Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category

4 May 2011: 12:00

Reese Witherspoon’s Water for Elephants 30s hair

Today we look forward to the release of Water for Elephants starring Robertinson, Reese Witherspoon and Christophe Waltz.  The film, based on the acclaimed novel, is set in the 1930s which inspirates Reese’s the signature look in the film of long dresses matched with her short curly tresses.  We asked Danny De Freitas, Style Director at Toni&Guy Westfield London to give us some tips for how to acheive what we’re now lovingly calling the 1930s Reese bob.

Water for Elephants star Reece Witherspoon

1930s coiffure

Shorter waved hair defined the nineteen thirties coiffure.  Hair was primarily worn at chin or just above shoulder length with deeply set waves. The permanent wave (perm) was a popular method to aid the in setting of waves. The look of the thirties was clean,  sleek, and sophisticated. Longer hair would be waved and the length of the hair wrapped in a low bun at the base of the neck.

Reese’s bobbed hair is beautifully set into a period specific finger wave, a style that is usually “wet set” or comb styled on wet hair into ridges and arcs then dried into form.  Reese’s hair colour is a fabulous shade of buttery blond that mirrors the era.  This is a classic and iconic look of the 1930s and with Reese being a circus performer this bouncy cheeky look does the trick (Think britney spears on her circus tour).

To acheive the look work a clean side parting, create a finger wave or waved effect on the hair which should sit around chin or shoulder length.  1930s hair is all about setting the hair and in order to achieve the perfect set then product is everything. I would recommend Label.m Volume Foam and/or build it up with Label.m Blow Out Spray.

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26 April 2011: 12:02

Bobbi Brown’s new concealer is my new secret weapon

Product: Bobbi Brown concealer kit

Bobbi Brown Concealer kit

Available from: Debenhams

Price: £23.50

What it claims to do:
Conceal and set in one portable kit. Bobbi’s Creamy Concealer blends easily to instantly cover and brighten dark circles. It also helps maintain skin’s moisture levels for a smooth, virtually line-less look. Fuss-free pressed powder sets concealer for long-lasting wear.

Review:
Bobbi Brown have improved two of their favourites, the concealer and corrector, and combined them to make a handy concealer kit.  The predecessor worked well but had an annoying tendency to settle into fine lines, a problem which has now been eradicated by the new formula.  The new and improved version is still concentrated and, if you’re used to wand concealers, is a lot thicker comes with a pressed powder which seals it in.  It’s then all packaged together in a very purse friendly compact.

So, that’s the technical bit but if you suffer from dark circles you’ll just want to know whether it works or not. As a lifelong dark circle sufferer  I can tell you that I have fallen in love this product.   I apply with an Eco Tools concealer brush and it lasts all day, doesn’t seep into any fine lines, hides all traces of a bad night, doesn’t cake and hardly fades.  It’s my new never-leave-home-without product and if I have to choose one item of make up to put into my miniscule cluth I now choose this.

Final verdict
Bobbi calls concealer “the secret of the universe” for its ability to transform a woman and I want to thank Bobbi for giving me my new secret weapon.  Take that, dark circles!

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18 March 2011: 15:00

A delicious winter rescue from Neal’s Yard

Product: NYR Cosmetics Lip Gloss

Available from: Neal’s Yard Remedies

Price: £9.50

What it claims to do:
The first range of Lip Glosses to include shades certified by the Soil Association. Lavish your lips with our range of six indulgently glossy, lasting, nourishing colour. Enriched with Organic Beauty Oil, antioxidant white tea and organic sweet orange essential oil. No parabens. No silicones. No carmine.

Review:
I started using this in the depths of winter when all was dark and cold and my face was feeling in need of TLC. The gloss is soothing but provides a pop of colour. It’s easy to apply but closes securely again so you can put in your pocket or handbag without getting gloop everywhere. I favour organic products but they are not always nice to use so this scores on all fronts. A very welcome addition to the world of organic cosmetics.

Final verdict
I rarely find a lip gloss that works for me but this is lovely and it tastes delicious.

Reviewed by Sarah Louise

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4 March 2011: 17:11

Bobbi Brown & Tibi: A match made in heaven

We love a good collaboration and when two beautiful brands come together we get very excited.   Young but hugely pupular brand Tibi has teamed up with one of our favourite make-up brands, Bobbi Brown, to create a collection for Spring 2011. 

Bobbi’s favourite flower, the Peony, inspired the delicate pastels and edgy grays in a stylish little case designed by Tibi. The colour combination is simply gorgeous and we are fighting over who is going to get to test this one out over at Westfield HQ. 

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1 March 2011: 10:56

MAC Wonder Woman Collection

When we heard back in July that MAC had partnered with DC Comics for a collection we were super excited. We’re even more super excited to report that the MAC Wonder Woman collection for Spring 2011 will be in stores from 3 March.  Super!

“Wonder Woman is psychological propaganda for the new type of woman who should, I believe, rule the world,” creator William Moulton Marston once wrote of his super heroine.

With her strength, animal cunning, physical prowess and super-agility she is as much an icon for the modern day woman as she was for women in the early 1940s, when she first leapt onto the screen with her lasso of truth and indestructible bracelets.  While we don’t have the bracelets a coat of red lipstick always does the trick for a sense of empowerment and thwarting of enemies.

So here are the pieces from the collection, our new secret weapon:


Wonder Woman nail colour in Obey Me and Spirit of Truth, £10.00;  Wonder Woman lipglass in Athena’s Kiss, £17, and lipstick in Russian Red, £20.

Wonder Woman penultimate eyeliner in Rapid Black, £17.50;  Opulash in Army of Amazons and Victorious, £14.50.

Wonder Woman Valiant eyeshadow set, £36.00;  Utility belt face brush set, £39.50.

All available to buy at MAC Westfield London from 3 March.

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15 February 2011: 09:00

How to: The Spring/Summer 2011 up do

We loved the slicked back elegant looks on the catwalks of everyone from Oscar de la Renta to Diane von Furstenberg for Spring/Summer 2011.  Not quite a bun, not quite a ponytail and with a touch of Audrey Hepburn about it we look forward to perfecting the look this season. We asked our friends at Toni & Guy to show us how it’s done.

Get the look:

  • Prepare the hair with label.m  Protein Spray and then blow-dry in label.m Volume Mousse to build up a good foundation texture.
  • Back-comb the hair in sections to build volume and use label.m Resurrection Style Dust to create a live-in texture.
  • Place the hair in a ponytail at the back of the head and back-comb the length of the ponytail
  • Place and elastic on the end of the ponytail and then roll under and pin into a bun-like shape, pull bits of the hair out the an un-done finish.  Use label.m Hairspray for hold.

The first 50 people to quote SS11 when booking with Toni & Guy at Westfield London will get a label.m product absolutely free

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11 February 2011: 09:32

If I can’t go to the spa, the spa will come to me…

Yesterday morning, after I’d made my way into the office, shaken the rain out of my hair and tried to calm down the pinkness of my wind-bitten face I was faced with an image of a dewy glowy looking women lying down looking ridiculously relaxed with a towel wrapped round her head and rocks on her back.

The image from Champneys new Marbella Resort stayed with me most of the day and made me spend most of my lunch break looking up weekend breaks and retreats so I too could have rocks on my back and glow.

This morning I discovered that Champneys is launching a new Mediterranean Bliss range for Boots in celebration of the new Marbella spa very soon.  While there are no rocks on offer they do have a selection of bath and body products which may just do the trick.  Until that holiday gets booked, of course.

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1 February 2011: 09:48

Topshop make up for SS11 unveiled

Last night we caught a sneak peak of Topshop’s Spring Summer make-up collection amid cocktails and canapes at the Sanderson hotel in London.  The collection, named ‘Sandstorm’ which includes bronzed, sandy colours alongside neon bright colours is just what we needed to get us in the mood for Spring.

The nail colours in particular could form your entire Spring Summer nail-drobe.  Our personal favourite is a near nude nail polish called ‘No Love Lost’ but the bright orange and reds are definitely ones we’d keep handy for more adventurous days.  The nail colours also come in handy little nail duos which create a marbling effect when used together.

The lipsticks in bright neon colours are one of the hottest trends for the season. Don’t shy away from trying out something a little bold.  Our personal favourite is ‘Infared’, a dazzling burnt orange shade.

We’re also pretty excited by the ‘Dessert Sun’ cheek duo which gives that subtle sunkissed look followed by blusher in ‘Head Over Heels’ is our shade of choice which adds that little touch of colour.

The collection comes to Topshop this month.  Prices range from £5 -£12.

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31 January 2011: 10:52

Bobbi Brown launches Extra Repair Serum

Your grandmother will probably tell you that in her day all she used to wash her face with was a bit of soap and water, none of this mambypampy stuff you get today.

Yes, well while she may be wise, until we’ve found a soap that contains toner, moisturiser, exfoliator and pumps our skin full of vitamins and antioxidants as well as being a suitable cleanser there’s just no way that advice is going to stick.

We’re beauty product addicts in the Westfield office, trying out creams, cleansers and make up to our skin’s, if not our granny’s, delight and when we hear of a new product on the market we get a little excited.  Currently exciting us is Bobby Brown with news of a serum to add to their already substantial skincare offering.

The Extra Repair Serum rolls out nationwide next month at House of Fraser, priced at £60, and contains Vitamin C and a peptide which supposedly can help soften the look of lines and wrinkles over time. Our beauty panel is on the case.  Will report back as soon as we’ve tried it!

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27 January 2011: 10:37

Winter TLC from L’Occitane

While our livers and waistlines are quite enjoying January, our skin absolutely hates it.   The central heating is making it dry while the lack of sunlight also means our make up has got that little bit heavier, something our pores are not too happy about. Too cold outside, too hot inside: our skin is confused and craving a little love. Thankfully, L’Occitane has come up with something which goes along way to appeasing it. 

One of our favourite products has always been the Ultra Rich Face Cream from L’Occitane. With its silky smooth texture and pleasant, not overpowering, scent it keeps skin moisturised for hours thanks to the high concentration of shea butter. Now L’Occitane are including a scrub with it as as part of a Magical Face Care Duo which makes it the perfect combo for confused skin at winter at a very reasonable £35.

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