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

The Lowdown On Designer Vaginas

Did you know that the number of labiaplasties has shot up five-fold over the last decade? 

Read my article here on Cosmopolitan's website on expert concerns regarding designer vaginas.

Would you consider this procedure? If so, why? If not, why not? xxx

Soap & Glory Launches Girl-O-Whirl

Christmas is upon us and so is this fabulous multi-product Girl-O-Whirl make-up kit from beauty lovers' favourite quirky brand Soap & Glory. 

Say hello to six eyeshadows, six lipsticks, the Thick & Fast Super Volume mascara, a Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Nudist, a highlighter and shimmering bronzer, and three essential make-up brushes for daily application.

You'll be able to get your hands on Girl-O-Whirl at Boots for one week at £19, starting from 15 November. After that, it will go up to a whopping £40. Get your purses ready ladies!

Currently Obsessed With #6 Neon Pink Nails

I know what you're thinking - neon pink in November?! But let's be honest - nail polishes are a beauty lover's best friend and when the clouds come out and the sky is pitch black, what's better than a pretty pink highlighter wake-up call?

I took a chance on Color Club's Warhol nail lacquer, knowing it was insanely bright, but the risk paid off and I've fallen in love with the colour and effect. To my surprise, it was a matte polish and the formula was thick enough for one coat to be enough. I applied a layer of Seche Vite on top of each nail to give them a healthy shine. 

Next time I'm at a beauty exhibition, I'll be stocking up on more of these bad boys. They are a nail polish addict's dream!

Have you tried a Color Club nail lacquer? xxx

So...? Va Va Volume Dry Shampoo

There's no denying it - when it come to dry shampoo, the first brand beauty lovers think of is Batiste. But in reality, many hair care lines such as Lee Stafford and Tresemme offer dry shampoo products. Body fragrance brands are even cutting a piece of the pie, and So...? is just one of them. 

Earlier this year, So...? launched a four-piece dry shampoo range, featuring So...? Fabulous (fresh and fruity), So...? Glamorous (sweet and sensual), So...? Lovely (floral and flirty) and So...? Va Va Voom (extra body). So...? Va Va Voom is the one I have been using on second-day hair, and I'm sad to say that I'm not that impressed.

Don't get me wrong - I love the packaging and the concept of a fun, girly brand like So...? launching  a product that many young women deem to be essential - but ultimately the point of dry shampoo is to leave your hair feeling clean and fresh without getting it wet in the shower, and this product just didn't do it for me. The smell was lovely, but I just feel that it didn't come close to Batiste.

What's your ultimate dry shampoo? xxx

*This post includes a PR sample. All views are my own.

STEAMCREAM Does Movember: Mo & Little Mo

There aren't many beauty brands that don product design the way STEAMCREAM does, and it has really outdone itself with the simple, statement tins launched specifically for Movember. 

Meet MO and Mini MO, which come as a pair for £12.95.

Each tin is filled with the multipurpose cream, which can be used on your face, hands, body and even your hair as a styling product.

Not only are they adorable, but they are also practical. There's always something you can do with each tin when the cream has been used up. Use one as a quirky jewellery box, a place to store your cufflinks or a handbag saviour for the little bits that float around at the bottom of your tote.

And, importantly, 10% of the proceeds go to the Movember Charitable Foundation. So, if you are dying to try STEAMCREAM, now is a great time to go for it.

Will you be celebrating Movember this year? xxx 

All About Autumn/Winter Red Lips

Nothing says timeless, iconic beauty like a bold red lip, and I'm loving bright and sultry shades this season. I'm definitely guilty of over-buying lipsticks in claret, postbox and bloodstained hues, and in this post I will be sharing with you five of my current favourites.

1/Max Factor Color Elixir Lipstick, Ruby Tuesday
This is by far my favourite red lipstick - it's matte but moisturising, and has the kind of red shade that can make any eye sparkle and lip pop. Ruby Tuesday is my go-to lipstick for meetings, nights out and for days where I fancy dressing up a bit.

2/Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss, Shade 107
Since trying out the Hourglass Opaque Lipstick in Iconic, I'm absolutely in love with wine red lips. The Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in 107 has a sultry, playful shade to it and is great for everyday wear in the Autumn and Winter. The packaging is also really cute and compact. 

 

3/Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter, Candy Apple
Revlon's Lip Butters are a big hit with beauty lovers and rightly so - every colour leaves your lips looking smooth, plump and tinted with just the right amount of colour. Candy Apple is so easy to wear and apply, and it's perfect for application on the go. If matte lipsticks scare you and you'd prefer to have a smooth and soft red lip, I'd highly recommend this Revlon Lip Butter. 

4/MAC Matte Lipstick, Ruby Woo
Every MAC lover will know about Ruby Woo - it's a classic bright filmstar red and one of the brand's most popular lipsticks. This one's a bit of a make-up staple, but you need to exfoliate and moisturise before application so that chapped lips and dry skin are kept at bay.

 

5/Vaseline Limited Edition Paint The Town Red Lip Balm
Paint The Town Red is the latest limited edition lip balm from Vaseline and it's a great one at that. You don't need much to get a bold colour and a little bit goes a long way. It's an affordable, fun alternative to the classic red lipstick and is also very handbag-friendly.  

What's your favourite red lipstick? xxx

Currently Obsessed With #5 Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Eye Palette

Looking back at the eyeshadow shades I used to wear, it was all about the hot pinks, deep purples, emerald greens, and even cobalt blues. Now I'm a working girl in my mid-20s, and it's time for a change. I've completely fallen in love with Bobbi Brown's Rich Chocolate Eye Palette. 

Ranging from base colour 'bone' to 'rich chocolate', which can be used as an eyeliner, this palette is a dream for those who love doing a neutral, buildable everyday eye. The palette even offers two glittery night shades - Caramel Sparkle and Champagne Truffle Shimmer Wash - which can be brushed over a base colour to add some jazz to your base. It also comes with a double-ended shading and liner brush for application.

The look I've created above features 'bone' as a base, covered with 'frappe' and lined with 'rich chocolate' on my top and bottom lash lines. J'adore!

Have you tried this eye palette? xxx

Beauty Expert Launches 'Safety in Beauty' Campaign

Me with Antonia Mariconda at W London

Sophie Anderton with Antonia Mariconda

As the editor of a cosmetic medicine magazine, I was thrilled to attend the launch of beauty expert Antonia Mariconda's much-needed campaign - Safety in Beauty. Not only did I have my nails filed and jazzed up with a silver All That Jazz nail polish, but also I had a little chit chat with Sophie Anderton on the sofa while doing so. I can confirm she is lovely and super stylish.

Having seen and heard about many complications following non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers and lasers, I was so pleased to be part of the campaign launch last week and am a huge supporter of what Antonia's is doing. 

The campaign will run on Twitter with the hashtag #safetyinbeauty and is supported by several female celebrities, such as the Drs Pixie & Dawn from Channel 4's Embarassing Bodies, as well as lawyers and industry key opinion leaders.

Mariconda said: 'It’s all about people power now. It’s a hugely profitable industry for those that have a role within it, but as consumers we need to take a stand and say that we will no longer suffer nor tolerate sub standard or potentially harmful activity.'

Will you be supporting the Safety in Beauty campaign? xxx

Korres Christmas 2013 Gift Sets: Fruity Meets Festive

Korres Flower Power Gift Set, including Jasmine Body Milk,
Jasmine Shower Gel, Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturiser
and Mandarin Lip Butter Stick in Rose

Korres Rose & Shine Gift Set, including Wild Rose Mask,
Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturiser, Japanese Rose Shower Gel
and Japanese Rose Body Butter

Korres Indulgent Treats Gift Set, including Guava Body
Butter, Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturiser, Mandarin Lip Butter
Stick in Roseand Organic Almond Oil & Shea Butter Hand Cream

Korres Sleep Over Gift Set, including Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturiser,
White Tea Fluid Gel Cleanser, Basil Lemon Shower Gel,
and Mandarin Lip Butter Stick in Rose

Everyone loves a bath and body gift set, and the Christmas offering from Korres looks very promising for 2013.

There are four fabulous sets of festive, fruity products - Flower Power (£18), Rose & Shine (£12), Indulgent Treats (£18) and Sleep Over (£12). 

All of these bath and body gift sets are now available online from Debenhams, ASOS, Feel Unique and Bath & Unwind.

What is your favourite Korres product? xxx

Balmain Launches Nail Collection at BeautyMART

Luxury French fashion brand Balmain is already known for launching into the world of high-end hair care, but its latest venture is nails.

Its debut nail trio Paris Nail Couture Collection (£40) is equipped with three chic and classic shades - Rouge, Noir & Nude - and a matte top coat. Each nail polish comes with a wide, flat brush for even application.

For those who buy beauty products with their ingredients in mind, all of the nail polishes in the collection are free of toluene, formaldehyde and camphor.

The Balmain Paris Nail Couture Collection is available at BeautyMART from 20 October.

Will you be buying this debut nail collection? xxx

Bumble & Bumble Creme de Coco Masque

When you're hair is as dry as the desert and you've got split ends galore, you are more than willing to try the plethora of intensive hair masks and conditioners on the market, no matter what price you have to pay for it. But I really regret falling for the trap of a tropical, coconut mask from Bumble & Bumble and paying over £20 for a product that has made no difference to my hair at all.

The first time I used this mask, I had to use half of the product to even cover my hair to give it a chance to start working. The second time I used it, I had to squeeze out the contents and nearly finished it all. In essence, I was spending £10 per wash just for the pleasure of conditioning my hair, and I didn't even see the benefits.

If you want my advice, stick to highstreet brands like Herbal Essences. You'll get many more applications, much better effects and you'll save about £15.

Have you tried this hair mask? What do you think? xxx

Currently Obsessed With #5 Wet N Wild Juicy Lip Balm

 If you're looking for a subtle wash of colour, soft lips and a dupe for Revlon's lip butter in Candy Apple, the Wet N Wild Juicy Lip Balm in Cherry is the one for you.

I love this balm because it combines one of my favourite lip shades (red) with one of my favourite fruity scents (cherry) and leaves my lips glossy and moisturised. 

It also comes with SPF 15, which is always a bonus, especially when we don't protect our lips from the sun as much as we look after our faces and bodies.

If I had to say one negative thing about it, the colour doesn't last very long. However, for about 2 or 3 quid, I really can't complain. For me, the colour is a bonus. If it leaves my lips soft and smells good, that's all I need.

What's your favourite lip balm? xxx  

Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex

Just like the facial skin care sector is saturated, so is the eye rejuvenation market. You could literally spend hours searching for the best of the best - ones that reduce puffiness, ones that remove dark circles, and ones that minimise fine lines and wrinkles - so the best thing to do is search for reviews or go with trial and error. After all, everyone's different.

My first ever eye cream purchase was Origins GinZing, which was good to start with but disappointing after a few uses. Then I came across a sample of the Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex in a package from QVC and decided to give it a go. 

I've heard a lot of great things about Alpha-H skin care, but I've never really been sold on it. I wasn't desperate to get my hands on Liquid Gold, thinking a lot of the hype was down to the use of the word 'gold' and nothing more. But after trying the brand's eye product, I have changed my mind.

In terms of its texture, it's a clear gel that is easily absorbed around the eye area. You don't need too much per eye and you will feel a slight tingle for a few seconds - this is the Eye Complex working with ingredients such as peptides (reduce loss of elasticity), hibiscus flower (reduce dark circles) and cucumber (reduce puffiness).

The reason why I love this eye product is purely because of the results I have seen. After 3 or 4 days, the dark circles around my eyes were significantly less visible and my skin looked tight and refreshed. If you're looking for an eye cream that really does work, give this one a try.

What is your favourite eye cream? xxx