A Russian Winter

Beauty Mole will be travelling to Russia for Christmas and New Year! I am however trialling some amazing new products and will report back in January. The conditions are perfect. Sun, snow and wind chill factor.

An English Garden

Second only to roses is my love of lavender. It's an obsession, which to be honest is a little bit out of control (and one that is well-documented). It's the first essential oil that I ever bought and for that it will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, the sheer versatility of this plant is almost second to none.

At the moment, I am loving Omorovicza's Gentle Buffing Cleanser, which along with Pineapple and Rosemary extracts sloughs away dead skin. But the scent of this wonder is of deep and calming lavender.

The genius that is John Masters Organics actually fused together two of my favourite things in the world: sea salt spray for hair with a scent of lavender. Hair is left with a lingering perfume of lavender and a natural beach-babe wave.

Sue Devitt's eye pencils are little miracle workers. This colour, Victoria Falls, is a gorgeous violet blue and will make any eye colour pop. I even got a compliment from my boyfriend on that one. Smudge during the day and intensify with pure pigment for evening.

Knackered Cow, with lavender, by Cowshed is my herbaceous bathroom staple. And for my morning shower, Mitchell and Peach wake me up. Made with English Lavender, Violet and Ylang-Ylang essential oils that have been matured over nine months, it is an English garden in a bottle. Heaven. 

Omorovicza Gentle Buffing Cleanser, £42.00
Mitchell and Peach Shower Wash, £20.00
Sue Devitt, Eye Intensifier Pencil, £17.50
Cowshed Room Fragrance, £22.00

Rose-Tinted Vision

There is something very nostalgic for me about the beautiful smell of roses. Half reminiscent of my grandmother's potpourri, half of the roses that my great-grandmother had growing outside the front of her house. I used to smell them excitedly whenever I came to visit.

I also believe whole-heartly in the benefits of rose extract in my beauty products. In other words, if it has rose in it, I am interested. In terms of the smell, like I said in my article about lavender, I am very particular. My current favourites include:

- Weleda Wild Rose range: not only is this range incredible value for money, but it's also incredibly effective. It is very soft, gentle and amazingly beneficial for calming sensitive skin. Great for winter. Their facial-oil capsules are literally pure bubbles of moisture.

- Aromatherapy Associates Rose Hydrating Face Mask: this is about as soothing as slathering your face with rose petals. This aloe vera-based mask is great for restoring plumpess to dry skin.

- For bathtime, one of the best rose-scented bubble baths I've tried is Brown & Harris' English Rose variety. Luscious and delicate rose smell.

At the moment, I'm looking at life through rose-tinted specs.

Weleda Wild Rose from £12.50
Aromatherapy Associates Rose Hydrating Face Mask, £28.50
Brown & Harris English Rose Bath Essence, £6.95

Party Disco Party

I am ready to party. Having come to terms that it IS actually December, the time of the year to party has now arrived.

I have always been more of an eyes person than lips. This year, after harping on about my Intergalactic Beauty trend, I will be rocking silver-sheen smokey eyes. It is a futuristic take on a classic. I think Sisley’s Phyto Star Eyes palette will do the trick. Each shade has a touch of shimmer giving the eyelids a glossy sheen.  The Silver Moon and Black Star also lend themselves very nicely to my outer-space theme.

I will also be spritzing a generous dose of Lolita Lempicka’s classic Si Lolita fragrance. I love the spiciness of this one. It’s all Pink Peppercorns and amber. Girly yet sexy. Young yet classic. You get the drift… 

Party on. 

Butter Me Up, Baby

The snow, wind and minus temperatures that we have in England right now is nothing compared to Russia. I am going home to the Russian countryside this winter and I can't wait. But the wind, snow and minus temperatures that I will be up against leave my hair, skin (and eczema) in havoc.

All I can say is BUTTER ME UP! Right now, it is all about the most nourishing, gorgeously indulgent, buttery goodness of the following (feel free to follow like a recipe):

- Scoop up a dollop of Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter Cleanser (£31.95) and massage all over your face. Breathe in the delicious aroma of the essentials oils. Remove the day's grime with the organic cotton cloth and hot water. Et voila. That was step one.

- Squeeze out a generous helping of Klorane's Nourishing Treatment Shampoo (£5.69). Made with Mango butter, not only does it smell  tempting enough to eat, it lathers in to a rich foam just like that. Follow with the Nourishing Treatment Mask (£7.00), which will leave your hair impossibly soft. (Perfect for 70s flyaway disco hair by the way). Available at Boots.

- Treat chapped lips with Guava Lip Butter from Korres (£6.00). This is a beautiful sheer nude colour that creates an almost 60s lip. Makes a super-beautiful lipstick base too.

- Finally, add a touch of nourishment to your nails with Butter London's Nail Laquers (£12). Each one is made with no Formaldehyde, no toluene, and no DBP (Phthales). It's as nourishing as a nail varnish is going to get.

Now time to butter the crumpets. You need your strength in these climes...

Coolest Pop-Up Shop Ever

I remember going to the St Martin's Lane hotel for a New Year's Eve Party a few years ago with my dad. Needless to say it was really fun (and we felt really cool). However, since then, St Martin's Lane Hotel has raised the coolness stakes even higher. Did you know they have a vending machine in the lobby where you can actually buy a snack or a car???

AND from now until December 24 you will find a Malin+Goetz pop-up shop too. The super-chic apothecary brand from New York is still relatively low-key in the UK but that will all change soon. The best thing is that you will find both Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz manning the shop, just like they used to in their first New York boutique. Pop in for a chat, (as I did and found out about their dogs, holidays to the former Soviet Union and their dinner parties in New York) or skincare advice of course. The products are as good as they look. My favourite is the Mojito lip balm - moisturising and tinglingly delicious.

PS: Pick up one of their newsletter/catalogues, which are gorgeously designed and features details of ALL their products.

Beautiful Competition!

If there is on item that I simply cannot live without, it is a good cleanser. It just so happens that my favourite cleanser is Omorovicza's Thermal Cleansing Balm. And it also just to happens that I have two to give away in Beauty Mole's first ever competition. All that is standing between you and a gorgeous complexion is to simply email your details to beautymoleblog@googlemail.com and put Thermal Cleansing Balm in the subject line. Then say hello to refined pores, moisturised skin and a peachy glow. Ready, steady, go....

(Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm, £45)


Closing date 5pm on Friday 10 December. Winner will be picked at random and contacted by email. The prize will also include a cleansing cloth. 

A Very British Affair

I have always had a real weakness for vintage. I've collected many trinkets, crockery, clothes (obvs) and shoes from vintage shops all over the world. Therefore, I couldn't resist the invitation to Batiste's Vintage Tea Party to celebrate the launch of their new Dry Shampoo, Brit.

Celebrating all things traditionally British, the tea party was beautifully decorated down to the smallest details. Homemade cupcakes (one with Beauty Mole's name on it, literally), homemade scones and champagne poured out of teapots in to delicate china teacups. I loved every minute of it.

Batiste Brit Dry Shampoo is available exclusively at Superdrug, £2.09

Avant-Garde Beauty

I have always admired Japanese fashion. Their simple and minimal approach to tailoring. And yet on the other side of the scale the over-accessorised theatrical creations of the teenagers in the Harajuku district.

I must say that my recent visit to the Barbican's Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion exhibition was an eye-opening insight. The colours, textures, fabrics and fantastical shapes were so dazzling. I was instantly drawn to the golden aura of Koji Tatsuno’s fantastically delicate puffball dress. I couldn't help but imagine what the makeup would look like for an outfit like this. Gold glitter and fat lashes.

I also absolutely loved Mintdesign's intricate gowns. Hula-style skirts out of shredded magazines and coats made from recycled newspapers. One thing is for sure: Barbican sure know how to put on a kick-ass fashion exhibition.

Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion at The Barbican Centre

My Year of Beauty

The year 2010 is almost out. It started with a raaawr (it was after all the year of the Tiger) and ended in a purrrrr. This year has been a stomping 12 months for beauty. It continues to be one of the few industries to actually experience growth during the recession. And that is certainly true for me because my beauty cupboard has outgrown the bathroom. Here are my beauty highlights of the year; some new, some classic and a few surprises too.

When A Hero Comes Along: Liz Earle
Although a firm cult favourite already, as one of my good friends has been telling me for months and months already, I have only really discovered Liz Earle this year. The Cleansing Mask is actually incredible at calming my skin and drawing out impurities. The Hot Cloth and Polish Cleanser is a force to be reckoned with. 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, from £7.50

Liz Earle, Deep Cleansing Mask, £12.50

Love at First Sight: Omorovicza
I simply adore everything about Omorovicza. The Thermal Cleansing Balm is my go-to product for a deep clean. The Gentle Buffing Cleanser with white pepper extract promotes a healthy glow. While the watercress leaf extract in the Radiance Renewal Serum leaves the skin gleaming and luminous.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm, £45.00

Omorovicza Gentle Buffing Cleanser, £42.00

Omorovicza Radiance Renewal Serum, £66.00

Desert Island Essentials: 8 Hour Cream and Aromatherapy Associates Facial Oil
My dry skin and eczema is totally under control with these wonders. I couldn't live without Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream; I use it in every way possible, on my lips, on my hands, feet, even on my eyelashes at night. Aromatherapy Associates Nourishing Face Oil is the fastest-absorbing oil I have tried. On a cold winter's day, instead of primer in the morning, it gives the most flawless complexion imaginable.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, £23.00

Aromatherapy Associates Nourishing Face Oil, £35

Unashamed Luxury: Le Metier de Beaute
My makeup lesson with Mikey Castillo was my single most eye-opening sessions with a makeup artist. Walking away with a more tips than I could remember and such gorgeous makeup I didn't want to wash my face. I am addicted to the Eye Pencil in Champagne and black liquid liner: an eye look in a flash. Team that with one of the creamiest concealers and a bronzing powder with minuscule flecks of gold and you're good to glow.

Le Métier de Beauté is available at Liberty and Selfridges.

Hair-Raiser of the Year: Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo
Quite simply the best and most luscious-smelling shampoo I have ever tried. Leaves my hair soft, fluffy (in a good way) and full of healthy volume and shine.

Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo, £14.00

Claws and Paws: OPI Nail Polish
Not only have OPI manicured the nails of every X-Factor finalist for the live shows, but continue to bring out a secession of covetable colours and collections. For Christmas and New Year embrace Glitzerland, Not Like the Movies and Bring on the Bling.

OPI Nail Polish, £9.95

Lip My Stocking: Lanolips
My lips are sometimes dangerously dry, but Lanolips kicks them back in to shape. Made with lanolin, which comes from sheep's wool, it works wonders.

Lanolips, £10.99

Cheap Thrill: John Frieda Thickening Blow Dry Lotion
This spray is my steal of the year. It clings to each hair and creates a super-thick halo of hair. Hair doesn't get any thicker than this (can you tell I love Masterchef?).

John Frieda Thickening Blow Dry Spray, £5.59

If I only had these treats in my beauty cupboard, I would be one happy cat.

Intergalactic Beauty

 
Talking of intergalactic beauty, I have found it. Christmas party season is almost officially upon us and I am on the hunt for inspiration.

The i-glow compact from New Cid Cosmetics might as well be from outer space. Its marbled appearance reminded of Jupiter's speckled rocky surface. And the glow it promises is out of this world. You only need a tiny amount and you can use it on any part of your body.

I also love Sue Devitt's Eye Palettes, each of which are inspired by a different location on Earth. However, this Kilimanjaro palette may as well be the uneven stripes of a Lunar moon.

Finally, for a very healthy glow, Le Metier de Beaute's Creme Fresh Tints (Poppy is my favourite) create a super-sheer wash of colour. As if by magic.

i-glow compact from New Cid Cosmetics, £23.50

Sue Devitt Kilimanjaro Eye Palette, £30.00

Le Metier de Beaute's Creme Fresh Tint, Poppy

Feeling Hot

My love of Omorovicza does not appear to be on the wane at all. In fact, quite the contrary. Every product I have tried from the Hungarian brand has been of the utmost quality. It is definitely one that is worth the splurge.

So imagine my excitement when I found out that their senior therapist Adrienne Harsanyi was going to be making a pit-stop visit to Liberty in London for a special week of facial events from Sunday 12 December until Friday 18 December.


It's a rare opportunity to have an Omorovicza facial, not to mention get bucket loads of beauty tips. Your skin will be kneaded in to position with a skin-plumping massage followed by a layer of Hungarian Moor Mud Mask.
Costing £65, it is redeemable against products, so you won't walk away empty-handed. (I recommend the Radiance Renewal Serum)
You're guaranteed to come out looking and feeling hot. Book your appointment on 020 7573 9402

Outer Space

Walking through Carnaby Street this evening, I couldn't help but feel inspired and super-impressed with the new Christmas decorations on display. With an intergalactic theme, I thought it summed up the party makeup trends perfectly: pops of colour, sparkle and an out-of-this-world glow.  Bring on extra-terrestrial chic.

Get Me Some Colour

Although I am a total tanning novice, I have succumbed to the lure of the golden glow. Following a few friends' trips abroad (and to tanning professionals) I have felt more pasty than ever. Especially with my total tendency towards paleness anyway.

The most I have ever really experimented with tanning was with a Nivea Self-Tanning Wipe when I was at university. Hardly golden and gorgeous. More like freaky streaky. I was tempted to try Xen Tan having heard some great recommendations. I must say, the colour is great and the shea butter was super moisturising. And I used it on my face as well. I actually felt more confident the next day too. It's amazing what a bit of colour can do for you. That's another one to add to the daily routine then...

Xen Tan, Transform Luxe Daily Self-Tan, £23.95

The Herb of Relaxation

As I have already established my love of all things coconuts and all things roses, falling straight in to third place, or higher sometimes, is my love of all things lavender.

There is nothing more soothing a smell than lavender. And actually, when I thought about it, I have lavender all over the house. In little pouches in my drawer (thanks Natasha!), in dried form in my grandma's old vase, in my soapdish and even the scent of my mothballs. The last being the least exciting.

For the most relaxing scent lavender is king. I have actually sniffed out a lot of lavender on the high street and L'Occitane's range has the most authentic smell. I have found others too sweet (Roger & Gallet), too cologne-y (Crabtree & Evelyn) or just not right (Yardley). This one smells like the real deal. The Bath Foam is so scented, it's the next best thing to having a bath in the middle of a lavender field. It's utter bliss. And add the lavender candle for good measure. You'll have a total lavender-fest on your hands. And a guaranteed good night's sleep of course.

L'Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath , 18.00

L'Occitane Lavender Scented Candle, 16.00

Soft as a Peach

What is the ultimate beauty trend this season? It's a peachy complexion. In fact, this is the ultimate beauty trend every season. The best advice I ever got is to exfoliate - this will ensure the smoothest skin is at the very surface and makeup will look a thousand times better. In colder weather, and if you get prone to eczema like me, it's not always the best idea to use a harsh exfoliant. Enter Murad's Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask. No rubbing. No angry skin. Fruit acids gently dissolve the dead cells on the surface and reveal gleaming skin.

Final tip; skip the primer and just go with a serum. That always makes my skin glow from within. Murad's Active Radiance Serum is pumped full of vitamin C that repairs skin and adds luminosity. Someone shine a light on this. 

Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask, £19.50

Murad Active Radiance Serum, £85.00

Shine On

 

I am in high spirits at the moment. You know, the usual, pretending to plan party makeup, but actually just wearing the party makeup too early and looking very glittery even during the day. That's the way I roll.

I am indeed like a magpie and appreciate all things shiny, sparkly and both shiny and sparkly at the same time. Much to my boyfriend's disdain, who is an ardent minimalist, I try and incorporate sparkles as often as I can. 

 

Therefore, it's probably no surprise that I fell head over heels for bareMinerals High Shine Eyecolors. They promise smooth, lasting and oh-so-blendable colour and they deliver. Just enough sparkle (to get away with)for day and more than enough shine for night.
I would apply with a brush to ensure no drop off. 

 

Shine on. 

 

High Shine Eyecolors, £14 at bareMinerals counters nationwide

Purify My Love

I have always wanted to make my home warm, cozy and inviting. In other words, a haven from the weather outside. One of my indulgences is scented candles. A good quality scented candle is worth its weight in gold.

I know Muji does nice colourful ones under £5, however, like cheap chocolate, after a couple of bites it's too sweet and sickly. So a luxurious candle is a worthy investment. On a trip to New York some years ago, my friend gave me a beautiful candle for my birthday that lasted for months. And every time I sniffed it, it reminded me of the little boutique she used to work in and my summer in the city. Ever since then, I have wanted to have at least one luxury candle at hand.

One of my favourite organic brands, Shiffa from Dubai has a gorgeous selection of candles. The Purifying Gem Stone candle is scented with orange flower, grapefruit and lily, designed to lift your mood, yet create an atmosphere of calm serenity. I just heard thunder outside, so that would be just perfect.

Shiffa Purifying Gem Stone, £31

Moreish Morito...

Yesterday, I went to a wonderful tapas restaurant in London's Exmouth Market called Morito. Although not strictly relating to beauty, I felt really inspired by the colours, smells and the food itself in this charming place. The bright green pistachio on the baklava, the bright rusty orange in the pumpkin and the vibrant speckles of red from the chilli and paprika spices.

I was also absolutely taken with this beautiful growing pomegranate plant, complete with baby pomegranates next to our table. It reminded me of a scene from a 17th Century still-life painting.

 
Finally, I couldn't stop cooing over the way they presented their gorgeous little espresso in the cutest shot glass I have ever seen. Rustic charm indeed.

Hard Working Hands

I am ever so slightly obsessed with hand creams. As my skin is sensitive and prone to eczema, I cannot possibly wash my hands and not moisturise immediately afterwards. I have a top three that I use in rotation, depending on my mood.

I love Laura Mercier’s almond Coconut Milk Hand Crème for its richness and intense scent. People from across the room can smell the waft of coconuts when I put this on and I have confessed my love of coconuts before.

Crabtree & Evelyn’s Rosewater Hand Therapy is a classic staple. It is non-greasy, sinks in to the skin very easily and has a beautifully delicate smell.

Finally, the newest addition to my ‘Hand Cream Wardrobe’ is This Works Perfect Hands, which is a blend of Rose, Mimosa and other beautiful botanicals.

As you can see, my hands are being very well looked-after. 

Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Hand Therapy, £7.00

Laura Mercier almond Coconut Milk Hand Crème , £12.50

This Works Perfect Hands, £18.00

My Philosophy: Pout More

I am starting to get seriously excited about Christmas now. I love the smells this time of year. The exotic spices of mulled wine and one of the most delicious drinks my friends introduced me to last year: hot apple juice with cinnamon. Yum. My confession is that I have actually been drinking this all year round ever since.

That's why I fell for these little Philosophy Lip Shines. They smell almost good enough to eat and sound it too: Peppermint Bark, Candy Cane, Pink Frosted Cookie and Have a Cherry Christmas. Talk about high-flavour. I am particularly taken with Pink Frosted Cookie, which is the right side of baby pink with a touch of shimmer.

Philosophy Lip Shines, Set of four, £16.50 from John Lewis

Work It Girl

I am very proud of myself. I started taking Imedeen's Hair and Nail capsules back in September (has it been that long?) and I am nearly at the end of my two-month course. What I am most proud of, and actually a little shocked by, is that I haven't missed a single day. It's like someone has replaced the old supplement-taking me with a new and enthusiastic supplement-taker, or something to that effect.

In this period of almost two months I have battled a vicious cold no less than three times, broken a heel on my favourite shoes and ran down the street full-speed with four bags of cupcakes. But I have also noticed a supreme difference in both my hair and nails. I have actually had compliments on my hair although I haven't changed my styling routine. It's when the little improvements don't go unnoticed that you know, something must be working. 

 
I am now also trailing Imedeen's Derma One for skin and am half way through my first box. Though, with this one, you have to keep your wits about you as it's not just one, but two tablets a day - morning and evening. I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge.

Currently listening to Ru Paul, Supermodel. Work it girl!

Imedeen Hair & Nails capsules £23.49 for two-month supply

Imedeen Derma One £34.50 for one-month supply 

All Systems Go

I like products that act quickly. Recently, my skin has been on the sensitive side with some redness, partly due to the weather and partly due to stress I'm sure. However, it's comforting to think that a product can pep up your skin with hardly any effort. I like in beauty what Nigella likes in cooking: quick and easy wins.

!QMSMEDICOSMETICS Activator Mask is an interesting concept from the get-go. You soak a little fleece inside a capful of liquid and then spread out the fleece (which has been pre-cut to a face-shape) on to your skin, resembling something of the serial killer from Halloween. BUT, and it's a big but, the results are worth every minute. My skin was refreshed and hydrated in just 10 minutes. It's highly concentrated with Hyaluronic Acid, which delivers intense moisture to the skin and plumps it up, so to speak.

Just be sure to be at home alone when you decide to 'activate' it.

!QMSMEDICOSMETICS Activator Mask, £64

Boom, Bang and Sparkle

It is Bonfire Night this week. when I used to go to Battersea Park Fireworks display every year as a child (and teenager) I used to literally squeal with excitement. This year is no different. Some things never change.

In the meantime, I am getting in to the mood with some beautiful Jasmine incense sticks that my friend bought for me from the Far East and the gorgeous Ylang-Ylang Incensa shower gel by Bodhi. Dark, woody and lingering. Incense always reminds me of that wonderful blue-grey smoke that you get from fireworks against the black sky.

For a bit of Sparkle, I love Nars Cream Eyeshadow in Mousson, which is a sublte khaki green with silver flecks. For extra intensity and following Mikey Castillo's rule of mixing cool shades with warm shades, I might add a smudge of Givenchy's Sheer Gold Magic Khol pencil.

Nars Cream Eyeshadow in Mousson, £16.00
Givenchy Magic Khol in Sheer Gold, £13.00
Ylang-Ylang Incensa Bath and Shower Therapy, £22.50