Archive for July, 2010

20 July 2010: 16:07

Rapidlash enhancing serum

Looking for fuller, thicker eyelashes? Well this new product on the market promises to deliver just that in only 8 weeks. It’s set the beauty world buzzing with excitement!
Rapidlash is available only in Boots and yes, the Westfield London store currently has stock!

Rapidlash serum

Rapidlash serum conditions eyelashes and brows to improve their appearance. It contains proteins, minerals and other goodies which nourish and strengthen the lashes. Wave goodbye to false eyelashes, you can have naturally plump lashes if this serum is as good as it sounds.

It’s all too easy to use as well. Simply apply Rapidlash serum in a thin line to your upper and lower lashline before you go to bed each night. Do this daily and you should see a difference in only 8 weeks.

We can’t wait to get our hands (and lashes!) on this wonder serum. It’s too early for our beauty panel to tell you if it works, but it certainly has created a positive buzz amongst those who’ve used it already.

Rapidlash is £39.99 only from Boots. Hurry, it’s selling fast!

Have you tried it yet? Let us know what you think of it.

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15 July 2010: 09:00

NYR starflower cleansing milk

Beauty Review: Neal’s Yard Remedies starflower cleansing milk

 

Price: £18.50 (185ml)
Available from: Neal’s Yard Remedies
 

What it claims to do
Gently cleanse all skin types including sensitive skin. Soothing starflower is combined with cooling aloe vera, protecting alpine flower and calming liquorice, to gently cleanse without drying. The benefits are that it gently cleanses without drying, it’s soothing and calming. It contains rich oils and butters which effectively lift away impurities without the use of water or harsh surfactants.

Our reviewer says
You can feel the difference on your skin as soon as you put this cleansing milk on. It takes all dirt off your face and leaves skin feeling really soft and smooth.

The first time I used it I couldn’t stop touching my face which defeated the point of cleaning it in the first place really!
The smell is a little unusual, but it’s worth living with due to the results you get from it.

I’ve found it one of the best cleansers for my skin as I still suffer from breakouts but my skin is no longer as oily as it used to be. Despite the ingredients containing butters and oils, there is no greasiness at all.

Final verdict
This was my first product from Neal’s Yard Remedies and I will definitely be going back for more. The product’s ingredients are mostly organic and the % organic is listed on the bottle. It’s great to know that what you’re putting on your skin is doing it some good.

Reviewed by Julie

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14 July 2010: 16:28

Style icon: Blake Lively

Looking for some style inspiration for a big occasion this summer? Our Westfield London Personal Stylist, Anna Moore reckons you should look to the stunning Gossip Girl star, Blake Lively.

Anna says: “Everyone will have at least one ‘dress up’ event this summer, whether it’s a wedding or summer ball and Blake Lively does dress up the best!”

“Blake gives good red carpet – in a Grecian style maxi dress or boyfriend blazer and skinnys. She looks super sexy in an achievable way.”

Want to steal Blake’s style? Check out these stylish maxi dresses which would be ideal for a special occasion this summer.

From left to right: Black beaded maxi dress, M&S £39.50; Zola maxi dress, Coast at Debenhams £195; Daniella drape maxi dress, was £110 now £88 at French Connection

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12 July 2010: 09:00

Jo Malone body scrub

Beauty Review: Jo Malone Vitamin E body treatment scrub

 

Price: £68 (600g)
Available from: Jo Malone

What it claims to do
Jo Malone introduces a luxuriously revitalising new treatment that sloughs away surface cells to reveal radiant-looking new skin. A signature ingredient and beneficial anti-oxidant, Vitamin E is combined with salt to encourage a youthful glow.

This luxurious treatment utilizes Vitamin E and salt to reveal radiant-looking new skin.

Our reviewer says
Unlike some other body scrubs that I’ve used, this is not too gritty and abrasive. It exfoliates enough to feel like it’s removing the dead skin cells and getting the blood flowing again without actually damaging the skin. It also leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturised. It’s particularly good pre and post holiday as it contains vitamin E oil which gives skin some serious hydration.

I love the way it makes my skin look more radiant and feel so soft.

Final verdict
I highly recommend this Vitamin E body scrub, especially if your skin is on the dry side.  My skin always feels super soft and hydrated after using it. It’s become a regular feature in my bathroom!

If you like this, you should also try other products in the Vitamin E range. I can also recommend the lip conditioner and body.

Reviewed by Pippa

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9 July 2010: 09:00

Hot summer shorts

Shorts are one of this summer’s biggest trends. There’s a wide range of styles ranging from short, short little hotpants to high-waisters or knee length smart city shorts. So prepare your pins and show them off!

Our Personal Stylist, Anna Moore’s shorts style of choice for this season is the denim high waister. The best pair in her opinion are these Basque indigo jean shorts from Topshop, £28.

Looking for a more conventional cut-off denim short? Try these boyfriend shorts from Uniqlo (£14.99) or sexy Siluetas from Zara (£24).

This season’s trend for embellishment and detailing is not just for the upper body. Shorts don’t have to plain. Look out for fringing, texture and additional details like studs. Here are a couple of our favourite finds:

Left to right: white lace hotpants, £24.99 and tan suede fringed hotpants, £29.99 both River Island.

If you’re after something a little smarter, go for a longer length, tailored pair. Team with a shirt and heels for a super chic summer look. We love these pretty pink shorts from Warehouse, £40.

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8 July 2010: 10:03

Benefit instant brow pencil

Beauty Review: Benefit instant brow pencil in dark

Price: £14
Available from: Debenhams, House of Fraser and Boots
What it claims to do
Creates soft, subtle, long-wearing definition in an instant.

Our reviewer says
It does absolutely what it says. I got married recently and a lot of my time was spent panicking about my stray, fairly non-existent brows. I discovered this pencil and it has transformed my eyebrows so they finally frame my face. It comes in two shades and I love that it’s a lovely soft brown and not a harsh black. My small criticism is that I have to sharpen it too often.

Final verdict
A great product and one I’ll be sticking with!

Reviewed by Susie

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7 July 2010: 09:00

Celebs love J Brand Houlihans

If, like us, you rate the oh so stylish Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth and Rachel Bilson  then you may have noticed that they have a similar taste in trousers. Not quite skinny jean nor cargo pant, the J Brand Houlihan is the style of choice and it’s selling fast.

Jessica Alba in J Brand Houlihans

The military trend has been around for a while now but it’s still riding high in the fashion charts. The J Brand Houlihan is not your traditional slouchy cargo pant though. It is far more tailored and slim-fitting. They’re more like a pair of skinny jeans, but with the added detail of oversized flap pockets at the thigh and gold-tone zippered legs. The  seam runs down the centre and diagonally across the knees for a slim fit.

J Brand Houlihans are available in a choice of natural colours, including  olive and shark skin. Also look out for the vintage navy.

Ideal for easy summer dressing, team your Houlihans with a simple vest top and metallic flat sandals or utilitarian boots as shown here by Jessica Alba.

J Brand Houlihan jeans are available at Donna Ida, £245

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5 July 2010: 09:00

Lancome Eye Make Up Remover

Beauty Review: Lancome Bi-facil Eye Make Up Remover

 

Price: £19.50
Available from: Debenhams

What it claims to do
This fresh-as-water eye make-up remover offers instant, gentle cleansing. It’s effective, bi-phase formula activates when shaken and easily removes all traces of eye make-up (even waterproof), while leaving no oily residue. Ophthalmologist-tested for safety.

Our reviewer says
Removes eye make-up, including liquid eyeliner, very easily and completely. A light, slightly oily texture feels gentle on the eye area and the additional rubbing that is often needed to remove make-up is not required with this product.

Final verdict
The most effective eye make-up remover I’ve used.

Reviewed by Sarah

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2 July 2010: 09:00

Hot or not: summer boots

Think of summer footwear and you normally conjure up images of flip flops and sandals. Not so this year. The ankle boot has taken over as the summer trend of choice. It has become the surprise fashion hit of the season.

The ankle boot was seen on many a well-turned heel at Glastonbury too. Check out Sienna Miller’s totally festival-appropriate look. She ticks so many of the hot trend boxes – the cute denim shorts, the straw hat, the crochet waistcoat and of course, the lace up ankle boot.

It may not look particularly pretty, but the ankle boot is a sensible choice for the British summer. We’re never too far away from a rain cloud after all. Plus, it’s really comfy and ideal for walking. But fashion isn’t meant to be comfortable is it? When did stylish and practical go hand in hand?

After months of hiding feet away inside thick socks and winter boots, isn’t it good to give them a bit of an airing? Surely summer is the time to treat your feet to a pedicure and show them off in sexy sandals.

What do you think? Summer boots – hot or not?

Left to right: Max Cleat lace boot, Schuh £84.99; Loose lace choc leather boot, Office £90; Millie canvas boot, Topshop £30

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