Every woman needs a bit of glamour in her life. These Amazon bestsellers may be retro and glam, but do they work as good as they look? Let’s find out.
First up is a classic, Cornsilk Satin Loose Powder 
Next is Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara in Black
L’Oreal Elnett UV Filter Hairspray
What do you think? Are you a fan of any of the above?
Every year, almost 50,000 women in the UK receive the devastating news that they have breast cancer. That’s around one woman every 10 minutes. It’s time to put an end to this disease and that’s why Breakthrough is asking UK shoppers to help us stop breast cancer for good.
We’ve joined forces with high street favourites such as Debenhams, Laura Ashley and River Island, alongside beauty heavyweights Avon and ghd, to launch exclusive products to raise vital funds during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Each item carries a minimum 10% donation to Breakthrough’s life-saving work and, with prices starting from as little as £3.15, the collection carries something for everyone; Avon and ghd have your beauty needs covered, delicious berry shades are showcased in fashion pieces from designers at Debenhams and Damsel in a dress and a statement t-shirt from River Island, with bright kitchen accessories and tea-time staples available from Laura Ashley and Debenhams.
As an extra treat, bottlegreen has become bottlepink with a limited edition Pomegranate & Elderflower Cordial, complete with scrumptious cake recipe for 2014’s Breakthrough Bake Off, and M&S has created the beautiful ‘In the Pink’ bouquet.
There are a handful of items not yet on the lookbook that I have also copied in below. Jewellery brand Stella & Dot’s Strength and Inspire bracelets are priced at £35.00 each whilst the delicate Hope necklace is priced at £32.00. Made in Chelsea’s Riley Uggla has also designed an exclusive Live Your Life heart sweater with How Do I Save the World, which will retail at £20.00.
1. ghd Coral Bird of Paradise Styler, £129.00 – £10 donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available at exclusive premier salons and www.ghdhair.com
2. Avon’s Ultra Glazewear lip gloss in Pink Watermelon, reduced price of £3.50 (R.R.P £6.50) for Breast Cancer Awareness Month -£1 donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available at www.avon.uk.com or through local representative
3. Bottlepink Pomegranate & Elderflower Cordial (500ml), RRP £3.15 – 10% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available in all major supermarkets
4. Debenhams Floozie by Frost French Flower Statement Necklace, RRP £22.00 – Part of Debenhams’ Think Pink range with a 25% charity donation, which will be split 45% to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, 45% to Breast Cancer Campaign and 10% to Pink Ribbon Foundation. Available in-store and online at www.debenhams.com
5. Debenhams Think Pink Hangers, RRP £12.00 – Part of Debenhams’ Think Pink range with a 25% charity donation, which will be split 45% to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, 45% to Breast Cancer Campaign and 10% to Pink Ribbon Foundation. Available in sizes 8 to 20, in-store and online at www.debenhams.com
6. Laura Ashley Darcey Spot China Cup and Saucer, RRP £12.00 – 10% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available in most stores and at www.lauraashley.com
7. River Island Fashion Is T-shirt, RRP £18.00 – 30% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available in stores and online at www.riverisland.com
8. Damsel in a dress Obsession dress, £189.00 – 10% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available from www.damselinadress.co.uk and in select John Lewis and House of Fraser stores UK-wide (also have lifestyle shot)
9. Stella & Dot Inspire Bracelet, RRP £35.00 – 20% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available via www.stellaanddot.com or local stylists
10. Stella & Dot Strength Bracelet, RRP £35.00 – 20% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available via www.stellaanddot.com or local stylists
11. Stella & Dot Hope Necklace, RRP £32.00 – net proceeds go to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available via www.stellaanddot.com or local stylists
12. Riley Uggla’s Live Your Life Heart Sweater, RRP £20.00 – 20% donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Available at www.howdoisavetheworld.com
Luxury independent hair and beauty salon Leticia Haute Coiffure has been famed on being able to fully cater to their clients needs. The salon provides exclusive hair and beauty services including non bleached highlights and premium Brazilian blow-drys, to waxing, facials and even fashion styling. Perfect for women who are constantly on the go and in need of preening, the salon works on a membership basis with prices starting from £180 a month offering a round the clock service either at the salon, hotel or even in your own home. Another hidden gem within this Marylebone salon is that award winning, Creative Director, Pierre Doumit, has developed a signature 15 minute blowout which is said to work on any hair type and perfect for busy London women.
I was sent to try this service out and when better to try then slap bang in the middle of London Fashion Week. With shows backed up all day, I barely had an hour to spare and wanted to put “the fastest blowout in London” to the test.
myself and Pierre
On arrival the vibe was generally chilled out and Pierre and his amazing team of staff were on hand to grant your each and every demand. I didn’t really have much of an idea of the kind of style I wanted but I was pretty sure that I would be more than safe in Pierres expert hands. The staff were chatty and friendly from the get go and are more than welcoming. I was then left in the safe hands of Pierre and asked if I would like a head massage. Absolutely, I jumped at the chance especially when the craziness of Fashion Week kicked in. The massage was insane, I would have just stayed for it alone. The blowdry itself was a super speedy 15 minutes, if that, with the help of Pierre’s lovely assistant. My hair was revived and volumised and bigger than Bardots. As well as that, Pierre asked me if I would like adjustments and showed me how to create the volume I had asked for which personally is a huge plus when hair stylists show you how to recreate a gorgeous style at home.
As I was leaving, I couldn’t help but swoon over the nails of the girl who works in the salon. Turns out the manicurist based in the salon is a nail art goddess. All in all an amazing experience, speedy, friendly and it helps that they’re all good at their jobs too, if a 15 minute blow dry is what you’re after, I assure you Pierre will stick to his word.
It’s not every day that we’d take beauty advice from a self-proclaimed ‘Facemask Monster’ but Suki Waterhouse took to Instagram last night to share an insight into her skincare regime.
Suki showed off the 111SKIN Bio Cellulose Mask via video, and while admittedly not her finest look, the mask is a quick and effective weekly treatment that brightens and hydrates – a great choice pre fashion week to ensure catwalk clear skin.
The 111SKIN Bio Cellulose Mask is available from 111SKIN.com and Harrods £20 for a single mask or £85 for a pack of 5
My hair frequently looks like a frizz bomb. Depending on the weather it ranges from tangled to full-out frizzy nightmare. Finding out about Argan oil has been something of a lifesaver. It truly is a wonder ingredient so I was happy to review NHP Nutri Argan Beautifying Elixir. An intensive, multi-tasking, haircare product. 
This wonder product can be used everyday and it really does work on my hair. It soothe out the dryness and leaves it looking amazing. You only have to use a few drops so even though it cost £16.80 for 100ml it is still completely worth it. It strengthens hair, leaves it less tangled and protects the hair from free radicals, heat and environmental factors. I can give it the thumbs up, and so can my hair.
Based on organic, certified natural oils of Argan and Macadamia, Beautifying Elixir provides extraordinary smoothness, softness and shine. A precious fluid based on a unique blend of fine oils rich in essential fatty acids and natural anti-oxidisers it is instantly absorbed by the hair.
A few drops revitalise the most problem hair, nourishing it from roots to ends with a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
Free from alcohol, parabens, PEG-PPG, mineral oils and artificial colourants it is enriched with anti-ageing Beta-carotene which helps to restore the energy supply to the hair fibre.
A complete hair wellness treatment, Beautifying Elixir:
Four ways to use…
Pre-shampoo – apply from root to tip and then massage well to deeply moisturise the scalp and hair. Leave for 10 minutes before shampooing (ideally with NHP Nutri Argan Hair Bath). The hair fibre is immediately replenished and loos revitalised.
Before styling – distribute evenly onto towel blotted hair. Helps to reduce drying time, facilitates styling and contols frizz. Hair is smooth, soft and protected.
Finishing Touch – apply a few drops to dry hair. Imparts an extreme shine and protects the hair fibre from daily external aggressors, prolonging colour life. Leaves the hair silky and manageable.
Intensive salon style treatment – mix with 5ml of NHP Nutri Argan Hair Mask, leave on the hair to absorb for at least ten minutes before rinsing.
NHP – Natural Haircare Program – was developed for professional salon use to care for dry, colour treated or brittle hair in need of superior nourishment to restore the internal balance and to condition the external structure of the hair shaft. Inspired by nature, the NHP Nutri Argan nourishing range is rich in a blend of certified organic Argan Oil and Macadamia Oil to replenish moisture in the hair from the roots to the tips to help regain softness, elasticity and shine. The scalp and hair are also protected thanks to the exclusion of potentially irritating or aggressive synthetic ingredients such as SLES, DEA, parabens, paraffin and colourants. NHP is also kind to the environment as all packaging is 100% recyclable and products are created using renewable and ecological sources of energy.
NHP is available from Giannasso Hair & Beauty Covent Garden, selected hair salons nationwide and online at www.beautybyzara.com. £16.80 for 100ml.
Summer may feel like a distant memory but there are still a few lucky ones on holiday. In the hope of some future summer days, or future holidays we have reviewed Soleve Sunburn Relief. It is the first licensed product of its type specifically formulated to ease the pain and discomfort of mild to moderate sunburn. 
Here is what they say:
Soleve Sunburn Relief is a lotion applied to mild to moderately sunburnt skin to relieve the pain of the sunburn and to moisture the skin. It combines two active ingredients to deliver effective relief right where it’s needed: an effective analgesic, ibuprofen, and an emollient, isopropyl myristate.
Ibuprofen is a well-known Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that is a powerful painkiller and reduces inflammation. Soleve is specially designed to deliver therapeutic levels of ibuprofen directly into sunburnt skin – precisely where it is needed.
Isopropyl myristate, is an emollient which effectively soothes and moisturises the skin by trapping water. Rehydration of sunburnt skin is very important to promote the normal healing process and to make the skin feel more comfortable by reducing both the skin tightness of sunburn and the frictional irritation between sunburnt skin and clothing.
This lotion goes on easily and a little bit goes a long way. It absorbs well and you can use it up to eight times a day. Does it work on sunburn? Yes, it eases and soothes. It is quite pricey at £9.95 but it does work, both moisturising and painkilling. It doesn’t smell bad and is not overpowering either. Recommended as a first-aid kit essential, good stuff.
Available from Boots and Boots.com
It is no secret that the bees are dying because of pesticide abuse and that all of the toxic chemicals they put in our toothpaste and make up are affecting our health. The madness of the world is that if we don’t want nasty pesticides on our fruit and veg then we have to pay more for the organic stuff.
This is why we have a new favourite app: Think Dirty. This is what they say:
Think Dirty® app is the easiest way to learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in your cosmetics and personal care products. It’s an independent source that allows you to compare products as you shop. Just scan the product barcode and Think Dirty will give you easy-to-understand info on the product, its ingredients, and cleaner options.
This is a free app that will let you know if your products contain potentially toxic chemicals like BHA / BHT, PEGs, formaldehyde releasing agents, siloxanes, sulfates, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, fragrance/parfum and non-biodegradable ingredients
We love it and think that you will too. Get the free app on iTunes here.
“According to a recent survey, the majority of women would rather gain ten pounds then look ten years older” explains Charity Finnigan, Elizabeth Arden’s Brand Manager. This can’t surely be true i’m thinking, but as I look around this room of women all I see and hear are nodding heads and approving sighs. I guess ageing is something I haven’t really thought about having just turned 26, but more and more women I speak to from experience are saying the same thing, that they wished they took more preventative measures in anti-ageing and that it’s not too late for my generation to start. Unless I get some hard scientific facts i’m a sceptic, and that is exactly what Elizabeth Arden delivered in their flawless presentation about their newest range of Ceramide products; Flawless Future.
Charity Finnigan’s presentation
It’s hard to come to terms with something when you’ve never had to experience it yourself but it’s inevitable that one time or another the signs of ageing will be apparent on our face. Unlike those who would resort to drastic measures I would prefer to grow old gracefully and with some help it’s becoming easier and easier for women to do that. Here comes the science: 25 years ago, Elizabeth Arden patented ceramide technology. Ceramides are the molecules that keep the skin healthy and support the collagen produced. Over the years, these ceramides begin to deplete causing the skin to age and a huge factor is stress. During a recent study, the most stressed out age group are 20-30 year olds and it has shown that the biggest loss in ceramides happen in your 30’s. Aiming an anti-ageing product for this age group then makes total sense and Elizabeth Arden have the right idea.
The Flawless Future Collection is comprised of;
Flawless Future powered by Ceramide ™ Caplet Serum
This serum which soothes and brightens skin is powered by Micro-Caplets which provides an even application and effective penetration. Over 80% of women who tried this reported that their skin was smoother, brighter and looked stress-free. This product is pure luxury for the skin.
Flawless Future powered by Ceramide ™ Moisture Cream SPF 30
A daily moisturiser that hydrates and brightens, diminish discolourations and softens lines and wrinkles. This cream is enriched with rice kefiran which is proven to improve hydration, glycerin and shea butter. Pearlescent pigments and mica in the ingredients also enhance complexion. Over 90% of women felt their skin looked smooth, supple and hydrated. SPF also provides skin with sun protection. After a week of using this I saw an immediate difference in my skin brightness and hydration and the amazing scent makes me look forward to applying this.
Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide ™ Eye Gel
This brightening gel fights the appearance of stress and fatigue around the eyes for a radiant, brighter look. The formula is boosted with vitamin E and hydrating sodium hyaluronate and a unique algae extract complex that targets puffiness and dark circles. The design of the dispenser means that it controls the appropriate amount of product to the eye, really handy! Over 70% of women reported a visible difference to fine lines, stress and fatigue were relieved and brightness was improved. Another bonus is that this eye gel is safe for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.
As all Elizabeth Arden products are, they are all presented nicely and look great in my bathroom cabinet. The great thing about the launch was that as well as learning about the new products it was full of other inspirational beauty writers and bloggers sharing tips with each other and enjoying themselves with the incredible Elizabeth Arden team. They put on a really special evening and went above and beyond expectations to make sure we were welcomed, informed and having a great time. It really makes a difference when huge brands go that extra mile and I really look forward to seeing what else Elizabeth Arden have in store.
Flawless Future is available exclusively at Debenhams from now until 10th August and launches nationwide 15th August.
follow @ardenUK for more information. www.elizabetharden.co.uk
keshini misha.