Andrea Fulerton DIY

A little bit of nail art today with the help of Andrea Fulerton Stripe & Sparkle. All the yesteryear fun of arts and crafts but slightly more justifiable on a lazy Saturday.. Tricky to get the hang of at first, but once you've nailed it (see what I did there?!), the 2-step glitter shaker promises endless nail art fun. Plain nails are so last season..

By Olivia Cox

David Koma SS12

Fashion went a bit tribal-tastic at David Koma yesterday, but backstage the look was manipulated to include the metallic trend that has taken London by storm. Irridescent, see-through textures on the catwalk inspired hair and make up creations with a seriously futuristic theme, perfectly complemented by the daylight-strewn show space at the old Eurostar Terminal in Waterloo.

Skin was manipulated by Nicola Joss to create a shimmery, iridescent finish using St Tropez Silverrose Illuminator and just the faintest hint of spray tan. Makeup artist Mel Arter went for fresh, vibrant colours, inspired by glass, perspex and other reflective textures to create the illusion of bodies sugar coated and frozen in time. Eyes were lacquered in MAC Lipglass up to the brow bone, with the smallest of reflective blue glitter around the top lash line. Lips were washed-out using MAC Lip Erase, and (ironically) gloss-free.

Kenna for GHD re-created the positive and negative space between the paneling of the clothes using a patchwork of shiny and “natural” sections of hair. The look was completely symmetrical, adding to the futuristic vibe.

So it’s back to the future, then.

Danielle Scutt SS12

A nod to street culture backstage at Danielle Scutt last night, taking inspiration from our multifaceted society. Luke Hersheson took pretty and gave it a serious dose of reality with his east-meets-west hair – think school-girl braids given a Croydon Face-lift.

And on make-up, Gemma Smith-Edhouse continued the rebellion with her rejection of the contouring trend. Luke’s super-shiny hair (courtesy of L’Oreal Professionel Gloss Control) was contrasted with purposefully brushed-up eyebrows, fixed in place with glue for an intriguing textures clash.

She even sent a smattering of girls down the runway with a graphic stripe on the left cheekbone, reminiscent of that plaster on Nelly. Word up.  

The effect was uniquely ironic, and seemingly hopeful for our “broken generation” after the August riots.

Olivia Cox

Meet Shelly..

A new girl has landed in my makeup bag and is causing quite a stir.. Shelly by Andrea Garland is a divine, vintage inspired clutch bag pendant, discreetly containing delectable beeswax lipbalm. With notes of grapefruit, lavender and raspberry, Shelly is almost too good to use.. Almost.. £29.50 at andreagarland.co.uk from September 28<sup>th

By Olivia Cox</sup> 

Tattoo'd Talons

I've come over all patriotic this afternoon, having discovered Andrea Fulerton Rose & Crowns Nail Tattoos. They've punked-up my nails, and I'm pretty sure they've transformed my three-day-old chipped lacquer from tatty to edgy. £1.99 at superdrug.com

By Olivia Cox

Watch These Red Lips

Until very recently, I had never worn red lipstick. In fact, I would go so far as to say that I consciously avoided it. A scarlett pout was (for me) simply unchartered territory, lingering quietly in the "should try / afraid of" category. But then during a frenzied packing session for a vintage-themed outing, I stumbled upon Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Hollywood Red. The pleasingly gooey gloss avoided all the pouting pitfalls I had assumed would befall my maiden voyage - no bleeding, no teeth-smears, and the intense pigment didn't even cause me to look washed out. Winner. Start your own scarlet liaison at bobbibrown.co.uk (£14.50)

Olivia Cox

My Sanctuary

Day 2 of treatment testing took me to The
Sanctuary, a pleasingly female-only spa in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Amid a series of pools, saunas, giant carp (no, really..) and a what looks like
a Quasi-sexual water swing is a series of treatment rooms. Offering experiences
from facials to floats, the idyllic treatment areas are quiet and reassuringly
homely, with blankets and cushions littering large sofas. I was treated to the
3-in-1 float, which saw me scrubbed, rubbed and wrapped, before being submerged
in a tank. This is not one for the claustrophobic - and it turns out my over-paranoia
about rogue sharks potentially sharing said tank isn't great either.. 
The treatment is designed to instil a sense of calm, with a
sensory trio of semi-darkness, lightly bubbling water and soothing sounds
deepening body and mind relaxation. 
I emerged from my weightless stupor feeling light and
relieved of the tension I keep in my lower back. The deeply penetrating Shea
butter had left my skin visibly plumper and soft to the touch.
I topped off my treatment with a stint in the infra-red
sauna and sleep therapy session. Not sure I quite achieved the prescribed
meditative state but it was certainly relaxing, and I'm fairly sure the lady in
bed 3 was snoring..

Fast Fashion

Another night, another party with The Twin, and this time we strayed northward, to the shabby chic of Kensal Rise. Clad in suitably edgy attire, we mingled with the Fash Pack, celebrating Mark Fast for.. well, for being Mark Fast, so far as I could tell. Mark himself was taller and more masculine than I had imagined, sporting a bit of a rugger bugger build and a fair crop of facial hair (plus obligatory man-tail. Swoon.) We supped specially prepared watermelon and lychee parad-ICE cocktails (the bar was called The Paradise), marvelled at the ornate decor (think PG version of Soho's The Box) and snacked on an unusual mix of canapes from delicate oysters to freezer-staple chicken goujon. When the time came to take our leave, we were greeted by a friendly batch of paps, who brutally ignored the pair of us. Perhaps we should have got our knickers out?

By Olivia Cox

Don't Mind If I Do

In a rather fantastic turn of fate, my Editor was yesterday “running late to her Illuminata Spa treatment and would I mind going instead?” Well, I do aim to please..

The Sound Therapy was designed to compliment a massage or facial, although I found it to be thoroughly relaxing as a stand-alone treatment – just the right amount of time-out to make yours truly feel royally indulged.

Laying on a lightly vibrating massage bed clad in loose robes, eye mask and headphones, I listened to high frequency classical music, designed to stimulate the brain and deepen the relaxation experience. My therapist applied gradual pressure from my feet and up my body, before focusing on my upper torso and head for a tension-releasing Oriental Tranquility massage. The sensory overload of sound, vibration and massage was deeply relaxing, and left me feeling revitalised as though emerging from a deep sleep.

£45 for 30 mins, Decleor (020) 7313 8787 decleor.co.uk / Spa Illuminata (020) 7499 7777 spailluminata.com

Here's One I Made Earlier..

I've been beavering away at Marie Claire and Elle, updating their beauty blogs..

http://blogs.marieclaire.co.uk/jessica-hough/stop-faking-it/

http://blogs.marieclaire.co.uk/jessica-hough/the-good-life/

http://www.elleuk.com/beauty/beauty-notes-daily/sally-s-kirby-ammunition-belt

http://www.elleuk.com/beauty/beauty-notes-daily/fest-tastic-skin-care-from-kiehl-s

Olivia Cox

Getting Racy..

At the track this weekend to watch Joe et al and celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type (very fabulous to look at, but an over-heating nightmare of a car. I know this because I got stuck in a queue of the huff-puffing buggers en route into the grounds). Sadly missed the excitement that was Joe’s little brush with the track wall in which he ended up re-decorating the front of his Mini. Shame.

Of course, I realise I should be more interested in the results, but frankly I can’t remember what he drove in, let alone where he finished. There was one very pretty blue car, and one that I’m told was a Lotus. I believe it was green..

Joe’s off to Spa tomorrow to begin training in the count-down to the 24hr race for Ecurie Ecosse and Astin (Aston?) Martin. I shall be there for the weekend, although unfortunately I will be sans the sister. I am muchos devestado about this, as we have lots of fun on race weekends, painting our nails and so forth to pass the time while we feign a loose interest in cars..

Olivia Cox

Done In 60 Seconds

Maximise your time outdoors using these timely goodies to shave seconds off your regime and get glowing fast..

1. Rimmel's 60 Seconds Nail Polish does exactly what is says on the tin, and comes in a delicious 26 shades. The pro-inspired wide precision brush makes nailing-it a doddle. £3.69 at Boots

2. Clinique's lightweight Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser with SPF15 is ultra moisturising and hydrating, which means less time layering individual products and more time to enjoy the sun. £21 at www.clinique.co.uk 

3. Refresh tired make-up with a hydrating facial spritz to leave you instatnly dewy and fresh-feeling. We love The Organic Pharmacy Rose Facial Spritz Toner, £21.50 at www.theorganicpharmacy.com 

4. Colorsport Brown 30 Day Mascara is an easy to use home-dye kit for lash and eyebrow tinting. Get yours before before the sun strikes and reap the benefits thereafter. £8.16 at Boots

5. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF15 looks like a lipstick, applies like a lipstick, does the job of a serious balm. Another all-in-1 product that no sunny jaunt should ever be without. £19 at John Lewis

So what are you waiting for? I'll see you in the sun..

If you can't stand the heat.. invest in some new cosmetics!

Fed up of looking more beach fade than beach babe? Keep your cool this summer and let SS11's sweat/water/sun-proof goodies keep you looking hot.

The packing list..

1. Waterproof eyeliner - Beat the budge with Benefit's new girl on the block, BADgal Liner Waterproof. The rich, creamy formula is super-easy to apply and means less time in front of the mirror and more time in the sun. We like. Choose from Espresso, Charcoal or Black (we're keeping ours espresso for a more natural look). £14 at Benefit Boutiques or www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk 

2. Bronzer with SPF - Smudge onto bare skin for a sun-kissed glow that strikes the perfect balance between plastered and pasty. Lancome Star Bronzer Mineral Mat SPF15 ticks all the boxes, and launches in June. Find yours for £32 at Boots

3. Foundation with SPF -  Chanel's Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF15 is ultra-hydrating, provides high UV protection, and is the perfect remedy for pasty sun-cream face syndrome. £31.66 at Boots.

4. Waterproof mascara - Keep your peepers perky with a coat of L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof and protect against the dreaded panda eyes. £11.22 at Boots

5. Lipgloss with SPF  - Pump up the gloss factor and let you lips do the talking. Clinique's Long Last Glosswear SPF15 is a non-sticky, highly pigmented lip-shield that makes achieving the perfect pout a doddle. £14 at Clinique counters 

6. Long Lasting Lipstick – Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lipstick does exactly what it says on the tin, providing excellent colour payoff and maximum staying power - we're predicting this goodie will last longer than you will.. From £17, at Estee Lauder counters

With this secret stash of beach-savvy tools, sun-care need not be a chore, and your skin will thank you for it!

Just Makeup Artists

Published! Review of Benefit's exquisite new skincare line, b.right!


http://justmakeupartists.com/articles/b-right-benefit-skincare

Here Comes The Sun!

It's official, the heatwave has landed. And with bookies now accepting bets on the hottest day this year falling in April, it seems our blink-and-you’ll-miss-it English summer may already have the end in sight. So with precious few tanning days remaining, sunning has suddenly got serious! Maximise your tan potential with SS11’s latest tanning tricks.

Sip on Rodial Skinny Beach Sticks – Active ingredients betacarotene and lycopene help to build up the tanning pigments in the skin, increasing your body’s ability to go golden, making day two pasty pins a thing of the past! £48 at www.rodial.co.uk 

Apply St Tropez SPF30 High Protection for Body with Tan Enhancer – Melanobronze gently stimulates the body’s own melanin production to help naturally enhance your tan and get sunkissed skin in seconds. (and maybe a few hours..) £15 at www.st-tropez.com

Choose an SPF-enhanced foundation – Prevent accidental face-frying by switching to a SPF-enhanced foundation - with tan-time so scarce, there really is no time for such sillyness..! I love the luminous, skin-perfecting coverage of Lancome Teint Miracle, £26 at House of Fraser

Spritz Benefit Ultra Radiance Facial Re-hydrating Mist – Fear not the make-up melt! Keep this spray on hand and keep your cool in the heat. £19.50  at House of Fraser

And in the meantime, abandon winter skincare regimes and get your skin sun-ready with some gentle scrubbing. All-together now, exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!

It's All So Quiet..

My blog seems to have suffered a little of late, but I promise I am full to bursting with excuses - for starters, the 12 hour days (without lunch or tea break. Shocking stuff). Yes, the last couple of weeks really have seen me work my little intern socks off as our team raced against the clock to prepare for 8 main beauty shoots in Miami. We had just four days to call-in clothes, underwear, lingerie (yes there is a difference), sportswear and equipment, high fashion looks.. for a small bevy of themes from acid brights to hippy chic. 

Everything was to be packed ready for shipping by 4pm on D Day. So of course we began the mammoth task of editing looks, folding clothes, constructing customs-friendly packing lists, and labelling suitcases at approximately 3.50pm that very day. Standard. 

The clock ticked by, the post room called to badger us every ten minutes, and we grew increasingly panicked. What had been a (relatively) organised mess had turned, quite simply, into couture chaos. As it grew increasingly unlikely that the shipping man would have hung around waiting for our battered suitcases to emerge, we managed to squash the final few pieces in and with a satisfying "zppppp" sealed our final case. We emerged, sweating, into the post-room with knickers, sports bras and accessories lying abandoned in our wake and exchanged looks of disbelief. We had done it! 

Of course, the worst is far from over. And as I bury  myself deep in piles of returns, I find myself thinking longingly of past days sat at my desk manically chasing PRs for unset samples. Oh, to be the chase-er and not the chase-ee! That's all I have time  for now, I'm off to be a cupboard gremlin!  

Published! Well.. sort of

http://lauraecox.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/abandon-hope-all-yee-who-enter-how-to-be-an-intern/

Here Comes The Rain Again..

Drip drip drop go the April showers and frizz frizz ruin goes my hair. Yes, having stoically brazened out the cold winter and drying effects of the ever-ubiquitous central heating, my rebellious hair will take the oportunity to double in size at even the slightest hint of rain this spring. What's a girl to do? Well, they say that prevention is better than cure, so here's what I'm going to be doing to get my locks in tip top in preparation for spring. 

1. Invest in an intensive hair treatment mask - I love Bumble & Bumble Mending Masque, £27.50 at www.spacenk.co.uk. Drench towel dried hair in you chosen conditioning treatment, wrap hair in aluminum foil and then a hot towel (achieved by hanging it on a radiator) and wait 30 mins. Your hair will feel luxuriously smooth and soft, and you can rest assured that you've restored it to at least part of it's former glory. Tip source: Giannandrea Marongiu, hairstylist to Kirsten Dunst and Hilary Swank. Quoted in US InStyle, March 2011.

2. Choose your tools carefully. One of the greatest causes of hair breakage is burshing. Opt for a flexible, wide-toothed brush, which will prevent unnecesary snagging. Tangle Teezer's Compact Styler (£12.24 at www.tangleteezer.com) is fab, and totally travel-friendly so you can be smooth on the move, too. 

3. Go nowhere near heated tools until you've applied a generous amount of your favourite heat defense product. Many serums and straightening gels have thermal defending properties (I like Redken Sheer Straigh 06, £12.55 at www.lookfantastic.com), but if using with straightening irons it's always a good idea to use a product from the brand's range, as these are specifically formulated to prevent build-up on your irons. I like GHD's thermal protector series, £9.95 at ghdhair.com)

4. Give it a rest! Try a 'one-on-one-off' regime for your hair. One wash, you heat-style to your wee hearts content, the next wash, you leave your locks be. Take inspiration from Natalie Portman and tame unruly barnets on 'off'' days with this season's must-try updo: the bun. Secure hair in a ponytail in the middle of your head, twist until the hair begins to fold back on itself, and secure with another band or hair pins. Et voila - no one need ever know that you skimped on your styling, and your hair will thank you for the break.

5. If you have no time for prevention, and need a cure, fast, rinse your hair with vinegar. No really. The acidity of the vinegar will close the hair's cuticles, forcing them all to lie in the same direction, and maximising light reflection and shine. 

Cute or Custard?

Yesterday, I proudly paraded a new nail colour by M&S in what I thought was a perfectly spring-like shade of yellow, "Lemon". It went on easily, dried quickly, and looked fashion forward and edgy. I thought. However, far from attracting praise and admiration, I was stopped in my tracks by a damning report delivered from my sister; "looks like you stuck your hands in birds-eye custard". Hm. So, I re-grouped, removed and started a-fresh. And then, as I picked out a second choise shade, "Ice To Meet You" by Leighton Denny (a sort of pearlised-gone-wrong dirty yellow), it hit me. Following A/W10's every-so-slightly grubby greys, this season's nail colours are actually just a little bit gross. Take Denny's gunky green "Inside Scoop", a slightly snotty shade of the much-loved secondary colour, or Orly's violent "Old School Orange". And so I wonder. With such ubiquitous colours taking the beauty counters by storm, how long before we all succumb to custard-nail syndrome? 

Love/Hate

Foundation and I have enjoyed a bit of a love/hate relationship over the years. From orange and cakey to thin and patchy, I seem to have made just about every face-paint mistake in the book.. but with almost a decade of religious application under my belt, I like to think I've finally cracked it. That's not to say I don't suffer the occasional blip; just last week, I was greeted by a chorus of "Oompa-Loompa.." from my male friends on account of my mis-matching face and neck (I blame bad lighting). And it's here that dwells the underlying fear many people experience when they consider foundation. I think the phrase "tide marks" just about sums it up.  However, with new technologies making applicaiton and blending simpler than ever, a poor result can be down only to poor choice of tool. So, I have compilied a list of tried and tested bases - from bargain to boutique - in the hope of inspiring many a happy and fuss-free face-foundation relationship.  

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse – Cheap, super easy to apply, and creates a soft texture. Can look a little one-dimensional though, so be sure to use a good blusher-highlighter combination to liven-up your complexion. £7.69 at www.boots.com 

DiorSkin Forever - Really thick coverage, perfect for a night out or those crucial morning-after moments. I need lashings of powder with this one, but then my skin is quite dry so I’m used to a very matte complexion. £28 at www.Selfridges.com

Lancome Teint Miracle – My go-to daytime foundation. Super light, it blends like a moisturiser and leaves skin looking naturally flawless, without the risk of tide marks. I Literally cannot fault this. £22.55 at www.lancome.co.uk

Chanel Naturally Luminous Compact Makeup SPF10 - Encased in a touch-up friendly compact, and blends like a dream. Won best in category at this year's InStyle Best Beauty Buy awards, voted for by almost 200 industry insiders. Well there's no arguing with the professionals.. £31, at www.harrods.com

No7 Stay Perfect Liquid Foundation - A perfect middle-of-the-road-er. Fab staying power so a bit of a winner for work. £15 at www.boots.com (almost invariably on offer - look out for '3 for 2's and stock up!)

Some like it.. well, wet, actually

You remember when Cher announced in Clueless that make-overs gave her a sense of control in a world full of chaos? Well, for me, that sense of control comes from creating change. There really is nothing more invigorating. And if that change can occur in the wee hours of the morning as I perch bleary-eyed in-front of my dressing table, then all the better. 

So you can imagine my delight when YSL Pure Chromatics wet & dry eye shadows (a veritable invitation to manipulate and mould) arrived on my desk. Lloyd Simmonds, YSL international make-up artist, describes these little gems as “the biggest impact of glamour imaginable!” That sounded like a challenge. So, I swatched and I swiped; I dampened and I dried. And was it true? The proof is in the pudding, so I leave you to draw your own conclusions (photos to follow). Personally, I was sold at first swipe, but at £37 a pop and a shelf date not til March 2011, you might want to consider some more accessible alternatives. 

The YSL shadows come with two applicators, specifically modified to handle the wet-to-dry transition; however, most shadows can achieve the same consistancy simply by wetting your applicator brush or sponge, for a creamier, richer colour experience. For most dramatic results, use metallics or acid bright colours (the higher the pigment the better), as seen all over S/S 11 catwalks. Try Nars Single Eyeshadow in Daphne (£16.50 at www.narscosmetics.co.uk), Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Ore (£15.50 at www.illamasqua.com), or Maybelline Eyestudio Colour Explosion Duo in Green Gold (£6.99 at www.boots.com). 

The Lip(liners) Have It

I was recently asked to transcribe an interview with celebrity make-up artist Kay Montano. Kay spoke lucidly about her a-list clients; that face powder incident with Nicole, working with Kiera's bold features, and.. the merits of lip liner. 

Now. When I think of lip liner, I picture myself aged 11, excitedly exploring my horde of mum's Clinique cast-offs and making a tragic mess of my face in the process. I think old ladies. I think Eastenders. I think the 1970s. But according to Kay, lip-liner = life-saver in the world of celebrity make-up. Apparently, it all comes  down to control, a factor which escapes a make-up artist the minute their client leaves the chair - who knows what they will do, she implores. I detect a sense of panic. As though our beloved celebs might take to their lips with a red crayon, a la that imfamous taxi scene in Ab Fab, when Eddy inadvertantly turns her face into a child's scribbles en route to a crucial meeting. Of the tricks and tools Kay uses to regain this upper-hand on those dastardly cosmetics and their tendancy to droop / slip / cake with time, it was lip liner she repeatedly returned to, heralding it as creating a clean, sharp, controlled look that will last under the presure of the celebrity circuit.

So. Should we all rush out and buy one? Well, with colour blocking set to storm the markets for summer, perhaps a liner isn't a bad investment. If you're a fan of the red lips, a liner will help keep your colour at bay, and prevent that awful "creeping" into fine lines around the mouth. However, beware the fated two-tone look. If you must line, then repeat after me.. match match match! Your lipstick should perfectly match the hue of your liner, or it is simply pointless. I'll give a few a road-test tonight and let you see what I mean. 

You've Been Tango'ed

Every dog has his day, and tangerine is enjoying a real it-moment on the catwalks this season - finally, it's tasteful to be tangoed.. but not as you previously knew it! The makeup maestros at Givenchy have tickled our fancy with the fabulous new Acid Lights collection (and in particular the stunning Le Prisimissine Eyes Acid Lights, a veritable paint palette of treats - merci beaucoup, Givenchy!), but until it is released in mid-May, here’s a few orangey offerings to tide us over..

From Leighton Denny's SS11 "The Gelato" nails collection, "Do me a flavour" is so delightfully orange, it's almost naughty. £11 at www.leightondenny.com

Model's Own Neon Orange Powder Eyeshadow - The name says it all really.. Fabulous, and super easy to apply. £5 at www.modelsownit.com 

Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss in Torture is a seductive, decadent splash of colour and is gooey in all the right places. £13 at www.illamasqua.com 

Or if you're after a more wearable version of the tango trend, Dior's Dior Vernis in Psychedelic Orange is the perfect half-way house between fashion and fun. Deliciously red infused with a coral hue. Yummy. £17.50 at www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Pictures to follow..

Unleash Your Inner Artiste!

James Kaliardos (International Make-Up
Artist for L'Oréal Paris) is currently quoted on the L’Oreal website calling a woman's daily make-up regime a "moment of creativity". I love the idea that we are being creative in those bleariest of moments in our waking process – what a generous suggestion! See the full quote at www.loreal-paris.co.uk

Face First-Aid

It has to be the hardest skin moment of the a-list calendar. In a whirl-wind of fashion weeks, awards ceremonies and eyebag-inducing jet-lag, it must take some serious cosmetic know-how to get our celebs red-carpet ready in February. But for us mere mortals, what are the make-up marvels that take us from yucky to yummy after one too many cosmos? Here's my selection of the creme de la creme of cover-all cosmetics currently available:

Diorskin Forever - For when your regular foundation just won't cut the mustard, a heavier, "no transfer" offering is available from the house of Dior. Leaves skin dewy and soft, and will last much longer than you will..! £28.50 at www.selfridges.com

Benefit Erase Paste - Goes on like paint. Stays on like paint. Need I say more? £19.50 at www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser Lip Cream - Get back to basics and give partying-dried lips a new lease of life. £2.54 at www.Boots.com

St Tropez Bronzing Rocks - Individual rocks of bronzer (yes, the clue is in the name..) means even brush coverage and a perfectly glowing complexion. £30.64 at www.st-tropez.com

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara in brown - Clever little millioniser brush separates and lengthens lashes, while excess wiper prevents overload. Perfect for a natural, day-friendly finish. Choose a warm, chocolately brown to draw attention from red eyes. £11.29 at www.boots.com

YSL Creme de Blush - Effortlessly achieves that perfect pop of velvety colour, enough to brighten even the wan-est complexion. £28 at www.Harrods.com

Clarins Joli Rouge Perfect Brilliant Shine Sheer Lipstick – There’s nothing worse than lipstick on chapped lips, but Clarins’ has just the right amont of moisture to nurse your smackers back to health and leave them looking fresh. £15.82 at http://uk.clarins.com 

The First Post

Hello! I have decided to start a blog, to chart my progress from beauty intern to (maybe, just maybe, if I cross my fingers hard enough) getting a "real job" at a magazine. I am writing it mainly as a form of personal diary, but if it helps other interns in the process, then all the better! I like the idea of looking back in years to come and remembering  what it took to get where I end up.. Hopefully this will help! Liv xx