Radiance in a Pot

I am well aware that I start too many of these posts with 'I was really hungover this morning' so I'm going to pretend today's starts 'I was really tired this morning'...

I was really tired this morning and sometimes, MD scrub, Bliss Oxygenating Facial and Beauty Flash Balm aren't enough. No, really, THAT tired. But not to worry, help was at hand in the shape of a pretty pot of wonderfulness from the creator of my new favourite foundation, i.d. bareMinerals - Pure Radiance.


They say: This multitasking face colour adds a peach luster that will leave your skin fresh and luminous. Not only is it pure in colour but its 100% crushed mineral formula makes it pure enough for even the most sensitive soles. Pure Radiance can be applied over blush to brighten cheeks, under blush to create a luminous glow, or all over for a vivid glimmer. For those who prefer to go natural and minimal with their make-up, buff on Pure Radiance alone for a sheer wash of colour.

I say: Easy to swirl on while 'tired' and impossible to overdo, this really does give you the pick me up needed to get out the door in the morning. It's subtle so don't expect to suddenly look like a new woman, just the same you that has had ten hours sleep and drank lots of water. Pretty.

What's in the Bag Abigail Segall?

Today's beautista of note, Abigail Segall, has a very cool collection of goodies - jealous? Me?
Never.
Well, a bit of the By Terry foundation...

What's your signature make-up product and how does using it affect your mood?
Zoya nail varnish in Casey - I instantly feel glamorous and ready to face the world.

A beautiful boy is on the approach and you only have time to apply one product - what is it?
Mascara all the way! The eyes are the window to the soul after all.

Of every product you've ever had, current or sob, discontinued, what would be your favourite beauty product ever?
Dermalogica's MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque. It smells like a fruit bowl and makes my skin look amazing.

And in the bag...
Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara
Dermalogica Solar Shield and Solar Defense Booster SPF30
By Terry Foundation in 2
Jane Iredale Disappear

I've got a total girl crush on this bag. How could I not be love with someone who lists sunblock in their make up bag? And by the end of this week, I will have tried the By Terry foundation - everyone's talking about it but can I get hold of it? Bugger me. Where do they sell that stuff!
I'm feeling a Harvey Nicks coming on...

Sunny Days and Fridays

I have stated a bazillion times that I am the palest girl in the all the world and so the promise of an indian summer is putting the fear and Jebus into me. I'm already slathered in SPF25 top to toe but I'm all about finding new suncreams to protect my precious, precious face (vain, moi?).

I hate the sticky gooey consistency of most suncreams on my face and inevitably breakout within twenty four hours of slapping them on. So imagine how happy I am to find this little beauty that is part SPF 30, part skin enhancing moisturiser and all kinds of fabulous.

DDF Enhancing Sun Protection is a wonder. It really, really is. Spinning off from those ridiculous foundations that claim to match your skintone with the witchcraft-based wonder spheres, this really does protect your skin and give you a light and even skintone.


They say: Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula (DDF) herald a new breakthrough in suncare: optimum protection with self-adjusting colour spheres, to even out your complexion and enhance your own, natural skintone. Until now, sun protection has been the equivalent of a ‘one-size-suits-all’ swimsuit. But Enhancing Sun Protection SPF30™ from dermatological skincare pioneers DDF uses a revolutionary delivery system that works with the precise, individual skintone to help minimise visible redness, giving a smooth, flawless sun-kissed glow to the face and body.

Actually, they say loads more about UVA and UVB protections, green tea, aloe vera and chamomile - all thrown into the mix - but it's worth a read on their wesbite.

I say: At first I was put off by the thought of this - fancy tinted moisturiser? Hmmm. But it's really not, well it is and it isn't. The product is actually a pearly purpley-grey when it comes out the tube but genuinely adjusts to give you a lovely glow. And so far, I'm burn free! It doesn't feel sticky once it's applied and my foundation goes over the top just peachy, I'm even planning on doing away with the foundation and sticking with just this as the weather hots up.

You can pick up your own wonder cream at Harvey Nicks or Selfridges.
And I strongly advise that you do.

Fekkai'n Awesome

My hair is completely schizophrenic.
I used to bleach the bejesus out if it, seriously, home dying kits and then even hardcore platinum blonde bleeeeeeeach. But it was always silky soft and shiny.

Not so anymore. Now that I force it to suffer nary a highlight or a straightening iron my do has suddenly become a don't. Thick, frizzy, straggly and lego man like. Not attractive.
A regular dose of deep conditioner has always helped out when combined with lots of products but after finishing yet another tub of conditioner, bottle of silkening cream, can of shine spray, I figured it was time to bring in the big guns.

Enter Fredrick Fekkai.


From Space NK in Brighton to Sephora in New York, I've picked these products up and put them down so many times in the last six months, I don't need to work out my arms but finally I bit the bullet. And I'm so happy. Although the protein rx reparative shampoo and conditioner come in at just under £20 a piece, you only need to use the tiniest, tiniest amount so they really do last. Plus, they leave your hair looking, smelling and feeling divine. Where's the bad investment?

And I actually don't have words for the reparative mask. My hair is so happy after I've used it, I swear it does a little dance while I'm not looking.

Only one problem now, once you've gone Fekkai, is there ever any coming back?

The glaze on the icing on the cake

I'm loving the fact that the sunshine is back but I'm not loving saying goodbye to my smokey eye make-up. We go through this break up dance every summer, I'll try and convince it to stay just a little while longer, just the kohl pencil, just the grey shadow, but in my heart, I know it's over.

Which leaves me with a predicament.
I've never been that good with lip colour so my summer face is usually just a bit boring. I am determined not to fall into that trap this year so I'm investigating easy ways with lip colour.

So far, my absolute favourite is the Stila Lip Glaze stick. I love the original lip glazes but sometimes you want a bit more colour and a lot less gloss. These beauties have just a touch of shimmer, a real punch of sheer colour and they don't get sticky. Like, at all.


I'm absolutely in love and will be stocking up in time for summer parties. They also feel really moisturising and last a little longer than ordinary glosses.

All the better for kissing/drinking/eating/kissing with...

Lip Service

I happen to spend most of my working day sat in an office populated by women.
Lots of women. Fortunately (or unfortunately, according to Mr BeautyLover) there are approximately half a dozen hot boys hanging around. This means a) I can't roll in looking like a troll every morning and b) I have become obsessed with wearing lipbalm at all times.

I've tried them all, I've talked about some of them here - Vaseline, Neutrogena and Rosebud Salve always come out on top with me but, well, just lately, I've been feeling a bit puffed up. Like, hey, I deserve some shit hot lip balm action.

So I went and stuck my finger in a pot of Creme de la Mer The Balm.
And it's amazing.

They say: This luxurious emulsion works on contact to soften roughness, relieve dryness and flaking and help heal seriously dry lips. A patented Lip Lipid Complex is the first line of defense. It delivers moisture, strengthening the lips' minimal moisture barrier and helping to prevent further damage. An essential protein found in the arctic helps insulate vulnerable lip skin from extreme conditions of heat and cold. Mint comforts the lips and enhances the balm with a cool, refreshing flavor. Like Crème de la Mer, the results are immediate – lips look and feel smoother, softer, plumper – yet long lasting.

I say: Just like the hot boys at work, I'm in love with something it would not be sensible for me to try and get hold of. The lip balm is rich, instantly absorbed and leaves my lips with a delicate sheen. The last time I flew back from New York, I slathered it on in Duty Free (they love me at JFK) and I hardly needed to top up all the way back.

Now, I keep talking myself out of it but really, I have a sneaking suspicion that I might come back a pot heavier next time I'm in JFK. If you're looking for a really effective, really lovely lip treat and want to spoil yourself a bit, I say go for it. It's got a patented lip lipid complex, people! Do you have that?
No, you do not...

And now I really think about it, there are specifically five hot men at work. Out of five hundred women. Boo.
I'm better off with The Balm.

What's in the Bag Caroline Donnelly

I love me some MAC make up (Prunella eye pencil is THE BEST) so I am very excited to get a sneak peek into the make up bag of one of their Senior Make Up artists, Caroline Donnelly! Oooh, feel the MAC love...


What is your signature product and how does it make you feel?
My absolute favourite product is the Mineralize Skinfinish range in natural. I use these powders on everybody. Available in a range of neutral colours I use them to contour, or bronze or simply as a finishing powder for the face. We have even used them top to toe backstage at the shows.
I love this product as Mineralize Skinfinish doesn't look heavy, but rather makes the quality of the skin look improved and gives a softer appearance to the face, like wrapping the face in cashmere. Apart from in my professional make up kit, I also carry these products in my personal make up bag. Fab for adding a softer look to the face, creating cheekbones and hiding the effects of a late night!

A beautiful boy is on the approach and you only have time to apply one product - what is it?
I'm a big fan of bright lipstick I'd have to reach for the mirror and lipstick, just to check I'm not looking like the joker! My top favourites are MAC's Russian Red, Impassioned and Lady Danger . If I knew I was going to run into this beautiful boy however, I'd wear MAC Pro Long Wear lipstick in Lasting Lust - that's not going anywhere!

What product would you miss the most if it was sob - discontinued?
I'd miss the Mineralize Natural Skinfinish powders. Backstage, the disappearance of Face and Body for creating all over perfect skin would be devastating! MAC Moisture Cover Concealer would be greatly missed, I love using this on the face if the skin needs a little help in places. It's strong enough in coverage to do the job, but light enough in texture it never looks heavy.


It's always been so hard to choose a favourite product as there are so many fantastic products. From MAC Cream Colour Bases - the versatility and ease of use of this multi use product makes them such a valuable asset to a make up kit, to the fabulous Face and Body foundation which, as the name suggests is used to give perfect, healthy looking skin on the face and body.

Personally I love MAC's Studio fix Foundation to apply a quick easy coverage, Liqiud Last eyeliner in Point Black to stay put despite my watery eyes, Prep and Prime lash worn with Fibre Rich mascara to give full long lashes and I love Studio Moisture Cream to hydrate my oily yet dehydrated skin.