LFW AW12: favourite beauty looks

With Milan preparing for the last few days of shows and the beauty editors eagerly anticipating what Paris may have in store for them I thought I’d take share with you some of my favourite beauty looks from London Fashion Week...

First up: Micahel Van Der Ham with gold leaf eyes, a pretty feline flick and tumbling glossy 40s waves. The gold leaf is highly un-wearable and looks tricky to get right; for that reason I want to experiment with it so much more. But perhaps I’ll wait until the autumn, this is definitely a look for a glamour filled, champagne sipping chilly AW evening.

Next: I loved Moschino Cheap And Chic glittering and sparkling pink lips. They are such fun and give the appearance of having just kissed a tub of sherbet; sugary sweet and delicious.

I also loved: Erdem neon tweed and traditional tailoring teamed with a Charles Worthington bow-tail. The perfect pairing of structure and pretty; a black bow in my hair is a look accessible enough for everyday.

Finally: Roksanda Ilincic grunge bun, dewy skin and smoky eyes. Super sexy, elegant and feminine.

Disastrously one of the key trends to emerge from New York and London Fashion Week was the bare-faced beauty: she sports simple eyes, taupe and beiges colours and not a scrape of mascara. I look a little bit ill without mascara so this is one trend I will not be embracing. As seen at Carolina Herrera, NYFW. 

 

London Fashion Week - The Highs

So LFW is over!  

What did I love? (And what did I secretly not love?)

Loving – House of Holland

Striking colours, no need for cartoon like make up, the models looked beautiful and the clothes were left to speak for themselves. (Maybe a hat or two that I doubt will be on my must have list – although never say never)

Bora Aksu

I love the quilted affect some of the outfits had. The patterns/colours/shape are so feminine.

PPQ

I would love to cycle down Buchanan Street wearing this outfit. (I promise I never will).

The leotard with tights look is a brave one, but the tights are perfectly opaque, and the sparkly detail is amazing. The figure hugging black velvet cocktail dresses are stunning, and the grey-tone chiffon skirts and dresses are so sophisticated yet flirty.

London Fashion Week -the not quite highs

I wasn’t mad keen on Simone Rocha.

I like ill-fitting tops matched with very fitted bottoms or vice versa, but for me the outfits didn’t particularly flatter any part of the models figures.

For similar reasons I was on the fence over Corrie Nielsen

I appreciate the amount of time and craftsmanship that would have gone into these structures, however I feel that they have become sculpture more than fashion. I guess some would argue that they can be the same thing? However for me I prefer fashion to be something covetable, that I am desperate to get my hands on.

Although, to contradict myself, this outfit from Corrie Nielsen’s collection was probably one of my favourites from all the shows.

Daniel Galvin: 50% off Romantic Waves Valentines Treat

As a super special Valentines treat London salon Daniel Galvin is offering 50% off the Romantic Waves style all day tomorrow, 14 February.

Ask for a Sienna? 

Or maybe a Lauren Bacall?

I’ve been lucky enough to attend the ultra gorgeous, brand new Daniel Galvin salon in the Corinthia Hotel for a glossy blow-dry and breakfast and I can assure you its completely fabulous. So tell your boss you've got an emergency doctors appointment and head down to the salon for the ultimate burst of feel good endorphin's with these glossy, glamorous 40s waves.

Bliss Fabulips: guide to kissable and beautiful lips

Do you have plans for Valentine’s day? I’ve managed to persuade my boyfriend to take me to “the best steak restaurant in London”, the Hawksmoor. I not-so-subtly hinted by emailing him the link to the website, the time I would like to go and the bottle wine that would match my steak perfectly. I do feel he owes me though; his idea of romance is 50% off in Pizza Express! So I guess I should do my bit by making sure my pout is so primed and puckered  Angeline Jolie will be jealous! 

Mirror mirror on the wall? Who is the poutiest of them all? All hail Princess Pout, Angelina Jolie

And just in time Caroline Frazer, the Simple Skincare Expert and Celebrity Make-Up Artist, has devised the ultimate step by step guide to luscious lips, some of which are so fab I couldn't help but include for you:

“Perfecting our base is the first step for achieving smooth lips. Start by gently exfoliating your lips with a clean, dry toothbrush to remove dead skin cells and encourage circulation.”

“Next apply a lip balm to hydrate and create a smooth base for applying lipstick. Follow by choosing a lip liner that is one shade darker that your lipstick and apply carefully to create subtle definition and a strong foundation for your colour.”

“Finally apply your lipstick or gloss. My top tip for achieving a full plump pout is to go for a pale nude or pink toned lip gloss or lipstick with a subtle shimmer finish as this reflects light and gives the illusion of fuller lips. Finish off with just a tiny dab of illuminator or radiance cream to the cupids bow for extra definition.” 

And with those tips in mind I set about experimenting with the new Bliss Fabulips set with enthusiasm. The set is super cute, if a bit expensive at £39, and promises to bring, “some much needed TLC to your kisser”. 

Bliss Fabulips set

Step one is a bubbling foam that lifts dirt and removes lipstick. Apply using your ring finger, wait for 30 seconds then rinse off. It absolutely did remove my lipstick however I wasn’t prepared for the odd taste – it’s very sickly sweet, just make sure you don’t swallow! Step two, three and four involve exfoliating, plumping and moisturising. I devoted an indulgent ten minutes for pure lip pampering with lovely results: my lips felt smooth, soft and cared for.

Texture and Structure

There has been a lot of structure and texture on the cat-walk recently. See Paco Rabanne’s fabulously flattering small waists and big shoulder. By cleaverly adding layers and details to everywhere apart from the waist, small waists are emphasised and curves are created.

David Koma’s s/s 2012 collection has been my favourite so far...

Bringing back the Aztec patterns for this summer in far more subtle colours has got me so excited about buying some new summer items. I know it’s only February, but I just can’t resist a summer wardrobe. I already have my mint green jeans on.

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Night Renewal Cream

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect night cream for a while and I think I may have found it. After a press release arrived in my inbox two weeks ago followed by a gorgeous little sample, I’ve been using Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Night Renewal Cream and I’m very impressed. At just £6.95 it is fantastically affordable but feels very luxurious. 

If you're familiar with Palmers you may agree with me that the defining USP is the products distinctive cocoa butter scent and the night cream does not disappointment, so much so my boyfriend even commented, “I can’t believe it, your face cream actually smells good!”... (last time I share my moisturisers/shampoo/general grooming products with him!) 

Palmers night cream is thick, creamy and works wonders for my winter weather beaten face. My skin is sensitive and sometimes feels tight or dry but Palmers is soothing and very hydrating. The cream contains anti-ageing peptides and retinol which promise to plump skin and help reduce wrinkles. Fortunately anti-ageing properties are not top of my skincare priorities right now but it’s good to know that such a deliciously nourishing face cream can benefit my skin in so many ways.

Have you tried it?