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?

The George at Asda make-over

A package arrived this week and out spilled some of the gorgeous cosmetics from the George at Asda range, courtesy of the George PR team, so I decided to set myself the George at Asda make-over challenge...

Step one: The nothing-but-moisturiser-not-so-pretty-on-a-Sunday-morning blank canvas

Step two: Apply George Face Primer and George Under Eye Concealer

I started with the creamy, fluffy and a little bit sticky primer followed by generous dollops of the YSL Touche Eclat style concealer. Touche Eclat is one of my favourite beauty products; I rarely leave the house without mine stashed in my handbag. It's essential for quick bursts of nude coloured iridescence my cheek or brow bone, or as a light-reflecting concealer under my eyes. George's version looks exactly the same, however the consistency is thick, creamy and harder to blend; it is much more suited to the role of concealer than highlighter

Concealer applied under my eyes and along my nose

Step three: George Shimmer Me! Brush-On Powder applied using a mineral foundation brush to my full face, then applied to my eyes using an eye shadow brush

Step four: George Faux Lash False Lash Effect mascara, followed by George Blush, No.2 Peachy, finished with one last dusting of George Shimmer Me! Brush-On Powder. 

The mascara creates statement, stand out, long lashes however it does take 30 seconds to dry and did smudge a little

Step five: ask long suffering but very kindly obliging boyfriend to take one last photo! The George at Asda make-over is complete!

The range is available in large Asda stores; I've found it hard to track down recent prices online however from reading other blog posts I'm assured the range is very affordable. My favourite product is the George Under-Eye Concealer as the coverage is fantastic and the colour perfect for my skin tone. I recommend locating an Asda store and treating yourself to something from the range.

Have you tried any of the products?

Miss Piggy and MAC

I like to blog an honest product review or tell you about a beauty experience I’ve had but just this once I have to share the details of a delightful press release I received this week... Miss Piggy and MAC have collaborated.

A limited edition, online-only collection goes on sale on the 1^st February. The Miss Piggy range contains a frosted pink eye shadow, £11.50, a black felt tip eye liner, £14.00, and dramatic false lashes, £10.00. The collection is loveable, feisty and fabulous and celebrates the release of the new Muppets movie on 10^th February.

Miss Piggy is glamour personified; I just adore her brash, bossy and bold attitude. She’s dripping in diamonds and feather boas but also packs a mean punch. Nobody messes with Miss Piggy. In the MAC publicity shot Miss Piggy has gone for a dark elfin crop and appears to me to be channelling sixties chic. You must agree, the sugary sweet pink eye shadow teamed with defined, dramatic painted on lashes is pure Twiggy.  

Miss Piggy and Twiggy! Spot the difference!

But don’t let the make-up fool you, Miss Piggy’s metallic gold, shoulder padded, belted trench screams seventies power-woman. She is head to toe fabulous. I cannot wait to purchase a product from the collection; I think the lashes have my vote...!

Available from www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Any brand/celebrity/Muppet collaborations you particularly like at the moment?