Archives for all posts tagged Latest News
Buy 5PM Vouchers Now - Treat Yourself Later
The Coronavirus pandemic has closed the hair and beauty salons, but you can do your bit to make sure they open again by buying Gift Vouchers. Keep businesses like 5pm and its salons ticking over – and have a much-needed salon treat when the virus has gone, and normal life is resumed. Vouchers are valid...
NEW Liz Earle Skin Repair Bespoke Skincare
It’s all about the Base – and the Boost – with Liz Earle’s newest skincare collection, launched this week. Skincare Made Personal is a pretty simple concept -three moisturisers with a trio of textures, and three water-based boosters to add to them to empower you to personalise your skincare routine...
Hand Washing and Hand Cream
One thing we have all been doing a LOT of since the Coronavirus pandemic arrived is washing our hands. AND WE MUST KEEP DOING IT. Constantly. Washing our hands is one of the most important things to do in the current Coronavirus climate. However, all that handwashing is going to take its toll on our...
Beauty Sleep with It Cosmetics
The clocks spring forward this Saturday, meaning we all lose an hour’s beauty sleep. But if you get yourself a tub of It Cosmetics brand new night cream, no-one will ever tell! It’s called Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream, and I’ve been trialling this cream this week, and I have to admit ...
Mother's Day 5pm Treats
It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, and it might be a little different from other years with the current coronavirus pandemic. As my mum is over 70, I really shouldn’t spend much time with her this weekend, or take her out, as planned, for Afternoon Tea. If you find yourself in the same position, it might ...
Beauty Kitchen Launch Subscribe & Save Service
Scottish brand Beauty Kitchen is making sustainable beauty even more attainable with its brand new subscription service – Subscribe & Save. Beauty Kitchen aims to save 100 plastic bottles a year per household from ending up in landfill with this new initiative. It’s available exclusively from the Beauty...
Fragrance for Mum
It’s National Fragrance Week here in the UK – and this Sunday is Mother’s Day. So, combine the two and buy mum a new perfume. Here are a few suggestions, according to your mum’s personality! THE ECO-WARRIOR Kierin NYC Sunday Brunch, £65, 50ml, asos.com and theperfumeshop.com If your mum is on a mission...
5pm Beauty Fixes for Friday 13th
If you are feeling a little down on your luck beauty-wise this Friday 13th don’t despair! 5pm Spa and Beauty has something for every beauty woe – from lacklustre skin to lank hair, to nails that have been gnawed. And the best bit is they’re all at brilliant prices, as ever. We’ve highlighted a few of...
Wash Your Hands Well with Jo Loves and Floris
Are you washing your hands properly, and often? In the face of the Coronavirus outbreak, we’ve all been told to wash our hands more. We should be washing them regularly anyway, and always with soap and water. You might want to carry a hand sanitizer when you are out and about, but only one with alcohol...
Lavender - Not Just For Granny. Jo Malone launch Lavenderland
Lavender might remind you of your Granny, but the famous scent is having a moment in the perfume world, and Jo Malone London has a whole new collection created with it. The brand is offering a fresh perspective on the iconic ingredient of English Lavender. I love lavender out in the wild, and it’s ...
Spring Blush
In a world of contour and highlighter, where does a pop of blusher come in?! Personally, I can take or leave the highlighter, never bother with contouring, but ALWAYS add a pop of colour to my cheeks with blush. I like peachy/coral shades, popped onto the apples of my cheeks, instantly lifting my complexion...
Facial Fun with 5pm and Estee Lauder Essence
This new Estee Lauder Micro Essence with Sakura Ferment is £79. That’s not a cheap product. It’s a really light essence-in-lotion, which Lauder say will ‘work deep within the skin’s surface to stabilise the skin and reveal an angelic glow’. Infused with Sakura Ferment, this innovative formula with ...
Skin Sapiens Skincare
Skin Sapiens is the latest sustainable skincare brand to land in my inbox. These independent brands are popping up more and more, and this one is really simple, stylish and superbly packaged. It’s also certified natural and 100 per cent vegan. The brand believes in total transparency from ingredients...
Bobbi Brown X Morag Myerscough Collection
When this Bobbi Brown x Morag Myerscough collection landed on my desk, my initial reaction was one of joy – it’s so bright and bold. Not surprising, as that’s what multi-media artist Morag Myerscough is famous for. Her award-winning, eye-catching design has transformed urban spaces around the globe....
Estee Lauder Perfectionist Launches
I do love an Estee Lauder product. There’s something about the brand. It’s one of the original beauty brands, and it’s probably one of the first I ever used. I was a big fan of Lucidity Face Powder back in the day, way before I was a beauty writer. I love the smell of the Daywear products, and I’m ...
Benefit X LinkedIn International Women's Day collaboration
It’s International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, and Benefit has an interesting collaboration for it – with LinkedIn. The beauty brand is offering women the chance to have a FREE professional headshot taken to makeover their profile. The offer is available between 11am and 4pm on Sunday, at two Benefit...
Big Beauty Deals for Spring
It’s the end of another month – almost, as February has another day this year, don’t forget! But it’s time to think about treating yourself once again for making it through another month – and a pretty crazy one weather-wise. Perhaps time to indulge in a Spa Treatment + Prosecco in the luxurious Fairmont...
Barry M NEW Lip Rehab Lip Mask
I featured a few lip masks and treatments around Valentine’s Day, and there must be a trend on the loose, as here’s another new one from Barry M – Lip Rehab. If your lips need a little bit of TLC after winter (if it ever ends, of course!), then a mask is a great way of treating them, and they are a ...
Benefit launch Brow Zings Pro Palette
Yes, it is another Benefit brow product! There are SO MANY OF THEM. I lose track. If you are a fan of Brow Zings, this new one will be pretty special. It’s basically Brow Zings but bigger, and perfect for brow newbies and pros. There are two palettes to choose from – Light/Medium, and Medium/Deep. If...
Pancake Day Lemon & Sugar Beauty
It’s Shrove Tuesday – time to eat all the pancakes -and then give something up for Lent, if that’s your thing. So, I thought I’d have a little bit of fun with my favourite pancake toppings – lemon and sugar – and find some beauty buys inspired by that combo. LEMON Let’s start with three luscious lemon...
Caudalie's New Vinosculpt and 5pm Body Care
Caudalie launches a new body product next month – the Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream. It’s a natural body sculpting product, a firming solution that targets four areas that need a little bit firming and lifting assistance. Apply it every morning, and let it do its magic. Use it on the arms, bust,...
REN celebrate 20 years of Clean Skincare with Infinity Recycling
REN has always placed itself at the forefront of the sustainable debate. I recall my first meeting with the brand many years ago and hearing how the team used electric vehicles before we even knew what they were. REN is truly a brand for other beauty brands to aspire to when it comes to the elephant...
FREE Blusher...If Your Name Is Georgia!
Benefit’s Georgia blusher is back – and if your name is Georgia, it’s FREE! Only on Friday, February 28, and just a mini one, but hey, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, right? Benefit’s peachy blush is back with a bit more of a modern bite. The blush was first created in 2004, so she was due for...
Givenchy Spring 2020 Gardens Collection
Do you like peonies? Me too. Monsieur de Givenchy three. I’m dreaming of them right now as the rain and wind blow up a storm outside and wishing I was in the Givenchy Manoir du Jonchet gardens. The new Spring Gardens collection from Givenchy Beauty will have to do right now – created as a tribute to...
Love Your Lips
It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, and if you are planning on any smooching with a special someone, you probably want your lips to feel soft! Lips are a pretty overlooked part of our face generally, am I right? And they needn’t be, because you can get all sorts of lip care products – masks, scrubs, balms...
Alcoholic Jellies - and some LOVEly 5pm deals for Valentine's Day
I love gummy bears – but now I love alcoholic gummies even more – thanks to Smith & Sinclair, who sent me a fab box of them to try. Called The Party Selection, there’s Elderflower Spritz, Passion Fruit Mojito, Pineapple Bellini and Mandarin (Aperol-style) spritz. They’re all made with premium spirits...
Valentine/Galentine Beauty Buys
It’s Valentine’s Day this Friday – and Galentine’s Day on Thursday 13th. So here are some cutesy beauty bits that you might want to treat yourself to, treat your pals to, or hint at your other half about. Let’s start with a red lipstick. This one is from Sleek Makeup – a Say It Loud Lipstick- and the...
MGC Derma New CBD Skincare Trio
Yes, it’s another CBD brand – they are everywhere. You will use cannabinoids in your beauty regime! Okay, let me try to explain the science part of this. The skincare line was founded by pharmaceutical company MGC Pharma – trailblazers in the Phytocannabinoid industry. They’ve created this new collection...
Pink Hair Don't Care - 5pm Hair Deals
I’ve had pink hair since December. It’s my second foray into the #pinkhairdontcare brigade, and I love it. If you feel like a bold colour change, then make an appointment here at 5pm Spa and Beauty and become the hair colour you should be! I was also just kindly gifted this conditioner and shampoo duo...
Danielle Lauder Act IV Collection from Estee Lauder
I can’t even begin to try to understand what Danielle Lauder’s life is like. The 26-year-old is the great-granddaughter of Estee Lauder herself, and part of the fourth generation of the New York power family which owns one of the biggest global beauty companies. She’s an actress, apparently, and has...
Multi Tasking Beauty All-In-Ones
There are two times of year when these all-in-one products come into their own – winter and summer. At this time of year, we’ve all got those annoying dry patches in our skin – on face and body – and our hair can be a little out of whack thanks to the heating drying it out. Basically. everything sort...
End of January Big Beauty Deals
It’s the end of January. Finally! Spring is coming, payday is here, and it’s time to treat yourself. There are loads of Big Deals on 5pm Spa and Beauty that will give you a post-January boost – and help kick those blues into touch! How about a Choc Scrub and Massage at 200 SVS in Glasgow? You can take...
Clinique announce Global Ambassador is Emilia Clarke
Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke is Clinique’s new Global Brand Ambassador for skincare and make-up – and she looks fantastic in her first campaign shots for a new Clinique iD collection addition. Blonde is definitely her colour! We were drawn to Emilia because she is optimistic, happy in her skin...
NEW Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Collection
If you’re going to buy a primer, then you probably can’t get better than a Laura Mercier primer – she basically invented it! Well, she certainly invented the category in the mainstream beauty world. Now, for 2020, she’s introducing the latest primer innovation – the Pure Canvas Primer Collection. This...
Face Mask for Men with Beards!
Sometimes beauty products land on my desk that seem a bit absurd. This was one of them – the New Skinbuddy mask for men with beards. Granted it does look a bit mad, but there’s method to the madness! Facial sheet masks are one of the most popular and effective treatments to help improve the appearance...
Beauty brands react to Australian Wild Fires
None of us can have been left unaffected by the terrible coverage of the wildfires in Australia. It’s Australia Day this Sunday, and beauty companies have pledged some help. British-based brand Beached was inspired by Australia and created by Aussie girl in London, Meg Gallagher. This weekend she is...
Lancome launch collection with Photographers Mert & Marcus
Lancome has announced the launch of a Limited Edition collection with photographer duo Mert & Marcus. The Mert & Marcus After Dark Collection will be available in February and includes an eye palette, liquid shadows, a lip kit, red lipsticks, and highlighting sticks. Working with such talented and exceptional...
L'Occitane Liquid Soaps and Eco Refills
I tend to become obsessed with soaps and cleaning at the start of a year – I’ve already posted about new organic liquid soaps I’ve been trying, and now I’m going to get in a lather over L’Occitane’s Liquid Soaps! The French company has been making solid and liquid soaps since 1980, when founder Olivier...
Lunar New Year Reflexology and Jo Malone collection
It’s the Lunar/Chinese New Year next Saturday (January 25), which got me thinking about the reflexology I had last week. It was the first time I had had this treatment in years, and it was fantastic. Loved every minute of it, and it pretty much cured the remains of my cold virus, and I haven’t coughed...
January Beauty Blues for Skin, Hair and Face
The January Blues might already be upon you – but I say try to fight them with a little bit of the January BEAUTY blues. I’ve rounded up a whole load of beautiful blue beauty products so if you are feeling down, have a good pour over these instead, and pop them on your payday list if you want properly...
NEW Erborian Milk & Peel Mask and Balm
Sesame is a key ingredient in Korean cooking, so it makes sense it works in Korean skincare, right? The new Milk & Peel products from Erborian utilises sesame milk – extracted from freshly crushed seeds. Sesame offers a boundless reserve of minerals, iron, essential fatty acids and vitamins, and is ...
Hand Care with Alteya and 5pm
We’re all about the body in January, right? Gym memberships renewed, trainers on for running, and diets started. But how about focusing on something else? Maybe your hands? I was gifted some absolutely gorgeous new organic liquid hand soaps before Christmas, and I don’t think I’ve ever washed my hands...
bareMinerals launch the Poreless Collection
Here’s another brand launching a new line perfect for Veganuary. bareMinerals launches its Poreless Collection – three products designed to help reduce the appearance of pores. It’s a three-step skincare routine – so each product works in tandem with each other. It’s not aimed at any particular age ...
Lush launch new Ultraplant Cleanser
It’s Veganuary, and Lush has launched a new cleanser called Ultraplant – with the hashtag #TryVegan. The brand states this is its most luxurious, cold cream facial cleanser yet, and if you want to treat yourself, and the planet, then give it a go. It is a pretty innovative product – a vegan blend, completely...
MAC Lunar Illusions Collection
The Lunar (Chinese) New Year begins on January 25, and it’s the year of the Rat. MAC’s Lunar Illusions collection celebrates the fact that the new year starts on a new moon, with a spirit of refreshed vision, perspective and possibility. Ushering in good fortune, the beginning of a lunar cycle allows...
REN launches new Jelly Oil Cleanser
If you are in the market for a new cleanser, then look out for this new formula from REN, launching at the end of January. It’s a rich, unique tri-phase formula that transforms from a jelly to an oil, and then to a milk to dissolve waterproof makeup, pollution and even SPF, whilst at the same time, ...
New Year Treats with 5pm
It’s a new year – start 2020 as you meant to go on, by treating yourself. It’s also the start of a new decade, so nothing better than a rejuvenating spa break, to recharge those batteries after the Christmas break before you tackle what’s ahead. There are loads of brilliant Big Deals at 5pm Spa and ...
Clarins launch Plant Gold
Clarins has launched yet another pretty innovative product with Plant Gold. This new product fits into the Clarins Aromaphytocare range – more on that later – and is a facial oil, with a difference. It’s absolutely perfect if you haven’t used a facial oil or you are a bit wary of it. Clarins is the...
NEW POREfessional Hydrate Prtimer from Benefit
First, there was the POREfessional Pore Primer, then came POREfessional Pearl Primer, and now Benefit is introducing the POREfessional Hydrate Primer. This one has two new key ingredients – and they are both beauty stalwarts – Hyaluronic Acid, and Shea Butter. Basically, this is the POREfessional original...
New Year Sparkle
It’s New Year! When it comes to New Year party looks, I always want to get a bit of sparkle on, don’t you? I don’t know why, but it seems right to see out the old year and bring the new one in with glitter and bling. I am in love with this glittery gold topcoat from KIKO – isn’t it fantastic? It’s from...
Last Minute Christmas Gifts with 5pm
What’s the favourite last-minute gift? Flowers? Hmm. Maybe perfume? Perfume is a massive Christmas seller – here’s a post I wrote on the Top Ten fragrances this Christmas. One of my favourites isn’t on that list, but I’m thrilled to have been gifted a bottle of it from the lovely people at Philosophy...
Top Ten Fragrances for Women 2019
It’s no surprise that Christmas is the busiest time of the year for fragrance sales – around £550m of them! Every year my dad would buy my mum her favourite scent, and he would be one of the thousands doing this for their loved ones. It’s an easy gift, but it’s also a lovely gift. I adore fragrance....
Nail it this Christmas with 5pm
There’s nothing that says ‘it’s Christmas’ more than a fresh set of nails, right?! Take a look at your nails – are they a wee bit shabby, a bit overlooked, worn-out from the year past? Well, it’s time to get them all glammed up for Christmas. There are loads of nail deals on 5pm – from straight-up manicures...
Goldfinger (and face and hands and toes) with KIKO!
Here’s a bit of fun for the festive season – gold masks! KIKO has gold masks for your face, hands and toes in the Magical Holiday collection. The extra good news is that there is money off everything in the collection at KIKO right now, so go grab yourself a treat or some stocking fillers. The Magical...
Festive Red Lips
Red lipstick is perfect any time of the year, agreed? But it’s even MORE perfect in the festive season – red is one of the classic Christmas colours after all. I love a good red lip. I’ve tried more than I can even remember over the years. Here are six of the best for Christmas this year, with loads...
Apothem new CBD brand launches in Harvey Nichols
I was very fortunate to be invited to a gorgeous breakfast at Harvey Nichols a couple of weeks ago week to learn all about the latest CBD brand on the block – Apothem. This is a high-end CBD brand – the clue is in the stockist, right? I have to confess that the CBD beauty revolution has sort of passed...
Party Prep with 5pm
It’s party season, and that means party prep. Yes, you could do it yourself, but why not treat yourself to some proper pre-party pampering before your big Christmas night out? There are loads of deals on 5pm for hair, makeup, and more that won’t break the bank, and will see you as the undisputed Jingle...
Festive Scented Candles
I LOVE a scented candle, and I love a FESTIVE scented candle even more! I was lucky enough to be gifted these candles for the purposes of this review, but I have spent over £40 on a scented candle because I do think in this instance that if you spend a wee bit more you get a much better pay-off. Jo ...
Christmas Beauty Crackers
Christmas Crackers are getting a bit of a name for themselves this year, for being wasteful. But hopefully, there isn’t too much in these lovely beauty crackers that isn’t recyclable or reusable. And all of the plastic cracker pieces I have used here are vintage ones I purchased to make into jewellery...
Christmas Beauty Baubles
If you need a cute little gift for the beauty fan friend or relative (or cat-sitter, or Secret Santa!) then how about a cute beauty bauble? Festive fun with beauty benefits – you can’t go wrong. AND…they won’t break the bank. These lovely little gift sets are a token of affection, and some of the baubles...
Ten Lush Gift Sets
Ten Lush Gift Sets! Christmas is a WHOLE LOT OF FUN at Lush, agreed? The eco-brand just does festive fun so well. There are so many gift sets, from small to HUGE, and everything in between. Here is my top ten of the Lush Christmas gift sets on offer this festive season. Ho, Ho, Ho! (£19.50) This is ...
Jo Malone London Christmas Collection 2019
Jo Malone London is bringing you a truly magical festive season this year with some wonderful campaign images – and products and packaging to match. It’s all very elegant and grown-up, in shades of green and blue, and there’s an interesting new fragrance. There are lots of Limited Edition gifts, and...
Guerlain's Goldenland Christmas
Oooh, get this gorgeous festive sparkle palette from Guerlain! I love it. It’s packed full of beautiful colours when open, but when it’s closed, is it a makeup case, a compact minaudière, or simply a beautiful little clutch designed to be tucked into the palm of the hand? Or is it all of that and more...
Christmas 2019 at Bobbi Brown
One of my favourite brands, Bobbi Brown has SO much to offer this Christmas in terms of gift sets, palettes, and gorgeous shimmer and sparkle, I can’t even begin to cover it all. But I will show you some of my favourite things, and a few I was gifted for the purposes of this blog review. I think Bobbi...
Face Scrub, Peel and Exfoliate
Scrub that skin! Well, use a scrub, but don’t physically scrub it, of course – that is not good beauty practice! My skin gets drier and drier as the winter months move on, and I like to incorporate a once or twice weekly exfoliation into my skincare routine. We should be doing this most weeks anyway...
Big Deals on 5pm Spa and Beauty - who needs Black Friday?
It’s like Black Friday every day at 5pm Spa and Beauty – there are always plenty of deals to choose from, and loads of BIG Deals all year round. Here are a few that might tickle your fancy this week, for yourself or as gifts. How about a Twilight Spa Session for one or two to warm up a cold winter’s...
MAC Holidays ...Starring You - and 5pm!
The ‘Holiday’ collection from MAC is a superstar – Starring You! MAC plays with a classic symbol of the celebratory season, taking the twinkling star in all-new directions – on packaging, in a glittering lineup of products and kits, and in dazzling new looks. And I love it. Festive makeup is so much...
Alexandra Shulman for No7 at Boots
Former British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Shulman has collaborated on a gift range with Boots No7 just in time for Christmas. I wish I could be a little bit more excited about this, but it’s all a little bit, dare I say it, meh, with a capital M. Except the velvet blue makeup bag – that I do like...
Electro Tartan from Illamasqua
Here’s an alternative take on Scotland’s favourite fabric pattern – Electro Tartan from Illamasqua. Tartan is a fashion favourite – Vivienne Westwood loves the stuff! This is a clever beauty collection inspired by that trend, blending autumn shades with bright neon colours. I like this collection, in...
Intimate Styling with Feathrs and 5pm Spa and Beauty
Let’s get intimate! It might be winter, but that’s no excuse for letting it all go down there, is it?! There are plenty of offers on 5pm Spa and Beauty for waxing, and keeping everything in good order. You might also want to investigate intimate care product range Feathrs – with the brilliant tagline...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Boxes for Christmas
Over the next few weeks, it’s going to be all about Christmas beauty gifts on here – from the high street, and 5pm Spa and Beauty – so you will not be short of ideas! First up, some really sleek Christmas beauty boxes from Marc Jacobs. These are a real treat, and the prices are fantastic – lots of savings...
Mugler Perfuming Brushes
Here is the perfect stocking filler for Mugler fragrance fans! Yes, okay, it’s a bit more than I expect in my stocking (usually 50p and a satsuma, some hankies and some socks), but you get the idea. The Mugler Perfuming Brush was launched this autumn in three fragrances – Angel, Aura, and Alien. The...
Beauty Advent Calendars 2019
Have you got your advent calendar yet? There are SO many to choose from out there, it’s crazy. Some of the beauty calendars are ridiculous prices, but if you love a brand, and can afford it, why not indulge. LUSH launched its first advent calendar ever on August 29 – and it sold out almost as soon as...
Body Exfoliation for Winter with 5pm
I tend to become obsessed with exfoliating in the autumn and winter months. It’s like I just want my poor, tired skin – on my body and face – to glow, and indulging in a bit of exfoliating always helps! LUSH recently gifted me two products for my body – one of them an old favourite, the other a new...
Barry M x David Shepherd Wildlife Palettes
Barry M has partnered with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to save endangered species – by creating two fantastic Eyeshadow palettes. Sales of the palettes will help wildlife conservation around the world – 20 per cent of the profits from sales will go to fund the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation...
Bobbi Brown launch Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick
Is the trend for a matte lip over? I’m not sure it ever will be, but lipsticks with a shine are making their way back to the top of the beauty brand agendas. The latest through my door was the new Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick. It’s the latest addition to the Luxe Lip Collection and is a smaller...
5pm Big Deals for Autumn
It’s a new month, time to treat yourself to a new, well, treatment! Have you had a podiatrist loose on your feet before? Or indulged in a chemical peel? Heard of no-needle lip filler? No? Well, don’t worry, you can do all of this and more, and at a knock-down price, with the super 5pm Big Deals. Let...
Eco-friendly, ethical hair care from Ireland and Scotland
I’ve been trialling some new haircare in the last few weeks – both independents, one Scottish, one Irish, and both eco-friendly and ethical. Moo Hair is Edinburgh-based, founded by mum and daughter team, Suzie and Olivia Gillespie, and We Are Paradoxx is Irish-based, founded by Yolanda Cooper. Both ...
Clinique launch Age Transformer Dual Moisturiser
You can always rely on Clinique to baffle with science when a new product launches. This one has a double-sided A4 press release to go with it, and I have to admit, it’s quite dry reading. So, let me try to simplify it for you – and myself! The Clinique Smart Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer...
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation gets a makeover
Apparently, you complained, and Bobbi Brown listened! The best-selling Intensive Skin Serum Foundation has been given a makeover in the shape of a packaging change. Customers wanted an easy-to-use pump, and that’s what they now have! The newly re-packaged Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40 now features...
End of Summer Beauty MOT with 5pm Deals
The clocks go back this weekend, marking the official end of summer, and sometimes it can be a bit depressing thinking about all those dark nights, and winter weather ahead. So, pamper yourself! Give yourself a treat. Think of it as a wee MOT for the new season – change your hair colour, paint those...
New Eyeliners from LUSH and Huda Beauty
These two new eyeliners couldn’t really be more different. I’m not sure many fans of HUDA Beauty, or Huda Kattan herself, would rush to LUSH, and vice-versa. But I was sent them both around the same time to try, so here they are. In fact, here they are together in this first picture – and I’m a fan ...
Sleeping Beauty
The clocks go back this weekend, as British Summer Time officially comes to an end. The dark nights are coming, but the good news is we get an extra hour in bed this weekend – and that’s an extra hour of beauty sleep! Make the most of it, and use specific night time products that will treat your skin...
Autumnal Body Beauty + 5pm Deals
It’s time to hunker down, get cosy and pamper yourself. You can do that in a spa – plenty of deal on 5pm Spa and Beauty – or you can do it at home, with some lovely autumnal body products. I love the new The Body Shop Vanilla Pumpkin range, which includes this fab Body Butter (£15) which is infused ...
Bobbi Brown's Breast Cancer Awareness Lip Duo
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It doesn’t seem to be as big a thing as it once was in the beauty world, but there are products out there, and one of the nicest landed on my desk earlier this month. The Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Proud To Be Pink Lip Color Duo is available this month, and...
Autumn Beauty Buys!
I just love autumn. The colours are great, you get to be super-wrapped up, and super-cosy, the nights draw in, and there’s Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night. What’s not to love?! There are also loads of lovely products that are autumnal out there, so here are a few of my absolute faves for this season. I...
L'Occitane Aromachologie Home Collection
I love hibernating at this time of year, don’t you? And if you’re going to be in your home for any length of time you want it to cosy and comfortable, right? The new L’Occitane Home range will do just that – and there’s a fragrance for whatever mood you’re in, or state of mind you want to be in. There...
Budget Beauty: Kardashian Foundation from Carter Beauty
If it’s good enough for a Kardashian promo shoot, then it’s good enough for us! Carter Beauty by Marissa Carter made headlines earlier this year when the budget Irish beauty brand’s foundation was used in the KUWTK promo shots for season 16. When it comes to foundations, you don’t really have to spend...
Disney x MAC Maleficent Mistress of Evil Get The Look
Who wouldn’t want to look like Angelina Joli? Well, now you can…kind of! You can look like Maleficent anyway at least, thanks to MAC who celebrate Disney’s most wickedly beautiful villain with everything you need to recreate her iconic look. The new Maleficent: Mistress of Evil movie is out on October...
MONAT launches skincare range in UK
I’m never sure how I feel about direct selling companies, having had some pretty awful reactions to, and interactions with, Arbonne in the past. I had never heard of MONAT until recently. American, they’ve been trading for five years and started as a haircare company. They recently branched out into...
Perfectly Primed with REN
REN launched the Perfect Canvas Clean Primer last month, and if you are in the market for a new primer, then this one is worth a look. It’s weightless, silicone-free, and doesn’t sit on the skin like some do, but sinks in beautifully upon application. You only need a couple of drops, and you should ...
Big Beauty Deals for Autumn on 5pm
The nights are fair drawing in! Well, they will be come the end of the month anyway. It’s well and truly Autumn now, so why not chase away the cold with a beauty treat? There are loads of deals on 5pm Spa and Beauty to indulge in – from Shellac manicures to Spa days. With Prosecco, of course. Here’s...
Max Factor Miracle Sculpting Wands
Contouring/highlighting is basically mainstream makeup skills now, right? But also quite dodgy if not done properly. A quick scour of the internet will throw up all sorts of Metal Mickey highlighting disasters, and over-zealous contouring! It’s not that easy to do, despite the gazillion online tutorials...
Benefit New Brow Styler and 5pm Brow Deals
Benefit has firmly established itself as the ‘brow brand’ of the UK and today adds ANOTHER brow product to its arsenal. Your brows will always be ‘on fleek’ if you are near a Benefit counter! This new Brow Styler is a 2-in-1 wax-pencil & powder for multiple brow looks. You can go for soft and full using...
Jo Malone London Scent To Go
When I first saw this new Scent To Go from Jo Malone, I found it a wee bit odd. I still do. BUT…I really like it! Yes, it’s a flat, rubbery disc, but it’s actually really practical, scents brilliantly, and although it’s not the prettiest thing, it’s unobtrusive, whether it’s on a desk, or in a drawer...
September Spray Tan Deals on 5pm
Is it time to top up the holiday tan, or just refresh that faux glow? Then you’re on the right site! 5pm has loads of spray tan deals to choose from. If you want to top up your own tan, or the salon tan, then you are going to need a tanning mitt, and Velvotan, the Original Tanning Mitt, is the best ...
NEW No7 Laboratories Skin Pastes and No7 Foundation
Pastes. That’s a formula I keep hearing. Yesterday it was the new Alpha-H paste, today it’s two new pastes from Boots No7 Laboratories. This new No7 range has passed me by, but I am hopeful I’m back on the press office radar now. They kindly sent me the two new pastes that launch to the Skin Paste range...
Alpha-H Vitamin C Paste
The best beauty ingredients for your skin seem to change like the wind – one month it’s charcoal, the next Centella Asiatica, the next retinol. They all have their worth, but it is safe to say that Vitamin C is one that should always stay near to, or at the top of your list. It stimulates collagen production...
Happy Holidays from Benefit!
It’s the Benefit Holiday Collection. Already! But did you know there are just 14 weeks until Christmas!? So, maybe time to start doing some gift shopping – and Benefit has excelled itself this year with some super-cute tin gift sets. Launching on September 20, there are six Happy Haul-idays gifts to...
International Chocolate Day Nailed with 5pm
It’s International Chocolate Day, so when you are eating that next bar, or that chocolate brownie, or chococlate mousse, or…well, you get the idea – why don’t you have nails that match or at least complement? There is always time for a manicure, and there are always loads of great manicure deals on ...
L'Occitane NEW Precious Immortelle Dynamic Youthcare
L’Occitane has reformulated its Precious Dynamic Youthcare range for a new season, and if you are beginning to notice the first signs of ageing, then you need to check it out. At the heart of the collection lies a duo of complementary active ingredients – Immortelle essential oil and the dynamic Hyaluronic...
Rimmel's NEW Lasting Matte Foundation
Rimmel has launched a new matte foundation for Autumn Winter – so it’s time to take that summer glow down a notch and embrace a more muted finish. Going for a no-shine, matte look doesn’t, however, mean a flat base – this new base is a game-changer – it’ll give you full coverage with a lightweight feel...
NEW Rimmel Lasting Finish Extreme Lipstick
How about a new lippy for the weekend? I don’t know about you, but I love a lipstick! Definitely my desert island beauty product. Rimmel’s newest lipstick is the Lasting Finish Extreme Lipstick. This is one of those one swipe and it’s done lippies that I really do love. It gives you extreme colour,...
Boost that Complexion with Erborian - or a Facial from 5pm Salons
At the end of the summer season, you need to give your skin a little bit of a boost. I know my skin starts to lose that summer glow the minute the calendar changes to September, so time to boost it, agreed? Erborian is launching a new CC Dull Correct Cream which – well the clue’s in the name. This will...
MAC launch Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick
MAC is a makeup artist brand, so they have always been a go-to brand for bases. As a beauty writer, I flit between brands – I love Bobbi Brown, but one of the bases I buy regularly is the Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow. It gives me some much-needed luminosity. I also love a foundation stick, so the new ...
Big Beauty Deals with 5pm
It’s the end of another month, as August draws to a close, and we start thinking about all things autumnal. I do love autumn, but not when it’s too cold, right? Then it’s time to take ourselves off to a cosy place, and think about the summer just past – or the festive season to come. Do that in a cafe...
Guerlain Autumn Winter 19 Make-Up
Guerlain’s AW19 makeup collection is all about metallics – in a very simple way. Think sparkling eyes, shimmering lips, and softly iridescent complexions. There are three key items in this collection, first up – Metallic-to-Glitter Limited Edition Liquid Liner in Khaki and Burgundy. You can use this...
Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Range from Shea Moisture
If your hair needs a bit of help after summer, and perhaps thanks to over-zealous bleaching and colouring, and use of heat tools, then here’s a new range from Shea Moisture to try. I really love this haircare range, and this new stuff smells delicious! But then I love yoghurt and honey, so much so I...
Clarins AW19 Make-Up Collection
It’s Autumn/Winter beauty collection time, and the first up is Clarins. To be honest, this is not really a ‘collection’ as it consists of just two items, and one of those is just new shades of an existing product. But, the Joli Blush (£27) is brand new, and the first Clarins blush to be enriched with...
Barry M Helps You Maintain That Summer Glow
It’s been a funny old summer – rain one minute, sunshine the next. And repeat. But it is almost September, so autumn will soon be on us. However, the lovely people at Barry M have created a couple of products to help you maintain that summer glow – and they won’t break the bank. First up, the Crystal...
Max Factor Lash Revival Mascara and Primer
Max Factor has launched a new mascara for August, and there’s also a primer. When they landed on my desk they reminded me of those mascaras you used to get with the white primer to apply first, and how I turned up at work one day with one eye only done in the white… …I’d forgotten to apply the black...
Clarins NEW Everlasting Youth Fluid Fundation SP15
Everlasting youth. If only, right? Of course, it’s an impossibility, but with this new Clarins foundation, you can at least try to recapture some of the youthful radiance your skin might have lost. The new Everlasting Youth Fluid Foundation SPF15 is a base with smoothing and firming skincare action ...
After Summer Offers from Time Bomb x QVC .. and 5pm
It’s time for another QVC x Time Bomb massive deal -and this one really does have a whopping saving – of 80 per cent on the RRP. The Après Summer Shimmer Collection also includes a new product – the SHOW-OFF Shimmer Lotion. The deal will cost £43 + £4.95 P&P, and separately the products would actually...
Benefit launch New Cakeless Boiing Concealer and you can get it on Deliveroo!
Benefit launches a new concealer next week. I’m quite excited about this because they do good concealers. And because the packaging looks like a pencil with a rubber at the end. I love it! The NEW Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer is a full-coverage liquid concealer that will conceal everything – from dark...
Make a date to exfoliate!
Exfoliation is key to good skin. You have to sometimes slough off those dead skin cells to let the new ones shine through. I find it particularly helpful at a few different times of the year – as spring appears, before summer holidays, at the end of summer, and in the middle of winter. Exfoliating face...
Jo Malone London launch Poppy & Barley and new Glasgow boutique
This year’s big Jo Malone London launch comes a month earlier than normal – with Poppy & Barley hitting stores on August 21, instead of the usual mid-September. And one of those stores you can pick it up in is the new Glasgow store. You can now find Jo Malone London on Buchanan Street, instead of Prince...
Friday Face Mask: Erborian Matte & Glow Shot Masks
Face Masks had that moment where everyone was doing them, all the time. The more instagrammable the better it seemed. How they looked on seemed to be more important than what they did (if anything) for a while there. I think we reached ‘peak masking’, and something else came along to draw the influencers...
Benefit's New Blue Mascara - Would You?
The 80s are on-trend, so it’s no big surprise that Benefit has launched its brilliant BADgal Bang Mascara in a new shade of Brightening Blue. If this is giving you horrible flashbacks to teenage years, then worry no more – this is actually really flattering, and makes the white of your eyes pop. This...
Fringe Benefits with 5pm
Forget the crowds, the flyers, and the sore feet at the Edinburgh Fringe, which is in full flow now – the only fringe I am interested in is one of the hair variety! I’m currently sporting my hair in a curly style – see this previous post – complete with a curly fringe. Fringes come and go from year ...
Beautiful Big Deals
It’s a new month, time to treat yourself to a BIG DEAL – and 5pm Spa and Beauty has plenty of big deals to choose from. Maybe a Spa Day is up your street, it’s time for some serious massage, or a simple manicure is on the menu. Whatever your beauty needs, there’s a deal for you on 5pm. Let’s start with...
Facial Mists and Setting Sprays
There’s a big beauty trend for setting sprays. They’ll keep your newly applied makeup in perfect position – even if the heatwave weather of last week returns in spades. There also seem to be more and more new misting serums and moisturisers on the market – a new and efficient way to apply product to...
Wonder Balm from A Pony Called Steve
Confused by that headline? I’m not surprised! But let me explain. The product is Wonder Balm, and the brand is A Pony Called Steve. Simple. The Glasgow-based company is two women, and no pony – just the imaginary one they used to envisage using as a mode of transport in the busy city! Emma and Aminah...
Skin Brightening with Emma Hardie and 5pm Deals
Wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots – all very annoying, and inevitable as we age. We can’t stop then. We can help limit them and slow down the march, but we all age – it’s inevitable. What we can do is brighten our skin though – give it back a little of the youthful glow you see in all those old photos...
FabFitFun - USA's favourite Beauty Box is here!
There’s a new Beauty Subscription Box on the block – all the way from the USA. Welcome, FabFitFun. FabFitFun is actually a lifestyle membership for women, and started life in 2010 as a media company, with multi-platforms. The flagship product is the subscription box which arrived in 2013. The brand’...
Six Sunny Summer Sets
Maybe it’s just me, and a love of all things ‘mini’, but I do love a wee travel set for the holiday season. Here are six of the best! SOL DE JANEIRO BUM BUM JET SET, £24, WORTH £28, SPACE NK This brand is so much fun, and sunny yellow/orange bag and products are super-summery. The set contains Bum Bum...
Spa Treats Under £50
Sometimes, it’s just time to treat yourself. Take five, get away from home life, and have a few hours to yourself to be pampered and feel relaxed. And with 5pm you can do that for less than £50. It’s the same as a night out, a new pair of shoes, a new dress, or a few fancy lipsticks. But for that, you...
Bobbi Brown Essentials Multicolour Eye Shadow Palette
Do you need another Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Palette in your life? Probably not, but the brand keeps releasing them, and they are always packed with perfect colours to create the perfect eye. The new Essentials MultiColour Eye Shadow Palette comes in five colourways, each one a carefully curated collection...
Emma Hardie Skincare Celebrates 10 Years
Emma Hardie launched her eponymous beauty best-loved decade ago – and to celebrate has launched a special edition of her launch product – the Moringa Cleansing Balm. The London facialist burst on to the beauty scene 10 years ago this September, and I wrote about the brand on my now-defunct blog, Beauty...
Crabtree & Evelyn Announce New Brand Identity
Crabtree & Evelyn has announced a new brand identity, more in keeping with the ethos of its founder, wanderlust and nature enthusiast, Cyrus Harvey – and one that is aimed at bringing it right into the 21st Century! The brand is obviously looking to move away from an old lady gift set image, to one...
Specific Suncare
If you are off on holiday soon, then don’t forget your sunscreen! It’s one of the most important things you can pack, so make room in your luggage for at least a couple of bottles of suncare to suit you. And use something different on the face to the body – you wouldn’t put your regular body lotion ...
Summer Suncare
If you are off on holiday soon, then don’t forget your sunscreen! It’s one of the most important things you can pack, so make room in your luggage for at least a couple of bottles of suncare to suit you. I’ve popped another post on here looking at new, innovative, specific sunscreens, and one that covers...
Facial Suncare
If you are off on holiday soon, then don’t forget your sunscreen! It’s one of the most important things you can pack, so make room in your luggage for at least a couple of bottles of sun care to suit you. I’ve popped another post on here looking at new, innovative, specific sunscreens, and one that ...
NEW L'Occitane Cleansers
L’Occitane has a whole new cleansing range out this month, with pretty much every type of cleanser, for every occasion, and every skin type covered. All of the new cleansing range products are infused with extracts of fruits and vegetables from Provence or the south of France, chosen for their specific...
NEW Bobbi Brown Cleansers
Bobbi Brown has launched two new cleansers for summer – although technically one of them is a relaunch of an old favourite. The Soothing Cleansing Oil has been reformulated with all sorts of good-for-skin ingredients to make sure your skin is instantly soothed, clean, calm, and nourished, as well as...
Curly Hair 5pm Deals
Curly hair. It’s back. You heard it here first. You will be heading for a perm by the end of this year, mark my words! I touched on this in the Beauty Trends post the other week, but with the return of 80s-tastic Stranger Things this week, curly hair was at the forefront of my mind. And on my head. ...
Too Faced launch Born This Way Multi-Use Complexion Powder
Powders that are foundations AND powders seem to be a ‘thing’ right now. It’s all about that baking trend, isn’t it? Which, despite rumours to the contrary, is not over. Maybe Kim Kardashian thinks it’s so 2017, but the process of putting on liquid foundation, and concealer, and then powder, as well...
Have you been Huda'd?! Huda Beauty at Harvey Nichols
I wrote on here a few weeks ago about the new Huda Beauty counter launch at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. I popped along on the launch morning, thanks to Huda and Harvey Nichols, and enjoyed a good play around with the products, a lovely breakfast, and I was shade matched for a base. I’m not the right...
BIG BEAUTY DEALS FROM 5PM
It’s the end of another month, that means another payday and time to treat yourself. You can always find a Big Deal at 5pm Spa and Beauty to suit – agreed? When it comes to pampering, it’s all there, from pre-holiday waxing to a quick gel manicure, or a full body massage to whisk you away in your head...
Alpha-H launch Clear Skin Tonic
I love a beauty launch that is something new, and innovative. Alpha-H rarely lets me down, and the Australian brand has come up trumps once again with this new Clear Skin Tonic. Acids are great for the skin – we know this. They are excellent exfoliants and are brilliant in the pursuit of glowing skin...
Rose Beauty
The other week I wrote about the new Jo Loves Rose Petal fragrance, and it got me thinking about how much I love rose. So I thought I’d have a little call-put for some other rose scented/coloured/themed/inspired beauty products, and share what I found. Apparently, Holly Willoughby likes the Korres Wild...
Shower Time!
The washed-out June we have had has made me think I’m constantly in a shower! So, I decided to have a look at some of the best shower products out there and share them with you here! I’m not averse to a bit of rain, but I prefer to get caught in my own shower, in my bathroom, of a morning, than in some...
Wedding Makeup with 5pm Deals
It’s my wedding anniversary today – four years since the best day ever. Being a bit of a control freak, and knowing the way I like my makeup, I did my own on my wedding day. I actually did my bridesmaid’s as well. But, if you are getting married, and you are thinking about getting your makeup done, ...
Benefit launch two new Hello Happy Foundations
A year after the original Hello Happy foundation launch, Benefit has added two new foundations to the line. Both will launch this Friday and are are very different. The Hello Happy Velvet Powder Foundation has a natural-matte finish, and is dual-coverage – so you can choose the level of coverage you...
On-Trend Beauty with 5pm Deals
There is always a new trend in the beauty world. From treatments, to products, to hair colours, and nail techniques, it’s hard to keep up with the latest must-have looks and beauty styles. In terms of ingredients, the latest to hit the top of the on-trend list is Cica, or Tiger Grass, or Centella Asiatica...
New from NARS
NARS is one of my favourite brands- its Orgasm blusher is hands-down the best ever. Once you have used it, you will never buy another blusher ever again, trust me! The brand launches two new products this weekend – the Natural Radiant Longwear Cushion Foundation SPF50 PA+++ (£25), and the Metal Cream...
Father's Day Fragrances
It’s Father’s Day on Sunday, so time to treat your dad, or father figure, with something really special like a gorgeous fragrance. I am a fragrance addict, and I would probably wear all of these male scents myself! I’ve chosen eight lovely Father’s Day Fragrances for you to consider. 1. AZZARO CHROME...
bareMinerals new Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick SPF25
bareMinerals has come a long way since launch in 1995 – and here is another foundation to add to their already huge range. And I love this one – the new Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick SPF25. To be fair, I am a sucker for a stick foundation. Forget any notions of old 1970s-style panstick...
Body Beauty with 5pm Deals and Liz Earle
The Liz Earle Beauty Co. launched a new Skin Replenishing Body Balm last month, packed with goodies like shea butter, rice brand oil and black seed extract. Body beauty is often negelected, as opposed to facial beauty which we do religously every day. But summer is here (well, sort of!) and holidays...
Tom Ford's Emotionproof Eye Colour
If it’s Tom Ford, it’s not waterproof, it’s emotionproof. To add to the Emotionproof Mascara, there’s now Emotionproof Eye Color and Emotionproof Liner. I’ve not tried any of this collection, but it’s supposed to last wherever your day or night takes you – that means this makeup is high endurance, and...
Jo Loves Rose Petal 25
Jo Malone has been creating scents for a quarter of a century, and to celebrate – she’s created another one! The woman behind the massively successful, eponymous brand, Jo Malone – which she sold to Estee Lauder some years back – launched Jo Loves a few years ago. Jo Loves is a gorgeous, luxury, brand...
Benefit Add New Brow Product Shades
Benefit is all about extending the shade range this year – first it was Hoola, now it’s their best-selling brow products. Benefit is the biggest brow brand in the land – if you don’t have Bene-brows, do you even have brows?! The Brow Bars are massively popular – and good. And if you want a brow product...
Spa Day Big Deals
It’s the end of the month, time to treat yourself to one of 5pm’s brilliant Big Deals. Have you seen this weather? And the rain shows no sign of letting up. So, time to enjoy some indoor entertainment, and what better way to avoid another downpour than to be cosied up in a spa? So, take advantage of...
HUDA Beauty launches in to Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh in June
Don’t know who Huda Kattan is? Call yourself a beauty fan? Pah. If you actually don’t, she’s the American born, Iraqi makeup artist, who started her beauty blog, Huda Beauty, in 2010 and has since grown her brand into a billion dollar business. The former finance worker retrained as a makeup artist...
New Origins Dr Andrew Weil Mega Mushroom additions
Origins has partnered with Dr Andrew Weil for years now on the Mega-Mushroom line, and here are two new products in the range for 2019. First up the Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Sheet Mask. Who doesn’t love a sheet mask? This one is made from the pulp of trees...
NARS Orgasm Collection
This one will definitely make you squeal with delight – it’s beautiful! The new NARS Orgasm Collection – to celebrate the iconic blusher’s 20th Anniversary – is available nationwide from June, and if you love the iconic blusher, then you will go wild for this. NARS celebrates the universally flattering...
Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss
Are you ready to down the matte and get with gloss again? Gloss is back, and Hourglass has launched Unreal – a High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss that comes in 18 shades. This gloss promises volume and super shine. And like most good lip glosses now, it doesn’t have any stickiness to it. The innovative...
Bobbi Brown Double Crush Crushed Liquid Lips
Imagine getting to create a lipgloss with Bobbi Brown? That’s what these four lucky, mega-influencers did – how fab is that? To highlight Crushed Liquid Lip’s liquid balm formula, and make it more crush-worthy, Bobbi Brown asked beauty influencers and their BFF ‘girl crushes’ to develop their dream ...
Cactus Beauty
If you don’t have at least one cactus, or something cacti-themed in your house in 2019, then who are you?! The ultimate in hipster houseplants, the humble cactus is super-cute, easy to look after, and there are SO many different kinds. But do you have any cacti-based beauty products in your collection...
Love Your Lashes!
I LOVE mascara. It’s so hard to find a good one. The Clinique Full-to-Flutter has been discontinued, and it’s such a shame, as it really was the perfect mascara. But the new Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D (£22) is almost there. It did smudge a wee bit, but it looks fantastic. I have been using it...
Guerlain's Terracotta On The Go
Guerlain’s Terracotta collection for this summer has some really interesting new pieces – perfect for on-the-go makeup. I work from home, so I tend to do my makeup at my desk, but I also love the ease of a product you can just sweep over your skin, especially in the summer. The new Terracotta sticks...
Clinique launch new Moisture Surge products
Moisture Surge was a huge launch for Clinique around a decade ago, and the line has grown and grown over the years. Products have come and gone, and some have stood the test of time. And now, Clinique has added four new products to the best-selling hydration range for 2019. The star of the show is the...
Holiday Plans and Prep
Have you planned your summer break? Are you heading off anywhere soon? I’ve been in holiday planing mode for the last few months. And this gorgeous new Floris scent is not helping! The new Floris London Neroli Voyage EDP (£120, 100ml, florislondon.com, from May 2019) is a beautiful, vibrant, citrus ...
Clarins Summer 2019
I’ve mentioned the new Clarins Summer Collection in this sunny summer beauty post already, but I’m going to focus on the whole collection again because it’s so good. It’s just three products, and the SOS Primer bronzer is recommended as well. For lips, there is a Limited Edition Water Lip Stain (£19...
Bobbi Brown Summer 2019 Collection
Bobbi Brown’s Summer Collection for this year is already at John Lewis in an early exclusive – and it’s worth seeking out. It’s very, er, compact, if you pardon the pun…consisting of just three new products – two of them in compacts! I reviewed the new Limited Edition High Shine Liquid Eye Shadow for...
Have You Tried Aesthetic Beauty Treatments?
What’s your favourite thing at the beauty salon? A manicure? Maybe a massage? Getting your eyebrows threaded, or your legs waxed, or just a basic facial to give your skin a boost?? Have you contemplated dermaplaning, or microdermabrasion, maybe even Botox, or fillers? Maybe time to stop procrastinating...
L'Oreal Serie Expert Solar Sublime range
If you don’t take different haircare products on holiday, then, tut-tut. You really should. Especially if your hair is over-processed. (hands up over here!). The sun will fade it and dry it out, and the chlorine in your pool, and/or the sea water, will do its own particular type of damage. The NEW ...
Sunny Summer Beauty
Are you in a summer state of mind? I can’t help drifting constantly to the beach in my mind, which is a nightmare, as I won’t be heading there until at least August! This time of year is when we all start craving our sunny summer holidays, and who isn’t keeping everything crossed that we get the summer...
Midweek Spa Breaks with 5pm
Is there anything more indulgent than taking a break midweek? Do it! You will feel great, and you’ll get a great deal too. Check 5pm Spa and Beauty out for loads of midweek spa deals. Let’s start with The Spa at Charlotte Square in Edinburgh, in The Kimpton Principal Hotel. How about a Midweek Spa ...
Shower Shaking with L'Occitane
April may be over, but showers are still happening! Just the hot kind, that wake you up in the morning, and hopefully not the miserable kind that ruin your hair on a night out! I can’t function without standing under the shower, and I love anything that smells great to wake me up. But, because of my...
L'Occitane Lips!
L’Occitane is killing it just now! They have some fantastic launches this year, and the new Lip Collection is one of them. The packaging is bright, bold, sassy, yellow, and I love it. The products are simple, effective, and so great for summer. There are Lipsticks, Lip Balms, Lip Scrubs, and a magic...
Cleansing Day and Night!
I learned, quite late in life, that the key to good skin is not the moisturiser, or the toner, but the first step – the cleanser. So, I’ve collated (thanks very much to everyone who gifted me a cleanser for this piece) ten cleansers to try – all different formulas, some for day, some for night, and ...
Benefit Bold is Beautiful Project 2019
Benefit launches its Bold Is Beautiful Project for 2019 next week, celebrating six years of fund-raising and supporting charity organisations that empower women and girls. There are three main ways you can support the Bold Is Beautiful campaign in 2019 – 1. GET A BROW WAX! During Bold Is Beautiful, ...
Summer Breaks with 5pm Trips
Earlier this week I was writing about the new Clarins Suncare range, and it got me thinking about a holiday in the sun. If you aren’t ready to book up your big holiday, or if you already have, but fancy another wee break in between, or a few days away is all your budget will allow, then 5pm Trips is...
NEW suncare from Clarins
Last weekend’s heatwave was wonderful, and it put me right in the holiday mood! Luckily I had some of the new Clarins suncare to use when I was out in the sun. The new range is packaged beautifully, there is LOADS to choose from and all sorts of amazing formula. The all new Clarins High Performance...
Jo Malone Blossoms and a cute Twist and Spritz atomiser
This time of year is all about the bright and the colourful, mainly thanks to the blossom and flowers, so the new Jo Malone Blossoms collection fits perfectly. It’s available for a limited time from this month, and it has two old scents brought back, one all-time favourite, and one brand new fragrance...
Benefit Add New Hoola Shades
Benefit is extending its popular bronzer powder family by two! From this month you can now get Hoola in two new shades. The UK’s No.1 Prestige Bronzer now comes in Caramel and Toasted, as well as the Original and Lite. Caramel is a medium-deep powder bronzer, and Toasted is a deep powder bronzer, making...
Sweet Easter Beauty Deals
It’s Easter! Time to indulge yourselves with at least one chocolate egg. But let’s not go overboard. Don’t gorge yourself on chocolate, or face the consequences! I love this little Misslyn Chocolate Brown Duo Eyebrow Powder kit, that looks like chocolate, but just gives you great brows! (It’s £8.75,...
MAC Viva Glam 25 and Winnie Harlow
I was an America’s Next Top Model ADDICT, and Tyra Banks is a goddess, so I was a little less than impressed when ANTM alumini Winnie Harlow – who Tyra found on the internet and invited on to the show – discredited it. Eh, not fierce, Winnie, not fierce! Winnie has certainly made it big since her time...
Have A Lush Easter!
If you don’t want chocolate this Easter, then head to Lush for some brilliant Easter goodies, without a calorie in sight. Lush always has brilliant themed goodies for every occasion, and this Easter is no exception. Did you know that previous research carried out by governmental body WRAP, found 3,000...
Easter Egg Beauty from Too Cool For School
If you don’t want chocolate this Easter, you could still have your eggs, with Too Cool For School’s EGG range! Don’t you just love Korean beauty brands? They’re cute, fun, and effective. This one has recently launched into larger Boots stores, and is available at online beauty sites, including lookfantastic...
Bobbi Brown Ultra-Violet and Infra-Red Eye Palettes
Bobbi Brown has always been famous for its palettes – I have a really old one somewhere, the one you clicked the individual shadows into. Do they even do those any more?! The latest two eye palettes are, in my mind, a bit of a change for the brand – bigger, with more colours, and more like a lot of ...
Get a Great Deal on a Tan
It’s that odd time of year when it’s not really that warm, but it’s not that cold, and some days you can shed a layer, and others, it’s back to the fake fur. So, it’s time to bring a little bit of a sunshine glow to your beauty routine with a fake tan. I’m not a great tanner, but I do love a bit of ...
Cannabis Beauty
Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Cannabis – all on-trend beauty ingredients that have been everywhere for the last few years. The latest brand to land on my desk to contain Cannabis is French holistic self-care (there’s another buzzword that is everywhere right now) brand Ho Karan. The name means I love ...
Unicorn Beauty
It’s National Unicorn Day. Yes, that is a thing. The unicorn is Scotland’s national animal, so why should we not celebrate this lovely, mythical, omnipresent, beast? Unicorns are EVERYWHERE! You can pretty much get anything unicorn-shaped, themed, or printed in 2019, but let’s concentrate on some unicorn...
Be a Makeup Master with 5pm...or cheat!
It’s fair to say I am addicted to BBC’s makeup reality show, GLOW UP: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star. It’s on on Wednesday nights on BBC1, presented by Stacey Dooley, with excellent judges, uber makeup artist, Val Garland, and MAC Senior Artist Dennis Skinner, and if you love makeup, you will love it. ...
Do you Double Wear?
Did you know that Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation is the UK’s No1 base? Well, now you do! I had to reacquaint myself with this classic base, so I recently had an appointment on counter in Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols, to have a Powermap facial, and to be shade matched – this base comes in over 60...
MAC Electric Wonder Collection
How pretty is this MAC packaging? All lovely pink and marbled, it’s a beauty bloggers/influencers delight! The new Electric Wonder collection is inspired by nature – those amazing electric storms we see more and more of here in the UK these days. It’s a simple, classic, MAC collection with palettes,...
NEW Neom Body Butters
I’m addicted to NEOM’s Scent to Sleep Cleansing Balm. It cleanses beautifully, it relaxes me before bed, and I don’t feel the need to even use a night cream when I cleanse with it. So, I am hoping the brand’s new Magnesium Body Butter is just as good! Body moisturising is still an issue, so I am trying...
New mums Mother's Day with L'Occitane
A friend of mine is due to give birth this week, just in time for Mother’s Day! How lovely. This gorgeous gift would be perfect for her, and all new mums! L’Occitane’s Cuddles & Bubbles Baby Collection is a lovely gift set featuring products from the brand’s Karite Bebe range – which is its shea for...
NEW Luxe Lip Lacquers from Tom Ford
It’s been ALL about matte lips for, ooh, forever, it seems. And if it’s not matte, it’s super-shiny. Tom Ford has recently launched a full new collection of 20 Luxe Lip Lacquers – half matte, half vinyl, giving you both options. I’ve had a good old play around with these on counter, and they are great...
Wild Flowers & Weeds from Jo Malone
It’s not easy to write about perfume when you haven’t had the chance to smell it, but let’s just say I like the concept of this collection from Jo Malone, and I am sure they smell beautiful. The Wild Flowers & Weeds collection is the latest limited edition special collection launched by the fragrance...
Friday Fragrances for Mum
We’re at the end of National Fragrance Week, so I’ve been looking at fragrances that you might want to splash out on (see what I did there) for mum, for Mother’s Day (March 31). Fragrance is one of my very favourite things. I love beautiful smells! So, I’ve picked 10 of the best new and new-ish scents...
Give your hands a treat!
Look down at those hands. They work hard, they hold your phone in them almost all day, they fix, they mend, they hug, they play, they stop, they start – they are at the centre of everything we do! So, give them a treat sometimes! I have learned over the years, and a ferocious five-year battle with a...
Ren Clean Screen Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 for happy skin!
It’s International Day of Happiness! Smile! The sun is shining – or it will be soon, trust me! Spring is in the air, and that means time to look at protecting your skin from the sunshine. Yes, I know, Vitamin D is important, but red is not a good look, and those wrinkles the sun causes are also not ...
Elizabeth Arden March On for UN Women
International Women’s Day has been and gone, but that doesn’t mean the empowerment of women is ever off the table. Did you know that Elizabeth Arden herself provided red lipsticks to suffragettes marching down Fifth Avenue in New York? Me neither, but that’s kind of cool. Earlier this month, Elizabeth...
Coral Crush on the Pantone Colour of 2019
Every year Pantone announce a ‘Color of the Year’. For 2019, it’s Living Coral. A colour with an eco-message too – the living coral around the world is sadly diminishing, so it’s a reminder to us whenever we see it to be more eco-aware. The colour itself is a gorgeous coral shade with golden undertones...
Facial fun with 5pm and Elemis x RIXO
It’s Friday! Here’s a great beauty deal for you – available from today. The Limited Edition Elemis x RIXO Beauty Edit is a super cool weekend treat, packed with fab products. The set features four radiance-restoring Elemis bestsellers and an on-trend RIXO Love Heart print scrunchie – I’m not going to...
Masterchef beauty brand?!
Sometimes I live under a rock when it comes to certain beauty brands. How did this one pass me by? Are you a Masterchef fan? I am – and currently loving the latest series. And now I’m casting my mind back to 2014, and one of the contestants – Angela Langford. Who knew she had a skincare line? Not me...
Bobbi Brown x Lulu Guinness Pretty Powerful 2019
Bobbi Brown launched its Pretty Powerful campaign for 2019 last week (On Friday, International Woman’s Day). This year, for the first in a few years, they’ve launched a different product, and it’s a collaboration with Lulu Guinness. Originally launched in 2013, the campaign has raised in excess of £...
Gorgeous Buly 1803 Rose Scent
I have a thing for rose fragrances. I love them. And the more traditional, the better. So, when I first had a sniff of Eau Triple Damask Rose by a brand called Buly 1803, I was hooked. I was very kindly sent a bottle by the PR for the purposes of review. This lovely perfume is a luxury scent, from an...
Fight The Frizz - Treat Your Hair with 5PM
I was recently sent four IGK products to beat my particular type of Frizz – Frizz at the Ends. According to IGK there are four types of frizz, and they have all the products you will ever need to tame them. Perhaps. But we always find popping into salon for a conditioning treatment and/or a blow dry...
Estee Lauder NEW Perfectionist Pro UV Fluid SPF45
I’m not sure what category you’d put this new Estee Lauder product into, but it is the last step in your skincare regime, so probably a primer – with SPF benefits. The new Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro UV Fluid SPF 45 is a hybrid to help protect your skin against those damaging UVA/UVB rays, and a ...
NEW Origins Plantscription Retinol Night Moisturizer
It’s been a while since I’ve used an Origins Plantscription product, but I am looking forward to this one. Back in 2011, I reported on, and subsequently reviewed, the launch of the original Plantscription Anti-Ageing Serum. I loved it. I had SO many compliments on my skin, and it probably was one of...
NEW Cheekleaders from Benefit
Benefit has just launched two new Cheekleaders palettes that have a sneak preview of products that will launch later this year. The Cheekleaders Pink Squad is a 5-in-1 Blush, Bronze and Highlight Palette, and the Bronze Squad is a 5-in-1 Highlight, Contour and Bronze Palette. As ever, the packaging ...
5PM BIG Deals on Afternoon Tea Spa Days
Simple pleasures in life should be enjoyed more often. That’s why sites like 5pm exist – giving you the opportunity to indulge those pleasures at a reasonable cost! Take spa days with afternoon tea. Who doesn’t love that combination? There are a few great Spa Day + Afternoon Tea deals on the 5pm site...
NEW Dr Feelgood from Benefit
Benefit has launched a Mattifying Powder in its Dr Feelgood range, for those who prefer a powder to a balm. The original Dr. Feelgood Mattifying Balm has been on counter for some years now, but mattifying balms can be tricky to work with, I’m told. The new Dr. Feelgood Silky Mattifying Powder is much...
Clarins launch new Extra-Firming Eye Serum and Serum
Clarins launches two new products in its successful Extra-Firming range this month just in time to add a little spring to your skin for spring! The Extra-Firming range gives instant and long-term lifting effects to the skin, and was created specifically for women in their 40s. The products are excellent...
New Night Creams from Filorga and Caudalie
Night time is the best time for beauty products to work their magic – if you are any sort of beauty geek, you will know this. So, a night cream is a vitally important part of any skincare routine. I keep mine by my bedside, so I never forget to apply, and I alternate creams with glycolic based liquids...
NEW Olverum The Body Oil
Was it last year I shared Olverum Bath Oil with you? It’s lovely stuff, a high-end brand, with gorgeous packaging, and I just don’t have a bathroom that befits it. But after major renovations over the last three months, the bathroom in our flat will just have to stay as it is for a wee while longer....
Sunny Scents
I’m all about the sunshine at the moment, so here are some sunny scents to see you through the weekend, no matter the weather! 1. Le Couvent des Minimes Botanical Cologne Aqua Mysteri, £65 (100ml), lookfantastic.com, is a fresh and floral scent, in a light lemon yellow colour! Reminiscent, apparently...
REN Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream
I think we’ve determined now that Vitamin C is one of those beauty ingredients that works. It’s something that isn’t going anywhere, and if you aren’t using a product with Vitamin C in it, why not?! The latest to land on my desk is the REN Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream. Vitamin C as an ingredient helps...
Jo Malone Solid Perfume Palette
What a fab parcel to receive last week – the gorgeous new Jo Malone London Fragrance Combining™ Solid Palette. I love a solid perfume. There’s something quite sensual, and very vintage about solid fragrance. And also, I just love when my beauty mail contains something genuinely new and interesting –...
Sunny 5pm Beauty Deals!
I’ve been all about the sunshine these past few weeks. I’ve been writing about sunny beauty products, smelling sunny scents, watching the glorious sunshine on Shipwrecked (I know, I know, it’s addictive) and dreaming of sunnier days. I was also sent this new sunscreen brand, which has me looking out...
Cute little beauty bits from REX London
I was kindly gifted some cute little beauty bits from the newly launched range at online store, Rex London – formerly dotcomgiftshop. If you are a lover of all things cutesy, kitsch and kawaii, or you have a tweenie who is, then this new range is perfect for little gifts- and the bunny bits are brilliant...
Love(ly) Scents!
It’s Valentine’s Day this week. Maybe it’s Galentine’s Day? Or just Thursday. Celebrate it or not, here are some love(ly) scents that might be a nice gift, make a nice gift, or just be a gift to yourself! 1. If you are a fan of the DKNY Be Delicious fragrances, then here’s another! DKNY Be Delicious...
Valentine, Galentine - 5pm Beauty Deals
Valentine’s Day next week might be a big night for you, and it might not. Maybe you will celebrate it as Galentine’s Day with your pals. Whatever you chose to do, it’s a great excuse to bag yourself a beauty deal, and treat yourself to a treatment. Maybe you want your bits waxed, maybe you just fancy...
Sunshine Yellow Beauty
Inspired by the launch of the Marc Jacobs Daisy Sunshine I blogged about on here this week, I decided to pull together more beautiful sunny yelllow beauty bits. How bright and beautiful a colour yellow is, and I defy you to not be cheered up just looking at this sunny lot! 1.This gorgeous yellow nail...
Daisy Sunshine by Marc Jacobs
When this lovely bottle landed on my desk it made me smile! Who doesn’t love sunny yellow? Especially at this time of year. So thank you Marc Jacobs for launching a Sunshine line of your iconic Daisy. There are four lovely bottles – four fragrances – available at The Perfume Shop now in the new Marc...
NEW Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka products
Back in January 2017, Jo Malone London launched Myrrh & Tonka as its latest Cologne Intense. The rich, heady, fragrance was an instant hit, and has remained a favourite. This is what the Master Perfumer who created it had to say about it at the time. There is an atmosphere of addiction and carnal richness...
5PM Spa and Beauty Big Deals
Finally! January is over. And we’ve been paid! Time to treat yourself – but no need to splash out too much with some brilliant Big Deals on the 5pm Spa and Beauty site. There are so many to choose from, but I’ve picked out five good ones to get you started. Most of them can be taken until around the...
Shiseido NEW Benefiance Moisturiser
Shiseido has launched a new range of three moisturisers – Benefiance. It’s been a long time since I have used any Shiseido skincare, and I have yet to try this, but one of the brand’s foundations – the Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation is worth every penny of the £35 and more. I have never...
Pesky Tech Neck strikes again!
I’ve written about this thing ‘Tech Neck’ before – it’s something of an obsession of mine just now. I’m noticing some lines and crepiness in that area, and am trying anything I can. So, I was pleased to receive the MGC Derma CBD Neck & Décolleté Recovery Serum last week. Now, neck issues were once the...
Keep Warm in the Salon!
Brrrr! it’s cold out there. Keep warm in the salon, with a good old Hot Stone Massage! What’s not to love about being all cosy, warm, and massaged? 5pm Spa and Beauty has lots of brilliant hot stone deals, we’ve just picked out a few that sound great, for you to peruse. Let’s start at Skinfiniti in ...
Kingdom Scotland Fragrance House now in Harvey Nichols
Last May I wrote this piece for the Daily Record about Imogen Russon-Taylor, and her fragrance house, Kingdom Scotland. Imogen was a delight to meet and interview – her passion for her new venture was tangible, and I was so pleased to hear that her brand is now available in Harvey Nichols. Imogen’s ...
Vegan beauty in Veganuary
Veganuary! It’s everywhere – even here! Yes, there are loads of vegan beauty products out there. Probably loads more than you’d even think – but why would beauty products have loads of animal product in them?! Anyway, I’ve been bombared with Veganuary press releases since, ooh, way back in October, ...
GUCCI Luxury Collection at Harvey Nichols
Gucci’s Luxury Collection is absolutely beautiful – and if you are a Gucci fan, or a fragrance addict, you might want to head to Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh and have a look- and a sniff. These are not your everyday scents, and the price reflects that – but if you fancy treating yourself, then this collection...
Get Happy Ahead of Blue Monday - 5pm Deals!
Next Monday – January 21 – is Blue Monday – the day we are all meant to feel absolutely awful and unable to cope with the hell that is January. It’s all pseudoscience, and was first created by a travel company in a press release, using an actual equation, worked out by many factors, including weather...
Jo Malone London NEW Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense
If you are a Jo Malone London fan, then you will already know that January means a new fragrance, in the form of a Cologne Intense. This year, it’s Bronze Wood & Leather, which is no surprise, given the brand’s heavy focus on the more masculine side of things, with the launch of its first ever men’s...
Guerlain's Spring 2019 Morning Love Collection
It’s spring! Well, not really, but it is at the beauty counters, as the spring collections drop this month. Guerlain’s spring 2019 collection is all pastel-prettiness, with a beautiful highlighter powder at the heart of it. The Météorites Highlighter Duo (£45) is lovely – and who doesn’t love a highlighter...
Cacharel launch new fragrance
It’s been over a decade since Cacharel launched its last brand new perfume – so this is a big thing. Who is Cacharel? Only the brand behind one of the world’s most well-known scents of all time – Anaïs Anaïs. Kate Moss and Gisele Bunchen have been faces of the brand over the years, and Anaïs Anaïs, ...
The Eyes Have It - with 5pm Deals
The eyes have it. Or maybe it was just because no-one was that familiar with the brand – whatever the reason, Filorga’s Time-Filer Absolute Eye Correction was the most Googled beauty product of 2018,according to Google’s 2018 Year in Search, thanks mainly to its inclusion in the M&S Advent Calendar....
NEW Clinique iD skincare system
Clinique has launched a new bespoke skincare system – Clinique iD. I’m not sure how much of a fan I am of these skincare systems where you mix and match your own products – it’s all a bit schooldays chemistry and fiddly for me, but I can see the appeal to some. This custom-blend hydration system means...
Bobbi Brown's Lucky in Luxe Lips
Bobbi Brown launched a new lip collection earlier this month, and some new shades of an old favourite. The Lucky In Luxe Collection is a Valentine’s Day launch – yes we are going there already! Basically it’s the brand’s Luxe Lipstick with some cute red trim packaging, and some new shades, most of them...
New Benefit Roller Liner Eyeliner
Benefit start 2019 with the launch of it’s latest liquid eyeliner – the Roller Liner Eyeliner. Not a brow product! But still very much in the eye area! The Roller Liner Eyeliner is a simple liquid eyeliner in a pen. It offers precise definition, and has a matte finish – what doesn’t these days in beauty...
Super Moisture Mens Collection from Clarins + MEN'S DEALS
Men, this is a real treat from Clarins. Super Moisture products in different formulas, so you choose which suits you best. No ‘one formula fits all here’. These three new hydration products will intensely moisturise and strengthen the skin. Harsh weather, stress, sports, shaving, and even testosterone...
Get Selfie-ready with Clarins this Spring
Clarins’ new spring collection – out this month – is all about getting #selfie-ready. I wouldn’t normally associate the Clarins customer with a selfie, but the brand is obviously trying to attract a different generation. And they might just do it with this lovely little spring collection. I am a Clarins...
New Year Night Repair
New Year, new night cream. Did you know that your skin regenerates more when you are asleep? So any anti-ageing creams you use work harder and do more overnight. The idea of beauty sleep isn’t so daft after all! And at this time of year, when we all miss a lot of sleep, even moreimportant to get a good...
Party Prep with 5pm Deals
It’s party time! Hogmanay is the biggest night of the year, and if you’re off out partying, you need to look the part too, right? That means everything needs work – from brows to lashes, hair to nails, and of course, your makeup. But it doesn’t need to cost the earth if you log on to 5pm Spa and Beauty...
Winter Body Care
If I have one beauty resolution for the New Year it’s to take more care over my body care. I am fastidious with my application of facial skincare, and completely random and hit or miss with my body care. And in the winter, you can’t be like that. Dropping temperatures and rising heating temperatures...
Futuristic Silver Beauty
Futuristic fun for the New Year! Drop the festive gold and bring out the sci-fi silver. Everything is shiny and chrome in the future, right?! I love a bit of silver for New Year’s Eve, and there are loads of brilliant silver beauty bits around. I’m not sure if I would go as far as silver lips, but a...
Stress Busting with Tisserand
Ready to run for the hills? The run-up to Christmas playing havoc with the stress levels? Then you are reading the right blog post! Survive the Christmas festivities with Tisserand Aromatherapy’s Total De-Stress collection. Peace and goodwill to all men? We admit it’s not easy sometimes to feel like...
Festive Red and Gold
Some colours are synonymous with the festive season, and red and gold are definitely two of them. Gorgeous reds and golds are brilliant makeup shades too – for lips, eyes and nails. Let’s start with lips. Gorgeous red lips look even more festive with a golden glittery shine through them. And if you ...
Gift of Glow Time Bomb QVC TSV and 5PM Facial Deals
Don’t you just love TV shopping channels? They’re so cheesy! And the TV shopping challenge on The Apprentice this season was hilarious. But they are the home of great deals. And there’s a great TSV (Today’s Special Value) on QVC this weekend (Sunday 16) featuring a brand I love, Time Bomb, and a new...
Let It Glow!
LET IT GLOW! It’s the festive season, so definitely time to crack out the highlighter with the bubbly, and get a glow to rival any angel’s halo! Highlighting is BIG beauty news – and it’s all about the glow, with an added little bit of sparkle, at this time of year. So, we’ve had a look at some of the...
Bag it Up!
Is there any more fun than rummaging in a pal’s cosmetic bag? Just don’t stick your fingers in their products. This happened to me on a train journey once with a beauty blogger I had just met. Outrageous! Now, if, like me, you like doing your makeup on the move, then you’re not going to want to take...
Christmas with 5pm Spa & Beauty
If you are still stuck for Christmas gift ideas for friends and family, then we are here to help! There are LOADS of gift ideas on 5pm and 5pm Spa & Beauty. We’ve picked just five of the Spa & Beauty gifts on offer to give you some ideas of the range of gifts available. You must surely be able to find...
Christmas Gifts for Her
Got someone female to buy a gift for? Of course you have. So here are a few suggestions, for all beauty fans, from skincare to makeup, big and small. A beauty gift is a gorgeous, pampering thing to receive, big or small. We hope your gift recipients like some of our suggestions. BENEFIT MAGICAL BROW...
Christmas Gifts for Him
Christmas shopping still to do!? Gift for him required? We hope we can be of help! He’s hard to buy for? Just get him a grooming gift. All men love it – many of them probably just don’t spend any time buying stuff like this for themselves. And if you do have a grooming guru on your hands, impress him...
Beauty Stocking Fillers
Christmas is coming, and if you haven’t done your shopping yet, then there’s still plenty of time. Here’s a few stocking fillers to give you some ideas for the beauty fans in your life. The Sign Tribe Remove & Chill Nail Polish Eraser Cream, £14.25, available exclusively from thisisbeautymart.com This...
Party Season Makeup Deals
It’s party season! Don’t try and deny it – it’s December tomorrow, and if you’ve not already been to at least one festive event, you need to re-evaluate your social life! With party season, comes party makeup. Glitter, sparkle, more is more, etc, etc. And when you’ve done your makeup, you want it to...
Jo Malone London Christmas 2018
It’s not even December, but a lot of this lovely festive Bring on the Baubles range from Jo Malone London is already sold out online, so you might need to head to stores if you really want something. I’m not going to lie – it’s not my favourite Jo Malone London collection. I was a little underwhelmed...
Clinique Fresh Pressed Clinical Daily + Overnight Boosters
Clinique has this habit of launching new products with impossibly long names. Here’s another one that has recently hit counters – Fresh Pressed Clinical Daily + Overnight Boosters with Pure Vitamin C 10% and Vitamin A (Retinol). See – long name. Basically this is Clinique’s take on hot beauty ingredients...
Every Day is Black Friday!
It’s Black Friday, but when you’re a deals website, every day is Black Friday! 5pm Spa and Beauty has LOADS of brilliant offers available ALL YEAR ROUND, but let’s highlight a few really good ones today for use in 2019. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift for spa lovers – or complete spa virgins ...
Scent your home with candles
I love a scented candle, don’t you? Especially at this time of year. There are loads out there – and plenty with festive scents if you fancy. They also make great gifts, but don’t stint on the price. Cheap scented candles are not nice. You don’t need to spend absolute fortunes, but you’re not going ...
Black Friday Beauty Offers
It’s Black Friday this week – and there are all sorts of deals out there, on all sorts of products,from all sorts of brands. It’s a bit overwhelming, and who knows if it’s really worth it? Or are you just buying because you get caught up in the hype? I’ve had loads of info sent to me for beauty offers...
Face Vinegar? Yep, it's a thing.
I love a new product press release when it’s something I’ve never heard of before – because that’s rare after 15 years plus doing this job – but Face Vinegar?! Doesn’t sound that appealing does it? However, don’t judge a book by its cover, or in this case, the name. For a start, this isn’t really a ...
New Season, New Hair!
We change our wardrobe, and not just because the weather changes – it’s always good to buy new clothes, right? We change our makeup, and we should change our skincare, but what about your hair? Stuck in a hair rut? Fancy something new? Maybe even a colour change? There are loads of deals on 5pm Spa ...
Korean Beauty Brand J.One launches in Boots
I’ve been all about the K-beauty of late, as more and more brands launch into the UK. Boots now stock Sephora’s best-seller J.One. The J.One Jelly Pack sells four units EVERY MINUTE in South Korea. This hero product is joined in Boots by the J.One Black Jelly Pack, and the J.One Jelly Cream. The J.One...
Soap & Glory Bubble Act Boots Star Gift
You can’t really miss Soap & Glory in Boots, can you? And in the run-up to Christmas, it ramps up a notch, with wall-to-wall pink bathtime goodies. Soap & Glory is one of the best-selling gift brands at Boots, and on December 7, this year’s hotly anticipated Limited Edition Star Gift launches – Bubble...
Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask
What’s better than a face mask? A colour-changing face mask! But this new Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask is far from being a gimmick. It’s formulated with a prebiotic from algae, a good-bacteria probiotic and patented Alguronic Acid. It balances, detoxifies and boosts radiance, giving you a...
5PM Hot Stone Winter Warmer Deals
It’s getting colder now, right? So, best thing to do is to keep warm! Any trip to a beauty salon is warm and cosy, but the best way to make it even warmer is with a hot stone massage! There are loads of 5pm Spa and Beauty to choose for at great prices. Here’s just a handful that caught my eye. Over...
Elemis x Savannah Miller GWP
The concept of the beauty brand gift with purchase (GWP) is as old as time itself, it seems! I used to love these as a teenager. Sometimes they’re not that great, but this one is excellent. Elemis x Savannah Miller Nine for Debenhams – and it’s leopard print! It is also jam-packed with goodies, and ...
Guerlain's Christmas Cosmic Beauty
If, like me, you love all things retro and vintage then you are going to adore one part of Guerlain’s 2018 Cosmic Christmas Collection more than the rest. The Ladies In All Climates compact is adorable! It’s a re-edition of a cult travel-size powder created in 1897! It has a fine texture which events...
Bare Minerals Christmas Masterclass Event
I spent an evening last week at a BareMinerals masterclass – Scottish press, bloggers, and influencers were give a helpful demo by the brand’s National Makeup Artist, Gina Fitt. Obviously she can’t be at multiple locations this week, but the in-store makeup artists will do a brilliant job at the masterclass...
Superdrug Skincare Boosters
It’s November! How did that happen?! The clocks have gone back, the weather is getting colder, and summer is a distant – if not lovely – memory. Your summer skincare routine should also be in the past. Time to reassess your skincare for winter. Helpfully, Superdrug’s B range has just launched two new...
Hallowe'en, Lush style!
You can always rely on Lush for some Hallowe’en themed goodies. Feeling a bit anti-social? Or maybe a bit scared? What better way to avoid Hallowe’en, but still embrace it, by running a relaxing bath and using one of these brilliantly spooky Lush goodies? This is an amazing treat for cat lovers. And...
Pumpkin Beauty
It’s Hallowe’en on Wednesday, and pumpkins are everywhere! Who doesn’t love the orange vegetable – maybe not to eat, but to make a jack-o-lantern out of at least?! But did you realise that pumpkin is good for your skin? Pumpkins have SO MANY skincare benefits! It is packed with fruit enzyme and alpha...
Makeup Deals for Halloween
Are you heading out this weekend for Hallowe’en? Have you seen some of the AMAZING makeup tutorials out there on social media? We are currently loving French vlogger and Youtuber, Marion Moretti AKA @marioncameleon. She has uploaded a horror-themed look every day this October – you must check them out...
YourGoodSkin launch Revitalizing Foam Wash
YourGoodSkin is the Boots brand I blogged about last year – it launched with a fanfare, a US collaboration sold in Walgreens and Boots exclusively, co-created with scientists, dermatologist, and a community of thousands of women. Today there’s a new product in the range, which fits perfectly into the...
Kiss The Moon for that extra hour!
An extra hour in bed always makes me happy, but for many getting a good night’s sleep is difficult, never mind adding an extra hour in.So when the clocks go back this weekend to mark the end of BST, you might need a little help in relaxing. There are no real ‘cures’ for insomnia, certainly not in beauty...
NEW Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palettes
If you are in the Cult of Charlotte, you probably know all about the new Luxury Palette of Pops already. What are fans of this massively successful brand called? Tilburians? Charlottans? Hmmm, that maybe doesn’t sound right! Charlettes?! Whatever, there are a lot of you out there, and CT just keeps ...
Chanel Hand Cream and a Manicure maybe?
It’s Friday, time to treat yourself! Chanel launched a new handcream last week, and what’s more pampering and luxurious than applying a sumptuous cream to your hands? Watch any old movie, and they’re all at it, sitting at their dressing tables before bed, applying hand cream. It’s a habit we want to...
AVEDA'S CHERRY ALMOND COLLECTION & ADVENT CALENDAR
MY husband gave this new AVEDA CHERRY ALMOND COLLECTION the thumbs up for the smell alone. I, on the other hand, have an aversion to all things marzipan-y, which is what this smells like. If you are a Bakewell fan, you are going to love it! The new collection is 98 per cent naturally derived, silicon...
Drunk Elephant lands in Scotland
Yes, that is a beauty blog post title, and not a strange wildlife story! If you’re a new beauty brand fan, then chances are you will have heard all about the latest buzz-brand to launch in the UK – Drunk Elephant. It hit Space NK stores this month, and there’s a tour going on – more about that later...
Bobbi Brown Pinks With Purpose for Breast Cancer Month
Another Breast Cancer Awareness Month product just landed on my desk – two actually, in the shape of these lovely Pinks With Purpose from Bobbi Brown. An Estee Lauder company, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has launched this cute lipstick duo for this year’s Breast Cancer Campaign. Evelyn H.Lauder co-created...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Beauty Buys
It’s October again, and in the beauty world that means a plethora of pink products for Brest Cancer Awareness Month. It seems a little low-key this year. Maybe I’m just not getting the right releases. It’s not only Estee Lauder Companies that run breast cancer charity initiatives in October, but it ...
Orly Deep Wonder Winter Nails Collection
Whisper it, but this is the Christmas collection from Orly. Yep, Deep Wonder is all about sparkle, shimmer, a bit of a different take on classic Christmas reds, and it’s lovely. Orly polish is great, and these six new shades are fab. It’s so hard to choose which one as a favourite.The richly pigmented...
Temple Spa support MIND with Repose
This month, Temple Spa is supporting the charity MIND, coinciding with World Mental Health Day on October 10. The offer they have put together is great, and features their best-selling, cult product, Repose. I do have a bit of a problem on this, because Temple Spa is a UK-wide brand, but MIND is an ...
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Collection
I get A LOT of products and I like to try to sometimes feature brands that are a bit different, or have a story to tell. SheaMoisture certainly does. It’s the legacy of the brand owner’s grandmother, Sofi Tucker. Grandma Sofi was widowed at 19, and, to support her family, made and sold her handcrafted...
House of Luxe Bobbi Brown Lipsticks
Welcome to the House of Luxe – loads of gorgeous new lipsticks from Bobbi Brown. The brand has gone all-out on lipstick this autumn/winter with three new formats – Luxe Matte Lip Colour, Luxe Liquid Lip Velvet Matte, and Luxe Liquid Lip High Shine. The Luxe Matte Lip Colour launched early September ...
5PM BIG beauty deals
It’s a new season, time for something new. Maybe you need a new haircut, those overgrown brows looking at, or just fancy trying a new beauty treatment – party lashes, perhaps?! Whatever you fancy, treat yourself, and do it with one of the brilliant Big Deals available at the moment on 5pm. First up,...
Shiseido launch new collection and new Global Colour Ambassador
SHISEIDO is not a brand that I keep up with, but its colour game has always been strong and this AW is no exception. The latest colour collection is vibrant, and full of brilliant products in excellent colours. The brand has also just announced a new Global Colour Ambassador – Patrick Ta. “Shiseido ...
Chanel launch two new Rouge Allure Matte Lips
Chanel launches two new matte lip products this week – Rouge Allure Liquid Powder and Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme – and if you like matte lips, and Chanel, you are going to love these. Chanel’s Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer, Lucia Pica, continues to explore matte colours and textures with...
Elemis Beauty Advent Calendar available now!
It might still be September, but we’re off and running with this year’s crop of beauty advent calendars. Elemis launched theirs – 25 Days of Beauty – yesterday, and it’s available whilst stocks last – but be quick. Last year this one sold out in FIVE DAYS!! It’s £150, but the contents are worth £345...
Caudalie Vinopure Anti-Blemish Collection
Caudalie recently launched a new anti-blemish range – Vinopure, targeted at women who, long after their teenage years, still have issues with the appearance of blemishes, shine and clogged pores on combination to oily skin. Our skin has never been subject to such harsh conditions, thanks to things like...
Bobbi Brown Camo Luxe Collection
This new CAMO LUXE Collection from Bobbi Brown is a bit of a leftfield move, no? It’s all about leopard this season, but if camo print is your thing, you’ll like this – and the palette is as lovely as always. So, lets start with that. This lovely Camo Luxe Eye & Cheek Palette (£49.50) palette has six...
MAC Cosmetics tops the Instagram beauty brands
If you’re on Instagram, you probably follow at least one beauty brand. And if you’re on Instagram you are one of one BILLION active users worldwide (as of June 2018). So it’s no wonder brands love this platform,and recognise its potential to engage existing and new users to like, share and feel encouraged...
NEW Reb'l Fleur Love Always EDP from Rihanna
Rihanna launches her 10th fragrance today, exclusively in Superdrug. Her what?! Her TENTH fragrance. How the heck did that even happen. I haven’t had a sniff of any of them! This one is called Reb’l Fleur Love Always – a richer, more intense version of her first – and best-selling – fragrance, Reb’l...
Guerlain AW18 Collection
Guerlain’s new AW18 makeup collection has three colour products in it – a new blush, new lipsticks, and a new, innovative, eyebrow pencil. The collection doesn’t have a name – the press info just calls it Fall 18, which gets my goat in itself. Last time I looked this season was autumn in UK…please, ...
Clarins Joli Rouge & Black AW Makeup Collection
Clarins has just launched a small, but perfectly formed mini AW Makeup Collection. There are only three products in it, but it’s super-cute and the packaging is adorable. The Joli Rouge & Black Collection introduces a new lipstick – the Joli Rouge Gradation (£22) which is the Joli Rouge, reinvented ...
Dior's new Rouge Blush
We’ve all heard of matching our nail and lip colour – but our blush and lip colour? That’s a new one, but it’s a thing, according to Dior – and the new Dior Rouge Blush is how to do it. Rouge Blush by Dior’s Creative Makeup Director, Peter Philips, comes in 27 shades, drawn from the colours of the legendary...
GLAMGLOW launch STARPOTION Charcoal Clarifying Oil
Charcoal is still riding high in the beauty world, and is the main ingredient in GLAMGLOW’s latest launch – STARPOTION Liquid Charcoal Clarifying Oil. It’s their ‘magic potion’ and GLAMGLOW say it will transform your skin right before your eyes. Not sure if that’s actually going to happen, but maybe...
National Spa Week - Treat yourself to a 5pm Spa Day
It’s National Spa Week this week, did you know? Well, now you do, so treat yourself to a day at the spa! 5pm Spa and Beauty has lots of lovely spas offering brilliant deals on the site, so have a good look. Here are five of our luxury spas – click through to discover the deals that are on offer at each...
Autumn Foot Prep
It’s been a glorious summer, however, it will soon be time to retire the sandals for another year and look out those socks and boots (or socks and sandals for September if you can rock that vibe!) But… that doesn’t mean your feet are about to get neglected for the next five months or however long autumn...
Be Bold with Kiko's Dark Treasure Collection
KIKO Milano’s A/W 18 collection is out soon – and it’s a beauty. The Dark Treasures collection is huge – almost too big to talk about, but I will try. There are LOADS of products in it – from skincare to makeup, to tools. The innovation here is makeup that contains active charcoal cleaners, one of the...
Ibiza Hair Brushes
I was given this HUGE hairbrush the other week. It’s from a company called Ibiza Hair, which has been around since the 1950s. Who knew? Not me, so it’s always nice to discover a new-to-me company. There are LOADS of brushes. Most of them have these brilliant cork handles, and are made with boar bristle...
NEW Night Serum from L'Occitane
L’Occitane launch a new night serum this month – Immortelle Reset. The idea is that this serum will reset your skin after a night’s sleep – which might not be as good as you think. Accoridng to L’Occitane research, we sleep a whole two hours less each night compared to the 1960s. Couple that with our...
End of month big beauty deals
It’s end of August, time to treat yourself to something new for the coming autumn months. And no, we don’t mean a coat! We’re talking a new beauty treatment to refresh your look for the months ahead, or a spa break to just get away and recharge for the winter. If you have never had microdermabrasion...
Clarins NEW Skin Illusion Foundation
I love a new foundation, and I love Clarins, but I don’t love the post right now, as I am still waiting on my press sample of this to arrive, and I am itching to try it. EDIT: My foundation arrived and I am going to stick my neck out and say it’s great. This is not a foundation for you if you like a...
Jo Malone London launch Honeysuckle & Davana
Every September, Jo Malone London has a big launch of a new scent. This year, it’s Honeysuckle & Davana. Here’s one thing that really gets on my goat with Jo Malone London, and they do it consistently. English countryside. Eh, WE HAVE HONEYSUCKLE IN SCOTLAND TOO. Look, here it is my village street. ...
Body Misting with Jo Loves and Vera Wang
Hands up if you sometimes want a hint of scent, but not a full-on blast of EDP, cologne or EDT? That’s where a fragranced body mist comes in. We’re not talking Impulse or anything else quite so 1985, but actual fragrance brand body mists. I’ve had two of them land on my desk in the last week – both ...
Colour Correction with new Erborian CC creme
I have mild rosacea and I do suffer from flushing (mainly with heat or alcohol) which is very frustrating. I’m always looking for new correcting products., and this latest one from Korean brand, Erborian, is the latest I’ve tried. The Erborian CC Red Correct is changes colour on contact with your skin...
We all love a cleanser, according to new stats
It seems that our love affair with skincare shows no signs of ending, with British women spending £1.15bn on facial skincare in 2017, with sales set to increase by three per cent to reach £1.18bn this year, according to Mintel research. Over the next five years alone, Mintel expects the category to ...
Va-Va Plump your lips with Buxom
Buxom has launched another new lip product – this time it’s a plumping, shiny, liquid lip colour – the Va-Va Plump Shiny Liquid Lipstick. I’m a matte lipstick fan, so when this landed on my desk last week, I wasn’t sure about it. I have tried it, and there are three things I want to share with you about...
Look after yourself with Wellbeing Deals
Maybe the original spirit of the Fringe has got to me, but I’ve come over all peace, love and wellbeing this week – I feel a need to get my chakras in order, after a long and stressful few months. It might have something to do with the new NEOM Organics Wellbeing Pod which launched this month. Its ...
Madonna - Red Lipstick Queen!
Happy Birthday Madonna, 60 today!! If there is one thing I associate with Madonna more than anything, it’s red lipstick. She was my red lip inspiration. She was the one who got me into it, aged 14, when I used to sneak it on at school, and remove it later. Leos Don’t Apologize for taking the Road less...
Moody Blues - Gorgeous Blue Shades
It’s been a wee bit wet this last week, but let’s not dwell on that – it’s August, and somewhere the sun is high in the sky and someone is diving into the glorious deep blue sea! August makes me think of hot summer holidays, and in turn that got me thinking about blue skies and seas – and my favourite...
Clarins launches makeup brush collection
Clarins launches its first ever makeup brush collection later this month – and I can’t believe there’s never been one before. It is small, perfectly formed, and worth the wait! Clarins has launched brushes before, but singular, never in a collection like this. The brand launches six makeup brushes in...
Evolve Organic Beauty NEW Superfood 360 Serum
I love a serum. I don’t feel like my beauty routine is complete with just one face product of a morning. As a beauty writer and editor, I am lucky enough to get lots to try – so I don’t have one particular serum as a favourite. Some last the distance, others get passed on to family and friends to try...
Fringe-tastic!
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is in full swing, and it got me thinking about fringes of the hair variety. It’s been a while since I had one, and in the summer sun they can be a real pain. But, come the autumn and winter, a fringe can be a cute thing to hide behind – and it always covers those frown ...
NEW Benefit Brow Contour
Is it just me, or are we actually TOTALLY obsessed with eyebrows? They are certainly big beauty news, and Benefit is the world’s number one brow brand, so, if a new product is coming, it’s coming from them. Benefit has so many eyebrow products, it’s hard to know where to start – and here comes another...
Cucumber beauty with Boots
Boots has rebranded and reformulated its own-brand beauty ranges, including some old favourites. Boots’ Cucumber range takes me straight back to my teenage days and my first beauty buys. So, I had to take a look at it again, obviously. And it’s still fab. That familiar smell is amazing, and the facial...
Kate Spade Truly Collection at The Perfume Shop
Fancy a new perfume? Then here are four to choose from, in the Kate Spade Truly Collection at The Perfume Shop. Which are you? TRULY DAZZLING Inspired by the colour aqua, perfumer Guillaume Flavingny created truly dazzling to mimic an aquatic oasis against the bright blue sky of the desert. He joined...
Clarins launch NEW Pore Control Serum
As we start to see a shift in beauty launches from summer to autumn, Clarins has just launched a new Pore Control serum . Yes, the sun might still be shining, but the beauty companies are autumn-ready, and lots of new launches will be appearing in the next month or so. Let’s face it, during the summer...
Smashbox Petal Metal X Vlada Collection
This collection from Smashbox launched in July, and I first saw it back in early Spring. Rose Gold was EVERYWHERE back then, and I guess it’s still having a moment. This 16 piece curated collection was co-created by Instagram star makeup artist, Vlada Haggerty, she of the ‘drip lip. Rose Gold is her...
Age Before Beauty - BBC drama
Beauty fans and salon owners should be glued to the TV screen tonight as Age Before Beauty start on BBC One. The new drama, written by Debbie Horsfield, is a family saga set in a Manchester beauty salon and I can’t wait to watch! It stars the likes of Robson Green, Sue Johnston, Lisa Riley, Polly Walker...
FREE lipsticks from MAC
It’s not a scam, MAC genuinely is giving away loads of free lipsticks this weekend. They’re mostly being handed out in their stand alone stores, but you can also nab one online. MAC is celebrating its authority in the lipstick world – hey, who invented iconic red, Ruby Woo?! I also think it might be...
High Summer Spa Deals
How good has this summer been? It’s been so warm, it’s hard to imagine summers that weren’t like this! But summer can’t last forever, so why not treat yourself to a big beauty deal that you can enjoy when it’s maybe not quite as sunny as it is now – if that ever happens! Have you ever tried a smoothing...
Clinique launch Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly
There are a lot of gels and jelly formulas appearing at the moment, none as big a launch as this new Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly. Dramatically different from the original Dramatically Different Lotion indeed – in that it’s a jelly. And not yellow! So, why? That was my first question. I’m ...
Clarins launch new matte Joli Rouge Velvet
Matte lipsticks. There’s no letting up to this trend. Now Clarins has launched a matte version of Joli Rouge to add to your choices. Joli Rouge Velvet is a reinterpretation of the brand’s iconic Joli Rouge, in a new matte version. The idea here is that it gives a matte finish, but still retains all ...
Bare Minerals NEW Complexion Rescue Defense
This is a big launch for bareMinerals – a moisturiser that protects against the modern phenomenon of ‘Blue Light Damage’ – the Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Tint Protective Moisturizer. What is Blue Light Damage? Well, research says it occurs hanks to our obsession with #selfies and social media...
Summer Hair
I don’t know about you, but the summer is a great time to play about with your hair. I’ve just had my hair dyed bright orange – why not? (I’ve popped my insta pic at the bottom of the post). Of course, summer is also a difficult time for our hair. If it’s coloured it will fade, we might have to wash...
IT Cosmetics launches into Glasgow Boots
American brand IT Cosmetics landed in the UK last year, and this week their first Scottish counter opened at Boots in the Glasgow’s Fort shopping mall. This Saturday, from 11am to 4pm, you can go along to the counter, meet UK Ambassador Rose Gallagher, and join in the fun – there will be free makeovers...
ELEMIS Rose Pro-Collagen Balm for Breast Cancer Care
Breast Cancer Awareness month in the beauty world is generally October, and started by Estee Lauder, but ELEMIS has launched its BCC product this month – Limited Edition Pro-Collagen ROSE Cleansing Balm. ELEMIS is proud to support Breast Cancer Care for the 18th year running, with this product, and ...
Terry Barber x MAC Eye Palette
MAC fans, this is a beauty! BUT… it’s only available at Selfridges. So, get you to a shop, or go online – it’s Limited Edition, but still available. Oh yeah, it’s an Eye Palette. And a gorgeous one at that. It’s called the Eye See x 15 Eye Palette, and has been created by Terry Barber, MAC Director ...
Keep On Tanning!
What a summer we’ve had this year so far – how long can it last? A little bit of rain is forecast as temperatures drop slightly in the next week or so (so the weather folks tell me!), so if you want to keep that tan you’ve achieved, maybe time to top it up with a little bit of fake. It’s incredible ...
Sporty Beauty
I’m not really very sporty. I like to watch sport, but taking part? Not really me. However, I have undertaken a charity thing this summer which means I have to run. A lot. (You can find out more about that here if you want) Now, being a beauty writer, editor, and, above all, fan, I am not one for just...
SMASHBOX LIMITED EDITION PHOTO FINISH SCENTED PRIMER WATERS
There are some beauty products you need – mascara, lipstick, blush, maybe a bit of concealer. And some you don’t. You probably don’t need the new Smashbox Limited Edition Photo Finish Scented Primer Waters in your beauty regime, but you might want them. These new 3-in-1 face primer and setting sprays...
International Kissing Day Lip Prep!
It’s International Kissing Day tomorrow – did you know? So, if you fancy smooching/snogging/necking/tashing on, then you better make sure you’ve done some lip prep – an there are loads of ideas and offers on 5pm Spa & Beauty. Also, you need to make sure you have your favourite lipstick at the ready ...
Guerlain's Terracotta Sahara Jewel Bronzer
It’s summer, and that, beauty fans, means a new bronzer, agreed? So, if you haven’t bought one already, then you might want to splash out and grab yourself this beautiful Guerlain Terracotta Sahara Jewel bronzing compact. This giant compact is almost too lovely to use. It’s set to be a collector’s item...
Queen of Pop by Poppy Delevingne for Jo Malone London
POW! Look at this cute collection from Jo Malone London. Curated by Poppy Delevingne, this bold and bright collection contains colognes, candles and brand new bubbles! New for 2018, Jo Malone launches Bubble Bath. It comes in three scents – Nectarine Blossom & Honey, Black Cedarwood & Juniper (both ...
Are you pool ready? Summer beauty buys!
Love Island. Pool party. Loads of shimmer and shine. We’re in. But not Dr Alex’s sunburn, okay? He really should know better. Here’s our pick of some of the best summer beauty available this year. Don’t get mugged off! THE BODY Keep your body hydrated, moisturised, add a bit of shimmer, keep it cool...
Big Summer Spa Day Big Deals
Who needs a holiday in the sun when we’ve got this weather?! But there’s always time for a wee spa break here in sunny Scotland. So, here are three fab 5pm Big Deals at three lovely spas in Scotland. Who needs Marbs when you’ve got Largs. Er, okay, well Turnberry actually, but go with me on this one...
Cocoa Brown by Marisa Carter Fresh Start Self Tan Eraser
As long as we’re being careful in the sun, it might be an idea to ditch the fake tan this week and see what natural tan you can get. But that fake stuff can be stubborn, right? So, invest in this new Cocoa Brown Fresh Start Self Tan Eraser. Brilliant for fake tan faux pas, this removes traces of old...
Jo Malone White Lilac & Rhubarb Charity Candle
It’s that time of the year again, Jo Malone fans – a new charity candle is about to be launched. This year the candle is White Lilac & Rhubarb. The tart and vibrant rhubarb cuts through the delicate florals of soft lilac, sensual rose, and sun-loving heliotrope. It’s meant to evoke that lovely scent...
Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Eye Shadow Palettes
Bobbi Brown is synonymous with palettes, and even though the makeup artist herself is no longer with the brand she founded, it’s still bringing out perfect palettes like these two Nude on Nude Eye Shadow Palettes. There are two Nude on Nude palettes – Bronzed Nudes Edition, and Rosy Nudes Edition. Each...
Tisserand Ascot Collection
I kept turning the TV on this week and seeing posh people talking about horses, all dressed up in their finery. I also saw Mark Heyes on Lorraine, pitched up at Ascot all week, telling the nation what to wear, and what not to wear to get in to various enclosures. Which is all very nice, if you were ...
Get Insta-ready with Charlotte Tilbury's Beauty Filter Collection
Hands up who doesn’t love a filter on a photo pre Insta-posting? I don’t believe you! We all do it, well, I know I do! But maybe we’d need less filtering if we were using products from Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Filter Collection? She’s not daft that Charlotte, tapping right in to the zeitgeist with...
Lip Stains and Lip Balms for summer from Clarins and Buxom
I’ve been trying out two new lip products recently – a stain and a balm, from Clarins and Buxom, respectively. Clarins launched its new Water Lip Stain in May, and Buxom launches its new Power Plump Lip Balm next month. The Clarins Water Lip Stain (£19) is an interesting one. There are a few things ...
Brows, brows, brows!
Frida Kahlo is as famous for her monobrow as her art. Her art was mostly of herself, right enough, so that famous brow featured a lot. She created it with a little help from a Revlon brow pencil – you can see it, and a whole collection of her belongings, including makeup and clothes, at the current ...
Father's Day Grooming
Dad a fan of grooming? Well, even if he isn’t, why not surprise him with a grooming gift this Father’s Day? And we don’t mean a bar of Imperial Leather or a bottle of Old Spice, either! 5pm Spa & Beauty has loads of offers that dad might like – from simple manicures to surgery-free facelifts! Better...
Clarins Sunkissed Summer 2018 Collection
Ooh, super cute Clarins! Clarins has gone all tropical with its Summer 2018 collection – well, kind of. Okay, there’s a flamingo or two on the compact, but, it’s pretty, and that’s enough to get excited about, right? Said flamingoes are on the Limited Edition Bronzing & Blush Compact (£31) which is ...
Benefit say Hello Happy with new foundation
The first thing I thought when I saw the new Benefit Hello Happy foundation was how non-Benefit it looked! The shape of the bottle reminds me of Clinique’s packaging on some of their bases, although it’s a little less rounded. And obviously there isn’t a cute happy face on the Clinique bottles! The ...
Lancer Skincare Like Kim K
Kim Kardashian. She’s not on my list of role models, but heck, she’s pretty popular, right? And anything she does is popular. So, if you are a big fan of KKW, then you will probably already know that Lancer skincare which she swears by has recently launcehd in to Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols. Created ...
Classic Beauty Salon Treatments
Inspired by Bobbi Brow’s #CantLiveWithout campaign, highlighting classic Bobbi products – we wrote about this on the blog this week – I decided to pick a few classic beauty salon treatments available on 5pm Spa & Beauty. We’re all creatures of habit, and we all love to indulge ourselves with our favourite...
Bobbi Brown Classics You #CantLiveWithout
Bobbi Brown has cleverly curated 10 of its best-selling products that you just #cantlivewithout, and rolled out this campaign across the country. I am a massive fan of Bobbi Brown. I was shocked when Bobbi left the company recently, but it’s good to see them championing products she created, as she ...
New Concealers from Laura Mercier and Clinique
Concealers seem to be having a moment of late – quite a few have recently landed on my desk. The latest two come from Clinique and Laura Mercier. Laura Mercier launched its Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Concealer (£24) earlier this year, a medium to full coverage concealer, with a natural, luminous...
Viva Cuba by Laura Mercier SS18
Laura Mercier’s SS18 collection is inspired by the “soulful ambiance of the Cuban culture…Alive with energy, the music and clashing patterns of street art” It’s all earthy matte bronzing shades, liquid illuminating pearls, and shimmering sheen for eyes (although there are no new eye products in this...
Big Beauty Deals for Summer
It’s June, you’ve been paid, and summer is here! Time to treat yourself to a beauty deal. Fancy a manicure maybe? Or a facial to get your skin set for summer? Or a relaxing massage? Let’s start with the Summer Skin Facial at Glasgow’s Glow Skin Centre and Tanning Salon. The Big Deal is for a Dermalogica...
No7 Matte Liquid Lips new shades
Boots No7 has just added three new shades to its Matte Liquid Lips collection – all of them nudes. Nudes are big news this summer, thanks in no part to the (real life) Duchess of nudes, Meghan Markle. The new Royal rocks a nude lip, and, whilst I don’t, I can see the appeal. For an easy summer look,...
Be Sporty and Shimmery this summer with The Body Shop
Fitness and wellbeing is a massive part of modern day culture. Athleisure is a trend, juicing is normal, and there are more forms of yoga than anyone could ever need. And the beauty industry has cottoned on to our burgeoning desire to hit the gym/class/streets and exercise, and companies are creating...
Be Safe in the Sun
Sunshine! Hallelujah! And with some heat in it too. But, that also means it has some UVA and UVB rays in it, and those aren’t such good news. So, if you are out in the sunshine make sure you have some sun protection on. This is particularly important for us fair-skinned Scots. Your fake tan may give...
Sandal Foot Prep
I was shamed on social media this week by an old colleague who commented on a sandal image I had shared on Instagram and Facebook – with BARE TOENAILS. He expects more from me, and I admit, I let myself down. How could I expose the world to the sight of my uncared for toes. And he hasn’t even see the...
Diego Dalla Palma Summer 2018 Cruise Collection
Italian beauty brand Diego Dalla Palma is always worth a look. The brand, from Italy’s fashion capital, Milan, is stocked in Marks and Spencer Beauty here in the UK. Launched in Milan in 1970, it has a wonderfully retro feel to it, and is much more than just makeup – with skincare and haircare in the...
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2018
It’s most definitely summer when the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess collection lands on my desk. Yes, I know it’s not officially summer yet, but nothing makes me want to book a holiday more than a sniff of the gorgeous Bronze Goddess scents. “Layer on sunlit shades, solar cool potions and ocean kissed ...
(Royal) Wedding Prep
There’s a wedding this weekend, did you know? Some ginger guy is marrying a TV star. Yep, it’s finally here – the Royal Wedding. Prince Harry will marry Meghan Markle in Windsor Castle this Saturday. I’ve had TONS of press releases about the wedding for the last ooh, seems like a lifetime, and lots ...
Bright Beauty Tools at Superdrug
I popped into Superdrug last week, and I spotted these bright coloured beauty tools. Now, I am a sucker for anything bright and bold, particularly in the primary colours, and I had to have them. There were more, but I stopped at seven – not sure why, as they were on a 3 for 2, but there you go. In my...
Reveal magazine Bargain Beauty Hotlist
We all love a beauty bargain, right? Well, you will definitely want to get your hands on the latest copy of Reveal magazine today then. Reveal has announced the winners of the Reveal Beauty Hotlist – the first and only media awards that recognise the best beauty products under £10. The expert judging...
Murad Hydro-Glow Aqua Peel Mask - Face Mask Friday
Beauty masks are everywhere these days – so let’s trial one once a month on Fridays from now on. From sheet masks, to clay masks, to cream masks, and everything inbetween. MURAD HYDRO-GLOW AQUA PEEL MASK, £40 FOR PACK OF FOUR This mask is a wee bit different, as it comes in two steps. First you swipe...
Get yourself a Love island Look
Love Island is back on our screens next month – don’t pretend you’ll not be watching! It’s TV-crack, and we love it. Superdrug has launched a range of Love Island beauty goodies – including glittery sprays, bronzers, tans, and more, available at the end of May. Bronzing Set, £8 And it got us thinking...
New Scent for Spring?
Fancy a new scent for spring? Good, because I have seven to share with you! I’ve tried these gorgeous fragrances over the last few months, and here’s my take on them. 1. Alaia Nude Eau De Parfum, from £67, available now, Debenhams I like this one a lot. Firstly I love the 1970s-style bottle. Then I ...
Jo Malone launches Hot Blossoms for Spring
Jo Malone London has launched two blossom-led collections for Spring – and one of the fragrances comes in the brand’s first-ever Body Mist. Inspired by her travels around Brazil, Jo Malone London’s Head of Fragrance Development, Celine Roux, decided there was so much to be inspired by, that one scent...
Catwalk inspired beauty deals
Beauty trends come from the catwalk, and last September, fashion week makeup artists and hair stylists created all the beauty – and hair – trends you’ll be wanting to wear now for the SS18 shows. So, if you want to get ahead of the crowd, here are a few of our favourite – and where to book in for offers...
Blush and Highlight with Benefit and Bare Minerals
Two new blush/highlighters landed on my desk recently – Benefit’s Gold Rush Blush, and Bare Minerals’ Crystalline Glow Bronzer and Highlighter Palette. Blushing and highlighting is big news this summer. Bare Minerals‘ new palette does it all. It’s a limited edition, three-shade palette that will add...
Paul Mitchell NEW Neuro hair range
Are you a heated hair tool addict? Join the club! I love nothing more than wanding and straightening my hair. It can be a little friend, thanks to that and the fact it’s over-processed and dyed. So I was delighted to give Paul Mitchell’s new NEURO Liquid range a try. I’ve been using it for a couple ...
Vegan Body Yoghurt from The Body Shop
The Body Shop launch a new range of body moisturisers this month – Body Yoghurts. And they’re 100 per cent vegan. Let’s be honest, body moisturising is a pain, agreed? According to research 35 per cent of women in the UK don’t use a body moisturiser – because it takes too long to apply. So, these new...
Brow time with MAC
Brows. They’re big beauty news. And bigger. But not huge. Let’s hope the days of over-bold, HD brows are over, agreed? But I do love a bit of a structured brow, and, therefore, a brow product. MAC has launched two new products that will hit counters next week. One of them, the Shape & Shade Brow Tint...
And relax...time to chill out with a big Spa Day Deal
I don’t know about you, but I am FULLY ready for some relaxation, as we wait to see if winter is actually over! A couple of days of sunshine has put me in the mood for a break, but if, like me, a week in the sun is out of the question, don’t despair. I’ve found some great Spa Day Big Deals on 5pm Spa...
Benefit launch Bold is Beautiful 2018 charity campaign
Benefit announced details of their fifth annual Bold is Beautiful charity campaign today. The global philanthropy program raises donations to support partner charity organisations that empower women & girls, helping them be BOLD, BELIEVE in themselves and ACHIEVE their full potential. Benefit Cosmetics...
REN launch AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
REN launches its AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum in May – a body serum that works to improve the skin by boosting the natural exfoliating process – using AHAs – or Alpha Hydroxy Acids. You might be familiar with them in facial skincare, but not so much in body care. There is a big debate over the use of...
Clarins NEW Hydra-Essentiel Lip and Eye
Clarins added a couple of new products to its Hydra-Essentiel range last month – the Moisturising Reviving Eye Mask, and the Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm. I love the Hydra range from Clarins – it works brilliantly on my dry skin. The range was recently rebooted, and now Clarins is adding more to it...
Ease the strain with a massage deal
Running the London Marathon this Sunday? No, me neither. But, I do run (jog) from time to time, and I did once complete a 10 mile race. Because of that I know that massage and relaxation definitely helps with the pain of running! Until our house renovation is done this summer, I don’t even have a bath...
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint
I’m not just a little late to the party with Fenty Beauty – I actually completely missed the date! Sometimes, even being a beauty writer with 15 years experience behind you doesn’t get you on the right lists, and I missed the Fenty Beauty launch at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh last year. It was an early...
Smashbox NEW mascara and liner
I love a mascara, and I love an eyeliner, so trialling these two new Smashbox products has been fun – and, I’m pleased to say, they’re both decent! Mascaras are hit or a miss, right? There’s always some smudging involved, no matter what they say. Unless they are tubing mascaras – like Clinique’s Full...
Scandi Skincare from VERSO
We all love everything Scandi, right? From Scandi Noir on the TV to hygge at home, we’ve fully embraced the trends from Scandinavia in recent times. So, why not embrace the beauty brands too? Well, one of them at least – VERSO from Sweden. I was lucky enough to meet up with brand founder Lars Frederiksson...
Aveda Earth Month x WaterAid Pledge
April is Earth Month, and Aveda supports the charity initiative that raises money to support access to clean water projects for communities in need across the globe. Try to imagine not having clean water, on tap. Aveda UK has been supporting international development charity, WaterAid for eight years...
Emma Hardie Moringa Renewal Treatment Mask - Face Mask Friday
Beauty masks are everywhere these days – so let’s trial one every other Friday from now on. From sheet masks, to clay masks, to cream masks, and everything inbetween. EMMA HARDIE MORINGA RENEWAL TREATMENT MASK, £49. SPACE NK OKAY, so I’ve been a bit lax with this blog post series – it’s been a few months...
Sparkle with Bobbi Brown's new Eyeshadow Sticks
BOBBI BROWN’S Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks now come in a Sparkle formula – and it’s great. This new formula is infused with multi-dimensional pearls that give a ‘prismatic’ finish. That in turn brings a sparkle effect to the eyes. I’ve been trying the shade, Gilded, a gold colour, and the sparkle is...
Plump your lips for International Kissing Day
It’s International Kissing Day this Friday. Let’s dwell on that, rather than the fact it is Friday the 1th, yes? So, time to get those lips ready for some smooching. (Or good enough to smooch, even if you don’t want any kissing going on this weekend!) Read My Lips Scarf, £28, Oliver Bonas Lip fillers...
Tanning Deals
Snow. Right, that’s enough of that, I think. What is going on with this neverending winter?! So, let’s NOT talk snow, and talk tanning instead. Okay, you might not be showing off your limbs, still wrapped up in winter clothes, but surely having a bit of a tan will make you feel better at least. I was...
NEW bareMinerals BAREPRO Concealer
I’ve not used any other concealer since the launch of the Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer last year. As luck will have it, as my tube of it is about to run out, this new BAREPRO Full Coverage Concealer from bareMinerals has landed on my desk. Unlike the Bobbi concealer, which is a liquid with...
GlamGlow Waterburst Moisturiser
I am not a massive GlamGlow fan – the products are fun, and I love the concept. But whilst I’d use the face masks, because they are fun, I’m not completely convinced with the moisturisers. However, I am going to give the latest a go, because it’s been created for dry skin, and that’s me! The new GLAMGLOW...
Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful 2018
Every year around International Woman’s Day, Bobbi Brown launch their Pretty Powerful Campaign – this is the sixth year of the campaign which was originally targeted at promoting confidence in women through natural beauty. It’s evolved into a philanthropic project aimed at empowering women to ‘be who...
Easter Beauty!
It’s Easter this weekend, and if a chocolate egg doesn’t do it for you – or you want to gift someone something a little different – then check out these Easter beauty-themed eggs. L’OCCITANE EASTER EGGS These are SO cute. An adorable alternative to a chocolate egg for the beauty fan. The egg comes in...
Spring Spa Day Deals
Time to spring into spring with a spa day deal from 5pm – we have plenty of great deals to choose from. It’s time to give yourself a bit of a spring overhaul and a nice relaxing treat at the same time. Take a friend to the Isis Health and Beauty Spa at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, and indulge in and...
Spring Body Beauty
The clocks spring forward this weekend, and, fingers crossed, as the days get longer, we get better weather. And that means, maybe, we shed our winter wardrobe, and actually show a bit of flesh! So, it’s probably a great time to have a bit of a spring overhaul on that body you’ve been hiding under layers...
Aqua Allegoria Spring Scents from Guerlain
Spring is in the air! It finally is, and what better way to celebrate the longer days, and – hopefully – better weather, than with a new fragrance. There are TEN gorgeous Guerlain Aqua Allegoria scents to choose from – the problem will be deciding which one to go for. The Guerlain Aqua Allegoria fragrances...
Boots No7 New Radiant Results Cleansers
Cleansing is key to a good skincare routine. It all begins with cleansing – in the morning – and ends with it, in the evening. As well as getting your makeup off, and cleansing your skin from the grime of the day, choosing the right cleanser is important in anti-ageing, and your skin’s wellbeing. With...
Buxom's Big Tease Mascara
BUXOM launch a new mascara next month – the Big Tease Mascara. It’s officially a plumping mascara – which means volumising in beauty speak. Buxom say it’s their ‘most volumising, statement-making mascara yet’. That’s thanks to the brush and the formula. The mascara brush is so important. In this mascara...
New Makeup Bag?
Hands up who needs a new makeup bag? You’ve probably not thought about it for a while, but that mucky old thing needs replacing now! How often do we actually look inside our makeup bag to see how grubby it has become? I know I don’t look often enough. Usually not until bits of red lip pencil, or a broken...
Clarins New Extra-Firming Day and Night Creams
Never mind a spring in your step, Clarins aim to put a spring in your skin this spring, with their new Extra Firming Day and Night Cream Duo. Are you experiencing small lines around the eyes? A less defined facial shape? Maybe the first signs of slackening? If the answer is yes, then these new creams...
Pink Hair Don't Care
Pink hair is having another moment thanks to Kim Kardashian. She went pink for ooh, a couple of days and the world followed suit! She then posted a few days later to say goodbye to the pink, but if you fancy trying it for yourself, there are plenty salons on 5pm Spa and Beauty that might be able to ...
Clinique's new Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator
As far as beauty products names go, this one from Clinique must be the longest yet! The new Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator has just launched, and I think to save us all we should ust call it their new 72-Hour cream! This new addition to the popular Moisture Surge line (of which I ...
Chanel's new Coco Mademoiselle EDP Intense
What better time to launch a new fragrance than in time for National Fragrance Week? Chanel did just that, launching their new Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum Intense on March 1, just in time for Fragrance Week, which ends this weekend. The new Coco turns things up a notch, whilst retaining much from...
Mother's Day Gifts
It’s Mother’s Day this weekend, and I always think the best gift you can give is spending time with your mum, or mum figure in your life. I know my mum would much prefer to have some time with me, than an expensive gift, and if I was a mum, I’d feel the same, I am sure. That’s not to say you turn up...
Dermaplaning Deals
Dermaplaning has been a beauty buzzword for a while now, and I have to admit I’ve not yet tried it. Perhaps I’ve never felt the desire to remove the peachy fuzz from my face – or the vellus hair to give it its actual name – or maybe I am just a little scared… It’s not a new practice at all though, Elizabeth...
Spa Day Deals for sharing
It’s Mother’s Day this month, and what nicer treat than to have some mother/child time at a spa. There are loads of offers on 5pm Spa & Beauty. I’ve picked five that I think are great value – and a real treat. But there are SO many more on site, don’t just take my word for it – go have a good browse...
Spring in Capri with Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown launches its Spring collection in March- Spring in Capri. There’s a bit of a Southern Italy trend in beauty this Spring Summer – Chanel’s Neapolis collection is inspired by Naples. The island of Capri sits in the Bay of Naples and this collection is inspired by the island, its classic Italian...
Jo Malone London launch English Fields Collection
Jo Malone London launch its English Fields Collection in March and the packaging is the first thing you’ll notice. Completely different to the usual packaging, the opaque two-tone bottles are lovely. The packaging represents the unexpected combination of the two ingredients – the matte texture of the...
Lips and Eyes from Sisley
Sisley are a luxury beauty brand, and although expensive, it’s nice to treat yourself – or a loved one – now and then. If you feel like doing so, Sisley has two new products to choose from – Sisley Phyto Khol Star Eyeliner Pencil (£36) and Sisley Phyto Lip Twist Matt (32.50). The Sisley Phyto Khol liner...
KIKO Milano Free Soul Spring Collection
If you’re looking for fun in your beauty buys, then KIKO Milano is your go-to brand. And the new Free Soul collection is jam-packed with fun products to create a bright and bohemian look. Gold liner for lips or eyes, pink mascara, adaptable bronzing products, and peel off eyebrows! All housed in gorgeous...
Benefit's new BadGal Bang Mascara
Benefit’s new mascara promises to boldly go where no mascara has gone before! Okay, it doesn’t, (and that’s a Star Trek reference in case you didn’t get it…) but it was released with a round of spectacular space style events – and it’s not just a gimmick. The formula features aero-particles, which are...
Nail Art is back!
Celebrity Nail Artist – yep, that’s a thing – Naomi Yasuda gives good nail. Madonna thinks so. As do Rita Ora, Lady Gaga, and Kesha. She created the Helmut Lang logo nail for the brand’s SS18 collection, that helped herald in a new era of nail art love. And trust me, these are nothing – go check her...
Origins Original Skin additions
Origins added three new products to its Original Skin range this month – a primer, a cleanser, and a matte moisturiser. Aimed at skin 25+, the range first launched with a serum back in 2015 Since then, there’s been a Face Mask and an Essence Lotion (like a toner) – and now these three new products have...
Red Lips for Valentine's Day
There’s no better beauty statement than a bright red lip! I am a massive red lipstick fan, and if you want to do Valentine’s Day beauty right, make it red! Here are our top ten fabulous red lips to choose from! Everything from liquid mattes, to matte, to gloss, to chunky pencils, and Charlotte Tilbury...
Valentine's Day Beauty Buys
It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow – so here are some love-themed beauty buys – buy for your gal, buy for yourself, buy for your mum, your gran, whoever! Use this Hallmark holiday to spread the love to whoever you want it, with an unexpected treat. How much would that brighten someone’s day? KIKO Milano ...
Clinique Fit Post Workout Beauty
This range from Clinique was a genius January launch – but if you’re still in the gym now in February you might want to investigate it. It’s only available in store at Selfridges, but you can get it online. I love the packaging, and the idea is great – CliniqueFit has everything you need for after a...
New masks from GLAMGLOW
GLAMGLOW is a fun beauty brand. That’s not to say the products don’t work, of course, but fun is a big part of this brand – and they are brilliantly instagram friendly. I’ve had the pleasure of trying two of their latest releases this last week – the #GLITTERMASK which is essentially the GravityMud ...
Lee Stafford CHoCo LoCKs haircare
This new range from Lee Stafford is powered by chocolate, and, trust me, the Butter Cream Treatment smells unbelievably chocolatey, and good enough to eat. It’s one of five products in this pretty in pink range, which uses chocolate to help your hair. Chocolate is naturally rich in antioxidants, minerals...
UV Pantone Color of the Year beauty
Normally I get quite excited by the Pantone Color of the Year when it’s announced. This year, I was a bit ‘meh’. I’m not sure I love purple that much, and UV is a shade of purple. Apparently it is much more than a shade of purple – as you can see from the company quote below. It’s so much more than ...
Dior New Lip Glow shades and formulas
Dior launch two new shades of their popular Lip Glow this month – and two new formulas – Matte Glow and Holo Glow. The new shades of Lip Glow include Raspberry and Ultra Pink, and the new formulas come in Matte Pink and Matte Raspberry and the Holo Glow comes in shades of pink/purple tones. Dior Lip...
Roots of Strength from The Body Shop
There’s a lot of ‘lifting and firming’ in the beauty world this year so far – it seems to be the anti-ageing focus for the start of 2018. The Body’s Shop are calling their new Roots of Strength skincare range ‘firming and shaping’, which is essentially the same. This range has been influenced by ancient...
CYO Cosmetics launches at Boots
There’s a new budget beauty brand in store – all the way from the USA. C.Y.O launched in Boots stores this month, and nothing in the collection is over £7.50! Its budget beauty, aimed at teens and twentysomethings, but actually accessible for everyone, with products for everything, from loads of lip...
MAC's new Metallic and Holographic Lips
There are two new lip tends for this season – holographic and metallic. Trust me, you heard it here first, you will be wearing both or either of these come February/March! I’ve tried both MAC’s new offerings, and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lip...
Chanel Neapolis: New City SS18 Makeup Collection
Chanel’s latest makeup collection – Neapolis: New City – is bright, beautiful and bold – like the city which inspired it, Naples. Chanel’s Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer, Lucia Pica, hails from the Italian city, and took inspiration from every corner of it to create this brilliant, yet simple...
Jo Loves launches in Space NK across UK
If you are a fragrance fan, then pop March 1 2018 into your diary and get yourself down to your nearest Space NK or log on to spacenk.com and get acquainted with Jo Loves, as the brand finally launches across the UK & Ireland. Jo Loves is Jo Malone’s creation, and it is beautiful. I do get a lot of ...
NEW Aveda Invati Advanced haircare range
Aveda launched their Invati range six years ago (wow, I’ve been writing about beauty for a LONG time!). The Invati Solutions for Thinning Hair range became the brand’s best-selling global franchise in super-speedy time, putting the spotlight on thinning hair in women. It’s still a consistent award-winner...
Chanel launch Blue Serum Eye Concentrate
Last January, Chanel helped with the ‘blues’ with the launch of their Blue Serum. This year, they launch the complementary eye product – the Blue Serum Eye Revitalizing Concentrate. The Blue Serum range is aimed at younger women, who want to begin their anti-ageing routines, and it contains top ingredients...
Caudalie launch Premier Cru The Serum
CAUDALIE launches a new addition to its Premier Cru range this month – The Serum. The Serum features Vinergy, an exclusive new technology co-patented by Caudalie and Harvard Medical School, no less. The idea of this serum is to help the skin correct signs of ageing and boost the effect of your daily...
Clarins launch SOS Primer range
Clarins launch a new range of primers at the end of the month – the SOS Primer collection. It’s a biggie, and it’s great. I am already regularly using two of the six available and I love the results. Basically, these primers all do different things, targeting different imperfections on your skin. There...
Veganuary beauty
Yes, I know, every time I mention the word ‘Veganuary’ my husband’s face contorts. It’s fair to say annoys him, this constant marketing of months! But it is what it is, and if you are going vegan for January you might want to extend it to your beauty regime. This new brand – Utopia – is a vegan and ...
MAC Studio Waterweight Concealer and Powder
MAC launched their Studio Waterweight Foundation in 2015. I have to admit that I have never tried it. I’ve been a bit off the MAC radar in the last few years, to be honest, but three years after that launch, MAC are adding to the Waterweight collection with some new products. The Studio Waterweight ...
Blue Monday, Blue Lipstick?
Today is Blue Monday. We’re all meant to be down in the doldrums, full of the January blues, having failed at all our New Year resolutions, generally full of self-loathing. Ouch! I sincerely hope nobody feels like that, dear readers, it’s really not that bad! It’s going to snow this week – is that not...
MAC's Lunar New Year collection
The only negative about this collection from MAC is that it is exclusive to Selfridges, which means it will be nigh on impossible to get hold of. But, if you do, you won’t be disappointed. To celebrate the Chinese New Year – which falls on February 16 this year, and 2018 is the year of the dog – MAC...
Bea Skincare Super Vitamin C Serum
I like discovering new beauty brands – there are so many of them out there. The latest to land on my desk is Bea Skincare, developed by Skin Specialist Bianca Estelle. Developed in conjunction with an FDA-certified laboratory in the US, and with her background in ‘cosmeceuticals’ (I don’t really like...
Lipstick Queen Girls Will Be Boys Unisex Lipstick
When I told my husband about this new ‘unisex’ lipstick from Poppy King’s Lipstick Queen he looked confused. “Surely ALL lipstick is unisex,” was his response. “If I wanted to wear lipstick, I could wear any lipstick, no?” And he’s right. I don’t get this new launch from Lipstick Queen. I can see the...
Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector new shades
Clarins launch two new shades of their Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector for spring… at the end of this month. Yes, the spring collections are almost here, and this is the first to land on my desk for 2018. Yes, okay, it’s not a collection as such, but spring is in the name! These two new shades are ...
Go Ultra Violet with Elemis
Elemis’s Peptide4 Night Recovery Cream-Oil is the perfect January product in so many ways. Firstly, it’s the perfect shade of Ultra Violet – Pantone’s color of the year for 2018. Secondly, it’s a nighttime product – and we plan to spend a lot of January hibernating/sleeping/in bed. Finally, it’s packed...
Gem Lites by Celeb Luxury haircare
I’ve tried almost every silver shampoo and toning product since I went ashy blonde last year. One that I tried late in the year came from US brand, Celeb Luxury – called Gem Lites Colorwash. These toning shampoos have actual colour in them, and will keep your hair colour looking fresh, vibrant and healthy...
Yes To...coconut hydrating mask - Face Mask Friday
Beauty masks are everywhere these days – so let’s trial one every other Friday from now on. From sheet masks, to clay masks, to cream masks, and everything inbetween. YES TO … COCONUT ULTRA HYDRATING DIY POWDER-TO-CLAY MASK, £4.99, ASOS The first thing about this mask is the smell.It has a potent coconut...
bareMinerals launchAgeless Genius collection
It’s another new year, and we’re getting another year older. So, maybe time for a new anti-ageing range? bareMinerals will provide this month, with their new Ageless Genius collection, powered by gold. Formulated with a powerful complex of mineral gold and age-defying peptides, the new range delivers...
Bobbi Brown's new Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15
Here’s something to cheer you up this January -a new Bobbi Brown foundation! I love a Bobbi base, and this new Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15 is a full-coverage base, with a natural finish. It offers mattifying coverage that is breathable and weightless, and will never appear cakey or flat...
REN launch Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
REN launch their latest AHA product this month – their Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic. AHAs, or Alpha Hydroxy Acids have sparked a lot of debate in the beauty world of late. Nothing like industrial strength acids, like hydrocholric or sulfuric, cosmetic products containing AHAs – and usually glycolic...
Janjira Massage Candles
Brrrr. It’s January – what a month! It’s cold, it’s dark, we’ve all got the post-festive blues, but I think one of these beauties might help warm you up! Janjira Massage Therapy Candles can be lit, filling the room with a gorgeous aroma, and warming up up, and then you can actually use the soothing ...
L'Occitane x Rifle Paper Co designs
L’Occitane partner with stationery brand Rifle Paper Co. this month to bring us a beautiful collection of Limited Edition Shea Butter products. I started Rifle Paper Co. with the hope of bringing beauty to the everyday. I’m thrilled to partner with L’Occitane, a brand that shares the same sense of small...
Through the Decades with Eylure
It’s Hogmanay soon, and as we see out another year, we’ll all be reflecting on the past, as well as welcoming in the new – but which decade would you choose if you had to? In 2017 Eylure celebrated their 70th anniversary, and produced a series of images showing beauty looks through the decades, from...
Get an Extra New Year Glow with Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown launches it’s first collection of 2018 this month, and it’s all about creating fresh, glowing, radiant skin. The Extra Glow collection is a small collection of products, the perfect mix of skincare and colour, and features the ever-popular Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm (£44.50) in new...
Glittery, sparkly, eyes!
I love a glittery, sparkly, eye. If I’m putting eye colour on, I need it to be bold and bright. Currently I have three favourites on the go, and, as I am constantly asked about them when folk see me – in real life, or on social media – I thought I’d share my secrets with you – just in time for your ...
Buxom Plumpline for lips
Buxom’s Plumpline Lip Liner launches at the start of next year, and it’s different. It’s chunkier than a normal lip liner, but isn’t really a lip crayon. It also has a lip brush at one end, which, although useful, I’m not overly sure about. When I first received it, before I looked at the press release...
Benefit launch Porefessional Pearl Primer
Benefit launch The Porefessional Pearl Primer just after Christmas – perfect for the whole Korean K-beauty-led ‘glass skin’ trend that you are going to know all about come 2018 – trust me. The idea behind it is, of course, perfect skin. But rather than the matte perfection we’ve all been after this ...
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Powerfoil Mask - Face Mask Friday
Beauty masks are everywhere these days – so let’s trial one every other Friday from now on. From sheet masks, to clay masks, to cream masks, and everything inbetween. ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATED RECOVERY POWERFOIL MASK, ONE MASK £16.50, FOUR MASKS £60, EIGHT MASKS £105 This mask ...
Stocking Fillers and Last Minute gifts from Aveda, L'Occitane and more...
Need some last minute beauty gifts? Then here are a few to choose from. I love hand cream, and Aveda’s Hand Relief is great. Hand cream is a perfect gift for everyone, and this cute little gift set is just that – super cute. The Limited Edition Renewal For Your Journey Gift Set (£20) isn’t expensive...
How to beat Christmas stress
I love Christmas. But as well as being the most wonderful time of the year, it can be the most stressful. All that seasonal joy is great, but all the pressure on us to get the right presents, cook the perfect meal, decorate the perfect tree – well, it can all get a wee bit too much. So, we asked Julia...
Christmas Beauty Crackers
If you don’t love Christmas crackers, then I don’t believe you! It has to be one of the festive season’s most joyful things. And even better when they are BEAUTY crackers! There are loads of beauty crackers available, full of all sorts of goodies. Perfect for a wee extra present, a stocking filler, ...
Winter Lip care
Brrr! It’s cold out there. The winter weather plays havoc with our skin, and our lips. Hands up who gets chapped lips this time of year? That’ll be down to the heating, then the cold, etc, etc, and it is a horrible, uncomfortable condition. So, you need to prevent it, and look after them with just a...
Maison Christian Dior Glasgow and La Colle Noire
A few weeks back I stumbled across the most beautiful new Dior area in Fraser’s in Glasgow. Upon further investigation, I discovered this was the new ‘Maison Christian Dior’ – a stunningly lovely perfume bar. It’s one of just a handful to open around the world, and I will have more info on it early ...
Benefit Complexionista
Be a complexionista with Benefit’s latest palette – Complexionista! Benefit is fantastic at creating these palettes, and this one is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of highlighting and contouring. It features some of Benefit’s best loved products – all in one place! And, the packaging is SO cute....
Oh K! Gold Dust Peel Off Mask - Face Mask Friday
Beauty masks are everywhere these days – so let’s trial one every other Friday from now on. From sheet masks, to clay masks, to cream masks, and everything inbetween. Oh K! GOLD DUST PEEL OFF MASK, £13 (FOR TWO), BOOTS Oh K! is a Korean beauty-inspired brand with all sorts of goodies shaped by the trend...
Meghan Markle Nude Lipstick Love
Meghan Markle loves a nude lip – and so do British women it seems. Inspired by the Royal Princess-to-be, nude lipstick sales have gone up by 65% thanks to love for the Suits star. According to new makeup brand, MEMI, founded by 21-year old entrepreneurs Millie Watson and Jack Thompson, sales of nude...
Zelens Z Balance Pre and Probiotic Facial Mist
Facial mists. I’m never that sure. I love a water spray in the summer on holiday, but really I’d probably be as well spraying tap water on my face, agreed? But how about a facial spray in the winter? Zelens recently launched their Z Balance Prebiotic & Probiotic Facial Mist, and I was sent a bottle ...
Jade Jagger for MAC
British jewellery designer – and daughter of Mick – Jade Jagger, is the latest celebrity to collaborate on a collection with MAC. Jade brings her love of gemstones and her free-spirit to her small and simple collection which launches next week, and comprises lips, cheeks, eyes and face. Everything is...
Time Bomb Festive QVC TSV
If you have never watched QVC, or bought one of their TSV (Today’s Special Value) offers, why not? They offer some brilliant deals on excellent brands. This Saturday it’s the turn of Time Bomb, and a really fab festive deal. Time Bomb’s Christmas Collection is available on Saturday at a whopping 75 ...
Christmas Gifts
It’s December tomorrow, so if you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, then you better get a move on! Here are a dozen beauty gifts you might like for the beauty fans in your life – just need to wrestle them back from that pesky Elf on the Shelf*! CLEAN Reserve 6 Piece Travel Spray Set, £39,...
Bobbi's gone all Luxe for the festive season
I love a metallic eyeshadow. It’s pretty much the only type of eyeshadow I use. And the new Luxe Eye Shadow from Bobbi Brown is the latest I’ve tried. These shadows come in a trio of finishes, from the high shimmer of Rich Lustre, to the molten foil finish of Rich Metal, to the super-charged sparkle...
Clarins 4-Colour Makeup Pen
Hands up if you loved using one of those four colour pens when you were a kid. Actually, hands up if you still do! I know I do. So, imagine one of those – but with eye and lip pencils in it, instead of biro pens! Imagine no more! Clarins has only gone and created one. Yes, the Clarins 4-Colour All-in...
Sheer Matte Lipstick - it's a thing!
Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Envy Lipsticks come in loads of shades, and loads of formats including SHEER MATTES. Yep, a sheer matte. Seems a bit of a contradiction, right? But, actually, much to my surprise, it works. That’s not to say I love it – but that’s more because I don’t love a sheer lipstick,...
Clinique Pep-Start Double Bubble Purifying Mask - Face Mask Friday
Beauty masks are everywhere these days – so let’s trial one every other Friday from now on. From sheet masks, to clay masks, to cream masks, and everything inbetween. CLINIQUE PEP-START DOUBLE BUBBLE PURIFYING MASK, £24 First up is Clinique’s latest addition to the Pep-Start line, the new Pep-Start ...
Palmer's Facial Skincare range
Whilst researching a beauty feature for a newspaper this week, I came across Palmer’s facial skincare range- and am ashamed to admit I had no idea it existed! It launched at the start of this year, and there are seven products in total, all at really competitive prices, so it’s perfect for a budget ...
The Body Shop Advent-ure Calendar
There are so many beauty advent calendars out there, it’s hard to see where to start – but let me introduce you to one of three lovely advent-URE calendars from The Body Shop. This gorgeous green box – the 25 Days of Game-changing Advent-ure Advent Calendar – contains 25 smaller boxes, but not just ...
Chanel's Collection Libre Numeros Rouge
Roughly translated that means Chanel’s free red numbers collection – yip, we’ll call it Collection Libre Numeros Rouge! It’s all about – you’ve guessed it – Coco Chanel’s favourite – red lipstick. Mine too. Can’t get enough of it, and this collection is perfect for all red lippy lovers. The iconic red...
Clinique's new Powder Matte Lipsticks
This is a new one – a lipstick which is a powder! Well done Clinique on another innovative launch. The Clinique Pop Lip Shadow Cushion Matte Lip Powder is a whole new way to wear matte – and we are ALL wearing matte! The backstage beauty hack you may know of is, to create a really velvet-like matte ...
Guerlain's Christmas Collection
In his book A Moveable Feast (Paris est une fête), Ernest Hemingway overflows with love for the city of Paris. This year, Guerlain is celebrating the festive spirit embodied by those American Bohemians, like Hemingway, who settled in Paris during the artistic whirlwind of the twenties: magical make-...
MAC Snowball Holiday Colour Collection
MAC’s Holiday Collection (Christmas collection) this year is inspired by ice and snow, and beautiful snowflakes and it’s very pretty. There are LOADs of gift sets too, but we will focus on the individual products in this post, and those at a later date. There isn’t a lot to this collection, but the ...
Tom Ford Winter Soleil Collection 2017
I always love when the Tom Ford Winter Soleil Collection release drops in my inbox. It’s always so pretty and makes me wish I was heading off for some winter sun. I am not, however, off to the winter sun. Nor am I really in a position to spend loads of money on this collection, but, if you are a fan...
Which Lulu (Vaseline) Girl Are You?
Love Lulu Guinness? Vaseline fan? The the LULUxVASELINE collab is right up your street! But which Lulu girl are you? Violet, Lily, or Poppy? This mini collection has three products – Lily Doll Face Hand Cream (£3.65), Violet Doll Face Original Lip Therapy Tin (£2.99), and Poppy Doll Face Tinted Lip ...
Estee Lauder announce new Global Spokesmodel
Estee Lauder has announced Fei Fei Sun as the brand’s new Global Spokesmodel. The beautiful Chinese model and fashion icon will represent the brand in her new role, and with a social following of over five million across Weibo and Instagram, that’s a lot of representing! Fei Fei joins the current roster...
Body Care Beauty
I’m very neglectful of my body care beauty routine it has to be said. I rarely moisturise, I use the same shower soap all the time, and I hide my dry limbs under thick tights in the winter, and ignore. I do have palmoplantar psoriasis, so, even in clear spells, I am wary of using anything on my hands...
Eye Creams and Masks
Look after the skin under and around your eyes. It’s the key beauty rule, and one that I know I at least, so often forget to follow. The delicate eye area skin ages first. It’s fragile, and needs a lot of TLC if it’s to make it through life without developing bags, puffiness, lines, wrinkles, droopiness...
Latest GlamGlow skincare launches
GLAMGLOW recently launched two new products – a moisturiser, and an overnight skin treatment duo. Both come, as ever, in shiny chrome pots, and both have great names. There’s the GLAMGLOW Volcasmic Matte Glow Moisturiser (£39) which, GLAMGLOW say, is a first of its kind – a matte satin moisturiser which...
Bobbi Brown Caviar & Rubies Collection
It’s November, so it’s officially party season, and Bobbi Brown’s new Caviar & Rubies Collection is perfect for all your party makeup needs. Firstly, the packaging is beautiful. Gorgeous ruby and gold toned compacts, housing pretty metallic and sparkly products. And there’s a new matte in town – a Matte...
YSL All Hours Encre De Peau Base Collection
YSL’s new All Hours Encre De Peau collection is about creating the perfect long-lasting base – it’s in the name, right?! The claim is that this base will stay flawless, with no touch-ups needed for 24 hours. The All Hours Foundation (£33.50) is the brand’s first ‘night-proof’ foundation that will stay...
Bobbi Brown's Crushed Lip Colour
Are you over matte lipstick? Maybe even just a little bit? I have to admit I love it. But I bought yet another tube of Smashbox Always On in Bang Bang red the other week, and, as the weather turned, my mouth just didn’t feel so great. All matte lipstick is drying. And whilst the new mattes – liquid ...
John Lewis and M&S beauty advent calendars
It’s not Christmas without a beauty advent calendar now, is it? There are SO many of them, it’s impossible to keep track. But, I am lucky enough to have two of the best to open this year – roll on December. First up is the John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar. The retail giant hasn’t had a beauty advent...
Kiko Milano Halloween Bat Mask
Here’s a little cute mask for Hallowe’en from KIKO Milano – it’s a bat that lies across your nose and cheekbones, hydrating that area of your face? Does it do any good? I don’t know. But it’s fun, right? So get into the Hallowe’en, er, spirit, and create a spooky selfie-ready face with this fun mask...
My bedtime beauty routine
The clocks go back this weekend and we get an extra hour in bed – hoorah! That means an extra hour of beauty sleep, so extra time for those products to do their magic whilst you sleep. I wrote a feature about extra hour beauty sleep products in the Daily Record last week – you can read the article here...
Favourite cleansers from Clinique and Eve Lom
I thought I would share my two current favourite cleansers with you – Eve Lom Gel Cleanser, and Clinique’s 2 in 1 Cleansing Micellar Gel. I am sharing them because I am really surprised that I like these cleansers so much – I really didn’t expect to. I have experimented with how and when I use them,...
YourGoodSkin at Boots
There’s a new skincare range at Boots – YourGoodSkin. I saw it sitting, a wee bit forlornly, in a makeshift ‘display’ at a local store last week. It was a bit of a sorry old Boots store in need of refurb, but the new range was there. This is a US collaboration I guess, as it’s sold in Walgreens and ...
Benefit Brownanza Brow Wardrobe
There’s one of the bakers on this years Great British Bake Off who is a bit more style than substance, isn’t there? Steven – he makes amazing cakes, pastries, loaves, etc, and they look so cool, but sometimes they just don’t taste that good. Benefit can be a bit like the beauty world equivalent. Sometimes...
Autumn Beauty Colours
I love autumn – it’s so pretty, agreed? And the colours of autumn transfer so beautifully into makeup – berry lips, russet eyes, and golden highlights. I wrote a post on my own blog last week with lots of lovely autumnal coloured beauty products – and some of my crocheted autumn leaves. Go have a read...
La Creme Main from Chanel
Handcream. I am never without it. Since the end of 2013 I have been plagued with palmoplantar psoriasis, and my hands have been – on and off – a distressed, peeling, cracking mess. Touch wood – this year they are free from my psoriais, BUT…I am still applying handcream. Chanel’s new La Creme Main might...
Beauty News - Blythswood Spa and Deciem
A bit of beauty news this Friday from the Blythswood Square Spa, one of 5pm’s spas, and cult beauty company Deciem… Spa Therapists at Glasgow’s five-star Blythswood Square Hotel have graduated from a specialist cancer touch spa course from the Made for Life Foundation making them the only hotel to offer...
Adult Acne Products Tried and Tested
Acne AND wrinkles? How can this be true?! But spots aren’t just for teenagers. And even if you had clear skin all through those teenage years, various factors might mean, as you approach your more, well, mature, years, spots might appear. There are so many causes for skin eruptions, and various types...
Aveda launch Pure-Fume Hair Mists
I’m not sure how I feel about this latest launch from Aveda – the Pure-Fume Hair Mists. There are three of them, from three different corners of the globe, and all making your hair smell lovely, as well as adding softness and shine. I just don’t know if I want my hair to smell. I used a new shampoo ...
KIKO Milano Candy Split by Giannico collection
I have to say that I have been impressed by every one of the five Vogue Talents collections to celebrate 20 years of KIKO Milano released so far. And this one, the sixth by Nicolo Beretta of Giannico is right up my street…or maybe that should be sweet! Inspired by irresistible desserts and confectionery...
The Tom Ford Lip Color Collection
Tom Ford Lipsticks are a luxury. They’re expensive, there is no getting away from that. They’re packed with rich ingredients, and the packaging is beautiful. They come in a lovely black and gold case, wrapped in an equally pretty box, and the lipstick bullets themselves are debossed with the Tom Ford...
Estee Lauder mark 25 years of their Breast Cancer Campaign
Evelyn H Lauder was the visionary behind the Estee Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign – now the Breast Cancer Campaign – 25 years ago this year. In 1992 pink ribbons were handed out at the brands’ beauty counter around the world, and a year later, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation...
Be Boring with Neom Organics!
NEOM Organics has launched a cute campaign this October – with the hashtag #HAPPYTOBEBORING. It’s all about embracing the ‘hygge’ that was so on-trend last autuumn, and cosying down. Treat yourself to new pyjamas, make a Shepherd’s Pie, or your favourite comfort food, slide on your slippers and relax...
JO MALONE LONDON'S CRAZY COLOURFUL CHRISTMAS
Way back last Christmas, the lovely – and appropriately named – Holly, who was then a PR at Jo Malone London, told me I would love their 2017 Christmas collection. I waited a whole year for this – and was then ill and couldn’t attend the press appointment to view it! However, I can see from the images...
Origins Limited Edition BCA Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
Origins has once again made a Limited Edition of one of their best-sellers their BCA product – the Drinkup Intensive Overnight Mask. I cannot get enough of this product – I love it. It’s probably one of my top five beauty products of all time – and that’s no mean feat, as I have tried A LOT! Replenish...
Aveda's Helping Hand for Breast Cancer Awareness month
The global Aveda network will aim to raise $330,000 to help fund cruelty-free breast cancer research – with a helping hand from their Limited Edition BCA Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme, as well as other fundraising efforts. Since 2001, the Aveda network and their customers have donated over $4m to Breast...
Bobbi Brown BCA Pink Peony Set
Bobbi Brown’s product for the Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign’s 25th Anniversary is the Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzing Powder Set. This lovely set includes a rosy pink shade of Illuminating Bronzing Powder and a Mini Face Blender Brush. The ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder delivers...
Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign Box
If you love a beauty box, then here is one packed with goodies that will make you feel good inside too. The Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign Beauty Box is packed with iconic products from some of the EL brands. For every £25 box bought, £15 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research...
GHD Breast Cancer Now charity products
I had a pair of pink GHDs for years – they were brilliant. My husband trod on them and cracked them a few months back. Time to show him this blog post maybe and get a pair of this year’s Pink Blush Platinums? It’s October, it’s breast cancer awareness month, and the long-standing collaboration between...
MZ Skin Breast Cancer Awareness month
MZ Skin is a luxury brand, designed by Aesthetic Doctor, Dr Maryam Zamani. I’ve never tried it, but it looks absolutely lovely, and if you are a skincare addict, then you might want to check it out. And if you buy anything from the site during October, you will be supporting the Breast Cancer Haven...
Jo Malone London Red Roses for Breast Cancer Awareness month
It’s October, and that means the beauty world turns all shades of pink, supporting Breast Cancer charities. All this week I’ll feature various breast cancer beauty products and offers on this month. First up it’s Jo Malone London who, once again, are donating £20 to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation...
Tom Ford Girls & Boys
TOM Ford first launched his ‘Boys’ range of mini lipsticks a few years ago. It’s been relaunched once since, and now, it’s being relaunched again – and he’s added Girls to the mix. In a time of gender fluidity, it seems Mr Ford likes to distinguish – in lip colours at least. These cute mini lipsticks...
Palette perfection from Barry M
Barry M has recently launched a whole heap of new palettes – and they’re really fab. Who doesn’t love a palette? And with these Barry M beauties, you don’t need to break the bank either. The Meteor Storm Eyeshadow Palette (£9.99) has eight luxurious, highly pigmented shades. They work brilliantly alone...
NEW Oud Wood Private Blends from Tom Ford
I do love a Tom Ford fragrance. Gone are the days when the press office used to send me bottles of the stuff, but even the small lab samples are a treat to receive, and I will happily pay for Patchouli Absolu, Ombre de Hyacinth and Lavender Palm. I adore these scents. So, I am always intrigued by new...
NEW Aveda Texture Tonic
After my holiday the sun, sea and swimming pool have taken their toll on my locks. My hair is over processed, and has gone a bit flat, to say the least. So, I was delighted to try Aveda’s new Texture Tonic this week. I love the tousled, undone, effortless look – who doesn’t – and this spray will try...
Get your Glow on with Clinique
Clinique launched a new base this month – the Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF15 – perfect for oily and combination skin. As the name suggests, the idea behind this foundation is to make your skin glow. It’s a lightweight formula, moisturising, and buildable. It’s fine for all skin types...
Victoria Beckham Estee Lauder Scotland launch
Victoria Beckham’s latest collection for Estee Lauder launched this month – and it’s now available in Scotland. You’ll find it in House of Fraser in Glasgow, and Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. If you haven’t seen the VBxEL products before, then they’re worth having a look at. As expected the packaging...
Benefit launch Punch Pop!
Super cute, super retro, super cool. I love these new Punch Pop! lip colours from Benefit. They’re an antidote to the mass matte trend, and the packaging is just perfect. Pop goes your Pucker, say Benefit, as they aim to coat your lips in a luscious, rich, nourishing liquid lip colour with super shine...
KIKO Milano Asian Touch Isa Arfen Collection
KIKO Milano are killing it with these 20th Anniversary collections, agreed? Affordable, luxe, cute, and on-trend – what’s not to love? The latest – and fifth of seven – is Asian Touch, and has been designed by Serafina Sama, the young designer behind the label Isa Arfen. It’s inspired by the the indelible...
Givenchy Rouge Sculpt
Givenchy launch their Rouge Sculpt in September, a two-tone lipstick, each with one luminous shade on one side, and a graphic contour on the other, to perfectly frame the mouth. The finish is demi-matte, and perfectly defined. And the packaging is beautiful. So, Givenchy’s first two-toned lipstick offers...
Origins NEW Origins GinZing Ultra-Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream
Summer – what we had of one – is pretty much over, and whilst September does tend to be a decent month sometimes, it’s never too early to think about winter skincare – and there are plenty new launches to help with that. You are maybe thinking about changing back to your winter moisturiser, or experimenting...
The #NeomBigSleep - ultimate night in
Sleep – it definitely is NOT overrated. It’s an essential part of life, and does wonders for your wellbeing. And if you can’t sleep. it’s the worst feeling ever, agreed? This September – the 28th to be precise – Neom Organics is hosting the #NeomBigSleep, the ultimate night in and the chance to achieve...
Elemis September TSV on QVC
If you love Elemis, and a beauty bargain, then make sure you tune into QVC this weekend and snap up this great TSV. The 4-Piece Pro-Collagen Real Results Collection, from the multi award-winning Pro-Collagen range, is a great deal. The Pro-Collagen range is centred around a powerful blend of marine...
Givenchy L'Autre Noir AW17 collection
Black is the new black at Givenchy Beauty this season with the launch of their ‘L’Autre Noir collection. Inspired by French painter, Pierre Soulages, who coined the phrase ‘outrenoir’ or ‘beyond black’, this collection is a celebration of black, which is anything but black. Are you with me?! Noir Revelateur...
Being Blonde - how to care for fair!
I’ve been blonde for a month or so now, and I have been trying out all sorts of new products for my ashy locks. It’s not the first time I’ve channelled my inner Marilyn and reached for the bleach, but I’d like to look after it properly this time around! So, I’ve been trying to find a good shampoo, a...
Benefit launch Foolproof Brow Powder
I honestly didn’t expect another Benefit brow product this year – but here it is! The Benefit Foolproof Brow Powder is added to a collection that boasts an incredible TEN brow products and all sorts of kits and tools. But there’s always room for one more it seems, and here it is. This new Foolproof ...
Eve Lom launches NEW Gel Balm Cleanser
I’m going to make a bold statement – Eve Lom is the Queen of Cleansing. Liz Earle may be next in line, but Eve Lom has this throne, and her latest launch looks set to secure her position on it. I, however, am not an Eve Lom cleanser user. I’ve used it in the past, but I prefer Liz Earle’s Cleanse & ...
NEW Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-LOngwear Foundation
Laura Mercier is the latest brand to launch a new foundation – the Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation. Apparently you can get 15 hours of wear out of this one, and it’s full coverage, but weightless. I have tried it – the shade I had wasn’t the right shade for my skintone, so I didn’t wear it...
NARS Powermatte Lip Pigments
MORE MATTE LIQUID LIPS! They are everywhere this season. This is the AW of the matte lip – and if it’s liquid, even better. This NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment is very liquid – so much so it almost drips off the applicator. So, this stuff is infused with something NARS are calling ‘Fluid Pigment Complex...
Jo Malone London English Oak
The English oak is the most common tree species in the UK. They’re everywhere. They’re majestic trees, and many of them are ancient – hence their vast size. The best trees for hugging! And, it seems, the best tree to include in a fragrance, according to Jo Malone London who launch their new English ...
NEW Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment
Murad has a whole range called Blemish Control, and this is the latest addition – the Rapid Relief Spot Treatment. If you are bothered by spots and blemishes then this maximum-strength product aims to reduce them in just four hours.The invisible gel formula can be applied at any time of day to reduce...
Jo Loves launch A Fragrance Paintbrush
I’ve written about beauty for around 15 years, and trust me, there is a lot of repetition, plenty of ridiculous ‘innovations’ (vibrating mascara, anyone?!), but, sometimes, there’s a lightbulb moment – something that is totally new, and makes even the most experienced beauty maven’s eyes light up. And...
Clarins AW17 Makeup
Clarins actually launched their AW17 collection on July 30 – how’s that for early?! It’s also technically their Autumn collection – called Graphik – and it’s just a few products, but there is a fab new eyeliner in there. The Graphik Ink Liner (£21) is an eyeliner pen, with a carbon black pigment, to...
NEW bareMinerals Bare Pro Foundation
Bare Minerals launched a new foundation last week – the BAREPRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation SPF20. I’ve had quite a few new foundations to try of late, and I’ve been using this one for around a month. I like it. But it’s maybe just a little bit too full coverage for me. It has a natural matte...
NEW Clarins Double Serum relaunch
Clarins Double Serum – a bestseller since it’s introduction – is now going through its eighth incarnation! The latest version has a new ingredient – turmeric. There’s a lot of beauty buzz about this ingredient. I just read a recent article about beauty bloggers advocating making home made masks from...
Aldi Lacura Exfoliating Mud Mask
Aldi’s Lacura range of beauty products has had some excellent reviews. This is the first thing I have tried from it – the Exfoliating Mud Mask. I’m pretty late to the party, as well. It launched on July 20, and is now selling on Ebay for double the retail price! I used it last Monday night, and when...
Guerlain KISS KISS collection
This lovely little collection from Guerlain launches next month and I also wrote about it for a piece in the Daily Record. If you love glamour and lip products, this is for you. First up, the KissKiss Matte Lipstick (£27.50) – the first hydrating and plumping matte by Guerlain, it’s as intense as a ...
Estee Lauder launch NEW Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix
Estee Lauder launch another product in their Advanced Night Repair line next month – the new Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix. However, this can be used in the morning and at night. It has a custom-designed, 360 degree, massage applicator, which you gently roll under your eye three times...
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lash Collection
Estee Lauder is having a lash and lid obsession this autumn/winter with the launch of the Pure Color Envy Lash Collection. It’s been designed to create custom lashes on demand, apparently. Do you want custom lashes? I dunno. Sometimes I think a slick of mascara is fine. But Lauder has other ideas for...
YSL Fall Look 2017
YSL is another brand determined to make us use the word Fall instead of Autumn, with their imaginatively titled, FALL LOOK 2017. But, I will forgive them because some of this is just fantastic. It’s bold and bright, inspired by the halcyon days of disco, full of sparkle. Perfect.It’s out now, so you...
MAC Rollerwheel Liquid Eyeliner
Sometimes, there’s no need for a new version. Otherwise put, no point in reinventing the wheel. So why MAC felt the need to reinvent the liquid liner, with an ACTUAL wheel, I don’t know. MAC, with their new Rollerwheel Liquid Liner, has created a ‘groundbreaking spinning disk applicator’ – which looks...
Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti Ageing Instant Refinishing Facial
This new product from Estee Lauder is a facial exfoliator. Or as they like to call it – the Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti Ageing Instant Refinishing Facial. It’s a bit of a ridiculous mouthful, right? I also am not entirely sure that using this turned my shower into a spa, as promised...
Beau-TEA-ful! Afternoon Tea Week beauty
This week is Afternoon Tea Week – and there are lots of lovely afternoon tea offers on 5pm – but, if beauty if more your thing, then how about these tea-inspired beauty products! Tea, as a beauty ingredient has all sorts of antioxidant properties, and it comes in everything from moisturiser to shampoo...
Clinique launch new High Impact mascara
The quest for beautiful, long, lush, curly, voluminous, thick eyelashes is real! There’s a new Clinique mascara out this week which was inspired by a Latin American trend where women were using spoons to get a continuous, arched curl in their lashes! I have just spent the last 15 minutes watching videos...
Chanel Travel Diary AW17 Collection
I love the story behind Chanel’s new AW17 Travel Diary collection more than the collection itself I think! It’s one of those you read that makes you covet someone else’s job. I want to go on a Californian road trip and create a collection of beautiful cosmetics, inspired by what I see. But could I do...
Make a Statement (Lip) with Bare Minerals
YAY! I love a statement lip. I love red, orange and pink, in the boldest shades possible, and that’s about it! So, this new Statement Lip collection from BareMinerals is just perfect. This collection comes in the best pinks, reds and berries. It’s a pretty simple collection really – it consists of 25...
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Romantic Rendevous Collection
Sally Hansen do great nail products, and great nail polish. Their Miracle Gel polish is a cult favourite, and today they launch new shades – the Romantic Rendevous Collection – exclusive to Superdrug. The miracle I guess is in the top coat which you use following two coats of the colour. There is no...
NARS Steel The Show Fall 2017 Collection
I will only call this Fall 2017 because that’s what it says on the press release. But it’s Autumn/Winter, right? This is not the USA, and it rankles me, that US brands don’t change the terminology on their press documentation. Rant over, here’s the lovely NARS Steel The Show FALL 2017 collection, which...
Illamasqua's Aftermath
Illamasqua launch their Aftermath collection next week – and you better rush to counters soon, because it’s super cute, and bound to sell out. Now, I don’t have a lot of info on it, because I am still waiting on a press release – which is a first, but there you go. Anyway, you can see from the pictures...
AINSEL Lipstick - new beauty brand
I love a new beauty brand – and this one is a lot of fun. Meet AINSEL (deriving from the old English for myself), a new ‘digital beauty brand’. Yep, a digital beauty brand – founded by Millennials – but for whoever wants to be a part of it! The lipsticks – the core of the brand – are formulated and ...
Too Faced launch Melted Latex High Shine Lips
Enough already with the matte. Well, okay, not really, but Too faced has launched something COMPLETELY different for this AW season – their Melted Latex Liquified High Shine Lipstick. And this stuff shines! Being a matte fan before everyone was a matte fan, I was not really looking forward to trying...
Boots launch No7 Face Study online portal
According to new research from Boots, and their new No7 portal, The No7 Face Study, nine out of ten (87 per cent) of British women admit to being confused by their skincare choices. That is a lot of women to be admitting to not really knowing what they are using, and what they should be using. Over ...
Italian Soap
No, not a bad soap opera, but actual soap – you know the stuff that we used before shower gel was invented. And not the liquid variety, but actual bars of it! I have become addicted to soap in recent times, mainly because my psoriasis was not coping well with shower gels. I picked up a bar of Nesti ...
Clarins launch Sheet Mask in Super Restorative range
Sheet masks! Everyone is doing them, and why not. But this new one from Clarins is a goodie, because, let’s face it, a lot of them are, well, a wee bit of a let-down on the actual ‘is it doing anything for my skin’ front. The new Clarins Super Restorative Instant Lift Serum Mask (catchy!) will lift ...
Estee Lauder NEW Double Wear Nude foundation
I love a new foundation (although I have found a beauty in Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow), and I have three to try out over the next few weeks. First up is from Estee Lauder. The NEW Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF30 landed on my desk last week, and it’s actually perfect for my holiday...
Benefit's new GoGo Tint
Benefit began with Benetint, back in the 1970s – and this month release their fourth lip and cheek stain – GoGo Tint. This one is a long lasting bright cherry tinted lip and cheek stain, and if you like the others, you’re bound to love this. (I’ve just seen a cute cute cute original Benetint Limited...
NEW Smashbox Be Legendary Triple Tone Lipsticks
Lip contouring – or making your lips look fuller with makeup – has been a ‘thing’ in the beauty blogging world for a while now. Check YouTube, and there are loads of tutorials on how to do it. Most of them invlving a lot of products, and a fair bit of work. Smashbox are here to make it much simpler ...
Jo Malone Charity Candle 2017
Jo Malone London launch a charity candle every year, with proceeds going to charity partners in one of their gardens.Back in 2014, I attended the launch of the Edinburgh venture – the Redhall Walled Garden – with Jo Malone London. This year, the new garden is The Quiet Garden, in Notting Hill in London...
Hydration Heroes
Hydrating your skin is hugely important all-year round, but in particular when it’s too hot, or too cold. I tend to suffer from bouts of dehydration these days rather than all year round dryness. There are a few products I can’t live without – my Hydration Heroes – and a few new ones I have thrown into...
New SOS face masks from Clarins
Clarins launch three new SOS face masks next month for three different skin concerns. These lovely masks will address dehydration, unbalanced skin, and dryness. Each of them comes in a 75ml tube. The SOS Hydra Refreshing hydration mask is not, as you may think, for dry skin, but for dehydrated skin...
Love Island's Olivia is the new face of Cocoa Brown By Marissa Carter tan
Olivia Buckland has been announced as the new ambassador for fake tan brand Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter. As Love Island is over for another year – with another Olivia making headlines – 2016’s Olivia, who is engaged to her Love Island beau, Alex, is taking some of the ITV2 show spotlight back again...
Summer Beauty Essentials - Part 2
It’s summer (the least said about the last weekend the better!) – and that means you need to add some summer beauty essentials to your beauty haul – home or abroad. I need my 20kg luggage allowance for beauty products alone – I am a holiday product junkie. So here are loads of my favourites for you ...
Summer Beauty Part 1
It’s summer – does that mean a complete overhaul of your beauty cupboard? Well, okay, maybe not, but it definitely means time to indulge in something new for the season – even if it is just a bronzer. There are TONS of gorgeous summer products out there – and many of them holiday essentials – for hair...
Sort the curls with Bed Head by TIGI
Another new range of products for curly/wavy/frizzy hair lands in my office, and I promptly look at them and consign them to the ‘maybe later’ bin. I just can’t deal with my curly hair! The new products from Bed Head by TIGI are all Wimbledon purple and green and have ridiculous names like Calma Sutra...
Estee Lauder Nutritious Micro-Algae range
Estee Lauder’s Nutritious Micro-Algae range has been sitting in my office for weeks, and I keep forgetting about it! That’s not a good start! To be honest, it’s probably because it’s not really for my skin type. It’s more for anyone who has blemish issues, or an oilier complexion. But I am trying to...
Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer
Bobbi Brown’s latest concealer hit counters this month – and the tagline is ‘Better Than Sleep’ I’m not sure about that, but it is good. According to Bobbi Brown, it’s like ‘eight hours of sleep in a swipe’ and, after a few rough nights earlier this month, it did the trick. I’m not a massive concealer...
Escape with Estee Lauder Companies...
Hello Beautiful Escape! This is such a cute little buy from Estee Lauder Companies, featuring many of their top brands, perfect for a summer escape! Housed in a cute tropical print makeup bag, there are products worth £73, and the whole thing will set you back just £25. How fab is that? It’s a great...
Love Island Superdrug suncare!
Are you watching Love Island? Yes, you are! Even if you say you’re not, I know you are! It’s trash TV at its very finest. But, as well as watching the islanders shenanigans, I’ve been watching the constant shots of Superdrug’s Solait sunscreen bottles, strategically placed around the villa. Superdrug...
Brows by Benefit and YSL
I have quite a brow history, it has to be said, and I have had long spells where they have been neglected. Recently I have been flitting between the Chamomile Sanctuary Spa in Edinburgh, where they are lovingly threaded, and Benefit, where they are waxed and shaped. I love threading, but I also enjoy...
Origins GinZing SPF40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer
Origins are a great brand – they have ranges to suit all skin types, and I defy you not to find a product you love once you start trying them. The GinZing range is for all skin types, and focuses on brightening, and refreshing the skin, and is perfect for younger Origins fans too. The latest addition...
Fake tan news!
Fake tan is here to stay, that’s a fact. I’m not a fan, but if there was one beauty trend I would say will most likely never end, it is this. I learned long ago that, pale-skinned and Scottish, even when I did get a hint of a tan, I was never going to have that beautiful olive skin I wished for. I spent...
Plump those lips with PMD's Kiss
Continuing on the International Kissing Day theme, I’d like to introduce you to this little gadget from US company PMD. Meet Kiss, the lip plumping device. I wrote about this the other month in a feature for the Daily Record, and I have used it. And it is odd. It’s fun, doesn’t hurt, doesn’t give you...
Pucker up with Fresh for National Kissing Day!
Mwah! It’s International Kissing Day today, so time to pucker up and get kissing! Perhaps not just randomly, though, that might not be the best idea. But if you are kissing then you will need your lips to be in tip-top condition. The latest lip balm to land on my desk is this one from Fresh – who are...
Strawberries & Cream Beauty
Are you watching Wimbledon? It’s such a British institution we can’t ignore it, and so today’s post is all about a Wimbledon favourite – strawberries and cream! Well, sort of! I’ve rounded up some strawberry and cream beauty products to get us in the Wimbledon mood! (Come on Andy Murray!) Paul Mitchell...
Follow the Sun with Bobbi Brown
This Bobbi Brown collection has been on counters for a month or so now, but it’s still worth flagging up to you, because it’s lovely, full of new products, and I have my mind on sunnier climes at the moment! Not that I am planning on going to Antigua, Maui, or Santa Barbara any time soon – those three...
Get to the root of it with Aveda's Pramansara Scalp Care
I am the first to hold my hands up and admit that whilst I am rigorous in my beauty routine, I am lacking when it comes to giving my poor hair the same treatment. And having dyed, bleached, straightened and tonged my hair (with wanding my newest obsession!) for around 30 years, I really should know ...
Barry M Matte Me Up Metallic Mattes
OOH, these are a wee bit different now, aren’t they? Barry M’s latest matte lip venture is of the metallic variety! The Matte Me Up Lip Kits come in three shades, and each one has a lip pencil and a liquid matte lipstick. These are fun, and perfect for the summer. The matte look could be a wee bit harsh...
Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour
Rimmel are the latest brand to launch a matte liquid lipstick – the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour. I’ve not tried it yet, and it will have to go a long way to beating Smashbox’s Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick which is brilliant. The lovely Rita Ora looks great wearing shade Plum This Show, one...
Tata Harper Skincare
It’s always great to find a new beauty line I’ve never seen before, and even nicer to find one that is natural. USA brand Tata Harper is a 100% natural and non-toxic brand, created by Tata when her stepfather had cancer and she started to really look at what was in products. The first thing that struck...
Murad's City Skin Detox
I don’t live in the city anymore. but that’s not to say that my skin isn’t vulnerable to environmental damage, because of course it is. And that damage accelerates the visible signs of ageing and shows on your skin in the form of lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. But with Murad’s new City Skin Detox...
KIKO's Active Fluo limited collection
KIKO Milano has launched another of their capsule collections created in collaboration with up-and-coming designers selected by Vogue Talents to celebrate their 20 year anniversary. Active Fluoro – the third of seven collections – is the work of Arthur Arthur Arbesser, a promising international fashion...
Peace Love & Beach Bobbi Brown Summer
Late last year Bobbi Brown left the company she began and was so successful at for over 25 years. It’s a real shame when the heart of a brand leaves, and it will be interesting to see where Bobbi Brown the company goes, without Bobbi at the helm. Bobbi sold to Estee Lauder way back in 1995, but aleays...
Paul & Joe Summer 2017 Collection
Paul & Joe make adorable cosmetics! These lovely pieces from their Summer 2017 Collection are so cute, and totally collectable. How could you ever use them?! Well, okay, I think I could use this lovely new Beaute Gel Blush (£19). It’s an 80% water-rich formula, which delivers a dewy glow to skin, creating...
Benefit go Boi-ing with all concealers
Benefit are giving their concealers a bit of a makeover – and adding a new one to the range. All of their concealers now come under the Boi-ing banner – and there are four in total. Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer is the new kid on the block, Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer is the newly revamped Fake Up, Boi...
Bare MInerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Eye Gel Cream
Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Eye Gel Cream does NOT trip off the tongue! As far as beauty products name go, that one is up there with the best when it comes to ridiculously long names! And, it’s a tiny jar! This little 15g jar of eye gel cream, does, however, pack a punch. It has four features...
Clarins Citrus Collection
Clarins’ new Citrus Collection ticked a few boxes for me, being obsessed with grapefruit, and a big fan of their iconic Hand and Nail Treatment Cream. This little mini summer collection has a citrus scented Hand and Nail Treatment Cream Trio, which is just a lovely gift – to someone else, or yourself...
Ted Baker just the tonic for Father's Day
Ted Baker has just launched three new fragrances – or Tonics – in perfect timing for Father’s Day. Combining a fascination for the alchemy of aroma with the world’s most sought-after elements, Ted reveals three of his finest fragrances yet. These are lovely, presented with metallic detailing, in matte...
Whisky Soaps for dad
Dad a whisky fan, but got enough of the hard stuff already? Then perhaps one of these lovely soaps in a tin from Scottish Fine Soaps would make a great alternative. The Whiisky Soap collection comprises four soaps, all based on whisky cocktails. They are fab, aren’t they? The Rob Roy has notes of sweet...
Kiehl's NEW Ultra Facial Cream SPF30
Reese Witherspoon loves it, as does Cameron Diaz, Olivia Palermo, and Alanis Morrisette. Oh yeah, and Kim Kardashian. What? Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, of course. Now, they’ve updated it by adding a broad spectrum SPF30. The original Ultra Facial Cream is a top seller worldwide – six Ultra Facial Creams...
Jo Malone London Poptastic by Poppy Delevingne
Poptastic is the first collection from Jo Malone London Girl, Poppy Delevingne – and it’s fab. I haven’t seen this in the flesh, sadly, but I couldn’t help be intrigued when I saw it all over social media when it was launched to London press last week. Sometimes it’s tough missing out on these wonderful...
Elemis Misting Toners
I have to hold my hands up and admit that I don’t use a toner. I never have. I have always found it drying. But, as my skin has changed a little bit over the years, I am starting to embrace new things in my routine. And these Elemis Misting Toners are a great way of introducing a toner to your skincare...
EsteeLauder Bronze Goddess 2017
Sitting at my desk, looking out at the pouring rain, it seemed a good time to have a look at the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess collection for 2017. Every year, EL bring out some new products in this collection, and the cult Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche fragrance. I absolutely love the smell of this perfume...
Kiehl's Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream
This anti-ageing cream from Kiehl’s launched late last year, but I’ve only just become aware of it. I was instantly drawn to the yellow glass pot it comes in – anything yellow is a winner for me. But I was also impressed with the research and science behind this cream – and the fact that the ingredients...
Loyally Blonde - with Fudge
Any blondes out there? Fudge Professional’s recent survey reveals some interesting truths about you! And it seems, if you are blonde, then you definitely do think blondes have more fun, and want to stay that way! A massive 81% of blonde-haired British women are completely loyal to their hair colour....
Chance Three Moods Shimmering Gels
Here’s one of those indulgent beauty products we should try to treat ourselves to from time to time, if we can. Chanel launch this cute little trio of shimmering scented gels today, to, well, take a chance with! Chose from Chance Eau Tendre, Chance Eau Fraiche and Chance Eau Vive, depending on your ...
The Body Shop - Forever Against Animal Testing
The Body Shop has always been animal-friendly, cruelty-free, and ecologically awae. So, no surprise that its latest campaign is about animal testing, and banning it forever. The Forever Against Animal Testing Campaign – with the hashtag #foreveragainstanimaltesting is looking for a 8 MILLION SIGNATURES...
The Ordinary skincare
Don’t believe the hype? Or do believe the hype? The Ordinary, created by Deciem, is a beauty collection that arrived on the scene last year with a LOT of hype. Sali Hughes devoted a whole column to the range in the Guardian, and Caroline Hirons interviewed the man behind the brand on her blog. The products...
Benefit launch Dandelion Twinkle
Benefit’s Dandelion is their iconic brightening face powder, launched, amazingly, over a decade ago. The flattering baby pink shade gives a rosy glow to skin, and it’s never been off the Benefit best-sellers list since launch. It’s part of a collection of brightening products, which include Dandelion...
Benefit's new Hoola family additions
Benefit have added two new products to their best-selling Hoola family this month – the Hoola Quickie Contour Stick, and Hoola Lite. The Hoola bronzer is the UK’s best-selling bronzer, and this new Hoola Lite is just a lighter version of it. It’s still a bronzer, ir’s still matte, and it’s in the same...
Bespoke Skincare with Alpha-H Vitamin Profiling
There is a lot of chat about vitamins and bespoke skincare in the beauty world right now. The Ordinary – an affordable, targeted beauty brand – has caught all the headlines of the last six months or so – more on it here next week. And Alpha-H – one of my favourites – has created its own bespoke skincare...
New sun care from Clinique
Clinique launch two new sun care products this month – one body, one face, both high protection. The SPF30 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream is more of a skincare than sun care product, and the SPF30 Virtu-Oil Body Mist is already one I am looking forward to using. So, lets start with that one. The new SPF30 ...
Paul & Joe Spring 2017 - CATS!
I’m not sure of a few things with this Paul & Joe collection for Spring 2017. Some of it might already be sold out, some might not have hit our stores yet. The truth is, I don’t know. The press information is a little vague, and not having had contact with the press office that deals with Paul & Joe...
Clinique launch Moisture Surge Concentrate
Clinique add a new addition to their hugely popular Moisture Surge range this month – the Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate. I mistakenly thought it was a serum but it’s a moisturiser in its own right. I love the Moisture Surge range, but I don’t love this offering as much. Probably ...
Jo Malone launch online magazine
If you are a Jo Malone London fan, and a beauty blog fan, then this new launch is right up your street. The Talk of the Townhouse is the new online magazine from the fragrance brand. Named after the beautiful Georgian townhouse in London’s Marylebone that is home to the company, the online magazine,...
Organic Beauty Week 2017 - organic round-up
We’re in the middle of Organic Beauty and Wellbeing Week 2017 – so I thought it might be nice to have a wee round-up of some organic beauty brands. This year’s campaign from the Soil Association, who run Organic beauty week, aims to weed out the true organic from the fake. The Campaign for Clarity highlights...
May's TILI Box from QVC
Subscription boxes are a thing, right? Everyone has them, for everything – beauty, coffee, gin, stationery, the list goes on. Beauty boxes are where it started, and they’re hugely popular, but sometimes it’s difficult to commit to a monthly payment – or perhaps we’ve got too many monthly payments coming...
By Terry's Tropical Sunset
Here’s another ‘totally tropical’ beauty offering for 2017 – this time from By Terry, who give us a ‘Tropical Sunset’ They also give us one of the loveliest palettes I have seen for a while – and actually there are two to choose from. The Sun Designer Palette (£65) has six gorgeous shades in it of blusher...
Kat Von D Beauty arrives in Scotland
If there is one brand many Scots beauty addicts have been waiting for, it’s Kat Von D. Finally, it’s here. Kat Von D Beauty launched exclusively in Debenhams in Scotland last week. I couldn’t make it along for the press and bloggers breakfast, sadly, but I have had a good look at the products, and they...
Buxom launches in the UK
Be bold, be Buxom! From beauty giants Shiseido, Buxom is the latest stateside beauty brand to try to make an impact over here. Stocked exclusively in Debenhams, this brand – with a focus on lips – is a beauty brand with attitude – and one that, with their launch into the UK, is now in over 200 retailers...
Lancome's Matte Shaker Lips
Lancome’s new Matte Shaker lips promise SO much – but, for me, I’m not sure they fully deliver. I love a matte lip. Matte lips have been THE big trend in lipstick for a while now, and there are some seriously great mattes out there. Most recently, I have become addicted to Smashbox Always On Liquid ...
summer.fling by beautyblender
I have to admit that I had never used a beautyblender makeup sponge until this week. Apparently they are a cult classic, and I am missing out. The original beautyblender was launched 15 years ago, so really, I should just resign now. Quit my job, stop blogging, stop being a beauty writer and hang my...
Stila Glitter Underground Collection
LOVE THIS! I feel like I have been on a bit of a crusade of late, to search for the perfect metallic/glitter eyeshadow. I think the metallic eyes from 3INA are right up there, as are Urban Decay with their Liquid Moondust. But… meet Stila’s Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow. WOW. It...
Spring Clean your Skin
Spring Clean your skin! Much more fun than spring cleaning the house. And essential to your beauty routine. Cleansing is where it’s at, and we don’t just mean rubbing at your face half-heartedly with a wipe. Spring Cleaning your skin is about proper cleansing. Double cleansing. Exfioliating. Using masks...
Star Magnolia from Jo Malone London
JO MALONE LONDON launch a new cologne this month – Star Magnolia, and, in a first for the brand, it also comes in a hair mist. Why? Why not?! The scent itself is, dare I say it, quite old-fashioned. Perhaps traditional is a better word. I really like it, but then I like ‘old lady florals’ and I really...
Pore Perfection with Clarins
Benefit don’t have the monopoly on minimising pores (see yesterday’s post) – Clarins have introduced a new Pore Perfecting range this spring, for the non-Benefit fans out there. The French brand has launched two new products – Pore Perfecting Foundation, and Pore Perfecting Kit. This duo of products...
Benefit's Porefessional pore minimizing makeup
Benefit launch the latest product in the Porefessional line this month – pore minimizing makeup. It’s essentially a foundation, or let’s call it a base, with corrective powers, namely pore minimizing of course! I adore the packaging – it’s what Benefit do best, turning a simple beauty product into something...
REN launch Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Body range
REN is a lovely brand. Natural, eco-friendly, great products, and excellent packaging. This May they launch a brand new body range, Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium, all about renewing your energy levels. The range does this thanks to a rich source of magnesium and anti-oxidants to help cells detox, which...
KIKO Milano Tropic Heat with Lietmotiv
KIKO Milano has the tropical vibe this summer, with their new limited edition capsule collection, designed by Leitmotiv. Who? Er, it’s an Italian brand, designed by fashion designers and creative geniuses Juan Caro and Fabio Sasso. Tropic Heat is the second of the seven capsule collections created ...
Alpha-H launch Liquid Gold Rose
Alpha-H’s Liquid Gold is one of my absolute favourite beauty products. it launched back in 2000, and utilises Glycolic Acid to thoroughly cleanse/exfoliate your skin. You use it once, every other day, in the evening before bed, and I cannot stress enough how good it is. If I stop using it, I feel the...
Clarins Summer Collection
Despite it being FREEZING outside this week, the beauty companies’ summer collections are already on counter. So, if you need a summer-style pick-me-up, then go have a play! Clarins Summer 2017 collection launched earlier this month, and there isn’t that much to it – just three Limited Edition products...
Tom Ford Soleil 2017
Okay, this is the new Tom Ford Soleil 2017 Makeup collection – as much as I know about it. I wasn’t actually shown the lip balms, or even told about their existence, so I have no info on those, or price info. And apparently there is a mini Paradiso collection also available, according to the blogosphere...
Eyes on MAC - new eye palettes
Eyeshadow is probably one of the least-used items in my makeup collection, but one thing I just love, all the same! I have TONS of them. And lots of them are MAC – they are the best, right? When I do eyeshadow, I tend to go for one of two or three different looks – a smokey eye, a glittery cream, or...
Tom Ford Sole Di Positano Private Blend
Some things just work, right? Tom Ford certainly hit a good thing when he launched the Neroli Portofino Private Blend. There are now seven in the collection, thanks to the latest – Sole Di Positano. That means ‘sun of Positano’, in case you didn’t know. Positano is a cliffside village on the Italian...
MAC Fruity Juicy Collection
MAC launch the Fruity Juicy collection at the end of this month, and if you love bright, bold, tropical print, then this is for you. I have to say it’s more about the packaging than the products with this one. There are lovely products, as ever, but I don’t see anything obviously new and exciting standing...
NEW Clinique Chubby Plump & Shine Liquid Lip Plumping Gloss
Clinique have a new Chubby! It has another of those infuriatingly long names – officially known as Clinique Chubby Plump & Shine Liquid Lip Plumping Gloss! This one is a liquid lip product, and is a high-shine gloss which will make lips appear filler, smoother and more plumped. It’s one of those ‘no...
Neom Scent Discovery Kit - what's your fragrance need?
We all know that fragrance is much more than just a ‘nice smell’. The scents you like, or can smell the strongest, can be an indicator of what your body needs. So, Neom Organics has re-launched their Unique Scent Disovery Test, whcih takes 40 seconds to do, and will tell you what your underlying wellbeing...
Estee Lauder's New Pure Color Love Lipstick
ESTEE LAUDER has launched a whole new line of lipsticks – 30 of them to be precise, in loads of colours, and loads of finishes. The new Pure Color Love range has to have something for everyone. There isn’t really a lot I can say about these lipsticks, and I’ve only tried one of them – one of the nude...
Chocolate Shades for Easter
Afraid of eating waaaaaay too much chocolate this Easter weekend? Fear not, beauty fans – here’s another way to get that chocolate fix – with gorgeous chocolate shades for eyes, lips, and more. I have to admit that brown is a difficult lip colour for me. I think it reminds me of the 90s too much. And...
GlamGlow GravityMud Mask - Beauty Fun!
It’s Monday, so I decided to have some beauty fun with Glam Glow’s GravityMud Firming Treatent Mask. This stuff is great – and, actually, as well as being fun, it made my skin feel fab. But back to the fun part. You paint this stuff on white, and it turns chrome/silver! It looks great, and is particularly...
Boots No7 launch Neck Serum
I do have an issue with my neck. Being in my mid-40s, I’m more and more aware of that part of me ageing. I think I look okay for my age, but sometimes, when I move the wrong way, there it is – crepey old neck. So, I am more than happy to be trialling the latest No7 product – Restore and Renew Face &...
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist
There are some beauty products that seem so, well, indulgent, and yet I still love them so. The new Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist takes all the intense moisturising and multi-asking properties of iconic Eight Hour Cream and puts them into an ‘instantly invigorating facial spray’ ...
Clinique's BIY Blend It Yourself Pigment Drops
Clinique have aced it again in terms of innovation, and, again, IT’S SO SIMPLE! All hail the just-launched BIY Blend It Yourself Pigment Drops. I LOVE this innovative product. It’s a teeny-weeny bottle of pigment that you add to your favourite moisturiser for your preferred makeup finish. if you want...
NEW KORRES Castanea Arcadia Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Skincare Collection
There’s always a new anti-ageing ingredient on the block – this week it’s something called Lupeol, derived from the chestnut tree, brought to you by Greek brand Korres in their new anti-ageing collection. The Korres Castanea Arcadia collection has harnessed the potent anti-wrinkle power of pure Lupeol...
Dr Barbara Sturm Skincare in Space NK
I met Dr Barbara Sturm last week in Edinburgh’s Space NK. She’s a German scientist in the field of molecular medicine, who is most famous for creating a skin cream from your own blood. Celebrities love it – and it has a celebrity price-tag, at around £1000 a pop. Read more here. But, thanks to clients...
Filorga NCTF-Reverse Intensive Anti-Ageing Cellular Skincare
French brand Filorga have their roots firmly in the science of beauty, being pioneers of injectables with their NCTF (New Cellular Treatment Factor). NCTF is the brand’s signature and is at the heart of all the products from the brand, and, now, after three years + of research, Filorga have produced...
Fresh Vitamin C Beauty from Clinique and No7
There’s a new buzz in the beauty industry right now, powered by Vitamin C. Clinique and Boots No7 have launched Vitamin C products in the last month, so I thought I should take a look at them! But, the power of Vitamin C in skincare is not really that new. I recall using Philosophy’s products waaaay...
Prime Time with Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder launch a revolution in priming this month with their Double Wear 3 Minute Priming Moisture Mask. They also launch The Smoother Universal Perfecting Primer to add to their primer family. I wrote a feature for the Daily Record all about primers recently- read the article here – and most makeup...
NEW Sisley Phyto Blush Twist
I love a ‘stick’ product. Anything I can just sweep over my face, or quickly fill my lips in with. Clinique obviously led the revolution when they launched their Chubby Sticks a few years back, but plenty have followed suit. Sisley launched a lip crayon, and eyeshadow stick, and now a cheek version ...
Mother's Day at Lush
If you’re looking for just a little thing to gift your mum this Mother’s Day, then head no further than your local Lush store where there is a whole range dedicated to mums. These three are my favourites of the products on offer, and I am sure any mum would love any of these. 1.It says it on it – the...
Mother's Day Gifts from Boots No7
It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, so make sure you have flowers ready for the most important woman in your life, maybe some chocolates too, maybe a treat from the fabulous salons on 5pm Spa and Beauty. Or, one of these lovely sets from Boots No7 range. Choose from four different sets to suit different mums...
Harvey Nichols Big Beauty GWP
If you are going to spend over £195 on beauty products from this week, then make sure you do it at Harvey Nichols, and on three or more pieces. That way, you qualify for their big beauty Gift With Purchase, which this year is a beauty, if you’ll pardon the pun! Beauty addicts you are going to love this...
Natural World Haircare
My hair is high maintenance – always has been, whatever colour it has been. I dye it, I bleach it and I use heated appliances. I tend to favour salon shampoos and conditioners, but I am not averse to trying new, more budget ranges. I like Natural World products, because they contain 95% natural derived...
Peachy Keen Too Faced Collection
Too Faced’s Sweet as Peach collection is cute – and if you like scented cosmetics, then it’s definitely for you. I find the scent a little bit cloying, but I adore the packaging. The Creamy Lip Oil Lip Gloss (£16) comes in eight shades, with fab names like Papa Don’t Peach. I love that one. I’ve tried...
Rimmel Volume Shake Mascara & Brow Shake Powder
I wonder how many more different mascaras will launch over the years? I have seen so many in the years I’ve been a beauty writer, I’ve forgotten half of them! Vibrating mascara wands, layered mascaras, combs instead of wands, silicone, fibres, all sorts… Rimmel has now launched another new mascara –...
NEW Boots No7 Airbrush Away Sheer Foundation and Powder
Boots No7 has added two new products to their Airbrush Away collection – which I have to admit I didn’t even know existed! But welcome, Airbrush Away Sheer Finish Foundation and Translucent Finishing Powder. The No7 Airbrush Away Sheer Finish Foundation (£16.50) is a sort of hybrid between primer and...
MTV STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION & LEONA LEWIS ANNOUNCED AS KIEHL’S UKI 2017 UK CHARITY PARTNER
Leona Lewis joins forces with Kiehl’s. New York skincare brand Kiehl’s has announced it is partnering with MTV Staying Alive Foundation for the third year running as part of its commitment to philanthropy within HIV prevention. MTV Staying Alive, a global charity dedicated to stopping the spread of ...
Greenery Beauty
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017 is Greenery. Its a lovely, fresh, spring shade, and it inspired this post – exploring some Greenery Beauty. A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings.Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of ...
40 Shades of Foundation, from Lancome
To celebrate 20 years on the market, Lancome has relaunched their Teinte Idole foundation in an incredible 40 shades – accompanied by a fantastic ‘My Shade, My Power’ campaign. Teninte Idole Ultra 24h is now Teinte Idole Ultra Wear, in a new bottle, with the same high coverage formula. The foundation...
Bobbi Brown launches Havana Brights collection
Inspired by the vibrant colour palette and energy of Cuban capital, Havana, Bobbi Brown’s latest collection, Havana Brights, is, well, bright! Of course, there is a palette at the heart of it – more on that later, but there is also a brand new product in the Art Stick Liquid Lip (£21.50). I have yet...
New Clarins Hydra Essentiel Collection
The beauty industry can be frustrating at times. Take this new Clarins Hydra Essentiel collection. It replaces the Hydra Quench collection which was my absolute favourite. My absolute, absolute, favourite, was their Hydra Quench Rich Cream, which saw my poor dry skin through many a winter! But they ...
Let YSL Shock you!
YSL have launched another version of their Black Opium fragrance – Black Opium Floral Shock. This one also comes with a makeup collection at the same time. Its not a massive collection. There’s a brow marker (which scares me), and a double ended shadow stick thing, and the new ‘The Shock’ False Lash...
Lily-Rose Depp, Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss, and stickers!
Just how lovely is Lily-Rose Depp? With Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp for parents, it’s not a surprise really is it, that she’s such a gorgeous girl, and now she’s the new face of the new campaign for Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss. Actress Lily-Rose Depp is already the face for N°5 L’EAU, and her youthful...
Splurge or Steal Beauty: Foundation
Splurge or Steal? You decide! This week – foundation. SPLURGE Name: Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation Claims: Shiseido reckon this is a foundation innovation – a proper foundation/skincare hybrid. An intelligent, luminizing foundation that infuses hydration, and synchronizes with...
Bare Minerals Invisible Bronze + Glow
Bare Minerals launch two new bronzing products today – perfect for the start of spring – its on its way, I promise! The bareMinerals NEW Invisible Bronze and NEW Invisible Glow combine to create the perfect bronzed skin, on top of the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. The baked...
Clarins Tender Moments for Mother's Day
Clarins launch this really cute, loving little collection just in time for Mother’s Day. So, show your mum how much you love her, with something from the Tender Moments collection. And it’s good! Well, the blusher is anyway. The Skin Illusion Blush (£16) comes in three shades, and is so easy to use....
Morris & Co Love Is Enough Collection and Bags
Fancy buying yourself a little treat this weekend? How about a new cosmetic bag? I just love cosmetic and toiletry bags, and these two Morris & Co from Heathcote Ivory bags, in the new ‘Love is Enough’ print are beautiful. The delicate leaf patterns, balanced with a traditional typeface, are based on...
Clarins Multi-Active Eye
Clarins launched their new Multi-Active Eye treatment earlier this month, but I’ve only just gotten round to trying it out, after getting hooked on Estee Lauder’s Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Eye Gelee! One plus point for the Clarins product is the name is shorter! Did you know ...
Charles Worthington Everyday Gentle
I have never washed my hair every day. Probably because I have dyed or bleached it since I was 14 – that’s 30+ years – and I want to avoid fade as much as possible. There’s a big debate on the haircare world just now about whether it is good for your hair or not. Hasn’t there always been a debate? Who...
Tangle Teezer
It’s 10 years since Shaun Pulfrey – or Shaun P – left the Dragon’s Den with nothing. Now, his hairbrush company, Tangle Teezer, turns over around £30 million a year (2015 figures) and he sells all over the world. Until last year, I had never used a Tangle Teezer. I don’t really brush my hair, so Ithought...
Double the Lips with Tom Ford and Benefit
Tom Ford creates beauty products you know you really don’t need, but you CRAVE them. They look SO beautiful you convince yourself you have to have them. The new Shade and Illuminate Lips is one of those – and I have only seen images, haven’t even tried the thing! Saboteur But look at them. They ARE ...
Tom Ford's Shade And Illuminate Expansion
Tom Ford Beauty launched their original Shade and Illuminate Cheek product a few years ago, and have now brought out some new shades. There was a lot of blogger criticism online that the original ‘didn’t contour’ enough, but I don’t think Mr Ford was ever going for a full-on Kardashian contour product...
Alpha H Serum and Body Cloths
It’s no secret I like Apha-H products. I do. They’re great. They give great results. So, I’m thrilled that they have recently launched two new products – the Vitamin B Serum, and the Body Cloths. The Vitamin B Serum is BRILLIANT. It has made my skin literally glow, has helped me eliminate those pesky...
Lipstick Queen Famous Last Words Liquid Lips
This is Poppy King’s Lipstick Queen’s first ever liquid lip – yep, I was surprised too. Liquid lips that set to matte are everywhere, and at this moment in time I am particularly in love with the Smashbox Always On version – see this post. The Lipstick Queen collection is called Famous Last Words – ...
Chanel Le Rouge Crayon Jumbo Lip Crayon
Chanel launched their Le Rouge Crayon Jumbo Lip Crayon last month – what took them so long!? Everyone has a lip crayon of some kind, right? Clinique fairly started something when they launched their Chubby Stick. Clinique collaborated with Crayola this year for a new range of Chubbies – more on those...
Aveda's Tulasara Wedding Masque
Did anyone get engaged on Valentine’s Day? Well, you can look forward to, according to Aveda, your wedding day skin – which will be more radiant than ever before! I have to say that I did feel like I was glowing on my wedding day – it was the most joyful and fun day of my life. But, my eyes also had...
Kiss and Tell with Clinique!
When Clinique sent over this press release for Valentine’s Day, it made me smile. It reminded me of daft quizzes and ‘what your hand lines say about you’ type features I loved in Jackie, Mandy, and Diana annuals as a kid. What Your Kiss Says About You, say Clinique. So, lipstick and paper at the ready...
Happy Valentine's Day Beauty!
Its Valentine’s Day tomorrow, and the beauty world knows it! There are loads of Valentine’s products and offers out there, but I’m concentrating on just a couple. I love this blusher (£9.90) and blush brush (£12.90) from the Kiko Milano Valentine’s collection – it’s cute and fun. And even if you heart...
Red Lips!
I LOVE a red lipstick. It’s a bold, powerful, uber-feminine statement. Worn by wonderful women like Madonna, and Marilyn Monroe, to name just two. It is the original lipstick. It’s the only lipstick for many, and every woman should wear red at least once in her life. But, it is also hard to find the...
Chanel Codes Spring Collection
The five iconic colour codes of Chanel are red, black, gold, white and beige. And the company’s Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer, has developed a new Spring 2017 makeup collection celebrating, reinterpreting, and deciphering those codes. THERE IS A SENSE OF AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN WHAT GABRIELLE ...
GALifornia Dreaming with Benefit
Benefit go back to their Californian roots with the launch of this new GALifornia Blush. Founders of the brand, Jean and Jane Ford moved from Indiana to California in 1976 – the summer of love – looking for a new adventure – and boy, did they find it! San Francisco was the hub of California’s hippy ...
Valentine's Day with Jo Malone
A bunch of red roses from the supermarket will not cut it! But something from Jo Malone might be the perfect Valentine’s Day gift! The Jo Malone London Red Roses cologne is a perfect floral alternative for lovers to gift – and there are LOADS of products in the range to choose from. Cologne in two sizes...
Laura Mercier's Joie De Vivre Collection
I had a makeover last week at the Laura Mercier counter in Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols. The lovely Michael made me over with the brand’s new Joie De Vivre Collection (Joy of Life). I’m not overly familiar with Laura Mercier as a brand, particularly of late, but I do know its a great brand with lovely...
YSL's Spring 2017 The Street And I Collection
YSL’s Spring beauty collection is lovely – no surprise there. I do love YSL makeup, especially their collectable palettes. I know my mum still has a few from years ago in her dressing table drawers, as do I. This year, it’s called The Street and I Collection, which is a wee bit jarring, but let’s go...
KORRES Lavender Blossom
I love a KORRES shower gel. They’re not too expensive, nicer than run of the mill shower gel, and there are always great offers on. From Feburary 9 to March 15, its BOGOF (buy one get one free) across the whole KORRES shower gel collection, excusively at Marks and Spencer – so you get two for £8! Fantastic...
NARS NARSissist Cheek Palettes
I’ve been having a bit of a ‘blusher moment’ of late – I find it hard to believe it was a beauty product I used to omit from my regime! Even though I have a bit of a high-flush going on, particularly in the heat, or after a drink, blusher is an essential part of my makeup routine, and so it should be...
LoveLily from Accessorize
You don’t have to spend a fortune on perfume, it all depends on what you want from a fragrance. The new LoveLily from Accessorize is not a sophisticated scent, but don’t discount it yet. It’s a floral, obviously, and it is, like many florals, pretty sweet. I’m not a huge fan of florals, I have to admit...
Lipstick Chess from Lipstick Queen
It must be hard, being just a lipstick brand, and coming up with new and innovative products all the time. Poppy King, whose brand is Lipstick Queen, certainly does that. But this newly launched collection – Lipstick Chess – is more of a gimmick than an innovative product, I think. That’s not to say...
M&S Night Cream Waiting List
If you haven’t tried it yet, then get on the list, because, apparently, Marks and Spencer’s Formula The Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream is THE beauty musthave of 2017! It promises to give skin eight hours of sleep – or at least look like it has – and the results don’t disappoint. So much so that the cream...
Sleek Makeup Brow Intensity
Sleek Makeup’s Brow Intensity is, well, intense! Brow products are launched all the time, all pretty similar, but this one is like nothing I have seen before. I am not a fan of the results – way too intense for me, but if you want a new brow product to try, it’s worth a whirl. The innovation comes in...
New Primers and Concealers from NARS
NARS are concentrating on our complexions for the start of 2017 – they launched new primers on January 1, and are following up with a new concealer on February 1. There are three new Face Primers to choose from – to boost it, blur it, and smooth it, say NARS. The Radiance Primer SPF 35/PA+++ contains...
Boots N o7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Skincare
Boots No7 has recently revolutionised and relaunched it’s entire Lift & Luminate range, including Day, Night and Eye Cream. Following on from No7’s Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum, they’ve added the same powerful technology to the skincare range. So, this new and improved blend of ingredients make...
Origins Plantscription Powerful Lifting Concentrate
January seems to be all about working out and lifting – and there’s no escaping it in the beauty world either. Origins Plantscription Powerful Lifting Concentrate actually launches in February, keeping this lifting momentum going! But, keeping our skin as toned and lifted as the rest of us (and definitely...
Chanel's January Blue(s) Serum
It’s January, and if you have the January blues we hope it’s in the form of the new Chanel Blue Serum! This latest skincare launch from the French giants, is an anti-ageing serum that harnesses three key ingredients from three atypical locations characterised by population with exceptional longevity...
Rita Ora Goes Grey
Rita Ora’s latest collection for Rimmel is all her grey collection, launching in the run-up to the release of Fifty Shades Darker, the 50 Shades of Grey movie sequel. This mini collection is pretty cute, and its no surprise I love it, with grey and red two of my makeup faves. There are five products...
Iris Law new face of Burberry beauty
Burberry launched a new lip product this week, and Iris Law is the campaign star – celebrating her new role as Global Ambassador for the brand. She’s the 16-year-old daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost, in case you didn’t know! The Liquid Lip Velvet is another matte cream lip colour (I haven’t tried...
Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense
It’s that time of year again, fragrance fans – the Jo Malone London Coogne Intense launch. And this year’s offering is Myrrh & Tonka. As with all of the Cologne Intense scents, it lasts longer than the normal Jo Malone London colognes, which is a bonus. This one is really rich and will appeal to both...
Estee Lauder Double Wear Wipes
Beauty wipes get a raw deal, but they are hugely popular, and it’s not rocket science as to why. Easy and quick to use, they are brilliant when you are feeling lazy. However, make sure you use a decent brand. Throughout most of my 20s I wiped with baby wipes to take my makeup off, and I do not recommend...
Bare Minerals Gen Nude Collection
How do you go Nude? That’s the question Bare Minerals is asking this month, as they launch a HUGE new nude lips collection – Gen Nude. Nude, you see, isn’t just one colour. It’s not just beige, it’s also pink, perhaps peach, and maybe mauve. It’s still never really bright enough for me, but nude lips...
Estee Lauder's new Daywear Matte moisturiser
If you have oily skin then I expect you are delighted with any product that says goodbye to the shine. This new moisturiser from Estee Lauder promises to do just that. The new DayWear Matte Oil-Control Anti-Oxidant Moisture Gel Creme transforms into a matte finish. It’s oil-free, oil-controlling and...
So L'Avoly The Special One (for your hair)
I love a multi-use product, but this stuff – it’s just having a laugh with the amount of things it can do! The Special One – So L’Avoly Styling Cream, from Paul Mitchell boasts not one, not two, but TEN brilliant benefits. Detangling Split end prevention Shine boosting Frizz control Heat protection ...
Masking January
If there is one thing you do to to treat yourself this January, slap a face mask on! Masking is big in the beauty industry, and it’s a simple way of indulging yourself and giving your skin the nourishment it deserves. January is a long, cold, hard month, and we’re all expected to be pounding away in...
Clinique Crayola Chubbies
Did Clinique see my post in December 2015? Check it out – I paired their iconic Chubby Stick with some iconic Crayola crayons for my Cult Beauty product of the week shot. Did I plant the idea?! Fast forward a year, and here is the Clinique x Crayola Chubby! Yep, Clinique launch a limited collection ...
Bobbi Brown Remedies
January seems to be a month when everyone wants to ‘fix’ things – their bodies, their ambition, their personalities even. To fix anything you need a remedy and Bobbi Brown has just that if it’s a beauty issue you want to address. Bobbi launches her Remedies collection to help with various skin issues...
Bobbi Brown Skin Glow Collection
It’s January, and it’s a bit dull, but your skin needn’t be. Illuminate your world with beautiful glowing skin, and the new Bobbi Brown Skin Glow Collection. This little collection of illuminating and hydrating formulas for cheeks, lips, and skin is the perfect antidote to the January blues. It’s all...
New Skincare Sets from Elemis
The New Year is a time to make a positive change, and a positive change to your skincare regime is a good place to start. Elemis can help this year, with the launch of five new skincare sets, targeting five different results you want to get from your products.So, there are sets to Brighten, Hydrate,...
NEW Bare Minerals Skincare
Bare Minerals kick off 2017 with a range of new targeted skincare products. Four products, for different skintypes and results, in various formulas. I’ve not tried these products, but here’s a guide to what’s on offer. Blemish Remedy Imperfection Serum (£36) was formulated with a holistic approach, ...
NEW M&S Limited Collection beauty bits
New year, new makeup! It’s time to give your makeup bag an overhaul and get rid of all those bits and pieces you don’t use, and invest in some new products. M&S Limited Collection release a few new products this month – key items that you should have in your bag. First up, a brow palette. I know how...
NEW Tom Ford Velvet Orchid Lumiere
Tom Ford has another new scent out to kick off 2017 – this time another variation on his classic orchid – or as Tom Ford puts it, “a new shimmering shade of velvet within The Tom Ford Orchid Collection”. Welcome Tom Ford Velvet Orchid Lumiere. It’s a new interpretation of the Velvet Orchid EDP. I haven...
Clarins DO Contouring!
Clarins launch a contouring palette this month. It’s limited, and I am interested to know what Clarins fans will make of it. Contouring is a massive trend in beauty, but is it on the way out? Perhaps. But there is still a market for it, and this new contouring palette will tap into that. It’s a pretty...
Illuminate your skin for the New Year!
If you’re heading out on Hogmanay, chances are you’re going to feel a little bit under the weather on the first day of the New Year – and that means your skin will be a little lacklustre and tired too. The hangover, I can’t help with (though I do think a fry up and some full fat Coca Cola helps!). The...
Illamasqua's Antimatter Lipsticks
It’s fair to say that one of the big beauty trends of 2016 was matte lipstick. Illamasqua is taking us into 2017 by bucking that trend – slightly – with the launch of their AntiMatter Lipstick. This new lipstick range is a semi-matte range, in 16 fabulous new shades. There are also key shades in the...
Bobbi Brown Red Hot Collection
Ah, Bobbi Brown loves her reds. I never thought I would say that. I’ve been in this game so long, I can actually remember when Bobbi Brown had NO red lipsticks. And, apparently, she launched her brand in 1991 because she was sick of reds! Times change, however, and bold, bright, mostly red, lipstick...
Sisley Beauty Subscription
There are TONS of beauty subscription boxes to choose from. Some are great, some not so, but none are probably as luxurious as this one from Sisley. The French beauty brand launched their subscription earlier this year, and it is a little different to others. You can purchase a six-month, or a year-...
Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Care Range
Paul Mitchell introduces a new range next year – the Scalp Care range, an anti-thinning range suitable for both men and women. It’s a colour-safe, daily regimen infused with the brand’s exclusive Regeniplex botanical blend to promote optimal scalp health and encourage healthy, thicker hair. The blend...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Aramis
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Aramis is a classic men’s fragrance. It now comes in all sorts of variations, but Aramis Classic, is timeless, sophisticated, confident and individual...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Michael Kors
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Now here is a gorgeous Christmas coffret gift if I have ever seen one. This lovely Michael Kors Sexy Amber gift set (it also comes in Glam Jasmine...
Beard Oil for Santa!
Santa Claus is getting ready for the biggest night of year, but we wonder how his beard is holding up. The original and the best, today’s bearded hipsters have nothing on Santa’s big white beard. So how does Santa look after it? What beard oil does Santa like best? We let him try a few and let us know...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Illamasqua
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Illamasqua has some lovely gift sets for Christmas, which, if you are a fan of the brand, you are going to love. They focus on the brand’s best-...
Beauty Crackers
I love a Christmas cracker, but let’s be honest, the contents can disappoint. A tired old paper hat, a rubbish joke, and another useless keyring/plasticring/puzzle are not things we need. But the contents of these fabulous beauty crackers – now we’re talking! There are loads out there, and whilst they...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Estee Lauder
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! This is a great bargain from Estee Lauder. It’s the Skincare Superstars set, and is just £40. It’s a fan way to get into the Estee Lauder brand....
Beauty Baubles
Who doesn’t love a little extra gift at Christmas? I know I do! So, for any beauty lovers you know, a beauty bauble is the perfect little extra. Here are a few cute little tree gifts to choose from. Boots No7 Lip Duo (£8) contains two lip glosses – Deep Pink and Nude Pink, perfect for lip gloss fans...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Charlotte Tilbury
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Charlotte Tilbury’s festive collection is all about the Legendary World of Parties – she loves a party, our Charlotte! This cute gift set is her...
Lush Knot Wraps
I love these Knot Wraps from Lush. I bought a few last year. They’re a great idea, and you can use them again – and that’s why Lush reckon they are a great idea for National Re-Gifting Day, which is Thursday, December 15 this year. National Re-Gifting Day, more of a US than UK thing, is when you re-...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Today, our gift comes from Elizabeth Arden, and includes the iconic Eight Hour Cream. I love this multipurpose beauty balm, full of restorative ...
Paul Mitchell goes POP for Christmas
I love this year’s Christmas Gift Sets from Paul Mitchell, so I am sharing them all. And they do good as well, with every gift set supporting BABY2BABY charity, providing low-income children ages 0-12 with nappies, clothing and other necessities. The pop-art inspired packaging is fantastic – and you...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Tom Ford
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Today’s gift is a luxury that we’d all be over the moon to receive, I am sure! It’s the Tom Ford Lip and Nail Gift Box. You choose which lipstick...
Stocking Fillers
Stocking Fillers! What are they? Little things? Or big things? Maybe your stocking will be filled with novelty treats, or maybe just one or two choice items, stocking filler-sized. I’ve chosen a few of my favourite beauty stocking fillers, from the cheapest novelty items to a few more expensive pieces...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Nails Inc
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Nails Inc have some fantastic gift sets this Christmas – it was hard to just pick one. This one won out though, thanks to the cute Peace.Love.Kale...
12 Gifts of Christmas - M&S Feet!
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! This is the Queen of foot spas – not one of those gifts you get and then send to the charity shop a few months later. Margaret Dabbs is a leading...
Davines Wax and Pomade
I love a good hair product, and I am also a sucker for cute packaging – these have both! Davines have these lovely new haircare products all wrapped up in pretty paper – perfect festive gifts! The products are More Inside Shine Wax, and Forming Pomade. The Shine Wax is creamy, yet light, and makes hair...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Clarins
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Today’s gift is from Clarins and is a simple, yet beautiful, scented candle. I LOVE a candle, and I love the Clarins Tonic scent, so this Limited...
The Estee Edit and where to get it!
Back in May this year, Estee Lauder launched The Estee Edit, with a little help from Kendall Jenner and Irene Kim. Like Estee Lauder’s little sister, this brand within a brand is full of fabulously innovative and fun products, and is now available online. Last night in London, Irene Kim helped lanch...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Clinique
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! Today, this lovely Clinique Pep Perfect kit. Featuring the brand new, brightly coloured Pep Start range from Clinique, this is a fab Christmas gift...
Madame La La Bronzing Ball
I do love a multi-tasking beauty product, so I’ve been enjoying giving myself a bit of a winter glow with this fab Madame LA LA Bronzing Ball. Madame LA LA are an indie British beauty brand, inspired by LA. This is no ordinary bronzer either. As well as being in a half sphere, so you can just apply ...
12 Gifts of Christmas - Benefit
It’s Christmas! Well, almost. So, for 12 days on the blog, I’ll be bringing you 12 Gifts of Christmas – a delightful dozen that every beauty fan will love! First up, Benefit. I’ve chosen their Girlesque set – one of this year’s lovely doll-head tins, jam-packed full with Benefit goodies. Girlesque is...
Esthechoc Advent Calendar
Chocolate IS good for the skin, says Esthechoc, so if you want an advent calendar that tastes good, and does good, then this is it! Gone are the days of feeling guilty for enjoying a chocolate every morning in December! Revolutionary youth boosting ‘smart chocolate’ Esthechoc, has launched a limited...
Spellbinder Shadows from MAC
MAC’s new Spellbinder eyehadows are, wait for it, magnetically charged! The formula is amazing – none of this shadow will fall out of the pot – or off your eyelids! Each shadow contains black, ionised pigments, which are “magnetically charged, fusing the loose powder together, so it magically maintains...
Black Friday Beauty
We can’t escape Black Friday – it’s finally here, so let’s just join in! There are fabulous deals all year long on 5pm of course, but today is the uber-deal day for many brands, and putting cynicism to one side, some of these beauty deals are pretty good. Here’s a round-up of a few deals that I think...
Jaguar Pace EDT
Men are hard to buy for, right? It’s a bit of a chore sometimes, trying to find the perfect gift for the husband/lover/partner/brother/dad in your life. Or is it? What man doesn’t like a brand new bottle of fragrance?Okay, it’s not that inspired, but it’s actually a great gift. The new Jaguar Pace EDT...
The Queen Lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury is undoubtedly the queen of the makeup world at the moment, but she pays tribute to the actual Queen with this lovely pink-red lipstick. Introducing, The Queen, a very royal matte lipstick, in honour of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. This Limited Edition matte lipstick, The Queen...
Cosy room fragrances and candles
We spend a lot of time in our homes over the winter period, so we want them to be as cosy and warm as possible. Create this thing called ‘hygge’ – the on-trend, over-used, Danish word that means making something ordinary lovely – be that lingering over a coffee with friends, or lighting a candle with...
Elegant Touch Party Nails
People still wear sticky-on nails! They do. I do, from time to time, I even wore one – just one – on my ring finger at my wedding – see the picture! Elegant Touch make great false nails, and they really don’t ping off, honest! Of course, nothing beats a proper salon manicure, and there are plenty of...
Umberto Giannini relaunches
British hairdresser Umberto Giannini died in 2001, but his name has lived on through his salons and his product line, which has recently been completely revamped. The Birmingham hairdresser – once British Hairdresser of the Year, and a celeb’s favourite, with Madonna, the Beckhams, and Leo DiCaprio ...
NEW Tom Ford Lips and Boys
The idea of a lipstick named after a boy is quite funny, right? I still laugh at the brilliantly bonkers Tom Ford Lips & Boys collection – and now there are 25 more to giggle at! I’m a wee bit confused by this, because last November there were 25 new boys added to the original 25, and that would make...
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil
Elemis launched their Superfood Facial Oil recently – packed full of nine oils with skincare benefits. It’s safe to say that facial oils are a bit of a beauty norm these days – so, any new oil on the market has to offer something that little bit different. Elemis’s Superfood Facial Oil is all about ...
Face Inc by Nails Inc and Oh K! Sheet Masks
Who needs Snapchat filters when you have sheet masks like these?! Pandas, floral headbands, cat faces, and more, adorn the new Face inc range from Nails inc who are branching out of just nails. These fun masks, launched in September, are a perfect weekend treat, at just £5 a pop. How can you resist!...
Maybelline Lip Paints
These are not brand new, but they are the perfect antidote the matte lip – if you want one – which is everywhere at the moment. Maybelline’s Colour Drama Intense Lip Paints will give you a high-shine, statement lip, in one quick sweep. Or, you could get creative and layer a few different colours for...
Beauty Advent Calendars
There was a time when there were just a few beauty advent calendars out there – now? There are DOZENS of them. It’s actually almost impossible to collate them all. So, I have picked 15 for you to have a look at, with varying prices and designs. Bear with me, this is a LONG post! First up is this year...
New L'Occitane scents for men and women
It’s that time of year when perfume sales soar – it’s an easy, but lovely Christmas gift. So, here’s a couple from L’Occitane, for a fragrance gift with a difference, and not a crazy price tag. First up L’Homme Cologne Cedrat. It’s a citrus/woody/aquatic scent with top notesof Corsican cedrat, mint...
Festive Nails, Birthstone Nails
I love a new nail polish. When I was younger I used to change my nails pretty much every night – clearly had nothing much else to do! I love a Shellac manicure occasionally, and going to the salon for any sort of manicure is an absolute treat (and there are plenty fab 5pm salons to choose from!), but...
Elizabeth Arden Preen Gift With Purchase
It always seems quite an old-fashioned thing, doesn’t it, a Gift With Purchase ((GWP), at a beauty counter? In a world of subscription beauty boxes and discount sites, like our very own 5pm, and the like, it seems like something from when I was a teen, back in the 1980s. But who doesn’t love an incentive...
NEW Bare Minerals Bare Pro Foundation
I am not a lover of powder foundation. I’m not a lover of face powder. I have never really been a fan of BareMinerals powder foundation. But…their latest addition, the new Bare Pro, has made me change my mind…a little! I remember the first makeover I had on a BareMinerals counter – and not for good ...
Jo Malone make Merry Mischief for Christmas
This year’s festive offering from Jo Malone isn’t perhaps traditionally festive, but it’s still lovely. Merry Mischief features a harlequin/clown theme with masked beauties, and amazing campaign images. I was a HUGE fan of Pierrot as a kid, and perhaps that’s why I love these images so much. Okay, they...
Benefit Brow Starter Kits
Remember when Benefit launched a million brow products earlier this year? Well, now they’ve sorted them all out for you, and popped them into cute little brow kits in even cuter tins. (Who doesn’t love a tin?!) Benefit launched all the brow products you could ever need and then some back in June this...
Aveda's NEW Hydrating Treatment Lotion
At this time of year, it’s important to remember to change up your skincare routine a little bit. As the temperatures outside drop, and the central heating gets cranked up, your skin can really suffer. I get dry patches in winter, but not if I properly hydrate my skin, and add extra hydration to my ...
Estee Lauder's Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Aging Creme and Wake Up Balm
Estee Lauder have added two new products to their Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti Aging collection – a Cell Power Creme and a Wake Up Balm. This range is all about anti-ageing, and the key ingredient in these new products is Moringa Extract. Not just any extract though – this is an exclusive extract...
Lottie Tomlinson Matchbox for Nails Inc
Nails Inc are expanding out of just nails and into skincare and makeup, and the latest product is Matchbox – a collaboration with makeup artist, and celebrity sibling, Lottie Tomlinson (sister of One Direction’s Louis, if you didn’t know!). It seems that the 80s trend of matching your lips to your nails...
Beauty Sleep Skincare
We get an extra hour of wonderful sleep this weekend, as the clocks go back to bring British Summer Time to an official end. And as beauty products work best when you are asleep, make sure you make the most of them this weekend! I love my nighttime beauty routine and I also like to vary the products...
Estee Lauder's Modern Muse Nuit
Estee Lauder launched Modern Muse in 2013, their first major fragance launch in years. So, it’s no surprise they then followed up with Modern Muse Chic, Modern Muse Le Rouge, Modern Muse Le Rouge Gloss, and now, Modern Muse Nuit. Perfect for Halloween and autumn, with gorgeous campaign images featuring...
Tom Ford Soleil 2016 Collection
This is a bit different from Tom Ford – a sunshine-themed winter collection. For those of us who scoot off to the sun when the temperatures drop (not me, then!).Or for those of us who want to fake a sun-kissed glow in the winter months, perhaps? Encased in the white packaging TF fans will know from ...
Halloween 2016 at Lush
If you want Halloween beauty buys, then look no further than Lush who come up trumps every year with fab halloween-themed treats. To add to some already there, and as well as the usual range of gifts, Lush have introduced these new Halloween beauties for 2016. First up, the super-cute Goth Fairy Shimmer...
Bobbi Brown, Wine, Chocolate and Go Sober October!
The irony wasn’t lost on me when this lovely collection by Bobbi Brown landed on my desk last week. I’m in the last week of Go Sober October for Macmillan, and my sponsored sobriety is becoming more and more difficult every weekend! Not having a drink this month has been tough, and when this lovely ...
Darphin's new Lumiere Essentielle skincare
Darphin are a beauty brand that have that classic ‘old-school’ feel, but they were only founded in 1958, so they’re mere babies in the beauty business really, founded after the likes of Estee Lauder, Chanel, Givenchy, Clarins and Guerlain. But they have that ‘old-school’ feel, with rich sumptuous creams...
Aveda Hand Relief for BCA month
I love a hand cream, and if you are in need of a new one, and want to help charity at the same time, then why not buy Aveda’s Hand Relief Limited Edition for Breast Cancer Awareness month? This hand cream is fabulous. Its name does make me snigger like a teenage boy, but maybe that’s just me. The cream...
Origins RitualiTea Masks
Masks. Everyone’s talking about masks. One minute it’s multi-masking, the next it’s Korean sheet masks. Even Nails Inc have launched some. (Yep, they’re not just a nail brand any more!) Masks are, of course, an integral part of a beauty routine. Most salon facials involve a mask, and the iconic comedy...
The Frog Prince (lipstick) Story
Last year I wrote a post about a green lipstick that wasn’t actually green – it was Lipstick Queen’s Frog Prince lipstick, and it was – and is – a massive hit. As well as it being Lipstick Queen’s best-seller, it’s Space NK’s fastest selling single shade of lipstick of all time! So, here’s the next ...
Clinique's new Superbalanced Foundation
Clinique have just launched another new foundation, called Superbalanced. I’ve probably tried pretty much all of Clinique’s foundations over the years, and liked some more than others. I don’t generally use Clinique bases these days, but I gave this one a go for this review, and it’s pretty decent. ...
Nails Inc - The Reflectors
Hands up who loves a metallic nail? I know I do, but the more glitter, the harder it is to get it off. There is actually nothing enjoyable at all about some glitter and metallic polishes out there. But, this Nails Inc mini collection – The Reflectors, is pretty decent. My favourite is Kings Cross Road...
Pep-Start your Day with Clinique
Earlier this year, Clinique launched their Pep-Start Eye Cream. In zesty orange packaging, it was quite a departure from the clinical Clinique look. I did wonder if there was more to come, and here it is – the rest of the Pep-Start range. In bold, bright packaging, this skincare is more generic, and...
Autumn garden shades of beauty
Autumn is surely the prettiest month, colour-wise. All those gorgeous browns, reds, and berry shades, and the last of the greens, as the plants and trees change and shed their leaves. So, I decided to take some of those autumn colours in make-up form and shoot them in an autumn garden. Gorgeous greens...
October Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Launches
It’s not just the Estee Lauder Companies that campaign and raise money and awareness for breast cancer charties in the beauty world. GHD annually launch limited edition pink versions of many of their tools, and have so far raised £9 million for breast cancer charities across the globe and this year ...
Estee Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2016
It’s October and that means it’s breast cancer awareness month, the month when loads of beauty companies launch lots of ‘pink’ products, and donate to various breast cancer charities. Estee Lauder started the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign back in 1992, with the creation of the pink ribbon, the universal...
Nails Inc Nail Fuel Collection
I love this little collection from Nails Inc. Who knew nail polish could be so GOOD for your nails?! My nails need all the help they can get, so I am loving all of the nail potions here. This little set us packed with all the vitamins you need for healthy nails. Designed to nourish and restore nails...
Clarins Autumn Winter Makeup
I’m a bit late with this, it sort of passed me by for some reason. Not like me, as Clarins are definitely one of my all-time favourite beauty brands. I can’t live without their black Instant Liner liquid liner. Best. Product. Ever. But let’s talk today about their AW16 collection. It focuses on the ...
TOM FORD Waterproof Foundation/Concealer Review
I think foundation is probably the single most important beauty buy you make. Getting the right base is vital to the rest of your makeup and it’s one product I am consistently asked advice on. So, any new foundations, I love to try them. This week I’ve been using the new Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation...
Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder have launched their much-vaunted Victoria Beckham collection and, well, from what I have seen of it, it’s very nice. It’s hard to comment further because I have only seen images of this collection – samples were sent to selected press, but even after all my years in the business, I didn...
Benefit's Roller Lash in Brown
Who remembers Benefit’s Roller Lash mascara launch last year ? We blogged about it, and since then it’s rivalled They’re Real as Benefit’s best mascara, and is the UK’s number one best-selling prestige curling mascara. So there! Now, they’ve launched a brown version of it, and it’s fab! I do love a ...
Super Serums for Winter Skin Hydration
It’s cold! October is almost here, and that means we’re definitely into the Autumn/Winter season. Time for a change of not just your clothes wardrobe, but your skincare wardrobe too. If you do one thing this season, introduce more hydration to your skin, and the easiest way to do that is with a serum...
MAC NEW Liptensity Lipstick
MAC launched a new lipstick yesterday which promises to be THE lipstick to have this autumn. And there are LOADS of colours to choose from. MAC Liptensity pushes the boundaries of colour, say the brand, thanks to the expertise of Tetrachromat Maureen Seaberg, who has the genetic ability to see up to...
Lipstick Queen Smokey LIP kit.
Yes you read that right – Smokey LIP, not smokey eye. Lipstick Queen – that’s Poppy King- has launched the Smokey Lip Kit, which creates a deep, dark, autumnal, smokey, lip by layering lippies. The kit contains two lipsticks – one of them the Black Lace Rabbit, a sheer black lippy with gold flecks through...
Illamasqua Extinct Collection
The AW16 collection from Illamasqua launched at the start of the month, and it’s one of those collections that isn’t overly wearable at first glance, but dip into it deeper, and there’s something for everyone! The concept behind this collection, according to Illamasqua Chairman, Joe Corre, is the “parallels...
Bobbi Brown NEW Extra Repair Nourishing Milk
Bobbi Brown launches a new addition to the Extra skincare line next month, in the shape of Extra Repair Nourishing Milk, which combines the hydrating benefits of Extra Face Oil with the rejuvenating benefits of a repair treatment. It’s for all skintypes, and it’s lightweight, and is an addition to a...
Clarins and FEED for 2016
For the last two years Clarins and FEED projects have collaborated on the ‘Gift With Purpose’ (a clever playom the beauty Gift With Purchase) beauty gift program. Every customer who purchases two Clarins products (one of which must be skincare) will get a lovely cosmetics bag, containing five of Clarins...
Retouch with Bobbi Brown
I love these new products from Bobbi Brown. They’re exactly what makeup is all about for me – the artistry of it. This mini collection – the Retouching Franchise – is all about making your skin look retouched, naturally. For me, it’s all about painting, adding, and perfecting your complexion. Whilst...
Chanel's new No5 L'Eau EDT
Lily-Rose Depp is the face of Chanel’s latest fragrance, No.5 L’Eau. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Vanessa Paradis, the 17-year-old models for the most famous name in perfume. And she’s also impossibly beautiful, like her mother! But let’s talk about the fragrance. Chanel No5 is probably...
Tom Ford AW16 Runway Beauty. Grooming. Private Blend
TOM FORD’s AW16 Runway Collection – products for men and women, and a new Private Blend fragrance – has confused me a little bit. It has existing products and new products in it, and it’s just a tiny part of what I believe is to come from Tom Ford this AW, so if I find out more, I will share. In the...
Guerlain Autumn 2016 Collection
Ah, I just love the new Guerlain Autumn 2016 Collection. It’s just so simple, yet so stylish, and so pretty. Made up of just six eyeshadow palettes, two lipsticks, and one liner, you can actually create all sorts of looks, depending on the palettes you choose, from everyday wear to glamorous nights ...
Charlotte Tilbury launches in Scotland
Say the name Charlotte Tilbury to a beauty fan, and they will most likely exclaim with glee. The makeup artist, who launched her own brand three years ago, has become something of an icon in the beauty world, and finally this month she arrives in Scotland. At House of Fraser in Glagow, to be precise...
New Additions to Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil range
New hair products! I do love a hair product. My hair needs them, after all the grief I’ve put it through most of my life with constant colouring and bleaching! Bumble & Bumble are brilliant – I’ve used lots of their products and I’ve never come across any yet that I really don’t like (apart from one...
Awaken Your Skin With Tulasara from Aveda
Sometimes, it can get a bit stale in the beauty world – same old colour stories each season, same old moisturiser launches, etc, etc. But, on occasion, there are some super launches that get beauty editors sittingup in their chairs, and really noticing. Aveda’s Tulasara is one of those. It’s something...
Bare Minerals Dirty Detox and Polishing Grains
Bare Minerals launched two new skincare products this month – and they’re fun! Effective, yes, but fun. I love the idea of mixing lotions and potions, and I love gunky products, so these two get the thumbs up from me. First up, it’s the Dirty Detox. This is a super purifying mud to give your skin a ...
Chanel's Le Rouge Collection No1 Fall 16
OOH, I love a new Chanel Collection, and this one particularly appeals because it’s all about red. I love red. My hair was red for years. I almost exclusively wear red lipstick, so, Chanel’s new Le Rouge Collection is a treat! This came out in August, but I missed it up until now – how could that happen...
Kelly Hoppen and L'Occitane collaboration pouches
Here’s a sneak peek at something lovely for Autumn – these Kelly Hoppen x L’Occitane pouches aren’t out until October, so get saving now if you want one! I am not a huge fan of the interior designer, and former Dragon on Dragon’s Den – I find her a bit ‘meh’ to be honest. BUT – these pouches are really...
Elizabeth Arden Always Red Femme
When I see fragrances that are a version of others, I feel a little cheated. So, I guess I feel cheated in the perfume world, a lot then! There seem to be so many of them around, and Elizabeth Arden are the latest to introduce Always Red Femme. They already have Always Red, now, meet Always Red Femme...
Smashbox Be Legendary - 120 Shades of Lipstick!
What’s that? Smashbox had a great selection of lipstick formulas and colours? Don’t be daft! Clearly they needed to up their game and launch more! Smashbox have just launched an incredible 120 shades of their Be Legendary lipstick. Count ’em! 120! That’s 74 moisturising creams, and 46 smooth mattes ...
Urban Decay's NEW All Nighter Liquid Foundation
Urban Decay launched a new foundation last week – and this one is for those of us who love a LOT of coverage. The All Nighter Liquid Foundation aims to give you a flawless looking complexion that will not let you down – FOR HOURS. It’s waterproof, oil-absorbing, and gives complete coverage with a modern...
MAC and Star Trek Collection
MAC always comes up with amazing collections, and the Star Trek collection does not disappoint. Trekkies will LOVE it, if they are makeup fans too, of course. Okay, there aren’t really any new products -MAC aren’t going where they haven’t gone before on this one… sorry, I had to do it…., but the colours...
YSL launch Vinyl Cream Creamy Stain
MORE lipstick hybrids! YSL launched their Vernis A Levres (Glossy Stain) back in 2012. It was a revelation – it mixed the benefits of a lip stain, a high shine gloss, and intense lipstick. I can remember the press launch, and greedily grabbing the colours to apply in the toilet as we left, and keeping...
Mica Arganaraz face of Tom Ford's Black Orchid
Beuty news! Tom Ford has signed up the absolutely stunning, impossibly cool, Argentinian beauty, Mica Arganaraz, as the face of his iconic fragrance, Black Orchid, for the Fall (AW) 2016 campaign. Photographed by Nick Knight, Mica is one of the hottest models of the moment, famous for her hair – which...
Elizabeth Arden Liquid Assets Colour Collection
There is something about a liquid lipstick that just looks SO good; so sexy, so gorgeous. Until I put it on. And then it just bothers me, my hair gets stuck on it, it’s all over the glass I’m drinking from and I smudge it. But, I will still persevere with the new Beautiful Colour Bold Liquid Lipstick...
Jo Malone's NEW Basil & Neroli launch
Jo Malone launch a new fragrance today – and it’s a biggie! The new Basil & Neroli fragrance is the first scent to utilise basil as one of its main ingredients since their iconic Lime, Basil & Mandarin, which launched over 20 years ago. So, it’s a kind of a big thing. Do I love it? I don’t know. I LIKE...
Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules
Estee Lauder’s iconic night treatment, Advanced Night Repair (ANR), launched in 1982. Since then, it’s gone through a few changes, and an eye serum has been launched to go along with ANR. Back in July, Estee Lauder added a new ANR addition in the form of Intensive Recovery Ampoules. These little pods...
MAC's Super Fun Good Luck Trolls Collection
Have you seen the new MAC Good Luck Trolls Collection? It’s ADORABLE! Really, it’s all about the packaging – and the trolls – but the makeup is super-cute too – although the green and turquise lip colours are pretty out there! But that’s trolls for you! Who doesn’t love a troll? These cute litte guys...
Happy Hands with Hand Cream!
My mum always had a tube of handcream kicking about when I was growing up, and I love the stuff. There’s something soothing and ritualistic about rubbing cream into your hands, one, two, ten times a day. With hand psoriasis, hand cream is a vital item in my handbag/on my desk/beside my bed. I love trying...
It's A Strike with MAC
LOOK at this face palette?! How fantastic is this face powder from the new MAC It’s A Strike collection? I just LOVE make up like this – but I never want to use it. The It’s A Strike bowling -inspired collection is fun and very wearable.There are red-based lip colours, eyeshadows that are super-cute...
Elizabeth Arden's NEW Prevage Foundation and Brush
It’s rare to get a foundation these days that is simply a foundation, and this new one from Elizabeth Arden definitely does not fall into that category. The new Prevage Anti-aging Foundation SPF30 is for women who want a gorgeous foundation, an extra layer of environmental protection, and anti-ageing...
The Perfect #Selfie Products
Sometimes, I get press releases that give me a bit of a laugh. Actually, scratch that, A LOT of the time, I get press releases that give me a bit of a laugh. This latest one did. How to get the Perfect #Selfie, it says, with just four products. I know it’s just the PR showcasing their products, but ...
Be Tempted by DKNY
Be Tempted by this new fragrance from DKNY – a brand new twist on their classic apple. This one isn’t a version of any Be Delicious apple scent, but a fragrance all of its own – a big, red, shiny, tempting apple! Just like Sleeping Beauty (go read your fairytales!) you are bound to be tempted by it!...
Bobbi Brown open Edinburgh free-standing store
BOBBI BROWN fans get down to Edinburgh’s George Street and into the newly opened Bobbi Brown studio! It’s the second free-standing Bobbi store in Scotland, and you are going to love it! The fab space has everything Bobbi you could ever need! Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the brand began life in...
Sunshine Yellow Beauty
The sun’s been shining for the last few days, and how happy does it make us? I love yellow – so, because the sun is now disappearing again, I thought we’d have some fun with some sunshine yellow beauty! Here’s a few beauty products -yellow, or in lovely yellow packaging, to bring a little bit of that...
Tom Ford Private Blend Les Extraits Vert
New private blends from Tom Ford launch at the end of August, with a new note for the brand. For the first time, Tom Ford introduces unexpected dimensions of green. Ranging from florals, to citrus, to deepest woods, Les Extraits Vert is a curated collection with a very 1970s feel. Apparently the ingredients...
More Matte Lips - this time from Clinique
Matte is DEFINITELY the new black, to use fashion parlance in the beauty world! Matte liptick is everywhere, and everyone has one. Last week we looked at Boots SEVENTEEN’s new mattes, this week it’s the turn of Clinique. Clinique’s new mattes are in lipstick and liquid form. So, there’s the Clinique...
Clinique's latest mascara and eyeliner
I always love a new mascara, and this the first one I’ve had drop on my desk in a while. From Clinique – who are, in my opinion, masters of mascara, it’s the new Lash Power Flutter-to-Full Mascara. It’s particularly special this one in that it it a multi-purpose, adaptable mascara, to suit the mood ...
Illamasqua's Solidarity Collection for Sophie Lancaster
Illamasqua launch a mini collection this month in memory of teenager Sophie Lancaster who was brutally beaten to death in 2007 simply for the way she looked. Sophie, and her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, were set upon by thugs in her local park, because they were Goths. Her mother, Sylvia, set up the Lancaster...
Linda Lusardi launches Hair line
Sam Fox is in the Celebrity Big Brother house – and is a favourite to go all the way to the final. But let’s focus on another former Page Three girl from the 1980s – Linda Lusardi – and her newly launched haircare line. The Page Three girls were huge celebrities back in their day, and most of them moved...
The Bronzie Tanning Mitt
It’s another gimmicky beauty product today, but this one I do quite like. It sort of reminds me of my Granny drying me after a bath as a kid, so it makes me very nostalgic – maybe that’s why I like it. The Bronzie ‘Got Your Back’ tanning mitt is a revelation in tanning mitts and is actually a pretty...
Collistar S.O.S Critical Areas Firming Stick
Many weird and wonderful beauty products land on my desk, and this falls into that category, and then some – meet the Collistar SOS Critical Areas Firming Stick. The what? Yes, I know, I felt the same when I opened the parcel and first saw it. From Italian breauty brand Collistar, this, it claims, is...
Illamasqua News
Lots happening at Illamasqua these days, with PETA recognition, new #Illaxpress lessons, and recently I refamiliarised myself with their skin bases – Hydra Veil, Matte Veil, and Radiance Veil. But first, the exciting news that Illamasqua are now PETA recognised. Since the brand launched in 2008, they...
Boots Seventeen Mega Matte Lipsticks
There is only one look for lips right now – a bold, matter than matte look, and now you can achieve this in 12 fantastic colours with Seventeen’s new Mega Matte Lipstick launch. Out today, these lipsticks are perfectly matte, but with a creamy formula, so no flaking or drying. Perfect selfie-ready lips...
Get Fully Loaded with TIGI Bedhead
VOLUME is where it’s at with hair. We all seem to want our hair to be bigger and bigger, and it’s not that hard these days with a plethora of volumising and thickening products on offer. The latest I’ve had a look at is the new Bed Head by TIGI Fully Loaded range. Addressing the growing trend for messy...
Thierry Mugler Angel and Alien candles
Angel is a hugely popular fragrance in Scotland, and now we can indulge our love even more with a Limited Edition Angel fragranced candle. I know that, for some of you, this will have already brought on a migraine – Angel is a powerful and divisive scent. But if you love it, you love it, and you will...
T-Zone Skincare
It’s probably one of the most bandied about phrases you will hear in beauty – the ‘T-zone’. It’s one of the first recognisable skincare phrases I can remember. All the products from my early teens were for the ‘T-zone’ It refers to the forehead and nose area; an area that generally tends to be the oiliest...
Elizabeth Arden Megan Hess Gift with Purchase
I love a beauty GWP that features a smart makeup bag. I think most of my makeup bags are from such promotions. This one is a really lovely collaboration between international fashion illustrator Megan Hess – who has worked with the likes of Prada, Dior, Balmain, etc, etc – and Elizabeth Arden The lovely...
Kate Moss Rimmel 15 collection
It’s been 15 years since Kate Moss first started working with Rimmel, and to celebrate, the brand have launched a special-edition lip and nail collection in the supermodel’s favourite reds and nudes. Since 2001, Kate has been the perfect muse for Rimmel. Always embodying the edgy styles and soul of ...
Estee Lauder's Genuine Glow - K-Beauty style
Let’s talk about K-Beauty. What is it? Well, it has nothing to do with the Kardashians (for once!), it’a actually Korean-inspired beauty. If you’re a beauty fan, you will know, and you will no doubt already be influenced by beauty from the Far East. The Korean beauty aesthetic isn’t like ours. They ...
Versace pour homme Dylan Blue
Versace pour homme launch their new men’s fragrance today, and it has a fab ad campaign to go with it – check out your TV tonight! Dylan Blue is the new EDT, a woody aromatic fougere scent with gorgeous ingredients, and a lovely, fresh, masculine scent. The top notes of Calabrian Bergamot, Grapefruit...
The Body Shop Clear Skin Superheroes
The Body Shop launch a new range of tea tree products next week, The Clear Skin Superheroes, because #zithappens! Geddit?! Yeah. I know. But bear with me. It’s going to get a whole lot worse.. There are three products in the range, all with skin-clearing properties, so, if your skin needs a little bit...
Taylor Hill the new face of Lancome
Taylor Hill is the new face of Lancome. The Victoria’s Secret Angel is one of the new breed of supermodels, and a huge influencer. It’s no surprise then that Lancome have signed her up, even if her last Tweet does feature the F-word – albeit starred out! The big beauty houses are keen to attract new...
Estee Lauder Double Wear NudeCushion Stick
Estee Lauder’s Double Wear is one of their best-selling and most loved foundations. It comes in various formats, and now as a Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup. And this is like no other Double Wear at all. This stuff blends away to the perfect nude coverage. It’s pretty sheer, but it’s ...
Summer Beauty Essentials
Summer is here! For a few days at least, so get those summer beauty essentials bought! You might need them again this year, and we should all be changing up our beauty routine in the summer months anyway. For Face, Body and Hair, there are loads of fab products you should try – these are just some of...
PURE Spa launch skincare range
PURE Spa have launched a skincare range, so you can, effectively, take the spa home with you. The range, which has recently launched in to the PURE Spas in Scotland’s cities, and is also available online. It consists of five products to begin with, concentrating on facial skincare, and is predominantly...
Roger & Gallet launch The Vert range
Here’s a lovely new fresh summer scent for you to try, from Roger & Gallet, and exclusive to House of Fraser – The Vert. Green Tea, in case you didn’t know! This energising scent inspired by the splendour of Mount Fuji at day break, rising above the tea fields, Thé Vert perfectly combines the delicacy...
Ojon launch Thickening Styling Mist
There has been a huge trend in the haircare world of late for thickening products. Not volumising, but actual thickening, where the hair shaft is actually expanded, and volume isn’t just added to the hair. Ojon are the latest to launch one – the Damage Reverse Thickening Styling Mist for Volume & Lift...
Pinita Coladas with The Body Shop
Who doesn’t love a Pina Colada in the sunshine?! Pineapple and coconut with a dash of lime is a totally tropical taste sensation, and The Body Shop have channeled that very thing into their Pinita Colada body range which is just perfect for summer beauty. The Special Edition Piñita Colada range is bursting...
Lottie Tomlinson and Nails Inc
Lottie Tomlinson is the sister of One Direction’s Louis, but you knew that, right? She’s 17, and is already a model, makeup artist, youtube sensation, and influencer, with a massive social media following. So, it’s no surprise brands want to work with her, and her collaboration with Nails Inc on their...
Murad Invisiblur supports The Prince's Trust
Murad have launched a Limited Edition version of their skincare hero product, Invisiblur, to support The Prince’s Trust in their 40th year. The skincare brand will be donating £10 from every one of their Limited Edition Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF30 (£69.50) sold. “At Murad we strive to make younger...
Paul Mitchell Yacht Club Collection
I love a bit of nautical fashion – it’s so clean, and crisp and summery. So, I love Paul Mitchell’s new Yacht Club Collection. The campaign visual makes me want to drop everything, and head off on a yacht – I can dream! The collection includes brushes, styling tools, and special product sets. The Yacht...
Tom Ford Orchid Soleil
KLAXON! Tom Ford fans, there’s a new orchid in town – Orchid Soleil. It’s not actually in town yet, it launches on August 1, so you have just under a month to wait. But if you’re an orchid fan, it will be worth it. Orchid Soleil, so say the brand, ‘illuminates Tom Ford’s original obsession with the ...
Alpha H Beauty Sleep Power Peel
I am a big fan of skincare brand Alpha-H. I use their Liquid Gold every other night, and my skin definitely benefits from it. So, a new Alph-H product has me interested immediately – but I will admit I am a little bit scared of this one. Okay, I’m not really scared, but the Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power...
Emma Hardie Vitamin C
I’ve been a fan of Emma Hardie skincare since its launch in 2009. Can it really be seven years since it launched?! Emma herself is an incredibly fun and lovely woman, and the most amazing facialist. A facial from her is truly something else. Her Amazing Face range has won many awards, and is a simple...
Nina Nesbitt for W7 Cosmetics
Edinburgh singer, and one-time squeeze of Ed Sheeran, Nina Nesbitt is the new brand ambassador of budget beauty range, W7. Nina is no stranger to modelling – it was her career before she became a singer- and she looks super cute in the brand images. She’s wearing a fab leather jacket, and the brand ...
Nails Inc Neon Nails
I’m not sure I need neon nail polish in my life, but I had a go at it, of course! Nails Inc Neons are bright. They’re even brighter thanks to a special ‘Neon Activator’ which you apply before the polish. First off, use a base coat, then apply a thin layer of the Neon Activator, which is a white polish...
Clarins launch Limited Beauty In Bloom Collection
This is a lovely little collection of Limited Edition versions of some of their hero products. The Clarins Beauty in Bloom Collection has given the products a lovely floral twist. There’s a Hand and Nail Treatment Cream Trio (£25), beautifully presented in a leaf print pouch, and each 30ml tube contains...
NEW Super Facialist by Una Brennan Sleep & Reveal Night Cream
I keep changing my night cream. I use oils, creams, masks – you name it, I’ve slapped it onto my skin at night. I’m not that fussy when it comes to night creams, but I do always use one. The most recent on my bedside table (I find keeping it right beside my bed means I never forget to use it) is the...
Urban Decay launch Vice Lipstick
Urban Decay have more lipsticks that you will ever need! The newly relaunched Vice Lipstick comes in 100 shades. Yes, that’s ONE HUNDRED! How can we ever choose just one? At £15 a pop, maybe we can stretch to two?! Gorgeous Ruby Rose looks stunning in Metallized Big Bang, but which would you choose?...
Travel Sets and Minis
There are SO many good things about holidays, but sometimes the cosmetic limit isn’t one of them. If you only have hand luggage, and are a beauty junkie, it’s a nightmare. Likewise if your hold luggage limit isn’t that high – what do you leave behind? Luckily, there are now travel versions of pretty...
Rituals The Ritual Of Karma
Karma. Now there’s thing. Be good, and the good will come back, say Rituals on their latest Ritual of Karma range. According to ancient Hindu belief, living with good intent attracts good karma. I love the colour of this range almost as much as the scent. The gorgeous aqua green is super stylish. The...
NEW Sweet Orchid from Elemis
Elemis are a lovely brand, and their body ranges are always delicious, nourishing and luxurious. The new Sweet Orchid range is no exception. However, I do laugh sometimes when I read some of the ‘beauty speak’ from brands. Take this for example: “Layer the products and let the Sweet Orchid scent rise...
Four facial scrubs
Scrubbing at your face doesn’t sound much fun, but a facial exfoliator should be part of your cleansing routine. There are so many types out there, from those that ape peels, to those that scrub gently, to those that give a deeper cleanse. Here are four that I quite like, with varying prices, and actions...
Sunscreen for the Longest Day...
It’s the longest day of the year today – more hours of daylight than any other. But will those hours be sunny, that’s the question? Last year it was my wedding day, and it was beautiful! We lucked out with our weather, but will we need suncream on our anniversary? Most likely not, but if you are in ...
Father's Day Grooming Gifts
Surprise your dad this Father’s Day with a grooming gift. He doesn’t need a new tool kit, an oversized Toblerone, or another silly slogan T-shirt, does he? But he probably does need some lovely grooming products in his life! I’m right, right? Boots now stock a fab men’s beauty brand – Johnny’s Chop ...
All-in-One Beauty Balms
Recently I’ve been using more of the ‘all-in-one’ beauty balms products that land on my desk now and then. I think it’s because of my psoriasis on my hands, and a flare of rosacea on my face. I’ve been drawn to more natural products, and just things that do it all at once – products I can use on both...
Bobbi Brown Sunset Pink Collection
Bobbi Brown knocks out these collections, right? I do love them though. I don’t necessarily wear all the products, but I love the packaging of this brand. I love the sleekness and simplicity of it it. And the products are good. This latest collection, the Sunset Pink Collection, out July, is inspired...
Bobbi Brown The New Classics Lipstick
In my 1993 press photo, my lipstick is a deep, deep, berry red. The shade? Bobbi Brown’s Raisin. Created in 1991, Bobbi Brown’s original lipstick line was created by Bobbi when she was a freelance makeup artist. Raisin was just one of her shades, featuring a unique brown base she developed when she ...
Garnier Pure Active Spot Control
Acne is not just for teenagers. Even if you didn’t have as much as a pimple in your teens, you might be one of a huge number of women in the UK who are suffering from adult acne. Hormones trigger this at various stages in a woman’s life, and sports are the primary skin concern for over half of the women...
NEW from Lab Series Skincare for Men
Father’s Day is on the horizon, so no harm in starting to think about a gift for dad now. And Lab Series Skincare for Men is here to help with two new launches just in time! First up, the Lab Series Skincare for Men PRO LS All-in-one Shower Gel (£19). This tube holds a product that is multi-tasking,...
Bobbi Brown's Instant Confidence Stick
Bobbi Brown launched her Instant Confidence Stick this month, and I’m not sure I love the name to be honest. I don’t know if I think a little stick of makeup primer can give anyone instant confidence, nor should it. Maybe you’re absoutely confident and fine without it?! But, if you feel the need to ...
Elizabeth Arden NEW Green Tea Nectarine Blossom
Yum – juicy nectarines are a gorgeous summer treat. Elizabeth Arden clearly think so, as they’ve captured the essence of this fruit in a new fragrance out this month – Green Tea Nectarine Blossom. This zest summer sent has top notes of the brilliant nectars of peach and apricot, fresh bergamot, and ...
Neom's Scent To Make You Happy Kit
NEOM are a lovely brand, all about making you feel better, with lots of lovely smelly things for you and your home. Their candles are gorgeous, and their beauty products are really good. You just know they’re good for you as well. I particularly love their little Essential Kits. This one, their Essential...
YSL Touche Eclat Le Teint Awakening Foundation Review
Foundation is probably the one thing that people ask me for recommendations for more than anything (mascara is right up there too). But choosing a foundation is a very personal thing, so I would always say go to a counter of a brand you like, and ask to try a few. The beauty market is flooded with foundation...
Master Your Mascara with New CID Cosmetics
We all wear mascara, right? Applying it is like second nature, most likely, but are you making the most of your mascara? Are you applying it properly? You might think you are, but we’ve asked an expert to give us the mascara masterclass. The low-down on how to get the most from your mascara, from New...
Legs, legs, legs - prep for summer
It’s officially summer, so that means NO MORE THICK BLACK TIGHTS! Time to put the opaques back in the drawer and get the legs out. And that means facing what the winter, and our cold spring, months have done to our legs. No-one is saying you have to do anything, but who really doesn’t want to look after...
Bare Minerals launch skincare line
bareMinerals’ skincare line lands on (some) counters today. Called Skinsorials, the line has nine prodiucts, with the SkinLongevity Vital Power Infusion serum at the heart of it. The SkinLongevity is a first of its kind, lightweight serum essence designed to reawaken and help maintain skin’s most vibrant...
Summer Scents
Summer Scents are big business in the perfume industry. A lot of big names release variations on best-sellers, or have their very own ‘holiday’ ranges. I always struggle with the idea of changing my perfume in summer. I like what I wear, so why change it? But, sometimes, a change is as good as a rest...
Jo Malone Charity Candle
Jo Malone London launch another charity candle this year for their charity initiative which sees their gardens across the UK helping people with mental health issues. There are five existing gardens in the country, with another set to open in London, with charity partner St Mungo’s, this year. The Redhall...
Bourjois La Laque Gel NEW polish
BOURJOIS launch a new alternative at-home to gel nails next week, La Laque Gel. GEL nails have to be the most popular nails around. As someone who loves to change her nail colour, I’m not the biggest fan, because being stuck with the same shade for a few weeks does annoy me. However, on the occasions...
Origins Dr Andrew Weil Mega-Defense
It’s incredible to think that four decades ago, the term SPF had yet to be coined. We used reflectors, we sunbathed too much, and we used no skin protection at all. Now we know that unprotected exposure to UV rays exacerbates skn ageing, and causes cancer, we do all we can to keep the sun off our skin...
New Gradual Tanner and BB Body from St Tropez and Ambre Solaire
Regular readers of this blog will know that I am not very good with fake tan. I actually don’t really like having a tan. Am I allowed to say that in 2016?! It seems that we’re all obsessed with a golden glow, and looking ‘sunkissed’ and as a beauty writer and editor, yes, I talk about fake tan a lot...
Go Totally Tropical with Bourjois
Bourjois’s summer collection is everything I want from fun summer makeup. The Totally Tropical collection is on-rend, with anything and everything tropical being huge this summer (even more than usual, because aren’t flamingos and palm trees pretty perennial in summer trends, anyway!?). It consists ...
Beach Colour Beauty
Beaches – gotta love them. All glorious golden, shimmery sands, deep blue seas. and pure blue skies. Oh yeah, and the big , bright yellow ball of sunshine to finish the picture! Summer beauty utilises all these lovely beach colours in eye shadows, powders, glitters, nails and more. So. I decided to ...
New from Paul Mitchell - MirrorShine and Marula Oil
Over a lovely dinner, bloggers and press were introduced to the latest launches from haircare brand Paul Mitchell a few weeks ago. I’ve been trying a lot of new haircare brands of late, but Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Ginger is my go-to haircare range. So, I was thrilled to see one of the brand’s new launches...
Illamasqua's Hypnotica Collection is Fun!
Makeup should be fun, right? Essentially, we’re creating art on our faces – they are called makeup ARTISTS after all. Therefore, I am absolutely in LOVE with Illamasqua’s new collection, Hypnotica, and in particular their brilliant Sketch Sticks. These fabulous big crayons of makeup are like sophisticated...
Clean with Nivea and Liz Earle
Cleansing is a massively important part of any beauty routine. Cleansing properly, with a good cleanser is, essentially, the first part in your skincare routine. Sometimes, however, we don’t always have the time to go through a proper routine. So, we make do, with a quick wash, or a wipe of the face...
Kiko Milano Trend Collection - and Store News
Italian beauty brand KIKO MILANO has started appearing everywhere of late. They’ve been around since 1997, and have over 700 stores worldwide, but only launched fully into Scotland at the tail end of last year with their first stand-alone store in Glasgow’s Fort Shopping Centre. The brand is now set...
Bobbi Brown Beach Collection 2016
Bobbi Brown’s Beach fragrance has been around for a few years now, and it smells deliciously of summer. It makes me yearn for the beach. As I’m not heading to a beach anytime soon, I’ll have to make do with this collection. For Summer 2016, the collection has been updated and includes a new product,...
Jo Malone and Marthe Armitage Summer Afternoon Collection
Every year Jo Malone London collaborates with a creative, and produces a gorgeous limited edition home collection. This year, it’s octagenarian artist and wallpaper designer Marthe Armitage, who has been living and working in London for 60 years. Marthe draws, cuts lino, mixes paint and prints herself...
Bathtime at Lush. Literally.
The Lush Spa is like no other, and their treatments can be pretty quirky. The last time I had a treatment in the Edinburgh Spa, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I’ve not been invited back since…! This new one, Tales of Bath, has me, again, in two minds about whether I would love it or hate it. It involves...
Your Hair Assistant from Davines
There are so many haircare brands out there, that I am discovering new ones every month it seems. Maybe because I have recently revamped my hair, I seem to have had loads and loads of haircare land on my desk. The latest one is from Davines, a brand I had never heard of until now, and the collection...
Coconut Nails from Barry M and Nails Inc
You’re just drinking coconut water? Ugh, you’re so 2015! It’s the latest musthave beauty ingredient, don’t you know?! Two brands are popping it into nail polish now! First up, Nails Inc, and their Coconut Brights Gel Effect nail polishes – the hydration boost your nails have been waiting for. Nails ...
Elizabeth Arden Sunset Bronze
Ah summer beauty, I do love it. Lots of lovely new collections with shimmery shades, bronzers, and all-round healthy looking glows! Elizabeth Arden’s summer beauty collection is the lovely Sunset Bronze. Inspired by the breathtaking summer sunset, Elizabeth Arden introduces the new Sunset Bronze Limited...
Lancome's new Energie De Vie skincare
Lancome have just launched a new skincare range, packed full of natural anti-oxidants, to bring energy and radiance to your skincare routine. Energie De Vie has a ‘liquid moisturiser’ at the heart of it, an innovative new formula. The Smoothing and Glow-boosting Liquid Care (from £28) is full of moisturising...
New Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-In-Stick Shades
Nothing cheers you up better than a new lipstick , right? It’s actually a fact, that in hard times, sales of lippy go up. It’s a fast, easy, and relatively cheap way to update your look, and in the summer, I like to move to a more sheer lipstick when I’m on holiday, during the day at least. YSL’s Rouge...
Urban Decay's Alice Though The Looking Glass Collection
If you love Urban Decay, then you are going to love, love, LOVE the new Alice Through The Looking Glass palette, out later this month, to coincide with the release of Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass film. You’ll need to be quick too. When Urban Decay launched their Alice in Wonderland Book ...
Tom Ford SS16 Soleil Makeup Collection
It’s that time of year, when all the summer beauty collections land on counters, and we all start dreaming of tropical beaches, hot summer nights, and shimmery sparkly, sheer, summer makeup. And that’s what Tom Ford are offering with their new Soleil Color Collection. There are some lovely new products...
St Tropez Tan Finder App
St Tropez have launched a ‘tan finder’ app which aims to help you choose the right tan for you- and you get 10% off your purchase when using it. It’s actually really simple to use, you just click through a few screens, and it recommends a product. It’s fun for avid fans, and first-time tanners, and ...
Feel Unique Skincare Superstars Box
Beauty boxes are a great way of getting to try a lot of beauty brands, before committing to them, with sample or travel sizes. There are lots of beauty subscription boxes out there, but this one from beauty e-commerce site Feel Unique isn’t a subscription, just a one-off box that you can buy and try...
Future MAC
I’ve been playing around with the fabulously futuristic Future MAC collection for a week or so – and I love it. It’s the next generation of hyper-luminous Mineralize products for eyes, lips and skin, and has some really fab, quirky pieces, and some very wearable, lovely products. My absolute favourite...
Illamasqua's Metamorph
Illamasqua’s Metamorph collection is quite tame by their standards. The brand say it is ‘celebrating the evolution of nature and it’s systematic, seasonal rejuvenation’. It’s doing this by accentuating fresh skin and defined brows; embracing beauty in its most natural form. So, this collection IS quite...
Bobbi Brown Beach Nudes
There’s something about Bobbi Brown Cosmetics that makes them work so well for summer. Maybe it’s fresh-faced Kate Upton in the campaign images, but Bobbi Brown and beach just seems to gel. The new Bobbi Brown Beach Nudes Collection is more of the same, really. There’s nothing overly exciting about ...
Benefit's Bold Is Beautiful Project 2016
Benefit launched their global philanthropy program, The Bold Is Beautiful Project, last year, and, after outstandingsucess, they’re back for a second year. Launched to spread the feel-good approach to beauty beyond the boutiques and counters, Benefit’s campaign raised over $2,900,000USD globally in ...
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Private Blend
Tom Ford launches a new private Blend fragrance next month – Soleil Blanc. It’s in a white bottle, and comes in three sizes – 50ml, 100ml and 250ml. It launches alongside the new colour collection, which we’ll get to another day. But first, this new fragrance, and there’s been a lot of internet chat...
Nashi Blossom by Jo Malone London
JO MALONE LONDON launch a new Limited Edition cologne in May – and the packaging is just lovely! Maybe even nicer than the fragrance itself! Nashi Blossom is the latest Jo Malone cologne that will be on counter for a limited time. The lovely bottle, with monochrome dots, and a green cap, inspired by...
NEW Smashbox Lipsticks
SMASHBOX have been focusing a lot on the lips of late. They recently relaunched their Be Legendary lipsticks, with lots of new colours, and various formats. They also launched a brilliant beauty transformer, Insta-Matte, which turns cream lipstick to matte, which we blogged about last month, and they...
Shine, be gone! Clinique's new Blotting Powder
The dreaded shine. We’re not talking that dewy, luminous look we covet and try to achieve with makeup, but just that good old-fashioned shine we just seem to get – from the oil in our skin, or on thoe summer days (usually abroad!) when we heat up a little much. But, shine, be gone, thanks to Clinique...
MAC Versicolour
MAC have launched a new lip colour formula this month – called Versicolour. It’s a fusion of gloss and stain, which MAC say ‘melts onto lips for a full-on glassy shine that lasts and lasts and lasts’. I’ve not tried these yet, but the colours are stunning- and they’re permanent! And I adore their campaign...
Earth Day/Week/Month Beauty News
It’s Earth Day tomorrow – April is Earth Month, and this sees the start of Earth Week. I am a wee bit confused, but the beauty companies have their hearts in the right places when it comes to this cause. Lush are celebrating Earth Day by encouraging us to strip off the excess packaging and trial a range...
Fudge Paintbox Rainbow Colours
When my hair was bright red (which it was for six years, until February this year), inbtween salon visits I would top up the colour with Fudge Paintbox Hot Chilli. Bizarrely, a few weeks after I stripped the red from my hair, Fudge launched their newly revamped Paintbox range of semi-permanent colours...
Clarins Sunkissed Summer Makeup Collection
Yes, it’s not quite summertime yet, but the summer beauty collections are landing on counters now. So, let’s start with the lovely Clarins Sunkissed collection. There’s actually a lot to this collection this year, which as ever has a gorgeous compact at the heart. The Limited Edition Bronxing & Blush...
Oils, oils, oils
It’s all about oils in beauty of late. For the last few years beauty oils have become more and more mainstream – and in more and more products. The latest to land on my desk is Smashbox’s Primer Oil, which might be a step too far – but more on that later. Oils for the face, for lips, for hair, for body...
Clinique's NEW Anti-Blemish Solutions Blemish + Line Correcting Serum
Acne is mostly associated with teenagers, or young adults, but the truth is that this skin condition can occur at any time in life. And for many women, hormonal changes at various stages in life are the catalyst. Adult acne is very real. Clinique’s new Anti-Blemish Solutions Blemish + Line Correcting...
Touche Eclat Neutralizers
YSL launched three Limited Edition Touche Eclat Neutralizers earlier this year, and I have just got my hands on the Vert Green version. Neutralizers are complexion correctors – toners that eliminate the tones we don’t want on our skin – redness, pinkness, sallow tones, that kind of thing. Back in the...
PK Prep - Philip Kingsley new haircare
I seem to have been focusing heavily on haircare of late. I think it’s because I changed my colour and cut, but I am a little obsessed with new haircare lines, so here’s another one! This time, it’s from Philip Kingsley. PK Prep is a new luxury styling range that is “scientifically formulated to build...
Clarins NEW Self Tanning Milky-Lotion
Clarins have brought out a new self tan for summer, their Self Tanning Milky-Lotion. It contains all sorts of lovely ingredients to provide you with a golden glow, with skincare benefits. The self-tan market is huge these days, and a self-tan can no longer be just that. This new tan has a smooth, milky...
Swell Ultimate Volume Haircare
I’ve always had ‘big’ hair. Because it’s curly, it sort of grows out the way and not down the way. But, after years of bleaching and colouring, straightening, and well, just generally mistreating it, my hair can be a bit fine, a bit ‘breaky’ and a bit lacking in volume in the right places. I was sent...
Bumble And Bumble Curl Care Collection
Having wrestled with curly hair all my life, it’s still strange to me to celebrate the curl. Which is ridiculous, of course, because curly hair ROCKS! Of course, that’s not always been the case. There was a time in the 1990s when new curly hair collection launches might have been laughed out of salons...
Drops of Light from The Body Shop
Radiance. There’s a beauty buzzword if there ever was one. We’re always looking for radiance in our skin. Or luminosity. Brightness. Glow. You get the idea, right? The Body Shop have a complete skin-brightening regime, with their NEW Drops of Light™ Pure Healthy Brightening Range. It’s suitable for ...
Good April Showers with Korres
Oh, look, it’s raining again! April showers really are a thing. And quite annoying. But Korres have a lovely deal on on another tpe of April shower – the lovely warm variety we indulge in every morning! Throughout the month of April, when you buy one Korres shower gel you get another one absolutely ...
Beauty Transformers!
If you fancy yourself as a bit of an alchemist, and love playing about with all things makeup and skincare, then you’re going to love these new beauty transformers from Clarins, Illamasqua, Autograph M&S, and Smashbox. Clarins were the first to produce the fake tan booster product, launching their facial...
Origins By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask
Origins’ latest mask (and they are the No1 mask brand in the UK, in case you didn’t know), is all about deep cleansing the skin – with a very different formula. This self- foaming mask is unlike any other I’ve tried, and is packed full of detoxifying ingredients, so you can give your skin the flush-...
Seventeen are non-touring, not contouring!
What on earth does that mean, I wondered when the press release landed on my desk – Move over Contouring, Hello Non-touring!, it proclaimed. According to SEVENTEEN at Boots, using highlighters to enhance your natural features – the non-touring trend – is simple, guaranteed to give you that all important...
Fake Bake Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum
Fake Bake have just launched another tan – just in time for the start of British summertime! The clocks went forward at the weekend, the nights are lighter, and, HOPEFULLY, the weather will warm up too! When that happens, we have to bare our skin, and, even those of us who don’t normally tan, sometimes...
Darphin latest to launch cleansing brush
These cleansing brushes are a proper’ thing’ now, right? If you don’t already have one, or are looking for a new one, then check out the latest – from Darphin, launching in April. It’s called the L’Institut Facial Sonic Cleansing and Massaging Expert. Catchy, right? Can you imagine the meeting where...
Aveda Lights The Way
The clocks go forward this weekend, so the nights get lighter – but that doesn’t mean there’s no room for a little more light thanks to Aveda’s 2016 Earth Month Light The Way Candle. Aveda enters its 10th year this year of shining a light on the global need for clean water. Aveda – and their customers...
Clarins Urban Oasis in Edinburgh
If you are in Edinburgh this week and this Easter weekend, then escape to the Clarins Urban Oasis at the bottom of Castle Street, at the west end of Princes Street, for a pamper. It’s a brilliant innovation from Clarins, marketing at its very best. I spent around 40 minutes there this week, and it was...
National Fragrance Day Scents
It’s National Fragrance Day, so I have spent today immersed in the gorgeous aroma of my favourite scents -and a few new ones,and now I am sharing them all with you! Fragrance is a powerful thing. It is the most powerful memory-inducer I can think of, it changes our mood, it enhances our personality ...
Bobbi Brown x Balthazar Afternoon Tea
How fab does a Bobbi Brown afternoon tea sound? If you’re in London this year then you can find out exactly how fab it is, by heading to Balthazar, where this special afternoon tea is happening. “Balthazar is one of my favorite restaurants, and it just happens to be located two blocks from my office...
Clinique Chubby Foundation & new Boots No7 base
I LOVE a new foundation. I love wearing a base, and have absolutely loads of them, for all different occasions, times of year, climates, etc. So, I’ve been happily trialling two brand new bases for the last few weeks. First up, and on counter yesterday is Boots No7 Beautifully Matte Light Foundation...
Charles Worthington's New Instant Root Concealer Powder
When I first saw these root concealing powders, what, a few years ago, I was sceptical. I couldn’t try them either, as my hair was scarlet red, and they tended to just come in more natural shades. But, since my hair makeover last month, my hair now falls into the more ‘normal’ category, so, when I was...
NEW Nails at Autograph M&S beauty
I love a new nail polish. I have literally DOZENS of bottles in a drawer, thanks to my job, of course, but even before I was a beauty writer, I was a nail polish junkie. Of course, they don’t last forever, so you are allowed to treat yourself to a new one now and then. I also love having my nails done...
Brows Are It say MAC!
MAC has just launched a brand new brow collection with everything you will ever need (other than your own threader/waxer/plucker) to keep your brows on point! Brows shape your face. You need them! MAC Senior Artist Cher Webb told me over lunch recently that she would take brows over mascara and lipstick...
Go Pop with Clinique!
Clinique have launched two more ‘Pop’ products this month – the Pop Lacquer Lip Colour + Primer, and the Clinique Lid Pop. The Lid Pop is almost too beautiful to use, and will end up in the drawer in my house, alngside the Cheek Pop I have never used! The Lid Pop is a beautiful floral moulded eye colour...
Mother's Day with Olay
It’s Mother’s Day this weekend, so don’t forget to treat the most important woman in your life. But, there’s no need to go overboard. I am overwhelmed with press releases and gift ideas at this time of year, and I know that my mum would be mad if she thought I had spent a fortune on her. The best thing...
Origins Maskimizer and new Mask!
Did you know Origins are the No.1 mask brand in the UK? Well, they are. So, it’s no surprise that they have come up with something new and innovative in the face mask game – The Maskimizer! It is a bit of a rubbish pun-based name, but I will forgive them that for because it’s an interesting, new, product...
ZAC POSEN for MAC
This is a MAC collaboration I really like- another one! There is something uber-chic about this collection, and if you are a MAC addict, then you need to get it in your life now! New York designer Zac Posen, known for his timeless, yet dazzling designs, has collaborated with MAC on a collection that...
Bourjois Souffle de Velvet
Bourjois have just launched a new matte, with a difference. The new Souffle de Velvet is a ‘sheer matte’ which sounds like a bit of a contradiction of terms, but that’s what it is. It delivers a blushed lips effect, and is light, easy to wear, and is enriched with hydration-guarding agents. It has a...
MAC's Flamingo Park
This new collection from MAC is FABULOUS! This spring collection is all about gorgeous, punchy pinks, and it’s kitsch-tastic! The campaign images are so cute, evoking the collection’s sweetness. The products are great – and there are loads of them! Where do we even begin. I included a couple on my pink...
Aveda's Daily Light Guard
Aveda’s latest big launch is a sunscreen for the face, to help prevent ageing from the sun. Sadly, when the sun shines, mixed with our joy is fear of it burning, or ageing us. The sun is wonderful – and we do need some Vitamin D, but we have to be careful of its rays, and not getting too much of it....
Rose Quartz Pinks
Pantone’s Color of the Year this year is actually two – Rose Quartz and Serenity – that’s baby pink and baby blue to you and me! But there’s more scope for wearable makeup with Rose Quartz, so that’s what I am bringing you today – gorgeous, wearable, pale pinks, for cheeks, lips, eyes and nails. Let...
New Michael Kors fragrances
More fragrance this Friday, this time from Michael Kors. One is out now,the other is coming in March, so this is a sneak peek. Sexy Sunset (not sure I am in love with that name) is, of course, inspired by the ‘radiant glow of a sunset’. It has top notes of Nashi pear, blackcurant, freesia and lotus ...
Limited Edition Liz Earle Rose & Cedrat Cleanse & Polish
I’ve been living in a bit of a rose-scented world of late, with last week’s products and fragrance post, and now this lovely new Limited Edition Rose & Cedrat Cleanse & Polish. I was a bit of a late convert to the glory of Cleanse & Polish, and I am still not completely in love with the scent of the...
Ellie Goulding for MAC
I am not the biggest fan of Ellie Goulding. I don’t really like her voice, and she, well, she kind of just irritates. However, I am a fan of her collection with MAC. It’s lovely. It’s very, well, Ellie Goulding. Very nude and neutral. But…I really like it. It’s a surprise for a bold, bight, red-lipstick...
Smelling of Roses...
Who wants roses for Valentine’s Day? Yep, me too, but I’d also be equally happy with something rose-scented, because I love it. Rose is a bit of a Marmite scent – many of us love it, or really dislike it. But when you think of rose today, it’s not the cloying, sickly, fake scent your granny’s talc used...
Molton Brown Perfect Matches!
This is one for the lovers, the perfect partners, the romantics, and Valentine’s Day enthusiasts! Molton Brown are celebrating three perfect fragrance partners to celebrate the perfect partners of Valentine’s Day! I quite like this campaign, and the lovely fragrances. So, buy one, or buy the pair, as...
Girl Meets Brush
This is an interesting new concept from makeup artist Lynne Mills (co-creator of the Miss Flicklash lashes – eyelashes with a liner flick – which are now made by Eyelure). Essentially, it’s makeup brushes, but, with a twist – buy the brushes AND the expertise, in actual, real-life, form. Lynne’s aim...
Clarins launch Multi Active Day & Night Cream
If you are aged between 30 and 39, then you need the new Clarins Multi Active Day & Night Cream collection in your beauty regime. Using cutting-edge technology and the power of plants, Clarins has created a non-stop skin care duo, which will help the key cell responsible for youthful skin – the fibroblast...
Bobbi Brown Red & Pink Valentine's Day Collection
Pink or red? Red or pink? Or both? That’s the dilemma at Bobbi Brown this Valentine’s Day with their lovely, bright, bold Red & Pink Collection. Perfect for the most romantic day of the year (apparently), the Red & Pink collection is well, yep, you’ve guessed it, pink and red products! There are six...
Get a Pep-Start with Clinique
Clinique’s new eye cream, Pep Start, has launched with a heavy social media campaign, and its very own hashtag – #imin. Are you in? The new eye cream contains a blend of seven peptides (hence the name) to help maintain collagen that can be threatened by stress, fatigue and lack of sleep – the tell-tale...
Mariah Carey for MAC
I put the TV on the other morning and found myself face-to-face with a very smooth looking Mariah Carey, flashing a GINORMOUS engagement ring at the Breakfast show presenter! The day before, I had been discussing Mariah with the MAC PR team, as the ultimate diva songstress has collaborated with MAC ...
Yardley 1770 for Men
Here’s a little Valentine’s Day treat for the man in your life. You know how most men’s fragrances normally have that fresh, clean, smell? Well, this is something completely different. I’ll let top perfumer Jean Charles Mignon, of Robertet UK explain. He co- created this new Yardley 1770, after all…...
Clinique Kiss It Better 2016
Clinique’s Kiss It Better 2016 campaign is underway, and the products produced this year for the charitable cause are just lovely. Clinique partners for the twelfth year running with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity for the KISS IT BETTER appeal – raising money to fund research into the...
Tom Ford SS16 Runway Makeup Collection
For true makeup aficionados, a new Tom Ford collection landing on counters is a moment of joy. And this one includes a BRAND NEW PRODUCT! I can’t contain my excitement. Well, okay, I can, because I’ve not actually seen it yet, but from what I have seen and heard, the new Tom Ford Patent Finish Lip Color...
Summer with Miss Sporty
Teenagers are much more makeup-savvy than I was, back in the 80s, right? Most of them are blogging, or vlogging, with huge followings. But a regular teenager can’t spend loads on makeup brands, so what’s out there for beauty budgets? How about Miss Sporty? The Coty brand is specifically targeted at ...
Estee Lauder's New Dimension Phase 2
Last September Estee Lauder launched their New Dimension transformative collection – and now comes New Dimension Phase 2. The hashtag for this collection is #BestAngle, and it’s all about shapes and angles – empowering women to transform and define their appearance, without fillers, surgery, etc. The...
Tea & Nails with Crabtree & Evelyn
New nail polish is always a good thing, and at Crabtree & Evelyn, there are lots of lovely new spring shades to choose from. Oh, and whilst you’re at it, how about some detox tea?! I had completely forgotten that Crabtree & Evelyn did teas and infusions (and biscuits, and sweets, and jams, but let’s...
Max Factor's #GlamJan #WearYourRed
I’m maybe a bit late to the party with this one, but have you been enjoying a #GlamJan? Max Factor have been trying to get us to embrace the glamour all month, by simply wearing the most glamorous of beauty products – red lipstick! Using the hashtag #WearYourRed, alongside #GlamJan, it’s been a very...
Gorgeous Rose from Melvita
Melvita’s new Nectar de Roses collection Rose Petal Shower Gel has kept me sane this January! Showering every morning has been made that little bit easier with this lovely product. Melvita captured the freshness of rose petals from three wild roses in their lovely Roses Sauvages Eau de Toilette. Apparently...
Winter Skincare regime
Have you changed your skincare regime this winter? If the answer is ‘no’, then tut tut to you! You really should change your regime in the winter. Your skin needs a little bit more TLC when the weather isn’t great, the central heating is up higher, and we all feel a little bloated and lifeless after...
#UDxGWEN Part Two!
Yes, that means more Gwen Stefani and Urban Decay makeup is now available. You didn’t think they’d stop at just one eye palette, did you? The Urban Decay team didn’t spend all that time with the pop diva for just that palette, gorgeous as it is. So, here it is #UDxGWEN Part 2. And it’s fantastic. I ...
Cult Beauty - Alpha H Liquid Gold
Whilst it’s always great to celebrate new launches in the beauty world- and there are more than enough of them to do that on this blog every week – there are some cult beauty products we just love to celebrate. Classics that have stood the test of time, maintained their best-selling status, and products...
Paul Mitchell Cruelty Free 2016
Paul Mitchell is well-known as a cruelty free brand, and that’s probably because they make a point of continuing to shout about it. It’s part of their identity, says their latest campaign, with the tagline ‘Never have done, never will’ Founded in 1980 by friends Paul Mitchell and John Paul DeJoria, ...
Clarins new Lipstick and Lip Base
Clarins are launching two new products perfect for getting your lips ready for any Valentine’s Day smooching! New Joli Rouge Brilliant Lipstick and Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base both launch this month. The Instant Light Lip Perfecting Base will make lipstick last even longer. It’s a transparent ...
New brands at M&S beauty for 2016
Marks & Spencer Beauty has been a big hit, and this year seems more brands launch into M&S beauty halls across the country, and even more online. Josh Wood, Coriolis, Pulsaderm, Micro Pedi/Nail, Amerliorate, Magnitone, Eyeko, LGFB Make up brushes, Fillerina, and Alpha H are all new to M&S. So, who are...
Face Masks from Bobbi Brown
Here’s something brand new from Bobbi Brown – Face Masks. It’s all very well applying great makeup, but the canvas on which you work has to be the best it can be, right? So, this Face Mask trio should help – particularly at this time of year when skin can really suffer. Bobbi’s Face Masks address three...
NEW Benefit POREfessional Weapons!
Benefit launch two new weapons in their fight against pores at the end of this month, and I just love the creativity of this little franchise in the Benefit brand. The POREfessional lauched a few years ago, the original primer, and with these two new additions, that makes five in the line. First up ...
Smart Beauty Express Hair Colour
Having dyed hair really is a heck of an upkeep, right? I don’t know about you, but between salon visits, I love to give my locks a bit of a pick-up. Sometimes I use a semi-permanent hair dye, other times I use something like this – a sort of hair colour/conditioner hybrid. There are a few on the market...
Hello Kitty by OPI
I am a HUGE Hello Kitty fan – have been for years – so this new OPI Hello Kitty Collection made me smile. Yes, it’s not that exciting, just nail polishes with Hello Kitty images on the bottles, but the colours are nice, OPI is a great brand, and if you need a new polish and love Hello Kitty, then why...
Lily James's Golden Globes hair
WOW. Lily James looked anything but Cinderella-like at the Golden Globes on Sunday night in Hollywood. She also looked so far removed from her Downton Abbey Character, Rose, she was hardly recognisable. She looked beautiful – ethereal, feminine, with a proper edge about her. Her pared down neutral makeup...
Eyes Open with Bobbi Brown's latest mascara
Revlon may have launched a whole mascara collection to start 2016 – see this post, but Bobbi Brown has just launched one more to add to her growing mascara family. The Eye Opening Mascara actually landed on counter on December 31, so maybe some of you have already trialed it for the new year? Bobbi ...
Revlon's new Mascara Collection
Yes, you read that headline right, Revlon isn’t just launching ONE new mascara, but a whole COLLECTION! All the mascaras you could ever need (and more), all at once. You don’t have to buy then all, of course – just choose the one that does what you want done to your lashes the most. So, the five mascaras...
Chanel's Spring LA Sunrise Collection
If you need an incentive to get to the end of January, then here it is in makeup form. Chanel’s LA Sunrise collection – out at the end of the month – inspired by mornings in the US West Coast city, is so vibrant, bright and alive, it made me just want to sit and stare at imagery of LA on the internet...
Elizabeth Arden's Flawless New Year start
Elizabeth Arden start the year with a new primer that promises to make you look five years younger. I’m not sure that can actually happen, but let’s look at the primer in question. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer, out this week, fuses skincare benefits with cosmetics, and smoothes...
Estee Lauder's NEW Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Creme Oil Free
When face creams are succesful, it’s not unusual for another formula of the same cream to follow. Estee Lauder are doing just that in January with their new Revitalizing Supreme Light Global Anti-Aging Creme Oil-Free. It is what is says it is – oil-free. If you are not familiar with the range, or the...
bareMinerals bareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer
It’s wee bit of a sneak peek into the future with this one, but bareMinerals will launch a concealer to complement their bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation next year. bareSkin Complete Coverage Serum Concealer will launch in February, continuing the trend for hybrid skincare/makeup which has...
Creme de la Mer The Lifting Eye Serum
Here’s a new one for all you Creme de la Mer fans to spend any Christmas cash on – The Lifting Eye Serum, out next month. Continuing its commitment to deliver optimal benefits that lift the look of skin, Crème de la Mer introduces The Lifting Eye Serum with its new Stretch Matrix Complex to visibly ...
Clarins Super Restorative New Launches
Clarins Super Restorative range is targeted at women aged 45+ and in the new year adds two new products to its range – Super Restorative Hand Cream, and Super Restorative Decollete and Neck Concentrate. Let’s star with the latter. The decollete and neck is an area of the body often exposed to external...
Hangover remedies for New Year
Hogmanay in a few days time, and that means we’ll all most likely be over-indulging in alcohol as we say farewell to 2015 and usher in a new year. Always a good idea at the time, but never a good idea the morning after and there really is no cure for a hangover, or is there? Apparently this little bottle...
Cult Beauty - Clinique Chubby
Whilst it’s always great to celebrate new launches in the beauty world- and there are more than enough of them to do that on this blog every week – there are some cult beauty products we just love to celebrate. Classics that have stood the test of time, maintained their best-selling status, and products...
Accessorize Sweet Lotus Collection
This Accessorize Sweet Lotus collection seems an odd one to launch in November, but really, when you think about it, it’s nice to have something floral and fresh at this time of year, yeah? And this lovely collection is aimed at travel – so time to daydream about long summer nights, high temperatures...
Limited Edition Lush Scents
These Limited Edition Lush scents aren’t around for long, so get online now and grab one, two, three, or all four! Lush has come up with a number of inventions over the years to showcase their top selling fragrances but this Christmas they have been captured and made in their purest form, as a liquid...
Eight if you're late! Last Minute Gifts!
Still got Christmas gifts to buy? Don’t worry, you still have a little bit of time! And here’s a wee bit of help with my ‘Eight if you’re late’ round up of beauty gifts! If you have a teenager to grab something for then you could do a lot worse than Japanese fashion brand Superdry’s beauty range. They...
Estee Lauder Micro Essence Infusion Masks
Skin feeling and looking a little bit tired and dull? Then what you need is a boost from Estee Lauder’s new Micro Essence Infusion face masks. These new sheet masks (a pack of six will set you back £50), have been produced to complement Asia’s best-selling Estee Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating ...
Cult Beauty - Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
Whilst it’s always great to celebrate new launches in the beauty world- and there are more than enough of them to do that on this blog every week – there are some cult beauty products we just love to celebrate. Classics that have stood the test of time, maintained their best-selling status, and products...
Star Wars Space Age Nails
The new Star Wars movie is out this week (in case you hadn’t heard…), and the Star Wars tat memorabilia is everywhere. I was browsing Instagram the other day, and saw LOADS of amazing Star Wars nail art posts, like this one, below. For all my Star Wars lovers! #nailsbykimmie #utahcounty #handpaintednailart...
Vidal Sassoon Infra Radiance Hot Air Styler
When I was a teenager I loved a beauty gadget, and, in particular, anything that would aid with the removal of the curls from my hair. A big ask, yes, but crimpers, rollers, tongs, etc, all had varying degrees of success, so I had them all. Later in life, when curls were more acceptable (and GHDs were...
Beauty Stocking Fillers
Still not got all your Christmas shopping done? Maybe you just have those few wee bits’n’bobs to pick up now, but are devoid of inspiration? It happens! That’s why I have rounded up a few beauty-themed stocking fillers for you! First up, this cute litte sponge from The Body Shop! Hang him on the tree...
Cult Beauty - Miss Dior
Whilst it’s always great to celebrate new launches in the beauty world- and there are more than enough of them to do that on this blog every week – there are some cult beauty products we just love to celebrate. Classics that have stood the test of time, maintained their best-selling status, and products...
Rimmel's Holiday Star Collection
It’s Christmas, so it’s time to bling it up a bit with the old makeup, and give a bit of glitter a go. Or just try a festive red lipstick for a change? Rimmel have put together this lovely Holiday Star look which is festive, bling-ish, but also pretty understated. How lovely does Georgia-May Jagger ...
Christmas Beauty Gifts
Christmas. Just another 15 sleeps to go! And that means only 15 shopping days left too. So, if you’re still looking for gifts, then here are a few for the beauty fans in your life – no matter what type of beauty fan they are… Lets start with THE HOME LOVER. We all know one of these – candles and diffusers...
Get X Factor Louisa's Look
Reggie and Bollie might be fun, but surely 17-year-old Louisa Johnson has to take the X Factor title this weekend? The teenager with the huge voice has blown the rest of the out of the water. And she looks great too! We caught up with X Factor Makeup Designer, Julia Carta, who talked us through how ...
Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream All Over Miracle Oil
Now, here’s a launch that made me sit up and take notice! I am a big fan of Elizabeth Arden’s iconic Eight Hour Cream (watch out for it in the cult beauty category soon), so I was thrilled to try their new Eight Hour Cream All-Over Miracle Oil. It’s one of those multi-taskers that are actually brilliant...
Brrrr...it's bathtime!
Who doesn’t love a long, hot, soak on a winter’s night? It’s cold out there, so get cosy and relax in the bath! I love a bath, and I am always looking for something new to put in it. So, here’s a round-up of some of the best bathtime products out there. Scottish Fine Soap’s Au Lait Milk Bath Powder ...
Cult Beauty - Paul Mitchell The Originals
Whilst it’s always great to celebrate new launches in the beauty world- and there are more than enough of them to do that on this blog every week – there are some cult beauty products we just love to celebrate. Classics that have stood the test of time, maintained their best-selling status, and products...
Aesop comes to Scotland
Aesop are an Australian beauty brand, founded in 1987, in Melbourne, and now a worldwide name, with lots of stores – and last month they opened their first in Scotland, in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge area. Nestled in the Georgian New Town, Stockbridge is an area full of well-heeled Edinburghers who will...
Glitter Nails from L'Oreal and Mavala
It’s December – and that means you can officially wear glitter anytime, anywhere! The festive season isn’t complete without a little bit of sparkle, and there’s nothing prettier than glittery, sparkly nails. I’ve been using two cute little top coats/polishes of late, from L’Oreal and Mavala. The reason...
Bobbi Brown Sterling Nights Collection
This new collection from Bobbi Brown came out about a month ago, but if you haven’t seen it yet, have a look – it’s lovely for this time of year, and it has some interesting new products in it. Sterling Nights was inspired by a recent trip Bobbi had to South Africa, and the jewel-toned hues and star...
MAC Berry Black Friday
It’s Black Friday, and that means shopping madness takes over the world. There are loads of Black Friday deals out there in the beauty world – far too many to mention. Not to mention the great deals on 5pm Spa and Beauty every day of the year. So, I’m sort of passing Black Friday by on the blog, for...
Smith & Cult Nails
There is so much to love about this new nail polish brand I’ve recently discovered. New to me,and new to Space NK in the UK this August, Smith & Cult is from the US team behind the beauty brand, Hard Candy – remember that?! Hard Candy was/is a pretty cool cult brand, so it’s no surprise that Smith &...
Cult Beauty - MAC Strobe Cream
Whilst it’s always great to celebrate new launches in the beauty world- and there are more than enough of them to do that on this blog every week – there are some cult beauty products we just love to celebrate. Classics that have stood the test of time, maintained their best-selling status, and products...
Urban Decay Vice 4 and Gwen Stefani
Urban Decay are known for their palettes – amazing collections of brilliant eye colours from neutral nudes to bold brights and everything in between. Recently they launched Vice 4 – more on that one later. But let’s talk about their Gwen Stefani collaboration… Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani lands later ...
Winter warming candles
Scented candles are big business – I don’t know many people who don’t have at least one in their house, and they’re particularly lovely to light in the autumn and winter. So, I’ve rounded up a few to share with you, to scent your home this Christmas, or as a festive gift. 1. Space NK Shimmering Spice...
Tom Ford Lips and Boys are BACK!
Tom Ford launched his LIPS AND BOYS collection last year around this time, but it was only available in limited places, for a limited time. This year, he’s brought it back, expanded it, and expanded where you can get it! Lips And Boys are mini Tom Ford Lipsticks, all named after men in Tom’s life. Men...
Jo Malone London Christmas 2015
JO MALONE LONDON always produce similar gifts in their Christmas Collection, so the surprise is more in the theming and styling of the range. For 2015, mistletoe is the chosen festive symbol, and gorgeous Christmas greens the predominant colours. The Christmas campaign images are just wonderfully retro...
YSL Christmas Kiss & Love
YSL’s Christmas 2015 collection, Kiss & Love, which launched last week, is simple. I already discussed the Limited Edition version of the Touche Eclat in the Cult Beauty slot last week. The rest of the collection is also lip imprint embossed, very pretty, and, er, very small. Which is actually a good...
Cult Beauty - YSL Touche Eclat
Whilst it’s always great to celebrate new launches in the beauty world- and there are more than enough of them to do that on this blog every week – there are some cult beauty products we just love to celebrate. Classics that have stood the test of time, maintained their best-selling status, and products...
VENeffect @ Space NK
For the past week I have been using a completely new skincare beand, VENeffect. This American brand, stocked at Space NK in the UK is the brainchild of two sisters – Rebecca Booth, MD, a gynaecologist and hormonal wellness expert, and Cecil Booth, a 28-year-old beauty industry veteran. Chicago-based...
Autumn, Chanel-style!
Chanel have created two gorgeous collections for the last part of 2015. Their autumn colour collection has been on counter since the end of August, but I haven’t featured it let, and I can’t let it pass. Tomorrow we’ll explore Christmas with Chanel, but first autumn… Les Automnales celebrates the shades...
Always Remembered with Elizabeth Arden Always Red
Elizabeth Arden has long supported women throughout their war efforts, even creating a red lipstick for female US Marines to wear as part of their standard issue uniform in WWII. So, with this in mind, Elizabeth Arden are supporting The Royal British Legion with an Always Red charity initiative. As ...
Beauty Advent Calendars 2015
Forget the chocolate, or the even more retro pictures behind the windows of your advent calendar – we want beauty products! And full-size ones too! Where there used to be just one or two beauty advent calendars to choose from, there are now, well, loads! Here are eight of the best! Clarins Beauty Advent...
Preen Elizabeth Arden Gift with Purchase
If you love a beauty gift with purchase, and you’re a fashion fan, then you’ll like the latest from Elizabeth Arden and their fashion favourites, Preen. Their festive Gift With Purchase collaboration with the brand sees Preen design another cute makeup bag, which is filled with Arden goodies. Originally...
Tom Ford Noir AW15 Makeup
I have to confess that I love a dark festive makeup collection. I’m not a huge fan of pale at the best of times, but when the weather turns, and the nights get shorter, and we all start thinking about our festive parties, I think a good old smokey eye, a lot of glitter, and a bold red lip are the perfect...
Nails Inc Halloween Nail Art
Have I mentioned I love Hallowe’en? Just once or twice? I promise this is the last Hallowe’en post for this year! Some gorgeous Nails Inc nail art! Nails Inc have created four lovely Hallowe’en looks, and here’s how to do them yourself! Look 1 – Leather & skulls Using: silver skull and glue from Nails...
Winter Skincare
The clocks go back this weekend, signalling the end of British summertime. Of course, any ‘summer’ we had ended a while ago, right? But have you changed your skincare routine accordingly? What you use in the summer is probably not good enough come the shorter nights and colder days of the autumn/winter...
Halloween Makeup Tutorials I Love
So, I’m having a Halloween party – yay! I love Halloween, and dressing up, well, horribly. As I got married this year, I thought my husband and I would make the perfect Zombie bride and groom (don’t worry mum, I’m not going to wreck my actual wedding dress!). The theme of fancy dress for my party is...
Origins Comfort Mood Body Range
New from Origins, the Comfort Mood body range addresses, well, a pretty neglected part of us – our whole body! Whilst you may have the best skincare regime for your face, I bet you neglect that body. I know I do! I know I keep going on about this, but when I look down at my poor, dry, legs, I have to...
Cult Beauty - Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish
Whilst it’s always great to celebrate new launches in the beauty world- and there are more than enough of them to do that on this blog every week – there are some cult beauty products we just love to celebrate. Classics that have stood the test of time, maintained their best-selling status, and products...
NEW Aramis Black
Aramis is one of those men’s fragrances that we all know, and probably still associate with dads and granddads – which is no bad thing, and the original Aramis is a lovely classic men’s scent. BUT, if then men in your life are younger,then they might appreciate this new take on Aramis better. Aramis...
Pretty Eye Palettes
Eye makeup is amazing, but it’s one thing that I tend to only really go big on on ‘special occasions’. It’s quite an effort, and, if you’re not in the mood, a bit of a chore. But a new eye palette is a piece of makeup to die for – an absolute treat. So, here are four fab eye palettes I’ve been having...
Skinade Collagen Drink
For 30 days recently I drank Skinade every morning, one of the latest collagen drinks on the market. I have to admit I have never been one for beauty supplements. I dislike swallowing tablets of any sort, so popping collagen pills has never had much appeal. Drinking something not that pleasant every...
Body Moisturiser Bargains
You know how it is. You get back your holiday and you try to eke out the very last of your tan. I’m not one for faking it, so when I get a little bit of a natural glow, I do like to hang on to it as long as I can. So, I get very regimented with my body moisturising, er, regime. But…hands up who forgets...
DKNY Be Desired
Apples! I’ve been surrounded by them of late, with my mum’s apple tree providing me with more than I know what to do with. And my vintage collection of ice buckets includes three in apple form. So, it’s fitting that the latest fragrance to land on my desk is the newest in the DKNY Delicious range – ...
Bourjois Fuchsia Mania
I LOVE this fab campaign image for the new Bourjois Fuchsia Mania Collection. It’s so 80s-tastic, it takes me right back. Fuchsia Mania is four versions of fuchsia, from bluish reds to purples, with four new shades and four highlighted ones, in two lip finishes – Rouge Edition, and Rouge Edition Velvet...
Luxe Lip Color from Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown has just launched some lovely new lipsticks – Luxe Lip Color. Featuring gorgeous, sumptuous, gold packaging, and a luxurious new formula, these are, to paraphrase (or totally plagiarise!) a well-known brand’s slogan, not just any lipstick…! This new formula delivers treatment benefits as...
Alpha-H Liquid Gold is 15!
Are you familiar with Australian skincare brand, Alpha-H? If not, then I suggest you get yourself familiarised with them immediately! One of my faves, their cult product and best-seller is Liquid Gold, and it’s 15 years old this year! To celebrate Alpha-H, who regularly sell on TV shopping channel, ...
Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Oil Cream
Here’s another night-time treat, a rich and luxurious oil-based cream from Darphin. Their 8-Flower Nectar Oil Cream delivers the ingredients from Darphin’s 8-Flower Nectar Essential Oil Elixir in a rich oil cream. The ‘recipe’ is an oil emulsion in water. So, when you apply the cream on the skin, the...
Clinique Smart Night Custom-Repair Moisturizer
Apparently, every day, women are doing at least four things at once. Of course we are! So, at night, Clinique reckon we should let our skin be the multi-tasker, resting and repairing whilst we get much-needed sleep. And, of course, Clinique have the perfect product to help make your skin work as hard...
Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty
October heralds the beginning of a month of pink products in the beauty world, as Breast Cancer Awareness month begins again. The charitable initiative provides you with the opportunity to buy some lovely Limited Edition products with the knowledge that you are donating to a worthwhile cause. So, let...
Clarins Christmas Essentials Eyeshadow Palette
Clarins launch this year’s Christmas (Yes, we know, but it is October this week!) eyeshadow palette next month, another ten-shadow palette perfect for every autumnal and festive look you could ever want. The Clarins Essentials Christmas Palette includes matte and satin finishes of mineral powder eyeshadows...
Avon and Rimmel new mascaras
It’s mascara time! Mascara must be the second beauty product I have tried the most of (behind red lipsticks!), as there always seems to be a new one launching. Recently I have been faithful to the Max Factor Masterpiece mascara that launched back in October last year. But, duty calls, so I have been...
Gardener's Hands? Here's some help!
For as long as I can remember my parents have spent time in the garden. Probably out of necessity more than love, having a large garden, but they have to enjoy it too, right? So, also for as long as I can remember, I have bought my parents gardening themed gifts. I know my mum in particular therefore...
Melvita's Nectar Supreme
Melvita launch Nectar Supreme this month – a face cream that is apparently for all skin types, and all ages. Which is thanks to something called Kniphofia. Which is a flower, more commonly known as a Red Hot Poker. My parents have these beautiful flowers in their garden, but I had no idea that they ...
Pixi by Petra
It’s always nice to discover new beauty brands -and there are hundreds out there, trust me! The latest I have come across is Pixi by Petra, a brand created by Petra Strand, over 10 years ago. (So, yes, I am late to this party!). I haven’t tried much of the brand, and there is, obviously, a huge makeup...
Origins Three Part Harmony Range
Origins have a huge launch this month – their new Three Part Harmony range for mature skin. This one is aimed at skin that’s 50+ and comprises – at the moment – two products, a cream and a serum. The number one concern in mature skin is dryness, and products you like when you hit 50+ tend to be more...
Kiko Milano Rebel Romantic Limited Edition collection
If you haven’t discovered Italian makeup brand, Kiko Milano, then you must! It’s a lovely brand, really luxurious-looking, and yet the prices are pretty budget. Kiko has been around since 1997, and, having had family in Milan since 1992, I have seen it over there. But it wasn’t until the last few years...
Holly Fulton for Simple
Simple has teamed up with Scottish fashion designer Holly Fulton to create a Limited Edition Design Collection for their No.1 selling Kind To Skin Cleansing Wipes, making them the fashion week must-have beauty essential. As well as being a leading figure on the Fashion Week circuit – London Fashion ...
Clarins FEED 10 Gift With PURPOSE
Once again Clarins launch their Gift with PURPOSE, in the shape of their Feed 10 Gift With Purchase. Buy two skincare products and you will get this lovely gift for nothing, and help the UN World Food Programme. Clarins successfully ran this initiative last year, so they’re doing it again. The collaboration...
Weekend Break Beauty
It’s the September weekend in Edinburgh this weekend, and Glasgow next weekend, so, are you heading off anywhere? Maybe a wee city break? A sunshine weekend? Or just hanging out in Scotland. Wherever you are off to, you will need to take your beauty essentials. But what beauty essentials?! It’s always...
New Perfumes for Autumn
Let’s celebrate Autumn’s arrival with a new perfume! In my book, there is always time in your life for a new perfume. I am obsessed by fragrance, mainly thanks to a 15-year-career as a beauty journalist, but even before that I was a huge fragrance fan. In recent years, I have become obsessed with Tom...
Lovely Lip Balms
Lip balms aren’t really my friend. I really hate watching people jab their finger in a pot and swirl it over their lips, again, and again, and again. However, I do have to use lip balm from time to time, and particularly when the colder weather starts to kick in. No-one wants chapped lips. But..I’m ...
Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum
There seems to be a lot of new lauches of late for the more mature, or very dry skin. There is a new Origins range coming soon – more on that next week – but for now, it’s Liz Earle launching their Superskin Face Serum. Every launch in beauty seems to have a hashtag with it, and this one is #slowtheticking...
Pink Out Loud with Paul Mitchell
As we all know, every October the beauty industry goes pink for breast cancer in Breast Cancer Awareness month. Various brands and companies give to different breast cancer charity and Paul Mitchell will give to the CoppaFeel! charity this year for the second year running. Kris Hallenga was diagnosed...
New Brushes from Bare Minerals
Bare Minerals have launched a few new brushes to their range, which sees them as the No1 makeup brush brand in the UK. Being a powder-based brand, that’s not surprising, as most of their products need applied with a brush, and one of the new brushes launched is the Beautiful Finish brush (£26) for use...
Clarins revamp Joli Rouge Lipstick
Clarins have revamped and relaunched their Joli Rouge Lipsticks. The lipsticks have been revamped with a new moisture-enriched formula, and there are now LOADS of shades to choose from. The colour on these lipsticks is great – it has a little bit of shimmer about it, a lot of pigments, and a lot of ...
Thicker/ fuller hair with Charles Worthington
Thicker, fuller hair. It’s what we all want, apparently. And hair thinning is a real problem for many women. If you have spent a lifetime bleaching and colouring you hair, like me, you might need a little help from time to time with giving your hair a bit of a boost. So, take Charles Worthington Thicker...
Tom Ford Color Fall/AutumnWinter 15
Last month I blogged about the new Tom Ford AW15 Flawless Face products – now this is the second part of the ‘Fall 2015’ Color Collection – the colour! Now, there are a few new products in this collection- and a few ‘repromotes’ – which just means bringing existing colours more to the forefront again...
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Corrector and Concealer
Bobbi Brown launched their Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40 in April this year, a hybrid foundation/skincare product which also was brilliant at concealing redness. Now, they’re releasing two new products to sit alongside the foundation – the Intensive Skin Serum Corrector, and Intensive Skin Serum...
Philosophy The Microdelivery Overnight Peel
Philosophy launch a new skincare product this month – an overnight peel. It’s a two-stage, leave-on, anti-ageing peel which will help with wrinkles, loss of firmness and enlarged pores. Bring it to us! So, this two step product combines the micro-exfoliation of a peel, with the restorative benefits ...
Joyride with Bedhead
I can remember when TIGI launched the original Bed Head product, which was (and still is) ‘a hairstick for cool people’. I think that was about 12 years ago, and since then Bed Head has developed from just one wax stick to a whole range of all sorts of products for your hair. The latest product is JOYRIDE...
Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom launch
Jo Malone launch new Cologne, Mimosa & Cardamom this month, and campaign-wise, it’s my favourite for a while. Scent-wise, I also find it intriguing, quite more-ish, and quite masculine, in that it reminds me of a fragrance a male friend of mine wore some years ago. I have no idea what that scent was...
Five Facial Oils
I have a sort of love/hate relationship with facial oils. I have tried LOADS over the last few years, and they just keep on coming. Facial oils are NOT just for dry skin. Many of them are actually much better for oily skin than any moisturising cream. However, sometimes, I find them too heavy, sometimes...
Vamplify Lips with MAC
Vamplify is the newest Lip Gloss by MAC, launched, probably their most dramatic lip gloss yet. Loaded with high-powered pigments it really does give full-on colour. You only need one swipe, and your lips are loaded with colour. It’s also very nourishing and moisturising thanks to natural oils in the...
Estee Lauder New Dimension Transformative Collection
It’s ALL about contouring at the moment in beauty. Those saggy jowels are being dealt with! After Clinique’s new range, and Temple’s Spa’s The Contourist mask, comes Estee Lauder’s New Dimension Transformative Collection. That’s not the snappiest name in the world, but it does promise to allow women...
The Contourist with Temple Spa - and Lady Gaga!
Only Lady Gaga could pop on sunglasses for a face mask #selfie! Apparently loads of celebs love taking pics of themselves with masks on, hey, why not? But Lady Gaga’s sunglasses-selfie back in May is just brilliant. The mask she’s wearing? The Contourist, by Temple Spa. ©ladygaga/instagram Not familiar...
Bobbi Brown goes Greige
Greige. It’s not the first time the beauty industry has used this hybrid name- a mix of beige and grey – to describe a shade. Back in 2010 we were all painting our nails various shades of Greige, a sort of mushroom/taupe shade, thanks to Chanel and their nail polish. The Greige Collection is a curated...
MAC Haute Dogs
Ha! I love the name of this collection from MAC, and the campaign images are just brilliant. So, if you are a canine lover, you’ll love this post – full of Haute Dogs. And you don’t get more high-fashion in a dog than an Afghan Hound or a Poodle, right?! MAC’s fun collection is actually very, very sophisticat...
MAC Viva Glam with Miley Cyrus II
Miley Cyrus returns once again as MAC’s Viva Glam campaign spokesperson. The star look very, well, blonde, in the new campaign images for the launch of her two products for this year’s charitable launch. So, Miley has launched a super-sexy bright orange lipstick and a co-ordinating lipglass with sparkling...
Sara Hill Makeup
This latest launch is a good one. It’s the makeup range by lovely Glasgow makeup artist Sara Hill, who I have known for a good few years now, and who is one of the hardest-working and successful women I know! Sara has been a makeup artist for 17 years, worked on countless campaigns in the beauty industry...
Sophia Webster & TONI&GUY
We buy our beauty and hair products on how they work, right? But sometimes, we are drawn in by the packaging. We all love a bit of pretty packaging, and are drawn to products on the shelf because of it. So, prepare to throw away your old shampoo etc when you see this fantastic Sophia Webster for TONI...
Kim Kardashian, Elizabeth Taylor and Cleopatra...
What do Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Kim Kardashian West have in common? Well, most likely nothing, really, but, thanks to US super beauty website / shop / edit / magazine / amazingonlinebeautythingIvejustdiscovered, VIOLET GREY, the three are linked together in a pretty gorgeous makeup cover story...
Michael Kors The Gold Collection
Michael Kors fragrance is really like bling in a bottle, agreed? I do love something about this fragrances, maybe that tuberose he loves so much. And I do love some of his blinging bottles! These three make up his latest fragrance launch, The Gold Collection. And you don’t get much more bling than gold...
Clinique Sculptwear Lift and Contour
Clinique’s latest launches focus on lifting and contouring – sculpting that face. No-one wants to mention saggy jowls, let alone have them! But, as time progresses, things do tend to head south. Beauty products are here to help! There are two new products, and a new head for your Clinique Sonic System...
Holiday in a Bottle
Holiday in a Bottle? Yes please! The sun’s shining on and off now, but we’re still dreaming of sunnier climes, and holidays, right? And then this little beauty arrived – Time Bomb Holiday in a Bottle. It’s the perfect little bottle of sunshine, when there is none. It’s not a stain, not a self-tan, or...
Recent Rimmel launches
Rimmel have recently launched a few new products, so here’s a quick update. Look out for a lot more to come in September/October too. Rimmel are definitely up there with some of the high-end brand when it comes to launches! First up they’ve just launched these new and improved Magnif’Eyes Mono Eyeshadow...
Candle with Benefits
Occasionally I get VERY excited about a beauty product, particularly a multi-purpose product – I like innovation in the beauty world. So, when this lovely Oskia Rose De Mai Massage, Body Oil and Treatment candle landed on my desk, I was intrigued – and excited. Made using the finest May Rose, nourishing...
Tom Ford Fall 2015 Flawless Face
Tom Ford launches his ‘Fall’ 2015 range in two parts – the first part, the Flawless Face. But let’s call that Autumn Winter 2015 or AW2015, as we’re not in the USA…Flawless Face is a small capsule collection of three new products – Powder Foundation, Skin Illuminating Powder, and Complexion Enhancing...
Superfood Beauty!
We are all aware of superfoods, right? Things like pomegranate, kale, goji berries, quinoa are all, apparently, very good for us. We should be consuming large amounts of them. And perhaps we should be using them in other forms as well. Like in beauty products, for instance! Superfood beauty is feeding...
Double Lining with Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown’s latest makeup technique, Double Lining, comes straight from New York Fashion Week. Bobbi works at NYFW and is constantly inspired by the makeup artists she works with. This technique has been perfected by Bobbi and those artists, and is a pretty interesting and new technique that we can...
White Stuff launch Body and Home Range
White Stuff launch their first ever body and home range later this month, just perfect for gift-giving. The fashion brand are know for their prints, and if you are a fan, you’ll be thrilled to know the packaging of the body and home range also carries some fantastic prints. There are three ranges within...
H&M Launch Beauty Range
H&M will soon launch their new, exhaustive beauty range, full of products from haircare, to makeup, to nails, body care and styling. H&M’s sister company, & Other Stories already has a huge beauty range, some of which I have written about before, and now H&M follow suit with a range that will include...
Not Just a Hairspray....
I had a little laugh when this information landed on my desk – all these uses for hairspray. Many of them are familiar, but I can’t say I have ever used hairspray to hold my clothes in place before… Hairdtrade.com have done some research into all the wrird and wonderful things we use the humble can ...
Danielle Romeril for Neutrogena
Irish fashion designer Danielle Romeril has designed some really smart packaging for Neutrogena’s Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit range. I have to admit to not being that au fait with the Dublin designer’s work, but she will present her sixth collection at London Fashion Week this September, so that’s...
Colour Your Way with Boots No7
Today sees the launch of a new colour cosmetics campaign from Boots No7, using contradictory statements about colour and feeling -think ‘serious pink’ and ‘quiet red’. No7 say it’s inspired by the belief that women use cosmetics to bring out how they’re feeling, not to cover themselves up. No7 want ...
Multi-Purpose Products
I love a multi-purpose product. Especially in the summer, or on holiday. Let’s be honest, there are probably plenty of us who have used a bit of lipstick on our cheeks at some point, yeah? But there are actual multi-purpose products out there, mostly for lips and cheeks, that are perfect for slinging...
Alpha H Absolute Eye Cream SPF15
Here’s one to set the TV timer for – the launch of a brilliant new Alpha H product as part of a QVC TSV (that’s a Today’s Special Value, in QVC-speak!). Let’s deal with that deal first. The date is August 13, and the Alpha H Absolute Eye Cream SPF15 will launch on that date exclusively as part of this...
Neom Treats On The Go
I LOVE these little treats from Neom. If you haven’t heard of the brand before, they’re a lovely natural beauty company based in Harrogate in Yorkshire, and they make gorgeous products, all with a wellbeing, feel-good factor. I have long been a fan of their candles, but this is the first time I had ...
Bubble T for the bath!
I couldn’t quite get on board with the craze that was Bubble Tea. Thankfully, it’s never quite taken off. I couldnt bring myself to sip a hot drink with tapioca balls floating around in it. But…I do quite like the Bubble T brand, who have taken the concept of this drink, and made it into a lovely beauty...
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy new eyes and lips
There’s a lot going on down Estee Lauder way at the moment – new launches galore! Let’s start this week with four brand new products, for eyes and lips. First up, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Eye Defining Singles eyeshadows (£20). This is a collection of 27 eyeshadow singles ranging from the softest...
Paul Mitchell's Ultimate Color Repair
Quinoa. What is it with this stuff? Gillian McKeith (her that flaked out on I’m A Celebrity creating some of the best TV ever) extolled the virtues of quinoa years ago on that programme she did on Channel 4 when she looked at people’s poo. Then we all started eating it (the quinoa, not the poo!). Except...
Label.M Honey & Oat Mask
Hair masks. Or masques, depending on brand. They really need to be my friend. If you have coloured wrecked hair like mine, then don’t do as I do (forget to use them!), do as I say, and make hair masks your friend. Start with this new one from label.m, the latest addition to their Honey & Oat range, ...
Clarins Super Restorative Remodelling Serum
I’m not sure this will entirely remodel your face – I think only surgery can do that, but the latest anti-ageing skincare from Clarins promises to reshape, redefine and restore radiance. The latest in the Super Restorative range, aimed at more mature skin, which has been affected by hormonal changes...
Bobbi Brown's Telluride Collection
So, in Bobbi Brown’s last collection, Sandy Nudes, there was a Telluride bronzer. I was wondering what on earth the name meant, and well, whadda ya know, it’s a place! Not just any place, but one of Bobbi Brown’s favourite places, a pretty little ski resort in Colorado. And it’s pronounced Tell-You-...
Origins Original Skin Face Mask
Origins have added a mask to their Original Skin range, the Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay. The Original Skin range was developed with 25+ age bracket in mind. Their hashtag #quarterlifecrisis goes with any social media chat on this range. So far, the range consists of two items – the...
After Sun
What do you use after a day in the sun – particularly if you have overdone it a bit, and are a wee bit pink – or even lobster-red. But let’s hope, after reading our facial suncare, and body suncare posts, you won’t be the latter. After sun is a tricky one. Do you buy a specific after sun or do you just...
Clarins' Charity Bracelet offer
Part of my summer holiday ritual is to stack my wrists with bracelets – friendship bracelets, silver bangles, you know the kind of thing. I don’t wear bracelets much any other time of year, but I love the look in summer. So, when I saw Clarins’ latest online offer, I was all over it. Buy a product, ...
Super Suncare
Okay, I know, we’ve had more rain than sun of late, but there are moments when it shines (today is a good day, yeah?!), and if you are off on holiday soon, you will need this super suncare guide! Following on from last week’s facial suncare post, it’s the turn of your body this week Don’t leave home...
Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme
A new Tom Ford fragrance – sigh. I LOVE Tom Ford perfume. It is, without a doubt, the biggest perk, and best discovery, of my time as a beauty journalist. From Black Orchid, to the Private Blends, with everything in between, I don’t think there is a Tom Ford fragrance I don’t like. This latest one is...
Facial suncare
Gone are the days of just slapping on a bit of your bottle of sunscreen onto your face. If you really care about your skin, then you should invest in a tube or two of dedicated facial suncare when you head off on your holidays. You should probably wear an SPF daily anyway, to keep ageing at bay – those...
Maria Sharapova's Beauty Faves
She might be out of this year’s Wimbledon, but tennis star Maria Sharapova can now make a trip to Harrods to stock up on her favourite beauty brand – SENSAI. The US tennis ace loves this premium Japanese brand, and she and her US based makeup arist, Andie Markoe-Byrne regularly use the products. “Our...
label.m Therapy Rejuvenating Oil Mist
This is someting new! Hooray! label.m have added a Rejuvenating Oil Mist to their Therapy range – that’s their haircare for hair like mine – totally ruined! This new Oil Mist is a really ultra-fine, illuminating Oil treatment, based on their best-selling Radiance Oil, but just a super-light version....
Emma Hardie's New Protect & Prime SPF30
I love Emma Hardie products – if you read this blog regularly, you will know that. But I am not exaggerating when I say her latest is my favourite of hers yet! The new Emma Hardie Amazing Face Protect & Prime SPF30 cream is absolutely brilliant. I used this the other morning, and then when I looked ...
What's Your Line, Clinique?
Clinique are inviting you to discover ‘What’s Your Line?’ with their latest collection focusing on the eyes. There are four new products in this little mini collection,all of them allowing you to create both simple and dramatic eye looks for any occasion. 1. Clinique’s new Skinny Sticks (£15) are two...
Off to Le Disko with MAC...
MAC have reinvented the disco for this summer – well, okay, they’ve not really, they’ve just added a Le before it, and changed the C to a K. But – they have invented a pretty amazing Studio 54 inspired shimmery, summer make up range! Le Disko, on counters in July, is bang on-trend this summer, with ...
Kaffe Fassett Achillea Hand Cream
I’ve tried loads of hand creams over the past 18 months thanks to my hand psoriasis. It has, touch wood, gone into a bit of a remission period at the moment, but handcream has become my best friend, and I am always on the look out for new ones to try. I have to admit that it was the amazing packaging...
Aveda launch Be Curly Masque and Co-Wash
Aveda launch two new products into their Be Curly range in the next two months – Be Curly Intensive Detangling Masque and Be Curly Co-Wash. The Co-Wash comes first, in July, and here is another one of those products that slightly baffles me. A co-wash – any co-wash, there are quite a few out there now...
Get festival ready at Boots!
It’s festival season, so that means getting a little festival beauty kit together. For many of us, going to a festival is the perfect excuse to shake off the norm and go a wee bit crazy with our makeup. If that means just changing our lip colour, that’s fine! Festivals mean fun. According to research...
Fake tan Bronzer and Night Cream?!
If you read this blog regularly you will know that I had a bit of a pre-wedding tanning moment, before deciding (again!) that fake tanning was not for me! However, I did really like my Vita Liberata fake tan, and was interested in a couple of their latest products which were sent to me. First up is ...
Pantene UV Protection Spray
Summer can play havoc with your hair. Not the summer we’ve been having, right enough, although the rain is a heck of a frizz-causer. But ACTUAL proper summer, can cause havoc with hair. We all know the sand gets in it, the chlorine and the salt water can damage it, and strip the colour from it. But ...
Fake Bake Beauty At Home
Fake Bake isn’t just about tanning you know. The Scottish-based beauty brand has launched three new lines – in skincare, body treats and makeup – and a whole new home party shopping concept. Let’s have a wee look at the products first, starting with the makeup collection, Scream & Pout. All the essentials...
5 Reasons to visit Absolut's new beauty room
Very popular with 5pmers, Absolut Salon has just opened up a new beauty room and 5pm went along to take a look and get a couple of treatments. Here are five reasons why we think you should check it out too. 1. Therapist The therapist Lindsey is very personable and makes you feel at ease and comfortable...
Eight Hours with Rachel Stevens
Elizabeth Arden are doing quite a cool social media promotion right now, called #My8Hours, related obviously to their iconic Eight Hour Cream (which I love!). They’ve enlisted the support of eight inspiring women from varius professions, and they’re giving an insight into their life -and thair beauty...
Happy Father's Day!
It’s time to celebrate the awesomeness of dads this weekend – Sunday is Father’s Day. Dads are great, but sometimes, maybe, they need a little sprucing up in the grooming department, agreed?! So be kind this weekend and gift your dad the gift of grooming with something from our pick of the Father’s ...
Little Miss Makeup Bags
How cute are these Little Miss makeup bags from Truffle Shuffle?! The quirky online store has loads of fantastic products – go have a look. I love a new makeup bag, and these are just very cute and fun. I can’t decide which one I love most. Are you Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Chatterbox, Little...
MAC Mineralize Timecheck
Now, here’s a product I’ve been advised to wear on my left HAND at my wedding, to make it look beautiful, soft and smooth in any ‘wedding ring photo’! MAC’s new Mineralize Timecheck is a primer, essentially. MAC are getting heavily into their skincare again – watch this space. This product is infused...
Aveda Thickening Tonic
Apparently, when we claim we want volume in our hair, we actually mean thickness. According to Aveda, and lovely expert Bea Watson, who I shared breakfast with the other week, to chat all things hair, thickening is a real issue for many women. Bea explained that, although we think it’s just volume we...
NEW M.A.C Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
I’ve been deliberating over what foundation to use on my wedding day for months now. I am doing my own makeup, and whilst I want some coverage, I don’t want to wear much more than my usual base. Bridal makeup is a key part of any bride-to-be’s planning. So many brides choose makeup artists, and completely...
MAC Wash & Dry Summer
MAC’s Wash & Dry Summer collection has been on counter since May, and is a Limited collection – so if you haven’t snapped up bits of it yet, they’re probably sold out already. However, I still wanted to cover it, because it’s so lovely – bright, bold and fun. The campaign images have a retro feel, with...
YSL Saharienne Summer 2015
GORGEOUS.One word to describe this lovely new collection from YSL for summer. I could give you a few more as well – bold, innovative, wearable, trend-setting. You get the idea: I love it! The yellow nail polish is my absolute favourite, and I have had so many compliments when wearing it. But I digress...
Boots launch NEW Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Skincare range
It’s hardly a surprise, given the recent success and validation of their Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum, No7 are now upgrading the Protect & Perfect Intense Skincare range to the ADVANCED level too. Consisting of three products – a day cream, a night cream, and an eye cream, it’s targeted ...
Creme de la Mer's Blue Heart
This is one for the hardcore Creme de la Mer fans – their annual charity collector’s pot. If you have £300 and you want a pot of your favourite face cream, and to help celebrate World Ocean Day (today, June 8) and Creme’s ongoing commitment to the ocean, though their Blue Heart philanthropic mission...
MAC Is Beauty
Here’s another new collection from MAC – this one is a beauty. Well, actually it IS Beauty. MAC is Beauty, on counter yesterday, is deliciously delightful! It is full of rich pastels, gorgeous brights, and more shades of Fluidline eyeliner than you’ve ever seen! The campaign imagery is retro kitsch ...
New from Scottish Fine Soaps
New soaps – and a whole lot more – from The Scottish Fine Soaps landed on my desk this week. The company are branching out with a variety of new products in two new collections. You can unwind or uplift with Pink Grapefruit & Argan Oil, and Larch & Lavender. Following on from the 40th anniversary restyle...
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2015 Shimmering Nudes
It’s that time of year again – Bronze Goddess time. I always feel very summery when the classic Estee Lauder summer collection lands on my desk. This year, we’re breaking it down into a beauty collection, and a fragrance collection, as there are three lovely products in the fragrance collection this...
Jo Malone Incense & Cedrat Cologne Intense
It’s not that I don’t like Jo Malone, I actually love them. Their fragrances are innovative, and English Pear and Freesia is one of the loveliest scents ever created. BUT – my problem is the smell just doesn’t last that long. Obviously, as cologne, they are not as strong as eau de parfum. BUT, another...
Creme de la Mer Treatment Massage Tool
There has been a HUGE trend in the last couple of years for beauty gadgets. Cleansing brushes are a particular favourite – everyone seems to have one, or at least have tried one. I’m not that much of a gadget fan, but I was impressed with Creme de la Mer’s addition to the trend – their Treatment Massage...
Estee Lauder's Clear Difference NEW products
Estee Lauder add two new products to their Clear Difference range from today. Clear Difference helps those with blemish-prone skin, which, as we all know is not just for teenagers. “Hormones in particular can cause previously clear skin to become prone to blemishes. “Blemishes aren’t just for teenagers...
Fake Tan Fan?
During my many years as a beauty writer, I have had many fake tans. Before I was a beauty writer, I had many fake tans. I spent most of my teenage years, in the late 1980s, feeling completely let-down by my peely-wally Scottish skintone, and used anything at all to give me, what I thought, was a golden...
Origins Night-A-Mins Facial Oil
Sticking with Origins, and another new launch – their High Potency Night-A-Mins Skin Refining Oil, which they say is like a ‘sleeping peel’. I am up for any beauty products that work whilst you sleep. In fact, the more I can put on my face before my head hits the pillow, the better! So, I have added...
Clear Improvement with Origins
Origins launch a new body wash and body scrub duo next month that is totally unisex, but particularly great for men – just in time for Father’s Day, perhaps? It’s not just on our faces that we get blemishes – environmental toxins, dirt, oil and debris can get trapped below skin’s surface and the blockage...
Estee Lauder's Crowning Glory
Have you had a look at the Estee Lauder blog, the Estee Edit yet? It is lovely. If you are a fan of Estee Lauder, and Aerin Lauder, then I would suggest having a wee look. One of the nicest posts on recently is all about how to create a stunning floral crown, inspired by Lauder’s classic scent, Pleasures...
Tom Ford's Fleur De Portofino
Another new Private Blend from Tom Ford? Yes, please! This one is Fleur De Portofino. It’s the fourth scent in the Neroli Portofino collection, and like the others, it comes in a gorgeous blue glass bottle, this one a delightful pale blue. It’s a floral complement to the eau-fraiche vibrancy of Neroli...
Stress-Fix with Aveda - new products
Hooray for Aveda Stress-Fix. You know all those stories you hear about weddings being stressful things to plan? Yeah, the ones I dismissed as rubbish. Well, turns out they’re true. I get married one month today and it can’t come quickly enough! I am thrilled to be getting hitched, but if I could drink...
Boots No7 Summer Collection
Summer Collections are coming out thick and fast now, as we wait for the weather to at least pretend it’s summer for a full day or two! Boots No7 Summer Collection isn’t hugely exciting, I have to admit, but it’s very wearable, and if you like muted tones, you will love it. It blends a few bright pops...
Green Lipstick Fairy Tale...
Let’s start the week with a fairytale, shall we? A tale of very different women and their quest for that seemingly elusive, perfect, lipstick. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I will begin… Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there lived a beautiful queen who longed to find the perfect rosebud...
Make Up Forever with Debenhams
New launch alert! Make Up Forever will launch into Debenhams next week, only one store at first, but also available online to those of us outside London. The brand isn’t new, it’s been around for 30 years, offering high-tech formulas – essentially professional products for everyone. I’ve not seen this...
Boots Protect & Perfect really works!
I am always being asked ‘does it work’ by friends and family when I try some new beauty product. It’s hard to give a definitive answer. If you don’t use something regularly, you may not see results. What works for you, might not work for another. But, now, after a 12 month clinical trial, scrutinised...
Vitamin C and your skin
Vitamin C is one of those ingredients that comes up in beauty products a lot. It helps with radiance,they say, and energising the skin, and it is true that it does have some excellent qualities. As much as you should try to ingest Vitamin C in lovely orange juice, or in tablet form, for well-being and...
Beauty ... & Other Stories
Hands up who wants an & Other Stories store in Scotland! I thought so. Loads of us! It’s a great fashion store with great collaborations, or co-labs, as they like to call them. The most recent, launching today is with Rachel Antonoff, and I’m here to talk about the beauty part of it, which features ...
Rimmel Wake Me Up Mascara
So, this is a new one from Rimmel – the first ever eye-awakening mascara! Whatever that is… Well, after my hen day at the weekend, I need anything to keep my eyes open, so I was game to give this a go. The new Wonder’full Wake Me Up Mascara, to give it it’s full title, awakens your eyes, delivers clump...
Bobbi Brown Sandy Nudes Collection
It’s officially time to think about summer. The sun is (sometimes) shining, and Bobbi Brown have launched a gorgeous summer collection – Sandy Nudes. May signals the unofficial start to summer, and I’ve certainly spent a fair bit of time recently thinking about sandy beaches. Bobbi Brown’s Sandy Nudes...
No Socks Day Scholl Pedicure
No Socks Day is a thing, apparently, and it’s today! So, time to get those socks off, an expose those feet! But not until you’ve given them a little bit of a pedicure at least! Now, when this landed on my desk, I had a flash back to when I was a teenager, and ordered something similar, though clearly...
YSL Summer Splash
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. Three ways to describe the new YSL Summer Splash collection, which can be broken down into three simple product launches. All beautifully advertised by the stunning Cara Delevingne. First up, there’s the Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Pop Water (£26). That’s a new version...
Mask It! 12 Top Face Masks
For most of March I was exfoliating my skin all the time, the results recorded in this post on this blog. Last month it was the turn of hydrating face masks. Face masks and exfoliators are extra additions to your skincare routine that you really should embrace. I learned a lot from using them over the...
May Day Cleanse with Suti
It’s May Day, and that means washing your face in the first morning dew, apparently. Er, no thanks! I’ll stick with my latest favourite cleanser, if it’s all right by you! Suti Facial Cleansing Balm is a gorgeous organic cleanser – as fresh as the morning dew, but with a lot more skincare benefits! ...
Something Blue?
Imagine if I turned up at my forthcoming nuptials with blue lipstick as my ‘something blue’?! Well, I can if I want, thanks to a fab new mini collection from out-there beauty brand, Illamasqua. To Be Alive is the one of the more quirky collections which Illamasqua like to release now and then. Created...
Liquilift
I’ve tried lots of different products and treatments over the years as a beauty writer. Sheep placenta facial, all manner of fake tans, face creams worth more than £500, every false nail ever invented…you get the idea. I have drawn the line at injectables, any other cosmetic procedures,and this bonkers...
Elizabeth Arden does the 1970s
The 1970s is a BIG fashion trend this summer – think flared jeans, smock tops and macrame bags. And with that 1970s style, you need to have 1970s makeup. So, this is Elizabeth Arden’s guide to how to achieve the look of the decade. The 1970s makeup moved on from the dark eyes and pale lips of the 1970s...
New serums from Zelens
Zelens is the brand from renowned authority in skin ageing and skin cancer, Dr Marko Lens. His products are, quite simply, excellent, and he launches two brilliant new serums this summer. Zelens are one of those brands that I feel duty-bound to share with as many people as I can. They are, what the ...
Jo Malone London Girl Poppy Delevingne
Jo Malone London has revealed their first ever celebrity face – model and designer, Poppy Delevingne.Poppy is the first ever ‘Jo Malone London Girl’. Jo Malone has chosen Poppy for her “cool style credentials, and quirky Britishness“. They believe she is the quintessential Jo Malone London Girl, as ...
Turnaround, with Clinique
Whenever I read or write about Clinique’s Turnaround range, Bonnie Tyler’s classic 80s hit, Total Eclipse of the Heart comes into my mind… Bonnie sang ‘turn around, bright eyes’, but lovers of this range might sing ‘Turnaround, bright skin’ because that’s effectively what it does. it turns your dull...
St Tropez tanning tips
St Tropez is a byword for fake tan really, isn’t it? Kate Moss is their current campaign face – and body, of course – and how I wish I could achieve her gorgeous tanned perfection! Let’s be honest, fake tan can go well, or, well, it can go horribly wrong. The latter has happened to me on more than one...
The Body Shop All Eyes On You
If you find yourself in an eyeliner rut, then The Body Shop is here to help! They’ve just launched a whole new range of all sorts of eyeliners for whatever style you like. Whether you prefer a pop of colour or opt for a feline flick, The Body Shop has it covered with their new range. The range consists...
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation
Another new foundation? Yes, but this one is a wee bit different. Inspired by her holistic approach to beauty, Bobbi has created a luxe hybrid foundation, the perfect blend of skincare and makeup. Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40 ‘beautifies from the inside out’ with super-charged serum ingredients...
(Green) Tea Ceremony with The Body Shop?
The Body Shop has a lovely new range – Fuji Green Tea – with eight products to pamper yourself with in a tea ceremony all of your own. We all know that green tea has antioxidant qualities. With its detoxifying health benefits, green tea has been revered for over 400 years in social and cultural activities...
Rimmel's Sweetie Heart Matte Pastel Nails
If you’re anything like me, you’ll have had enough sweet things over Easter to last a lifetime. BUT…I found something very sweet that doesn’t make me feel sick at the thought! Rimmel’s Sweetie Heart Matte Pastel Nail Colour Collection! This little collection of candy-coloured polish has been in stores...
The Estee Edit from Estee Lauder
Of course, you love this beauty blog, but if you want to have a wee look at another one, then we suggest the newly launched ‘The Estée Edit’ from Estee Lauder. This online magazine/blog/resource into all things Estee Lauder past and present launched this week, and is definitely worth a click or two....
Exfoliation Dirty Dozen!
Exfoliation is a dirty business! Essentially, it’s getting rid of all the old, dead skin cells, and revealing smoother, more luminous, brighter complexions. It’s also something that we probably are all guilty of not doing enough of. Facial exfoliation should be an essential part of our skncare routine...
Philip Treacy for MAC
Top milliner Philip Treacy has created a simple, yet powerful beauty collection with MAC. Complementing three amazing headwear creations, the make up collection consists of bright colours, and strong lines. The focus is on eyes and lips, and a simple highlighting of the face. The key items are three...
Clinique's trio of masks
Clinique have a trio of face masks landing on their counters at the end of next week; two are new, one is repackaged and revamped. Let’s start with the revamped,and repackaged Clinique Turnaround Revitalizing Instant Facial (£35). (There will be more on the Turnaround range later this week.) So, to ...
Clinique's New Pop Lip Colour + Primer
It’s probably hard for Clinique to follow the HUGE success that was, and is, the Chubby Stick. Who hasn’t copied the chunky lip balm crayon since it was launched a few years ago? But the beauty industry demands new and innovative products all the time, so enter Clinique’s latest – the Pop Lip Colour...
Renewed Hope from Philosophy
Can it really be EIGHTEEN YEARS since Philosophy launched their iconic moisturiser, Hope In a Jar? YES! I reckon it arrived a few years later than 1996 in the UK, but I can remember trying it as a rookie beauty writer, about 15 years ago! As it comes of age, Hope In a Jar has been renewed – Renewed ...
Tom Ford Summer 2015 Soleil Collection
When this new Tom Ford Summer 2015 Soleil Collection landed on my lap last week, I stopped ehat I was doing and sgtarted a mad internet search for a summer holiday. It IS summer, in lovely, sleek, white packaging. It made me think of luxury holidays I can only dream of, but wherever you head this summer...
Kate Middleton's Favourite Eyeshadow!
Ever wondered what the Duchess of Cambridge used to get that smokey eye she’s so fond of? Well, wonder no more. Sources have revealed that the future Queen is a big fan of Urban Decay’s classic Naked eyeshadow palette. We knew Kate liked to do her own makeup, but we thought she was a big Bobbi Brown...
Jo Malone Lace Bottle Collection
Jo Malone have another Limited Edition collection out, available in May, and it’s looking like a winner for Jo Malone fanatics! The new, bespoke, Lace Bottle Collection features ten of the brand’s most loved scents, in three gorgeous lace designs. Each Lace Bottle is etched with a delicate design by...
Jo Malone Blue Skies & Blossoms
It’s spring – the clocks go forward at the weekend, and we can finally perhaps discard those thick opaque tights! It’s also time to change up our fragrance; ditch that heady winter scent for something lighter, and more spring-like. And Jo Malone’s Blue Skies & Blossoms collection is just perfect. If...
Energy Bank from This Works
Come Sunday morning, when you’ve lost an hour’s sleep, you will thank me for this post! Introducing Energy Bank from This Works, a lovely range of products guaranteed to give you an instant pick-me up and boost of energy after a bad or good, or shorter than usual, night’s sleep. I love spring, but this...
Melvita L'Or Rose Firming Oil
Lovely French organic brand Melvita have a new body oil out next month – L’Or Rose Firming Oil. An anti-cellulite oil, with a much lovelier name! It’s a toning oil, really, promising smoother, and firmer skin, thanks to a combination of four oils, actually. So, it tones, moisturises, nourishes and enhances...
Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Body
Clarins launched their Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face a year ago, and we blogged about it on here. It instantly became a huge hit, and Clarins themselves were taken aback by the instant response the product generated. It finished the year as the number one self-tan product in the premium...
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Review
Bare Minerals have evolved as a brand SO much from when I first became aware of them. I was never a fan of that classic mineral powder makeup. I always felt it sat in my pores, enhanced my lines and wrinkles, and was drying on my skin. I wasn’t a big fan of their last liquid base launch, BareSkin Foundation...
Living Lalique
So, apparently it’s International Fragrance Day tomorrow – who knew? So, I thought I would share a beautiful new scent that you won’t be able to spray tomorrow, as it’s not on sale until April, but you will want to add to your perfume wardrobe, the minute you see and smell it. Living Lalique is as visually...
Darphin Exquisage Duo
I had a good read through the press release for this new range from Darphin, and what it essentially is is collagen-boosting. Collagen is one of the key words in the beauty world – we all know that diminished production of collagen as we get older leads to the classic signs of ageing – less firm skin...
#nobodysperfect say Clarins
Clarins want to remind us all that everybody is different, or more specifically everybody’s body is different, and, more importantly, it’s okay not to be perfect. This is all part of an offer that runs throughout the month of March at Clarins, and involves all their lovely body care products. You can...
Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Handcream
Origins have had huge success with their Plantscription line, and it’s no surprise – it’s great! I love the facial serum, the eye cream is my current favourite, and the facial oil is brilliant. There are face creams, a cleanser and a treatment lotion in the range as well, and if you are looking for ...
Radley launch fragrance
UK handbag and accessories brand Radley have moved into the beauty market with the launch of a signature fragrance and bodycare range. Radley London, which launched this week is made in England, and has been developed by renowned perfumer Azzi Glasser, and brought to the market by the Floris group, ...
Kate Hudson's Beauty Faves
©Kate Hudson Instagram Don’t you love following celebrities on Instagram? Okay, not all celebrities, but those you like, and those who give GOOD Instagram, like Kate Hudson. Follow her, you’ll see what I mean Back in January she posted this fab picture of her beauty faves as she was getting ready for...
Chanel's CC Cream
Here’s a lovely new Chanel product for you; the CC Cream. Yes, CC Creams are still around! Chanel’s is offering the ‘strength of simplicity‘, and by that they mean five actions in one single step. I kind of wish they had used their interlinked iconic double C for this, but maybe that is taking it too...
Flamboyage: a groundbreaking colour technique exclusive to Glasgow salon
First there was ombre. Then there was balayage. Now there’s flamboyage? If you haven’t heard of flamboyage don’t worry. It’s a new colour technique that is only being offered in two salons in Scotland, one of which is in Glasgow. Said Glasgow salon is Andersons in the Merchant City who have recently...
DKNY Delicious Sorbet Delights
They just keep coming up with new versions of their best-selling apples at DKNY, don’t they? The latest incarnation of their Delicious fragrance is the DKNY Delicious Delights, inspired by sweet sorbet treats. We’re talking sorbet, sweet sprinkles, you get their idea. In the pink corner, it’s Fruity...
Mother's Day Lush Fun
Here’s a funny – maybe a bit cheeky – little Mother’s Day gift! Is there any Mother more superior than your own?! This fab little Mother Superior character Bubble Bar made me chortle. I love it! It is scented with cherry blossom, and is the perfect relaxation aid for any mums this weekend! This isn’...
Origins Original Skin
Apparently, being 25 isn’t that great. You fall in the Millennials demographic, or Generation Y, and, it is, apparently, the most stressed-out demographic in history. Finally a reason to be glad to be old! Anyway, why am I rambling on about Millennials, Generation Y and being 25? Well, it’s all about...
NEW DKNY Men and Women Fragrance
DKNY seem to release a new version of their Men and Women fragrances pretty regularly, or maybe it just seems that way. I have to admit I don’t normally pay that much attention to them – they’re not my favourite EDTs, if I am honest. However, the latest incarnations are actually really nice! I know,...
Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge
Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women & Girls is in its third year – and once again the fund-raising product is a Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge. Pretty Powerful II – a lovely pink shade – has an RRP of £19 and the FULL price from each sold, less VAT, will be donated to Smart Works. Smart Works...
Boucleme, Thandie Newton, curls and frizz…
Thandie Newton has frizzy hair. Don’t worry, she’s fine with it. I’m not insulting the actress; actually it’s completely the opposite. Thandie, who runs a fab website with make-up artist Kay Montano, called ThandieKay, launched her #frizzchallenge last year, when she decided to embrace the frizz. “Every...
Clarins SPF50 Daily Sunscreen Primer
I’ve asked many beauty experts their key anti-ageing advice, and almost all of them have replied with one word: sunscreen. The sun, as wonderful as it is, causes our skin no end of problems. We do need a dose of Vitamin D, but if you want to keep the wrinkles at bay, then that feeling of the sun on ...
Jo Malone Rock The Ages
Jo Malone’s latest collection is, I’d have to say, more for the collectors than the purists. Granted, there are a few lovely new fragrances within this collection (and good old Pomegranate Noir), all dressed up in cute, ribbon-adorned bottles, but it seems sort of transient to me, for such a big launch...
Bobbi Brown is HOT, HOT, HOT!
I LOVE this latest collection from Bobbi Brown, inspired by Kate Upton’s home state, Florida. I first went to Florida when I was 16 years old, and was overwhlmed by the bright colours, the bright sunshine, and those flamingos! Flamingos are everywhere this season – homeware, fashion, jewellery – if ...
Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel
THE BROW IS NOW. That’s the message from Illamasqua and who are we to argue? Eyebrows are big news – and we mean literally, as well – the bigger the better for some. Maybe barely brushed brows, are your thing? Or are you a Scouse brow fan? Whatever brow you love, Illamasqua can deliver, with their brilliant...
Estee Lauder's AW15 Joseph look
London Fashion Week isn’t just about the clothes you know. The beauty side of fashion week is HUGE. As a beauty writer, my Instagram and twitter feeds are FULL of beauty news from London during fashion week, and this Estee Lauder look at the Joseph AW15 show caught my eye. Why? Because it’s SO natural...
Emma Stone's Oscars beauty look
Emma Stone is so hot right now. Jennifer Aniston lifted her up on the red carpet. Does it get any better than that? Okay, she didn’t win an Oscar, but the Revlon Brand Ambassador was definitely the style winner at the 87th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood last night. She looked STUNNING in her beautiful...
Tom Ford Noir Extreme and mini Private Blends
What will your weekend smell like? Mine will smell of booze, pubs, good food, maybe the odd cigarette, and the much more fragrant Tom Ford! Tom Ford fragrances are my absolute favourite – expensive, but worth it. They smell heavenly and they last forever. I’m told there is a new Private Blend coming...
Urban Decay Spring 2015
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Urban Decay makeup, so it was good to get my hands on their Spring launches (which actually launched at the end of January). I’m not a sheer lipstick fan, and I don’t normally do nudes, but, when I experiemented with a very dark smoky eye last week – see more here –...
Clinique Kiss The Bride Lipstick Collection
Getting married is fun, and a little bit mad. After getting engaged at Christmas, I’m now dipping my toe (and pretty much the rest of me, the wedding being in June!) into the madness that is wedding planning. Some things are fun (Hello Kitty bridal party toys anyone?) and some things are well, a little...
Boots reveal real cover star winner
Boots Health & Beauty Magazine’s latest issue, out tomorrow, is their first edition to feature a reader, completely unretouched, as the cover star. Ijay Kalu is the winner of Boots’ nationwide I’m a cover star competition – selected from a huge 8,500 entries, and features on the front cover of the March...
Sisley launch new Eyeshadow Quad
Sisley’s latest makeup launch is their Phyto 4 Ombres – two lovely eyeshadow palettes with a bold, bright harlequin design to the cases. Each palette has four shades in it – there’s two very different palettes, the nude toned Dream palette, and the bolder Mystery palette. Each palette is £57, and I ...
Valentine’s Make Up Tutorial: Contouring
Our customer care advisor Julie Marie got a sexy Valentine’s make up look from Stefanie in Sculptur David Lloyd Centre in Anniesland.Here’s the second part of the tutorial and something a lot of people struggle with – contouring!For make up offers from Stefanie at @ Sculptur starting from £10, click...
Valentine's Make Up Tutorial: Dramatic smokey eye
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/7yBp–ndsDo?list=PLQZO2IG8SlgW6ZaoVFAbbqqf–YbRJ-fC”] Our customer care advisor Julie Marie got a sexy Valentine’s make up look from Stefanie in Sculptur David Lloyd Centre in Anniesland. We’ll be posting the tutorials on our blog and YouTube Channel but here’s the first...
Valentine's fragrance - feisty or floral?
Yay, it’s Valentine’s Day this weekend. That means love hearts, flowers, romantic meals, maybe proposals of marriage, and if not, well, at least a new perfume, right?! But are you a feisty fragrance kinda gal, or do you prefer a more feminine, floral scent? We’ve picked four of each and given them a...
OPI Fifty Shades of Grey Nail Collection
OPI is celebrating the release of 50 Shades of Grey, the movie, this weekend, with a lovely collection – the Fifty Shades of Grey for OPI Mini Nail Lacquer Pack. This lovely pack contains six polishes – five gorgeous tones of grey (two are really more silver) and one bright, rich red. The red, because...
Fifty Shades of Grey beauty
Yes, that movie is released this weekend! Finally, the Fifty Shades of Grey fans get to see Christian Grey on the big screen. And it gives us an excuse to explore a much-maligned shade – grey! Grey is a great shade in beauty. Makes a brilliant base for nail art, gives excellent smoky eyes, and, well...
A health reboot with All About Juice
January is over, the healthy eating good intentions have fallen by the wayside, and once again you’re stuck in a sluggish rut, sneaking a biscuit at every opportunity. February does that to you. Setting the good intentions is easy, sticking to them is another matter. So along to help is All About Juice...
Chanel's Hydra Beauty Micro Serum
The press release to launch Chanel’s latest skincare product – their Hydra Beauty Micro Serum – was 43 pages long. Okay, a lot of that was for notes, as it came in a school notebook form, but there is a LOT of science and info behind this latest launch! Essentially what Chanel have done is listen to...
CHANEL ROUGE COCO LIPSTICKS
A lipstick is my absolute favourite beauty item of them all. And the more luxurious, the better. I’ve always been a sucker for a Chanel lippy – I’ve had countless shades of red from Chanel over the years, and loved them all. I wish they would bring back New York Red, but we can’t have everything! Rouge...
Lancome Miracle Cushion
Lancome’s latest makeup launch is not a foundation, nor a compact – it’s a cushion! The Lancome Miracle Cushion is a genuine innovation in beauty, and stems from Asia, where women’s demands for new product formulas and textures offer a constant source of inspiration. ‘Complexion make-up’ – that’s base...
Estee Lauder Pure Envy Shine Sculpting Lipstick
Spring summer beauty means sheer lips, agreed? There seems to be a sort of unwritten rule somewhere that when the sun comes out (even just a wee bit) we should all forgo our matte lipsticks for something sheer. I’m not buying that as a ‘must-do’ beauty rule, written or not. I love a good matte too much...
Bobbi Brown Brightening Brick
Bobbi Brown Brightening Brick – how’s that for alliteration!? Bobbi Brown’s best-selling Shimmer Brick has a new rival! This brilliant brick takes multi-tasking makeup to a whole new level, for a fresh take on shimmer. It has the warmth of a bronzer, the pure colour of a blush, and the luminosity of...
Rush to M&S for haircare launch
Marks and Spencer has recently announced a collaboration with southern English based salon chain, Rush, producing Rush The Salon Range, which is available exclusively in M&S Beauty stores from February 15. The range includes nine products, including Silk & Gloss Multi-Use Oil, Body & Bounce Light Hold...
5pm Staff New Year New Look: Nikki
This week we’ve shared the hair transformations of our 5pm staff members Allison and Jennifer. Today’s we’re sharing our third and final 5pm Staff New Year New Look from our Business Development Manager Nikki. Copper hair Nikki, who has just jetted off on a three week holiday to Australia, had months...
Jo Malone's Red Roses for Valentine's Day
It’s never too early to leave some Valentine’s Day hints around the place. Subtly, or maybe more upfront, sometimes it’s good to give the other half in our life a little helping hand. So, send them this blog post link if you fancy some Red Roses of a beauty kind, rather than a cliche kind this Valentine...
Kate Moss for Rimmel and Comic Relief
Rimmel London are an official Red Nose Day 2015 partner, and to celebrate have given their Kate Moss lipstick a Red Nose Day makeover! Red Nose Day is on Friday March 13 this year, and what better way to join in the fun and donate, beauty fans, than to wear a slick of good old red lippy?! The last Red...
5pm Staff New Year New Look: Jennifer
To bring in 2015, we’ve given three of our 5pm staff members a new year new look. Our second staff makeover is Jennifer Aryanmanesh, our Spa & Beauty Customer Care Advisor. Turning 30 can do strange things to people. It’s a long way from a mid life crisis. But it still feels like a milestone, a farewell...
Smoky Poppy from The Body Shop
The Body Shop launch a new Limited Edition range next month which is really new to me – Smoky Poppy. Don’t think I really thought about the smell of poppies before, have you? Well, according to The Body Shop it’s the most seductive range they’ve ever released! Laced with the extract of oil-rich poppies...
YSL Volupte Tint-in-Oil Lip Oil
So, just after one lip oil, along comes another! This time, from YSL, and it’s a bit different from the Clarins one we blogged about yesterday. YSL’s Volupte Tint-in-Oil captures colour in oil – no mean feat, apparently. Oil is a tricky element to capture, and oil and tint naturally repel each other...
5pm Staff New Year New Look: Allison
To bring in 2015, we’ve given three of our 5pm staff members a new year new look. Our first staff makeover is Allison Kerr, our Customer Care Team Leader. Our Allison has spent the last few years growing her hair. It’s now long and flowing way past her shoulders. But having reached her hair goal, she...
Tom Ford Spring 2015 Colour Collection
Tom Ford is, of course, first and foremost, a fashion designer. So, his Spring Colour Collection in beauty has strong links to his SS15 clothes collection. Full of dark leathers, smoky dirty eyes on the models, messy grungey rock-chic hair, and dark, dark, dark shades, with hints of metallics, his Spring...
New Clarins Lip Oil
Clarins launch another innovative product next month – the Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil. It’s a Limited Edition launch, and is a new addition to Clarins’ renowned treatment oil heritage. Following on from the iconic face and body oils created by brand founder Jacques Courtin-Clarins as intensive...
New Year, New 5pm Looks
January is the month of transformation. It’s the month of new beginnings, looking ahead and shaking off the past year. Becoming the person you want to be. And what’s a better (not to mention more fun) way to do that than with a brand new look? 5pm staff Three of our staff members in the 5pm office have...
Jo Malone My Wanderlust by Charlotte Stockdale
This lovely new Limited Edition Jo Malone London collection by their Style Editor, Charlotte Stockdale, uses the notion that scent reminds us of places. And, of course, it does! When I took a sniff of the Box Hedge Square Scent(£40) I was transported to my first childhood home, and the playing fields...
Estee Lauder Little Black Primer...with Kendall Jenner
Never mind the Kardashians, we’re keeping up with the Jenners this week! Wednesday’s National Television Awards anyone? Kim Jenner looked great, but can we forgive her for Georgie Shore? Really, it’s not that hard! (Mind you, can we forgive anyone for Geordie Shore?!) Anyway, over to Kendall Jenner,...
Benefit's new Roller Lash Mascara
I missed the press event this week, but ta-dah – here’s the new Benefit launch of the year – a brand new mascara – the Roller Lash Mascara. With the phenomenal success of the They’re Real mascara, you’d be forgiven for wondering why they bothered launching another. But, hey, they’re a beauty brand, ...
Beyond Perfect Skin with Clinique
After a year or more of BB, CC,DD and even EE creams, it seems the beauty world has returned to good old foundations – and high coverage ones at that. Last week I reviewed Clarins newest formula, this week it’s Clinique’s new 2-in-1 Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer. This latest addition to the...
Hello Cheekbones with Clinique!
Contouring. If you’re a beauty fan, you will be hugely familiar with that word. We’ve blogged about contouring before, and here we are again, with Clinique launching three new products next month that will create perfect cheekbones, and contoured areas of your face. Clinique’s new contour products come...
Glasgow Street Beauty 15/01/15
Gorgeous winged eyeliner from Zara Ashun Orange lip and bouncy blow dry from Vicky Cumming. Gold eyeshadow and nude lip from Robyn Deeley Red winter lip from Rosalyn Cosgrove. Rosalyn was just out of Absolut after getting her hair cut with a 5pm deal! Looong locks from Gina Queen.
The Body Shop Bouncy Sleep Mask
I love the name of the new Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleep Mask.It promises bouncier skin, which is a new one one me – I think they mean firmer skin, obviously, but I like bouncier! Enriched with Edelweiss stem cells, it’s designed to be left on overnight to do its magic. The bouncy also refers...
Bargain £1 Beauty at Tesco
So, it’s the middle of January and we are all probably feeling the pinch in our purses just a little bit. After the excesses of the festive season, we don’t usually have much spare cash to splash. But, that doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves at all – and we need treats at this time of year more than...
Estee Lauder New Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil
So, this is another launch that isn’t a brand new product, but an upgraded, improved version. Estee Lauder have just made their Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil a lot better. Which is great. But how have they made it better? Well, it’s the same popular formula, with some added extras. It now includes...
Clarins new Everlasting Foundation + SPF15
A new foundation for a new year! And a proper foundation. I am a bit of a BB or tinted moisturiser fan, but sometimes, in the winter in particular, I want something with more coverage. I’ve had a few breakouts of late, and I am not feeling so skin-confident as I am sometimes, so I felt the need for ...
The Body Shop Hemp Soap on a rope
Soap on a rope! That’s a blast from the past, and actually quite a brilliant alternative to shower gel! I love soap, so I was thrilled to try the new Body Shop Hemp Soap on a Rope. After I had stopped staring at the ad campaign image! Right, pay attention! I know, it’s difficult, isn’t it?! Anyway, ...
Smashbox Primer Water
I was a little bit sceptical about this latest launch when I first saw it last year. Essentially, it’s water. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water launches next month, and it’s a spritz of, well, water, which will prime, hydrate and give radiance. Essentially it’s the iconic Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation...
New No7 Nail Care Treatments
These new nail care treatments from No7 at Boots launched just after Christmas, in perfect time for when your nails take a bit of a beating. The weather, lots of change of nail colours, and treatments like Shellac can all have a bearing on the heath of of your nails. I had Shellac done before Christmas...
Bobbi Brown Illuminating Nudes
After all the glitter and sparkle of the festive season it’s time to pare back that makeup and embrace a nude look. Bobbi Brown’s latest collection is the Illuminating Nudes Collection. It’s more of a look, than a new collection, with just one brand new product, and a few new shades of other favourites...
Glasgow Street Beauty 08/01/15
Beauty looks we spotted on the streets of Glasgow How gorgeous is Christina Lozano? We love her winged eyeliner, brows and long wavy hair (which is extensions she orders online). Gorgeous eye make-up, brows and pink lipstick from Zara Burns (make up is Mac). Love the winter lips (Collection 2000 Gothic...
New from Rimmel
Rimmel London have three new products launching at the end of the month – look out for them, they’re all goodies. First up is their latest mascara –Scandaleyes XX-Treme Volume & Length Mascara (£6.99). Rimmel mascaras are great value for money and this is no exception. It has a brush that is a new one...
Clarins Garden Escape
It’s that time of year again – new Spring collections are landing on beauty counters, to brighten up our January. First to land on my desk was the new Garden Escape collection from Clarins. The French beauty house has created a gorgeous Spring collection inspired by a radiant garden. The Limited Edition...
Marilyn Monroe Max Factor Ambassador 2015
Happy New Year! And here’s a fab way of celebrating 2015 from Max Factor – with Marilyn Monroe and #GlamJan. Never mind green smoothies and running gear, we’re talking a January full of red lipstick, coiffed hair and glamorous dresses! Marilyn Monroe has been named as Max Factor’s Global glamour ambassador...
My 2014 Beauty Favourites
Hundreds of products go through my hands every year in this job. I don’t blog about them all, I don’t love them all. Some I like, some I really don’t; some work for me, and not for others, and then there are those I love! People always ask me what my favourite products are, and although I do have small...
Body Beautiful with Aveda
Aveda has two gorgeous new body products out early next year – Beautifying Creme Cleansing Oil, and Beautifying Body Moisturizer. The gorgeous Beautifying Aroma originated in the Beautifying Composition, which was one of the earliest composition oils in the Aveda collection. It is one of the absolute...
Bobbi Brown new Face Touch Up Palette
New Year. New makeup? New Palette? MUST be Bobbi Brown! The Queen of the palette, Bobbi Brown’s Face Touch Up Palette launches on January 1 – can we ask for New Year presents now too?! This brilliant palette is designed for anyone who wants to quickly and easily achieve that flawless complexion, whilst...
Creme De La Mer Illuminating Eye Gel
Creme de la Mer have a new product launch in January, all about awakening your eyes – and also trying to bring a new consumer towards the brand. The Illuminating Eye Gel will retail for £100, which, although still a premium price, is lower than the usual Creme prices. If you fancy trying out a Creme...
Clinique Repairwear Sculpting Night Cream
Sagging skin. Is there a more horrendous prospect. I really hate this term in beauty parlance. But, it happens, let’s face up to it. As well as lines, wrinkles, dark circles and age spots, the older we get, the more our skin heads south! Clinique’s latest night cream deals with that, however, and whilst...
NEW Aveda Botanical Kinetics
A new year, a new moisturiser? Yes, please. Particularly if it’s as good as the new Aveda Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Rich Creme. it’s one of three new products in this plant-based range, which will replenish and protect the skin. The Rich Creme, and the Intense Hydrating Soft Creme contains...
Smashbox Double Exposure Palette
When I first saw this palette last month, I thought ‘wow’. It’s a heck of a palette, beauty fans. And, the cleverest bit of all? It’s all in the name. It’s called the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette because 14 shadows transform into 28 with just a little water. And, they really do transform, remarkably...
Hair Drying Hacks!
This is a really funny infographic from those clever people at coolblades.co.uk on hair drying. How annoying is blow-drying your hair? Not at all, after you’ve read this! There are some fantastically cool tips on here that I wouldn’t have dreamed of! Did you even know you could get hair dryer stands...
Lush beauty film: The Experimenter
Got a few minutes to spare? Need to completely relax? Then Lush are here to help with an amazing film, featuring nothing but their own fresh, handmade products and ingredients – and remember nothing is tested on animals. Called ‘The Experimenter’ it is choreographed to an original emotive score using...
Paul Mitchell Christmas
I’m never sure about gifting shampoo and conditioner for Christmas, but maybe that’s just me, because I have such high maintenance hair. However, I would be perfectly happy with any of the gorgeous Paul Mitchell Christmas gift sets on offer this year. Paul Mitchell are celebrating the creativity at ...
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Neck and Decollete cream
If you want to really impress a beauty fan this Christmas, then why not gift them something that isn’t launched officially until March? Okay, it’s exclusive at Boots.com, right now, but, well, they might not know that! Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage® Anti-aging Neck and Décolleté Firm & Repair Cream is what...
New Lip Pencils from Bobbi Brown
A lip pencil is one of those essentials that I always seem to be on the hunt for. They disappear, like socks, and kirby grips. Where do they go? I will be keeping a tight hold of any of the new Bobbi Brown Lip Pencils which went on counter this month. Bobbi has expanded her lip liner offering by adding...
Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Mask Boost
Okay, it’s not the snappiest product name ever, is it?! The new Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Mask Boost is a new addition to the Revitalizing Supreme range which is their skin-intuitive anti-ageing range. This new mask will bring out a more rested, radiant and energised look in...
Clinique's Aromatics in White
Clinique’s Aromatics Elixir is one of my favourite scents. Clinique call it their ‘intriguing non-conformist fragrance’, and it is very different to anything else. It’s almost impossible to describe, with notes or rose, jasmine, ylang ylang and vetiver, but is hard to pin down exactly what it is. It...
Lush's Colourful Christmas
I once spent time in New York working with a woman who had an aversion to colour. She wore black all the time, and baulked at my love of all things bright and bold. I was reminded of her when I spent an evening in Lush in Edinburgh recently getting acquainted with their amazing – and colourful – Christmas...
Christmas Nails - the easy way
The internet is awash with Christmas nail art. But, as much as I love creating little pictures and patterns on my nails, I just don’t have time at this time of year for the indulgence. I am going to head to a salon next week to get a Christmas Shellac I think – there are plenty of salons to choose from...
Boots No7 Christmas Makeup
Three little parcels under my office tree – all full of lovely Boots No7 makeup for the three Christmas looks the Boots brand have created this year. No7 have put together three quite different Christmas makeup looks, and invite you to create your look, and show it off on social media with the hashtag...
NEW Aveeno Skin Relief Handcream
My whole year seems to have been about hand cream, thanks to a particularly nasty flare-up of psoriasis. Since February, my hands, and to a lesser extent my feet, have been cracked, broken,weeping, and sore. I was prescribed Aveeno by the doctors to soothe them, so I was delighted to try out a new Aveeno...
Ojon Haircare Prescription
I was lucky enough a few weeks ago to have a one-on-one with Ojon Treatment Technician, Jennie Roberts, when she did press appointments in Scotland. Jennie could tell just by looking at my hair what help it needed (lots!), and I was given a ‘haircare prescription’ of just the right Ojon products for...
Dear Santa ...Christmas Beauty wishlist!
What beauty gifts are on your Dear Santa letter this year? There are so many fantastic beauty gifts to choose from, I whittled my list down to, er, 11 (I couldn’t decide between the Benefit gift sets!) and here it is! Is there anything on mine that takes your fancy? Let’s start at the top! How fabulously...
Pure Spa Glasgow West Nile Street
The Christmas to-do list is a mile long, the streets are filled with harassed shoppers, and it’s less the nights are drawing in more, there may be a patch of daylight between 1-3pm. Pure Spa West Nile Street December is wonderful but it also can be brutal, which is why it is important to set aside an...
Smashbox Contour Kit
I am not, and probably never will be, a big fan of the Kardashians. They’re not really on my radar, if I am honest But, of course, you can’t completely escape them, can you? And one thing I have paid a wee bit of attention to is how their love of contouring sent that particular makeup trick to the top...
Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil
If you read this blog regularly, you will know I am a huge fan of Emma Hardie and her products. She’s a brilliantly warm and funny person, and her products are gorgeous – and they work. back in the summer I had a very early sneak peek at her most recently launched product, the Emma Hardie Brilliance...
Melvita's L'Or Bio EDT
Last Christmas, I gave you … a recommendation for French organic brand Melvita’s L’Or Bio extraordinary oil, which was having a shimmery moment. This year, you can buy the L’Or Bio fragrance, the latest addition to the range. This gorgeous, warm, sparkly, citrus-y scent is really, really more-ish. It...
Do or Dye Hair Academy tonight!
Ever fancied being a hairdresser? Then you must tune into BBC One Scotland tonight at 7.30pm for Do or Dye Hair Academy. Filmed at Glasgow salon group Rainbow Room International’s hair academy, it’s a brilliant insight into the life of a trainee hairdresser. Meet Binky, Angel, Alijah, Austin and Syd...
Beauty-full Christmas tree!
Never mind the gifts UNDER your tree – have a look at what could be hanging ON it! Our ‘beauty-full’ Christmas tree’s boughs are weighed down with cute Christmas baubles containing all sorts of beauty treats. Pop one of these on a friend or relative’s tree when you visit – see how long it takes them...
Zelens launch colour range
Dr Marko Lens is the consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon behind the brand, Zelens, a brilliant skincare brand with products which combine natural ingredients with expert science for great results. Now, he’s branching into colour with the Zelens Active Colour range – but this is makeup with...
Aveda Hand Relief Serum
I’m already a big fan of the Aveda Hand Relief handcream, so was thrilled to learn of the new launch, the Aveda Hand Relief Night Renewal Serum. It’s another product for your night-time beauty routine. Hand cream is one of those products you always see the heroine rubbing into her hands in those old...
Tom Ford Beard Oil
Sticking with Tom Ford today, let’s talk about hipsters, and beards, and beard oil. Yep, Tom Ford has jumped on the beardy-bandwagon and created three lovely conditioning beard oils, and the dinkiest little beard comb for all the beards around these days. My other half has a beard, of the non-hipster...
Tom Ford Christmas Colour
Tom Ford has some new makeup on counter this month in his ‘Holiday Colour’ Collection. There aren’t many new products at all – just a few eye colours and lipsticks, but the overall effect is as stylish as you would expect from Tom! The idea is to use these new products alongside existing Tom Ford products...
Nanette Lepore for Origins GWP
Nanette Lepore is an American fashion designer who has teamed up with Origins to create a cute little cosmetic bag which is free at counters just now, with purchases £50 and more. Nanette is known for her vibrant colours and feminine prints reminiscent of cultures around the world. She loves travelling...
Perfume for Christmas?
It’s maybe not the most original gift to give or receive, but who doesn’t love a new fragrance? I definitely do, so, for your pleasure- and mine – I’ve been expertly sniffing a few of late that you may want to buy for someone special (or yourself!) for Christmas. Fist up the DKNY Be Delicious Sparking...
Eyelure at Marks and Spencer
Eyelure are another brand now available at the ever-expanding Marks and Spencer Your Beauty. Eyelure repackaged and revamped their products recently, and the packaging is great. It has an almost masculine vibe to it, don’t you think? A sort of vintage, apothecary style. But what of the products? Well...
Grow Gorgeous Hair!
Grow Gorgeous haircare products are new to me – and I like them! Cute packaging, and revolutionary products, I’m impressed with this range which is, as they say, ‘cutesie, but full of science’. The Grow Gorgeous 11-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner (£17.99) acts as a shampoo and conditioner, claiming to do...
Body Scrubs for winter skin
Time to slough off those dead skin cells, and get that body ready for winter parties! Winter is NOT an excuse to neglect your bodycare routine! Just because your legs are, for the most part, under trousers or thick tights, doesn’t mean you can relax on the hair removal! And, as your skin dries out in...
Moschino 'Toy' Perfume - it's a teddy!
How about this from Moschino to brighten up a dull November day? It’s only a perfume disguised as a teddy bear! It’s another bit of kitsch Moschino genius from Creative Director Jeremy Scott. (And if you are in London today get along to Harrods between 1230pm and 2pm, where he will be presenting his...
Bobbi Brown Scotch on the Rocks
Bobbi Brown’s winter collection is Scotch on the Rocks. Not that it’s reminiscent of Scotland, in any way, but rather inspired by legendary Lauren Bacall, the screen siren, who passed away earlier this year. We wonder if love of her life, Humphrey Bogart has scotch in his glass, in this festive family...
Eye Creams and Serums
I’m regularly asked about eye creams and serums by my friends. The eyes are the first place to show the signs of ageing. The skin there is more delicate, so you really do need to use a separate cream for the eye area. So, here are five eye creams and serums I’ve been using recently – these are at the...
Clinique's Nutcracker Suite
Clinique’s sugary-pink Christmas collection is inspired by the world-renowned Christmas ballet classic The Nutcracker. “The collection was inspired by the characters, costumes and scenery of the performance,” says Janet Pardo, Senior Vice President Clinique Global Product Development. “The tulles and...
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare
I get a lot of new skincare brands on my desk, which means I can get a bit blase about another moisturiser, or cleanser, blah, blah, blah. However, if I get to meet the brand creator, well, that makes a difference! Not that Claire Vero, founder of Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, had to impress me much. ...
Jo Malone Christmas Limited Edition Pomegranate Noir
Let’s talk Christmas, and in particular Jo Malone Christmas! There are so many fab goodies and services on offer at Jo Malone London this year, it’s hard to know where to start. But I will begin with the Limited Edition Pomegranate Noir Cologne. One of the company’s best-loved fragrances, and so evocative...
Arran Aromatics and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres
Arran Aromatics have teamed up with Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, bringing you a lovely range of relaxing products, with 50% of the proceeds of each sale going to the charity. Arran Aromatics believe that people with cancer need places like Maggie’s centres – warm, friendly, informal places, fill ...
Paul & Joe Autumn Winter Beauty
Paul & Joe Beaute are one of my absolute favourite beauty brands – but more to look at than use! Don’t get me wrong, the products are great. But they are, as you may expect from a fashion brand, an absolute joy to look at! The general product packaging is lovely – gorgeous glass, retro shapes, and pastel...
Clinique Sonic Cleansing System & Facial Soap
I sort of missed the bandwagon on the facial cleansing brushes. I think it took me so long to even embrace a proper cleansing routine (bad beauty journalist!), this was just a step too far! However, I was sent a Clinique Sonic System Cleansing Brush to try, I was a little scared. Clinique launched this...
Don't have fright brows with Paul and Joe!
It’s Hallowe’en and this article I found on my Facebook feed last week gave me a real fright. it’s about awful make up, but the most awful thing in every image to me seemed to the eyebrows! It reminded me of this list from a few years back – check out how BAD these eyebrows are! Why do people get it...
AERIN Lauder new fragrances and body lotions
AERIN Lauder have launched two new fragrances to add to their original line-up of six this Autumn, or Fall, as Aerin would say. The fabulously New York lady has created two lovely new scents, in her trademark stone capped bottles. Iris Meadow embodies today’s modern busy life, and the desire to dream...
Scottish Fine Soaps new look for 40
Who doesn’t need a makeoever when they hit the big 4-0!? (I should know, been there, done that!) So, it’s no surprise that The Scottish Fine Soaps Company has relaunched its website, and given two of its best-selling lines a makeover to celebrate their landmark anniversary. Taking inspiration from contemporar...
Clarins Eye Palette & Christmas Crackers
Clarins release another huge mineral eye makeup palette for Christmas, and this is actually a lovely gift for a Clarins fan, or an eyeshadow fan. And, what I love about it is, the eye makeup comes out, and you can use the banded box for trinkets, or other bits of makeup if you like. Cute. The palette...
Hallowe'en Beauty news - Illamasqua and more
Yes, yes, it’s Hallowe’en this Friday, I am sure you are all very aware of that. No matter what you are doing this Hallowe’en – whether you like basic scary makeup, or a full-on Hallowe’en high glamour makeover, or just a subtle nod to the season, there are products out there for you. First up, Illamasqua...
Halloween at Lush
Lush never fail to deliver, do they!? Hallowe’en at Lush for 2014 sees the arrival of a few new – and amazing- treats. Makes me want to spend the whole of Hallowe’en in the bath – and not dooking for apples in it! Their new Northern Lights bath bomb (£3.35), inspired by The Night Circus book by Erin...
Shimmering Skin from Becca
If you want subtle shimmer rather than full on sparkle this Christmas, then the Becca Holiday 2014 Collection is for you. Just launched into Space NK stores, and QVC, it’s not really much of a collection in just three pieces, but it is just lovely. The Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights Kit (£20) ...
Overnight beauty
The clocks go back this weekend, so that means another hour of beauty sleep! Yay! But no point in that if you don’t have the right products, is there? So, here are a few of my favourite nighttime beauty products, from creams to balms, to serums and my favourite foot cream! Photographed by my bed! That...
Olay Total Effects Pore Minimiser CC Cream
Here’s another recent launch from a brand I’m not that familar with – Olay. I know, how can you not be familiar with Olay, I hear you cry! Well, of course, I know all about Olay, but I’ve never used that many of their products. But, after trying out the new Olay Total Effects Pore Minimizer CC Cream...
Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara
I honestly think the most launches every year in the beauty industry must be for mascaras. There seems to be an infinite number available, and a new one is always being launched. The latest one to land on my desk is Max Factor’s Masterpiece Transform Mascara which launches mid-October – so now really...
Nail Decals from Shop Keeki!
I am in LOVE with Instagram. I’ve discovered all sorts of wonderful clubs, and people, and shops through it, it’s definitely my favourite social media forum. It’s on Instagram that I discovered these fab ShopKeeki nail decals. Odd name, yes! But they’re so good, and so cheap and so easy to use. The ...
Chanel No.5 for Christmas?
Oh, go on then! Who wouldn’t love something Chanel No.5 for Christmas? This year they have brought out a few lovely gift items, to go along with that big bottle you’re getting of course…! Why is Chanel No.5 so popular. Jacques Polge, Creator of Chanel fragrances, reckons it retains all the mystery of...
Beauty-full Breakfast!
I’ve been at a few beauty breakfasts in my career as a beauty journalist, but never had actual beauty products for breakfast! Okay, not that I am actually going to eat these new Kellogg’s beauty products, but you get the idea! From Mad Beauty, and available at Tesco, these three sets are so kitsch and...
BeneFit Bling Brow
Benefit have come up with a new brow service for the party season – the Bling Brow! I’m not sure about this one, I have to admit. It reminds me too much of the 90s when it was ‘de rigueur’ to stick crystals all over your face, and attach them to your hair. We even wore bindis. For shame!! The last time...
Michael Kors White
Michael Kors White is a new, limited edition fragrance from, yep, you guessed it, Michael Kors! Michael loves white, and this new perfume is a rich new expression of the iconic tuberose-infused Michael Kors scent in gorgeous white packaging. It’s very sweet, almost too sweet for many, but I have a sort...
Beauty News with Olay, Jo Malone, M&S & Bourjois
So much beauty news comes into my inbox each week, so I thought I’d condense some of it here into a little Beauty News round-up! Katie Holmes looks beautiful… * Katie Holmes was the face of Bobbi Brown, and I’m not sure if she still is or not – I don’t think so, considering she is now the very first...
Beauty Advent from Jo Malone and Boots No7
Whilst I was on the subject of Christmas, with the Benefit Advent Calendar, I thought I might as well mention another couple of beauty-full advent calendars on their way soon – at opposite ends of the price spectrum. First up, Jo Malone’s AMAZING Advent Calendar, which launches on November 10th, and...
BeneFit Advent Calendar Launch!
Yes, yes, okay, it’s only October, but Christmas is coming – you can’t deny it! And if you want one of Benefit’s coveted advent calendars, then you will need to get your Christmas hat on next week! Benefit launch their advent calendar, Candy-Coated Countdown, in stores in November, but you can get it...
Holly Fulton at Elizabeth Arden
I’m a sucker for beauty Gifts with Purchase (GWP) – always have been. I have a ridiculous amount of makeup bags in my house, as well as unused sample sizes of countless products. There’s something childlike about getting a FREE bag full of stuff when you buy something else – it’s like an extra birthday...
Rouge Allure Gloss from Chanel
Chanel have recently launched a new lipgloss – Rouge Allure Gloss -which is much more than just a gloss. Of course. Beauty brands can’t just launch a gloss anymore, or a lipstick, or an eyeshadow, no, no, no. Every new product seems to be multi-functional, with amazing ingredients, to make it stand ...
Dr Murad John Lewis Edinburgh counter launches
Dr Murad launched their Edinburgh counter in John Lewis late last month, following the launch of their Debenhams Glasgow counter in the summer. I blogged about that launch here, and the brand’s innovative YouthCam, which gives you a complimentary Skin Health Assessment, measuring five key skin health...
Nanshy Makeup Brushes
It’s all very well buying the latest makeup – but if you don’t have the right tools to apply it, what’s the point. Yes, sometimes a quick smudge with your ring finger works for a wash of eye colour. But there comes a time when you really need to invest in some proper makeup brushes. Brushes are expensive...
Think Pink beauty for breast cancer awareness
It’s October, so in the beauty world that mean time to think pink for breast cancer charities. These days it’s more than just the beauty world that embrace the ‘think pink’ style in October, but it began in the beauty world in 1992, as the late Evelyn Lauder founded The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast...
Clarins NEW Super Restorative Day & Night Cream
Clarins have renewed their Super Restorative Day & Night Cream with Organic Plant Extracts and relaunched them. This range is aimed at menopausal skin – or as Clarins put it “mature skin challenged by natural hormonal changes due to the ageing process”. Women have challenges throughout our lives, aren...
Georgia May Jagger Angel Interview
Earlier this year we told you Georgia May Jagger was following in her mum, Jerry Hall’s footsteps in becoming the face of Thierry Mugler’s Angel. Wells, she’s officially that girl now, and here’s a little interview with Georgia May about fragrance, her beauty secrets, and other things! 5PM: What is ...
On the trail of Sandalwood Smugglers with Lush
If you are interested in the beauty business at all – and in particular the dirty, nasty business of the sweet, seductive sandalwood, then you MUST buy the latest book from Lush. Their graphic novel, On The Trail of The Sandalwood Smugglers, is a fascinating, informative and fun insight into the dirty...
Emma Hardie Midas Touch Face Serum
Emma Hardie is a lot of fun. She’s also a brilliant facialist, and her products are fantastic. Her Moringa Cleansing Balm wins award after award and if you have ever used it, you will know why. It is brilliant. This autumn she launches two new products which I first saw back in the summer. The first...
Darphin's Revitalizing Oil
This new Darphin Revitalizing Oil is an interesting one. It’s a three-in-one product, at a great price, and is perfect if you want to try a top end beauty brand, but don’t want to overstretch your budget. It’s a do-all oil that will sort out your skin which may have hydration issues, your body hydration...
Enlighten with Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder’s latest skincare range launches next month – and their EE Cream. Yes, I said EE!! Not BB, CC, or DD, but EE! More on that later, but first the skincare products in the new Enlighten range. The Enlighten Skintone Correcting Collection is for night and day, for naturally glowing, even-toned...
Bobbi Brown's Smokey Nudes
It is fair to say that Bobbi Brown has embraced colour in the last few years. But nudes are her thing. And I do wonder how she consistently manages to reinvent the nude look, and come up with best-selling new products, that are, essentially just a twist on the last. The latest nudes range from Bobbi...
Scottish Beauty
Scotland is all over the news this week, and today we go to the polls to decide our country’s future in the Independence referendum. Let’s leave the politics behind, but celebrate our fantastic little country, by celebrating Scottish beauty! Here are a few of my favourite Scottish beauty brands out ...
Estee Lauder Modern Muse Chic
After the mega-launch – and success – of Estee Lauder’s Modern Muse fragrance, their first in years, it’s no surprise they are now launching a new version of it. You can read about the original Modern Muse on last year’s blog post here, and now I’ll try and explain the differences in the new one! Modern...
Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation
YES! It’s another foundation! It’s all I seem to be reviewing at the moment. This latest is from the queen of bases, Bobbi Brown, and it’s a compact powder foundation. Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation is a bit different to the others I’ve been trialling of late. I have quite a lot to say...
Holistic Silk Beauty Cocoons
AS well as the usual lotions and potions, I get sent some very odd things in this job. You may recall my post the other month about the sticky patches to help with anti-ageing? Well, here’s another one of my category ‘ Weird and Wonderful Beauty’ – Silk Cocoons. Let me explain a little more! Holistic...
bareMinerals bareSkin Foundation
Yep, it’s another new foundation! This one is quite interesting, because it’s a liquid foundation, from bareMinerals. Mineral makeup is powder, right? Well, yes and no. bareMinerals is a long-time detractor of liquid foundations so how do they justify bringing one out? Er, like this. Okay, I’m not actually...
Burt's Bees 30th Anniversary Facebook campaign
Do you want Burt from Burt’s Bees to read out your birthday message to him and the bees? Yes? Well, get over to the Burt’s Bees UK Facebook page and get wishing them a very Happy Birthday! More on how to later. First, a short history on this lovely brand. Burt’s Bees turns 30 this month and have come...
Illamasqua Once
The latest autumn collection to land on my desk recently was the Illamasqua Once collection – and how pretty is Once?! The idea behind the collection is the beauty of old and new. Decadent and lavish, dabbling with rich textures and autumnal, delicate colours. “Once is the beauty of the burnished, eroded...
Smashbox Love Lips
Two new products have recently launched at the Smashbox counter -both for lips. I am REALLY excited about the first one, the Always Sharp Lip Liner. I was stupidly impressed with the Always Sharp Eye Liners when I saw them last year – and wrote about them here. But as I actually wear Lip Liner more ...
BIOEFFECT Daytime moisturiser for Dry Skin
Come the winter months – and they are coming – skin can get a lot drier, thanks to the weather and the use of central heating. I have dry skin anyway, so in the winter I am always layering on the moisturiser, and looking for anything with an extra moisturisation quality. So, I was thrilled to find the...
Bobbi Brown launches Ask Bobbi App
Bobbi Brown has launched the new ASK Bobbi App, and it’s pretty good if you’re a big beauty fan. I’ve had a play around with it, and there’s a lot you can do. Discover recommended products, expert advice, how-to’s and you can shop straight from the App, via bobbibrown.co.uk. Features on the App include...
Clarins Gift with PURPOSE
Yes, that’s right, not just a Gift with Purchase, but a Gift with Purpose from Clarins this month. When you make two Clarins purchases you will receive a lovely gift with purchase, which has purpose too, in the shape of the FEED 10 Cosmetics bag. Each FEED 10 bag contains five of Clarins iconic discovery...
Jo Malone's Wood Sage & Sea Salt
The new cologne from Jo Malone London is the wonderful, totally different, Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Totally different because there are no floral notes in it at all, which is very unusual in fragrance. Wonderful because it is evocative of those last days of summer that we all love to cling on to, but not...
Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil
This was the perfect antidote to my post-holiday blues – Sisley’s first facial skincare oil on my desk. Three years after the launch of the Black Rose Cream Mask comes the Black Rose Precious Face Oil. The mask became a cult product in record time, and is number one on the French luxury face mask market...
Boots No7 launch Match Made Lipstick Service
Mmm. This is one beauty launch this week that saw a raised eyebrow in your beauty blogger. Boots No7 Match Made Lipstick Service reminded me a little of ‘having your colours done’, my absolute first pick for Room 101! I despise everything about this philosophy. Who on earth is anyone to tell me what...
New Foundations from Estee Lauder and Clarins
Foundation is BIG news this autumn/winter in the beauty world. It seems like everyone is launching a new base product – and all with new technologies and claims. More and more, foundation is becoming an integral part of a skincare routine, not just a makeup base. Estee Lauder and Clarins are the latest...
Darphin Ideal Resource Anti-Dark Circle Eye Illuminator
Loads of AW14 beauty collections seem to be about eye makeup, and the focus on the eyes, so, it’s just as well this little beauty from Darphin is launching then, isn’t it?! Darphin’s Ideal Resource Anti-Dark Circle Eye Illuminator is a big name for a little product, but it has big claims. It’s a specialised...
Cachette SteamCream
I’ve seen SteamCream on and off in my time as a beauty writer – it seems to pop up in my inbox every now and then. What is it? Well, it’s a moisturiser, simple as that. It comes in cute tins, and contains 11 specifically selected natural ingredients, and is packed with raw plant extracts. The reason...
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy
Estee Lauder’s AW14 colour collection is all about the eyes – more specifically all about the new Pure Color Envy Sculpting EyeShadow 5-Color Palette. There are a whopping TEN of them in all sorts of gorgeous colour mixes for the perfect eyes. There are dramatic shades, accentuated with timeless nudes...
BeneFit Majorette & Just Confess, You're Obsessed
September sees the launch of two fabulous new BeneFit products -and this pair are absolutely full of BeneFit sass and fun! First up, it’s Majorette, a cream-to-powder booster blush which promises to give your cheeks an instant ‘cheer up’! It’s a prerppy-pink shade, you can ‘twirl’ it on bare cheeks ...
Tom Ford Private Blend Patchouli Absolu
The other new launch is in Tom Ford’s Private Blend range, and is a very personal one for Mr Ford. He absolutely loves patchouli (so do I!) and has reinvented it in this wonderful private Blend, Patchouli Absolu. Patchouli is famed for its rich and mysterious sensuality and its long history in perfumery...
Tom Ford Velvet Orchid
We are being utterly spoiled with not one, but TWO gorgeous new Tom Ford fragrances this autumn! Both are out on September 1, and are very different! First up it’s the BIG launch – the first mainline Tom Ford new fragrance for a while – the beautiful Velvet Orchid. I am going to come right out and say...
Handcreams and Foot Treatments
This week I’ve gone shopping with my trusty 1980s jelly basket for handcreams and foot treatments. I have had a horrendous flare-up of palmoplantar psoriasis this year – that’s psoriasis of the soles of your feet and palms of your hands. As well as treatments from the doctor I have been using more hand...
Seascape Natural Beauty
It’s nice to try new brands so I was happy to trial out a couple of products from a brand called SEASCAPE ISLAND APOTHECARY recently. They are a Jersey based company, and the products are full of natural goodness and not full of parabens, silicones SLS, petroleum,artificial colours and synthetic fragrances...
Tom Ford Fall Color Collection 2014
More gorgeous Tom Ford makeup! It’s such a luxury, but if you love makeup, save up and treat yourself to some of this – it’s worth every penny! The packaging is decadent, the makeup quality is fanastic, and Tom Ford’s vision is beautiful. For the Tom Ford Fall Color Collection 2014, think light and ...
Origins NEW Plantscription - FREE!
Yes, the headline is right – FREE Origins new Plantscription Power Serum! The best-selling, award-winning serum gets a new version this September, and Origins are giving away free samples in the weeks leading up to the launch. So, if you are a fan of Origins Plantscription Anti-ageing serum, then you...
Lush launch sun care
Lush have just launched their sun care and, of course, it’d not like any sun care you will have used before. It’s innovative, natural and I can’t wait to try it out properly on holiday in a few weeks. There are five products in the new range – Million Dollar Moisturiser, Lifesaver, The Sunblock, Sesame...
Realine Beauty Patches
In my decade+ as a beauty writer, editor and blogger, I have been sent all sorts of crazy products. There was the spray that was supposed to protect your skin from harmful computer rays, fake tan tights, and, well, stick-on anti-ageing patches. Yep, stickers to stick on your face, to prevent lines and...
Collection Etats Poetiques from Chanel
I have already fallen in love with the imagery from Chanel’s AW14 beauty collection, Etats Poetiques inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s fascination with the art of poetry. And, I think I am now falling in love with the collection. It is a very romantic, pared down collection, with washes for lips, barely...
Sanctuary Spa launch Wonder Oil Serum
Hands up those of you who use a serum and a moisturiser or facial oil? I know I do. So, I was intrigued to try this new Sanctuary Spa Wonder Oil Serum which has been created it seems to simplify our beauty regimes. Simply apply this after cleansing and then put your makeup on. Sounds perfect, the one...
YSL Fusion Foundation
YSL launch their Fusion Foundation today (exclusive to Debenhams, until August 20), with a mass of science behind it, apparently much of it the same as the science NASA use. This is not a new claim int he beauty world but it seems to be a true one this time, as Jane Cunningham from British Beauty Blogger...
Tom Ford's Flawless Complexion collection
This is Tom Ford’s new Flawless Complexion collection. “As human beings, we all respond subconsciously to symmetry. It is a universal beauty standard. A symmetrical and balanced face is considered beautiful in our society,” says Tom Ford. I get the feeling Tom Ford likes symmetry in everything, don’...
Clarins go all Ladylike for Autumn/Winter
Clarins want us to come over all ladylike for Autumn/Winter this year, with their new collection – Ladylike! Focus is on the eyes, and the feel is elegant with a strong, but soft, character. The big news in this collection is that they are bringing out their hugely successful 3-Dot Liner in a Limited...
Rimmel's Wonder'full Eyes...
Rimmel launch a new mascara today – their Rimmel Wonder’full Mascara with Argan Oil (£7.99) The campaign features the beautiful Georgia May Jagger and the mascara promises to deliver full, smooth, lash by lash volume, with no clumps. And it does! I have tried this mascara out and can confirm that it...
Brows from Shavata, Clarins and Joan Collins
Eyebrows shape your face. They also keep the sweat out of your eyes. They can be thin, bushy, shaped, messy, thick, whatever. But, according to eyebrow guru, Shavata, they should always be groomed! And preferably at one of her counters, of course. I had my brows done at the new Shavata counter in Edinburgh...
Seven Shimmer products for Summer!
Who doesn’t like a bit of shimmer in the summer? Here’s seven of my current favourite shimmery products! I’m not a huge shimmery, golden glow kind of gal, but I do love a bit of shimmer on a summer evening. Any tan looks instantly lifted with a bit of a shimmer added to it, be it from a bronzer, an ...
Estee Lauder John Lewis 150 Gift offer
You’ve still got a week to get this gorgeous Gift With Purchase (GWP) at the John Lewis Estee Lauder counters. Estee Lauder is celebrating 150 years of John Lewis heritage with a lovely gift with a gorgeous makeup bag designed especially for them in the John Lewis Design Studio. The print features an...
How much is your makeup bag worth?
A new survey shows that the average British woman carries £231 worth of cosmetics in her makeup bag. Do you think you carry that much? The research by online hair and beauty retailer Hairtrade.com quizzed 640 women about the products in their makeup bag, and how much they paid for them. It all added...
Revlon Moisture Stain
Revlon have a new lip product out in August – the Moisture Stain. It’s a sort of gel-stain which is highly pigmented, but non-drying, and hydrating. They’re infused with Vitamin E and Aloe to help with that hydration. I’m amazed at the amount of new lip product formulas that come out almost monthly....
Clinique's new Chubby Cheeks and Baby Chubby
It’s been the worst kept beauty secret, but FINALLY Clinique’s Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm arrives on counter at the end of this week! They’ve been available online for a few weeks now and are already amassing a cult following. Clinique revolutionised the beauty market when they launched their Chubby...
Estee Lauder relaunch Advanced Night Repair Eye
Estee Lauder will launch new versions of their Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum, and Eye Cream from August. Last July, Estee Lauder relaunched their Advanced Night Repair – the new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II was born, and I absolutely love it. I blogged about that relaunch...
YSL Black Fetish Collection
It’s sunny outside, summer is here, and we’re all feeling, well, summery, so … it’s a great time to talk about Autumn /Winter makeup! I know, I know, but the Autumn/Winter beauty collections hit the counters in August, and this one hits in July! So let’s start this week with this GORGEOUS collection...
Bobbi Brown Goes Bright!
Wow! That’s my only reaction to the new Bobbi Brown Blush & Rich Lip Color Shade Extensions. Wait until you see these colours! Inspired by requests from fans and makeup artists, Bobbi Brown is expanding her Blush and Rich Lip Color collections with what she is calling her ‘pick-me-up’ shades. I think...
Radiance Revealing Masks
Face masks are one of those things that I have odd memories of. Always portrayed in movies as white or green chalky things, and always on women’s faces at completely inappropriate times in almost every sitcom written. Just applied a facemask? That must be the doorbell and it must be the man I love at...
Dr Murad in Debenhams Glasgow
A brand new, shiny Dr Murad counter opened in the Debenhams Argyle Street Glasgow beauty hall this week. Who is Dr Murad? Well, he’s Dr Howard Murad, an American Board-certified Dermatologist and trained pharmacist, who has treated thousands of patients over more than 30 years in practice, and who has...
Summer Beauty Bases
This week I’ve gone shopping with my trusty 1980s jelly basket for summer bases. Do you change your foundation in the summer months? You should, if you don’t already. Summer means we can get away with something lighter, more of a tinted moisturiser than an actual foundation. You want to let any summer...
Tweezerman Gear - beauty tools for men!
Tweezerman has developed a large range of beauty, oh well, okay then, grooming tools for men, for everything from nails to moustache clipping, to nasal hairs, and toenails! The brand has three online advocates – Cecil, Joey and Lance who showcase exactly how to use the new range! There are loads of ...
All the fake tans!
Okay, that’s not strictly true, of course, because there are loads of fake tans out there. We all know the salon brands, St Tropez and Fake Bake, of course. They have great reputations and there is a reason for their popularity. But what about other fake tans out there – and all the different formulas...
The Body Shop Sorbets Face and Body
Earlier this week, I was enthusing about gel products – today it’s more of the same, with these excellent new sorbet products from The Body Shop. First up is Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, a gorgeous cooling skincare treat. on. Refreshingly cool, with a velvety soft texture and deep hydration, it’s a ...
DKNY MYNY with Rita Ora
That Rita Ora gets about the beauty world, doesn’t she? Not long after creating her own range of lips and nails for Rimmel, she’s now the face of DKNY’s latest frgrance MYNY whcih is out next month. All about New York, this new fragrance has a message as universal as it is personal – be a part of New...
Origins and Indeed Labs Gel Beauty
I’ve been trying out a couple of new gel prodiucts over the weekend. The first is an innovative moisturiser from Indeed Labs (the brand behind the successful Nanoblur, which I blogged about the other year) Hydraluron Moisture Jelly (£24.99, Boots) is a little pot of moisturising gel which you simply...
Boots Advantage Card App
I love an App as much as the next person, so when I was pointed in the direction of the new Boots App, I thought I’d give it a go. It took no time at all to download, and then once you’ve popped in your Advantage Card number, date of birth and postcode, it comes up with personal offers tailored just...
Don't Step on a Bee Day beauty!
Today is National Don’t Step on a Bee Day. Who does that anyway? Shame on you! I love bees, and we should all embrace these colourful buzzy creatures. The recent press surrounding the ‘Bee Crisis’ has been hard to ignore. Bees are essential to life. Did you know that without the tireless work of our...
Festival Survival Beauty!
It’s T in the Park this weekend, and, if you are heading for the last ever T at Balado, before they move to their new home, then here are a few essentials you should take with you. Warning! This is not a beauty feature about all-in-one makeup products, lovely lipsticks, or festival ready beauty balms...
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Cream QVC launch
Elemis launch their Frangipani Monoi Body Cream to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their multi-award winning Frangipani Monoi range in August. absolutely love this range- the scent is amazing, and the Body Oil is an amazing three in one product, perfect for holidays, it nourishes your body, hair and...
Go Blonder with John Frieda
If you’re blonde, and you want to go blonder, you’re going to love this new range from John Frieda. Go Blonder helps you do just that. How I wish this was around when I was blonde! Throw away those lemons, ladies – you can go blonder in a much more easy way with the newly formulated Sheer Blonde Go ...
Illamasqua Nudes
Illamasqua are renowned fortheir bold, out there, avant garde style – full of bright colours and bold formulas. This is the brand that brought you this green lipgloss! And their new collection for summer is, well, NUDES! I was a bit shocked when this landed on my desk, but I didn’t dismiss it out of...
Garnier Funshine! Weatherproof Your Beauty Routine
The weather is being classically British at the moment – bright sunshine one minute, rain the next, then overcast and cloudy. Lovely! But Garnier are having some #GarnierFunshine despite this, with products for every type of weather! I’m having a BBQ this weekend, so please let’s have some sun! I have...
Have a Lush National Kissing Day!
It’s National Kissing Day on Sunday (July 6), so time to pucker up! But, before you do that, make sure those lips are kissable! Lush have these fabulous little pots of Lip Scrub – in three brilliant flavours Bubblegum, Mint Julips and Popcorn, which help slough away dry skin on your mouth, in preparation...
Joan Collins Summer Makeup
Joan Collins launched her own line of cosmetics earlier this year, and I blogged about them over on my own site , Beauty Bombshells. Joan is undoubtedly a Bombshell, still looking fabulous in her 80s! For summer, available in July, she’s launching a few new additions to her collection, including a couple...
Jo Malone Edinburgh Herb Garden
Last month I blogged about the Jo Malone Silk Blossom Candle, sales of which contributed to the Jo Malone London charity projects, one of which was the Edinburgh Redhall Walled Garden, in association with the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH). Last week, I attended the launch of the garden...
Fake Freckles from TopShop
I’m not entirely sure about this latest beauty trend – fake freckles! It’s not the first time I’ve heard of it, and I am sure for catwalk shows, if the look requires freckled faces, then it can look great. But are you really going to pencil on some freckles and go out like that? TopShop think so and...
Dr Hauschka Summer Makeup
The little independent chemist round the corner from me stocks Dr Hauschka, and every time I am in waiting for a prescription, I have a sniff and a try of the lovely creams and lotions. Recently, I noticed they also stock Dr Hauschka makeup. I have to confess, I didn’t know there was such a thing! But...
Eve Lom Radiance Lift Foundation Review
The Eve Lom Radiance Lift Foundation was launched back in February. I was sent some to review, and I am finally getting round to trialling this foundation. The price tag of £50 a bottle put me off a bit – although it’s not the most expensive foundation I have ever used, that accolade goes to Sisley,...
Glasgow's Miles Better... For Your Skin
A survey by beauty brand Simple exploring the negative impact that living in a city has on our skin has revealed Glasgow as the UK’s most skin-friendly city. The stress levels of 1100 women living in the UK’s busiest cities were monitored over a 12-month period to develop this ‘City Skin Scale’. Three...
Holly Willoughby for Garnier
Holly Willoughby has been announced as the latest Garnier brand spokesperson. The pregnant TV star’s first campaign – for Garnier Nutrisse Pearly Blonde – will air nationwide from July 4. Almost a third of UK women are blonde, highlighting that British women have a long-standing love affair with blonde...
Surf & Sand from Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown’s Surf & Sand collection is Bobbi’s perfect summer beauty essentials for creating an effortlessly chic beach look. I’m not sure I want to head to the beach with a full face of makeup, but I can see where she is coming from… This lovely collection is, however, perfect for those summer evenings...
Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum
The Smart Custom-Repair Serum a pretty interesting launch from Clinique – it’s a ‘one-size-fits-all’ serum, in effect. It delivers targeted repair as and where needed, and clinical tests have proven its performance. Apparently, after a 12-week study, results showed visible improvement in treating uneven...
Beauty News!
* It had to happen – we’ve had BB creams for skin, and hair, and now US brand Orly is to launch an industry first – a BB cream for nails! BB, or blemish balm, creams have been one of the biggest things in the skincare market of late, bridging the gap between moisturiser and foundation and are popular...
Origins GinZing Scrub Cleanser
It’s all about lacklustre skin, skin brightening, and radiance in the beauty world at the moment it seems! Here’s another product I’ve been trying out, to get that ‘glow’ back to my complexion. (I should be shining like a beacon by the time I’ve tried all of these products!) Origins GinZing Refreshing...
Instant Facial from Alpha-H
If lacklustre skin, lack of radiance, and just a bit of a ‘meh’ complexion are your problems, then you might just need this Instant Facial from Alpha-H. Who needs an Instagram filter when you’ve got an Alpha-H Instant Facial!? This product will guarantee you can use #nofilterneeded! It’s a bit of a ...
Our Gillian meets Olly Murs
Our Health & Beauty Manager attended the Donna Mortimer Ballantyne Charitable Trust Ball on Saturday. She got all glammed up for the star studded event in aid of Kilbryde Hospice. First she got her lashes and make up done at Kiki’s Powder Room. Then she got her hair done at Amy’s Hair Corner. She got...
Neuro Tools from Paul Mitchell
Paul Mitchell have recently launched a whole new range of styling tools – including straighteners which I have been trialling for a while now. The new Neuro range are cutting edge in hair technology, if you will pardon the pun! The range includes a Dryer, Straighteners, Rod and Cone tongs, and traditional...
Cheap and Cheerful from Miss Sporty
Miss Sporty are one of those uber-cheap brands you probably walk past in Boots and Superdrug, if, like me, you can be a bit of a beauty snob. But we’re actually missing out on some excellent bargain buys. New for this summer, Miss Sporty has a few excellent, fun, good quality products – that are just...
Darphin's Vitalskin
Last week I was treated to a Darphin facial featuring one of their latest products , Vitalskin Relumping Energic Cream. More on the facial later, but first let’s look at the product. Darphin research shows that, like your body, your skin has a metabolism that slows over time. That’s not rocket science...
#3 Andrea's Wedding Looks: Hair & Make Up Lounge
This week we’ve been sharing wedding looks for our 5pm bride-to-be Andrea. Yesterday we told you about the Grecian style from Miss Barton’s and on Wednesday we shared her vintage look from VIP Hair & Beauty. For her third and final wedding look, Andrea visited Hair & Make Up Lounge in Glasgow city centre...
Father's Day Grooming Gifts
It’s Father’s Day on Sunday – don’t forget! Don’t buy dad a pair of socks, or a mug, or a box of chocolates. Treat him to something he may never go out and buy himself – a grooming gift! Men may be more and more into grooming than ever before, but is your dad? Would he really splash out on a new shaving...
Andrea's wedding look #2: Miss Barton's
Yesterday we shared our Andrea’s wedding look from VIP Hair & Beauty. Andrea, our sales coordinator, is getting married to her long term love Martin and we asked three salons to give her a wedding look of their choice with no input from the bride! Here’s Andrea’s second wedding look from Miss Barton...
Brazilian Beauty!
The World Cup starts tonight in Brazil, in case you have been under a rock recently and don’t know this! We’ve all gone Brazilian bonkers, it seems, so we thought we’d jump on the bandwagon and bring you a few bits and bobs of true Brazilian beauty. I’ve had a little look about the beauty world and ...
Andrea's Wedding Look #1: VIP Hair & Beauty
Yesterday we told you the story of our sales coordinator and bride to be, Andrea. Andrea is getting married to her long term love Martin and to help get her in the mood for her wedding, we thought it would be a fun idea to ask three salons to get her a wedding look of their choice. They had free reign...
Wedding prep week: Andrea
It’s very rare we have a 5pm wedding. So when our sales coordinator Andrea MacNaughton announced she was engaged to her long term love Martin, we couldn’t wait to share her excitement and hear about all the wedding prep. Martin and Andrea. Andrea and Martin have been together for thirteen years. When...
TopShop and Red Lippy Project for Cervical Cancer Awareness
This week the beauty world is encouraging us all to do something I do every day – wear red lipstick! The Red Lippy Project is a charity initiative supporting, and raising awareness of, cervical cancer. As part of Cervical Screening Awareness Week (June 8-14), the Red Lippy Project are collaborating...
Aveda Shampure Bodycare
More Aveda, this time a really exciting new range with that familiar ‘Aveda smell‘. Do you know the ‘Aveda smell‘? You will if you have ever walked past a counter, or a salon, or used their Shampure range. A potent elixir of 25 pure flower and plant essences, it’s instantly recognisable as Aveda. It...
Get into the World Cup spirit - with a tan!
The World Cup starts next Thursday in Brazil, but you don’t have to be into football to be inspired by the country. From TV documentaries, to Havaianas flip-flops, Brazil is in the headlines at the moment, and looks like staying there for most of the summer. Famous for its beaches, it’s thong bikinis...
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipgloss
Smashbox’s latest lipgloss – Be Legendary Lipgloss is inspired by red photo gels – the red transparent films placed over lenses and lights to create colour effects in photos by illuminating areas in washes of colour. Davis Factor – one of the men behind the brand – had an assortment of red photo gels...
Stress- Fix Body Creme from Aveda
I love a big pot of body cream that I can get my hands into, and use far too much of, don’t you? Aveda have added a Body Creme to their Stress Fix line. The Aveda Stress Fix range now comprises Bath Salts, a rollerball, a Body Lotion, and this gorgeous, moreish cream. Did you know that the number of...
Pure Lochside Best Sellers kits
If you’re not familiar with Pure Lochside, then here’s the lowdown – they’re a luxury Scottish skincare brand, organic-rich, created by aromatherapist Fiona Tutte, and inspired by her experience creating bespoke oils for clients in her private practice. Fiona received incredible feedback on an anti-...
Aveda's Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight
My teenage self would have given the world for Aveda’s latest addition to their Smooth Infusion range! Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight is an amazing new miracle cream that turns naturally curly hair into naturally straight hair. Okay, it doesn’t do it permanently, but it does do it for a few...
Clinique launch Soft Matte Lipsticks
It’s a colourful Friday in this office! First up we had Bobbi’s new nails and bright lip colours, now it’s Clinique’s turn with these brilliant Long Lasting Soft Matte Lipsticks. I’ve had my hands on one of these for weeks now, and every time I use it I realise how good it is. This is Clinique remember...
Bobbi's new Rich Lip Color and Nails, nails, nails
June is going to look very colourful at the Bobbi Brown counter, thanks to two new launches – Rich Lip Color and Bobbi Nails. Let’s start with the nails, Due to overwhelming demand, Bobbi Brown’s favourite nails colour from seasons past, plus new shades, are back, and here to stay. Bobbi has created...
Pedro Lourenco for MAC
Coming soon! This gorgeous range for MAC Cosmetics, by young Brazilian designer Pedro Lourenco is beautiful. It’s chic, classy and has something, I think, for everyone. Bold, daring colours are juxtaposed against soft nudes, all of them encased in gorgeous limited edition packaging. For the eyes there...
Origins Modern Friction Instant Brightening Pads
I love Origins Modern Friction facial and body exfoliators, so I was excited to try these new Modern Friction Instant Brightening Pads – but, beware – do not overdo usage of this product! I used these twice last week and my forehead reacted in a pretty insane way – my skin was dry and peeling when I...
Paul Mitchell Stay Strong and Dry Wash
I’ve been wrestling with two BIG cans of spray recently, new Stay Strong and Dry Wash, from Paul Mitchell. They do both come in 50ml travel size as well as the massive 360ml (Stay Strong) and 252ml (Dry Wash) that are definitley NOT portable! But, you are getting a LOT of product for your money, and...
NEW Clarins HydraQuench Tinted Moisturiser
All the BB, CC, and DD creams sending you a bit Zzzzz?! Fear not, Clarins are bringing it back to basics with their new HydraQuench Tinted Moisturizer SPF15. Actually, it’s not that basic a product, but you get my drift! This new addition to the HydraQuench range – my absolute favourite skincare – is...
Korres at Tesco Beauty
Who remembers the Korres shop in Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries. I recall the launch night of the Greek brand’s stand-alone store – must have been about nine years ago now, maybe? Sadly, it didn’t last long, and Korres seemed to diappear from my radar, save from seeing it in a few local chemists. The ...
Giles Deacon Sunglasses for label.m
How cool are these sunglasses? And, even better, they’re FREE! Well, with two or more label.m haircare products. They’ve been specially created for label.m by award-winning fashion designer, Giles Deacon. Label.m have been working for 12 season with Giles backstage as the official haircare partner at...
Nails Inc New Look and Alexa Chung!
Nails inc have revealed their new nail polish look, and officially announced Alexa Chung as their new Brand Ambassador, and face of Nails Inc. Alexa posted the below picture of herself on Twitter, with a bottle that says ‘NailKale’ – yes, this is nail polish with kale in it. Has the world gone completely...
Jurlique's Purely Bright Treatment Serum
I get a LOT of products in this job. As a beauty writer, we’re given loads of new things to trial, pretty much on a constant basis. And so I try, and then, usually, return to my tried and tested old favourites. Sometimes, some of the new products become those old favourites! A candidate for this rare...
MAC's new eyes and lips
After the patent had run out on Clinique’s Chubby Sticks, I wonder if the beauty world expected such a flood of similar versions? Clinique will launch a cheek chubby later this year – keep an eye out for that – but everyone else will continue to bring out their lip version. The latest I’ve had my hands...
Beauty Adventures: HD Brows and LVL Lashes
The rise of the eyebrow is one of the most surprising beauty trends in recent years. Thanks to Cara Delevingne, the days of a thin, well plucked line are gone and the trend is now for a strong well defined brow. Regardless of your own brow preferences, beauty therapists have always stressed the importance...
Illamasqua Skin Base Mixers
Illamasqua have introduced a range of four Skin Base Mixers, available on counter only, so they can give you the very best advice on what your complexion needs. They are tackling the common concern of colour correction by creating these little tubes of mixer, and guding you to exactly teh right one ...
Illamasqua Matte Effect
Illamasqua have gone all matte and I like it! Their latest imagery for new matte products is fantastic – like something out of a 1980s beauty book, with a modern, 21st Century twist. The first product in this matte look to work with is the Matte Veil . Hands up who loved Illamasqua’s orginal Hydra Veil...
MAC Playland and Alluring Aquatic
MAC have two new spring/summer collections I have been having a look at of late – both of them very different. Alluring Aquatic is on counter and online now, and Playland is coming soon. Let’s deal with Playland first. I LOVE this collection – bits of it were featured earlier this year in my Tropical...
Boots launch new ADVANCED No7 Protect & Perfect Serums
Who remembers the hype – and the queues – for the launch of Boots No7 Protect & Perfect serums? Well, here it comes again, as Boots launch two, new, ADVANCED serums to the range. After seven years of research (has it really been SEVEN years?!), reformulation and further extensive scientific testing,...
Tory Burch Beauty
I have to admit I had never really heard of designer Tory Burch before I saw her beauty collection. Apparently the Duchess of Cambridge and her sister, Pippa, are fans of her ballet pumps – named Reva, after her mother. More on her later. I did a little more research and it seems she is worth, well,...
DKNY Tote Bag Offer+Limited Edition Men and Women
I’m not the biggest DKNY fragrance fan in the world. I do like some of their scents, but I’m not a designer lover, so a DKNY tote bag probably isn’t for me. However, this summer’s Gift With Purchase Tote Bag is really actually not that bad!! It’s a simople shopper shape, black with embossed DKNY on ...
Guerlain Summer Sun Collection
I was strolling through town in the rain when I saw the Guerlain Terracotta windows at my local House of Fraser and felt instantly transported to somewhere sunny, in my head at least! Guerlain celebrates 30 years this year of its iconic Terracotta range with a unique summer colour collection which encapsulate...
Get Wiggy with The Body Shop
It’s that time of year again, when The Body Shop raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust by having their staff don wigs, and do makeovers and hand massages in store for donations. They also send wigs out to beauty bloggers, journalists and editors, so that we can flood social media with silly pictures...
LUSH's anti-badger cull Bath Bomb
LUSH have launched this cute as a button badger bath bomb for a very good cause. Every penny of LUSH’s new badger inspired, May Day bath bomb (minus the VAT which has to go to the Government) goes towards anti-badger cull projects in the UK, including SAVE ME, the animal welfare organisation founded...
Georgia May Jagger new face of Angel
GEORGIA MAY JAGGER has been announced as the new face of Thierry Mugler’s iconic fragrance, ANGEL, following in her mother, Jerry Hall’s footsteps. Georgia May’s Angel campaigns will be seen later this year, almost two decades after her mum modelled for the perfume brand. “ANGEL is very connected to...
Bakewell Soap Company Foot Soother
I ran 10 miles at the end of April in the BUPA Great Edinburgh Run. It was challenging and rewarding after months of training, in the rain and wind. The race itself was great, the pain afterwards, horrendous! My legs were in agony some three days after the race, but my feet were somewhat soothed by...
Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar for Summer
If Bobbi Brown launched nothing again after her amazing Art Sticks, I could live with that. But, well, that’s a tad selfish, and there’s plenty more Bobbi Brown beauty goodness to come, you’ll be glad to know, starting with this lovely Raw Sugar Collection. Perfect for summer, inspired by the warm hues...
Adee Phelan Glasgow's hair selfie winner
Here at 5pm Health & Beauty we often host competitions with brilliant prizes. But when Adee Phelan Glasgow approached us in February and told us what they wanted to give away to one lucky 5pmer, even we were impressed. It was one of those competitions we asked around the office “do you think it would...
Pixie Lott for Batiste
Pixie Lott is the new official face of Batiste’s latest campaign – a campaign shot by Rankin, no less. Pixie’s beautiful hair is a perfect advert for the dry shampoo brand who must see sales rocket when festival season kicks in! The gorgeous Pixie Lott campaign is as you would expect from Rankin – gorgeous...
BeneFit They're Real Push-Up Liner
Finally, I can share the #BeneTease secret! The biggest BeneFit launch in months is the new member of the They’re Real family – the They’re Real Push-Up Liner! I’ve been using this for the last few weeks, and it really is worth all of this hype! It’s the first ever lash-hugging gel liner pen, according...
Orange Lips
Orange lips are one of the hottest makeup trends this Spring – embrace them! As seen last Autumn on the Fashion Week catwalks, if you want to make a makeup statement this season, make it with your mouth, coated in bold, bright orange! At dSquared2 at Milan Fashion Week last September, the makeup had...
Kate Moss Does Rimmel Eyes!
Kate Moss has been a Rimmel London girl for years now it seems, but next month she launches her first eye collection with them. Idol Eyes (see what they did there?!) is as Kate says ‘inspired by my favourite gem stones and jewels.’ There are four shades of mascara, four shades of shimmering Shadow Stick...
Plumping Rose from Melvita
It’s never too early to think about anti-ageing, but it is wise to use anti-ageing products specifically targeted to younger skin. Melvita’s new Plumping Rose collection is just that. Designed to tackle the first signs of ageing, it combines the moisturising powers of wild rose petals with a new extract...
Lorde for MAC
Teenage singing sensation Lorde has recently performed at Coachella, and made a special appearance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction to sing with Nirvana, won a BRIT award and now has a mini-collection launching with MAC Cosmetics. The 17-year-old from New Zealand has a style of her own, and...
Art Sticks from Bobbi Brown
I LOVE these new Art Sticks from Bobbi Brown! I’ve been using mine since early March – the bright Harlow Red shade – and I am just in love with it! The antithesis of all the lip crayons we have seen on the beauty vounters of late, Bobbi Brown has gone old-school and invented something that is just brilliant...
Jo Malone Edinburgh Charity Garden + Candle
There’s an exciting Jo Malone event happening in Edinburgh next month – the opening of their charity herb garden in ther Redhall Walled Garden. Jo Malone are partnering with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). The Redhall Walled Garden is maintained by trainee gardeners who attend as ...
Soap & Glory's Triple Orangeasm!
Last week, I featured a Soap & Glory Orangeasm Body Wash in my April Showers post. Now I am addicted to the whole range! I’m not normally one for overly fruity fragrances, but this is lovely. The Orangeasm Super Tonic Fragrance (£12, 100ml) is cheap and cheerful – it’s full of gorgeous citrus smells...
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess 2014
As sure as spring follows winter, Bronze Goddess from Estee Lauder comes along every summer! It’s back again, and this year’s Bronze Goddess 2014 Collection has a few interesting highlights. The collection is, of course, based around the original fragrance, and this year there is the Bronze Goddess ...
Summer SPF time - from Clinique and Clarins
Okay, so the weather has turned a wee bit rubbish today after a gorgeous Easter Bank Holiday weekend, but summer is coming. Trust me. It will be here. I know this because it’s that time of the beauty calendar year again when all my email subjects have ‘SPF’ or ‘UVA/UVB’ in them somewhere! First up this...
Clinique Moisture Surge Compact
Clinique launched their CC Cream last year, as part of their Moisture Surge range, and I quite liked it. You can recap on the review here. Now, they’ve launched their Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact Hydrating Colour Corrector SPF25 – basically an alternative to the originl, in compact form. It’s a multi...
Totally Tropical Makeup!
Fashion has gone totally tropical this spring/summer – there are palm tree, flamingo and beach prints everywhere. So, we thought we’d look at some totally tropical makeup to go with your tropical fashion. Think bold and bright. Key colours for this tropical look are acid pinks and oranges, bold turquoises...
Lush celebrate mistakes with new Bath Bomb!
Here’s one Error 404 that isn;t annoying! What a fab idea from Lush! They’ve hidden a new Easter egg shaped bath bomb on their 404 page on the website. So, if you get to a 404, you get the chance to buy this fab product! And, this week, they’re offering the 404 Bath Bomb FREE! Invented by Lush’s Digital...
Zingy April Showers!
The April Showers seem to have disappeared for the moment, as the sun has his hat on. So, let’s concentrate on April Showers in the bathroom! There is nothing better than a citrus shower gel to awaken the senses on a spring morning, don’t you agree? So, here’s my Top Six zingy, zesty shower gels guaranteed...
Beat the beauty-baddie with Soap & Glory Sit Tight!
If there was one ‘beauty baddie’ in a beauty superhero cartoon, it would most likely be cellulite. Stubborn, no idea how it arrived, unsightly and exceptionally irritating, cellulite ticks very box on the ultimate beauty-baddie list. Soap & Glory have been targeting this beauty-baddie for years, and...
Tom Ford's beautiful Summer
It must be amazing to live in Tom Ford’s beautiful life, don’t you think? Well, for a day at least. I’m not sure I could be that perfect all the time. But I can indulge my Tom Ford obsession with his beautiful cosmetics, and his summer collection doesn’t disappoint. Earlier this year he launched new...
Stila launch at M&S Your Beauty
Marks and Spencer are adding another fantastic brand to their already brilliant Your Beauty portfolio, with Stila launching at stores from April 17. They may not be getting it right with their clothes, but give the beauty hall a go. They stock some seriously good beauty brands in there. Stila are an...
Clinique For Men revamped
Clinique have revamped their men’s skincare range, recognising that there is more demand then ever from men for good grooming products. Clinique was the first prestige brand to recognise the different needs of men’s skin, and this newly revamped range, with new products added continues to understand...
Sanctuary Spa Moisture Miracle Oil Balm
It seems moisturisation is up there at the top of our beauty concerns, so those lovely people at Sanctuary Spa have come up with this little tube of moisture goodness to see us through the dry patches, and keep us well hydrated into summer and beyond. The 7 Day Moisture Miracle Oil Balm is a handbag...
BeneFit Tinted Lip Balms - sneak peek!
BeneFit just keep bringing out fab new products! Here’s another one for June – Hydrating Tinted Lip Balms. It’s ‘tinted love’ from BeneFit for the summer with four gorgeous lip balms which match up with their four fab tints. Bene Balm is a sexy red rose tinted balm, Cha Cha Balm is a juicy mango, Lolli...
Wake up with Garnier Miracle Skin Cream!
I don’t lnow about you but that lost hour of sleep is catching up on me now! I’m shattered, and have never been so delighted it’s Friday! And thankful for a couple of new products from Garnier! Garnier Miracle Skin Cream and Garnier Miracle Eye Cream launched in February of this year, on the back of...
Moroccanoil launch body range
Moroccanoil were really pioneers of the oil-infused hair care revolution that seems to have taken place in the last few years. So, it’s not a huge surprise that they have taken their hugely popular formula and applied it to a new body line. Celebrities, stylists and fashion and beauty insiders love ...
Feather those lashes with Clinique
Clinique have an excellent wardrobe of mascaras. They even have one that’s just for your bottom lashes. And they are just about to addanother one to their mascara portfolio. Launching online at clinique.co.uk tomorrow, and onto counters nationwide at the end of the month, Clinique’s latest mascara is...
True beauty from The Tru Brand
SaraJane Lynch, owner and founder of ‘the tru brand’ is one of the most infectious, fun, ‘true’ people I’ve meet for a while. There’s no BS with SJ, just as there’s no BS with her brand. I met the 27-year-old earlier this year for a coffee and was intrigued by her story. A single mum of one, from a ...
Totally tropical with Sisley
Tropical print is a big fashion trend this summer, and it seems Sisley were on the ball when they created their latest fragrance, Eau Tropicale. The French beauty house’s latest scent is a departure for them. A lighter Eau De Toilette, with a modern, fresh, fruity scent, it will appeal to a younger ...
Fake You're Awake! Beat the lost hour!
The clocks ‘spring forward’ this Saturday night, meaning we lose an hour’s sleep. Yes, we know, it heralds the start of British Summer Time and those light nights, but, well, did we mention … we LOSE an hour’s sleep! This is not good. We need all the beauty sleep we can get it. But, if we have to lose...
Gabby Logan talks being a mum - and hair dye!
Gabby Logan is gorgeous and talented, and I am a big fan! From reporting on sport, to presenting The One Show or Spash!, Gabby gets it right. She also has a lovely husband, former Scottish rugby star Kenny Logan, and eight-yeart-old twins Lois and Reuben. She is also the Celebrity Ambassador for nice...
Spoil mum with Chanel's new bath range
What better way to spoil your mum this Mother’s Day with something Chanel? The luxury brand has launched two gorgeous new bath products in their Coco Mademoiselle range this month – Gentle Body Exfoliant, and Scented Foam Bath. Coco Mademoiselle was created by Jacques Polge in 2001, and has enjoyed ...
Lift Away The Years with Crystal Clear
Last night at the Debenhams SS14 Scottish Press Show, I got the chance to trial a ‘beauty gadget’ from Crystal Clear which has been on the market for about a year, but is new to Debenhams. Why had I never seen this before?! Bad beauty journalist! Crystal Clear are most famous for their microdermabrasion...
Sisley's Sunleya G.E - anti-ageing suncare
Suncreams are essential. We know that. We don’t want to burn, so we want to keep out those nasty UVB rays, AND we don’t want to age, so we want to block the UVA rays. It is safe to say that most suncreams are more bothered with the former. In 2006 luxury French beauty brand, Sisley, came up with their...
Clarins' latest self-tan innovation
Clarins have come up trumps in my book with their new innovative self-tan product, Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster. Okay, the name is a bit of a mouthful, but the concept is clever, and the product is great. It’s basically a little bottle of fake tan essence that you drop into your own skincare product...
Pretty Perfumes for Mum!
It’s Mother’s Day at the end of the month – don’t forget. Put March 30 in your diary now! I reckon as long as you remember, and go and see your mum, she won’t mind what you turn up with (just don’t go empty handed, remember a card at least!). But a bottle of perfume always goes down well, so here are...
Bobbi Brown cover all the bases
I love Bobbi Brown bases. They’re just really good. And they come in a great range of shades for all skintones. So, I was quite excited when I got my hands on two of their newest face products – the CC Cream and the Skin Foundation Stick. The CC Cream, launched this month, comes in three shades – Pale...
Miss Dixiebelle Vintage Salon
Last month I popped along to a bash at lovely vintage boutique and hair and beauty salon, Miss Dixiebelle in Edinburgh’s Bruntsfield area. The vintage-styling salon has expanded (gone is the lingerie department) and Miss Dixiebelle offers all sorts of vintage hair, makeup, and nails experiences. It’...
Liz Earle new Indulgent Bath & Body range
Liz Earle sold her company to Avon three years ago, and we all waited with baited breath in the beauty world to see what they did with it. Liz Earle herself is still a consultant, but there is bound to be change. But nothing much changed at all. And then along came this new launch. And the ‘Indulgent...
L'Wren Scott found dead
I was shocked when the news came through late yesterday afternoon that fashion designer and model, and girlfriend of Mick Jagger had been found dead in her apartment in New York, an apparent suicide. L’Wren Scott recently collaborated with Bobbi Brown on a mini collection which was launched in February...
Top Ten Body Exfoliators
It’s time to scrub up for Spring! That means getting a body exfoliator, and having a good scrub in the shower! There are loads of great exfoliators out there for all budgets, so we’ve whittled the choice down to 10 – here’s our Top Ten Body Exfoliators. 1. COWSHED GORGEOUS COW BLISSFUL SHOWER SCRUB,...
Michael Angove for Jo Malone
Jo Malone London loves a collaboration these days, doesn’t it? Following on from their London Rain collection, which we blogged about last month, they’re launching a gorgeous Home collection with fine artist Michael Angove. This lovely Limited Edition Home Collection features two fragrances – Orange...
Nioxin's #30DayChallenge
Thinning hair is a bigger problem amongst women than you probably think. I watched with horror two programmes on TV recently where women had ruined their hair with glued in hair extensions, and horrendously tight weaves. These are just two causes of hair issues, however. Other factors include genetic...
L'Oreal Paris L'Extraordinaire Lipstick
So, when the new L’Oreal Paris L’Extraordinaire Lipstick landed on my desk, I half expected a team from YSL to arrive at the same time, screaming ‘copycats’! These are very similar to the YSL Glossy Stains. Except when you investigate them further, they’re not really. These new lip colours from L’Oreal...
Fake Bake launch anti-ageing self tan
Fake Bake launch into Marks and Spencer Your Beauty stores this month, and they celebrate that exciting news with the launch of a brand new product that is quite innovative in tanning. The Face is an anti-ageing self-tanning lotion. Fake Bake are calling it their ‘DD cream‘ – a DD product being a Dynamic...
Eau De Lacoste Sensuelle
It’s probably safe to say that I am most definitely NOT a Lacoste woman. You’re not likely to ever see me, looking casual yet smart in a crisp Lacoste shirt or polo shirt. But I was drawn to their new fragrance for women – Eau De Lacoste Sensuelle – by the cute litte illustrations by global fashion ...
Estee Lauder Clear Difference
Estee Lauder want to make a (clear) difference to your skin with their latest launch. Clear Difference is an anti-blemish range for grown-ups. One of the main issues women with blemished skin have is finding skincare to suit them, that isn’t aimed primarily at the teen market. Hormonal fluctuations,...
Beauty Adventures: Hot Bamboo Massage
Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stone. When it comes to massage, here at 5pm Health & Beauty we’ve tried it and loved it all. So when I saw an offer at Partick’s Tranquil Times for a “hot bamboo massage” I immediately wanted to find out more. Louise enjoys the massage Heated bamboo The first...
Pretty Powerful Bobbi Brown for International Women's Day
It’s International Women’s Day this Saturday – March 8. Time to celebrate how amazing women are, and time to help those less fortunate than ourselves. For the second year running, Bobbi Brown has launched The Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women & Girls. This global charitable initiative celebrates the...
BB & CC from Estee Lauder and Darphin!
Beauty fans! I assume we’re all familiar with BB and CC creams now? I hope so, because they just don’t stop coming. This week I’ve been trying out two new ones on the market – a BB from Estee Lauder, and a CC from Darphin. Let’s start with Lauder’s BB. The Double Wear All-Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup...
Tom Ford Spring Colour
When I first saw Tom Ford’s new Spring colour collection, it was the reurn of the white packaging that first struck me. The Tom Ford Lipsticks were originally housed in white and gold before he went all dark and mysterious with the black and gold. So, the white is back for spring (and summer – more ...
Bobbi Brown's Nectar & Nude
There are a lot of pastels around this spring in fashion and beauty. Bobbi Brown had her Uber Pinks collection last moth, but this month sees something a little bit different, and I love it! Bobbi Brown Nectar & Nude collection is a gorgeous collection of apricot nectars, fresh pink corals and true ...
Glamore, Illamasqua style!
The gorgeous new Illamasqua Glamore collection hasn’t escaped the pastelheads craze I discussed on here earlier this week – argh! But I will forgive them because this is a lovely little collection, and it hits counters today! Glamore is all about, well, glamour of course. The campaign imagery is great...
Rita Ora for Rimmel London
Gorgeous Rita Ora – young, vibrant, tough and talented – what London’s all about, so say Rimmel, so she’s their perfect partner, no? The lovely Rita, girlfriend of Scots star Calvin Harris, has a collection for Rimmel landing on counters on March 19th, and I’ve had a wee preview of it, and a bit of ...
Nicole Richie's got Lilac Hair?!
Pastel is big fashion trend this spring summer, and a huge hair trend at the moment as well. It’s like wandering around a My Little Pony Convention when you stumble upon a group of pastelheads, as I like to call them. Once shocking, lilac, pale pink, mint green and pastel blue hair now seems, well, ...
Pop those cheeks!
Blusher. I’ve been thinking about blusher of late. (Yes, the rain and wind can bring a lovely red glow to your cheeks, but that’s not quite what I am thinking about!) There’s nothing better than a pop of fresh cheek colour to bring spring to your face! There are some lovely new blushers around – and...
Nail colours to suit your skintone Part 2 #manisweek
On Wednesday we shared our Customer Care Advisor Jennifer’s manicure story. Today, continuing our mani week, I’ll tell you why I decided to think pink. (With a good helping of glitter and Swarovski cystals on top). Therapy Hair & Spa Like Ruth and Jennifer before me, I handed all control over my manicurist...
Jo Malone London Rain
Jo Malone London launch their London Rain collection in March – perhaps a wee bit late, considering the weather the south of England has had earlier this month! No one might want reminding of the awful rain and floods. But, this lovely Limited Edition collection, by master perfumer Christine Nagel aims...
Babyliss Brilliant Shine Ionic Brush
The Babyliss Brilliant Shine Ionic Brush is maybe a bit odd. But, I think it works. I say think, because I’m not 100% convinced yet. But I do think there’s something in it. So, what is it? Basically, the brush uses a high-tech, ionic generator to release conditioning ions directly into the hair, removing...
John Lewis Edinburgh Clarins Double Serum event
The wonderful Clarins Double Serum is a year old and the Clarins counter in John Lewis Edinburgh are celebrating this weekend! I love Clarins, as regular blog readers will know, and the Double Serum is a fantstic anti-ageing product. It’s become one of Clarins best sellers since launch, and is now available...
Nails Inc celebrates 15 years with Brit designer collection
Nails Inc have been around for 15 years! I remember getting my nails done in the branch in Fraser’s, Glasgow for a good few years, when I lived there. They really led the way in the revival of the nails trend in beauty, with great polish, and innovative and bold colours. To celebrate 15 years of colour...
Dancing On Ice Beauty Secrets!
Hands up who’s been watching the final series of Dancing On Ice? Yes, we may have watched the real thing last week at the Sochi Winter Olympics, but we love a skating celebrity more! As well as the fabulous skating, we are in it for the glitz and glamour! Those crazy costumes, and the amazing hair and...
Powerful Wrinkle Reducing from Kiehl's!
It’s quite a brave claim, calling your new anti-ageing cream ‘Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream‘ as Kiehl’s have done, but it certainly sold it to me. I couldn’t wait to give this new cream a go when it landed on my desk. I’ve been using it for a week or so, and I am impressed with it so far. I need a...
Calyx from Clinique
Hands up who remembers Prescriptives? They were a lovely beauty brand, but sadly they disappeared from our stores in 2009. Who remembers Custom Blend foundations? They also did custom blend lip colours, and I remember having a gorgeous bold red! You can still buy some of the Prescriptives cult products...
Top beauty sale picks – w/c 17/02/13
This week’s Beauty Sale picks includes everything from gel polish to reiki. Check them out below. Time 2 Chill – £10 instead of £20 for an on site 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage. Guys & Dolls – £10 instead of £15 for a full body spray tan. Perfection By Mona – £20 instead of £307 for a half...
WIN! Hair Selfie competition to win hair extensions!
Hair extensions must the the hair phenomenon of the last decade. But, if you’re going to do them, do them properly at a salon. Who saw the girls’s glue-ridden hair and scabby scalp on Katie Piper’s Body Shockers on Channel 4 the other week?! Nasty! So, if you fancy long, flowing locks, why not enter...
Clinique Kiss It Better
Every year, Clinique Kiss It Better, with their campaign to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. This year, I’m a wee bit late in sharing their offerings, and the two biggest ones – in partnership with Lulu Guinness are sold out. So, yeah, it’s a case of ‘here’s what you ...
Envy those lips with Estee Lauder!
It’s Valentine’s Day! Hot date? Out on the pull? Lips conditioned and ready for some kissing? Better get a hot lipstick on as well then! And that’s where Estee Lauder’s new Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick comes in. More modern than any Lauder packaging I’ve seen, this new lipstick range is one to...
Origins Plantscription Powerful Lift
There’s always a new ‘top concern’ in beauty in the anti-ageing category, and this year it seems we are most concerned about sagging skin! So, we want products that lift those jowls, and give us, apparently, the perfect heart-shaped face. So, Origins have launched their Plantscription Powerful Lift ...
House of Holland and Elegant Touch Nail Madness!
Henry Holland has produced this bonkers video to promote his latest nail collection with Elegant Touch ahead of his London Fashion Week House of Holland AW14/15 show this Saturday. The knitted nail heads are freaking me out! But the actual nails are pretty cool! This collection of nails is his SS14 ...
Top beauty sale picks – w/c 10/02/13
This week’s 5pm Health & Beauty Sale picks includes everything you need to look your best on Valentine’s Day. Wow the one you love with these brilliant discounts on lashes, hair and nails. Beauty Bar – £10 instead of £15 for party lashes. Guys & Dolls (East End) – £20 instead of £30 for a hair up. Pinkies...
New York with Jenna from Clinique
So, it’s New York Fashion Week right now, and my thoughts have turned to this fab city. How I wish I had a trip there coming up! In an old flat of mine one whole wall was a poster of the New York skyline, I love it so much! It’s bad enough watching Girls every week, and craving another bite at the Big...
You're The One with Ilamasqua
I LOVE the current social media campaign from Illamasqua which involves posting a Red Lipstick Selfie to @illamasqua using the Hashtag #ImTheOne, for the chance to be shown on Illamasqua.com, the brand’s social media channels, and selected store screens. You also qualify for their daily competition ...
Be Delicious City Blossom DKNY
Fancy a new bottle of perfume for Valentine’s Day? Then send this blog post link over to your other half! DNKY Be Delicious have just launched another three Limited Edition Collection fragrances in the shape of the City Blossom Collection and they are, well, utterly delicious! They are inspired by the...
Bobbi Brown Extra Bright Advanced Moisture Cream
Let me introduce you to another new Bobbi Brown product – this time a new addition to the Extra Bright range, Bobbi Brown Extra Bright Advanced Moisture Cream. The idea behind this range was to combine hydration with radiance. Who doesn’t want glowing skin, after all? The line already has a Foaming ...
Top beauty sale picks – w/c 03/02/13
Our 5pm Health & Beauty January Sale has been extended! Don’t say we’re not good to you. Check below for brilliant discounts priced at £10, £20 and £30. Clipjoint – Hair By Pamela – £10 instead of £20 for a standard blow dry. Beauty @ 183 – Lee-Anne’s Beauty Boutique – £20 instead of £35 for a microdermabrasi...
BeneFit launch Brow Arch March with Kara Tointon
Kara Tointon is supporting BeneFit’s Brow Arch March campaign, which I touched on on this blog earlier in the week. The Strictly Come Dancing star is fronting the campaign which is designed to raise vital funds and awareness for women who are challenged by the visible side effects of cancer treatment...
Rihanna for MAC Viva Glam
It’s here! Rihanna for MAC Viva Glam. The singer is the 2014 spokesperson for the beauty brand’s charity inititative. We blogged about this last year, and now, from today, you can purchase the two Rihanna VIVA GLAM products on the MAC website, and they go on counter sale next week. MAC launch VIVA GLAM...
Bobbi Brown's Uber Pinks!
Have I mentioned pink yet this year? And how it’s going to be a BIG colour in the beauty world come spring. Well, it is, so be prepared to think pink! And that is quite easy with this Limited Edition Uber Pink Collection from Bobbi Brown. Just in time for Valentine’s Day (when the marketing world think...
Gimme Brows with BeneFit!
A fan of BeneFit’s BrowZings? Then wait until you see what they’ve got coming out next month – goes by the name of Gimme Brow. That should be a big clue! They’re already selling it on QVC, and the Medium Dark shade has sold out.It’s BeneFit’s brand new eyebrow product, of course! The reviews, however...
Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue range
Do you have sensitive skin? It’s very annoying, and it can be exceptionally difficult to find skincare that doesn’t irritate. If you have allergies, or any form of skin discomfort, the last thing you need is skincare that exacerbates the problem. Something natural, light, and comforting is what you ...
Lip Crayons: Revlon, Superdrug and Sisley
Clinique certainly started something with their iconic Chubby Stick. The moisturising lip balm crayon, and it’s later, intense, version, have been a HUGE hit for the beauty brand. So, it’s no surprise that others have followed suit. This year so far, I’ve been looking at three new such lip crayons, ...
Radiant Orchid (ish!) makeup
Pantone’s Colour of the year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid. It’s a lavender/pinky/lilac/purple shade. So, how do we translate that into makeup? Well, quite easily! There are loads of products around in all shades. Recently I have been addicted to Stila’s Color Balm Lipstick in Gemma (pink violet), £16,...
Top beauty sale picks – w/c 29/1/13
We have loads of beauty January sale offers on everything from manicures to massages to hair cuts and colour. Check out this week’s picks below. Beauty Box – £10 instead of £20 for a spray tan. Soul Spa – £20 instead of £35 for a sixty minute cleansing facial. Scrimshaws – £20 instead of £35 for party...
YSL SS14 collection
YSL make gorgeous, glamorous, makeup. Their palettes are lovely, and this spring/summer Rosy Blush Collector Palette – which has already sold out in some places – is no exception. The palette is beautifully engraved, and and the product itself is a lovely nude blush – two shades of pink, contrasting...
Suki Waterhouse for Burberry Brit Rhythm
Burberry launch Brit Rhythm for Women today, with gorgeous model Suki Waterhouse – girlfriend of Hollywood’s Bradley Cooper – fronting the campaign. Twenty-two year old Suki looks stunning in the campaign shots for the fragrance, which is a lovely floral with top notes of lavender, pink peppercorn and...
Top beauty sale picks – w/c 20/1/13
Our health and beauty January sale is still going strong and we have amazing deals for £10, £20 and £30. Check out this week’s picks. Cortex Hair Design – £10 instead of £20 for a Tantruth spray tan. Oceanic Hair & Beauty (South Side) – £20 instead of £40 for a body massage and mini facial. Cruz City...
Sleep and relax with the Sanctuary Spa
If you feel like relaxing completely this January (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), then I would recommend having a good look through the brilliant deals on 5pm Health and Beauty. There’s bound to be something to suit. But if you just want to relax in your own home, then have a look at the Sleep and...
MAC's Magnetic Nude and Punk Couture
Are you a nude-loving neutral fan? Or a bright and bold punk-lover? MAC has a collection for you either way! Magnetic Nude is one of plenty of nude collections around this season – this is a big makeup trend for SS14. This collection from MAC is full of glimmering metallics and natural nudes ti give...
5pm Staff New Look: Michelle
This week in the 5pm office we have had so much fun taking part in our “New Year New Look” experiment. We’ve already shared mine and Keiran’s dramatic new looks. Now it’s our customer care advisor Michelle’s turn. Michelle before When I asked around the 5pm office who would like to join me in beginning...
Sisley launch e-commerce website
It’s taken them a while, but luxury skincare and cosmetics brand, Sisley, have launched their e-commerce site, at sisley-paris.com The independent French beauty brand (launched in 1976 by Hubert and Isabelle d’Ornano) are one of my all-time favourites. It’s safe to say, had I not done this job, I may...
5pm Staff New Look: Keiran
This week three 5pm staff members got a whole new look for 2014. Yesterday I shared my dramatic makeover. Today it’s our customer care advisor Keiran Docherty’s turn. Keiran Before Back in December I decided I was going to get a whole new look to mark the beginning of a new year. Not only that, I decided...
5pm Staff New Look: Maureen
January is the time for a new look. Meh I was ready for it. I’d been sick of my long drab locks for ages. My ends were dry, my roots were growing out, and I hadn’t had a trim in goodness knows how long. It’s a new year and it’s time for a change. Drastic cut When considered a drastic cut, it’s important...
16 Shades of Beige from Clinique
It’s not very inspiring is it? 16 Shades of Beige? But Clinique’s new collection is a delight if you love beige, nude, neutral shades. This little mini collection consists of eight shades of A Different Nail Enamel, and a lovely eye palette, All About Shadow Neutral Territory 2, which contains eight...
NEW! YSL GLoss Volpute
Who knew there was such a story behind YSL’s lip colours?! The latest in the Volupte range, launched this month, is Gloss Volupte. But let’s go back to 2008, and the launch of the original Rouge Volupte, the first YSL lipstick to offer a creamy texture that is exceptionally shiny, with pure colour. ...
NEW! BeneFit Lollitint
It’s going to be all about pink (and purple and lilac) this spring in the beauty world, thanks in part to Pantone’s colour of the year for 2014 being Radiant Orchid – more on that later – so BeneFit’s newest cheek and lip tint, Lollitint, is going to have to be on your beauty shopping list. Lollitint...
New Estee Lauder mascara!
I’ve been using two new Estee Lauder products since December, and I can highly recommend them both. If you fancy a new mascara, or a new eyebrow pencil, then get to your nearest Lauder counter come February, for Sumptuous Infinite Daring Length + Volume Mascara, and Double Wear Stay-in Place Brow Lift...
Dry Remedy from Aveda
If you have dry, brittle, damaged hair, and are still on a quest for the right remedy to it, then you might be interested in the new Dry Remedy range from Aveda. On a quest for hydrated hair, Aveda sought inspiration from the moisture rich forests of Brazil, where a unique solution for parched, brittle...
Bobbi Brown Lip Shimmer
I have to admit that I am not a fan of a shimmer lipstick. I love a matte. Generally a red, sometimes a pink, maybe an orange, and occasionally a berry. However, these new shimmer finish lipsticks from Bobbi Brown haven’t a hint of metallic or frost-finish. They are a new breed of shimmer – sheer, multi...
Just Like Sunday with Jo Malone & Charlotte Stockdale
Sundays. What are they for, and what do they mean to you? A relaxing end to the weekend? A day of recovery? Cramming in last minute activities before a new week? Or preparation for the week ahead? Jo Malone London asked Style Editor, Charlotte Stockdale, what Sunday meant to her, and asked her to express...
Holly Sharpe for M&S
Edinburgh illustrator Holly Sharpe has collaborated with Marks and Spencer on a gorgeous Limited Collection beauty range. Holly, who graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone college of art and design in Dundee in 2008 with a first class honours degree in printed textile design, has worked full-time as a...
Top beauty sale picks - w/c 13/1/13
With offers from £10, £20 and £30 our health and beauty deals have been slashed even further. Check out our picks from this week below. Our January Sale offers are priced at £10, £20 and £30 Glow Skin Centre & Tanning Salon – £10 instead of £20 for the party season eye package. Includes eyelash tint...
RapidHair for Volume!
We’ve had RapidLash and RapidBrow, and there was also RapidShield. All amazing, innovative products to promote healthy growth in your eyelashes and brows. So, it was only a matter of time before we were introduced to RapidHair! This volumizing formula is a scientific breakthrough in the hair care category...
Clarins Opalescence Spring Makeup
In the darkness of January comes light – and Opalescence – from Clarins, in the form of their spring makeup collection. This lovely collection celebrates the end of winter (bring it on!) with a harmony of luminous colours. It’s soft and fresh, and, as ever, has a gorgeous powder palette at the heart...
Skin Fitness with Mio
It’s January, everyone’s going on about fitness and a ‘new start’. It happens every year. Your Facebook timeline is full of gym declarations, wheatgrass addictions, and everyone is Instagramming photos of healthy food! Enough already we say! Enough of the January cliches! But, wait a minute, what’s ...
New Year Skin Radiance from Elemis
I sincerely hope looking after your skin was one of your New Year’s resolutions! It’s impossible to fight the ageing process completely, but you can hold it back a while (with no surgery involved!) by looking after your skin. Elemis have four NEW Radiance Collections available for January, containing...
Bobbi Brown's Nude Glow
If there is going to be one big trend in beauty this spring, it’s nude. It’s part of the trend for all things 1990s which started to happen in the fashion world last autumn, and if you love nudes, you’re in luck. Bobbi Brown is, of course, the undisputed queen of the nude look. So, it’s no surprise ...
Chanel Spring Collection 2014
It’s January, it’s a wee bit dull, we’re all feeling a bit flat, so what better to pick us up than a gorgeous Spring makeup collection from Chanel?! Here it is! Available in a couple of weeks, the Collection Notes de Printemps is a gorgeous red, pink and coral feast for the eyes! A spring red is at ...
New from Clarins - Radiant and Clean!
Clarins have two lovely new products on counter this month – for radiance and cleansing. First up is the Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base which you might just need in the darkest days of winter which are yet to come! You can apply this after your moisturiser, or mix it with our foundation...
Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Dark Circle Minimizer
Come tomorrow, I am going to need a massive pot of Origins’ new Dr Andew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Dark Circle Minimizer, as I am sure, many of you are. If it isn’t the excesses of tonight, it’s just the sheer stress and tiredness that comes with Christmas, wonerful as it is! Dark cirlces are a huge...
Rimmel Space Dust and Seventeen Studs
I love sparkly nails. I think my nails have been sparkly the whole of the festive season, and they defintely will be tonight for Hogmanay. Every since the Millennium when I threw a silver-themed party, I have loved a sparkly end to the old and start to the new year. And as I am spending Hogmanay out...
Overnight Serum in Oil from The Body Shop
The Body Shop have a new night treatment launching at the end of January next year, and it’s a technical innovation. It combines the power of a serum with the indulgence of an oil, to replenish and recharge the skin with moisturise overnight. How fantastic is that? Many of us can’t remember what it ...
Bleach London Hair Care
I’ve not been so excited about a haircare brand in a long time. I’ve hardly tried any of their stuff, but I just LOVE the concept, the packaging, the innovative products. Crreated in conjunction with Boots UK, and available nationwide, in stores, and online, the BLEACH London product range contains ...
MAC Masterclass Brush Collection
If you speak to makeup artists, beauty editors and beauty bloggers, chances are they have at least one or two MAC brushes in their collection, if not more. They make brilliant brushes, all sorts of shapes and sizes for all tasks. And this new MAC Masterclass Brush Collection is going to blow you away...
Clinique Superdefense new launches
Clinique want you to take good care of your skin come the new year, with two new products in their Superdefense range. Their new Superdefense SPF20 Daily Defense Moisturizer gives your skin the perfect start to the day. It helps boost your skin’s ability to protect against the first signs of ageing ...
Stocking Filler of the Week!
You still have time to rush our and get a few last minute bits and bobs if you need to, so here’s a final Stocking Filler of the Week for inspiration. Not strictly beauty gifts, but how gorgeous would all of these be on your boudoir dressing table, or bathroom shelf? All from the Boots Vintage Collection...
Smashbox Always Sharp
Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liners are brilliant. What’s more annoying than a blunt kohl pencil when you can’t find your sharpener? Well, you never have to worry about that with these amazing eyliners! When you use your Always Sharp, the minute you twist it back into the lid, it gets sharp...
Deep Sleep with This Works
Christmas is great fun, but it can be one of the most stressful times of the year. So how about treating yourself to a little gift from the This Works Deep Sleep range? I think come the 27th I might need something from this range to get me rested, ready to start all over again for Hogmanany and New...
Creme de la Mer Cleanse
Creme de la Mer have repackaged and reformulated their cleansers. There are four in total, as well as their face spray, The Mist, which they have now launched in a 100ml bottle- handy for travelling. The four cleansers are formulated for different skin types and cleansing preferences. The newsest is...
S5 Serums for Redness and Sensitive Skin
Stressed skin can be a winter nghtmare. The weather, over indulgence, and the general pressures of life over this festive persiod can show themselves in our skin. Existing skin complaints like dermatitis and rosacea can flare up around this time. A friend of mine recently road-tested S5 Calm Serum –...
Red Lip, Nude Lip, from Bobbi Brown
Are you a red lip fan or a nude lip fan? And is that bold, scarlet red, or a deeper, berry red? If you love nude, is it a deep brown nude, or a pale, sandy nude? Bobbi Brown has launched six shades in her latest Holiday collection – Red Lip, Nude Lip – whcih go right across the nude to red lip colour...
Stocking Filler of the Week - Festive lip balms!
So, in the run-up to Christmas, I will be bringing you my Stocking Filler of the Week in place of my Beauty Bargain. This week it’s from Marks and Spencer. How cute are these festive character lip balms from Marks and Spencer? And at just £2.50 you can grab all three if you like, or buy one for all ...
Multi-functional Beauty for 2014
According to recent research from Mintel, the biggest trend in beauty to hit the UK in 2014 will be ‘Mixologiste’. Sounds a bit fancy, but what they are actually talking about are multi-functional products. BB creams, dual action primers, lipsticks with benefits – all of these beauty products and more...
Snow Queen makeup
It’s not really been at all cold enough to snow yet, has it? Bit disappointing if you want a white Christmas. But it doesn’t need to be snowing, to adopt the wintry Snow Queen look in your makeup. Think bright, clear faces, with a hint of white, a bit of arctic blue, and perhaps a little touch of pale...
Stocking Filler of the Week!
So, in the run-up to Christmas, I will be bringing you my Stocking Filler of the Week in place of my Beauty Bargain. This week it’s from Lush. This week we’re loving Lush gift Ho Ho Ho. It’s a reworking of a gift from last year whose name, Secret Santa, has now been given to a new bath bomb. Lush kept...
Tom Ford Oud Wood Collection
Still looking for that luxurious beauty gift for Christmas? Have you been to your nearest Tom Ford Private Blend counter? If not you might not have seen the new additions to Private Blend, created to complement the best-selling Private Blend Oud Wood – Tobacco Oud and Fleur Oud. “I have wanted to revisit...
Aerin Lauder Fragrance
Aerin Lauder’s latest launch is in fragrance, and if you love perfume, I think you are going to love these. They are premium – costing £85 for a 50ml EDP bottle, but the five scents are lovely. Amber Musk, Ikat Jasmine, Evening Rose, Lilac Path and Gardenia Rattan all come in stunning bottles with beautiful...
Liz Earle Christmas
It seems we love Liz Earle here in Scotland. According to some John Lewis data I’ve been having a look at Scottish shoppers picked up 1,152 gallons of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser at their stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen this year! Wow. That’s a lot of cleanser. The brand...
Estee Lauder Color Portfolio
STOP PRESS! The Estee Lauder Color Portfolio, which was previously exclusive to Selfridges is now available nationwide on esteelauder.co.uk – but you will have to be quick! This gorgeous Limited Edition set contains over 50 shades of eye, lip and cheek products, for just £45. So, it’s hardly a surprise...
More Beauty-full Christmas Baubles!
When I was little I remember getting some sort of cardboard cracker with a bath salt and a miniature bubble bath in it, and I LOVED it! Best gift ever. I was a marketing man’s dream from an early age, and I still get excited over gimmicky gifts for the festive season! So, last week I brought you my ...
Beauty-full Christmas Crackers and Baubles!
When I was little I remember getting some sort of cardboard cracker with a bath salt and a miniature bubble bath in it, and I LOVED it! Best gift ever. I was a marketing man’s dream from an early age, and I still get excited over gimmicky gifts for the festive season! So, I bring you my favourite beauty...
Tried and tested: Shrinking Violet Body Wrap
Wrap yourself in clingflm, lie in a dark room, cut the clingfilm off and you’re left with a slimmer body! Sounds good doesn’t it? Our Health & Beauty manager Gillian thought so, which is why she decided to try out the Shrinking Violet wrap as offered in Glasgow’s Rebel Rouge. Shrinking Violet Body Wrap...
MAC's 1970s themed Holiday collection
MAC has taken us all the way back to the 1970s, disco and the heyday of New York club Studio 54 with their Divine Night Holiday collection. Their campaign shot is stunning, and the products are really lovely. The collection contains Mineralize Eye Shadow, Blush and Skinfinish (£19, £22, £24), with gorgeous...
Astalift Light Analyzing Foundation
When I first heard of the Astalift brand, and that it was owned by Fujifilm, I did find it a little odd. Why would Fujifilm have a cosmetics arm? But they used four basic film-related technologies to develop Astalift- collagen research, light analysis and control, antioxidation, and original nanotechnology...
Stocking Filler of the Week!
So, in the run-up to Christmas, I will be bringing you my Stocking Filler of the Week in place of my Beauty Bargain. This week it’s from The Body Shop. How cute are these festive sponges? So cute, and absolutely perfect stocking fillers, for mums, dads, kids, grans – the whole family really! I’m buying...
Tara Smith haircare at M&S
There I was in Glasgow’s Rogano a few Monday nights back, enjoying a glass of champagne, when who should I bump into but an old friend, who was having a late night drink with Tara Smith. Tara Smith of the vegan haircare range which has just launched into Marks and Spencer Your Beauty halls in Scotland...
Amy Willerton's BeneFit contraband!
I’m A Celebrity 2013 pin-up, Amy Willerton, has a (now, not so) secret beauty tool – BeneFit’s Boiing Concealer. A girl after my own heart, this is my concealer of choice. I shouted out “She’s got Boiing’ when I saw her holding it on the TV, as my other half looked at me, oddly. If you’re going to smuggle...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Sequin makeup bag
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! We’ve been all about the shimmer and shine for...
World Aids Day and MAC
It’s World Aids day on Sunday, and MAC are once again donating through their VIVA GLAM campaign. M·A·C launch VIVA GLAM every year, where the full R.R.P. less V.A.T. from the sale of its Lipstick and Lipglass goes towards helping women, men and children everywhere affected by HIV and AIDS. This year...
Shimmer & Shine for Christmas - Part 2
One of the best things about Christmas? Getting to completely overdo it on the makeup. Think glitter, shimmer and shine, and you’re nearly there. I love all of the lovely shimmery, sparkly, shiny products out there at this time of year. You can ramp it up, or keep it subtle – up to you. I’ve been rounding...
WIN! HER and John Barrowman on QVC
That John Barrowman – he gets around! Did you know he was involved in a haircare range, called HER? I had no idea! But he is, and it is are sold on QVC, and from midnight tonight, and all day on Thursday November 28, it’s QVC’s TSV – that’s Today’s Special Value. The TSV will include HER’s four products...
Lancome Winter Makeup and Limited La Vie Est Belle
Another gorgeous Christmas collection, this time from Lancome. Snow is forecast this winter, but I think I prefer the snow-inspired festive collection from Lancome to the real white stuff! Inspired by the magic of a snowy winter scene, the satin radiance of snowflakes and the glitter of frost, Lancô...
Shimmer & Shine for Christmas - Part 1
One of the best things about Christmas? Getting to completely overdo it on the makeup. Think glitter, shimmer and shine, and you’re nearly there. I love all of the lovely shimmery, sparkly, shiny products out there at this time of year. You can ramp it up, or keep it subtle – up to you. I’ve been rounding...
Baobab Body Oil
There’s always some new ‘superfruit’ or magic berry around in beauty, and here’ a new one, broght to us in a body oil – the Baobab. Baobab Oil is cold pressed from the fruit seed of the mighty, ancient, Baobab Tree, straight to bottle, unrefined and 100% organic. For centuries,the fruit of the Baobab...
Clarins and The Sanctuary Spa Beauty Bargains at Boots
There a couple of good reasons to get down to Boots today – the Clarins Offer of the Week, and this week’s Boots ‘Star Gift Offer’. The offer of the week from Clarins, starting today and exclusive to Boots, runs until the 28th. The Face & Body Care MustHaves Collection – or Beauty Boosters – has some...
Chanel's Christmas Collection
The Chanel Christmas colour collection landed on counters last week, and if you haven’t seen it yet, I urge you to have a look. It’s not about glitter, but subtle shimmer, mixed with sophisticated, seductive colour, just perfect for the festive period.I have been playing around with a few pieces from...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Christmas jumper nails!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! There are Christmas jumpers everywhere just now...
Rihanna's RiRi Hearts Holiday Collection
Rihanna’s RiRi M.A.C Fall Collection was pretty much sold out in a few weeks, so expect the same thing to happen with her RiRi Hearts Holiday Collection, out just in time for Christmas. Ive had a sneak preview – this is the nail polish in RiRi Woo (£12) – just one coat gives great coverage. I love it...
Blend Collective
I’ve recently come across a really lovely brand called BLEND Collective. You might have to hunt a bit for this one – they have a website, where you can buy, or find small independent stockists, or you can buy from feelunique.com. Blend Collective is a bodycare line, cresated by a team of leading aromatherapy...
Shrinking Violet Wrap, Chamomile Sanctuary Review
There are, undoubtedly, many different ways to while away an afternoon – lying wrapped in clingfilm from head top toe isn’t one that I dream of very often. But that is how I spent an afternoon this week. It wasn’t some kinky fetish, and I wasn’t trying to beat Lady Gaga in the ‘mental outfits’ department...
OUR TEN TOP TIPS FOR GOOD WINTER SKINCARE
In the winter, your skin can become dull, dry, a bit lifeless, or irritated, flushed from the weather conditions, and just a bit, well, meh! It’s all very well covering up in your winter woollies, hat, gloves and scarf, but that won’t help what’s underneath. And who wants to emerge in spring with awful...
Extra Repair with Bobbi Brown
If you are a fan of the Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm, but maybe find it a wee bit too heavy, then you are going to be thrilled at the new Extra Repair Moisture Cream, out this month. It’s a lighter version of the balm, with the same long-term treatment benefits of the exclusive Extra Repair...
Elemis Today's Special Value on QVC
If you want to recreate a little bit of spa life in your own home, then make sure you take advantage of the latest TVS (Today’s Special Value) on QVC this weekend. From midnight on November 16th, and selling throughout the whole of the 17th, you can treat yourself to the NEW Elemis Jasmine & Rose Milk...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Miss Sporty
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! A few new bits and bobs from Miss Sporty landed...
M&S Your Beauty: A Year On
If you haven’t visited an M&S Your Beauty beauty hall yet, then why not? The Your Beauty idea came to life a year ago last month, and I recently had a wee wander round the Edinburgh Gyle Shopping Centre Your Beauty to see how this new, innovative beauty hall works. Reminiscent of the Space NK concept...
M&S Limited Collection Wanderlust for Christmas
Marks and Spencer love Christmas, and they do it quite well. Who doesn’t love their current fairtyale TV advert featuring Rosie Huntington-Whiteley? The carry on that fairytale theme in this lovely beauty range, the Limited Collection Wanderlust makeup. From a gorgeous stag print Powder Blusher (£6)...
BeneFit Bathina Soft To Touch...
…Hard To Get! That’s the name of the new body mist from BeneFit’s Bathina range. In the loveliest of packaging, in the Bathina style, this lightweight body oil brings immediate hydration to parched winter skin, adds a seductive sheen, and a touch of tempting fragrance. What’s not to love? It also doubles...
Beat Stress with Aveda Stress-Fix
Today is National Stress Awareness Day, and I have already been aware of mine, with the cat peeing on the floor, me knocking a glass of orange juice over to join it, and other trivialities! Stress is a really serious condition, and is the cause of around five million days off work, according to research...
Win a two nights stay at Edinburgh's five star Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel!
Here at 5pm Health & Beauty, we like to think we are very good to you. With discounts on beauty treatments at spas and salons across Scotland, as well as fabulous competitions, thanks to us you don’t need to spend a fortune to look and feel amazing. Yes, we are very good to you indeed. But with our ...
British Women Feel Most Beautiful at 29
According to recent research we women in the UK feel at our most beautiful aged 29. That year before we hit the big 3-0 is when we think we look her best. My dad used to tell me a tale of a boss of his who once asked him how old he was, and upon my dad’s response of 29, stated that 29 was a ‘good age...
GO BEARFACED FOR CHILDREN IN NEED
Are you ready to go BearFaced for Children in Need this Friday (Nov 8)? I am! Here I am with no make up on. Not a pretty sight, perhaps, but I am joining a host of celebrities who are going bare-faced – or ‘BearFaced’, for this year’s Children in Need campaign. Actresses Michelle Dockery and Jodie Whittaker...
Old Hollywood Glamour with Bobbi Brown
I can remember when Bobbi Brown didn’t have a red lipstick! Now she has a full-on collection, and she’s brought back one of my favourites, Old Hollywood, in glamorous gold packaging, to sit at the heart of this Old Hollywood collection. Available from November, this is a stunning collection, and has...
L'Oreal Paris Eau De Teint Foundation Review
When the little bottle of L’Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint foundation landed on my desk, I thought it was a sample size. It’s just 20ml, the cutest little glass foundation bottle I’ve seen in a while. But no, this is the sale size. Now, you might be thinking what good is a 20ml bottle of foundation...
Michael Kors Beauty Collection
Michael Kors Very Hollywood is one of my ‘guilty pleasures’ perfumes! I love the bottle, and the sweet, sweet, jasmine based scent. It’s also very ‘bling’ – not really my thing, but I do love it. I also remember buying his amazing Leg Shine product on a trip to New York, from Sak’s Fifth Avenue, and...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - M&S Nail Deal
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I was lucky enough to have a guided tour of a ...
Demi Moore: My Red for Oriflame
Demi Moore has teamed up with Direct Selling beauty company, Oriflame, as the face and inspiration of their latest fragrance, My Red by Demi Moore. Scented with the rare red jasmine, it’s a lovely fragrance, bold and confident, much like Demi. Red jasmine is symbolic of the notions of attachment and...
Aerin Lauder's Midnight Color Winter collection
Back in February this year, the Aerin Lauder range launched into John Lewis stores. Aerin Lauder is the granddaughter of Estee Lauder, and is something of a famous name in the USA. Her beauty line is still quite low key over here, but if you haven’t had a look, then I suggest you start with the Midnight...
Men's Grooming by Tom Ford
WARNING! You may be completely distracted by the images in this post! Please try and see past the beautiful Juan Betancourt, as difficult as that is, and focus on the fabulous Men’s Grooming range from Tom Ford which launches next month. “Fine grooming is the mark of a modern gentlemen,” says Tom Ford...
Model's Own and Midori -Beauty Bargain
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Okay, so if this set was less than £15 it would...
DKNY Be Delicious Skin
“Fragrance with Benefits” is how DKNY describe their latest version of DKNY Be Delicious, DKNY Be Delicious Skin Hydrating Eau de Toilette. The benefits are those of the ‘all-over skin boosting’ type, and can be broken down into three categories – moisturisation, radiance and smoothing. DKNY Be Delicious...
Win! With Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye
Here’s a quick update on the Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye blog I wrote a few weeks ago – see it here. Bobbi Brown are currently running a fantastic competition – you can win a year’s supply of Smokey Eye Mascara & Bobbi’s Smokey Eye Must-Haves simply by creating and sharing your very own smokey eye. Here’...
Laura Whitmore's beauty secrets
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! Now! presenter, Laura Whitmore, looked lovely as co-host of the Scottish Fashion Awards earlier this month. She was given a beautiful makeover in the bareMinerals Scottish Fashion Awards Style Suite, and we have found out exactly how to recreate her on-trend neutral...
Happy Hallowe'en from Illamasqua
Illamasqua have created a fab duo set for Hallowe’en containing a bottle of Swarm Nail Polish, which is clear, with black speckles in it, and looks fantastic on bare nails, or another colour, and the most amazing Bat false eyelashes. The Duo is £25, or you can just buy the products individually – £14...
Hourglass Cosmetics from LA
I first heard about Hourglass a few years ago, but at that time, the LA based cosmetics brand wasn’t available in Scotland. That, however, has changed in recent years. You can get the brand in Space NK stores in this country and the latest counter is in the Space NK in Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols. Hourglass...
National Baking Week Beauty
Not only was this week National Chocolate Week, it was also National Baking Week! Detox Week next week, perhaps? I’ve had a few goodies land on my desk of late that have baking at the heart. I think I’m one of a few who don’t watch the BBC’s The Great British Bake-Off, but I do love baking – and eating...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Ten of the Best
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – and the beauty industry is at the forefront of the fundraising. Over the past two decades, The Estée Lauder Companies’ BCA Campaign, launched by the late Evelyn H. Lauder, co-creator of the Pink Ribbon and founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (...
Boots Advent Calendar - Beauty Bargain of the Week
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This weeks Beauty Bargain is the first ever beauty...
Chocolate Beauty Treats!
It’s National Chocolate Week this week, did you know? Rather than stuff your face with the gorgeous stuff, how about indulging in some chocolate beauty treats which won’t make you feel guilty? I’m not suggesting for a minute that we shouldn’t eat chocolate – but if you are trying to watch your weight...
Clinique Bonus Time at Debenhams
Clinique Bonus Time at Debenhams started last week, and is a great offer this time – you can pick up this gorgeous free GWP at the Clinique counter in Debenhams stores, full of favourite skincare products and makeup treats. To qualify for the Clinique Bonus Time gift you have to buy two or more Clinique...
Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye
“This season’s smokey eye is all about mega lashes and richly-pigmented liner.” –bobbi brown And would you look at the smokey eye Bobbi has created on face of the brand, Katie Holmes?! Wow – hot hot? Smokin’ hot! Doesn’t she look stunning! I love this picture so much – even if it is a wee bit ‘worked...
World of Wingman
One for the boys, more specifically the Wingmen! It’s a new brand in town, called Wingman, created by Stuart Jolley, star of Britain’s Next Big Thing, and has been designed to make your life that little bit easier, guys. Wingman cleanses like an invigorating shower gel and shampoo, yet also provides...
YSL Autumn Winter 13 collection
If you want GLAM in your makeup, think YSL! I always love getting YSL info through the post – their collections are beautiful, their palettes collectable, and the makeup is really good, oh, and their thinking behind their collections always makes me smile, This Autumn Winter, it’s Electric Chic, and...
Aveda Heart Lands AW13 makeup
I really, really love the campaign images for the new AW13 Aveda Heart Lands limited edition makeup collection. There are two gorgeous looks – one called Field Rose which blends warm shades and creates an ambient glow that envelops the eye, with a warm, autumnal, matte lip; another called Winterberry...
Kiko Milano Make Up
There are SO many beauty and makeup brands out there, it’s really hard to keep up. I was reminded of KIKO Milano Makeup recently when a press releases and samples landed on my desk. I’ve seen it before, because I have family who live in Milan, and I always love to look at local beauty brands when I ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Giles Deacon for Nivea Soft
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, of course it’s the product that’s inside the...
Beauty Bargain - Wow Brows and Dual Liners from Maybelline
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain of the Week is actually...
Make A Difference to dry skin
It’s October, it’s officially autumn and winter is on its way! Cheerful, me, huh?! But don’t worry, because that means lots and lots of lovely new beauty products for a new season. And, it means it’s time to change your winter skincare routine. You really do need to think about changing moisturiser ...
Nails Inc Matthew Williamson and Poppy Delevingne for breast cancer
It’s October, and that means Breast Cancer Awareness month. The beauty industry always leads the way in this, with products from a whole host of brands. Here’s the first one that caught our eye this October – more to follow in the coming days. Nails Inc have collaborated with designer Matthew Williamson...
Are you a HeartMAKER? The Body Shop wants to know
Do you love beauty, but with a heart? Are you obsessed by the eco-friendly, despise testing on animals, and think the beauty industry should be more ethical? Then The Body Shop UK is looking for you! They’ve just launched a nationwide campaign through their Facebook page to find five inspiring ambassadors...
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to introduce the Boots UK and Macmillan Cancer Support beauty advisor role. Research shows that more than two thirds of women affected by cancer would welcome advice from a specially trained beauty advisor in a high-street store. So, last...
Paul & Joe Beaute Christmas Cats!
It’s October and that means Christmas is creeping up on us! The Christmas collections and gifts are on counter over this month, so get your shopping done now! And if you are a cat fan, get this amazing Paul & Joe Beaute Cat Collection on your list! SO adorably cute, this gorgeous gift set comes in two...
Ask Merle! Rosacea
So, you may have noticed that there was a chance to ‘Ask Merle‘ on the 5pm Health and Beauty Facebook page last month. This will be a regular thing, every month, so if you have any beauty questions you want answered, then please do look out for the Ask Merle FB post, and get asking! This month’s question...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Models Own Velvet Goth Collection
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I am in LOVE with this week’s Beauty Bargain. ...
La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol Treatment
Retinol is having a beauty moment again, thanks in part to new technologies being able to harness the anti-ageing, and acne-fighting ingredient, and making it more suitable for sensitive skins. Meet Redermic R by La Roche Posay. Retinla is a topical formulation of Vitamin A, in its purest form. It naturally...
Clinique's All About Shadow Smoky Eye
I blogged a few weeks back about the lovely new All About Shadow collection from Clinique, with their new eyeshadows and eyeshadow primer. I tried them out recently, creating a smoky eye with the Jenna’s Essentials Quad. Jenna Mennard is Clinique’s Global Colour Arist. I’m not a massive eyeshadow user...
Clarins launch Neck Cream
Clarins have added a few new products to their Extra-Firming range, and the Neck Anti-Wrinkle Rejuvenating Cream caught my eye. It is true that no matter how many face lifts you may have, the neck is a pretty good guide to someone’s age. The skin there slackens more quickly, loses its elasticity, and...
Boots Seventeen Face Studio
This new Face Studio range from Boots Seventeen intrigued me. Back when they were still 17, they were one of the first brands to launch a BB Cream (which has now been updated). I blogged about it here. I really liked it, and I used the Medium shade, which was, I felt perfect, even thought in most brands...
Origins Plantscription Facial Oil
The Origins Plantscription range has grown and grown since the serum was first launched a few years ago. The latest product to be added to the anti-ageing range is the Plantscription Youth-renewing face oil. Facial oils are, I think, difficult for some to get their head around. Putting oil onto your...
Illamasqua Sacred Hours
You’ve got to love Illamasqua. They are like no other brand when it comes to crazy old collection concepts. The latest, Sacred Hours, and the press blurb about it, reminded me of my favourite comic (and yearly annual!)as a kid, Misty. Misty was ‘filled with chills from the midnight world’ and ‘stories...
The Damned at TopShop
I am in love with the TopShop AW13 Limited Edition beauty collection, The Damned. It’s a capsule collection that vamps up sultry gothic makeup with gogeous matte, velvet smooth finishes, and with it you can create some very different look. Over on my own blog, Beauty Bombshells, I tried out the Velvet...
Summer Glow
Okay, it’s nearly the end of September, but I am trying to cling on to that summer glow as long as I can. And I don’t mean by having a spray tan – though I did indulge in a really lovely Vita Liberata spray tan a week or so ago. No, I have been using various products to eke out the last of the summer...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Dove Shower creams
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week I have been trying out some lovely Dove...
Sisley launch Supremya Yeux At Night Eye Serum
If I could only use one beauty brand it would be Sisley. Of course, I’m lucky – my job has afforded me – no pun intended – the opportunity to become familiar with one of the high-end brands that many can only dream of. But…if you think you are one of the latter, then try realising your dream. If you...
Estee Lauder Icons - beauty inspiration
When I first moved out of home, when I was 19, I had a photo on my kitchen wall, not of my favourite popstar, but of my five favourite women – the ‘big five’ supermodels. I still have this cut-out picture somewhere, showing l-r Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Real Techniques
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, yesterday on here, I was banging on about...
Stila's CC Cream and the Perfect Complexion
See, it’s all about complexion this season – see my earlier post today – and yes, Stila have a CC Cream in their simple four-part Autumn Complexion Collection – my name, not theirs! They say there are four simple steps – and four products, some of them new – to achieving that velvety skin look that ...
Shu Uemura launch The Lightbulb Foundation
Brace yourself BB Cream lovers, for the foundation backlash! Never mind the CC Creams – which are coming, in numbers – the humble old foundation is hitting back! Lots of brands are releasing new, innovative, foundations this season, look out for a slew of them come October-time. One of the first to ...
Neo Stem Beauty from France
I’ve been using another new serum this week – I can’t seem to get enough of them of late – this one formulated specifically for dry skin, and wow – I am impressed. Neo Stem is a ground-breaking anti-ageing skincare brand from France, born out of intensive scientific research carried out by a Marseilles...
Estee Lauder Spring 2014 sneak peek!
Autumn/Winter isn’t even out of the way yet, but here’s a sneak peek at what Estee Lauder have to offer next Spring in a special collaboration between designer Derek Lam, and Estee Lauder’s Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux. Makeup Tom Pecheux Photo Courtesy of Estee Lauder At yesterday’s Derek Lam...
Sainsbury's launch Boutique cosmetics range
If you pop to Sainsbury’s for your shopping this weekend, be sure to keep an eye out for their new Boutique cosmetics range. Two years in the making, this lovely range is affordable makeup, with a wealth of beauty knowledge behind it. In early 2011, Sainsbury’s approached established makeup artists ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week -Radox
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It’s been a LONG week – the first back at work...
Vita Liberata tantoos, Alexandra Burke and me!
If you haven’t tried luxury tanning brand, Vita Liberata, yet, then why not?! I’m not a massive tanner, but this brand have some lovely products- tanning and beyond. I had a fun night at Edinburgh’s Scotsman Hotel Spa this week, learning all about the brand, and had a spray tan as well as a crazy ‘tantoo...
St Tropez tan top models!
So, who is excited for the final of Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model tonight? Will it be Lauren, Sarah or Emma who walks off with the title? Look out for a fantastic shoot this evening, when the girls recreate the new iconic Kate Moss for St.Tropez Ultimate Tan campaign shot in a bid to become crowned...
All About Eyes with Clinique's new shadows and primer
Clinique’s new eye range slipped under my radar last month, as I prepared for my holiday, so I am sharing it with you now. The beauty company released a veritable wardrobe of new eyeshadows – All About Shadow – and a brand new All About Shadow Primer for Eyes. The luxurious new eye shadow is in a rich...
L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection
Perfect skin. It’s what we all aspire to, and few of us ever have. But, don’t despair! You can get close to it with all of those lovely beauty products out there, and L’Oreal Paris have a new range on the block (well, okay, the counter), called Skin Perfection. This one is targeted at the Under 35s ...
24 carat gold facial
It’s celebrity week on 5pm Health & Beauty so we’re taking a look at the treatments the stars love. A very opulent treatment offered by Cabe Salons (Beauty) in Glasgow is the 24 carat gold facial which uses products flecked with real gold to treat the skin. Mariah Carey loves it apparently and Cleopatra...
Tom Ford's Fall Collection
It’s all about the eyes for Tom Ford in his latest Fall Collection. He calls it that – it’s just the American way of saying Autumn/Winter. It rolls off the tongue easier too, don’t you think? Anyway, there are loads of just delightful products in this gogeous colleciton – some of them Limited Editon...
Modern Muse by Estee Lauder
Fanfare please, this is a HUGE launch for Estee Lauder. Modern Muse EDP is their new fragrance – the first major fragrance launch for a long time, and one that is quite different to anything they have done before. The aptly named Arizona Muse, the new face of Lauder, has this as her first campaign –...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - L'Oreal Elvive Serum
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’m quite fussy about my hair oils and hair serums...
Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede
Peonies are beautiful flowers – my Granny had them in her garden, and they always remind me of her. They’re out for such a short time, so any fragrance with a hint of peony, which means I can prolong the lovely flower and scent, is fine by me. Jo Malone launch their newest scent next month – Peony &...
Melvita's Extraordinary Waters get a new look!
In celebration of Melvita’s 30th Anniversary this year, the organic experts at the French organic brand have updated their global best-selling Extraordinary Waters collection. These lovely, delicately scented ‘pre-care’ gels (essentially toners, but offering so much more than old-schoool toners ever...
Clarins - new concealer and foundation
Clarins have two new products hitting counters in September, the Extra Comfort Foundation SPF15 and the Instant Concealer. I’ve been using the concealer for the last two months, and it is excellent. I even had a beauty professional from another, rival, brand, remark on just how much it added light to...
Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Collection
“This autumn, chocolate is the new black.” So says Bobbi Brown, and she’s created a beautiful autumn makeup collection to illustrate her claim. Bobbi’s Rich Chocolate Collection is inspired by bittersweet chocolate and ripe raspberries. And, you get to indulge a chocolate craving, without actually eating...
The Bobbi & Katie Collection!
It was bound to happen. Katie Holmes has been the face of Bobbi Brown for a while now, so it was no surprise when news of a Bobbi & Katie Collection landed on my desk. It’s a very simple collection – just two pieces to it, and it is, apparently, the ultimate makeup lineup for today’s modern woman. Katie...
Paul & Joe Beaute's Fairytale Collection
Paul & Joe makeup is SO unbelievably pretty, I really hate using it. I still have items from the most amazing cat collection they did, and I’m probably keeping these little bits and bobs from this mini-collection, the Fairytale Collection, unused and on my shelf as well! Let’s be honest, the make up...
Clinique New Superprimer Face Primers
Primers – they’re everywhere! It’s one of the beauty buzzwords of this year, so it’s no surprise the big guns are moving in. Here comes Clinique with a full range of six Superprimers. Yep, not just primers, but superprimers – for all types and tones of skin. Used before foundation, they are, as Clinique...
The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick - Beauty Bargain of the Week
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is £10 which I guess...
Melvita launch Rose BB cream
Melvita have lots of fab launches this year – much to do with their 30th anniversary, no doubt. If you haven’t discovered Melvita yet, then please do – they are a lovely organic French brand, kind to the skin, and full of fab, innovative and interesting mid-priced products. They are late to the BB Cream...
Glasgow Spa Days
There’s nothing quite as indulgent as a spa day. Ducking out of the busy streets, slipping into a fluffy robe and relaxing with a massage and glass of fizz. Thanks to 5pm Health & Beauty, you don’t even need to leave the city to enjoy a spa day out. We’ve listed our best spa offers in Glasgow below....
Ask Merle!
So, you may have noticed that there was a chance to ‘Ask Merle‘ on the 5pm Health and Beauty Facebook page last month. This will be a regular thing, every month, so if you have any beauty questions you want answered, then please do look out for the Ask Merle FB post, and get asking! This month’s question...
Estee Lauder - The Metallics
Metallics scream autumn/winter/partyseason to me – don’t you agree? But there are elements of this new Estee Lauder Pure Color The Metallics collection that still have a hint of summer to them. The gorgeous Pure Color High Intensity Lip Lacquer (£21) has the most amazing shiny, glass-like finish – this...
Lancome DreamTone Launch
We beauty writers get quite excited when something launches, and it’s actually different. Beauty is so cyclical you see – every year it’s similar products from all the brands, and is, on the whole, quite predictable. So, Lancome’s DreamTone launch is like a breath of fresh air. Yes, it’s another dark...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Tresemme and Top Model hair!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Who watches Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model...
Liz Earle Limited Edition Cleanse & Polish Grapefruit & Patchouli
If you are a Liz Earle fan, chances are the Cleanse & Polish is your favourite product. And no wonder. It is a joy to use. I have to say I am late to this party. I have tried it in the past, but never persevered with it, put off slightly by the smell – a bit too herbal for me. But, last autumn, Liz ...
New - Clinique's Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects
Following on from my serums post earlier, news of another updated serum from Clinique. Clinique developed Repairwear Laser Focus Serum to address fine lines and wrinkles, and have now added more innovative technology to their powerhouse serum, and created the new version – Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths...
My four favourite serums
What is a serum? Serums are skincare products that tend to have high concentrations of certain active ingredients. Things like hyaluronic acid, to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, vitamin C, to brighten the skin and help with pigmentation, or perhaps glycolic acid, a gentle exfoliant. A ...
Bobbi Brown New Sparkle Eyeshadows
Bobbi Brown Eyeshadows are already great -now they’re about to get even better! Inspired by requests from fans and makeup artist, Bobbi has deciced to perfect her eyeshadow collection to create the most diverse shade range for all skin tones. That means adding a whopping 24 new shades to the collection...
Bobbi Brown's updated BB Cream
Bobbi Brown launched her BB Cream back in August last year, and we blogged about it at the time. It’s still one of my favourite BB Creams, with decent coverage, and great skincare properties. It’s been hugely successful, and now Bobbi Brown is adding four new shades to the colour palette. The existing...
Paul Mitchell Curls
When I was a teenager in the 1980s, big, huge hair was fashionable. But curly hair just never really played ball. Those big, voluminous styles needed a bit of wave, not full on curls. But let’s be honest – I never ever had hair as big as Joan Cusack or Melanie Griffths in 1980s movie classic, Working...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Honeybell Soap
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! There’s something very comforting about a lovely...
L'Oreal Super Liner Challenge
I was thrilled to receive a package of three fab L’Oreal eyeliners and an eyebrow pencil at the weekend. The challenge is to create a unique Super Liner styler, and share it on a blog, or on Twitter, with the hashtag #LineOfBeauty. I’m not brilliant at thinking outside the box- as they wanted us to ...
Melvita Floral Waters get a new look!
I’m always going on about Melvita, right? But they are a lovely brand! This month, they relaunch their beautiful Floral Waters in celebration of their 30th Anniversary. The Floral Waters collection has been part of the brand since 1984 and features six pure waters – Damask Rose (sourced in Iran), Orange...
Clarins Autumn Makeup Collection
Yes, it’s time for Autumn makeup collections, and let’s face it, when it rains, I’m quite happy to have a peek at what I can look forward to wearing in the lovely autumn months. It’s probably my favourite season, with it’s crisp, dry mornings, and beautiful foliage colours everywhere. And then there...
Origins Smarty Plants CC Cream launches
We’ve had BB creams until they are coming out of our ears, and we have already had a CC cream, from Clinique. I wasn’t a massive fan of that one, but this new CC Cream, Smarty Plants, from Origins is great. It’s full name is Origins Smarty Plants CC SPF20 Skin Complexion Corrector. A CC cream is essentially...
Clarins Be Long Mascara
Every week there seems to be a new mascara to try! This week’s mascara is Clarins Be Long Mascara. I’ve been using it for about a month now, and it’s great. Yes, yes, it’s another mascara, and another good one – but there are a couple of things about this mascara I have been impressed with. Firstly,...
Liz Earle launch Strengthening Nail Colour
I spent a lovely evening in London recently previewing a few of Liz Earle’s new launches for August and September. The stand out launch is the Liz Earle Strengthening Nail Colour. Yes, nail polish from Liz Earle! And, before I say anything else about it, I am going to mention the price – it’s just £...
Beauty Tips for Busy Mums with Arabella Preston
It’s been a week since the Duchess of Cambridge, or Kate, as we like to call her, gave birth to Prince George of Cambridge. We wonder how she’s getting on with her new mum role? Has she given her appearance a second thought?Do new mums have any ‘me’ time? Pond’s Institute Ambassador and London-based...
Beauty Bargain of the Week -Tesco Melon in the shower!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, the summer is sort of disappearing into a ...
Dr Bronner's - fit for a King!
It’s a boy! Baby Cambridge – Prince, future King, whatever we are calling him is here! And with the Royal baby came a flurry of baby-themed press releases into my inbox. One from Dr Bronner’s caught my eye – my favourite all-in-one product, Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap. This stuff is brilliant, and with ...
Pollen pest! Is Hay Max the answer?
So, the rain has given the hayfever sufferers a bit of a break, and we are coming to the end of the grass pollen season in July, but with more hot weather forecast, we can expect more sneezing, wheezing, red eyes and the like. I am lucky – I don’t really suffer at all. A little bit of a sniffle and ...
Vintage at the Merchant City Festival this weekend
If you are in Glasgow this weekend, then make sure you head down to Vintage at the Merchant City Festival. Brought to you by Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway, the festival celebrates all things vintage, and that includes vintage hair and beauty, of course. So, whilst you are browsing the vintage market...
Be the face, body and tan of Fake Bake!
Be the face and body of Fake Bake! Here’s a competition for all you fake tan lovers out there, from Fake Bake. It’s an amazing competition actually – Fake Bake are looking for six lucky winners to front their new season campaign. All you have to do is go to their Facebook page and send them a message...
Maybelline Baby Lips - Beauty Bargain of the Week
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It’s a lot of fuss about a lip Balm, but apparently...
Jurlique comes to Marks and Spencer Your Beauty
If you are not familiar with Australian beauty brand, Jurlique, then get yourself along to Marks and Spencer on Glasgow’s Argyle Street, and check out the brand. They are a lovely natural brand, with lots of interesting products, and from July 25 will be available at key M&S Your Beauty locations, including...
Estee Lauder relaunch Advanced Night Repair again!
There are quite a lot of relaunches and reformulations happening in the beauty world at the moment – and the latest is from Estee Lauder. It’s a brand new reformulation of their hero product, Advanced Night Repair. This new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II is, Lauder say, the result...
Fake it!
There is a lot of pasty white skin walking by at the moment, mine included! The sun is out, we’re baring our bodies, and they are not bronzed! I’m not a massive fake tan fan, but I like a little bit of colour in the sunshine. These are my legs, tanned up with ModelCo One Night Tan Wash Off Instant Bronze...
Butter now available in Boots!
Have you tried Butter London nail polishes? (That’s the butter I am talking about!). They are now stocked in Boots nationwide, and if you haven’t tried them yet, you must, and you will love them. They dry quicker than any other nail polish I have ever used. They are one of the original ‘3 free’ nail...
Skincare booster shots from Intraceuticals
I get lots of press releases about new products, and ploughing through them, I love it when I come across something that catches my eye, something new that I have never seen before. This week it’s these Intraceuticals Rejuvenate+ Boosters. These cute little skincare shots have been designed to completely...
Sunscreen from Nivea
It’s been unbelievable weather in the last few weeks, hasn’t it? It’s still sunny this week, if a little cloudy at times, and I am off to the melting heat of London today for a work trip. I’ll be taking a Facial Spray with me, and my absolute favourite sunscreen this year – Nivea Sun Protect & Refresh...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Australian Native Botanicals
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Have you been into and M&S Beauty hall recently...
GinZing Energy-boosting moisturizer from Origins
Here’s another one for younger skin – the new GinZing Energy-boosting moisturizer from Origins. This ‘wakes up dull skin, thanks to Panax Ginseng and caffeine derived form coffee beans. It’s a lightweight, oil-free formula, and it jump-starts the skin’s hydration levels and creates a healthy, vibrant...
New Natural Beauty from Pond's Institute
Pond’s Institute revamped, relaunched and renamed themselves earlier this year, and this is one of their new products under that name. Natural Beauty Cream is an effective skincare solution for young skin. So, this nourishing day cream is rich in green tea antioxidants and will help protect from the...
Facial Spray anyone?
Summer is here! That means we’re all glowing in the sunshine – or more likely getting a wee bit, well, sweaty and hot and bothered, if the temperatures soar into the high 20s. So, a facial spray or spritz might be the answer, and I’ve got three on my desk that I have been rotating in my handbag when...
Hotel Missoni Natura Bisse Pure Air Bubble review
So, if you read the blog the other week you would have known the Natura Bisse Pure Air Bubble was on its way to Edinburgh, at the Hotel Missoni. If you had a treatment, what did you think? I was lucky enough to get into the bubble, experiencing the lovely o2 Natura Bisse Awakening Facial. The bad news...
Mac by Request is BACK!
It’s back – MAC By Request. That’s where you get to vote from a shortlist of discontinued colours, and MAC will bring the most popular ones back! How good is that? It’s one of the most annoying things when your favourite makeup shade is discontinued, and MAC have found a fun, and interactive way of ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Clarins Fragrance offer this summer!
If you are looking for a fresh, invigorating scent to wear in this heatwave, then one of the three Clarins fragrances might be perfect. Each of the Clarins scents has it’s own unique smell, but all of them also offer skincare benefits. They are light and refreshing, and can be applied top tp toe. I ...
Something (Dramatically) Different from Clinique...
Get ready for this – a week today sees the launch of the newly reformulated Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+. Yes, it’s the famous yellow moisturizer from Clinique, part of their famous 3-step plan, and it has been six and a half years in the making. Dramatically Different Moisturizer was...
Strawberries anyone?
It’s men’s semi-final day at Wimbledon today, and I’ll be cheering on Andy Murray. If I was there, I’d probably be indulging in a few strawberries – when in Rome and all that. To get in the mood, I might use the iconic Strawberry Body Butter from The Body Shop in this mornings beauty routine. The Body...
Muscle Ache solutions from Elemis
Hand up who was exhausted watching Andy Murray in his quarter-final five-setter win over Fernando Verdasco last night?! I know, I was. After watching the BBC documentary on everyone’s favourite tennis player the other week, we reckon Andy would have eased his pain in a lovely ice bath last night, after...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Tesco Calcot Manor Spa range
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! In yesterday’s Summer Beauty Must Have post, I...
Top Ten Summer Beauty Must Haves
It’s summer! (It is, isn’t it?!) It’s July, so that’s summer for me, and it’s time for some summer beauty musthaves – items you need this season at home, on holiday, and both. From hair removal to body toning to lip moisturizing, and tanning, there are a few things a girl’s gotta have when the sun shines...
Beauty News - Festival Round-up
It’s Glastonbury this weekend – the biggest festival of them all, so here’s a little beauty news round-up with a festival theme… * At the Isle of Wight Festival a few weeks back, Revlon were making celebrities look good, headed up by Revlon UK Nail Ambassador, Jenny Longworth. Emma Bunton popped into...
Lush World Record Attempt for International Kissing Day
A week on Saturday is International Kissing Day (Saturday 6th July 2013) and you can be part of a Guinness World Record Attempt with Lush. Lush believe in #crueltyfreekisses and are attempting to set the new Guinness World Record of the most lip prints collected in 12 consecutive hours. Lush want them...
Natura Bisse Bubble comes to Edinburgh's Hotel Missoni Spa
If you’re looking for something new in beauty, then the Natura Bisse Pure Air Bubble is it! It will be at the Hotel Missoni Spa in Edinburgh, from July 4 to July 7, and offers beauty fans the chance to experience a unique, innovative beauty ritual available for the very first time in Scotland. The Natura...
Skin Guru - Scottish skincare
Until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of Skin Guru. Slap on hand, to be honest, as they are a Scottish brand, a natural brand, and their Nourishing Facial Serum has become a favourite of mine in just a few weeks – as a night cream, a serum, a go to skin pick-me-up. And I am in good company – Scots...
Estee Lauder Cello Shots
Estee Lauder launch Cello Shots in July, for a limited time only. This is one of those little collections beauty companies seem to come up with from time to time to freshen up their counters. These are cute, colourful and sure to appeal to Lauder customers when they pop in to buy their favourites. As...
Liberation Day from Vita Liberata
Luxury tanning brand Vita Liberata have an excellent competition and campaign running from June right through to December. Imagine if you had no worries, imagine if, for just a moment, money wasn’t an issue. Now imagine what you would do if you were given a full 24 hours free from all that responsibility...
Lush voted Which Number 1 for Toiletries and Cosmetics - Beauty Bargain of the week
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is a bit different ...
Brightening skincare
Lack of radiance, or dullness is a top concern amongst women, so it’s no surprise there’s been a big trend for brightening skincare this year. I reviewed Bobbi Brown’s Brightening range here back in January, and since then there have been loads more come on to the market. Brightening ranges deal with...
National Kissing Day on QVC!
It’s National Kissing Day today. So pucker up and kiss someone! And look after your lips with these goodies all available on QVC. Have you watched QVC recently? It’s great! It’s rally informative and full of fabulous brands, including one of my all-time favourites, Emma Hardie. Emma Hardie has just ...
Get Into Shape for Summer
Summer of 5pm is here! Beginning this week, we’ll be sharing our beauty offers that will help you spend the season in style. Whether it’s a spray tan for the beach or highlights to give yourself a golden glow, everyone wants to look their best during summer – whether you’re going abroad or simply squeezing...
Smashbox in Boots stores
If you haven’t heard of Smashbox, that’s definitely set to change. This LA based cosmetics company is now on counter in Boots stores nationwide, and it’s worth checking out. Smashbox was created in LA by brothers Dean and Davis Factor, great-grandsons of legendary makeup man, Max Factor. They set up...
Marvelous Moxie - new lip collection from Bare Minerals
Bare Minerals have completely revamped their lip collection – that’s their lipsticks, lipliners and lipglosses. They’re all now part of the ‘Marvelous Moxie‘ collection (and yes, it is ‘marveLLous’ in the UK – this is the American spelling!) which has loads of new shades and fab formulas. Marvelous ...
Bobbi Brown Sea Pearls Collection
Here’s another lovely collection from Bobbi Brown – the Sea Pearls Collection. This one makes me think of hot, sunny places, and long for a holiday again! Bobbi has taken the popular shimmer brick bronzer, and applied the principle to a gorgeous eye shadow palette – the Eye Shadow Shimmer Brick (£42...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Q Body Spray
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Do you use body spray? You’re not alone. according...
Edinburgh loves eyebrows - John Lewis Beauty Map of Britain
I love beauty survey results, and John Lewis’s Beauty Map of Britain has thrown up some really interesting ones. The map compares sales of make-up in John Lewis branches across the UK against the national average, to reveal regional trends. And, Edinburgh, it seems you love your brows. Are Edinburgh...
Father's Day Fragrances for every budget
It’s Father’s Day on Sunday – don’t forget! He’s the most important man in your life! You can never go wrong with a fragrance, aftershave, cologne, whatever you want to call it, and I’ve picked out nine of the best in three price ranges – Budget, Mid-Range, and Premium. Budget They may be budget but...
BB creams - Nivea BB Cream, YSL BB Cream, Biotherm BB Cream
BB creams were the beauty buzzword of last year, but they show no sign of going away. In fact, rarely a week goes by when there isn’t a new one on my desk. I’ve lost count of how many BB creams I have now tried, but the latest three came from Nivea, YSL and Biotherm. If you’ve been hiding under a rock...
Stay Flawless with BeneFit's new 15 Hour Primer
Primers are having a bit of a ‘beauty moment’ – they’re everywhere! A primer is the last step in your skincare routine before you apply your foundation. Way back when they were called mattifiers – this is essentially what they do – they mattify the skin – smooth it out, and prime it for foundation, ...
Top five 5pm Health and Beauty luxury spas
It’s Luxury Week on 5pm Health and Beauty, with some amazing deals at some of Scotland’s most luxurious spas and salons. So, I thought I would share with you five of my favourite 5pm Health and Beauty-featured luxury spas. There are some great offers on at the moment, so make sure you book – everyone...
Color WOW - look after your coloured hair!
Color Wow is the new haircare range from renowned renowned beauty innovator, Gail Federici and internationally acclaimed hairdresser, John Frieda, and it’s coming to a Space NK near you this summer. Currently available on QVC, and available online at Space NK from June, it will be in stores come July...
OB for Shu Uemura - cutest cosmetics yet?
Yes, I know, it’s about what’s in the bottle, not what is on it, but I can’t resist a cute little cartoon character, and this gorgeous collection from Shu Uemura features the artwork of Japanese artist OB. Actually, the images I have here don’t do it justice – this is just beautiful artwork. She’s created...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Malki Dead Sea Range Boots offer
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This weeks’ Beauty Bargain is a Boots offer on...
What Makes You Smile? Rituals Laughing Buddha campaign will
Rituals have launched a fab campaign to promote their new Laughing Buddha range, and you get to join in and win! What Makes You Smile? Rituals sent an undercover ‘Laughing Buddha’ to bring smiles to faces when least expected…Check out this video! You are encouraged to share the laughter and make others...
Glowing Skin
Glow Skin Centre & Tanning Salon is a popular venue on 5pm Health & Beauty so when they invited me to give their facial a try, it was a great chance to see why our customers love it and keep going back. Prescriptive Dermalogica Facial Mid-facial. Argh, it’s the creature from the deep!!! I was going ...
Kate Middleton - Beauty Icon?
It seems that the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, might have the ‘Diana factor’ after all. The late Princess of Wales’s popularity is a lot for Kate to live up to, but it seems the British public do see her as an icon – well, the beauty loving British public at least. According to a new poll from...
Jo Malone Saffron Cologne Intense
The newest fragrance from Jo Malone London is launched next month, and it is VERY different. When I first smelled the new Saffron Intense Cologne a few months ago, I was blown away by it. Saffron is such an unusual smell – and will not be one that is universally loved, I am sure. But this cologne is...
Here comes the (Bobbi) Bride! Bobbi Brown Luxe Collection
Bobbi Brown loves a wedding! Bobbi counters across the land have Bobbi’s own signature bridal beauty tips on hand – makeup lessons are complimentary and tailored to fit your needs. So, it’s no surprise that she has recently launched the most lovely bridal beauty collection – the Luxe Collection, just...
Staff Review: Wedding Makeover
This week at 5pm Health & Beauty, we’ve been gearing up for wedding season. When it comes to wedding hair, make up and nails, there are loads of options to choose from. And whether you’re a bride, bridesmaid or just a guest, you want to look your best on the big day. Spoiled at Twisted Sister Unfortunately...
Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser - Beauty Innovation
There’s not much that comes through in the beauty industry that is truly brand new – but this new Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser certainly is. It’s one of those ‘why didn’t someone think of this before’ moments. Essentially, this new body moisturiser is like a conditioner for your body. Just like ...
Clarins HydraQuench range overhaul
I was gutted to find out that my favourite moisturiser in the world, Clarins HydraQuench Rich Cream for very dry skin is being discontinued. In fact, it’s already gone. Sob. Come June, there will be a whole new HydraQuench range, with new products added to a few of the old which are staying. I have ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - newly rebranded Pond's are now an Institute
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Pond’s – loved by Kylie Minogue, don’t you know...
Creme de la Mer's Soleil de la Mer - summer suncare range
Creme de la Mer have grown their brand since the launch of the original moisturiser 13 years ago. They’ve added body products, new facial products, some makeup and now suncare. Their Soleil de la Mer collection (which translates as ‘sun of the sea’ so, well, kind of doesn’t really work, but we’ll let...
MAC Makeovers - at the Edinburgh Dungeon!
Last month I told you about the new MAC and Edinburgh Dungeon Makeup collaboration. This month, I got to see it -and try it out for myself, on a spooky afternoon in the capital tourist attraction. Sarah from Scottish Beauty Blog and I set off for a monster makeover afternoon, and here is a picture of...
Beauty Bargain of the Week -Estee Lauder GWP
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I do love an Estee Lauder GWP (Gift With Purchase...
Chanel's Summer Collection - L'Ete Papillon (and a Yellow Mascara!)
There are some beauty collections that arrive and you think’ wow, I must get that’. There are others where you think, ‘How can I wear that’. This new Summer collection from Chanel – L’Ete Papillon – is a mix of both. Translated to Summer Butterfly, this bold, bright, colourful, and at times a bit wacky...
Beauty Bargains
This week at 5pm Health & Beauty, we’re highlighting our cheapest spring beauty buys – it is the week before pay day after all. From spray tans to lashes to massage, we’ve got loads of beauty treatments for a tenner or less. Find even more on our website. £6.50 instead of £9.50 for eyebrow threading...
CK One Shock Street Edition - makeup and Shine Lipstick Collection
CK One just keeps on giving! There always seem to be new reworkings of this classic fragrance – first launched in 1994 – on offer each year, and this year we’ve had the CK One Shock Street Editions for her and for him – in specially designed bottles featuring the work of graffiti artists, Miss 163 and...
Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfectors - New Shades
Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors are hugely popular, so Clarins have launched them in three new colours for this spring/summer. They’re now available in Rosewood Shimmer, Petal Shimmer and Candy Shimmer, to add to the original shades of Rose Shimmer, Apricot Shimmer and Nude Shimmer. The...
Clinique's new Nail Polish - A Different Nail Enamel?
All the chat recently has been about the newest nail polish on the block, from Clinique. Clinique are pitching this polish – called A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins – as just that – different, and for sensitive skins. They point out that women touching their eyes, with nail polish on – and...
Martine McCutcheon shops at The Body Shop
I like Martine. She was Tiffany in EastEnders, and a sadder death on that soap I have yet to see (well, maybe with the exception of Jamie Mitchell. That was just wrong). Yes, she might have ooh-ed and aah-ed about her new hair extensions the day she filed for bankruptcy for unpaid taxes, but, well, ...
The Great Gatsby - Video Hair Tutorial!
So, The Great Gatsby was released last night? Anyone seen it yet? Here’s a video blog I did on my own blog, Beauty Bombshells, on how to get a Great Gatsby-esque bob when you have long hair using just some curling tongs, hair oil and hairspray! It’s very simple – anyone can do it, and I think the results...
Summer Bronzers - The Great Beauty Bronze Off!
It’s summer, so the musthave makeup item is a bronzer. Of course, many of you will use bronzer the whole year through, but I am very pale and I like it that way, except in the summer, when I take on a very, very slight golden glow, if I am lucky. When I went on holiday last month, I took a whole load...
My First Manicure
Confession: up until yesterday I was a manicure virgin. Terrible isn’t it. I just never placed that much importance on my nails. When they got too long I trimmed them with a pair of clippers to keep them neat and tidy, but that was it. I even paint my toenails regularly but never my fingernails. I saw...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Boots Seventeen Lip Lustre
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain comes from the revamped...
Beauty and the BAFTAs with MAC Cosmetics
MAC were the Official Makeup Partner at last night’s BAFTAs – or Arqiva British Academy Television Awards to give them their full name. MAC made many of the TV stars up for awards more beautiful at their MAC Beauty Suite at London’s Corinthia Hotel, and others at home. The feel of the night on the red...
Suncream Reviews - National Sun Awareness Week
Sunday marks the end of National Sun Awareness Week, and whilst it might not seem something that you think about when we hardly see the sun in Scotland, don’t be fooled. The sun is wonderful, but can be damaging to your health. On a recent holiday abroad, in blistering temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius...
Beauty Bargain of the Week
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain made me laugh out loud...
Top Facial Offers
This week at 5pm Health & Beauty we are all about facials. We have TONS of brilliant facial offers, from microdermabrasion to aromatherapy to oxygen therapy! You can check out all our offers on our site but in the meantime, here’s three of our best. We’re continuing our Spring Fever theme with our best...
Kate Moss is the new face and body of St Tropez
Brands just LOVE Kate Moss, don’t they? St Tropez have just announced that she’s the new face and body of their brand. The world’s most famous fashion and beauty icon brings her unique edge and personality to the leading global tanning brand’s first-ever global advertising campaign – and doesn’t she...
Tom Ford Summer Bronzing Collection
I’m a red lipstick and pale skin kinda gal, so when I was offered the chance to have a makeover with the new Tom Ford Summer Bronzing Collection, initially, I was thinking ‘this is not for me’. However, with a wee bit of a sun-kissed glow from a recent holiday abroad (and very sun-faded hair!), I decided...
Sneaky Preview! Matthew Williamson for BeneFit
Coming soon (next month actually) to a BeneFit counter near you (well, at a BeneFit boutique or in a Debenhams store) is this fantastic collaboration with Matthew Williamson. Renowned for his glamorous, bohemian collections (including his clothing and home ranges for Debenhams), Williamson is a master...
New: Clarins BB Cream
There seems to be a constant stream of BB creams landing on my desk these days. I’ve had a few of late, including the long-awaited Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream. It comes in three shades, light, medium and dark, had an SPF25 and goes on like a dream, with light to medium coverage, and s satin finish...
Rihanna RiRi Woo red for MAC launched today
Rihanna’s red lipstick for M.A.C launched today at 11am – is it sold out already? The global singing superstar loves a red lipstick, and has remixed MAC classic Ruby Woo, to RiRi Woo – avaailable now, for £14. What are you waiting for? Get on to maccosmetics.co.uk now! and join in the Twitter chat at...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - ecoTools Headband, Comb and Shower Cap
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! If you haven’t discovered he brand ecoTools yet...
Edinburgh's Spa in the City's Sixth Year
This weekend Edinburgh’s Spa in the City is back, for its sixth consecutive year. The concept is clearly a winner, and it’s a simple one. It’s a completely free beauty event, and this year has a fresh new format. And yes, that’s FREE! Heading once again to St Andrew Square, on May 4 and 5, the Essential...
Ghoulish MAC makeovers at the Edinburgh Dungeon!
Beauty fans – get down to the The Edinburgh Dungeon! It might seem a little odd, but M.A.C have teamed up with the capital’s scary tourist attraction to create dramatic, scary looks for the attractions’ new look. Independent make-up artist Sam Norman – who has worked on projects including Snow White...
L'Occitane Collection De Grasse Perfume launch
There’s a new fragrance collection available from May at L’Occitane – Collection De Grasse, which has four lovely perfumes in it. The EDT fragrances are Jasmin & Bergamote, Magnolia & Mûre, Vanille & Narcisse and Thé Vert & Bigarade, created by Karine Dubreuil. Karine Dubreuil is L’Occitane’s first ...
Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control
It’s something we all complain about, and it’s something that I am pretty sure there is no real cure for. Cellulite. Regular exercise and the right diet can make a difference, but if you have the fatty deposited tissue that manifests itself as a sort of orange peel, dimpled effect, it’s pretty hard ...
Label M reformulate Ressurection Style Dust
When I first tried label.m Resurrection Style Dust, I loved it. It’s a fine powder you can apply to your hair at the roots, rub in and it adds texture, volume and lift. It’s a brilliant hair product, and massively popular. It’s now been reformulated – made even better in other words – and also now comes...
The Body Shop launch classic fragrance EDTs
The Body Shop have just launched some lovely little perfumes for summer in all of your favourite, classic Body Shop smells! I absolutely LOVE Coconut from The Body Shop – have done since I was a teenager, so am loving this new EDT 30ml, small enough to pop into my handbag, day and night. And, the best...
Bobbi Brown Nude Beach Collection
Bobbi Brown’s summer collection is compact, simple and very, very pretty. The campaign image is beautiful, although I think I’d have preferred to see the gorgeous model outside in the sunshine, no? The Nude Beach Collection is inspired by Bobbi’s favourite summertime look – not surprisingly, a natural...
Spring Nights Out At 5pm
Here at 5pm Health & Beauty, we love getting ready for a night out – in fact we usually have more fun getting ready than we do on the night out itself! Here are a few photos of us looking our glamorous best. Lucy, Jen, Nicola and Kim from 5pm plus don’t forget the lovely beauty experts Merle & Craig...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Tesco Pro Formula Skincare
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This weeks’ Beauty Bargain comes from Tesco, who...
Vogetti On-Location Dryer - Perfect Travel Companion
OKay, it’s NOT a travel dryer, got that? It’s an ‘on-location‘ dryer. I love that! That’s the first thing I love about the On-Location Dryer by Style Entourage by Vogetti. I also love the fact that it is the dinkiest little dryer, with the most power, I have ever seen. It even has a little mini diffuser...
BeneFit Color Collection - Art Deco style
BeneFit release their hotly anticipated new core colour collection next month, just in time to coincide with the equally hotly anticipated movie release of Baz Luhrman’s version of The Great Gatsby! BeneFit’s color collection is lovely – the packaging is just beautifully Art Deco, inspired by San Francisco...
Great Gatsby Style with Yardley Polaire
The hotly anticipated Baz Luhrman version of The Great Gatsby arrives at the cinemas next month, which means we’ve all become obsessed with the 1920s/1930s Art Deco style. And Yardley’s beautiful, first ever premium fragrance, Polaire is the perfect perfume if you’re in an Art Deco kinda mood! Yardley...
Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color
I’m a matte lipstick fan – but in the summer, sometimes, a smudge of sheer is enough. Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color will give you just that. You apply it straight from the tube onto clean, bare lips, and it gives a decent covering of colour, with benefits. Those benefits come from the gorgeous ingredients...
Body Treatments & Tanning
In case you haven’t already noticed, 5pm Health & Beauty has Spring Fever! We’re focused on helping you out of hibernation and into the sunshine with our very best moisturising, buffing and tanning offers. Salt and Oil Scrub Exposing your skin for the first time in months is a terrifying thought, which...
Origins Earth Month Offers
It’s Earth Month in April, and Origins are big supporters of the cause. Once again they have some limited edition products, and some great intiatives and offers in conjunction with Earth Month. Origins is debuting four limited edition products that are powered by nature and proven by science. Origins...
Estee Lauder DayWear UV Defense SPF50
Sometimes there are beauty products launched that confuse me slightly. This is one of those. Estee Lauder’s DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant UV Defense SPF 50 is, well, what is it?! It’s the last step in skincare before makeup. A primer, then, perhaps? Well, not really. Sort of. See? It...
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm review
If you read this blog regularly, you will know I have a new found love of cleaners. I adore Emma Hardie’s Moringa Cleansing Balm, so I was intrigued to try another new balm on the market, around a similar price point, from Elemis. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has been a HUGE hit since its ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Harvey Nichols Annual Beauty GWP
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Okay, so this is not a Beauty Bargain in the conventiona...
Spring Fever!
We’ve got Spring fever at 5pm Health & Beauty and for the next 6 weeks we’re going to be giving you all the Spring beauty offers and tips you need! This week, we’re focusing on tanning and moisturizing – treatments we know you 5pmers are very keen on! There’s nothing like glowing skin to make you look...
Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Home Collection
Since the launch of English Pear & Freesia a few years ago, it has become one of the best-selling Jo Malone London fragrances. It’s easy to see why – it’s a fresh, fruity, delightful floral scent, that just smells so lovely, it’s almost uplifting. So it’s no surprise that it’s the latest scent the company...
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Collection
Summer beauty collections make me smile. Take Estee Lauder’s lovely new Bronze Goddess Collection for 2013. Every year this collection is lovely, this year it has some stunning elements, quirky products, and gorgeous colours which just scream summer. Let’s start by talking about the absolutely brilliant...
Clarins Summer Collection
I love Clarins’ new summer collection. It’s so beautiful, and has really clever lip balms which add great colour and hydration., their Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balms, which, in this new Splendour collection, come in four shades – Crystal Rose, Crystal Gold Plum, Crystal Mandarin and Crystal Berry,...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Tweezerman Neon Nail File
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Neon is a big trend this summer. If you’re not...
Support Earth Month with Aveda
April is Earth Month, and you can support it by getting hold of one of these lovely Aveda Light the Way Candles. Aveda donate 100% of the retail prices less VAT to Global Greengrants Fund (GGF), a non-profit organisation that channels high-impact grants to grassroots groups working to solve pressing...
Hair like Mad Men's Betty Draper? Here's how!
January Jones – best known as Betty Draper in Mad Men – has fabulous hair. The beautiful blonde returns to our screens tomorrow night on Sky Atlantic, as the penultimate series of the 1960s drama set in an advertising agency begins. This picture of January, with a big 1960s-style do, however, is not...
Bobbi Brown's new Longwear Even Finish Compact Foundation
Bobbi Brown have just launched a new Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation. These ‘quick-fix’ foundations are becoming more and more popular again, I’ve noticed, with women wanting something they can easily apply, wherever they are. This new foundation is, as Bobbi says, ‘designed to disappear’ –...
Heather Suttie, an up do, and a onesie!
The lovely Heather Suttie is a regular at Glasgow salon, Kennedy + Co. Last week she popped in for this fabulous up-do, before her shoot for the Sunday Mail to promote the newspaper’s Centenary Fund’s latest fund-raising event- Onesie Day! Glamorous Heather swapped her usual vintage dresses for a onesie...
Tried & Tested - Pilates Reformer
I’m not going to lie, when I first saw the Pilates Reformer room at The Residence Spa at Park Circus, I was more than a little apprehensive. The machines looked terrifying. Nuts and bolts and leather straps. What had I let myself in for? However, I did think that anything that looked liked it belonged...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Tesco/Gardenia of London Body Mist
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! We featured the lovely Gardenia of London range...
No7 Lift & Luminate Dark Spot Corrector
I was interested to try out the new No7 Lift & Luminate Dark Spot Corrector, which launched last month. I wasn’t actually asked to trial it, as I am still too young (hooray!) for the target age group for this product, which is 45+. However, having suffered with pigmentation on my face for years, I wanted...
Stila's Summer Festival of Colour Collection
One thing attracted me to this Stila Festival of Colour Collection, and it wasn’t the bright, bold colour. It was the After Glow Lip Colour (£12). I have yet to try them out, but, Stila promise that, thanks to black-light responsive florescent pigments, these lippies will, literally, glow in the dark...
Cover FX - reformulated, repackaged
Canadaian brand Cover FX have had a bit of a makeover, so it was only fitting that their National Makeup Artist Viktor Charles gave the beauty press makeovers, to show it off. Last month Viktor came to the brand’s only Scottish counter, at Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols, opened in Autumn 2011, to show off...
Cleanse with Estee Lauder
If you read this blog regularly, you will know I have a ‘thing’ for cleansers. Years of using baby wipes, and then boom – cleanser addict. I love the removal-all formulas, the cleansers that sweep all the makeup and grime off your face at night easily and can be used in the morning shower too. You’ll...
Control that Curl with Aveda
I have curly hair. It was the bane of my life for so long. Then I found ghd’s. I subsequently had very ,very straight hair for a long time. These days, I like to embrace my curl – well, more of the wave, and these two new additions to the Aveda Be Curly range are just perfect for that. Be Curly Curl...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Rimmel Cocktail Colour
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’ve picked these as my Beauty Bargain this week...
WIN! Beauty goodies and Easter goodies from REN!
If you like REN and you like chocolate (and who doesn’t love the latter?!), then you are going to love this sort of online Easter Egg hunt! To help celebrate Easter in style this year, REN Skincare have hidden three offer codes on their website. Each code has a different offer, and to find the code ...
Babydoll from YSL with Cara Delevingne
YSL has signed up supermodel Cara Delevingne to front their campaign for their latest collection, Baby Doll, which has a mascara at it’s heart. Gorgeous Cara looks stunning in this campaign shot, with a full-on cat’s eye flick. The mascara is Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Baby Doll (£24.50) and by ...
Aveda's Art of Nature
Aveda are not a brand I immediately think of when I think make-up – but they do it, and the new Art of Nature SS13 collection is lovely. It’s bold and bright, with key on-trend colours – the bright green eyeliner almost perfectly Emerald – the Pantone colour of the year for 2013, remember? The collection...
Angel Aqua Chic
It’s Easter this coming weekend – that means chocolate galore! But if you don’t want to over-indulge, then how about trying out the sweet scent of Angel Aqua Chic instead? This new, Limited Edition version of Angel is still as sweet as ever, but its oriental notes have been infused with an aqua accord...
Forever Blonde? Thanks to Paul Mitchell, you can be! Forever Blonde Paul Mitchell range
That’s me there, on the left, blonde. Very blonde. Sadly it wasn’t forever. It was slightly over-processed, and really high maintenance, so after a couple of years, I was back to red. I did, however, use Paul Mitchell’s Platinum Blonde Shampoo, which added excellent ash tones to my hair, and was moisturising...
Serum for Eyes
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine the beauty boffins coming up with a new product, when you see all the launches every year. And then they come up with something so simple, so obvious, you immediately think ‘of course’! Which is exactly what I did when two new eye SERUMS landed on my desk. Eye creams, ...
Clinique's Even Better Compact Makeup SPF15
Clinique’s Even Better range is hugely successful. Their clever advertising campaign uses smooth eggs as an analogy for smooth, even skintone, which is what you can achieve with their products! Just in time for Easter, they have a new addition to the range, to help you achieve nearer to that perfect...
Flexible Hairspray from Ojon
When I first tried Ojon’s new Revitalizing Flexible Hairspray, I thought it was excellent – it really does give volume, and the ‘flexible bounce’ it promises. It feels really natural – no crispiness, or stickiness at all. and as it contains bambassu, jojoba and macademia oil, it’s working to condition...
M.A.C creates Rihanna's tour look...
Did you know Rihanna had created her own red lipstick in collaboration with MAC? How did this pass me by?! Well, she has. It’s called RiRi Woo – a take on her favourite Ruby Woo red, and is part of a larger collaboration with the beauty company, which is out later this year – how exciting! So, it’s ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Dirty Works mask
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week I’ve been trying out a cheap and cheerful...
MAC's Archie's Girls Collection
This colourful collection from MAC launched earlier this month, but a lot of it is already sold out, it’s been that popular. Most of MAC’s Limited collections this fun are sell-outs – it’s easy to see why Archie’s Girls is so popular with its’ retro cartoon character theme. Archie’s Girls are Betty ...
Nearly Naked at Revlon
Revlon’s latest foundation promises that ‘naked skin’ look – with makeup on. It’s what we all want – glowing, flawless skin – and we all need a little help with that, let’s be honest. But the last thing we want is a foundation that looks noticeable, or caked – unless you favour the Geordie Shore girls...
Red Nose Day?! Red Nails, Lips and Hair Day!
It’s Red Nose Day, today – that’s Comic Relief – so we’ll all be settling down for an evening of TV hilarity tonight, and donating to the charity. Folks do all sorts of crazy things for Red Nose Day, some even dye their hair bright red…(and no, that’s not how I chose my colour!) To celebrate Red Nose...
Foundation Amnesty at CK One
If you’re looking to change your foundation – don’t like the formula, want to upgrade a bit, just fancy a new brand – then get along to the CK One counter in Glasgow’s Argyle Street and Silverburn Debenhams, take your old foundation with you – any brand – and hand it over to claim £10 off one of CKOne...
Beauty Bargain - Rimmel Exaggerate Undercover Shadow Primer
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is one of these things...
From BB to CC - the new beauty buzz - Clinique Moisture Surge CC cream review
Last year it was BB creams, this year we’ve moved up one letter, and the beauty buzz is around CC creams. This is the first premium CC cream to hit the UK market, from Clinique, and it will be on counters next month – Clinique’s Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector. So, what is ...
Sisley's new So Intense Mascara
Okay, this mascara is £38. Yes, that’s £38. Is any mascara worth £38? Some might ask if mascara is worth £10, or £20. The difference of course, is in the ingredients. And the difference with Sisley’s new So Intense Mascara is that it has skincare benefits. If you already buy one of those lash treatments...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - FREE Origins Mask!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This weeks’Beauty Bargain is more of an offer ...
Conceal it! My Magnificent Seven concealers
I’ve become obsessed by concealer lately – I love it. I tend not to wear a lot of foundation – just a bit of tinted balm, perhaps, and concealer, here, there and everywhere, to hide blemishes, fade out fine lines, cover dark circles, and add a bit of illumination – although that’s not technically concealing...
Modern Makeup for over 50s - video blog
Makeup artist Lisa Eldridge – who is creative director for Boots No7, and counts Kate Winslet, Kiera Knightley and Vanessa Redgrave amongst her many celebrity clients, has created a storm with the latest video on her website – Modern Makeup for Over 50s. It’s a fantastic tutorial for older women – perfect...
Mother's Day Beauty Offers at 5pm
Mother’s Day is fast approaching – there’s only four days until your mum is expecting to be spoiled rotten. If you still haven’t bought her a gift yet, don’t worry. We have tons of Mother’s Day health and beauty offers that will ensure your mum is pampered like a queen without breaking the bank. The...
Edinburgh's Guerlain Spa
Sometimes, being a beauty writer is a very, very nice job. I was lucky enough to be invited to the Guerlain Spa at Edinburgh’s Waldorf Astoria Caledonian Hotel last week to try out their Signature facial, the Orchidee Imperiale Prestige Treatment. The Guerlain Spa in the newly refurbished Edinburgh ...
Sugar & Spice, and all things...Jo Malone!
The latest collection from Jo Malone London is Sugar & Spice – perfect Easter treat with no calories, perhaps?! It’s a very unusual collection, and the bottles with their coloured caps are definitely different for the brand. The Limited Edition collection consists of five new fragrances, Lemon Tart,...
World Famous Neutrals from BeneFit
Neutrals are hugely popular, easy to wear, and perfect for spring/summer, when you might want a bit of a lighter look. So, clever old BeneFit have launched three brand new neutrals collection, their World Famous Neutrals. Each set contains two creaseless cream shadows and four longwear powder shadows...
Estee Lauder and Mad Men
I’m a big fan of US 1960s-set drama, Mad Men. I can’t wait for the penultimate season to start on Sky Atlantic HD on April 10, but until then will have to make do with re-runs of old episodes, and the second Estee Lauder Mad Men collection. This is amazing! If you love vintage, and you love cosmetics...
Leona Lewis and The Body Shop!
Here’s some beauty news to brighten up your day – the gorgeous global superstar Leona Lewis has collaborated with The Body Shop on a beautiful, cruelty-free makeup and fragrance collection. This collection goes on sale on March 26th at selected stores, and is very limited edition – so don’t delay! Leona...
Lilac Rose from Bobbi Brown
There is a HUGE trend for pastels and blush and nude colours this spring/summer and Bobbi Brown’s Lilac Rose Collection takes inspiration from the catwalk. This pretty collection adds a modern, fresh twist to the prettiest pastels and blush colours. The star of the collection is the Lilac Rose Eye Palette...
Beauty Tools from Ted Baker
Makeup? Check. Moisturiser? Check. Anti-ageing products? Check. Body products? Check. Beauty Tools? Beauty Tools? You know what I’m talking abut, don’t you? Tweezers, nail scissors, emery boards, eyelash curlers – all those things we sort of take from granted, but all need as part of our beauty routine...
A stroll through the (Somerset) Meadow with Crabtree & Evelyn
If you like floral fragrances, then you are going to love the new Somerset Meadow range from Crabtree & Evelyn. This is a mega-sneak peek – it’s not on counter until April, but I had to give you a heads up – it’s just lovely. Somerset Meadow is an aromatic impression of an idyllic English landscape ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Oscar-ready hair (with your grocery shop!)
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Yep, you can get Oscar-ready hairdo’s whilst at...
Melvita's gorgeous Rose Nectar Cleanser
I love cleansers. It took me about 20 years to realise that, abusing my poor skin with baby wipes or soap and water. But I discovered cleansers a few years ago, and cleansing oils and balms have fast become my favourites. For the past few weeks, I have been using Melvita Rose Nectar Milky Cleansing ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Mandara Spa Shower Scrub
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’m going on holiday in eight weeks – I’m overly...
StriVectin-AR Night Treatment - the return of Retinol
The older I’ve become, the more important night-cream has become. Having dry skin doesn’t help – waking up with a ‘tight’ feeling was awful, and was so easily resolved when I started using a night cream. I sometimes use my day cream at night – my winter cream is rich enough, but there are so many night...
Final piece in the Plantscription jigsaw?
Two years ago, I began using a brand new anti-ageing serum from Origins. Coming up to the big 4-0, I was desperate to try anything to stave off the impending wrinkles and fine lines! Plantscription promised to do that, with mainly plant extract, and two years later, I am still using it, and constantly...
Tooth Gaps at Holly Fulton AW13
Have you seen the pictures of the models and their tooth gaps at Scottish designer Holly Fulton‘s AW13 London Fashion Week show? I love them! I’ve got a bit of a thing for gappy teeth – Georgia May Jagger, Madonna, Dalle, my friend Jane – they all look fab! MAC created the make-up look for Holly Fulton...
Get the Look - Jessica Biel and Fudge
Gorgeous Jessica Biel looked amazing at the Tom Ford London Fashion Week show thanks to Snowden Hill, senior member of the Fudge senior art team and global session stylist who gave her a fabulous 1960s up do, which Justin Timberlake seemed to love! Snowden used two products on Jessica’s hair – Hot Hed...
Clinique Chubby for Eyes - they're finally here!
They were supposed to be launched last year, but after a while on hold, the Clinique Chubby phenomenon marches on, this time to your eyes. Clinique’s Chubby Lips have become their best-selling product since their launch a few years ago, so let’s see how the eye version fares. The new Chubby Stick Shadow...
Guerlain's beautiful Spring
Spring is most definitely in the air, even in February, don’t you think?! The sun is shining and the birds are singing, and it’s time to think about Spring beauty collections. Most of them have been on counter since January, but if you haven’t indulged yet, then have a look at Guerlain. This beautiful...
Superdry does makeup
Cult Japanese clothing brand Superdry is branching out into the beauty world with a brand new range of cosmetics. They’re pretty cool, all urban and full of “technical components, metallic twists,and neon silicone details”, according to their press bumph. The collection has pretty much everything covered...
Beauty Bargain - Valentine's Love from M&S!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow, but who needs chocolates...
The fashionable blister treatment from Compeed!
I’ve always been a fan of fashion illustrator, Jordi Labanda. I’ve had notebooks, pen holders, bags,mirrors and all sorts throughout the years with his lovely fashion illustrations on them…and now, I have blister plasters from COMPEED! Jordi Labanda has designed a special, Limited Edition pack of their...
Bobbi Brown goes pink and red for Valentine's Day
Pink or red? Pink and red, according to makeup guru Bobbi Brown, whose Pink & Red Collection is on counters now and perfect for Valentine’s Day makeup! “With this collection, I took an unconventional approach to the season’s traditional colour palette,” says Bobbi. “The Pink & Red Collection isn’t about...
Leather-look Nails from Rococco
I was intrigued recently by a nail polish brand called Rococco, which is available at Space NK stores, and in some spas, and has some of the loveliest packaging I’ve seen. In a sea of pastels for spring, I’ve actually been embracing my dark side this week with their Unisexy Matte (£12) which is a matte...
A new 'La Petite Robe Noire' from Guerlain
Last year Guerlain introduced us to La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum – I wrote this post about that launch on my own blog, Beauty Bombshells. Now, La Petite Robe Noire EDP has a playful little sister – La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette! It’s a completely different fragrance – the more playful side...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Nailene bits and bobs!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I came across a couple of good bargains this week...
Mascara GIVEAWAY! Win a mascara!
Here’s a little competition for you! Five lucky winners, who comment below, will win a fab GOSH Boombastic XXL Volume Mascara in Black! No question, nothing else to do, just leave a comment below, saying why you love mascara, and five winners will be picked at random to win! to find out more about GOSH...
Paul Mitchell's Cruelty Free pledge
I love Paul Mitchell hair products. For many reasons. Not only do they work on my over-dyed, over-processed barnet, co-founder Paul Mitchell was a proud Scot, and, they have, since their creation, been cruelty-free. And last month, Paul Mitchell co-founder and CEO John Paul DeJoria and Cruelty Free ...
New Minerals from Pür Minerals
I’ve never been a huge fan of Mineral Makeup. I’ve had it applied professionally, done it myself and always felt it gave me a little bit of a ‘caked’ look, no matter how little I put on. And, despite the reassurance that it was all natural, etc, etc, it really never seemed to work with my dry-patch-...
Estee Lauder Gift With Purchase
Here’s a lovely treat from Estee Lauder – a gorgeous Gift With Purchase, available at Jenners, Edinburgh, from today (January 31) until February 16. The lovely printed bag and contents is worth £88 and is free when you buy two or more Estee Lauder purchases, one to be skincare or foundation. The bag...
Brightening with Bobbi Brown
Who doesn’t need brightening up in January?! That’s what I have been doing – to my skin – with this lovely new range from Bobbi Brown. The Extra Bright Skincare range of three products promises to rejuvenate and brighten your skin, combining effective moisturisation with the unique brightening benefits...
Illamasqua's Beauty School Drop-IN
So, I was a Beauty School Drop-OUT at the age of 17 – so might benefit from popping along to Illamasqua’s Beauty School Drop-in this Sunday in Debenhams in Glasgow. It’s a great idea from the brand, one of my favourites, and one of the most innovative. Their trained make-up artists will be covering ...
MAC and the Year of the Snake
It’s the Chinese Year of the Snake in 2013, and MAC have celebrated with a stunning collection, entitled ‘Year of the Snake‘. The packaging is lovely, and the embossed products are far too beautiful to use! The colours in the collection are also really beautiful – vibrant shades and shimmering finishes...
New lipsticks from Tom Ford
Anything new from Tom Ford sparks my interest – what a gorgeous beauty brand he has! The latest launch, in time for Valentine’s Day (yes, it’s on its way!), is the new Tom Ford Lip Color Shine – a range of new lipsticks, whcih are semi-transparent, with a high-shine. “Lips are a woman’s most alluring...
The Eyes Have it for Clinique
Another year, another eye cream. But…you really shouldn’t dismiss eye creams- they’re very important, as this skin is very delicate and the first to show signs of ageing. And this new eye cream from Clinique is a targeted anti-ageing product. Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - NIVEA deodorant
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This isn’t exactly a bargain – I mean all deodorants...
Get the Aerin Lauder life...
Who is Aerin Lauder, I hear you ask? Well, she’s a New York society fixture, 42-year-old mother, and heiress to the Estee Lauder empire. She’s Estee’s granddaughter, and her new line for the company is just part of the Aerin Lauder lifestyle you can buy into, if you so wish. Aerin is blonde, beautiful...
Tartan Treasures in soap for Burns Night!
It’s Burns Night tonight, but I have something much more appealing to offer than haggis (which I do like, but well, it’s not very beautiful, is it?!). If you’re heading to a friend’s for a Burns Supper, then why not take them a stylish, Scottish gift, in the shape of one of these lovely Tartan Treasures...
Speckled Nails from Illamasqua - perfect for Easter!
The other day, I brought you green lipgloss from the new Illamasqua I’mperfection Spring collection. Today it’s the amazing Limited Edition Speckled Nail Varnishes (£14.50 each). Gorgeous polish in pastel shades with black speckles in, so it looks like bird eggs! How fantastic is this? I love any new...
Indulge with Creme de la Mer
It’s about this time in January that you start to feel a bit, well, fed-up, isn’t it? Over a week until most of us get paid, the weather’s freezing, the days are still short, and our skin isn’t feeling in tip-top condition. So, it’s time to indulge. Be that booking one of the fabulous offers at the ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Disney Lip Balms
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! TOO cute! This week’s Beauty Bargain are these...
Emerald Green, for 2013
In case you didn’t know, the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2013 is Emerald Green. So, if you want to be on-trend this year, then get a bit of green on. There are plenty of lovely green eyeshadows, nail polishes, eyeliners and mascaras out there, but how about standing right out from the crowd with ...
pureDKNY's Drop of Rose
I love rose. If you read this blog regularly you will know that. So, when new rose fragrance came through my door earlier this month, it fairly brightened up my January! pureDKNY will release A Drop of Rose in February, and if you like rose fragrances, then drop some huge Valentine hints for this, or...
Laura Mercier goes Arabesque for Spring
Laura Mercier are one of those funny brands, in my opinion, that have a core following, and for the rest of us, they flit in and out of our minds. They are a fabulous, makeup artist-led beauty brand, who have gorgeous body souffle creams, and excellent makeup, and perhaps we should pay the more ongoing...
BeneFit Brows
Your eyebrows define your face. BeneFit have this system called ‘brow-mapping’ where they show you where your brows should be on your face, and then they wax and pluck them to that specification. Threading has become huge in the UK over the last few years, but I find it really painful, particularly ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Tesco's Gardenia of London
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It’s back! I forgot about Beauty Bargain last ...
New mascara and a new look from Boots Seventeen
I lost count of the number of new mascaras I reviewed last year, and here we go again, with a new mascara from Boots Seventeen to kick us off for 2013. And yes, that’s Boots 17 – which has a brand new logo, Seventeen! The new mascara is called ‘doll’d up‘, and is of the curling and volumising type, ...
Chanel Spring Collection - Printemps Precieux de Chanel
More Spring collections to warm your chilled heart (and fingers and toes!) this morning, this time from Chanel. Who can resist a bit of Chanel? The ‘Printemps Precieux de Chanel’ is the lovely new collection, created by Peter Philips, Chanel Makeup’s Creative Director, and interpreting Coco Chanel’s...
Treat your skin with Shea Butter & Honey from L'Occitane
Your skin needs extra care in the winter, and with temperatures set to drop again, you’re likely to find your skin can be more dry; on your body, hands, face, lips – everywhere. So, treat your skin to a new skincare routine, with this lovely new range from L’Occitane. I love L’Occitane – their Verbena...
Lancome is In Love with Emma Watson
Wow – she’s not little Hermione Grainger anymore is she? Beautiful Emma Watson fronts the new Lancome SS13 Limited Edition makeup collection, In Love, and looks stunning in the colourful collection. The collection is full of pop shades drawn from street-art murals and vibrant tones of nature flirting...
bareMinerals Remix...and Eugenia, a Force of Beauty
I wasn’t sure what to make of the campaign for this new bareMinerals makeup collection when it landed on my desk. Perhaps reading it, on a dark January morning, when I was feeling inadequate, after having eaten too much over the festive season, failed at my New Year’s resolutions by the 3rd of January...
Online January offers
It’s January, that means we’re all a bit skint and looking for a bargain. Well, there are loads of fab deals to be found on 5pm Health and Beauty, not just now, but all year round of course. But at the moment, some of the big beauty companies are also offering some online deals with free delivery, free...
The Body Shop launch cancer charity single
For the first time ever The Body Shop is launching a charity single, Beauty With Heart, written and performed by British singer/songwriter Leddra Chapman; available to download now for just 99p from fairsharemusic.com. The Body Shop has entered into an exciting and unique partnership with Teenage Cancer...
Heavy Petals from Estee Lauder
I am loving anything with a ‘spring feel’ to it at the moment, to help me get through January. So, when I saw these gorgeous new nail polish shades from Estee Lauder I threw out my glitter polish, banished the dark reds, and embraced spring pastels in all their glory. These are called ‘Heavy Petals;...
The End of the Line with bareMinerals
Yes, it’s another new anti-ageing product. After yesterday’s Clarins new Double Serum, it’s the turn of bareMinerals, and their Multi-Wrinkle Repair, which is a targeted wrinkle corrector. The formula has been created to target fine lines and deep-set wrinkles and it contains key ingredients ActiveSoil...
Rouge Eclat - Clarins Colour for Spring
One of the best bits about being a beauty journalist is laying eyes on all the new Spring collections when it’s still winter – most of them hit the counters in January/February, brightening us up after the glittery festive season is over. Clarins always have beautiful colour collections; stunning embossed...
Clarins New Double Serum
A new year, another year older. Not the most joyful way to look at things, but true all the same! However, fear not, there are plenty of beauty products out there to help fight the wrinkles and fine lines that will plague us the older we get! Clarins have produced a New Double Serum Complete Age Control...
Happy, Clean, New Year!
Happy New Year! Hope the festivities were fun, but, if you have over-indulged, like I have, then you will probably be off out running, eating veg all January and looking for new skincare solutions to help your complexion. Carrying on from my New Year Beauty Resolutions post earlier this week, I’ve been...
New Year Beauty Resolutions!
New Year Resolutions. We all make them, we all break them. But to end this year’s blogging on 5pm Health and Beauty, I decided to share some New Year BEAUTY Resolutions which I will be trying to keep – and I hope you will too! 1. DON’T GO TO BED WITH YOUR MAKEUP ON! We’ll probably all break this one...
Happy in Bloom - can you smell Springtime!?
This week between Christmas and New Year can be an odd one – if you’re back at work there’s usually not much to do, if you’re off, it’s hard to get motivated to do anything. I’d suggest spending a bit of time thinking of Spring – guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face! I’ve been getting into the...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Miss Patisserie
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’ve just come across this lovely brand, Miss ...
MAC Apres chic!
Here’s a little look at a new collection from M.A.C, called Apres Chic hitting counters in January. This collection is absolutely lovely. It’s a Mineral collection, with new Mineralize Tinted Lip Balms, great colours of Mineralize Eye Shadow, and the ever-popular Mineralize Skinfinish, and the Mineralize...
REN's body fixers!
Over-indulged at Christmas? Got to get into that little black dress for New Year? Oops. Well, as well as keeping your hand out of the chocolate box over the next few days, you could also have a go with these lovely REN products. I cant say they’ll be that quick fix you need (maybe a pair of Spanx is...
Flat Stomach Tea - perfect Christmas antidote!
So, who has overeaten? And it’s not over yet – we still have Hogmanay and New Year to go. If you fancy a wee bit of a detox in these days in-between, then grab yourself a box of Melvita’s Flat Stomach Herbal Tea. Am not entirely sure this is a ‘tea’ in the true sense of the word, more an infusion. It...
Universal Contour Wrap Self Slim Kit - weight loss wrap review
When a lovely PR colleague contacted me about this Universal Contour Wrap Self Slim Kit, I had to agree to give it a go. I’d actually seen it on MTV’s outrageous reality show, Geordie Shore, just that week – well, the salon version anyway. Charlotte loudly proclaimed she had lost ten inches. I was impressed...
Final Boots Star Gift Offer - a massive box of No7!
The Boots Star Gifts are brilliant at this time of year – perfect for presents, or to treat yourself. The last one of the year started yesterday, and is on until December 27th, whilst stocks last, in store and at boots.com It’s the No7 Ultimate Collection and is better than half price, at just £30 instead...
Have a Lush Christmas!
I love Lush. There’s nothing nicer than running a hot bath and throwing a Bath Ballistic or Bubble Bar in. And I can’t wait to try out some of the new festive offerings this year. If you are looking for little extras, or last minute stocking fillers, then I suggest grabbing a few of these. Bath Ballistics...
Get Gwyneth Paltrow's glowing complexion!
If you have any Christmas money, then keep some of it for the fab new product range, Miracle Skin Transformner, which launches here in the UK in January 2013 at Selfridges in London, and on selfridges.com Gwyneth Paltrow is a big fan of the brand – she recently chose to include the product for her bespoke...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Little Miss and Mr Men
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! The child in me couldn’t resist these cute little...
Get Deco Darling with No7 - just in time for The Great Gatsby
The latest film version of classic 1920s novel, The Great Gatsby, hits movie screens on Boxing Day, but Boots have been prpared since October with their No7 Deco Darling Makeup collection. It’s still available in stores and online, but be quick, it’s very limited edition! Its actually quite a small ...
Paul Mitchell goes Deco for Christmas
Paul Mitchell is definitely my haircare of choice, and I love their Christmas Gift sets of their standard ranges – and, if you buy one (or three separate Paul Mitchell products) you get this cute Deco clutch bag as a free gift – not bad! Oh, and there’s also a competition on each set to win a Hollywood...
Eye creams to beat the Festive fatigue
The festive season is a funny old time of year. We all rush around, busier than ever, trying to get the year’s work finished early, buying up presents, eating too much and over-indulging on festive spirits! Our sleep suffers, and sometimes our skincare routine goes out the window. How many times over...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Blotting Paper
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! You might want to sparkle during the festive party...
Ditch That Moisturiser!?
I came across this article on the Daily Mail website called ‘Is your Misturiser Drying Out Your Skin’. Basically, it’s some differing opinions from the beauty industry on whether moisturiser – that we spend £549 million a year on, according to Mintel – is actually needed. It’s a bit like the shampoo...
Gerard Butler voted UK's Best Groomed celebrity
Who is the UK’s best groomed celebrity? X Factor judge Gary Barlow? David Beckham, perhaps? Wrong! According to a new survey, it’s Scotland’s very own Hollywood hottie, Gerard Butler! The PS, I Love You star picked up 32% of the public vote in a survey organised by luxury British men’s grooming brand...
Chanel for Christmas? Yes please!
If there was one Christmas gift you could have, what would it be? I’d love one of those massive gift boxes from Chanel, full of all their perfumed goodies, wouldn’t you? This Christmas they have released two new Limited Edition Chanel No5 items that I just know would look AMAZING on my dresser and in...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Festive Body Shop fun
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Are you feeling festive yet? Come on, Christmas...
American Christmas flavours!
It’s December, and the Christmas movies are on in our house. I love Christmas movies from the USA, with all their references to candy canes and eggnog. The Americans really do love Christmas, or the ‘Holidays’ as they call it. One of my favourite American beauty brands, Philosophy always have the best...
The Body Shop Sponsors Teenage Cancer Trust concerts
The Body Shop has announced it will be the official headline sponsors of the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2013. Both The Body Shop and Teenage Cancer Trust are committed to changing lives through positive activism and building self-esteem, so it seems a natural...
MAC World Aids Day - Jigsaw men!
If you read this blog last week you will have seen the post about MAC makeup’s World AIDS Day event last Saturday in Edinburgh. To briefly recap, on Saturday, a team of MAC makeup artists were at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, to present a living exhibition which would challenge HIV stigma. It was ...
Chanel for Christmas
There was nothing but Chanel-chat last night in Scotland, with Karl Lagerfeld bringing the famous fashion house’s Metiers D’Art annual fashion show to Linlithgow Palace. It was a very glamorous affair indeed, as you would expect from Chanel, and Lagerfeld utilised the wonderful textiles of Scotland ...
Fab Boots/Mark Hill Star Gift
I love the Boots Star Gifts – they’re such brilliant value for money. This week’s gift, available until Thursday (December 6) appeals to the animal-print fanatic in me! The Mark Hill’s Girls Night Out Gift Set is just £30, instead of the regular £65 and is a brilliant set! It contains a Salon Professional...
Congratulations Kate! Merry Christmas mums to be!
So, Kate’s pregnant! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced yesterday we will be hearing the pitter-patter of tiny Royal feet next year, and I got thinking about beauty products for mums to be. There are lots out there, but you do have to be careful with ingredients, and essential oils, as many...
MAC and World AIDS Day event in Edinburgh
The MAC AIDS Fund has raised more than $270 million dollars to date since it’s inception in 1994, which have helped men, women and children globally, living with HIV/AIDS. The make up brand are proud of their fundraising work, and so they should be. And every year they come up with new fundraising initiatives...
Christmas Gifts with 5pm Health and Beauty
Christmas isn’t far off now – less than a month! So, if you haven’t done your shopping yet, and are looking for something for anyone in your life who likes beauty and being pampered, then 5pm Health and Beauty have some brilliant deals. Belle & Blackley in Glasgow’s city centre are offering a fantastic...
Estee Lauder's 'Blockbuster' makeup kit
Every Christmas, Estee Lauder bring out their ‘Blockbuster’. It’s not actually called that, but I love that term for it, because it really is a blockbusting deal if there ever was one! It’s actually called The Professional Makeup Artist Colour Collection, and it is worth £250 but … it’s just £50 with...
Very Estee (Lauder)
There have been a lot of new fragrances released this Autumn, and many of them have been dark ‘Noir’ scents, all heady and oriental and mysterious. But the most recent one to land on my desk is actually very simple. Maybe even a little too simple. Very Estée is the newest perfume from Estée Lauder. ...
Revlon Red Nails for Christmas
Okay, it’s nearly December, so I am allowed to talk about Christmas, yeah? Well, I am anyway! I’m talking about Revlon Red Nail Enamels, highlighted for Christmas, and to celebrate 80 years of fabulous Revlon. Revlon has some great reds, and has highlighted three for Christmas, all very different, all...
L'Occitane Magical Leaves and Marvellous Flowers
There are two lovely Christmas collections from L’Occitane , both inspired by nature – Marvellous Flowers and Magical Leaves. I adore the Marvellous Flowers collection with it’s lovely vintage style packaging. The fragrance comes from peony garlands with a sprinkling of red berries. There are seven ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Nivea Dry Skin SOS
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It’s that time of year, when you need to think...
Get the Glam Rocks Look with Rimmel!
I love this Glam Rocks Christmas party look from Rimmel and it only takes a few products to achieve., and you too can look like the beautiful Georgia May Jagger! I wish! And she is half my ages as well! It is a great look to go for for a Christmas party, and it won’t break the bank, buying all the bits...
I'm A Celebrity...give me a bath or a shower!
Never mind dozy Helen Flanagan and her constant Bush Tucker Trial fiasco, whenever I watch the ITV1 reality show I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here, I always think how much the celebs (or zelebs in some cases!) must look forward to a long hot bath or shower when they get back to civilisation! At this...
Lip Balm Addiction? Melvita may cure it
Your lips need looking after in the winter, but be careful choosing what you take care of them with. Dry and chapped lips can actually be exacerbated by constant re-application of paraffin-based lip balms. I pounced on a poor friend in the pub who was liberally applying and re-applying her lip balm ...
Make Mine A Moisture Surge
Cold weather, coupled with drying central heating, and dehydrating alcohol, and my skin gets in a right old state of disrepair at this time of year. So, come January, the only ‘drink’ I’ll be wanting is one in the shape of Clinique’s new Moisture Surge Overnight Mask. This mask works overnight to restore...
All about glamour with MAC
If you haven’t seen the MAC Christmas and winter collections yet, then you are in for a treat. I absolutely adore ALL OF IT! There’s quite a lot – I can’t possibly share it all with you here, but these are my favourite bits. In the Fabulousness collection, there are two separate parts – All About Glamour...
Meet BeneFit's Spygal and win prizes at Fraser's Glasgow!
Tomorrow night (November 15) at Fraser’s in Glasgow, there’s a pretty cool event going down at the BeneFit beauty bar – a treasure hunt around the store, and the chance to win prizes, including a £200 voucher for Hugh’s Champagne Bar and Restaurant. You need to book, it’s £10 and that’s redeemable against...
Nicole Scherzinger's Herbal Essence Hair!
Who isn’t familiar with haircare brand, Herbal Essences? They’re celebrating 40 years on the market this year, and that sounds about right to me – they’re such a retro 1970s brand, and their new floral Herbally Ever After limited edition bottle designs have more than a hint of retro about them. X Factor...
Boots Sanctuary Spa Offer - Get it Now!
Boots has amazing offers on at this time of year, and you’ve got just another two days to get your hands on the latest of their ‘Star offers’. The Sanctuary Spa Sheer Indulgence set is usually £40 and at the moment is just £19! An amazing bargain. The lovely gift set is a great pressie don’t you agree...
Beauty Bargain - Along Came Betty
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I love the name Betty. So retro,and who doesn’...
The Body Shop's Chase Aston recommends...
I spent some time with The Body Shop’s International Makeup Artist, Chase Aston (who has made over TONS of celebrities in his time, including Cameron Diaz, Eva Herzigova, Milla Jovovic, Claudia Schiffer and Britney Spears, to name just a few!), in London the other week, previewing their Christmas and...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Movember nails!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! If your partner, husband, uncle, dad, grandad,...
Tom Ford Reds for Christmas?
I’m a lifelong red lipstick wearer (well, okay, from about age 13!). I’m in the process of setting up a new Facebook page, Project Red Lipstick, where like-minded beauty fans can come together and discuss the boldest of lip colours. One of our first discussions, I hope, will be about the new Tom Ford...
Guest post from SK:N Clinics: Hair Removal Techniques for Women
SK:N Clinics, who you might have know from ’10 Years Younger’ or ‘Embarrassing Bodies’, has given 5pm Health & Beauty their top tips for ladies looking at different hair removal techniques. Read below for their expert tips and advice – what suits you best? Hair removal methods for men are not that different...
I'm A Celebrity...Give me some Pond's!
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here starts this Sunday on ITV, and lovely Irish presenter Laura Whitmore will be back on Get Me Out Of Here Now!, the ITV2 follow-up show, along with 2008 winner Joe Swash,and new boy, comedian Rob Beckett. Laura has expressed no desire to ever go into the actual jungle...
The Body Shop's Joy of Christmas
I love this cute Christmas idea from The Body Shop. Launched yesterday, and running up to Christmas, the #joygenie will bring joy to people who, well, bring joy to you! All you have to do is nominate them, through the Facebook App and spread the word on Twitter, using the Joy Genie hashtag – #joygenie...
30 Shades of Double Wear!
Estee Lauder have added lots of new shades to their Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, and I learned a little trick for putting it on last week, from their brilliant international makeup artist, Alan Pan. If you’ve tried Double Wear you will know that it is a medium coverage, buildable foundation...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Biore Combo Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This is an odd one this week, granted, but you...
Stop Press! Yves Saint Laurent event in Fraser's Glasgow
If you love YSL, then you’re in for a treat -but be quick! Fred Letailleur, Yves Saint Laurent North European Make-Up Artist, is at Fraser’s in Glasgow on the 2nd and 3rd of November (tomorrow and Saturday) for an exclusive event. A booking fee of £20 (redeemable against a purchase), gives you a 30...
Red Haute nails from Estee Lauder
I first saw this fantastic Red Haute Collection Pure Color Nail Lacquer collection from Estee Lauder back in the summer, and was thrilled to get my hands on it this week, and put it straight onto my nails! It’s a collection of five very different reds, all equally stunning. I can’t actually decide which...
Hot Chilli Hair from Fudge!
People often ask me what shade my red hair is. I’ve had this red for about two years now, but it’s been this shade many times in the past before (with blonde, black, blue, purple, etc in between!) It’s always the same red – L’Oreal MagiContrast in Red at the hairdressers, and topped up with Fudge Paintbox...
Pumpkin products for Hallowe'en!
It’s Hallowe’en tomorrow in case you hadn’t noticed! Pumpkins have become synonymous with this time of year. Back when I was a kid, we used to hollow out and decorate turnips (well, my dad did!) for a ‘tumshie lantern’. But then I’m just old and Scottish. The American pumpkin is much easier to carve...
Winter Rituals...
If you haven’t discovered the brand, Rituals, then you are in for a treat. They do everything! Makeup, bodycare, home products, washing up liquid and even tea! They’re a lovely brand with a very, er, spiritual message. I’m not sure I am really truly into the whole thing, but I do really rate their makeup...
John Frieda's new full REPAIR range
John Frieda has launched some great new products for overworked hair – the full REPAIR range. The Inca Inchi in the products makes them smell beautiful and leaves your hair smelling wonderful all day. Inca Inchi is a lightweight micro-oil that repairs the look and feel of overworked hair. It also helps...
Crabtree & Evelyn's new Evelyn Rose
I LOVE rose fragrances, and the re-engineered Evelyn Rose from Crabtree & Evelyn is stunning. It’s a re-work of the original scent, infused with a ‘crisp airiness’. To my nose, that translates as a really fresh, rose scent. Not cloying at all, as some can be, not overly strong, just a gorgeous, softer...
Clinique's new anti-ageing answer - Repairwear Uplifting SPF15
Another day, another anti-ageing cream! This is the latest from Clinique, out November 2nd nationwide, and new to their Repairwear line. Repairwear Uplifting SPF 15 Firming Cream is formulated with ingredients specially selected to help visibly firm, volumise and restore skin texture, as well as prevent...
Paul Mitchell and the Pink Ribbon Foundation
October is breast cancer awareness month, when as you know, a while host of beauty companies, and more release special pink versions of products, or special products for the month. There’s stil ltimet o buy breast cancer limited edition items and contribute to a good cause. Two of my favourite this ...
Magic Beauty Potion?
I’ve been on a bit of a nostalgia trip recently, having bought and downloaded the full run of Misty comic to my iPad for bedtime reading! I loved Misty and Mandy as a kid, and the stories transport me back and are still a joy to read. Mandy had one of my favourite characters ever, Valda: Girl of Mystery...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Hello Kitty makeup!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’m a sucker for anything Hello Kitty, so I couldn...
Clinique's Chubby Stick just got very Intense!
Clinique’s Chubby Stick lip balms are the brand’s best-seller. They’re something of a beauty phenomenon – these lip crayons have definitely scribbled their way into the hearts of women the world over. Chubby became available in a whole load of new shades earlier this year, and now, well, they’ve come...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - 17 Mirror Shine Lipstick
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is brilliant! A lipstick...
R UV UGLY Campaign Tours Scotland with Skin Scanner
A SKIN scanner which aims to show young shoppers the damaging and ageing effects of sunbed use is set to tour Scotland as part of a new campaign. The machine is part of a campaign called ‘R UV UGLY?’ which is being launched by Cancer Research UK in partnership with the Scottish Government. It will take...
QVC Breast Cancer Month Special - tonight!
October is Breast Cancer Care month, and tonight, from 6pm, on QVC there is a live three hour spectacular – ‘Be Aware, Show You Care‘ to raise funds. All sorts of brands will be offering special items, and there will be celebrity auctions as well. I love this Liz Earle 5-piece Weekend Away Skincare ...
L'Oreal Elnett Heat Spray launch..oh, and Cheryl Cole!
It was just another average Monday night. NOT! It was the most fun I’ve had on a Monday night in ages! L’Oreal Paris are launching new Elnett Heat Protect Styling Sprays later this month , and I was invited to try them out backstage at the face of the brand, Cheryl Cole’s, Glasgow concert at the SECC...
Chubby goes pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
Clinique’s Chubby Sticks have become their best-selling product since their launch, so it made sense that this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness product from the brand, was a Chubby. The shade is called ‘Plumped Up Pink’ and comes in the cutest little pink cosmetic pouch with a little pink heart-shaped...
A Bobbi good read!
Bobbi Brown has released another beauty book, sharing her expert tips and secrets with all of us – and those of plenty of other people too!. This new book, Pretty Powerful: Beauty Stories to Inspire Confidence, is a tome of tales from everyday women, celebrities, and athletes about what beauty means...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - F+F Made Up at Tesco
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Tesco launched their F+F Made Up beauty range ...
Sick of the rain? Relax in a spa
The perfect escape from the rain in my book is a few hours locked away in a spa. When I headed down to the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel near Peebles in the Scottish Borders a few weeks ago, it was torrential rain, bouncing off the ground, keeping all the golfers off the course, and making the spa a welcome...
National Chocolate Week - with NO calories!
We’re nearly half-way through National Chocolate week (October 8-14), and if you have over-indulged already then why not try something chocolate-flavoured or coloured which isn’t actually chocolate?! Rich chocolate brown eyeliner, gorgeous chocolate coloured lipgloss, or a chocolate-scented fragrance...
Harvey Nichols Edinburgh 10th Anniversary - exclusive Nails Inc shade
Harvey Nichols celebrates 10 years in Edinburgh this month, and Nails Inc are joining the party with an exclusive nail shade. Called HN10, it’s a refined glitter shade and I was invited to try it out last week. It’s a refined glitter, for the sophisticated Harvey Nichol customer – nothing too ‘in your...
Coleen Rooney, BeautyUK and pink nails for breast cancer awareness!
Another Breast Cancer Awareness post – check out Coleen Rooney’s Tweet from this morning – she’s painted her nails pink to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month. The campaign with the Twitter hashtag #paintforlife, by BeautyUK ran all last week, and you can now vote for your favourite...
Estee Lauder, Liz Hurley and Breast Cancer Awareness month
Estee Lauder Companies are leaders in the Breast Cancer Awareness ‘pink’ October campaign, and this year they celebrate 20 years of their campaign. Every year, all of the Lauder companies release lovely gifts to help raise funds for BCA. Liz Hurley, Lauder’s most famous face, makes special appearances...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Boss Boots gift set
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain isn’t a fiver or less...
Paint your Pinkie Pink - with Nails Inc for Breast Cancer month
Those who pay any attention to the beauty world, will know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and everything goes pink. This year Nails Inc have come up with a quirky campaign – Paint Your Pinkie Pink! Nails Inc celebrities, customers and staff will all be encouraged to Paint your Pinkie...
Bobbi Brown brings lip colours back
It’s one of THE most annoying things about some of our favourite beauty brands – discontinuing colours and products. All of us no doubt have a favourite product or lip or eye colour that is no more, and nothing we find in the future quite matches that favourite. So, the Bobbi Brings Back: Lip Color ...
Creme de la Mer - a new miracle...
Creme de la Mer is something of a beauty phenomenon. It is a very expensive product, but despite recession, double dip and the trend for more affordable products, it’s still going strong. Women who love it? They LOVE it. I can remember when I was first introduced to it back in the early Noughties as...
Interview Beauty Blunders - are you guilty?
A new survey by Debenhams Beauty Hall reveals that your beauty regime holds the key to securing your dream job! If you’re reading this blog, you’re a beauty fan and will probably agree? Did you consider your makeup when going for an interview? The survey reveals that it takes just 30 seconds for interviewers...
Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse!
When I was younger, cleansing was never a big part of my beauty routine. I used wipes, left it on all night, washed it off with shower gel the next morning – pretty much anything except use a proper cleanser. Then, I became obsessed with cleansing, and I still am to this day. It really is the first ...
Lil-Lets New Packaging
OK ladies, it’s something lots of us suffer every month and a fact of life but Lil-Lets have made it a little prettier with their new updated sanitary protection packaging. It looks feminine, taking cues from beauty which helps to eliminate indiscretions when you’re at the counter buying them! The ...
James Bond beauty!
So, there’s a new James Bond movie out next month. Skyfall stars Daniel Craig as 007 once again, and with it will come the usual hype, and Bond-mania and memorabilia. I’ve never been a big Bond fan – bit too dated or action-packed for me! So, I’m going to be hiding the remote from my other half when...
Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup
When you write about beauty for a living, you are lucky enough to get access to all sorts of beauty products. Sometimes, that means, you can get a bit blase about it all. ‘Oh, it’s another foundation‘, I’ve heard myself saying when the press release and product have arrived. But from the minute I tried...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Tri Peptox
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Popping to the supermarket today? Pint of milk...
Estee Lauder's great Gift With Purchase
I love a Gift With Purchase (or GWP) in the beauty hall, and Estee Lauder usually do them better than most. I remember as a teenager trying to make sure my ‘replenishing the stocks’ beauty purchases coincided with these brilliant offers. Who doesn’t love a beauty bag filled with mini versions of the...
Lots of news from Sisley!
Sisley are a gorgeous beauty brand. They are a premium brand, but they are absolutely stunning. I have always said that if I ever stopped working as a beauty editor and writer, I would save up all my cash to continue using my favourite Sisley products. I swear by their hand cream, their face masks are...
Precious Serum from L'Occitane
I’ve sort of settled on which moisturisers I like, but I do have a problem with serum. In your 30s you need to add a serum to your skincare. Serums just offer that extra bit of everything – in particular anti-ageing benefits, by helping give specific targeted care for your concerns, or just by adding...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Jergens
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’m pretty sure Jergens has featured in my Beauty...
Illamasqua Generation Q - starring Edinburgh's Mairi
Illamasqua is one of my favourite brands – I love the products and the company ethos – and their new range, Generation Q, is inspired. They ran a competition earlier this year for real models for this campaign – all ages, both sexes, and the results are brilliant. One of the models is 39-year old Mairi...
Targeted anti-ageing from M&S
Marks and Spencer have a great anti-ageing skincare range for anyone aged 30 and up. It’s called Formula, and it is divided into four categories, Age Defence for 30+ years in pink packaging, Age Repair for 40+ in silver packaging, Age Replenish for 50+ in gold packaging, and Age Restore for 60+ in bronze...
Liz Earle's Botanical Essence No.15
At the lovely Liz Earle press breakfast last week, we were shown so many fabulous new products from the brand, there will be a few coming up on this blog over the coming weeks. I started off the week with Liz Earle’s Special Edition Prince’s Trust Cleanse and Polish, and to end it, the gorgeous new ...
Eucerin's latest range for problem skin
We all love a pretty pot, or a gorgeous flowery smell, but sometimes we just need a beauty range that does what it says it will and that’s where Eucerin comes in. I love Eucerin. I use their Hyaluron Filler Night Cream religiously, and their foot cream, hand cream and body lotions for dry skin are excellent...
More kits from BeneFit
If there’s one thing BeneFit do well, it’s makeup kits, or sets. Of course they actually do lots of things well (mascaras and foundations are my favourites), but their cute little kits are always excellent value for your money, a lot of fun, and full of their best products. This month they’ve launched...
Award-winning spa at Cameron House
Fancy a deal at a top award-winning spa? Well, you can do just that through 5pm.co.uk Health and Beauty, by buying one of the deals on offer at The Carrick Spa, based at five-start resort Cameron House on Loch Lomond, which has been awarded the prestigious honour of Scotland’s Best Spa in the Good Spa...
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Prince's Trust Special Edition.
Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is something of a beauty phenomenon. Launched 17 years ago, it has won over 80 – yes, EIGHTY – beauty awards, and is clearly the brand’s best-seller. There are many all-in-one cleansers on the market now – balms, oils, creams and all that take everything...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Bling Nails!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is amazing – just £...
Spotlight Talent Competition with Simple Skincare
Forget The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, if you’re aged between 13 and 21, then the Simple Spotlight on Talent compeotion is the one you want to be entering. Amy Winehouse’s Goddaughter, and soul singer Dionne Bromfield, ex-PussyCat Doll and BM Beauty founder, Kimberley Wyatt and Barbados band ...
Owl-eyes
You can’t have failed to notice the owl trend this Autumn. The gorgeous feathered creatures are everywhere – on clothes, homeware and jewellery all over the High Street and beyond. I love owls, and am struggling to not buy everything I see, but I had to have this cute as a button little Limited Edition...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Hottie Tottie - WIN!!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is Anatomicals new ...
Rediscover Stila!
Hands up who remembers makeup brand, Stila? Who had more than one of those famous Lip Glazes? And what about Convertible Colour? I always had a pot of that in my beach bag for quick lip and cheek colour. This lovely brand, with its cute little Stila girl graphics disappeared for a while, but it’s back...
Shiseido at 140
As a beauty writer you get so inundated with products that at times it’s hard to keep up with them all. It’s been years since I was aware of Shiseido, and I was pretty surprised to learn that they were celebrating their 140th Anniversary this year. Wow. That’s a long time for a beauty brand to have ...
Vidal Sassoon
I’m a bit of a Paul Mitchell girl when it comes to my hair, but recently I tried out Vidal Sassoon’s Illuminating Clean Shampoo and Illuminating Condition Conditioner (£15.05 each). Both were specially developed for use on coloured hair – perfect for me, and they really work. My hair kept it’s colour...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Rimmel lipsticks
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Rimmel was always just Rimmel when I was a teenager...
Conceal with Bare Minerals
Bare Minerals are a mineral brand, so you would expect powder products, right? But they have taken their minerals to another level and have created three Concealing and Correcting Products in cream and liquid form. The new SPF20 Correcting Concealer (£21) is a rich, creamy concealer, containing copper...
Blackberry & Bay from Jo Malone
There another new fragrance coming out in September from Jo Malone London, and it’s lovely. It’s also as British as they come – Blackberry & Bay. In Scotland of course we like to call them Brambles – I have a big bush of them in my back garden at the moment! The campaign for this new scent focuses on...
Fall 2012 from NARS
Another gorgeous Fall (or Autumn to me and you) makeup collection landed on my desk last week – the beautiful NARS Fall 2012 Colour Collection, featuring this beautiful campaign image of 90s supermodel Kristen McMenamy. We featured Kristen in a post on this blog earlier this year when she worked with...
Long-Wear from Bobbi Brown
Long-wear foundations have come, well, a long way, since the days of the thick pansticks of my 1980s youth. I’m still more of a tint girl, but sometimes, when you want a little bit more coverage, a full-on foundation is in order. However, with technologies available these days, unless you apply it badly...
Chubby Chatter about Chubby Sticks
Sometimes a beauty product just works. For Clinique in the last couple year it has to be their amazing Chubby Sticks. These simple little moisturizing lip balm crayons have captured the imagination of Clinique fans around the globe, and it as no surprise this year when an extra eight shades were added...
Pro-Intense Lift Effect by Elemis
Another new Elemis product, and another new anti-ageing product. I’m really pleased about this as I am a big fan of Elemis, and I need anti-ageing! Pro-Intense Lift Effect specifically targets facial contour sagging, which is significantly reduced with regular use. Cheeks and jowls appear tighter and...
Estee Lauder's Violet Underground
There is nothing subtle about the Autumn 2012 collection from Estee Lauder. Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director, has come up with a bold, in your face, collection inspired by glam rock. It is absolutely stunning, as the campaign image testifies. Image courtesy of Estee Lauder “We created a dramatic...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - eye CANDY nails
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Nails, nails, nails! We all love doing our nails...
In the Night Garden with Tom Ford
Tom Ford’s gorgeous new Jardin Noir Private Blend collection is a much more sophisticated Night Garden than the kid’s TV programme, that’s for sure! This beautiful new Private Blend range is stunning; dark and mysterious, sensual and heady, the dark side of the garden, says Tom. “Flowers can have a ...
Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara
Another mascara. Not a surprise really, when Origins helpfully inform us that we have actually been using the product for centuries, to darken and emphasize eyelashes. As far back as 4000BC, ancient Egyptians used kohl to darken their eyelashes, eyebrows and eyelids in an effort, apparently, to ward...
Mineral Powder Foundation from Clarins
Minerals are here to stay it seems. Not a beauty fad, but a very popular innovation, mineral makeup is readily available now with most big brands as well as the independents. Clarins are launching their new Skin Illusion Mineral & Plant Extracts Loose Powder Foundation come September and it’s lovely...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - M&S Floral Collection
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Some things take me back and Marks and Spencer...
A Rose By Any Other Name...
Yes, I am quoting Shakespeare this morning, but don’t worry, you’re on the right blog! I’ve just come over all Romeo and Juliet thanks to my love of rose, and today’s blog posts! I adore the scent of rose – from fresh and natural, right up to synthetic and cheap, I can’t get enough of it. I’ve been ...
New! Clarins 3-Dot Eyeliner
I’m a sucker for anything new and innovative in the beauty industry, so I was quite excited when I saw this new liquid eyeliner, coming soon from Clarins. The Limited Edition 3-Dot Liner is bound to become a staple after its release. It’s so simple to use, and it worked really well. It’s not going to...
Set it!
I had a college friend once who used to get in the shower AFTER she’d applied her makeup. She said the steam from the shower set her makeup. It was always immaculate. We were at beauty school together, but this wasn’t something we were taught there! And we’ve all seen the girls on Snog, Marry, Avoid...
Estee Lauder's Metal Mania
It’s all about nails at the moment – from nail art, to gel nails, to nail jewels, to any and every colour of polish under the sun, nails rule the beauty world. Estee Lauder nail polishes are traditionally pretty good, and their colour choice is vast. They’re constantly launching new shades, limited ...
Refreshing L'Occitane Sorbet Verbena
I don’t know about you, I thought the rain was bad, but this humid, sticky, sunny one minute, raining the next weather is horrendous! I’ve spent the last few days in the oppressive city heat, with my clothes sticking to me, and feeling in need of a shower every hour! So, I was grateful to try out the...
Hair Oil - it's the new hairspray!
Gone are the days in the salon when your stylist surveys her work and asks ‘would you like some hairspray‘ (Okay, this probably stopped happening a few decades ago, but go with me on this one…!). These days they’re more likely to tell you they’re ‘popping a little hair oil in‘ at the end. Hair Oil is...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - NIVEA Powerfuit
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Who doesn’t love trying out a new shower gel? ...
Win! A Summer Beauty Package Worth £80
5pm has teamed up with Peaches Wax & Beauty Bar to offer 5pmers the chance to win a summer beauty package worth £80! The lucky winner will get… Win a summer beauty package! A spray tan Party lashes Acrylic or Minx nails Based in Glasgow city centre, Peaches is a trendy and funky salon specialising in...
Jump on the Benebus!!
If you’re in Edinburgh during the Festival and Fringe this August, then why not jump on the Benebus for a makeover?! The Benebus (actually an old vintage ambulance, gutted painted pink and FULL of BeneFit goodies!), parked up at George Square in the city, is part of the beauty company’s hook-up with...
Colour Atelier with Shu Uemura
There are loads of beauty brands out there, and even as beauty journalist, it’s impossible to keep up with them all. So, I was delighted to be reacquainted with Japanese brand, Shu Uemura yesterday, at a ‘Colour Atelier’ appointment at the beautiful counter in Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. I had no idea...
Plantscription - the new products
If you know me, or you read this blog, or my own blog, Beauty Bombshells, regularly, then you will know I am a HUGE fan of Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum. I was really excited when they added an Eye Treatment to the range the other year, so you can imagine my state of apoplexy when they announced...
BB BB cream!
Yes, they’re still around – there’s no end to the BB cream trend. The latest one is from Bobbi Brown, and I love it for one thing alone – it has an SPF35 in it. Now that we are actually getting some sunny (and hot) parts of days at least, I’m very careful to use an SPF. You should use one on your face...
Kiehl's - biggest store in Europe for Edinburgh
Last week I enjoyed some gorgeous cocktails (Appletinis and Cosmos from Edinburgh’s Tonic Bar!) at the launch party for the new Kiehl’s store in the refurbished Assembly Rooms building in Edinburgh’s George Street. Kiehl’s is a New York brand (hence the cocktails!), founded in 1851 in the East Village...
Beauty Bargain - Impulse Love
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Who doesn’t love Impulse? Okay, it might be a...
Pores, pores, horrible pores!
We all know that fine lines and wrinkles come with ageing, and you’re probably familiar with age spots as well (technically hyperpigmentation), but what about enlarged pores? Yes, it’s another thing to add the list of skin woes. Now, as part of my job I spend a lot of time examining my skin. I may look...
Fifty Shades of Grey...makeup!
Okay, its not 50, it’s just 14, but you get my drift, yeah?! I’ve not read Fifty Shades of Grey, and am not likely to either. You can keep your Mr Grey! But it made me think it might be nice to share some of the best grey (and silver-ish) makeup on the market, in homage to this year’s crazy phenomenon...
Defy the years with injections of your own blood!
So, there are some very odd beauty treatments out there. Botox is a poison after all, but many of us readily inject it into our faces. So, why did I feel just that little bit ill when I heard about the latest treatment which uses injections of your OWN BLOOD to help turn back the years?! Maybe because...
London Calling....
All eyes will be on London for the next two weeks…isn’t there some big sporting event going on?! To celebrate all things British this year, BeneFit brought out their brightening primer, That Gal, in this brilliant London-themed packaging. It seems to be sold out online, but you might get lucky in store...
Divine Dannii
I came across this little bit of beauty info this week, and thought I’d share, purely because Dannii Minogue looks delicious and divine in these images from the Australia’s Got Talent final last weekend. Dannii Minogue chose MeMeMe Cosmetics’ Ocean Eyes quad to create her gorgeous smokey eye look for...
Miss Flicklash - false lashes and eyeliner in one
I remember hearing about these a while back, but this is the first time I’ve actually seen them – and I haven’t tried them on yet. Miss Flicklash is an innovative product which basically combines false lashes with a sticky line of eyeliner, so no need to apply lashes and then liner – it’s already there...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Argan Oil Body range
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Argan oil is something of a ‘beauty buzzword’ ...
Beat the frizz
There are many things wrong with this weather. And how much more annoying is it, now that the world focus is on London, the weather down there is beautiful? Conspiracy theorists might think this weather is staged… For me, one of the most irritating aspects of the humid, damp, awful weather has been ...
Virtual Manicure from M&S
I’ve had a bit of fun today, playing about with the new Virtual Manicure on the Marks and Spencer website. You upload an image of your hand, or choose the provided picture of hands that is nearest to your skintone, and click on the wheel to try on all the nail polishes available at M&S. First up, I ...
Sanctuary Spa Active Reverse anti-ageing
Anti-ageing is a big concern of mine -I guess that happens with age! But it’s really never too early to start properly looking after your skin. If you haven’t already downloaded the Skincare Through the Decades guide I produced for 5pm Health and Beauty then head over to their Facebook page, and get...
The Perk Up Artist...by BeneFit
Showing at a counter near you from August…you’ve got to love BeneFit. They’ve made an ordinary concealer palette so much fun! This is The Perk Up Artist – a cute little palette with three-step concealers in it. Here’s a fun video with tips on how to use it, from the Perk Up Artist himself…. Correct ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Johnson's Baby Oil
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, this week it’s an old favourite of mine. There...
Coloured Hair? Get Colour Restore
I’ve dyed my hair as long as I can remember, and it’s been this bright red for about two years now, this time around. Red’s a nightmare to keep up – it fades badly, so as well as using colour protecting shampoo and conditioner, I usually top up in between hairdresser visits with a semi-permanent like...
J Lo's new glow!
Did you know that Jennifer Lopez has had 18 fragrances in the last 10 years?! She’s just launched number 18, called Glowing, which she describes as an ‘evolution’ of her first fragrance, Glow, which launched in 2002. I still have a bottle of Glow – there’s the picture of it down below! It has a little...
Clarins Eau Dynamisante celebrates 25 years
When I was Fashion Editor at the Daily Record, my regular makeup artist on shoots, Terri Craig, used to wear Clarins Eau Dynamisante all the time. I recall trips to Greece, with Terri dowsing everyone in it. It brings back happy memories of fun times. I guess Terri would love the special Eau Dynamisante...
Elemis Eyes
I love Elemis. They’re one of the great British brands, and their products are excellent and I am always excited by a new launch of theirs. The latest is their Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment. It’s part of their anti-ageing collection, and is a serum. That’s the first thing I love about it. Eye ...
Urban Canvas from Bed Head
Funky hair brand Bed Head has given some its best-sellers a face-lift with the help of some talented urban artists. The Urban Canvas Collection sees Small Talk, Hard Head, Masterpiece and After Party all sporting new looks thanks to the talented trio. LA artist Jim Mahfood aka Food One, whose work includes...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Jergens Relaunch
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I love Jergens Body Moisturisers, so was delighted...
Dry Pedicure?
It seems a little ironic, given the weather, talking about a time when you might not have water at hand…! But, Butter London’s new Waterless Pedicure Collection was developed at just such a time – backstage at London Fashion Week. This lovely collection consists of four products, designed to pep up ...
Berry Body Wash from Melvita
I bet there was a rush on hot water in Scotland after the muddiest T in the Park ever, it seemed! Baths and showers were definitely the order of the day after the muddy weekend! My shower gel of choice of the moment is Melvita’s Berry Body Wash with fresh berry pulp from raspberries, blueberries and...
Another mascara marvel from Clinique
I have tried dozens of mascaras. Actually, we might even be near 100 in my decade and more as a beauty writer. Over the years I’ve sort of found my favourites. I don’t like the natural look – I like a lot of black, spiky, spidery mascara, with length always being the most important thing. I’m not a ...
How to do - festival hair
Off to T in the Park yet? Your hair might be the least of your worries with this rain that’s forecast, but you do want it to look good, and it’s really not that easy. Award-winning Edinburgh hairdresser, Neil Barton, owner and Artistic Director of Neil Barton Hairdressing, took some time out to share...
Ease those muscles with Elemis
So, it’s a summer of sort this year, with football, tennis, athletics and more – and I’ve strained my back moving a piece of furniture. For the last two months between the cold and flu, and now this, it’s not exactly been a summer of sport for me. But I have tried to help ease my back with these brilliant...
Emotional Brilliance from Lush!
Remember once upon a time there was a makeup brand called Be Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful? What a mouthful! They were part of the Lush group, but they stopped trading a few years ago. Since then, Lush haven’t venture too much into the makeup market – until now. Later this month they’ll roll out their...
Festival Beauty Kit
It’s festival season, and this weekend Scotland’s biggest festival, T in the Park takes place at Balado in Perthshire. If you’re going, hope you have your wellies and waterproofs on hand! You might also want to stock up on a ‘festival beauty kit’ – here’s all the essentials I think I’d be taking with...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Denman Scalp Massage brush
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! There is nothing nicer than a scalp massage a ...
Lauren Luke and Refuge - Don't Cover It Up campaign
Domestic violence charity Refuge have teamed up with internet sensation and makeup artist Lauren Luke for their powerful new campaign ‘Don’t Cover It Up’ The powerful online campaign is telling victims of domestic violence, and wider society, ‘Don’t cover it up’. The online film takes a brave and disarming...
Metallic Winners!
Be a winner this summer with the pick of the medal-winning makeup colours, bronze, silver and gold! IN THIRD PLACE – BRONZE Clockwise, from top left:New CID Cosmetics Bronze i-Gel eyeliner trio, £21.50, newcidcosmetics.com – great for a different way to line the eyes Sisley Copper Touch Eye Colour, ...
Bette Davis Eyes...
I don’t wear contact lenses, but I did try some crazy ‘big eye’ cartoon style ones a while back, just for fun. I was trying to get Bette Davis eyes, I think … check them out below – amazing!(If you have no idea what I am talking about Google Bette Davis!) What I did find was putting them in with makeup...
Beauty Sleep...
So, who has gone to bed with rollers in their hair and had a horrendous night’s kip? I can tick that box, but not any more thanks to these genius Sleep-in Rollers. Such a simple idea, one of those ‘why didn’t I think of it’ moments. Sleep-in Rollers are revolutionary Velcro rollers made of a soft, pliable...
More intensity from Jo Malone...
…or Jo Malone London as the brand likes to be known these days. The intensity comes in the form of a new scent, in the shape of a Cologne Intense, called Velvet Rose & Oud. What on earth is Oud, I hear you cry? Well, it’s a wood. Oud wood. Rose isn’t generally an intense fragrance, is it, but this is...
Sweet haircare from Label.M
I have been trying out some new shampoo and conditioner recently, and I am always wary when I do this. I’m quite particular about what I wash my hair with. I’m very brand loyal (Paul Mitchell is king), but for the purposes of work I sometimes give other things a go. I know that label.m is a good brand...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Wimbledon inspired
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, I ended last week with a Beauty Bargain, and...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Nivea Cellulite range
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Okay, this isn’t under a fiver. If you buy both...
Darphin's Satin Body Oil
I love body oils. I have dry skin, and body butters and moisturisers sometimes just don’t cut it. But, I find a body oil, applied to damp skin before I get out of the shower always leaves my skin soft and smooth – at least until the next day. So, when I received the new Darphin Nourishing Satin Oil,...
Summer, YSL style
I really do have an obsession with the sun at the moment – down to the lack of it. I’ve not been on a beach holiday since 2008, so you can understand whenever I see a swimming pool/beach/tropical location on TV, in a magazine, on the internet, or wherever, I am transported into my dreams of being there...
BeneFit's Little Sunbeam
Urgh! The rain is back. I am becoming obsessed with the weather. I think I might have severe Vitamin D deficiency or something! I seem to be gravitating towards any products with a sun theme, or which promise a ‘sunny glow’. Here’s another one, the beautifully named, Sunbeam, by BeneFit. It’s their ...
Beauty and Fashion Masterclasses in Edinburgh this weekend
There’s a little mini ‘Summer Solstice‘ festival going on this weekend in Edinburgh. It’s the West End Summer Solstice, with comedians, fashion, music, beauty and shopping. There are two masterclasses you lovely 5pm Health and Beauty readers might be interested in. First up on Friday at House of Fraser...
ModelCo Fibre Lash - finally, a review!
So, last year, when ModelCo launched their ‘false lashes in a bottle‘, FibreLash Brush on False Lashes, I couldn’t get a sample for love nor money. I blogged about them a couple of times here, and then I kind of forgot about them once the initial hype had died down – not hard when you are inundated ...
Summer with Paul and Joe
I’m all about the summer collections at the moment. They’re so lovely to look at , and they make me feel warm, when the weather doesn’t! So, this is the gorgeous Paul & Joe collection for summer, inspired by the magic of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. This well-loved tale of star-crossed lovers...
A Stila Summer...
Oh joy, the rain’s back! Just in time for the weekend! You’ll need to get your sunshine elsewhere this weekend, so how about with the beautiful new summer collection from Stila. I missed this brand when they disappeared for a while. Their products are lovely, good quality and innovative. This sunny ...
Even Better with Clinique
Clinique’s Even Better range has been hugely successful since its launch in 2008, so it’s no surprise they are adding more products. There are three more products on counter at the start of next week – and watch this space for more come the Autumn. First up, it’s the Even Better Concealer (£18, clinique...
Father's Day
It’s Father’s Day this Sunday.Time to spoil your dad – make him breakfast maybe, take him out for dinner, or buy him something to make him smell nice, or to pamper himself with. Here are a few of my favourite Father’s Day bits and bobs, starting with this brilliant Happy Father’s Day Lush Gift Set (...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - M&S
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, I’m spending most of the time dreaming of ...
Perfection with Estee Lauder
There’s a new Estee Lauder Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum out next month, and when I first read the press release, I was a bit baffled it has to be said, by the science. Upon further reading, it’s actually not that complicated. Basically, the CP+R stands for Correct, Prevent + Repair...
bareMinerals Store Event
If you love bareMinerals makeup and are a jewellery fan, then you are in for a treat next week, if you head to the Glasgow bareMinerals Boutique in Buchanan Galleries shopping mall. The beauty brand and jewellery company Stella & Dot are coming together to create a special shopping experience. The American...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Mandara Spa
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I know I mentioned a gorgeous Mandara Spa scrub...
MAC and Beth Ditto
M.A.C do all sorts of collaborations – I think the last one I blogged about was either The Muppets, or 90-year-old fashion icon, Iris Apfel. But this one is one of my favourite for a long time. The amazing Beth Ditto. I’d love to have been at the Berlin media launch this week. in the M.A.C store on ...
Gold Nail Art is a winner!
Never mind diamonds, I think after the Jubilee, we’ve had more than enough of those! I’m having a gold moment right now. The Olympics are on their way, and everyone knows gold is the best! What’s better with a bit of a tan then gorgeous gold, and I’ve been trying out a couple of different nail polishes...
New colours of Clinique Chubby Sticks
Clinique’s Chubby Stick lip crayons have been a massive hit since they were first launched last year, so it’s no surprise that the brand have added another eight shades to the existing eight. They’re moisturising, very colourful for a lip balm blend, and the best bit of all is that they don’t need sharpening...
Two-tone mascara from Estee Lauder
Finally! A mascara that’s truly different, and one I can get excited about! I first saw this mascara a few months back at a press event, and now it’s here, on counter. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Two-Tone Eye Opening Mascara (£25, esteelauder.co.uk, and Lauder locations nationwide) is a double-ended mascara...
Limited Edition Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
I am going to admit that I had never tried the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, until recently. I am also going to admit that I was going to send it out to a tester to try, but after a few weeks of cold/flu/bronchitis/feelingrough, I felt my own skin needed...
Best of British with Elemis
Yes, I’m still on a Jubilee theme – but again, not just any old tat! No, this lovely Best of British box from Elemis is a cut above the rest, don’t you think? It’s the perfect way to get into the Jubilee spirit subtly, and get a great bargain on six brilliant Elemis products. This lovely keepsake Union...
Diamond Jubilee Nail Art from Revlon
Yesterday, I blogged about a cute little Boots 17 Nail Art kit, perfect for any Jubilee celebrations. Today, I’m sharing this brilliant royal manicure with you courtesy of Revlon, and their Nail Ambassador, Jenny Longworth. I LOVE this design. It’s a wee bit fiddly, but worth the effort. You might need...
Colognes from L'Occitane
I adore the packaging on these new L’Occitane Eaux de Cologne, and the scents are pretty nice too. There are three new Colognes from Provence – one for men, one for women, and one unisex. A cologne is a water-based fragrance, and is perfect for the summer months. First up there is Eau Ravissante, a ...
After the sun...After Sun
I was amazed to read some of my friends status updates on Facebook telling of their sunburn after our recent hot spell. Tut tut. Going out in the sun for prolonged periods without sun protection is insane. Particularly if you are a pale-skinned Scot. I was guilty in my teens and 20s, but come on people...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - 17 Jubilee Nail Art
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Did you know it was the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee...
St Tropez's Spraycation! Fake tan fabulousness!
It’s sunny! hallelujah! However, we know it might not last, but fear not, you will still be tanned! And let’s face it, fake tan is healthier than the real thing anyway! St Tropez is celebrating summer by going on the road, with it’s first ever Spraycation tour! Now you can stay in good old Blighty this...
The perfect base
Foundation. That’s been on my mind this week. I’ve had loads of new samples coming into the office, and I’ve been alternating between them. I like a light base, not much coverage, particularly when the weather hots up. Fore the last few weeks I’ve been using either MAC Face And Body Foundation (£25....
Mask it up!
I love face masks. Not the old-fashioned ones that you always see in comedies, oh no. Things are MUCH more advanced than that these days! I love face masks that soak into my skin and make it all better again after a hard week or a rough weekend. So, I love the sound of Jurlique’s new Herbal Recovery...
Marks and Spencer's changing face of beauty
Marks and Spencer have unveiled an exciting new beauty shopping experience, which will start in London, then hit the online store, before rolling out into other stores nationwide. The brand new M&S Beauty Department sees an overhaul, re-branding and repackaging of all its own beauty brands, as well ...
Illamasqua's Summer...
I love Illamasqua. The brand is fun, quirky, outrageous even, and the products are really good. Their liquid eyeliners are brilliant, and their lip liners and lipsticks are some of my favourite. I also love the fact that you can just buy into a tiny bit of the outrageous factor with a simple thing, ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Dove Dead Sea Deodorant
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This isn’t probably strictly a bargain, as there...
Spa in the City - this weekend in Edinburgh
Spa in the City, Edinburgh’s biggest free beauty event, is set to return to St Andrew Square this month for a stylish celebration of vintage beauty and an expansion into the city’s Rose Street – both planned to mark the event’s fifth consecutive year. This hugely popular beauty bonanza will take place...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - 2True summer makeup
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! These lovely new products from Superdrug’s 2True...
Summer of Dreams with Boots No7
Boots No7’s very talented Creative Consultant Lisa Eldridge has come up with another cute collection – this one is called ‘Summer of Dreams‘ and has just four products. The idea of this collection is to add just a touch of lassez-faire to your look this summer -think festival chic, a laid back look ...
Meet BeneFit's 'SpyGal' the super hero with a war against pores!
How cute is SpyGal? Almost my favourite female superhero (but Hit Girl just edges it), SpyGal is the new (perfectly smooth) face of the BeneFit Primer, The Porefessional. And it’s no ordinary primer – this is the No1 primer in the UK and Ireland! It quickly minimizes the appearance of pores and fine...
i-gel - the only eyeliner you'll ever need!
…So say New CID Cosmetics, whose product it is. I’m still firmly attached to my Clarins Instant Liner pen, but I was happy to give this a go. It’s a gel liner, as the name might suggest, and I’m not that happy with gel liners – I don’t find them as lasting This comes in a pot, with three complementary...
Clarins Summer makeup
The Clarins summer collection has been inspired by India and its beautiful vibrant colours and traditional patterns. Every year India celebrates the festival of colour with enchanting vibrant pigments used as symbols; red for joy and love, orange for optimism, green for harmony and blue for vitality...
Beauty News!
Here’s a round-up of some beauty news to end the week! * Elemis have a brilliant GWP (Gift with Purchase) offer on right now, until 27th May, available at Debenhams, John Lewis and Harvey Nichols counters and selected spas and salons. With any two full size Elemis products you can choose from four to...
Philosopy's new Glasgow counter
I was thrilled to open a gorgeous package of Philosophy hero products this week to celebrate the launch of their new counter in Debenhams in Glasgow, which opened yesterday, and looks something like the picture on the left! Philosophy was founded in 1996 by Cristina Carino, a skin care entrepreneur ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Carmex lipbalm
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I am not a big lip balm wearer, but if I was going...
Touce Eclat - 20 years
I was shocked to learn that Touche Eclat from YSL celebrated it’s 20 year anniversary this year. I first came across it back in the late 90s when I started out beauty writing. This product became a must-have in the late 90s/early Noughties, with various celebrities hooked on it. I recall being at an...
Beach ready with Bobbi Brown
The weather outside my window couldn’t make me think any less of going to the beach, but I am hopeful that Bobbi Brown’s summer collection will transport me to a sunny place in my head at least! The Miami Collection ‘recreates the fresh, glowing look you get at the beach,’ assure Bobbi. The key products...
Beyonce's Beauty Secrets!
I’m not sure how much baby weight Beyonce actually gained, (and no, I don’t believe those rumours!), but, she is back to looking hot – as you can see from this recent picture of her and hubby Jay-Z posted on her tumblr blog Apparently she’s being doing ‘cardio and plyometric moves like lunges and jumps...
Lily Cole for The Body Shop - Cruelty-Free Beauty
Model, activist and actor, Lily Cole, is The Body Shop’s first ever Global Brand Advocate, and this cute little cruelty-free makeup collection is one of the first thing she’s put her name to with the brand. It’s Limited Edition, and full of really lovely products, at great prices, with no harm to any...
Sit Tight! And beat the cellulite!
I love Soap & Glory. They make beauty fun. Sit Tight was their original anti-cellulite cream. I loved the concept – sit in your seat, and the cream does the work. Not entirely sure if I’m convinced by that, but well, it’s great marketing. Now, Sit Tight is back, in the guise of Sit Tight Intense XS ...
Body Shop Mists
We can but hope that by June, when these new Body Shop Mists go on sale, we’ll have a bit of sunshine, and will be feeling more summery! But if not, splash on one of these lovely fragrances and feel it anyway! Choose from eight different scents – fruity Coconut, Strawberry, Satsuma, Mango or Pink Grapefruit...
Beat the stress with Aveda
Ah, the world we live in – it’s a stressful one, no?! We all feel it from time to time, sometimes it’s serious, sometimes it happens over silly things – like me, this morning stressing over my iCloud set-up (let’s not even go there!) until I had to take time away from the computer! There have always...
Beauty Bargain - Nivea Facial Wipes
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! For years, long before I was a beauty writer and...
Eve Lom Eye Duo
Eyecreams. They’re like buses. None for ages, and suddenly I’m trying them all at once! I blogged about a new Zelens one I was using the other week. But, after nearly a week of earlier than usual rises thanks to visiting my brother and his family, and his chirpy little nephew, I need eye solutions by...
Friday Film time - with M.A.C!
Here’s something fun to end the week with – a clever little film from M.A.C featuring supermodel Kristen McMenamy, shot by her husband, Miles Aldridge, to promote the new Reel Sexy collection. Isn’t it fab? And wowzers to the makeup! This brilliant, fun, playful collection contains the boldest, brightest...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - for curly hair!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I am blessed, cursed, with curly hair. (It’s a...
Wear it long with Bobbi Brown
There’s nothing more annoying than eye makeup that either smudges or disappears, don’t you agree? And that’s what Bobbi Brown has promised to put an end to with her new Long Wear Eye Collection. I’ve tried the Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara (£17, bobbibrown.co.uk) so far, and it does last a good long...
Handcream...By Royal Appointment
I bet the Queen has good hands. All that glove-wearing. And maybe she uses a good handcream, like Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream which was first launched in 1979. It’s the top-selling hand treatment in the UK, don’t you know? Clarins (UK) Ltd is proud to be a member of the Royal Warrant Holders...
Blushing blossom
In the park near my home at this time of year, the cherry blossom is out in full force,and the pathways are lined with the most beautiful colour. I adore walking there at the moment. Which brings me neatly to the lovely,handy, user-friendly, brilliant idea, one pot, applicator and mirror blusher from...
Tom Ford's Spring Makeup Collection
I had a lovely hour at the Tom Ford counter last week, having the new Spring Collection applied. This Limited Edition collection is the first seasonal addition to the main Tom Ford makeup collection which launched last year. It is beautiful – metallic based, small, and hugely effective on its own, or...
Beauty Bargain of the week - 2True blusher
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! A friend of mine has been trialling some coral...
Beauty News
Here’s a little round-up of some beauty news for the end of the week – and beauty is making a difference in many ways right now, from helping low self-esteem, to looking after our world. Oh, and what’s Victoria Beckham wearing now?! * Victoria Beckham’s endorsement for your brand would set yo back a...
YSL nail colour - bright and bold!
If it’s still raining this morning then get down to your nearest YSL counter and immerse yourself in colour with these absolutely gorgeous new range of nail polishes. The La Laque Couture range of 30 bold, bright and beautiful shades launches today – and I am absolutely in love with,ooh, most of them...
Summer shimmer!
My mum and dad are heading off to the sun this Friday, lucky them. I’m also heading away for a few days, but to Milan where I have family, and where the weather is currently as wet as here (albeit about ten degrees warmer). So, there will be no tanning time for me, but if you are heading off on holiday...
Pre-Order No7 Lift & Luminate Day & Night Serum on Facebook!
Boots No7 skincare. Mmmm, were there not queues round the block in the past for that?! Who recalls the scramble for No7 Protect & Perfect cream when it launched in 2009? And here we are again, with a new launch – No7 Lift & Luminate Day & Night Serum. And if you are a fan, then get on to the No7 Facebook...
Earth Month with Origins - free skincare!
Origins are one of my favourite brands. I’ve raved about their Plantscription anti-ageing serum on here before. If you have never tried them, then this Saturday coming, April 21st is the perfect time to do so! That day, Origins will give their customers, old and new, something back. For one day only...
Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess Capri Collection
I’m back talking about Estee Lauder again, this time with some news on a Scottish exclusive preview. Lauder’s latest Bronze Goddess summer collection is The Capri Collection, with a new fragrance, and gorgeous new products – trust me, they are gorgeous! I really love Estee Lauder as a brand – there’...
Free Dior Makeovers!
To celebrate the launch of the new Dior Addict Extreme range – a collection of 12 new lip colours and four corresponding nail shades, Dior are introducing ‘Pret-a-Party‘ (good name!), a tailor-made makeover for the Dior Addict Extreme woman. In the adverts that woman is supermodel Kate Moss. I’m not...
Eye Cream...is it worth it?
I have a ‘thing’ about eye creams. I go through phases of using them. I get loads to try, but I always forget to incorporate it into my beauty routine (which already includes around six trillion products at times!). But I have been trying a few new eye creams, and am happy to report that this Zelens...
30 Years of Advanced Night Repair!
If you’ve been using Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair (or ANR) from launch date to now, I bet you look fantastic! This iconic little brown bottle of serum heralded a new era in skin repair when it was launched in 1982 and celebrates 30 years on the market, as a best-seller, this year. Everything...
Unwrapping a secret from Clinique...
Unless you shop in Harrods, or are a massive Clinique fan, chances are you won’t have a clue about their secret scent, Wrappings. I had no idea it existed until recently when it was finally made available nationwide – well, sort of. It’s still very much a cult item, and can now only be bought in Harrods...
Beauty Bargain - Nivea Tinted Moisturiser
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, there’s a big debate about BB Creams in the...
Scented sweet Easter treats from DKNY!
In keeping with the Easter theme this week, here are three absolutely gorgeous new fragrances from the ever popular DKNY Delicious range. These are Sweet Delicious – three delectable delights good enough to eat. Well, okay, please don’t actually do that, but you know what I mean! Instead of (or as well...
Easter Beauty Treats from Lush!
Who doesn’t love a chocolate egg at Easter? But if you fancy something different – and less calorific, then how about something from the brilliant Easter range at Lush?! I adore Lush – they are so clever and innovative with their products, and they haven’t let me down this Easter again. Here are five...
Clinique's new Runway Lipstick coming soon!
Clinique have recently appointed Jenna Menard as their Global Colour Artist (you can read more about this on Craig’s 5pm Beauty Spot) and one of the first things she has done is inspire this fabulous Limited Edition, Online Exclusive, Long Last Runway Coral lipstick. This new lipstick was inspired by...
April Showers!
Summer was March it seems, and now it’s April Showers time! But I prefer getting into the hot shower in my bathroom, rather than getting caught in the rain outside, don’t you?! So, here are three fab shower gels I’ve been using recently – at three different price points – so, it’s Three of the Best!...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Little Me Organics
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Where has the sun gone?! Winter’s back and that...
There goes the sun....here comes the bronzer!
So, it seems the sunny weather is leaving us for a while – today looks like being the last sunny day for a while. But there’s no reason you can’t keep a little bit of sunshine feeling with you with Guerlain’s gorgeous Terracotta 2012 collection. Available from April, just as the sun disappears, this...
Style Lab at 29, Glasgow - with 5pm's Craig!
The StyleLab at 29 Private Member’s Club is back – and this time it’s bridal! Back by popular demand, it’s an for an evening of fashion, beauty, cocktails and canapés in one of Scotland’s most exclusive venues. Taking place in 29’s Network Bar on Wednesday April 4, from 6pm until 9pm, the evening will...
Prime- time primers!
Primers. What are they? There are a few new ones out in April/May, so here’s a quick breakdown of what they do. Basically, they ‘prime’ the skin – that is get it ready for your foundation. So, primers fit into your skincare regime after your daily moisturiser, before your makeup routine. “Every good...
BeneFit's CabanaGlama
All this sunny weather has sent me holiday daft this week, and this must be the most ‘sunny’ product to land on my desk in the last few weeks! BeneFit’s Cabana Glama. It’s your ‘desTANation’ makeup kit, BeneFit say, and it is really cute! The packaging is like a postcard, and it opens to reveal a box...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - 2True
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! When the weather goes all summery as it has this...
Fly Upper Class red with Virgin...
Perhaps with retro airline-based TV show, Pan Am in mind, Virgin Atlantic have collaborated with Bare Minerals to bring us Upper Class Red – their very own retro-cool red lipstick. I’m all for bringing back the glamour to Air travel, and this red is a perfect colour match to Virgin Atlantic red. The...
Take care in the sun
The sun is out – and it’s set to hang around all week if weather reports are to be believed. Isn’t it a wonderful thing?! Just makes everything seem better. But…treat the sun with care because it can be a terribly damaging thing as well – particularly to fair, Scottish skins! Scotland has some of the...
Treat your feet
Soon it’ll be time for sandals and flip-flops, preferably on a beach somewhere exotic to the streets of our cities, but a bit of sunny weather anyway would be nice. Isn’t it lovely to get your feet out of thick tights, socks and boots?! Most recently I have been enjoying letting mine slip into these...
Firm it Up...
I dunno, getting old is depressing! After turning 40 last year, I’ve had to have a serious think about my skincare routine. I don’t have bad skin – I have very few lines and wrinkles for my age, and I don’t feel the ‘sag’ just yet. However, prevention is always better than cure, so I’ve paid extra attention...
Brows, brows, brows...
Yes, I’m back on about brows again. This time how to wax them yourself – and how to grow them! If you have read my brow post earlier this week, you’ll know that I have had a love/hate relationship with my poor eyebrows. I’ve abused them for years, simple as that. So, I am delighted to have found two...
Beauty Bargain of the Week -Tesco Nails
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I love supermarket shopping. That’s why I tend...
Get bikini ready with a brilliant Big Deal from 5pm!
It’s time to get bikini ready, but if you are looking for a quick way to do it – at a great price, look no further than 5pm tomorrow and the Big Deal for I-Lipo at Glasgow’s Rebel Rouge. What is it? It’s amazing, apparently, and tomorrow on 5pm, it is also reduced massively in price from £237 to £69...
Great Hair Days with Mark Hill and Team Rapunzel!
Celebrity hairdresser Mark Hill (the one from Hull!) has a fun Twitter campaign on the go at the moment. Team Rapunzel – #teamrapunzel on Twitter (check out his account) – celebrates great hair days and banishes all talk of bad hair days! Here I am in a Team Rapunzel t-shirt celebrating my great hair...
The Brows Have It!
Brows are having a beauty moment – again! Craig Alexander Wilson chatted through some his fave brow products on the 5pm Beauty Spot the other week, and I’ve been trying out two more NEW brow products from Bobbi Brown. Bobbi says ‘brows are the unsung heroes of the face,’ and she’s right. I have massacred...
Love your Mum!
Mother’s Day is on Sunday – don’t forget. Check out my cheaper recommendation on this week’s Beauty Bargain, and here are two fab gift ideas for mum if you want to spend a wee bit more. First up, it’s also from Lush – the Happy Mother’s Day tin (£28.95). I adore this brightly patterned tin, which is...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Mother's Day Treat
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, when we celebrate...
Beauty News...
A few snippets of Beauty News reached my inbox this week – thought I better share it with you! * First up, BeneFit and their amazing ‘They’re Real’ mascara which I reviewed on this blog a while ago. It was only THE best-selling premium mascara of 2011, and remains the best-seller of 2012 so far as well...
Harvey Nichols Gift With Purchase
Beauty addicts behold! Harvey Nichols Beauty Gift With Purchase is back for another year! Spend £110 on fragrance, skincare, beauty or cosmetics in store or online right now, and you will get to take this gorgeous bag full of goodies home as well! The limited edition bag has been designed and illustrated...
National No Smoking Day...
Smoking. Once popular, now almost outlawed, always realy really bad for you. I’ve smoked since I was ooh, well, let’s just say for a long time! These days it’s just the odd cigarette when I’ve had a drink of a weekend, but it used to be around 20 a day, or more on the bad days. National No Smoking Day...
Human Fundamentalism ... in makeup
Illamasqua. Now there’s a makeup brand with a difference. From the brilliant brain of exceptional makeup artist Alex Box and her team, comes another fantastic collection from the British brand. ‘Human Fundamentalism’, according to Ms Box is ‘the unique spirit and fundamental human drive for individuality...
Brightening up with Bobbi Brown...
‘Brightening’ is the latest beauty buzzword. All about giving your skin that healthy glow. Origins released their new Mega-Bright serum last week, and Creme de la Mer follow soon with their new ‘Blanc de la Mer’ range – more on that next week. Those are skincare products, but it’s seeped over into makeup...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Mandara Spa
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This picture is my tub of Mandara Spa Citrus Spice...
Spring scents
I’m still full of the joys of spring – isn’t sunshine the best drug?! Spring means a new raft of spring scents – so here are five of my favourite that are out now, or on their way soon. 1. Tom Ford Private Blend Lavender Palm (£120 for 50ml, harveynichols.com, houseoffraser.co.uk) is the latest in one...
Step in to Spring with Boots
The sun finally seems to be shining, and although it’s still chilly, spring is definitely in the air, don’t you think? So, in the beauty sense, that means the season of hard work is upon us – time to scrub up for Spring. Boots is a brilliant place to head to for all sorts of three for two offers on ...
A New Look from Dior
Another day, another…mascara. And another to call my favourite – for now! The latest mascara I’ve been testing out is Dior’s DiorShow New Look Mascara. Named after the ‘New Look’ fashion craze of 1947, the phrase coined by Harper’s Bazaar Editor Carmel Snow, when she exclaimed ‘it’s a new look!’ when...
Zandra Rhodes rocks Paris!
I love Zandra Rhodes. Anyone who has pink hair in their 70s is okay by me! This week she showed a special Retrospective collection at Paris Fashion Week – and I managed to get some of the goss on the makeup looks, created by Andrew Gallimore. Gallimore created a look for each outfit, from the original...
Make it Mega-Bright!
Origins launch a new product in their Dr Andrew Weil range today – Mega-Bright. It’s a Skin tone correcting serum, specifically for women who want to treat discoloration, dark spots and uneven skin tone. As with all Origins products it has been subject to rigorous testing before being put on the market...
Beauty Bargain of The Week - NYC Cosmetics
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I was clearing out some stuff in my beauty cupboard...
Spring-bling from Michael Kors!
It’s red carpet season, so there’s every excuse for a little bit of bling, and that’s exactly what you will get FREE from today, whilst stocks last, when you purchase any 50ml or 100ml Michael Kors fragrance. The Michael Kors Sequin Clutch Bag in gold will be popped in with your purchase for nothing...
Anti-ageing haircare!
Yes, we’ve had anti-ageing facial care, body care, and makeup, now it’s the turn of hair care. This one always puzzles me. Does our hair age? Is our hair not dead? Can someone answer my questions please?! Okay, I’ll try and do that myself… Whatever the science, it’s the latest beauty buzz. I’ve come...
Oscar tans!
Well, it was all the glamour of the Oscars for me last night, as I lay on the sofa in myPJ’s drinking strong coffee to keep me up until the end of the show at 5am! So, please, bear with me today….! Of course the red carpet fashion and beauty is as big a part of the occasion as the actual awards, and...
Body-licious body creams (and butters and lotions!)
It’s the Oscars on Sunday night – so that means lots of leg peeking out of couture gowns, and shimmering arms and decolletes on show as the movie stars ramp up the glamour for the biggest red carpet of the year so far. My poor legs feel like they haven’t had an outing for years, never mind months, but...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Lush lips
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I don’t know about you but all those pancakes ...
As You Like It...with Clinique
Last week I spent the afternoon in Glasgow’s Fraser’s store at the Clinique counter. Myself and other beauty journalists were invited to experience a full one-to-one consultation, and to find out more about the new Service As You Like It concept. Basically, it’s a service the brand have introduced to...
The Power Brow!
Sometimes, when she sings, I can’t stand Jessie J. But she’s got a strong look going on, and I love her for it – and her ability to mix it up and take risks.. Last night at The Brits, she rocked the red carpet in a beautiful sheer, bold red dress – but wow – it was her makeup that grabbed my attention...
Prepare to be bare this Autumn/Winter
London Fashion Week (LFW) ends today, and I’ve had my eye on a few of the beauty trends at some of the shows. Nude, natural, barely there, whatever you want to call it, that was the style at two shows this LFW – Scots designer Christopher Kane, and Antonio Berardi. Revlon Global Artistic Director, Gucci...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Avon offers!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is a proper offer from...
Wedding Show, wedding makeup?
If you’re getting married anytime soon, you’ll probably know it’s the Scottish Wedding Show at the SECC this weekend (18-19 February). The centre will be every bride’s heaven, with over 300 wedding industry specialists on hand to offer brides-to be (and grooms) invaluable advice and expertise. From ...
Happy Valentine's Day!
Here’s a cute little Valentine’s Day treat for beauty fans – Stila’s Love at First Blush. This lovely powder blusher in three graduated shade of pink is embossed with what else, but lovely love hearts! The three shades give you anything from a subtle hint of pink to a bolder glow! Stila are such a cute...
Whitney Houston's 80s makeup look
I was pretty devastated to learn of the death of Whitney Houston at the weekend. She was one of my teenage idols. I particularly adored her in two videos, where her dresses were tight, her hair was wild and her makeup was bold and bright. I Wanna Dance With Somebody and How Will I Know were pure Whitney...
Beauty News!
From Beyonce and her blue nails, to Origins top secret launches, to some gorgeous false lash news – here’s some beauty news to end the week! *So, what’s the first thing new mum Beyonce thought of? Her nails, of course! Yes, the superstar singer wore Nails Inc Baker Street in homage to her daughter Blue...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Lollipop, lolliop!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! How cool is this sponge from the Fruity Beauty...
A small cleanse...
If you know me, read this blog, or my own blog, then you will know that I LOVE Emma Hardie’s Amazing Face Moringa Balm Cleanser. I adore it. It’s changed my life, and I really mean that! I was a baby-wipe girl for years, until I discovered this product. However, sometimes, as my mum says, a change is...
Ever Matte Foundation and Powder from Clarins
I love Clarins. They’re a strong, dependable brand, with good products, beautiful treatments, and consistently great new launches that suit their customers, and aren’t just trend-led or gimmicky. I use their Hydraquench moisturising range, love their mascaras and eyeshadows and their body products rock...
Madonna madness!
Everyone’s gone Madonna-mad this week following her half-time show at the Super Bowl on Sunday night, her new single release, and the announcement of a World Tour. Madonna was probably my first ever beauty icon. When I was 13 I wanted to be her, and red was the only colour of lipstick I wanted to wear...
Bright Eyes from Dior
I don’t know about you, but I had a particularly heavy weekend, what with rugby, football and the Super Bowl. My eyes are suffering now, with those bad old dark circles more visible than ever! ‘m also very bad for forgetting to use my eye cream, despite having more than a few of them to choose from....
Beauty Bargain of the Week - A Great Kisser
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Yes, it’s February, it’s Valentine’s Day this ...
Love is in the Air for Valentine's Day!
It’s February today and that means one thing – Valentine’s Day! How I hated this time of year as a teenage schoolgirl, and a singleton in my 20s, but I quite enjoy it these days – as long as I get a card at least, I’m happy. If you want to buy your Valentine a gift, or spruce yourself up for Valentine...
Contrasting Spring Scents
It’s that time of the year when all manner of new fragrances will be hitting the counters, and I’ve been smelling two recently, that are released tomorrow (February 1), both have a top note of Bergamot and musks at their base, but couldn’t be more different. Both are also pretty in pink, but Calvin ...
I want Candy (from YSL)
When I first saw YSL’s Spring 2012 collection, Candy Face, it was back in the dark days of winter, and I’ve hardly wanted to look at it again, despite it being on counter since Boxing Day. But today, I feel different – it’s nearly the end of January, it’s a gorgeous sunny morning, and YSL’s beautiful...
Beauty News!
From Miss Piggy to Katy Perry with a Girl Aloud inbetween – all the celebs are launching their own beauty ranges! Oh, and Diet Coke and Benefit have a great offer on – here’s some beauty news to end the week! * Miss Piggy and M.A.C have collaborated on a mini collection. The Muppet supermodel/chanteuse...
Desert dreams with Estee Lauder
The new spring collection from Estee Lauder and Tom Pecheux was inspired by a vacation in Arizona, and the warm, sun-bleached, tones of the desert. I went to Arizona years ago on holiday and in the Red Rock area around Sedona it is definitely inspirational. “My inspiration behind the collection was ...
The most glamorous mascara from Guerlain!
There have been a lot of new mascaras launched of late, but this must be the most glamorous yet. Noir G De Guerlain is the mascara version of their hugely successful Rouge G lipstick. (If you aren’t familiar with it, read this review on my own blog, and this post from this blog last year ). Basically...
Sweet Valentine!
February is on its way, and the big event of course is Valentine’s Day. Love it or hate it, you can’t escape it, and, if no one else is going to treat you, I say treat yourself. Either book yourself a pamper on 5pm – there are loads of offers on here to choose from, or buy this absolutely adorable little...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - 17 Bronzing Rocks
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I was taken back to the ’80s when I saw the Boots...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Boots 17 Mascara + free gift!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is more than a fiver...
Youthful Hands
Okay, I’m on Radio Scotland this morning, around about 11.30am on the Fred MacAulay show (being hosted this week by Stephen Jardine, and if you’re reading this later, you can ‘listen again’). I’m talking hands – Madonna’s in particular, and exploring just why she’s wearing those fingerless gloves EVERYWHERE...
Neons and Nudes
There are two big beauty trends in terms of colour this season and Bobbi Brown’s Spring collection covers both of them – Neons and Nudes. And Boots No7’s latest colour collection – Floral Brights – does almost exactly the same – mixing bold, vivid brights, with subtle nude shades. The Nude part of Bobbi...
BB Creams land with a Bang!
Last year, BB Creams – or Blemish Balms to give them their full name – were the subject of every whisper in the beauty world. There were one or two on the market here last year, and I wrote about them on here back in October. Now they have landed with a bang, and are everywhere – and there are more ...
Beauty Trends at the Golden Globes
The first big red carpet of the season on Sunday night at the Golden Globes gave a great insight into what’s going to be big news in the beauty world this year – and it’s definitely all about the 1960s. Nicole Richie, Zooey Deschanel, Reece Witherspoon and more all went for bouffant hair, fringes, and...
Blushing Beauty
I could debate for hours on the old Powder/Cream blusher topic. (Yes, I know it’s not that important in the grand scheme of things, but hey, this is a beauty blog, yeah?!) I’ve tried both and those that claim to be a hybrid of the two. I’m never sure which I like best. Applied properly, I like the intensity...
FREE mascara at Clinique!
If you want to try a new mascara, then get along to a Clinique counter in a Boots store near you from tomorrow, and you can do just that … for FREE! Clinique are having a ‘Mascara Exchange’ from January 14 to February 1. it’s really simple. Take along any old mascara you have, any brand, and they will...
Paul & Joe love Cats!
I love cats! Anything to do with cats. Real cats, cuddly cats, pictures of cats, videos of cats, cat tea towels, cat calendars…yeah, you’ve got the idea! So, when I saw the new Paul & Joe Spring 2012 collection I had to get a hold of myself, I was that excited! In honour of their 10th Anniversary, the...
Madonna, Wallis Simpson and some red lipstick....Beauty Bargain of the Week!
This week’s Beauty Bargain has a bit more of a story to it. Madonna hits town tonight for the premiere of her directorial debut, W.E, the story of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII. I can’t wait to see this movie for so many reasons! a) Madonna must be a better director than she is actor…. b) 1930s/40s...
Royals gets old too!
Ah, old age, it comes to all of us! The Duchess of Cambridge, or good old Kate as we like to call her, is 30 today, and living her life in the public eye, she certainly can’t afford to look old! Poor girl! There are plenty of anti-ageing lotions and potions out there at the Duchess’s disposal, and we...
Beauty News!
There’s a lot coming up in the beauty world – it’s a new year after all! Here is a wee snippet of some beauty news for the coming months….you heard it here first! *If you love Elemis, then get on to QVC this Saturday for a fab offer on a great set to kick start your new year beauty regime. The Super...
Youthtopia - find it at Origins!
A new year means another year older, and, whisper it, now that I am in my 40s, I’m paying extra, extra attention to my skincare regime, and adding in different anti-ageing products. I’ve been trying Origins latest, Youthtopia for the last three months or so, and I have to say I love it. Because my skin...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Body Shop Hand Cleanser
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Most of us are back to work again, but if your...
Face (Mask) the new year!
Happy New Year! The papers are full of detox tips and reviews right now…isn’t January just awful!? But forget diets and the gym for a minute and concentrate on detoxing your skin. The harsh weather, central heating in our homes over the Christmas break, late nights, and yes, the over-indulgence of food...
New Year's Eve Sparkle!
It’s New Year’s Eve this weekend – the biggest party night of the year, so it’s time to ramp it up with your makeup, and add a bit of sparkle. Be creative – use rhinestones for nails on your face, mix tiny glitter stars with Vaseline and apply them to your eyelids – they’ll stick, trust me! I suggest...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - M&S eyeliner
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It’s New Year this weekend, and that means it’...
Luscious Lip Balms
I’m not a big fan of lip balm. I also think over-applying it, especially a petroleum based product, can sometimes make your dry, chapped lips worse. People overuse lip balm – once the cracked chapped lip has healed, don’t use your balm anymore! And when you’re a lipstick fan, if you choose a good moisturising...
Let Bobbi Brown repair your skin
January can be a harsh month on our skin, so make sure you check out three new launches from Bobbi Brown – Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm, Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm SPF25 and Extra Repair Foundation SPF25 Bobbi introduced her signature skincare balms 10 years ago after a ski trip left her with ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Along Came Betty!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Along Came Betty is the fab body and skincare ...
Aquaphor - celebrity favourite for your skin from Eucerin
It’s not the most glamorous brand on the block, but loads of celebs in the US can’t get enough of Eucerin, and in particular their Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm which has finally launched here in the UK Lauren Conrad, Kourtney Kardashian, Minka Kelly, Beyonce, Lucy Liu, Debra Messing, Ashlee Simpson, ...
MAC new collections for the New Year!
M.A.C love new collections don’t they?! Every few months they seem to launch another one. And in January, they release two more – one from socialite Daphne Guinness and another from the amazing Iris Apfel. First up, the fabulous collection from Iris. I absolutely adore this, and the woman behind it....
Discovering Argan Oil...
A few weeks ago I was doing a writing job for a haircare brand. Their products contained Argan Oil, and my colleague and I had a bit of an ongoing joke about the ingredients – we were demented by writing about the contents of haircare products for a week, you understand! But, we were actually both impressed...
Clarins Oils...since 1954!
This isn’t a new product at all, just new packaging, and a re-introduction to a Clarins classic – their facial and body treatment oils which were first launched in 1954! Yes, that’s oh, a lifetime ago, but the formula has never changed. Now, they’re just being repackaged, the facial oils now have a ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Batiste
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Hands up who hasn’t used dry shampoo? If not, ...
Estee Lauder Eyes
Forget the sales, if you are hitting the shops on Boxing Day, the head straight for the Estee Lauder counter to see their new Pure Color Cyber Eyes collection which goes on sale on December 26th. Consisting of Limited Edition Pure Color Gelée Powder EyeShadows (£19) in six metallic shades, six shades...
Gifts in Boots!
Boots is the place to go this Christmas for bargain beauty gifts – just make sure you get there at the right time! Today is the last day of the No7 The Ultimate Collection offer – it’s just £30 instead of £65 until the end of today. It’s a gorgeous sophisticated hat box full of No7 goodies. The set ...
Beauty News!
There’s always a lot going on in the beauty world at Christmas, so I thought I’d bring you a wee round-up of some beauty news this week. *Get in to the Christmas spirit, and get free beauty goodies, with L’Occitane who have a fab ‘Decorate a tree’ competition on their website right now. Go to this link...
A New Angel....
Back in the early Noughties, I was a huge fan of Thierry Mugler’s Angel. It divides opinion like Marmite, and I had to stop wearing it when a close friend got headaches around me! The iconic scent, in the gorgeous star bottle, which was refillable (eco-friendly ahead of its time!), is a heady mix of...
Tom Ford for Nails...at a price!
Not content with launching a new makeup collection this year, Tom Ford has now launched a wardrobe of sixteen shades of Nail Lacquer (that’s nail polish or varnish to you and me!) The collection went on sale last week at Tom Ford Beauty Counters (in Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh, and Fraser’s, Glasgow in...
Body Beautiful with Emma Hardie!
If you know me, or even just read the Cleansers post on here last week, you will know I ADORE Emma Hardie products. The celebrity facialist is an inspirational woman, who has suffered debilitating illness, but managed to get herself through it, and create a wonderful brand of skincare, including her...
DIY Nail Art with Andrea Fulerton
I love doing my nails. When I get the time, there’s nothing more fun than sitting down creating. It’s so easy these days too, with so many amazing nail products on the market to create that look. Of course, there are loads fabulous manicure offers on 5pm Health and Beauty to choose from when you really...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Have a Lush Christmas!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! ‘Oh the weather outside is frightful..‘….so the...
Soap and Glory Makeup!
I love Soap & Glory – such a fun brand, so when they added makeup to their bath and body range a month or so ago, I couldn’t wait to see it. They already had the fabulous Sexy Motherpucker lipgloss (£9), and Solar Powder (£11) bronzer and highlighter which I loved using in the summer. And they have ...
Bumble & Bumble Mend My Hair!
If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a favourite brand of haircare, and stick with them. I have been a Paul Mitchell fan for years now. So, when Bumble & Bumble came back on my radar last week I wasn’t hugely keen to give them a go. But,with a brand that was founded over 30 years ago, and whose Surf...
Clinique's Week of Treats!
It’s Day Two of a cute idea from Clinique on their website. If you buy anything this week and spend £30 or more, every day there is a different, free, treat, you’ll get with your purchase. Yesterday it was EYES, with mini eyeliners and mascaras being given away. Today it’s PRETTY, with a mini concealer...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Banish Winter hands!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Although we’ve had slightly rubbish winter weather...
It's Christmas!
It’s December, so taking about Christmas is officially okay! I’ve been looking at Christmas beauty gifts for months now – I saw my first as far back as July! But I’ve seen nothing as cute as Jingle G, the newest fragrance from Gwen Stefani-designed Harajuku Lovers. Not only is Jingle G a lovely little...
Cleanse that skin!
Christmas = lots of parties + lots of makeup + lots of late nights = tired skin! A simple equation and one that we all practice at this time of year. But there is an unknown factor in this equation – leaving that makeup on! Ladies, don’t do it! Although we’ve all been there, and it is sorely tempting...
Bobbi Brown is 30 - and ready to party!
Bobbi Brown celebrates 30 years in the beauty industry this year. Wow. If you aren’t a Bobbi fan, why on earth not? This is one brand that I have no hesitation in recommending, and if you are looking for some fun Christmas items, for yourself or as gifts, then get down to the Bobbi counter near you....
Debenhams Duty-Free Prices - on the High Street!
You’ve got one day left to grab some fabulous beauty bargains at Debenhams – in store, online,or via the iPhone app. The department store are offering ‘Duty Free Prices’, by taking the VAT off hundreds of top names like Diesel, YSL, Chloe, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Marc Jacobs and more. What are you waiting...
Midnight Enchantment at Boots!
Boots No7 main Christmas collection this year is called Midnight Enchantment. Created as ever by the talented No7 Creative Consultant, Lisa Eldridge, when I discussed it with her at the Boots Christmas Press Show back in July she told me it was inspired in part by Tim Burton and his magical mind! It...
Beauty News...
There’s always a lot going on in the beauty world at Christmas, so I thought I’d bring you a wee round-up of some beauty news to end the week. *It’s been all about Marilyn Monroe this week with the release tonight of the movie ‘My Week With Marilyn’ starring Michelle Williams as the blonde bombshell...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Marilyn Style!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Did you know there was a Marilyn Monroe movie ...
Perfect Eyes with Per-fekt
Have you used Hollywood brand, Per-fekt? They’re a big celeb favourite, with the likes of Megan Fox, Mila Kunis, Katy Perry, and Olivia Palermo among their fans. I’m pretty new to them, and have been trialling their new ‘Eye Do It All’ kit. It contains Eye Perfection Gel and the new Brow Perfection ...
Beauty Boxes
Have you heard of Beauty Boxes? I’ve just discovered them recently so I thought I’d share them with you. Basically it’s a subscription service, where you sign up, pay anything between £1 and £15 a month and you are sent a box full of the latest beauty products in return. The idea is to ‘try before you...
On the Seventh Day of Christmas...
I’d like some of this No7 Christmas makeup from Boots! There are two collections in the Christmas Extras range – Beneath the Morning Skies and Beneath the Evening Stars. Each contains an Eye Palette of nine shades (£13), a set of five Eye Pencils (£13.50) and a set of four mini Nail Polishes (£8). “...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Dr Bronner's Soap
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is a real multi-tasker...
Orangutan Orange!
OK, this post is a little bit left-field, but I adore orangutans and their plight should be better known! That’s why I support Orangutan Caring Week, which we are in the middle of right now. This worldwide campaign aims to help this beautiful, endangered species, which shares nearly 97% of their genetic...
Take your Hat off to Lancome and Kate!
Have you got your tickets for 5pm’s Lancome Beauty Event next Tuesday (November 22).It’s at SoHo in Miller Street, Glasgow, and looks like being a fun night -you can take the stress out of Christmas shopping by purchasing a Lancome fragrance set, make up set or a skincare set for a loved one, or perhaps...
Alesha and Avon
Alesha Dixon is the new Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador for Avon in the UK and Ireland, and you can put your questions to her this afternoon when she takes over the Avon Twitter account! The Strictly Come Dancing judge will act as spokeswoman for Avon’s make-up category and its domestic violence cause...
Beauty News!
There’s always a lot going on in the beauty world at Christmas, so I thought I’d bring you a wee round-up of some beauty news to end the week. *Last Friday I was lucky enough to attend a press breakfast with YSL’s fabulous Creative Director, Lloyd Simmonds, who showed a select bunch of beauty journalists...
Pout of this world!
The last thing you want when you’re puckering up for a Christmas kiss is chapped, dry or cracked lips. Yeuuch! And there’s no point slathering on that band new lipstick if you haven’t sorted out your lips is there? We pay loads of attention to our skin, but what about our mouth? At this time of year...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Nivea Hand cream
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It’s getting to that time of year again when your...
Spa time with M&S
We all love a pampering trip to a spa, that’s why we love 5pm Health and Beauty. They have brilliant offers all the time, but sometimes we just want to relax in the comfort of our own bathroom and create our own little tranquil space, yeah? And what better way to do it then with the brand new Spa Collection...
BeneFit with Tools of the Trade
All makeup fans must have something to a) put it on with and b) to store it in. So, how about the new brushes and bags from BeneFit? I love the new Beauty Bags (available mid-November, £22.50 & £29.50) which come in two sizes – large travel size, and small purse size, and have the cutest little charms...
Clinique's Holiday Collection
It’s all about the eyes at Clinique this ‘Holiday’ – that’s the Americanisation of Christmas in case you wondered! When I attended the Lauder Companies Christmas Press Day last month I was really impressed with the new Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour (£17), from Clinique. (I wasn’t so impressed...
Does your skin have the X Factor?
There might be some dodgy singing (step forward Frankie!) and some dodgy lipstick (we’ll never forget 2 Shoes) on the X Factor this year, but has their skin been flawless? I’ll be keeping a close eye out this weekend for pimples and the like, because there should be none. Why? Well, it’s all down to...
Moisturiser Amnesty - today!
If you are in Glasgow then head along to Buchanan Galleries from today, until Sunday, and trade in any old moisturiser for a brand new, full-size 200ml bottle of Vaseline Essential Moisture Body Lotion.* And don’t say you can’t find one, because according to a study by Vaseline, Glasgow women waste ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Pin-Up Setting Lotion
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Forget your fancy mousses, gels, waxes, serums...
Beautiful Beauty!
Sometimes beauty products are SO beautiful you just have to either a) impulse buy them; b) run away from the counter thinking of your bank manager; c) put them to the top of your Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary list. I’d be doing b and c on this occasion, as I am not sure I can justify £90.50 for two...
Marcel Wanders for M&S
There’s a new beauty range in M&S – designed and created by Marcel Wanders. Who is he? Well, he’s a Dutch designer who specialises in product and interior design, and Marks and Spencer are collaborating with him across a wide range of products in the store, frm home to fashion to beauty. HIs makeup ...
Girl's Day Out!
Have you got your tickets yet for the Girl’s Day Out this weekend at the SECC? If you go on Saturday you’re in for a treat – 5pm’s very own Craig Alexander Wilson is on hand to give makeovers and advice! I’ll be popping down on the Friday afternoon for a while, if you see me, say hi! There are loads...
Perfect Pins!
When I was about 16 I used to tan my legs with Duo-Tan (remember that?!). Of course I didn’t tan the rest of me, and well, you can imagine! So, when I first saw the new St Tropez Perfect Legs Spray (£10) I was a little scared. If I want a spray tan these days, I’ll come on 5pm Health and Beauty and ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - for Girls With Attitude!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’m a bit rubbish when it comes to false lashes...
Defy Age like Elle, with Revlon!
Yes, it’s another ‘foundation with benefits’ – this time from Revlon. Aussie Supermodel and Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model host Elle McPherson is the face of this new launch. I’m not a fan of Elle. Yes, she looks great for her age (she’s 47), but I don’t like her on Top Model. She whispers, and...
Shimmer and Shine with NARS!
I’ve got a big night out on Saturday, and even though it’s only October, I feel like getting all festive and sparkly with my makeup after seeing more than a few metallic/shimmer collections for Christmas. The latest one I’ve had my hands on is from NARS – and it’s fantastic. The Holiday 2011 Collection...
YSL Creative Director in Glasgow!
Lloyd Simmonds, Yves Saint Laurent’s Creative Director, pictured left, will be in Frasers Glasgow on Friday 4th November for a personal appearance. When I think of glamorous, decadent beauty brands, YSL is always up there. Where would many of us be without Touche Eclat, after all? But the brand is about...
Cover with Cover FX
Continuing again with a skincare theme, I am happy to report, after the disappointment of Nanoblur (see my review), that I really liked Cover FX. Another Canadian brand, like Nanoblur, Cover FX was created in 1985 by corrective makeup specialist Lee Graff (pictured left) and leading dermatologist Dr...
It's all a bit of a Nanoblur!
Apparently, one tube of Nanoblur is being sold every 10 seconds in the UK at Boots, the exclusive stockist. Continuing my skincare theme this week, I’ve been reviewing this latest beauty musthave. The box states you can ‘look up to 10 years younger in 40 seconds’ using Nanoblur. With a claim like that...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Pond's
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Continuing the skincare theme to to this week’...
Hydrating Facial - in a packet!
But to paraphrase a certain advert, this is no ordinary packet, this is a Creme de la Mer packet! For all you Creme fans, this is a wee heads up for a real treat, coming to counters next month for a limited period. The Hydrating Facial is a box of six face masks, designed to deliver superior hydration...
The most expensive foundation ever?
Continuing the skin/foundation theme, this post is about what must be the most expensive foundation ever! The new Skinleya Anti-aging Lift Foundation from Sisley comes in at £110. Yes, you read that right, £110. The reason of course is that it contains the same technology as their anti-ageing cream,...
Blemish Balm - the beauty buzzword
It’s going to be all about the skin this week – I’ve had so many new foundations, creams, serums, etc, to try out recently, I don’t know what to use. First up is Boots 17’s Blemish Balm, or BB cream, or ‘All in one Magic Makeup’, as they are marketing it. Blemish Balm – BB cream really is this year’...
Are you a typical Scot when it comes to beauty?
According to a recent survey by Debenhams*, Scottish women’s beauty sisters are to be found in Essex! Despite being at different ends of the UK, it seems Scottish lassies and those Essex girls share the same top five best-selling beauty products – Bronzer, Fake tan, Mascara, Lip Gloss and False eyelashes...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Yardley Soap
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, tomorrow is Global Handwashing Day in case...
National Chocolate Week - it's Lush!
We’re slap bang in the middle of National Chocolate Week (10th to 16th October), and as well, or instead of stuffing your face with Mars Bars and Snickers (or was that just me?!), why not indulge in some fabulous chocolate products from Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics to give them their full name! I don...
Anti-Ageing Bodycare? Yes please!
Ah, those brilliant people at Elemis, always coming up with lovely new products! The latest is Pro-Collagen Body Cream – billed as ‘the ultimate winter wonder cream’, and the latest addition to their body anti-ageing range. Many women make the mistake of neglecting their body and putting all their efforts...
2 Shoes, 1 Smudge!
Poor old 2 Shoes. Not only did the Essex duo get booted off the X Factor last night in the first weekend of live shows, the dark-haired one appeared on national television with her lipstick smeared all over her face! Was that not the biggest beauty faux pas of the show (well, apart from Kitty’s crazy...
Refine your skin...
Winter is coming, that’s a fact, and with it comes all sorts of skincare issues. For me, the combination of cold weather and central heating mean dry patches and a ‘tightening feeling’ are more prevalent. Extra rich moisturisers are a must, but it’s also the time of year when we need to do more exfoliating...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Collection 2000
I love this Collection 2000 Skyscraper mascara – the name is brilliant, and, for a cheap mascara, it’s not bad at all. I’ve tried more mascaras than I will ever remember this year alone, but this one, in the bargain end of the beauty market, is pretty good. The brush is double sided – one side short...
Amy Winehouse Eyeliner
The late, great, Amy Winehouse will be remembered at the MOBO Awards in Glasgow tonight, when her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield will perform one of the star’s songs as a tribute. I loved Amy Winehouse, her music and her style, and who didn’t try her exaggerated eyeliner at one time? Amy’s own take on...
Today's the day to meet Liz...
… and maybe her brand new fiance, Shane Warne as well! This is just a little reminder that the gorgeous Elizabeth Hurley is at Jenners in Edinburgh today to sign items from the Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness month. And we heard a rumour that Mr Warne might make...
Magnetic Nails!
There has never been a more exciting time for nails – the beauty industry has gone manicure mad, and the latest in a long list of innovative nail products, following wraps, glitter, crackle coats and the like, is magnetized nail polish. I’ve been trying out Boots 17’s version, and the concept is actually...
Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is traditionally pink these days, when you can buy almost everything in a pink edition for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The beauty companies always take part, and every year there are some cute limited edition items produced, with some of the proceeds going to charity. Here’s my selection…...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - GOSH Glitter
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week’s Beauty Bargain is BRILLIANT! I am ...
Has your make-up got the X Factor?
I’m no great fan of the X Factor, but I love these images of Diana Vickers who was on the show in 2008 and got to the semi-finals and was probably more noted for her quirky style than her singing. Diana Vickers for Collection 2000 is a collaboration for Autumn Winter, and the fantastic looks were created...
It's Christmas!!
Well, it’s only 89 days away! But, the Estee Lauder Christmas Collection is on counter today – and if it doesn’t get you in a festive mood, then nothing will. This gorgeous Pure Crimson Collection, the work of Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director for Lauder, is lovely. It was inspired by an enchanted...
Liz Hurley in Scotland!
If you want to meet the gorgeous Elizabeth Hurley, pictured left, in the flesh then get to Jenners, Edinburgh, next Tuesday (October 4). She’ll be making a personal appearance in the store as the Estée Lauder Companies’ annual Global Landmark Illumination Initiative comes to Jenners, Edinburgh for the...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - NYC Lipstain
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a productI’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Have you tried these lip-stains that everyone seems...
Night And Day...
I’m a bit obsessed with my teeth. Not to the extent that I’d ever have veneers, but I have had them whitened, and I think since I cut smoking down to a bare minimum (the odd one with a drink) I’ve noticed the difference in colour. I also hate going to the dentist, so brushing my teeth twice a day has...
Sisley's Fab Gift With Purchase
I am fortunate enough as a beauty writer to be a regular user of Sisley’s wonderful products. The independent French beauty company make the most amazing things. Their face masks are amongst my absolute favourites, so I was thrilled to try out their latest, the Black Rose Cream Mask Instant Youth (£...
Gifts from Liberty!
Okay, today’s posts are both offering gifts – but at a price! However, for all you lovers of luxury skincare, I think you’ll like them! First up is Liberty – yes the fabulous London department store, but you don’t have to hotfoot it to the big Smoke, you can browse the beauty department online. Once...
Autumnal showers!
No, not of the rain variety – something much, much nicer! I’ve got my hands on the most fabulous shower gel of late, from The Body Shop. Back in 2010 they ran a global social media competition, encouraging the public to create their very own Limited Edition fragrance for the Originals Bath and Shower...
Scottish Women Love a Brazilian!
5pm Health and Beauty celebrates its first birthday this week – Hooray! The lovely people at 5pm have been collating and counting all the treatments you booked over the last year and the results might surprise you! Brazilian hot wax anyone? Er, ‘yes please’ it seems is the most popular answer to that...
Celebrity Beauty News!
I thought I’d bring you a few little snippets of celebrity beauty news in one round-up! * Kate Moss launches her Rimmel lipstick collection at a star-studded party in London tonight. Sadly our invite must have gone missing in the post… but we do know that the collection of seven lipsticks across the...
Soothe your Skin - National Eczema Week
We’re in the middle of National Eczema Week (Sep 10-18th) in case you didn’t know, and I have been playing with a fantastic product which is brilliant if you suffer from skin allergies or conditions. I have mild dermatitis on my hands mainly, and years ago it was so bad, they were constantly cracked...
A Compact foundation...
I was out at an event with fellow beauty writers last night, and we were debating the merits of different types of foundations. Some of us loved the old ‘Pan-stick’ style, whilst others were fans of lighter liquids. I vary what I use, but I have always been a bit of a fan of compact foundations for ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Simple
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, Strictly Come Dancing starts in earnest this...
Illamasqua's Theatre...
Bobbi Brown, featured in today’s previous post, is probably the antithesis to Illamasqua, whose Theatre of the Nameless Autumn collection hit the counters last week. With the crazy creative talents of makeup artist Alex Box behind it, Illamasqua is a brand, they say, for ‘your alter ego’. Their campaign...
Bobbi's Marrakesh...
Okay, two posts today on Autumn Winter collections – both hugely different! First up, it’s Bobbi Brown’s Marrakesh Chic Collection. Bobbi Brown is always a bit too subtle for me. She travelled to Morocco for a week-long bike tour a few years ago, and after stopping at a marketplace in Marrakesh, was...
Dior's Fake Eyeliner!
Well, we’re all about faking it today – first it was We Are Faux false lashes – now it’s Dior’s Velvet Eyes – adhesive eyeliner. Yes, you read that right, they’re eyeliner shapes you can stick on! It’s probably going to be hugely difficult for us to get our hands on them – they launched last night at...
We Are Faux
If you like false eyelashes, you’re going to love We Are Faux. They’re a new company, founded by Glasgow based international makeup artist, Ana Cruzalegui, and their lashes rock! They went live online this week, with 12 fabulous designs to choose from, all hand-made from high-quality synthetic fibres...
Beauty News!
There are a few things I’m just dying to share, but don’t have the full scoop on yet, so I thought I’d bring you a short beauty news round-up. BeneFit's Hoola....10 years old this year! Firstly, I had the pleasure of previewing the Estee Lauder Christmas Collection this week. It’s called Pure Crimson...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Fish!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! With all that wind around yesterday, I wish I’...
Plantscription for Eyes
If you are a regular reader, then you’ll know how much I love Origins, and how wonderful I think their Plantscription Anti-ageing Serum is. So, I was beyond thrilled a couple of months ago when I was sent a sample of the new Plantscription Anti-aging eye treatment. I had had a funny feeling there would...
The Bare Escentuals...
Back in May, you might remember I blogged on here about the bareMinerals Skincare range that launched, and their bizarre Pure Transformation Night Treatment, which was basically putting makeup ON before you went to bed. Well, now they’ve added a few new products to their skincare line. Now, I think ...
Repair with Clinique!
To round off all the chat of anti-ageing serums this week, here’s some news on Clinique’s Repairwear & Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector which goes on counter today in a larger 50ml bottle size, for £52. This anti-ageing serum was launched last September, and I wrote about it on my own blog....
See the light with Clarins
New beauty products are like buses – none for ages, and then loads at the same time. Hot on the heels of Lancome’s Visionnaire which I blogged about here earlier this week, and which, according to the Daily Mail, is currently being tested by the Duchess of Cambridge and her sister, Pippa Middleton, ...
Visionary Visionnaire!
Sometimes beauty products are a little bit scary – take this new Visionnaire (LR 2412) Advanced Skin Corrector from Lancome for instance. Hardly trips off the tongue does it?! I know Craig has been singing its praises in the Beauty Spot this week, and I’ve been trying it out as well. This product claims...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Berry Lips
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! If there’s one big beauty trend this autumn/winter...
Katy Perry's MTV Golden Glow...
Did you see the MTV awards? Yes, okay, the big news was Beyonce’s bizarre belly-rub announcement of her pregnancy, and let’s not even go there with Lady Gaga and her bizarre male alter-ego. But I only had eyes for my girl-crush, Katy Perry. I just love her, and all her madness. Did you see the cool ...
Cleanse with Bobbi...
Makeup is great, but sometimes there’s nothing better than cleansing it all off at the end of the night, and feeling that fresh, clean skin! The latest addition to Bobbi Brown’s Hydrating Skincare Collection will do just that. It’s the Hydrating Rich Cream Cleanser (£19), and it’s lovely to use – and...
Wild as a Bluebell
Jo Malone launch another new fragrance next month, but this time it’s the first fragrance ever to have a story created for it. Meet Wild Bluebell. She’s terribly English and naughty but nice. And no, we are not talking about Geri Haliwell’s daughter, okay?! Fresh bluebell and clove form the top notes...
Too Beautiful to Use…
In my decade and more as a beauty writer and editor, I’ve lost count of the number of compacts I’ve handed to my mum. If I want to find out however, I should probably just go and have a look in her dressing table drawers. “They’re just too beautiful to use,” my mum has told me time after time when I...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Prestige Eyeliner
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Apparently even Duchesses make makeup mistakes...
Tame those locks
I don’t know about you, but I think hair serum is one of the best things ever invented. If you have curly hair like mine, you might be nodding your head in agreement. So, I’m always happy to try a new serum that claims to end the frizziness and make my hair sleek and shiny. Of course, the reality is...
Need a Lift?
We all need a lift on a Monday, don’t you think?! Well, if you are over 40, then you’re going to be happy next Monday when Estee Lauder launch their new Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Collection. Specifically targeted at what they term ‘mid-life skin’, this range helps restore the skin’s youthful...
Soothe your eyes...
As well as releasing their new Instant Definition Mascara and Liner, as blogged about earlier today, Clarins have two more new (well, sort of new!) eye products on the counters this week. The Skin-Smoothing Eye Mask has been relaunched due to popular demand, and it’s not hard to see why! This little...
Instant Definition for Eyes
I think the beauty boffins have spent the last few years doing nothing but creating new mascaras! Here’s yet another one – this time from Clarins, and similar to the BeneFit They’re Real, that I blogged about the other week, this Instant Definition Mascara has a wand that has two parts to it. There’...
Pink Hair Fun!
I’ve always fancied having pink hair. But it always seemed a step too far into the ‘quirky’ even for me and my red locks! It’s forever been a celebrity favourite though, with Kelly Osbourne, Gwen Stefani, and,er, Pink, all having reached for the fuchsia or salmon in the past. This year one of the poor...
Avoid the Zombie look with a spray tan!
You’d have to be a real zombie not to know that Brangelina are in Glasgow this week, for the filming of Brad Pitt’s latest Movie, World War Z, a zombie horror flick. There are thousands of zombie extras roaming the streets but unless you really want to be in the film and get up close to Brad, then the...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Hello Kitty!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’ve had a long-standing love affair with Hello...
Elemis and QVC
Do you watch QVC? Isn’t it strangely addictive!? I love the way they find as many adjectives as possible to describe a product over and over again. But, all mocking aside, it’a actually a great shopping resource for beauty fans! They have loads of excellent products, from lesser known, to celebrity ...
Look Fantastic - for less!
I really love the beauty shopping site, lookfantastic.com. They do all the quirky hard-to-find brands, they save you getting the hard sell at the counters (some are still guilty of it!), and they have brilliant prices. Most things are less than the RRP, and they usually have various offers on. This ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Sweet Breath
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! According to reports, new X Factor judge, and ...
Grow Luscious Lashes with Revlon
Did you see the new Revlon mascara advert on the TV the other night? Cool, wasn’t it? Starring the gorgeous Jessica Biel, it was directed by Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky and had Pharrell Williams as the leading man. But what went on behind the scenes? Check out the exclusive video below to find...
Avon and Refuge campaign against domestic violence
Something a bit more serious now – global beauty giant Avon has teamed up this week with the Refuge charity to highlight the shocking domestic violence statistics in the UK. Together, today, they launched the Facebook App, 1in4women as part of a greater campaign to highlight the fact that 1 in 4 women...
Look Radiant at all times
If there’s one compliment I loved recently was when a friend told me my skin was ‘positively glowing’. There’s nothing nicer than lovely friends…except lovely skin! Lines, wrinkles, spots and blemishes are all concerns we might worry about, but one of the most common complaints is that our skin just...
Little Miss Nails!
Yesterday saw the official 40th Anniversary of the Mr Men and Little Miss characters, created by Roger Hargreaves. They’re as British as a cup of tea, and everyone had their favourite as a kid, no? Mr Tickle was his first creation. My favourite was always Mr Bump – what about you? In 1981, Little Miss...
Live Native - The 5pm Big Deal
Today’s 5pm Big Deal is Live Native – only £15.99 instead of £32.50 for a twin pack of foot balm and moisturiser. I’ve tried these truly organic products, and they are lovely.You can read my review of them from last week here. A very little goes a long way, so the 15ml size will last you. This ‘living...
Baby's Got Blue Eyes...
…and nails, but let’s get to that later. Blue eyes are a massive trend for this Autumn, so be prepared. We’ve come a long way from the pale blue eyeshadow of our teenage years, thankfully. Blue is a brilliant colour for an alternative smoky eye, and I’ve been looking at two very different blue palettes...
5pm Big Deal - Live Native
Next week there’s an excellent Big Deal here on 5pm with Skye based ‘living skincare’ brand Live Native. What is living skincare, I hear you ask? Well, Live Native is a toxin-free range of cold-pressed vegan organic skincare products. They contain only the finest and purest available nature-intact tropical...
BeneFit's New Mascara - One Day Flash sale!
So, another new mascara launches with amazing claims. This time it’s BeneFit, and the mascara is ‘They’re Real’ Beyond Belief Mascara. This landed on my desk the other week, and I was a bit sceptical. But, trust me, it’s great! Applying it holding the brush vertically and wiggling the round-end across...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - ecoTOOLS
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! It doesn’t matter how much you spend on your makeup...
Christmas is Coming!
Christmas. There, I’ve said it. It is only four months away after all! 5pm Beauty Spot’s Craig Alexander Wilson and myself were fully immersed in the glitter and glitz of Christmas last month when we travelled down to London to attend the Boots Christmas Press Show. Every new range and all the gifts...
Bang Bang!
Here’s one for the guys – a new scent by Marc Jacobs. Available at the end of the month, it’s a refreshing twist on the last fragrance, Bang, and is called, well, Bang Bang! Wonder how long it took him to come up with that name… The bottle is pretty much the same, just a bold blue instead of grey this...
Refine those pores
Pores. Essential to us, but the bane of our lives as we get older, ladies, right? As a child, they’re virtually invisible and our skin looks porcelain smooth. But as we age, oil production fluctuates due to hormonal changes, cell maturation becomes erratic, cell renewal becomes irregular and skin dehydration...
Moisture Mist - but not from the rain!
There are some beauty products that aren’t exactly revolutionary, or essential in any way. Well, okay, one can argue that most aren’t essential, but you know what I mean! Anyway – when I was given a bottle of one of REN’s latest products, their Tonic Moisture Mist (£18) last week, I was kind of like...
Illamasqua Skin Base - like a Blemish Balm
What’s a Blemish Balm? You won’t be asking that question soon when they hit our shores and stores later this year. Blemish Balm is the latest buzzword in beauty. Massive in Asia, it’s a sort of wonder-product that does it all. Basically it’s a tinted moisturiser with lots of additional properties – ...
Mirror, Mirror on the wall...
….is Guerlain the most beautiful of them all? I’ve been having a look through the Autumn/Winter beauty collections this week, and Guerlain just stands out a mile. It’s SO beautiful. Olivier Echaudemaison, Guerlain’s Creative Director designed it so that every woman could become a ‘beauty legend’ His...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Dove Cream Bar
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Okay, it’s another Dove product this week – but...
Look like Julia and Christy?!
Well, you can if you have Photoshop on your computer, and some decent air-bushing skills! L’Oreal are in bother today after the Advertising Standards Agency has upheld a complaint by Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson and banned two of their brand’s adverts. You can read the full story here at the Daily...
Overnight Skin Repair
Well, I am 40 tomorrow. I can’t believe it! I don’t think my skin looks too bad on it though – I guess years of trying beauty products for a living has benefits! And I am never averse to trying another new one, that’s for sure. Origins, one of my favourite ever brands, are bringing out a new cream in...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Dove Hair Repair
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! I’ve been dying my hair for years – sometimes ...
Bright Smiles with Bobbi
If your teeth are nice and bright, then what better to set them off than a sparkling lip gloss? Bobbi Brown has released more shades of her High Shimmer Lip Gloss and has sized them up. She’s done this with all her glosses after countless requests from fans. Now you can gloss and shimmer for longer ...
Look After Your Teeth
I went to the dentist yesterday for a check-up – .I hate it, but it’s a necessary evil if you want to keep smiling. There is nothing more off-putting than rotten teeth. And if you don’t keep your teeth healthy you will never be able to take advantage of any cosmetic dentistry or teeth whitening. There...
Sensuous Nude...
All Estee Lauder fragrance fans, listen up. They’ve got another one coming out on August 1. If you like Sensuous, which launched in 2008, then get ready to try out Sensuous Nude. It’s inspired by the feel of warm, bare skin apparently. Lauder believe there is nothing more sensual than a woman who feels...
Stick in the Mud
Mud baths, mud packs, mud massage – now meet Mud makeup. Ah, we’re just teasing. There’s no actual mud involved –and MUD is actually an acronym for Make Up Designory. It’s a brilliant brand from the USA, now available in the UK. Hooray! MUD are renowned for their makeup schools in New York and Los Angeles...
One Sold Every Minute...
Back in May we blogged about the waiting list for the Model Co Fibre Lash Brush on False Lashes as endorsed by Danni Minogue. Since it’s launch at the end of May in Boots, it has constantly been the stores top-selling independent brand item, at the staggering rate of ONE EVERY MINUTE! A Boots spokesperson...
Falsify those Lashes!
If you are looking for a new mascara this weekend, then head straight to the 17 counter at Boots, and pick up the new 17 Falsifeye False Lash Effect Mascara. It seems like a new mascara is launched very week at the moment, but this one is fantastic – I’ve been wearing it this week, and have had more...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Get Naked!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Naked Skin. That’s the name of this week’s bargain...
Fake It!
After years of fake tanning- and I mean years – I sort of gave up in my mid 30s and began to ’embrace the skin I’m in’. However, there comes a time when the sun comes out and this peely-wally Scots hue needs a wee bit of help. So, I started looking into gradual tanners – the body creams you apply every...
Sleepy Head Harper Seven...
Well, they were never going to name her Jane were they?! So, Posh and Becks have their little girl, and she’s called Harper Seven. Apparently Harper is quite a common name in the USA. No doubt it will take off here soon as well… Anyway, the Beckhams have a new baby, and will most likely have been given...
Autumnal hues to beat summer blues...
I don’t know about you, but this ‘summer’ we’ve been having has made me feel very autumnal! And tomorrow I’m off to a Christmas press show in London! So, today I’ve decided to embrace the autumn and give you a sneaky peek of Clinique’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection, which actually hits the shops on ...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - 4711
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! So, it’s T in the Park this weekend, and loads...
Pucker up for National Kissing Day!
Today is National Kissing Day. So, better get those lips ready for some smooching then! And for that you’ll need some of the most amazing lip balm I have used – Lanolips 101 Ointment (£11.22. www.boots.com) – containing Ultra Pure Medical Grade Lanolin for ultimate softness. If you want a hint of colour...
Stop Press! Hot Pink Lipstick UPDATE!
Well, the lovely Grace Woodward from Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model replied to our Tweet about her fabulous pink lipstick she wore at the London auditions on last night’s show. It was NARS Pure Matte in Carthage, available at Space NK, and Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, for £18.50
Introducing 5pm Beauty Spot with Craig Alexander Wilson!
5pm Beauty Spot with Craig Alexander We’re pleased to announce the launch of 5pm Beauty Spot with Craig Alexander Wilson, a weekly magazine section covering the latest beauty news, seasonal trends, and product and treatment reviews. You might already know Craig, who’s been in the industry for over ten...
Hot Pink Lipstick!
So, back to Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model – but some positivity in this post! I was loving Grace Woodward’s hot pink lipstick in last night’s episode! It was so fierce I swear it was trending on Twitter! I have no idea what lipstick she was wearing – maybe I should Tweet her and ask. But until...
Next Top Model Bore
Did you tune into Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model last night on Sky Living? Were you as bored as I was? Why, oh why have they changed this format into a bad copy of the X Factor? Do we really need to see the audition stages? I’ll probably not tune in again until three weeks time when the competition...
New Look for Boots' Soltan range
Well, summer finally arrived at the weekend and then some! Wow, it was hot! If you are suffering from a bit too much of the sun this morning, then I hope you have some aftersun. I was liberally applying mine last night after turning a little pink in the garden! Sunscreen and aftersun should be bathroom...
Cheryl's new blonde do - how she did it
We’ve been doing a bit of digging, and we’ve found out how Cheryl Cole achieved her new blonde do, that we blogged about earlier, so, this is an extra wee post should you want to know the finer details of Ms Cole’s hairdo! Firstly, it’s not blonde, okay? It’s ‘Smokey Quartz’. The good news is you can...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - GOSH!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! Okay this week’s Beauty Bargain comes in at just...
Cheryl's gone blonde!
It’s fair to say I’m not Cheryl Cole’s biggest fan. But even I felt sorry for the rough time she had in the US. And being a serial-hair colour changer, I can appreciate the need for a new look at stressful times! And I’m quite glad she’s ditched the uber long, over-teased locks for a much sleeker, shorter...
Made-up to get married...
So, Kate Moss gets married tomorrow. I can’t wait to see what she’s going to be wearing, can you? Rumoured designers names that have been banded about include her old friend, the now disgraced John Galliano, Stella McCartney or perhaps even vintage Ossie Clark. But we’ll all have to wait until US Vogue...
Create your own little bit of spa heaven...
There is nothing better than a visit to the Spa for all beauty lovers. That’s why we all love 5pm Heath and Beauty after all, isn’t it? We can get fantastic deals for our favourite spa treatments at the click of the mouse. The latest Big Beauty Deal – 75 minutes of treatments for just £29 at the Tina...
Scent of Summer...
It really is officially summer, not that we’ve had much here in Scotland right enough! But just because it doesn’t feel like summer, doesn’t mean you can’t smell like summer! There are dozens of ‘summer’ fragrances on the market .What’s your favourite? I love all things Chanel, but I’ve recently been...
Embrace your curls like Beyonce!
Wow! How amazing was Beyonce at Glastonbury last night? And how utterly fabulous was her massive mop of curls?! All of my life I have fought my naturally curly hair. With straightening products, irons, an actual iron back in the day, plaits overnight to take the curl out – you name it, I’ve tried it...
Pure Organic Beauty - at a bargain price!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! When you think of Organic products, you always...
Colour Blocking with M&S
If you’ve missed the colour-blocking trend in fashion this year so far, where have you been? If you aren’t wearing cobalt blue jeans with an acid orange top, then shame on you! Colour-blocking certainly brightens up a Scottish summer, and you can extend the trend to your makeup with some fabulus pieces...
Festival Hair needs fixed!
Glastonbury opens its gates today to mark the start of the festival season proper – with Scotland’s biggest festival, T in the Park, coming up in July. Now, if you’ve ever been at a festival you’ll know that showering or washing, never mind washing your hair is pretty much out of the questions. So, ...
Forget the rain with a Miami glow...!
This weather’s a bit depressing to say the least isn’t it? Well, I’ve found the perfect tonic (well, other than a flight out of here, but bear with me!). Boots 17’s Limited Edition Miami Pop Collection. This cute little mini-collection is available now, until mid-July, and consists of four fabulous ...
Bobbi Brown at the Scottish Fashion Awards
All the chatter last week in Scotland was about the Scottish Fashion Awards, held for the sixth year running, sponsored by Vogue.com, and surely the most glamorous night on the calendar (after the 5pm Health and Beauty Awards of course!). Dame Shirley Bassey was in attendance, along with Lulu and Prime...
Anyone for Tennis?
Did you know that defending Wimbledon Ladies’ Champion, Serena Williams, is a qualified nail technician? Well, you do now! The four times Wimbledon champion, who begins her defence of her title tomorrow, despite hardly playing since she won last year thanks to various injuries, is well known for her...
Bobbi Brown...for Father's Day?
Stuck for a present for your dad for Father’s Day this Sunday? Bet you haven’t thought about going to the Bobbi Brown counter or website? The beauty brand – who were the makeup sponsor at this week’s Scottish Fashion Awards (more on that here next week), don’t actually do a separate men’s range, but...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Neutrogena Face Scrub
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! If it’s good enough for gorgeous Hollywood actress...
Teeth Whitened? Red Lipstick on!
If you are taking advantage of today’s 5pm Health and Beauty Big Deal – and getting your teeth whitened for just £69.99 instead of £219.99, you’ve made a wise choice! I had my teeth whitened earlier this year, and the effect was brilliant. You don’t end up with a Simon Cowell-style blinging white smile...
Estee Lauder's Orange Crush
If you are loving the colour blocking trend on the catwalks this season in fashion, then you are going to be rushing to Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh to get your hands on the Limited Edition Estee Lauder Pure Color Orange Crush Collection, which goes on counter at the store (and branches in Leeds, London...
Tennis tone-up - Wimbledon is on its way!
So, Andy Murray triumphed at Queen’s yesterday and now the pressure is on! The hopes of a nation rest on his shoulders -will he be the first British winner of the men’s title at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936? Well, we hope he gets in plenty of practice and plenty of massages and rubs before he ...
Nivea gets (unofficial) Royal seal of approval
So, now we know how to get skin just like a Princess – use good old Nivea. Kate Middleton, or the Duchess of Cambridge, to give her her official title, was spotted buying two Nivea products in Boots last week – NIVEA Visage Pure & Natural Daily Moisturiser (£5.10) and NIVEA Visage Q10Plus Anti-Wrinkle...
Add a bit of luxury to your bathroom with Darphin
Sometimes it just feels right to indulge, and when I want to I head straight for Darphin. This fabulous old French brand has so much to offer, from amazing bespoke skincare, to body-care that makes you feel loved! The two latest products in the body-care range are Aromatic Seaweed Bath and Shower Gel...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - 2True!
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! If you haven’t seen it yet, today’s Big Deal on...
Nicola Roberts is a Dainty Doll
Wowzer – have you seen Nicola Roberts in the video for her debut solo single? Where is the awkward ginger one from Girls Aloud now, eh? Gorgeous Nicola transformed herself into a bit of an uber-fashion fan a few years ago, and launched her own makeup range, Dainty Doll, which, if you haven’t seen, has...
Elemis is oh so Posh!
I like Elemis as a brand – and their spa treatments are fabulous. Of course my endorsement means nothing, but you can imagine they were jumping through hoops at Elemis HQ when Victoria Beckham tweeted last month that she was a massive fan of the brand’s Japanese Camellia Oil (£27.50), stating that she...
Ojon relaunched
I’m on a bit of a hair-theme today – so I thought I’d bring you news from Ojon, who relaunch their whole range in the UK this week. If you haven’t tried this Canadian-born haircare range yet, then you should. It’s not my favourite haircare, but it runs a very close second to Paul Mitchell! The key ingredient...
Vidal Sassoon - The Movie
If you’re a hairdresser – or just a fan of hair; a fashionista, or a fan of bio-pics, then you need to catch Vidal Sasson: The Movie when its in Scotland this month. Sassoon revolutionised the hairdressing world, bringing sleek, angular cuts to the fore at a time of curls, waves and sets.The movie is...
Miss Scotland's beauty secrets...
Congratulations to beautiful Jennifer Reoch who was crowned Miss Scotland last night. If you want a secret tip to looking Miss Scotland beautiful – then try using Bare Escentuals BareMinerals makeup. We heard that every finalist was provided with a bareMinerals Get Started kit, which has all the products...
Beauty Bargain of the Week - Jergens Aloe
We can all spend a fortune on beauty products, but we don’t need to. Every week, I’m going to bring you my ‘Beauty Bargain of the Week‘ – a product I’ve used, and would recommend, and that, on most occasions, costs less than a fiver! What’s not to like! This week I am singing the praises of Jergens ...
Edinburgh's Spa In The City
If you’re in the Capital this weekend, then make sure you head for St Andrew Square, beauty fans! It’s the fourth annual ‘Edinburgh Spa In The City‘ event, where you can get pampered – for FREE! But, make sure you get there early – you can only make appointments on the day. Registration begins at 9....
A new kind of suncare...
So, the heatwave is on its way, and that means baring our bodies, soaking in the rays, and having fun in the sun. But, most importantly protecting ourselves from the harmful rays. Yes, okay, everyone loves a bit of a tan, and some in Scotland more than most, but without wanting to completely rain on...
(N)ice-cream nails
We are in the middle of National Ice Cream Week in case you didn’t know. The weather hasn’t been quite the right temperature for eating it right enough, but if reports are correct, we’ll all be munching on 99s or sliders this weekend – we’re looking at a mini heatwave over most of Central Scotland! ...
The Eyes Have It
I think lipstick is my favourite beauty product ever, but every now and then there’s nothing more satisfying than creating a gorgeous eye. So, I’ve been delighted to try the latest Estee Lauder Double-Wear eye makeup products to do just that. Already hugely popular, with shadows and eye pencils in the...
Super Size Your Bronzer!
Some of you may wear bronzer all year round, but for those of us who don’t, using it can strike fear into us, even if we are the biggest makeup junkies around. This time of year, when the nights are getting longer, and the weather is (hopefully!) getting better, the palest of us want to bare our legs...
Bank Holiday Takeaway?
No, not a fish supper or a pizza, silly – I’m talking about this dinky little ‘mini-sizes’ kit, the Mini Airliner from label.m. Sadly we’re staying at home for the Bank Holiday weekend, but if you are lucky enough to get away, then this is the perfect haircare set to take with you. The best thing about...
Before you go to bed...remember to put your make up ON!
Odd headline? Well, odd product alert! If you know anything about mineral makeup, and in particular, the Kings of that field, bareEscentuals, bareMinerals, you probably know that going to sleep with your mineral makeup on is actually OK. The natural non-chemical mineral content of your makeup is probably...
1970s glamour with Boots No7
The 1970s is a massive fashion trend this season (and no, we don’t mean flares and afro wigs!). We’re talking denim skirts, wedge heels, luxurious palazzo pants in silk fabrics, butter soft leathers, low cut blouses, long, luscious locks, and lots and lots of gloss! Think Jerry Hall, Marie Helvin and...
Beauty and The Apprentice...
I LOVE The Apprentice. It’s still one of the best reality TV shows on the box, and, being a Beauty Editor, I can’t WAIT to see tonight’s episode, which is all about the beauty industry. Team Logic's treatment room lacks that luxury feel... The remaining 13 candidates are tasked with setting up beauty...
Vajazzling at the BAFTAS?! Shut Up!
So, The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE) won a BAFTA TV Award last night, and the female stars of the show amped up the glamour voltage with some amazing dresses. But, I wondered, were there any Vajazzles underneath?! TOWIE won the You Tube audience award after the mockumentary style show’s second series was...
MAC at the BAFTAS
M·A·C were the official Beauty Partner at last night’s BAFTA TV awards and were on-hand to offer one-on-one make up appointments to nominees, presenters and guests of the awards. Appointments were held in the M·A·C Style Suite at the official BAFTA hotel, The Pelham. I love Kate Ford – Corrie’s scheming...
Keep Young And Beautiful
Elemis and Clarins are two of the big names in beauty to have just launched dedicated lines for teenagers and twentysomethings. It got me thinking – when did you start bothering about your skin? I can’t recall ever having a ‘skincare routine’ until I was well into my 20’s, despite studying at beauty...
Waiting to flutter those lashes!
Waiting lists are usually for sought-after clothes, the latest designer handbag, or maybe even the latest Chanel nail varnish shade (crazy but true!). But THE waiting list to be on just now is the one at Boots. Yes, that’s Boots the Chemist, and it’s for a mascara. Sound ridiculous? Well, apparently...
Fake Tan Fix
Okay, if you want a fake tan done well, then go to a salon – there are plenty offers here on 5pm.co.uk Health and Beauty to choose from, after all. But, sometimes, we all do it at home, don’t we? A few weeks ago, I had a wedding, and decided, as it was spring, to leave the tights in the drawer, and ...
Light Up Your Beauty Routine!
I don’t know about you, but when I was a teenager I desperately wanted one of those dressing-room mirrors with the lights round them you see movie stars sitting in front of, or actors peering into, trying to remember their lines before going on stage. So, its no surprise that I am in love with the NEW...
Chanel Beauty Boutique opens in Glasgow
There’s something a bit decadent about Chanel cosmetics, don’t you think? I always feel great when I slick on a lipstick with the famous interlinked C’s on the packaging, or use some of their excellent Precision skincare. And who doesn’t love a skoosh of No.5? If it was good enough for Marilyn Monroe...
Lady goes Gaga for Thierry Mugler...
Despite stating that when her own scent is created it will contain some of her blood and, well, some other body fluids, it seems that Lady Gaga’s current perfume choice isn’t quite as controversial. Last Friday on the Graham Norton show, Gaga announced that Womanity by Thierry Mugler was her signature...
5pm.co.uk Announces Winners of Scottish Health & Beauty Awards
The Scottish Health and Beauty Awards After much anticipation and over 35,000 votes cast by the public, we’re pleased to announce the winners of Scotland’s first Health and Beauty awards. Gongs were handed out to salons, spas and therapists from across the country during a special ceremony at the glamorous...
Vote in the Scottish Health and Beauty Awards
The Scottish Health and Beauty Awards 5pm.co.uk has launched The Scottish Health and Beauty Awards, created to celebrate and support the health and beauty industry and to give you the chance to vote for who and what keeps you looking fabulous! In true 5pm style, they are giving you the power to nominate...
Mother's Day Spa Offers
Aveda @ Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort Mother’s Day Delight Spa Package – £50 per person. Normally £90. Includes a 1 hour Elemental Nature facial, full use of the facilities, light lunch in the Spa Cafe, robe and slippers. View offers and book » The Spa at the Carrick in Cameron House, Loch Lomond Mother...
Mother's Day Offers
5pm Health and Beauty has got some great Mother’s Day offers coming up so why not treat your mum by making her look and feel even more fabulous! Tina Steenberg’s Boutique Spa – Clarkston Road, Glasgow Yummy Mummy Offer – £25 for 3 of the following treatments: Mini back massage, discovery facial, file...
Fake Bake Hair & Beauty Boutique Event
Fake Bake Hair & Beauty Boutique hosted a wonderful pampering evening last night at their glamorous salon on West Regent Street, Glasgow. The evening kicked off at 6pm and guests were welcomed with a glass at least of wine and a huge smile from the lovely Fake Bake team. The salon, which boasts two ...
Dentistry on the Square, Glasgow
Dentistry on the Square, Glasgow 5pm Health and Beauty have signed up Dentistry on the Square in Glasgow and have fabulous offers to keep your smile bright. Based in Niddrie Square, Dentistry on the Square is a stylish, modern practice which uses state of the art dental and beauty technology. Offering...
Balmoral Spa Launches New Exclusive Treatments
Knowing all you health and beauty lovers out there, we are sure you’ll be thrilled to hear that The Balmoral Spa, in Edinburgh, is launching a new range of beauty treatments, exclusively designed by SUNDARI for a truly unique and special experience. The Balmoral Spa is located within The Balmoral Hotel...
Valentines Offers Galore!
If it’s not one commercial day to make you spend money, it’s another! However, as you know, 5pm is here to help ease loosening the purse strings. And for what better cause than the ‘L’ word…yes…you’ve got it…LOVE :-)*big awwws* We like Valentines day here at 5pm Health and Beauty, not only because it...
Christmas with 5pm Big Deal
Needing inspiration for Christmas gifts? 5pm Big Deal is here to help! With lots of fantastic offers available on a DAILY BASIS, you will be spoiled for choice. Save and spoil! Want to treat your family and friends to an AMAZING present? Now you can! 5pm Big Deal is offering a 50% discount – minimum...
5pm Big Deal
As you may be aware, we have been ranting and raving about the 5pm Big Deal over the past few weeks, and I can confirm, it’s FINALLY HERE! *big cheers* 🙂 Each day an amazing new deal will be posted on the website. The Big Deal, offering a 50% discount – minimum, will be available to purchase for just...
Festive Fun on 5pm H&B
We like to bring joy and good will, especially at this time of year, so 5pm Health and Beauty have a number of salons on site who are offering fantastic festive packages, to help you save money while looking HOT…in the freeezing cold! Yes, it may be snowing but don’t let that stop you from getting into...
Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Treatment
Indulge those stresses with a nourishing 10 minute Moroccan Oil restorative hair treatment, the ideal remedy for chemically treated, over-processed or sun damaged hair to bring it back to its former glory! Full of powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to fortify and inject life into those lengths...
Let the countdown begin.......
Five days until the winners of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards are announced! With less than a week to go until the winners are announced at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, the anticipation and excitement is mounting for hairdressers around the UK as Monday ...
The Glasgow Health & Beauty Awards 2011.
5pm Health & Beauty are pleased to announce they are holding the Glasgow Health & Beauty Awards 2011. The inaugural Glasgow Health & Beauty Awards celebrate Glasgow’s innovative and dynamic health, beauty, hair and spa scene. Glasgow’s salons, spas and health clubs are some of the most exciting in ...
The Famous Brazilian Blow Dry!
The Brazilian Blow Dry Imagine not having to spend hours styling your hair everyday and not having to worry that your beautifully blow dried hair turns to frizz as soon as you step outdoors into the damp wintery air!? The miracle solution has arrived and its called a brazilian blow dry! This innovative...
What A Weekend!
As I’m sure you’re all aware, 5pm Health and Beauty were at Girls Day Out over the weekend…and what a weekend it was! The event was jam packed full of pink feathery cosmopolitan goodness and we had a ball. From teeth whitening to half naked men in santa suits, there was plenty for the eye to see! Thanks...
Girls Day Out
We are very excited at 5pm Health and Beauty! Not only is the weekend fast approaching (we all love our long lies) but the Girls Day Out event will be kicking off tomorrow at Glasgow SECC. The 3 day event will showcase the best in women’s health and beauty and, ofcourse, yours truly will be there 😉 ...
5pm Health & Beauty Gift Vouchers
Yes, it’s that time of year again – Christmas present dilemma time! However, fear no more as 5pm Health and Beauty has plenty of Hair & Beauty Salon Gift Vouchers to choose from! What are you getting your loved ones for Christmas?? Go on treat them to a pamper day… Love me x https://www.5pm.co.uk/voucher...
Don't tan without P.A.M!
Fake Bake’s International Training Manager, Lisa Fulton’s top tips for a flawless self tan application start with “don’t tan without P.A.M”! (Prepare, Application, Maintenance) Scrub away dead skin cells for even penetration of the tanning agents. Apply the correct tanning product for your skin tone...
Luscious Lashes
A lick of mascara can make a huge difference to defining your eyes, and I personally never leave home without a good coat on my lashes. I feel bare without it. But beyond mascara there are plenty of enhancing ways to make the eyes flutter. Eyelash Tinting If you don’t like wearing mascara every day ...
Heavenly Hair
Thick, luscious locks are a sign of youthful, healthy, glamorous hair – but some of us need a little help to reach our full potential! If your hair is more flat and limp that bouncy and full, there are a few tips and tricks that can transform it to a goddesss like mane! A quick simple technique for ...