It's Time For A Clear Lipgloss Revival

Credit: Andres Hernandez

One of my earliest beauty memories is sitting at the back of the classroom and digging deep into my school bag to find my ultimate 90s beauty companion - clear lipgloss. 

I was obsessed with it. I'd go through tubes and tubes of the stuff, buying a new one every few weeks with my ever so precious £5 weekend pocket money. Whether it was a tube, pot or rollerball, if I didn't have it I wanted it. It made me feel like a rebel, sticking two fingers up to the no-make up rule, thinking I could fool the teachers with my glistening pout. It didn't work so well on the day I tried purple mascara for the first time, but that's a whole other story.

My ultimate favourite clear lipgloss was the Bourjois Effet 3D, closely followed by the L'Oreal Glam Shine pot. And I always remember being envious of those who could afford Dior's Addict Ultra Gloss.

But where has my old beauty friend gone? Why have I neglected it all these years? 

It wasn't until I saw someone on the tube applying the gloss of days gone by that I found myself feeling nostalgic. 

Ladies, I think it's time for a clear lipgloss revival. Because really, what's not to love?

Join me, and let me know what your favourite clear lipglosses were/are!

What's your earliest beauty memory?

Beauty Shots: Isle of Wight Festival 2014

Flower power (Courtesy of Alix Soame, Vanity Van)

Shooting sparks (Courtesy of Alix Soame, Vanity Van)

Tropical dream (Courtesy of Alix Soame, Vanity Van)

Festival braids took the event by storm (Courtesy of Alix Soame, Vanity Van)

Pink panther (Courtesy of Alix Soame, Vanity Van)

It looks like the ever-popular Vanity Van had an amazing time at the Isle of Wight Festival with its partner Batiste. I thought these photos were well worth sharing for all the beauty junkies who are looking for festival make-up and hair inspiration. Festival braids along the crown were the most popular style for hair, while make-up took a wild and bold approach to its design. 

What do you think?

Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50

Calling all holiday goers - this one's for you. Whatever you've heard, there's no denying that using sun daily protection will protect your skin, prevent damage and premature ageing and help to keep the skin moisturised when exposed to excessive UV light. So it's time to stock up. 

Top skin brand Dermalogica has developed Protection 50 Sport SPF50* (£29.90), which has all-important backing by the The International Dermal Institute. It can be used daily on the face and body, saving vital suitcase room and valuable time. After testing it on the top of my hand, I was impressed with the lightweight feel and how well the product spreads. It doesn't leave a white film and is absorbed fairly quickly by the skin. 

To get the best out of this product, it should be applied generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. It also has 40 minutes of water-resistant coverage, but everyone's skin is different - if you feel burning, it's time to reapply. Your skin will thank you for it. 

And then there's the part when you get back to the hotel room. Every good sun screen needs an aftersun to soothe and cool the skin and Dermalogica has paired the protection product nicely with the repackaged After Sun Repair* (£29.90) with calming camomile, lavender and one suprising ingredient - Szechwan pepper?!

What is your go to sun protection product? 

*Free samples. All opinions are my own

The Scent of Summer

Summer scents call for three things: freshness, vibrancy and deliciousness. A fairly recent trip to Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge introduced me to a limited edition fragrance that ticks all three of these sunny boxes - Daisy Delicious by Marc Jacobs - and I've been spritzing it ever since. 

Its packaging is bright and fun with bright pink, teal and peach daisies, like a festival flower band. The glass bottle and gold applicator match the other Daisy fragrances, and the scent is fruity and light - the perfect combination for wear and duration at this time of year. 

I thought I loved the original Daisy the most, but this one is a close second. Next time a Marc Jacobs limited edition fragrance comes out, I'll be purchasing one immediately.

Have you tried this limited edition perfume? Do you like Marc Jacobs Daisy?

Colour of the Moment: Sky Blue

Something's turning heads this Summer. It's not hot, it's cool. Sky blue is taking style and making it hella dreamy.

1/THE EYES

YSL Ombre Solo Smoothing Effect Eyeshadow in Mogador Blue (£21)

2/THE DRESS

Warehouse Jacquard T Shirt Dress (£70)

3/THE NAILS

Barry M Gelly High Shine Nail Paint in Sugar Apple (£3.99)

4/THE BLING

Principles by Ben de Lisi Designer Blue Stone Link Bracelet (£9.60)

5/THE HAIR

L'Oreal Professionnel Hair Chalk in Garden Party, £12.75

What's your colour of the season? 

I'm an award-winning journalist!

If my life could be summed up by one song today, it would be Pharrell's 'Happy'. Not just because it's an absolute tune, but because last night was the absolute highlight of my career to date.

Last year, I felt so inspired after my first experience of the Johnson & Johnson Journalism Awards, and decided to pitch an article to the Daily Mail on skin toners, which was my first ever freelance article. This year, I was so thrilled that my article was shortlisted for the Best National Newspaper Beauty Journalist award, and even more so when I was announced as the runner up for that category. 

It made my week, and it made my year.

I just want to thank all of the lovely journalists and bloggers who congratulated me on this achievement. Here's to hoping I've got some more good news to share with you next year!

Oscar Nominations - Best Of Beauty

Ask me what the film of the year should be at the 2014 Oscars, and I'll spend hours umming and aahing about whether Philomena's charm matches American Hustle's pizazz. But if what you want is names of the leading and supporting actresses who beat Hollywood down to the ground in the beauty arena, I'll have three names for you as fast as you can say 'and the winner is'.

Feast your eyes on these gorgeous girls...

NOMINATION: Amy Adams, The Fiery Redhead

FILM: American Hustle

Two words - the hair. Amy Adams' fiery red locks have got me searching the aisles for flame-inspired at-home hair dyes. In the words of Alicia Keys: 'That girl is on fireeee.'

NOMINATION: Sanda Bullock, The Chiseled Chiquita

FILM: Gravity

When it comes to porcelain skin and beauty with structure, nothing comes close to Gravity's space goddess Sandra Bullock. If you can look that good in the middle of the universe, you definitely need an award. Un. Real.

NOMINATION: Margot Robbie, The Blonde Bombshell

FILM: The Wolf of Wall Street

Margot oozes Bond girl sex appeal in The Wolf of Wall Street. She's achieved the perfect blend of softness and girl power. I dare you to disagree...

What's your favourite Oscars beauty look? xxx