Give Me a Mane!

I have always had fine hair. Hairdressers always tell me it is as soft as a baby’s. But that is perhaps not so cute when you are in your late 20s. I love multi-tasking products that will turn my baby fuzz in to somewhat of a lions mane. Ok, make it a baby lion’s mane.

I find that Morrocanoil is the closest to a little miracle in a bottle. It transforms hair – whatever type it is, dry, brittle, damaged, lacklustre, in to rich and shiny tresses. It is worth the money and a little goes a very long way.

The other little magic wand I use to give my hair some volume is Philip Kingley’s Maximiser. It helps when you are blow-drying your hair and don’t want to make it flat as a pancake.

Yay I say to clever  beauty innovations that let us practically cheat our way to lovely hair we were almost born with.


Moroccanoil Original Oil Treatment, 25ml £12.85 from Lookfantastic
Philip Kingsley Mazimiser, £12.80

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.