing some lovely new Jo Malone products with you, but in the mean time I highly suggest you treat yourself to this sweet spring scent. He'll love it every bit as much as you.

3. My Valentines polish of choice? Nails Inc in Shoreditch. This fun and flirty hot pink is not even remotely sickly sweet, but a great bubblegum pink that packs a little punch. It needs a fair few coats to get a decent colour, but it's worth it.

4. If you are more traditional, you'll be loving this summery bright polish from Essie's latest collection. This coral Snap Happy shade will certainly cheer up your Valentines day, whether or not you have someone to celebrate with. 

Pursuit of Prettiness: The Gothic Lip

MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger £14

I love this rich tomato red, a subtle take on the gothic look. Apply with a make-up brush for precision and pair with minimal make-up. It is a slightly drier formula so try a balm on top for extra nourishment. It is particularly pretty on warmer skintones- fairer types should stick to Russian Red with it's cool blue tones.  

NARS Liquid Lip Colour in Nana £17.50

This one looks scarier than it is! I expected it to be nearly black and was sceptical to try it, but I have to say I rather liked the final effect. It goes on like a patent, blackberry stain and has some incredible staying power. I was too much of a wuss to wear more than one coat, but I really loved it layered over Topshop Lips in Hazard. A slick and stylish way to wear the trend. 

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Va Va Violet  £7.49

I think this one has to be my favourite- it is also the most gothic. It is a deep purple, almost black, and has a nourishing, creamy texture that feels rather luxurious. I loved the colour and felt it flattered my cool skintone perfectly. It is perfect shade of wine meets rich, regal purple tones. It certainly belies it's Boots pricetag.

Shiseido Perfect Rouge in RS612 £17

I used this one for more of a tint approach- one that would be better suited to an older lady or one less adventurous when it comes to vampy lip colours. This is a gorgeous, glossy lipstick which, after one application, is sheer and nourishing and, I found, rather plumping on the lips. The colour is not the most intense, unfortunately, but for wearability this one has to be a winner. I found that the plum complemented my blonde hair rather well also. 

Topshop lips in Beguiled £8

Of the three Topshop darker lipsticks I tried, this one had to be my favourite. The others were gorgeous also, but I loved this rich blackberry shade- it is so luxurious and a little goes a long way! I found this one a great texture and coverage and it would be great for a really dramatic look- a close second. 

HI. Here's my face.

Sorry about that- hope you weren't eating.

Anyway, I know that instagrammed pictures of me are not what you read this blog for, but they are here for a reason- I promise! 

I have been obsessing about the Gothic trend for ages now, and am a Gucci fiend, dying to be Anja Rubik in that lace and chiffon maxidress with her killer plum pout and wavy platinum hair.

So just as we approach mid-October, I thought I could start getting all spooky on ya (please refrain from telling me to "take of my mask" etc.) 

I felt I had to step out of my comfort zone and try a beauty trend- something I am often reluctant to do. Gimme a tricky fashion trend, and i'll give it a whirl, but i'm much less adventurous when it comes to my make-up... A smoky eye is daring in my books. 

However, I must man up and try something a bit different... Gothic lips. Eek. 

It's not as scary as it first seems, though, and I must admit I am a bit of a convert. I have spent years piling on nude lipsticks and glosses and now is the perfect time to break free from those understated (*ahem* BORING) neutrals. 

Pursuit of Prettiness: Photo Face

Models Backstage at Dolce and Gabbana SS13
Image from Catwalking

Photographs are my worst enemy. I am truly, disgustingly unphotogenic and it really does bring me down. Everything from head to toe looks a million times worse when captured on camera in my case, and over the past week things have worsened.

It appears that I have turned into some sort of ghost. Whenever the unforgiving flash of my friend's iPhone goes off, my face suddenly glows a bright white, contrasting dramatically with my dark He-Shi tan. It is not, NOT a good look.

I won't post the photos, but if you are a friend of mine on Facebook you may have been unfortunate enough to have caught a glimpse of Shona the clown, clad in a little red dress with bright Ruby Woo lips and a chalky complexion to rival the cast of Twilight.

I have to point the finger at my foundation of choice. I have been using the Estée Lauder Maximum Coverage foundation for a few years now and I love it's mask-like effect, purely because it covers EVERYTHING. I have since come to realise, learning the hard way, that it is a) two shades too light for my skin tone and b) totally wrong for my skin type.

I knew, to avoid any more Facebook photo embarrassments, that I should invest in a shiny new foundation and I have since made a new friend: Revlon PhotoReady Make-Up (available from Boots for just £9.99)

Available Nationwide £9.99

I bought it almost impulsively, swayed by it's promise of a flawless photo finish, but I am very glad I did. The foundation provides a satiny, airbrushed base with a fantastic buildable coverage. I also indulged in the matching concealer which blends seamlessly with the base and gives that extra bit of polish to my less than perfect skin. Revlon also offer a PhotoReady primer which I am very keen to try, primarily to see whether it boosts the staying power of the foundation

It blends like a dream, it covers beautifully and it is the first foundation I have worn that isn't mask-like, but still provides adequate coverage without the addition of powder. 

Yay for Revlon!

Pursuit of Prettiness: Road to Rapunzel

1. Hair Growth Shampoo £6.99
2. Hair Growth Treatment £7.99
3. Hair Growth Conditioner £6.99
SHOP HERE.

As you know from my previous post on hair regrowth (see it here), I am struggling to get some life back into my slightly dreary locks. However, shock horror, my hair is starting to grow- I HAVE ROOTS!

So, to ensure that this growth keeps on going, and I can get myself a nice mop of Middleton-esque hair, I have decided to invest in a whole lotta nourishing treatments for my locks.

Having read great things about the Lee Stafford Hair Growth collection, I had to give it a go. It's been in rather high demand since it's recent launch and until now I have not been able to get my hands on the full collection but, thanks to the big fat Boots in Westfield, I have now got the full collection standing pride of place on my shelf.

The collection comprises of three products: the shampoo, the treatment and the conditioner, all promising to nourish hair at the roots and therefore stimulate healthy and luscious growth. It also smells rather tasty.

Last night I gave it a little try and I have to say i'm muchas impressed. I began (obviously) with the shampoo, working it into a creamy, luxurious lather that belies it's £6.99 price tag. Mr Lee Stafford then directed me to pop a big egg-sized dollop of the treatment on to my hair and leave for five minutes to work it's magic. Washing the rich treatment out, my hair already lovely and silky, and just a teensy bit of conditioner was required to lock the moisture into my parched locks.

Blow drying my hair as normal, I noticed that it felt unbelievably smooth- as of yet I have not noticed some gigantic growth spurt, but give it time! The healthier the hair, the faster it grows, and this treatment is perhaps the best I have tried, especially given it's fabulous price (it even beats Bumble & Bumble Mending Masque I reckon!)

I definitely recommend giving it a go if you're looking to give your hair a little TLC, or just wish to mix up your shower routine.

Be A Secret Smoothie

Say hello to my new best friend, the NIP + FAB Dry Leg Fix. I have horribly bashed and bruised legs so when the sun comes out, and they are forced to make an appearance, I am often prone to covering in treacle-like tan and hoping no one notices the dire state of my legs.

Alas, my days of Oompa-Loompa-dom are over as I have found a new leggy friend. This rich cream, specifically for dry legs, nourishes and evens out skin tone like nothing else I have tried. I absolutely love it!

At £10.25 it is a reasonable price and, trust me, you won't regret a purchase!

In The Betty Buff

I am a little bit obsessed with body scrubs. I like a good lotion, a shower gel here and there, but i'm a sucker for a grainy, sugary scrub.

I have expressed my love of Soap and Glory scrubs in the past and just thought i'd share with you my latest scrub discovery which I am very excited about!

Behold, Betty Buff.

If, like me, you are a scrub-fiend you will literally be in paradise when you head to Betty Buff's website. The nicest thing is that these heavy duty body polishes are in fact formulated for sensitive skins, so shouldn't be leaving me all red and patchy (as most scrubs do... pretty.)

Reading through all the variations of completely natural body scrubs you will be spoilt for choice- most sound good enough to eat! From zesty Lime and ginger to cooling peppermint, these kitch scrubs are a must-have.

I was lucky enough to try a trio of scrubs and I am glad to say that they did not disappoint. They each smell absolutely divine- the chocolate is my favourite!- and they do exactly what they do on the tin.

The Scrummy Choco scrub initially appears to be quite a dry scrub, but applied to damp skin it transforms into the perfect consistency to banish dry skin and give a much-needed glow. The Zesty Besty scrub smells just like marmalade and is a slightly more liquid scrub, perfect for waking you up in the morning, and the Rosie-Posy Jubilee scrub is a perfectly sugary texture which is ideal for tanning prep.

I love everything about these scrubs and I would 100% recommend a purchase- they are a total bargain, and very kind to your skin.

Betty Buff also offer scrubs for men (Gunky Monkey) as well as shea-butter enriched scrubs for super-sensitive skin types.

The lovely little catalogue that comes with your order contains some great tips on getting the most out of your scrub. I personally would recommend using once or twice a week on damp skin and scrubbing away until your heart's content! Follow with a rich body moisturiser or gradual tan to keep that glow in tact.

I will certainly be making a purchase at Betty Buff in the future and am excited to try the new Sweetie collection made with freeze dried fruits (Candy Floss, Lemon Sherbet and Banoffee- mmm!)

Have you tried Betty Buff or any other great beauty brands? Let me know! 

Pursuit of Prettiness #5

It is an unwritten rule that all good beauty products should smell nice. Okay, perhaps that is stretching it a little, but how much more enjoyable is applying a beautifully scented lotion than slathering on an unscented cream. As much as Keihl's Creme de Corps is a cult product, I find it infinitely boring and find myself crying for Laura Mercier or Nip+Fab as I can't bear a body cream without a decadent sweet scent.

The same goes for foundation (Bourjois foundation smells like make-up should!), for fake tan (I hate, hate, hate that biscuity smell- click here for a tan that's almost odourless) and for hair products (next POP piece? Totally Baked by Tigi Bedhead.. Mmm). It is all about the smell for me, and if a product ticks that box, as well as all the others, it's a keeper.

This week's favourite is my new big fat pot of The Breakfast Scrub by Soap and Glory. Boots enticed me in with a 3 for 2 offer across bodycare, skincare and fake tan, and I spent ages working out which wittily titled scrub to plump for. I certainly, 100% made the right choice.

I have always been a lover of Soap & Glory- and for years it was the only beauty brand that I was truly obsessed with. Every Christmas and Birthday I would receive numerous gift set, often accumulating three or four of the same product, and managing to use every last morsel. I just love everything about the brand. The packaging is kitsch and fun, the products smell beautiful, the bodycare and skincare products are superlative and it is amazingly good value. No wonder it's such a success and has even expanded into make-up (I am eager to try some!)

I used to go through a pot of Flake Away every month, but got out of this habit on moving to uni, no longer able to slip numerous beauty products into Mum's Boots basket. This week, though, I decided that the time had come to get a little glow back for summer, and work on getting well and truly rid of that horrible winter dry skin. I am spoilt for choice with Soap & Glory scrubs, but I HAD to try the Breakfast Scrub and I am more than happy with it.

Soap and Glory scrubs are so good because they are not overly liquid. They are sugary and balmy and do exactly what they say on the tin. Nothing makes my skin smoother, and nothing I have ever used has smelled better. If I could find a perfume that smelled like The Breakfast Scrub i'd buy a gallon. The oaty scrub is enriched with bananas, almond and honey, it smells like pancakes dripping in glossy maple syrup... It is truly divine and I Soap & Glory to make a full range involving a body souffle, a body spray and a massive candle so I can stop constantly sniffing the tub.

It also works miraculously. If you scrub it in before stepping in the shower- all over your body in circular motions- your skin will be enviably smooth and beach ready.

The sweetest product around and my new favourite indulgence! (£9.45 here)