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5 November 2010: 09:00

How to wear bright red hair

Bold, bright hair shades are red hot right now! We’ve seen a number of brunettes vamping up their look and embracing the redhead vibe.

At our Christmas light switch on, Rihanna said that she’d been wanting to go red for a while and she’s loving her new look. We agree – she looks amazing!

Want to follow in the oh so fashion-forward footsteps of celebs like Rihanna and Cheryl? Here are a few words of advice from hair expert, Danny DeFreitas of Toni&Guy Westfield London.

“Rihanna is working a statement red, but dont forget there are so many shades to choose from. It’s important to find the right one for you!

To achieve that kind of colour intensity on a naturally dark shade, like Rihanna’s, hair often needs to be pre-lightened. It’s advisable to get some expert advice to  see which tone of red suits you best. We offer free colour consultations at Toni&Guy, so please visit us.

For people who love being on trend but feel like this all over colour is perhaps too much of a statement, then think about going for some under-colour techniques. Try working glimmers of red throughout the hair or adding panels. You can still create and achieve something gorgeous, but a lot less maintenance.”

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4 November 2010: 11:30

How to wear Rihanna’s vibrant make-up look

Rihanna does strong make-up so well. She’s not one to go for the natural look with a nude palette. She likes to make a statement. We asked the experts at the Make Up Store for some tips on how to make Rihanna’s look work for you.

Emmelie, Make Up Store Westfield London Make Up Artist says:

To get a vibrant look with strong red lips and a dash of colour on the eye, start off by preparing the lips with  a lip exfoliater, moisturiser and primer. I recommend Make Up Store’s Lip Care Mix. Next, even out any redness on and around the lip area with a dash of foundation or concealer applied with a sponge. Follow with a little bit of powder.

Pick a matching lip liner to your lipstick. I’d pair Make Up Store’s Russian red lip pencil together with our China Red lipstick. It’s a perfect combination for vibrant red lips. To achieve that important definition, start lining from the Cupid’s bow and down to the corner of the mouth. Follow your natural lipline, unless you want to add some extra pout. Fill the whole lip with the lippencil for lasting colour. Finally, apply your lipstick with a fine lipbrush.

To recreate her stunning eye look, apply eye primer thinly all over the lid. Follow by dabbing Make Up Store’s eye dust in Bamboo on the middle of the lid and around the globe line. Define with eyepencil between the lashes in the outer corner of the eye. I use Wooden Metal. Use a soft brush to smudge the pencil up and out.

Under the eyebrow and in the corner of the eye, use High Tech Lighter in Magma. This way you get the full depth of your eye shape. Finish by curling your lashes and apply two coats of mascara for a full on evening look.

Sweep Make Up Store’s blusher in Mission onto the apple of the cheeks for added warmth and colour to complete this Rihanna-inspired look.

Your essential make up kit for this look

Left to right: Lipstick in China Red, lipcare mix pot, lippencil in Russian red, mascara in Drama. All available from Make Up Store

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3 November 2010: 16:59

Rihanna’s X Factor look

There was nothing subtle or retiring about Rihanna’s appearance on this week’s X Factor. She was adorned with oversized floral accessories, adding maximum impact to her outfit.

Rihanna wore a stunning William Tempest puffball dress and flashed a pair of frilly knickers underneath. But it was the fabulous floral arrangement that added a unique twist to her look. In typical Rihanna style, she didn’t just add one corsage, she wore a poppy and rose headband and grouped together a number of different corsages on her dress too.

Corsages are a great way to customise a dress, particularly if you want to update an old favourite. Perfect for Christmas party season, you’ll find a wide range of floral accessories in stores now. Go for different sizes, textures and colours. Mix silks, velvets and even woollens with net, sequins or feathers. You’ll also find corsages with prints like checks, florals or this season’s favourite – leopard print.

Left to right: Khaki floral corsage, Dorothy Perkins £6.50; Leopard print corsage, Oasis £6; Sequinned net flower corsage, Dorothy Perkins £8.50

Left to right: Taipei printed ruffle flower clip, Accessorize £10; Rose corsage, Oasis £6; Oversized origami flower, Accessorize £10

Headbands are spot on for a final touch. Have some fun with them. Feathers, net, sequins, bows – they’re all out there for you to try. You don’t have to go for a standout arrangement as large as Rihanna’s, but then again… why not?

Feather net embellished headband, Topshop £30

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1 November 2010: 09:00

Cheryl Cole: get the look

It seems that us Brits can’t get enough of Cheryl Cole. Part of the excitement of The X Factor is checking out what Chezza’s wearing. We love the fact that she’s willing to try out different looks and hairstyles each week.

Whether she’s going for all out glam or more of a rock chick vibe, Cheryl (nearly) always gets it right.

We spotted Cheryl in this little number and thought it was oh so her. She takes a cute little girly dress but gives it an edge by teaming it with a fitted leather jacket. We love the contrasting textures which are such a hot trend this season.

If you want to try this look for yourself, head to Lipsy. There are great prom dresses, especially in the Pixie Lott collection. Plus there are some very affordable leather jackets too.

Left to right: Pixie ruched bustier full skirt dress, £75 and Waterfall zipped front jacket, £150. Both from Lipsy

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29 October 2010: 09:00

Jergens Natural body lotion

Beauty Review: Jergens Naturals – Cocoa butter body moisturiser with vitamin E

Available from: Boots, Superdrug

Price: £4.99 (200 ml)

What it claims to do:
An outstanding light weight 96% natural lotion that immediately transforms dry, thirsty skin with natural moisturisers. Deeply conditions and doubles skin’s natural radiance with cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil and vitamin E.
Cocoa butter has a rich chocolately scent, known to deeply hydrate and tone skin. Sunflower seed oil softens the skin and helps skin maintain its moisture levels. Vitamin E works to help protect skin from free radical damage – a great anti-oxidant.
It applies smoothly, absorbs quickly and lasts all day.

Our reviewer says:
The strongest scent is the cocoa butter which is all good for a chocolate fan like me! You only need to use a little as it’s an incredibly rich lotion. My skin isn’t particularly dry, butthis moisturiser worked a treat on my heels. I think it’s really good value for money.  It applies really easily and the scent lasts all day.

Final verdict:
This is a great moisturising lotion to have on your shelf. It’s a really easy daily usage product that lasts a long time due to the little amount needed.

Reviewed by Julie

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28 October 2010: 09:00

Furry boots

Shearling is one of the key trends for A/W 2010. The aviator jacket is definitely the hero piece for the season and there are heaps to choose from whether you’re looking for an investment piece or a quick fashion fix.

But furry linings go beyond the jacket this year. Look down and you’ll see some gorgeous boots with faux-fur details. Not only does that give it extra style creds, it also keeps your feet warmer on those chilly winter days. Fashion forward and practical too – who’d have thought it?

There are plenty of practical flat fur-lined boots around. Look out for some extra buckle detail, giving a nod to the biker boot and military styles. But if you’re a girl who can’t do without her heels, you’ll be pleased that there are some monster heels that still feature a Shearling cuff on the boot.

Here are five of our favourite high street finds.

Leftto right: Wentworth buckled boot, KG by Kurt Geiger £190; Grey Thandi boot, Reiss £195; Shearling heeled boot, Topshop £95; Shearling-lined lace up boot, Schuh £49.99; Tan trim fur boot, Dorothy Perkins £65

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27 October 2010: 09:00

Autumn nails: spend or save?

When Chanel launched their new khaki-coloured trio of nail polishes last month, people went crazy for them. The three camouflage shades – khaki brun, khaki rose and khaki vert – tone in perfectly with the A/W 10 colour palette. The super stylish, neutral matte polish is swiftly becoming a classic.

But, do you want to pay around £16 for a nail polish? Well, you don’t have to. Our lovely friends at Topshop have a great range of nail colours available from £5 each. We are big fans of Topshop nail polish here. The quality is great, it applies well and it stays chip-free for a decent amount of time too. Plus, the fabulous names really make us smile! Today, I’m wearing ‘Geography Teacher’ and I reckon that by the weekend it’ll be the turn of ‘Remember My Name’.

Left to right: Topshop nail polish in Moving House, Big Smoke and Utilitarian, £5 each.

Check out Topshop’s new season make-up collection – Heavy Duty – available in store now.

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26 October 2010: 09:00

How to create the ‘Audrey’ bun

Sarah Louise of Hersheson’s Blow Dry Bar in Westfield London shows you how to create this season’s bun hairstyle. We’ve seen it on the catwalks, on celebs and now you can do it too.

Our step-by-step guide explains how you can create the look yourself, or you can call into the salon and have a stylist do it for you!

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25 October 2010: 09:00

Jimmy Choo & UGG

The limited edition ‘UGG® & Jimmy Choo’ collection is now available to buy in the Westfield London Jimmy Choo boutique.


The exclusive collaboration is based on the iconic UGG Australia sheepskin boot construction with design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand.
Encompassing five styles in multiple colour variations, the collection features the classic UGG boot with decorative Jimmy Choo studding, stars and hobo fringing detail.

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22 October 2010: 09:00

NYR Frankincense neck cream

Beauty Review: Neal’s Yard Remedies Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Neck Cream

Price: £38
Available from: Neal’s Yard Remedies

What it claims to do:
Lifts and smoothes all skin types
Our rich blend of rejuvenating frankincense, firming nutrient-rich marine algae and elasticity-boosting baobab oil, with a smoothing, collagen-stimulating tri-peptide, work synergistically to firm and tighten the skin around the neck, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and crepey skin.

Our reviewer says:
I haven’t used a cream specifically for my neck before. Usually, I just use my face moisturiser on my neck as well. But I’ve really enjoyed my new ritual of applying this luxurious cream each evening. Every time I open the pot of Frankincense cream, I savour the aromatic smell whilst massaging it in to my skin.  It’s the perfect consistency for me – not too thick, not too thin and not too greasy. It feels so good and leaves my skin feeling nourished and more supple, so it must be doing some good.

Final verdict:
I’m nearly at the end of my pot and I’ll definitely be back for more, as well as recommending it to friends.

Reviewed by Pippa

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