Being milk bottle white and allergic to the sun self tanning products are a definate blessing to me. But I have always wondered how they work and are they good for my skin?  So I made it my business to find the answers and here is what I found.

Self tanning products contain Dihydroxyacetone commonly known as DHA.  DHA is usually derived from plant sources and is simply a sugar.  So far so good nothing harmful.  Another ingredient often used is Erythrulose which is also a sugar but DHA is more commonly used.  DHA reacts with the amino acids in the dead layer of the skin.  This reaction causes a colouration which thankfully for you  and me is a wonderful individual tan colour.

DHA and Erythrulose are often used together because Erythrulose develops the colour more slowly and therefore the tan effect lasts longer. 

Therefore, self tanning lotions simply contain sugars often derived from plant extracts.  The only people who may suffer a reaction are those with sensitive skin.  The product might cause in some cases contact irritation.  If you have sensitive skin it is best to patch test first. Read More »

If you want a lip colour that performs and looks good then Avon Anew Beauty Lip Plumping Colour is an excellent choice.  This lipstick contains retinol and collagen to help minimise fine lines and wrinkles.  Avon claims “Lips appear fuller and more youthful. Moisturises and lasts for hours”.

It is moisturising and after using for one week my lips do feel extremely soft.   When wearing the lipstick the lips do look full and with prolonged use I believe this lipstick could certainly improve the texture and fine lines.  There is a selection of gorgeous colours in this range.  From light beige to dark browns there is even a soft purple called Mad for Mauve.

If you are not keen on lip colour or for some reason you cannot wear lip colour throughout the day then try the Anew Beauty Lip Plumping Lip Conditioner with double the amount of retinol.  This again is extremely moisturising and is also suitable as a night treatment for lips.

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Mineral Make up is the current buzz in the cosmetic world even though the forerunners in mineral makeup, Bare Escentuals, have been established since 1976.

Mineral makeup doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and is completely natural, unlike most of the traditional types of foundation, which might contain; oil, talc, fragrance and preservatives that can cause irritation to the skin.  Mineral foundation is usually a powder which has been pigmented and made with titanium and zinc oxide. These oxides provide natural sun protection, whilst zinc has anti inflammatory properties which, means mineral makeup is suitable for sensitive and acne prone skin.

Bare Escentuals has been around since 1976 and they have perfected their range of mineral makeup after years of research. The foundation is called Bareminerals and is available in a wonderful collection of shades.  There is also a vast selection of eye colours and face enhancers. The foundations in particular are the starting point for mineral makeup and Bare Escentuals say the “foundation feels like a cream and blends flawlessly, giving you the look and feel of bare skin“.

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Dermabrasion is traditionally a clinical treatment to remove the upper surface of the skin and would normally only be carried out by a professional. 

However, this type of treatment has become more main stream and top beauty houses have developed their own version of a dermabrasion system for home use.

Dermabrasion is designed to improve the skin’s texture and tone, it can also help to fade age spots and minimise fine lines but in itself is not an anti ageing treatment.   

Avon have introduced their own version of dermabrasion which contains Dermatologist-Grade Polishers and an Advanced Skin Conditioner that helps to keep the skin moisturised and supple while it is being treated with the abrasive cream.

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The Body Shop have recently launched Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation with a SPF25. This is a cream to powder format which I would normally say avoid if you have dry skin however, this is enriched with Baobab Oil which helps to keep the skin moisturised. 

The foundation’s compact formulation comprises of thousands of tiny spheres which smooth over the skin to give an even skin tone with medium to full skin coverage.

How does it protect the skin?

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OPI’s colours have never been so hot than this year’s India collection for spring/summer. 

Imagine the beautiful silks and embroidered fabrics.  The monsoon washed forrests and the painted temples with vivid colours full of energy and spice.

Not forgetting the fantastic names we can only expect from OPI my favourite is the deep navy blue “Yoga-ta get this Blue” or “Curry up don’t be late” shown to the right.

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Benefit Erase Paste is a new makeup essential.  It is a creamy concealer that is blendable and covers dark circles, signs of stress and fatigue.

A little goes a long way so the dinky pot will last forever.  Don’t worry if you have long nails.  Benefit provide a spatula to scoop the cream and then apply a tiny amount to the eyes and blend with the ring finger.

Erase paste is available in three shades light, medium and dark pretty simple I thought but having read a few reviews the light seems to be slightly darker than most light concealers.  All the shades have a slight pinky tone so this is something to consider when purchasing.

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If you are looking for vintage style from Grace Kelly to Marilyn Monroe then try Miss Selfridge’s new collection of vintage dresses launching this week.

The dresses have been inspired by one off pieces from around the world and cover an eclectic range from 1950’s cocktail dresses to the 1990’s power dressing. 

The dress shown is a Black full skirt prom dress with embroidery on the bodice and hem and pink adjustable straps. It is a 100% Cotton and machine washable.

The collection includes flirty, flowing chiffon dresses to sexy vintage figure hugging styles.   My personal favourite is the Black Twill Tulip Dress shown below.  This has leopard print lining for the Bet Lynch touch and is perfect head turning material.  With a gorgeous sun tan who could resist.

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Nude make up hits the catwalk this season and nobody does Nude better than Bobbi Brown.

Bobbi Brown’s Nude Lip and Eye Palette for 2008 is a limited edition packed with gorgeous must have lip and eye colours for this season.  The are 4 mat and shimmer eye shadows and 4 dreamy lip colours for the perfect nude. 

The eye shadows are; Buff Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Nude Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Bare Eye Shadow and Naked Eye Shadow, subtle colours that can be blended or used on their own. 

The lip colours are; Bare Lip Color, Beige Lip Color, Brownie Pink Lip Color,  Cocoa Lip Color again these can used on their own, blended - try using a light colour in the centre of the lips or use the creamy blendable lip colour to give definition to the cheeks. 

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I like to go swimming to try and keep healthy.  Usually swimming 2-3 times a week. This is not good for the hair.  The chlorine is drying and reduces the life of the colour.  I have tried applying conditioner before entering the pool and an anti chlorine shampoo.  These did provide some relief but they are not as effective as Philip Kingsley Swimcap. 

This treatment is applied to damp hair and then combed through to ensure all the hair is covered.  The treatment is water proof and protects against the discolouring and damage caused by the chlorine.  It does work.  My hair is always manageable and soft after swimming and I don’t have to use conditioner when I wash my hair during the rest of the week because Swimcap conditions while it protects. 

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