Archives for all posts by Merle Brown
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...
Festive Relaxation with 5pm
It’s that time of year again – when we all try to have a holly jolly Christmas and end up totally stressed! But it doesn’t have to be like that! Treat yourself. Practice self-care, and don’t have a festive meltdown. Book a relaxing 5pm deal -and even if you take it after the festivities are over, knowing...
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...
Harvey Nichols Launches The Rihanna Book.
Rihanna is launching a ‘visual autobiography’ and Harvey Nichols will stock it exclusively SIX days before the global release. The luxury retailer has announced its partnership with Phaidon for ‘Rihanna’. You’ll be able to pre-order your copy on harveynichols.com from now until October 19, for delivery...
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...
New Autumn Hair Colour? Grab a Deal with 5pm
Autumn is the most colourful of the seasons – all those gorgeous rusts, ochres, yellows, oranges and reds. Are you feeling dull yet? Maybe it’s time to bring some autumn magic to your hair with a new colour? You might fancy a full head tint, a peachy surprise, an auburn change, or you might want to ...
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...
Filorga Global Repair
I wrote a feature for the Daily Record last week on Gen X skincare – skincare for women in the 40-55 age group, something that is largely overlooked. if you want to read it, then you can find it at my own blog here. One of the ranges I discovered whilst researching the piece was the new Filorga Global...
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...
Polished Summer Feet
Granted, I’ve not had any sandals on for over a week now, but it is summer, and if you are heading on holiday or an eternal optimist like me, then it’s time you got yourself some polished summer feet. Using a foot cream is hugely important in summer, as your feet can develop more hard skin and calluses...
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 ...
Fenty Beauty Bronzer Vibes
Bronzers are life in the summer, right? No matter what shade your skintone, a little brush of bronzer is going to lift any complexion. And this new bronzer by Fenty Beauty is one the best around this season. The packaging is great, it comes in a pretty amazing eight shades. This is ground-breaking, ...
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,...
BOBBI BROWN X ULLA JOHNSON
I have to confess, I had never heard of the New York label , Ulla Johnson, before I was sent this gorgeous Bobbi Brown collection. Now that I have, I am addicted to the instagram! It. Is. Beautiful. Go have a look…but be warned! If you like floaty, yet structured, urban prairie girl stuff, then you ...
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...
5PM Big Beauty Deals
It’s the end of the month, time to have a look at the Big Deals in beauty on 5pm – treat yourself or someone you love with a treat. The beauty deals available on 5pm are so diverse – and include some fantastic bargains. A two-hour makeup masterclass for just £19. Yep. A two-treatment spa day at a hotel...
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....
Lash Love with 5pm Deals
It was National Lash Day on Tuesday (Feb 19), did you know? Not quite sure what that entailed, but let’s celebrate it a little late with some lash love. Who doesn’t love a mascara? And maybe hate it at the same time – it can be one of the most frustrating beauty products. My current favourite is a Clinique...
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 5pm Spas Deals
This is a stressful time of year – there’s no denying it. But – there IS getting away from it, trust us! You need to promise yourself some precious time out, me-time, mindfulness, whatever you want to call it, and then check 5pm Spa and Beauty for some of the brilliant deals. Everyone needs an indulgent...
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...
Beauty Advent Calendars
I wrote a piece for the Daily Record last month on Beauty Advent Calendars. It was hard to choose just 12, as there are LOADS out there. I’ve now picked my favourite FIVE from those to share with you here. You can see the full article from the Daily Record at my own website – here. These really are ...
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...
Big Beauty Deals for November
It’s a new month, and that means – hopefully – money in the bank, and time to treat yourself. There are LOADS of brilliant Big Deals to choose from on 5pm Spa & Beauty. If you have ever had issues with back pain, you will know how awful it is, so maybe a private consultation with an osteopath is the...
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 ...
Smashbox Cover Shot Eyeshadow Palettes
SMASHBOX has just launched a load of new eyeshadow palettes – the Cover Shots palettes – in all sorts of colour combinations and finishes. They’re handbag-sized, and contain an expertly curated mix of six shadows and two double-sized base shades. Our curated shadow palettes have always been a makeup...
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 ...
Treat your skin with a facial
A facial is a great thing to indulge in – especially at the change of seasons. Slough off that dead skin, and glow again for the upcoming party season! Elemis has just launched a new Amethyst Roller so you can indulge in a little bit of a facial at home. Facial rolling gives great beauty benefits to...
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 ...
National Brow Day offers and Benefit Set
Benefit has positioned itself as the brow brand of the nation, and to celebrate National Brow Day (today, October 2), they launched the Limited Edition Blockbuster Brow Set. Yes, it’s another brow set from Benefit, but it’s a brilliant one – and great value. It actually launched last month, but it’s...
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...
Love your Lashes with 5pm offers
It’s not good enough to just pick up a mascara, slick it on and go with your lashes these days. If you haven’t looked at false lashes in a while, and still think they’re strip lashes of the kind Twiggy favoured in the 1960s, then you’re in for a surprise. These days, there’s nothing you can’t do to ...
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 ...
Get the latest 'Glass Hair' trend
So, here’s the latest Hollywood hair trend – Glass Hair. Yep, Kim Kardashian has it. So does Jourdan Dunn. So what the heck is it? Er, a shiny bob, I think. It’s definitely shiny. Very shiny. And mostly bobbed. It’s probably not that attainable for many of us. Look at my latest Instagram image – bottom...
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...
Supersize with Time Bomb and QVC
Lulu’s Time Bomb range is massively popular on QVC. The Scottish singing superstar is the brand ambassador for the range, and it’s been created from her own formulas. The great thing about QVC brands is that they often come up as TSV (Today’s Soecial Value) offers, and this week it’s a Time Bomb special...
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...
Origins launch in M&S Beauty
I love Origins so it’s nice to see them head into another retailer – M&S. The brand landed on counters in key M&S beauty departments last week, and online. A curated range of Origins heroes and best-selling products is on offer, and beauty experts will be on hand to offer skincare advice. We are delighted...
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...
Marc Jacobs Beauty
Not being a big designer fan, I think I sort of missed the launch of Marc Jacobs Beauty into the UK. Now I have caught up on it, and wow – I love it. It’s very sleek, very chic, and not really me, but the products are great. I particularly love the new for Spring 2017, Matte Highliner Gel Crayons. This...
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...
