3 September 2010: 09:00

Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturiser

Beauty Review: Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturiser

Price: £21 (125ml)
Available from: Debenhams
What it claims to do:

- A deeper tan with less sun exposure.
- Intensifies the tan by up to 80%.
- Prolongs the tan 5-9 days post exposure and repairs sun induced skin damage (ultrasomes) the rescue remedy for sunburn. Lightweight calming and soothing cream.
- All skin types. This lightweight cream gives a delicious,soothing sensation.
- Tan booster
- Heliosome, an exclusive Lancaster complex, helps the skins recovery process by stimulating melanin production, naturally enhancing your tan by up to 50% to 80%.
- Soothing
- A unique soothing complex calms skin recently exposed to sun for instant comfort.
- Moisturising
- Active hydrating properties re-moisturise dehydrated skin and reduce the risk of peeling, leaving the skin supple and silky-smooth.
- Result:
- A more intense, longer-lasting tan. Soft, supple, radiant skin ,better prepared for subsequent sun exposure.
- Dermatologically tested. RPF tested (Free Radical Protection. Non-comedogenic.

Our reviewer says:
I applied this moisturiser after some heavy-duty sunbathing and left it on overnight. The cream calmed my skin where I’d been a bit casual with the sun block and any scalded skin was brown by the morning.

Following the holiday, I’ve been using the moisturiser every day to see if it can eek out the tan a little longer as the claim said it would.

Final verdict
It’s hard to be certain that my tan has lasted longer than usual, but my gut instinct is that it has. Plus, it’s great for sunburn so I will definitely be using this moisturiser for future holidays.

Reviewed by Sarah

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2 September 2010: 09:00

The leopard look

Animal print is the statement print for Autumn/Winter. It is everywhere! Unleash your inner leopard and go wild with the print.

Coat £200, dress £45 and snood £25, all from Warehouse

The statement coat is a key piece and a faux fur leopard print number will certainly make a statement. There are great vintage styles around, whether you’re looking for a super-warm winter coat or a  snuggly shorter jacket. A leopard print fur coat or jacket is a one piece wonder which you can throw on for instant glamour.

Left to right: Leopard print faux fur jacket, French Connection £120; Vintage leopard print faux fur coat, Topshop £98

Take one bold print piece, like these skinnies, and contrast them with different textures and layers. Mix with lace and even florals now, then add on chunky knits as the weather gets chillier. Or take a floaty leopard print dress (check out Reiss and Warehouse) and team it with a leather Aviator jacket.

Left to right: Animal print day top, Star by Julien MacDonald for Debenhams £40; Print court shoes, Dorothy Perkins, £25; Leopard print skinnies, Topshop £45; Zip detail print pumps, Oasis £40; Animal print zip detail skirt, River Island £29.99 

Is leopard a bit fierce for you? Scared of the bold print? Just go for an accessory. You’ll find bags, shoes, belts, lingerie, hats, scarves, gloves and even bangles featuring the print. There’s no escaping it this season, so be brave and release your inner Bet Lynch.

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1 September 2010: 09:00

Scarlett Johansson for Mango

Scarlett Johansson simply sizzles in her Autumn/Winter campaign shots for Mango. The high street store’s new season collection celebrates feminine curves and Scarlett is the ideal model. The actress looks every bit the retro Hollywood star in these vintage-inspired pieces.

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31 August 2010: 09:00

Clinique Almost Bronzer

Beauty Review: Clinique Almost Bronzer

Price: £22
From:  Clinique – Debenhams, Boots and House of Fraser
What it claims to do:
Sheer bronzing duo protects with broad-spectrum SPF 15. Versatile formula lets you customize and build your bronze from sun kissed to suntanned. Provides a natural look all-year round. Long-wearing. Oil free. For all skin types.

Our reviewer says:
I have always tended to go for pink-coloured blushes over bronzers as I don’t really like the orange tint that many bronzers add to your face.  Clinique’s bronzer is by far the best toned bronzer I have ever used. I used the light/medium as I have quite fair skin but it is also available in a medium/dark which is perfect for highlighting your summer tan.

Final verdict
I highly recommend this bronzer. The duo colour allows for you to build up your colour to the desired effect and the bronzer gives you a lovely sheer bronze/gold glow.  As it’s so light you can highlight your face before applying blush for added colour.

Reviewed by Dearne

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30 August 2010: 09:00

Giles Deacon for New Look

Look he’s done it again! British designer, Giles Deacon has designed another gorgeous collection for New Look. Gold by Giles is in store now. We love designer style at high street prices!

This silver brocade prom dress with its nipped in corset-style top and full skirt has caught our eye. So feminine. So fifties. So want it!

Brocade prom dress, £59.99

Look out also for Mad Men style shift dresses. Team them with cute feminine accessories like a clutch or this season’s kitten heels.

Left to right: Metallic Jacquard shift, £49.99; Black bow kitten heel, £24.99; Silver clutch £16.99; Black tunic shift, £49.99.

Also, look out for bold prints and eye-catching detail like fringing, sequins and lace.

Left to right: Cobweb sequin jersey dress, £29.99; Floral marble print tunic, £44.99

All Gold by Giles for New Look

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27 August 2010: 12:00

How to style your hair like La Roux

Want to style your hair in a high quiff like La Roux? Danny DeFreitas of Toni & Guy shows you the tips, tricks and products you need to create the style.

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27 August 2010: 09:00

New at Jo Malone

Fans of Jo Malone will be delighted to hear that a new fragrance is to be added to the collection. English Pear and Freesia Cologne launches on 1st September.

Perfect for Autumn, the fragrance has hints of ‘mellow fruitfulness’. Think of beautiful bouquets of freesias coupled with juicy ripe pears. There are also some warming notes of patchouli, amber and wild roses. It’s so English, so fresh and so natural. It’s so Jo Malone!

Head to the Jo Malone store in The Village to learn about fragrance combining – layering and matching scents to suit your mood. You can also get a complimentary hand and arm massage in the new English Pear and Freesia fragrance (or another of your choosing).

English Pear & Freesia Cologne, 30ml col. £34, 100ml col. £68.

Look out for a Body Crème, Body & Hand Wash and Home Candle, all featuring the unmistakable English Pear & Freesia scent, launching alongside the cologne.

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26 August 2010: 09:00

Johnson’s gel wash

Beauty Review: Johnson’s Face Care – Daily Essentials refreshing Gel Wash for normal skin

Price: £2.99
Available from: Boots,Superdrug

What it claims to do:
‘Daily essentials’ is a complete range of facial cleansers and moisturisers developed with Johnson’s expertise in soft, delicate skin to give you gentle and effective skincare.
Our refreshing gel wash, enriched with essential, skin loving mineral and vitamins gently lifts any impurities whilst caring for normal skin with:
- skin loving minerals known to restore freshness
- vitamin C derivative known for its antioxidant properties
Suitable for sensitive skin

Results:
- Skin is cleansed, feels soft and refreshed.

Our reviewer says:
The Daily Essentials range may be new, but the smell is typically Johnson’s and so felt quite familiar. The gel wash has lots of little pink grainy bits in which are good for exfoliation. The gel’s quite runny and really easy to use.  I found it good if you’re prone to sporadic breakouts.

Final verdict:
My skin definitely felt softer after using it. For me, it’s a product to use in the morning and it’s gentle enough to use every day. I still prefer a normal cleanser-toner routine at night to remove the day from my skin though.

Reviewed by Julie

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25 August 2010: 09:00

Caped crusaders

Wondering how to update your wardrobe for the new season? One of the must-have items this Autumn/Winter is the cape, in all its swirling glory.

Cashmere cape, COS £219

It was seen on many designer catwalks. Favourites of ours were Celine, Chloe and Halston. Versions are now arriving daily in high street stores.

You may think the cape is hard to wear, but believe us, it’s not. It is the ultimate statement piece. Just throw it on and get an instant fashion upgrade. It suits all sizes and shapes too. Be warned though – you may feel compelled to swirl around in it like some kind of highwayman or Sherlock Holmes!

Left to right: Candy stitch cape, Reiss £195; Black military cape, Topshop £95

The wool cape is the ideal winter cover-up, but we’re also big fans of this trench-style cape from H&M.


Mac-style cape, H&M £34.99

Look out for capes in a range of colours. There are easy-to-wear, elegant styles in camel and black. Styles embracing the season’s military trend in khaki or stone with metal buttons and detail. Or you could stand out from the crowd in bright reds and bold checks.

Left to right: Check cape, M&S £65; Khaki parka cape, Miss Selfridge at House of Fraser £42

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24 August 2010: 15:00

Video: how to create a textured hairstyle

Darren Stone, owner of Toni & Guy Westfield London shows you how to create this on-trend textured hairstyle. It’s all about layering products and effective blow-drying. Watch our video to discover his expert tips and techniques.

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