#nextbigbeautything so clean and so fresh

I have noticed a beautiful new trend over the last few months that is literally blossoming. A number of forward-thinking brands are using their windows, the visual gate, the optical invitation, to display their products in a raw and wholesome way. I am talking about glass jars, bottles, carafes and even scientific flasks. The contents are the natural, real ingredients that go in to making the product they are representing. I am in love with this trend. I think more than ever, we want to know what the ingredients are of the products that we are putting on our faces and in to our bodies and what better way to see the ingredients? Forget reading the list on the box, bottle or leaflet inside – this is visual merchandising at its most powerful.

Penhaligon's recently teamed up with young architecture practice Al-Jawad Pike, as part of the Regent’s Street windows project, which is in partnership with the RIBA. They created a window based on the science and history of perfumery and took inspiration from the raw ingredients that go in to making some of Penhaligon’s signature scents. The results were stunning. There is barely a moment when a passer-by is not photographing this installation.

At Good Hood, the wonderful design-led fashion and home store in Shoreditch, they have just unveiled an incredibly comprehensive beauty department. Apart from featuring an amazing edit of cult and hard-to-find beauty brands, I noticed their approach of pared-back, lab-like, serene merchandising. Topped off with fresh, green plants. The whole space is calm but inviting.

Finally, Sheridan and Co have just created a window for Marylebone cold-pressed juice bar Roots and Bulbs. It featured a giant factice of one of their juice bottles with a real eco-system growing inside. The scale was striking, the idea was clever and it really brought home the message of the freshness of the ingredients used in Roots and Bulb’s produce.

This trend in one word? Fresh. 

#nextbigbeautything fashionable skincare

In the last few years, we’ve seen more and more beauty brands jumping on the ‘Fashion Week’ express train. They are sponsoring shows, doing makeup for the catwalk models, giving away samples and even offering press makeovers in-between hectic show schedules. What’s interesting, however, is seeing brands which are predominantly skincare branch out in to this arena too.

At London Fashion Week SS15 for example, at Shrimps, the new cult fashion brand on the block (and my new favourite obsession) makeup artist Lauren Parsons created radiant complexions with the help of Caudalie. Using the Mattifying and Perfecting fluids, plus layering the Beauty Elixir before makeup ensured a perfect base.

Shrimps, SS15

Whilst, at Temperley, makeup maestro Lisa Eldridge used Liz Earle to create a ‘fresh-faced’ look, whilst their Global Treatment Ambassador Abigail James was on hand to prep and nourish the model’s skin. The Instant Boost Skin Tonic, which formed part of the prep line up is surely a fashionista-favourite in the making? 

Both examples show that the lines between skincare and makeup continue to blur. I am looking forward to more skincare brands giving the makeup big boys a run for their money.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir, £32
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic, £13.25
Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser, £19.25

wonder woman

It seems as if the summer might never end, but with the thunder storms over the last couple of days the winds of change may be upon us (pardon the pun). My street is covered in conkers, much to the delight of my daughter. But this hot/humid/windy/foggy couple of weeks is wreaking havoc with my beauty routine. It still feels summery in the afternoons with bright, blazing sunshine. But it feels cold, almost frosty in the early mornings. But there is one product that I became obsessed with in the lead up to my wedding that is my go-to at the moment, rain or shine. 

Becca’s Shimmering SkinPerfector is an actual wonder product. I know that phrase gets  thrown around all too often, but it actually does wonders. Honest. It comes in several shades – I have Opal, which is a pinky, skin coloured tone which is a universal colour. Used on tops of cheekbones, eyebrow bone, on the nose, cupid’s bow and a little on chin gives the face more definition and ‘hugs’ all the right curved and grooves. You can also mix a little with your moisutirser for a subtle all-over glow. I will do that more often when it really gets gloomy. The pigment is so fine, not chalky and looks beyond luminous. Tick, tick, tick.  

I cannot recommend this cult product enough and I can’t believe it took me so long to find it. 

Becca’s Shimmering SkinPerfector, £33 from Space NK

Look a Million Dollars

I am going to the theatre again tonight. Well, a musical to be precise called Million Dollar Quartet. As the subject is pretty colourful (jazz and rock and roll) I decided to jazz up my appearance too. The perfect opportunity to embrace the red trend and catch a little scarlet fever. Two rules to this trend: red nails and red lips.

Leighton Denny is a favourite of mine, so Caught Red Handed is the best devil red with a subtle pearl. Then, By Terry’s Terrybly Lipstick is almost too beautiful to use, but too wonderful not to. Funky ruby is a bright pillarbox red, showstopper style. It will volumise and firm your lips as you wear it and is scented with founder’s Terry de Gunzberg’s favourite scent: rose. It also comes in the most adorable theatre-appropriate string bag that I only wish it was big enough to house my glasses too.

Everyone needs a little scarlet fever as we approach autumn.

Leighton Denny Nail Polish, £11.00 each

By Terry Terrybly Lipstick in Funky Ruby, £30.50

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

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

Never too Early for Pearly

Sometimes, pearly tones simply epitomise the feel of summer.
Having scoured countless vintage shops in Paris and becoming very inspired by the old-school French style, I decided to pare down my makeup. I am going for classic ethereal chic and romantic. Illamasqua's Liquid Metal series is ideal to dab on anywhere for a pop of sheen. Whether it is a subtle sparkle on the eyelids or as a highlighter on the cheekbones, bridge of the nose or lips. I have the gold version, which also smells of delicious vanilla that I sometimes mix with a lipbalm for a golden shimmer.
For low-maintenance beauty, good enough for city or beach, MAC's Liquidlast Liners do not budge without a slick of makeup remover. These babies are durable and pack a big punch when it comes to colour. I love the light egg-shell yellow and baby pink, Visionnaire, both of which glide on sheer and remind me of the four beautiful blondes in Virgin Suicides by Sofia Coppola. Pale eyes, nude lips and bambi lashes. Summer ready. 

Illamasqua Liquid Metal, £17 
MAC Liquidlast Eye Liner, £13.50

Rosey Cheeks

Now that the sunshine has arrived, I am feeling rosey. I actually never realised how much of a difference blusher makes to your appearance until about a year ago when i was having some make up done at a make up counter. It was late. I decided to treat myself.
I wondered down to the beauty hall and tried out a new shade of blusher as a quick, little pick-me-up. I returned back the office and a friend at work immediately exclaimed "You're all dolled up! Where are you going?" I was actually just going home, but it made me think.
Blusher is a beauty staple I had been totally missing off during my beauty routine. I have learnt from my mistakes however and I'm pleased to say that blusher is back in the star line up.

Beautiful Introductions

For me, it's all about beauty. Lately, I have been experimenting a lot with eye make up, much to the disappointment of my boyfriend who really only likes the natural look. Oh dear, that means only some eye liner and a slick of mascara, which to be fair has been my beauty uniform for a number of years. That lead me to search for the best mascara out there. I thought I came close with Dior's Diorshow Black mascara, which makes lashes fluffy and thick. However, when I discovered Trish McEvoy's Volumising mascara, I was in l.o.v.e. The best thing is that is washes off with water. no more tugging or rubbing the eye area - bingo.

But my focus at the moment is eye colour. Sometimes daring and bold. I have after all found my new best friend; eye primer.