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| Spring Skin Drinks
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| 10th March 2011
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| The weather outside maybe sunny, but boy is it cold - which means your skin is
probably as dry and dehydrated as mine. Not ideal if you’re channelling this
seasons beautiful dewy skin! |
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| My advice is to book yourself in for regular hydrating facials which make all the difference
between a tight or a glowing, fresh looking skin (Clarins do excellent moisturising
treatments). But what you do in between also makes a huge difference; and it’s not just about choosing a good moisturiser, because skin now needs an extra boost to fight dehydration. My favourite moisture masks are those that work fast (because lets face it, results in a flash are
what we all want). Givenchy Moisturising Mask only need sit on skin for five minutes for
a plumper healthier looking skin by the time it wipes off. Next up is Estée Lauder Hydra Complete, which takes a little longer but is a fab skin drink and great pre party. If you like
luxe try SK11 Face Masks; a 100% cotton face sheet drenched in vitamins and moisture -
ideal if you prefer a no mess mask.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Remember to top up moisture levels at night too; Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery
Concentrate is a gorgeous, as is Lancome’s impressive anti ageing Genefique serum
which also boosts moisture levels. A great tip to make all these moisture masks work harder is
to keep skin buffed and polished so your skin drink can go deeper; try Clinique’s newly
updated Clarifying Lotion, use it daily and it makes moisturisers work that much harder
fora significant difference and all it takes is a quick swipe over your skin after cleansing. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Let's Get Lippy!
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| 3rd March 2011
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| Lipstick is back this season and this time around there’s no ignoring it. Why should
you when there’s a whole raft of new textures, shades and finishes - and for the little
girl in you, a whole new collection of gorgeous packaging with even more glamour
and satisfying ‘clickability’. |
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| So if you’re a bare, balm or lip gloss kind of girl, now’s the time to switch it for lipstick with
true colour. But don’t worry because if you only want to dip you’re toe in the beige and buff
colour pool you’ll be pleased to hear the Spring/Summer 2011 collections virtually all have a beautiful nude – though with this season’s pinky rosy edge to keep it modern. For me,
Lancôme’s new French Touch Absolu range gets this look bang on.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Then there’s the new super bright trend (there’s no better place to head to than MAC for
their rainbow of brights, YSL for their Rouge Pur colour collection, and more recently
Estée Lauder for their Pure Color range; these colour houses have the hottest vibrant
fuchsias, corals and tomato reds all wrapped up. If you’re unsure where to start with this
new bright trend; remember a coral suits everyone and whatever colour you choose, keep it shimmer and glitter free. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| If you’re feeling brave there’s always red; it’s a look that isn’t going anywhere. And if you think you’re not a red lipstick girl think again. It’s a look that suits everyone - the key is in finding
your shade (and we all have one). Chanel, Dior and YSL all have a big red collection, but
do shop around till you find your true red. And when it comes to red confidence, I swear by a
tip once given to me by a make-up artist – just start wearing red lipstick around the house, it
sounds silly - but it works!
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Get Colourful!
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| 21st February 2011
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| I for one am using those limited bursts of sunshine this week to inspire my new
beauty regime; I’ve switched my perfume, my body cream and my nail polish. But
in beauty terms there’s no better way to bring on spring than some colour.
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| I was looking through all the beautiful spring lipsticks and shadows and then along came
Estée Lauder’s Limited Edition Colors Palette which had it all. The Pure Color
Lipstick has always been great on texture, longevity and finish, and this mini lip wardrobe of
lipstick is every colour you need this summer, from the buff beige and the pretty pinky tint to
a berry red, the mood boosting coral (don’t be scared, it suits everyone) and hot pink to match
your ‘just there’ tan.
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| Spring may not all be about smokey eyes to you; but think again. Smokey colours don’t have
to be all dark, grey and wintery. Change your ‘smokey’ colour swatch palette for springs pretty
ice cream colours in yellows, blues, pinks and pale purples; which are everywhere this season.
This palette has the lilac to mauve to indigo shadow spectrum all wrapped up. There’s also a
pale dove grey to use as your base colour and a highlighting shade to use just below the brows,
if you just want to open your eyes up and out. Finish off with a lick of blacker than black mascara. |
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| Glossing...
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| 14th February 2011
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| So you’ve prepped, buffed and bronzed your spring skin; now it’s time to add that
last layer of glossing, glowing body sheen for real red carpet appeal.
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| Some of the body moisturisers on the market double up and do it all for you. Kiehl’s Creme
de Corps (one of my all year round bathroom cabinet essentials) is one of the most iconic
body hydrators and with good reason; it works like an instant skin smoothing, thirst
quenching drink, and over time changes the texture of skin for good. Guerlain also do a great moisturising line up, Super Aqua; the body cream delivers such a surge of moisture you’ll see
a change to the tone and plumpness of skin in days. Another body treat is Jo Malone’s
Vitamin E Body Balm (it also comes in a Gel version once the weather hots up), her first
and still best selling cream strengthens and hydrates the most arid of skin from the inside out.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommnedations, click on the product image
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| If you want more Hollywood gloss, add another layer of soft sheen with some body oils.
Jo Malone is introducing two gorgeous limited edition dry body oils in April in its heavenly
English Pear and Freesia and Lime, Basil and Mandarin fragrances. These light textured oils nourish skin, leaving it feeling satin-soft yet dry to the touch. The natural conditioning
qualities of olive, kukui and macadamia-seed oils together with the skin-softening properties
of vitamin rich wheat germ extract, encourage a healthy-looking, luminous glow. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Celebrity glam tips...
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| 27th January 2011
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| How do the Golden Goddesses look so good? |
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| This year, as insider beauty spies were better placed than ever, we’ve actually had a heads up
on why Angelina’s lips looked so gorgeous and plump. She was spotted using Chantecaille’s Brilliant Lip Gloss in the Love shade – but Lancôme is also worth visiting for their equally fabulous nude coloured glosses and French Touch Absolu lipsticks. Olivia Wilde’s eyes were so
wide because her make-up artist used PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and shadows by NARS – Tip: MAC also do great high impact long lasting high pigment shadows. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Colour aside, red carpet queens always have gorgeous looking skin (did you see Claire Danes?).
But whatever they’re using, when it comes to flawless, A Lister perfect skin my top tip is to
head to Clarins. Their new Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation SPF10 is just so bang on
for that modern faultless base that lasts all day and gives a real skin dewy finish. Also Dior,
who’s Nude range of foundations come in a cream, powder and compact version for an air-
brush perfect skin finish that suits, and sits on, any skin type. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Mood boosting scents...
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| 21st January 2011
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| The January blues are hard to beat, but even beauty can go someway to fighting the mood boosting cause. Because according to research what we smell can affect our
mood – if it’s rose we feel happier, and if it’s citrus we feel more energised and
uplifted (and interestingly the smell of citrus makes others think we’re a whole five
years younger; another nice little confidence booster).
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| Rose is the chameleon note of the perfume world, and it’s various guises suit everyone – all
ages, all styles all lifestyles. For an old fashioned take on rose head to Jo Malone whose blend
of seven roses in their Red Roses Cologne is intense but also clean, classic and incredibly
moreish. Also gorgeous is Paul Smith’s Rose – it’s the prettiest scent, but slightly more “of
the moment” if for you, rose needs an update before you’ll spritz it on. If you prefer a sexy take
on rose it has to be Stella McCartney’s offering – it’s incredibly modern and smells like a gorgeous veil of rose on evening skin. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| If it’s energy you want from your fragrance look for anything with citrus notes like lemon,
orange, bergamot or tangerine – these oils are all proven to lift anxiety and depression, so
don’t save them for summer. One of the punchiest is Citron Citron, a warm spicy version from Miller Harris (our home grown perfume house created by Lynn Harris, whose scents work
on the mind as much as they do on our noses). With it comes a little bit of green basil, mint, cardamom and cedarwood. The all time classic has to be CKOne; the first fragrance for him
and her it’s an oldie but a goody, because with a bergamot and green tea blend it still smells as
good, as it does modern. Chanel’s Cristalle is the elegant, grown up citrus fresh scent; it’s
newer version, Cristalle Eau Verte, comes with an extra lemon twist, which also makes it
easier for younger women - or those looking to break into Chanel’s perfume wardrobe - to
wear. For a daily spritz nothing comes more loaded with citrus than Estée Lauder’s White Linen White Breeze, with a mind altering mix of wet citrus notes such as luscious bergamot, orange zest and white grapefruit. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| And if you only buy one, make it either Carolina Herrera’s 212 Sexy for Women (which
wraps up both citrus and rose in one bottle, and adds a little vanilla for the ‘sexy’ second skin effect), or Dior’s exquisite classic Diorella; a fresh Sicilian lemon scent with pretty powdery rose.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| The Five Step Skin Care Routine...
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| December 24th 2010
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| My pre party skin plan has always been a simple five step routine; deep clean,
polish, hydrate, brighten and prime. |
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| When I say ‘deep clean’ it’s more about skin detoxing using a mask that goes one step further
than a cleanser to clean out pores and really wake up winter skin – particularly important if
you live in the city. My favourite weekly mask, and one that I save for parties is the Dr.Sebagh’s Purifying Anti Pollution Mask. I wear it for ten minutes while I’m the bath, and though it tingles a little on skin, the pore tightening and clearing effects are instant.
Now your skins clean, start buffing because it’s exfoliation that gives skin that perfect porcelain effect. Ideally go for a chemical peel (something using fruit enzymes), not a purely mechanical
bead based product which can snag skin. Some of the newer exfoliators are a mix of both, and
while they do use beads they tend to be manmade, and being perfectly spherical means they
won’t scratch skin. My favourite are Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, and for dry skin I like Lancôme’s Exfoliance Confort Smoothing Exfoliating Cream.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Hydration is the difference between having good looking and great looking skin, so next,
spend time plumping and moisturising your skin. My ultimate hydrating mask is the
Moisture Gel Mask by Estee Lauder; pile it on thickly and watch your skin suck it up for
a plumper, smoother more expensive looking skin. Next add light. And for a brightening
skincare step, for me Clarins Flash Balm, and Eye Revive Beauty Flash for Eyes, are
still unbeaten. Spend two minutes really massaging it in to your face and watch the change. It makes a dull skin two shades brighter instantly.
Finally it’s primers; and don’t be scared. While they’re not high on everyone’s check list, once
you get your head around the idea that they turn skin into the perfect canvas for base so that
it goes on and stays on better you’ll be addicted. No one does better primers than Laura
Mercier; and with a wardrobe of oil free, mineral, hydrating and foundation, I guarantee
you’ll meet your match. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Party Lipsticks...
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| December 16th 2010
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| Christmas belle’s it’s time to get your party make up. And thankfully it’s a season
rich in colour, sheen and glamour which means the counters are brimming with the every lip-stick, balm and gloss shade made to match your little black dress. |
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| On the lips dark deep wine-berries are big news now; the darker you can go the better. And
if it’s not for you don't give up; instead try a gloss or balmy sheen because simply going for
another texture can be kinder on the complexion and looks good on anyone. Clinique Surge
Butter Shine in Rum Kiss is a lovely gentle take on wearing a deep shade, whilst Bobbi
Brown do great Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in gorgeous shades like Chocolate Cherry.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| But for an all out autumn winter dark lip head to Giorgio Armani (try the Lip Wax in Deep Chianti) Chanel (finally a Rouge Noir lipstick to their cult nail lacquer in their Rouge Coco collection) and YSL (the Rouge Couture in Noir Lacque is bang on). And then there’s Tom
Ford, because the man who knows a thing or two about what makes a women look sexy has
some fabulous winter berry shades, and while they last forever they won't go on too thick in
the first place. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| My one tip though, whatever colour you choose is to keep your lips in buffed, baby soft
condition. Creme de La Mer’s lip balm is unbeatable for protecting your lips during a cold
weather snap, and my handbag essential for topping up on a budget has to be Kiehl’s Lip
Balm in Coconut. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Winter skin treats...
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| 24th November 2010
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| Tis the season to be jolly careful about keeping the skin on your body as hydrated
as the skin on your face; so it’s worth investing some time and money in good body moisturisers now (after all, a dry skin equals older looking skin). It’s always around November time, with that constant switch from super cold to central heated house, when I find my skin needs extra help. |
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| If like me your skin is super dry it's about layering on cream morning and evening. Kiehl's
Crème de Corps is my all time winter favourite; it's rich enough to ward of dry skin, but
light enough to use in the morning before getting dressed plus it has that lovely comforting
smell if you apply it before bed. Runners up include Prevage (the body version to their
incredibly powerful anti-ageing line up turns tight crepey skin into comfortable, soft and
even younger looking, skin in a matter of days) and Clinque’s Deep Comfort Body
Lotion; this gorgeous buttery balm quenches skin but also seems to provide a protective
layer over skin to prevent dehydration coming back. During colder months This Works
Dry Leg Oil is a real treat for Sahara dry shins, particularly overnight for softer, sheeny
calves by morning. If you like oils do try Clarin’s Anti-Eau Body Treatment Oil, it’s
full of essentials oils to rehydrate skin but also works to de-puff legs and arms if you apply
it in a sweeping upwards motion.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| For a little cheat I love Estée Lauder’s Bronze Goddess Decadent Moisture; it’s
actually an after sun with self tan included (but light enough and to be applied before getting dressed). But all that means is it’s loaded with extra hydration, anti-oxidants (always good)
and a little colour to ward off an otherwise wintery lack lustre skin.
For something a little more luxe nothing smells sexier on skin than Prada’s Amber; the
body lotion to their delicious and hugely popular Amber ‘second skin’ scent. Or there’s the
collection from Jo Malone whose large tubs of thick body cream in all their top selling
fragrances, from Lime, Basil and Mandarin to the more wintery Pomegranate Noir, never fail
to feel seriously decadent. For something equally British there’s Miller Harris whose
beautiful fragrances also come in light body lotions. These make wonderful gifts, but make
sure it’s one for them and one for you. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| The perfect shade...
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| 18th November 2010
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| Sorry but there’s no getting away from this seasons skin trend, because whatever
look your channelling (from seventies Halston, a graphic eye or the dark lip) it’s
beyond perfect, mannequin skin every time |
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| Thank goodness then that base just got better, because you’re now just a colour match away
from better skin |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| If you’re skin confident stick to a light base used where, and only where, you need it. Dior
Skin Nude (one of the best foundation ranges around) is fabulous, or Givenchy Fond de
Teint Fluide is a light weight, radiance boosting choice, which also makes it a great for
younger skin. For more coverage ‘the looks good on any skin’Chanel’s Pro Lumiere is
found in every make-up artist’s kit (there’s also a Matte version). And then there’s the
backstage failsafe MAC Pro Longwear SPF10 Foundation, which gives unrivalled
coverage without cakeyness, and won’t go anywhere. Giorgio Armani’s foundation is also
one of my favourites for more coverage, but it still lets in light for that beautiful real skin,
satin, sheeny finish. Tip: Always finish applying your base with a few downwards movements
of your fingers for a smoother ‘mannequin’ effect. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| But whatever you put on your skin this season it’s all about prepping, prepping and more
prepping. So make-up primers (L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Smooth Resurfacing
Primer) and pre bases (Mac Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone gives skin a poreless, flawless face) are your mannequin makeup essentials. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Cold weather balms...
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| 11th November 2010
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| My handbag is like a weather vane – changing its beauty stores with the seasons.
This last week I’ve unwittingly weighed it down with a stack of cold weather lip
balms, in place of the bright glosses that saw me through summer. |
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| The best one to ease yourself into balm weather is Bobbi Brown’s Tinted Lip Balm.
Think lovely little chunky sticks of gentle balmy colour in Brown, Bronzed Pink and Raspberry
Pink (which looks so pretty against winters rosy cheeks). |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm are also gorgeous if you want colour first (it comes in
11 shades) and lip care second (it gently smoothes and softens). If you’re looking for a thicker consistency load lips up with Kiehls Lip Balm; the Coconut version is my new addiction (in
a tube means no sticky fingers). I’m also keeping a supply of Creme de la Mer Lip Balm in
the wings, because when the weather gets really cold nothing beats this balm.
The minty freeze proof formula stays thick and creamy in the pot (and on your lips) however
cold it gets, which also makes it excellent for skiing. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendation, click on the product image
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| My tip for a more intense lip softening treat is to use balm overnight, layered up more thickly
than you would by day - it means you wake with super plump lips, and wards off the weather-beaten look the following day. Try the rich buttery L’Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm, or
with lemon and petit grain essential oils I love Decleor Aromessense Lip Balm to soften. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Find your perfect hand cream...
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| 3rd November 2010
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| When it comes to hand cream I’d say I have a Goldilocks complex, because before I plump for a perfect cream it’s a process of eliminating the ones that are ‘too greasy,
too perfumed, too messy or too heavy.’ And it’s round about this time of year that I thank my lucky stars that I’ve found my favourites because hands don’t take kindly
to the change in seasons. |
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| The all time classic is, well the all time classic, for a reason. Clarins Hand and Nail
Treatment (available at Alpha Airport Shopping in a nifty little Hand Beauty Kit with polishes and
file) really is the perfect cream; it smells comforting but cleans and quenches without leaving
a greasy film so you can read a paper or answer a call immediately. The Chanel Body
Nourish and Rejuvenate Hand Cream comes in a classy second for its hand- and user
-friendly formula. For night time get in the habit of treating hands – this really does make
all the difference to hands looking your age or not. Bliss Glamour Gloves and Gel is a
specific overnight facial for hands. Wear the cream lined gloves and the gel seeps in to skin to plump, even and sooth so you wake with comfy, pretty hands. Or try Crème de la Mer –
nail artists swear by it - it’s rich so I prefer to wear it overnight as a hydrating mask. For a
super rich cream for super cold weather try Clinique’s Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream –slather it on dry, irritated skin and it smoothes the angriest of winter hands
for morning. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| For a real SOS though go for Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Hand Cream – the no mess
hand solution to take beaten hands back to beauty – and without the greasiness of the
original formula. For something luxury go for Sisley’s Nutritive Handcare; yes it’s pricey
but you do get what you pay for in it’s heavenly French fragrance and the way it bandages any hands in repairing hydrating cream almost instantly (their latest version, Sisleya Hand Cream,
also goes somewhere to treating age spots over time too). The clever people at L’Occitane
have created a nifty little Lavender Clean Hand Gel - the aromatherapy, kind to skin version
of your hand sanitiser. Double up and get their delicious Verbena or Rose Hand Cream to boot
- I always find sanitiser can take the edge off hands being super soft, so this is the perfect
double act. Dr Hauschka also do some beautiful smelling creams, but they are more greasy
so not ideal as a desk or handbag fix unless you can stay untouchable for a while. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| The clever people at L’Occitane have created a nifty little Lavender Clean Hand Gel - the aromatherapy, kind toskin version of your hand sanitiser. Double up and get their delicious Verbena or Rose Hand Cream to boot - I always find sanitiser can take the edge off hands
being super soft, so this is the perfect double act. Dr Hauschka also do some beautiful
smelling creams, but they are more greasy so not ideal as a desk or handbag fix unless you
can stay untouchable for a while. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Don't underestimate
the power of celebrity...
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| 26th October 2010
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| It’s not just the smells or shiny bottles that entrap us into the perfume hall, it’s the
life size celebrity cut outs drawing us in now. Next time you’re in Alpha Airport Shopping there’s probably a celebrity near you (albeit made of cardboard) with promises of perfume that smell and look just as good as they do. But does it? |
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| On my last visit to Gatwick it was lovely to have Matthew McConaughey
watching my every move – and with a certain sexy smile (as directed by Jean Baptiste Mondino who shot the campaign). I felt it was only polite to sniff The One Gentlemen, his new manly
scent for Dolce & Gabanna the latest celebrity men’s scent. Campaigns aside, it was actually a
good strong mix of pepper, grapefruit and fennel with patchouli for a warm, velvety overtone.
So it struck me that not all celebrity fragrances should be shunned. |
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| Best selling fragrances in the UK now include Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. Some
might argue that celebrity scents may focus their attentions on young girls who buy more
into the star, the bottle and the ad than they do the juice… But as cynical as I may be, once you
take that out of the equation these fragrances actually smell surprisingly good – no seriously
they do! |
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| Miss Aguilera’s will appeal to anyone who likes a sweet blackcurrant note – ok so we might
not buy into the whole story about it being inspired by her Balinese honeymoon but we do
buy into the smell itself. Britney’s perfume career has been as strong as her vocal, and her
latest –a big white floral – has the same wide appeal as the previous five, but be careful - you
may just like it too much! The grown ups include Gwen Stefani, Kylie and Sarah Jessica Parker
– my personal favourite. Gwen’s offerings are her Harajuku Lovers, worth buying for the
supercute bottles themselves, and although sweet each smells delicious especially the Lovers G scent version a tropical coconut that smells like holidays in a bottle. Kylie’s Darling is as sweet
as the lady herself with lychee, passion fruit and lily that makes for an undeniably pretty
perfume. Sarah Jessica-Parker arrived on the scene with her Lovely fragrance (a mix of
lavender, orchid and amber that just works) - don’t tell anyone but it’s my guilty pleasure.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Small but perfectly formed
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| 13th October 2010
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| Mini sizes of your favourite perfumes are having a moment. Because with bottles
more delicate and detailed than the super sizes, and so juicy that you want to spritz
on throughout the day they just make sense – plus this seasons more realistic sized
‘IT’ bags call for something all together more neat. |
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| When you learn that the experts say the only way to know if a scent really suits your mind,
mood and skin is to wear it for a day then go back to it, well, then these mini sets make even
more sense when it comes to making your mind up. One of my favourite perfume mini
wardrobes is by Thierry Mugler, the man who polarizes a million scent wearing women.
Love it or hate it (I love it) these bottles are like oversized jewels, and pumped full of rich
Angel, Eau du Star, La Rose and my new obsession Alien. For something equally pretty, but
just a little fresher try DKNY’s Sensory Delight set of four candy coloured Delicious
fragrances. Inside the bright apples you’ll find the originals, and the fresh splash of floral
with the sultry evening version for parties.
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| Then there’s Burberry; one of the best new launches of recent years. I’ve been impressed
with all of their new perfumes, and now they honestly have a fragrance label to rival their
fashion so it’s worth buying their mini boxes of each. If it’s a gift don’t look further than
Guerlain’s miniature sets; as one of the original big gun perfume houses, and still one of the
finest, their fragrances (old and new) are beautiful, as are their timeless bottles. And these
carefully edited boxes takes the heat out of choosing just one for your unknowing recipient. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness
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| 7th October 2010
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| There’s a stronger more powerful message behind Estée Lauder’s Breast Cancer Awareness campaign this year (not to mention a strong ad campaign shot by the
brilliant James Gager). ‘‘Connect, communicate, conquer. Prevent Breast Cancer
One Woman at a Time, The Pink ribbon Wear It. Share It.’ And so we shall. |
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| Perhaps in the shape of Estée Lauder’s Jewel Pin by Evelyn Lauder, £8.50 . And while we’re
at it we might just do the right thing and buy Elizabeth Hurley’s hand picked favourite Lipstick Set, £21.25 too – with a deep, dark and pale beige pink this is the perfect capsule lip wardrobe, and besides I always want what she’s having. With 20% going straight to the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign it’s the charitable thing to do. I also wanted to point you in the direction of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation pledge sight www.bcapledge.org, because
when you learn that this charity alone reaches over two billion women in 70 countries and will
have raised an estimated $45 million dollars since it’s launch in 1993 you realise how powerful
this campaign really is. |
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| Perfect Your Inner Eye
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| 30th September 2010
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| SS11 shows gave colour a whole new brighter spectrum; with every colour of the
rainbow in pastels, acidic and even glitter shades for eyes. |
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| A key new trend will be putting shimmering colour on the inner corners only, as seen at Preen
and Thakoon who used intense shots of icy blue and cool pink and gold. Get your eye in
because it’s one of the easiest tricks in the book to open up and widen out eyes. Gold is a good
place to start, it suits every eye colour so try the trend with Bobbi Browns Longwear
Cream Eye Shadow in Platinum, or YSL’s Ombres 5 Lumieres in 5 Bronze Gold
which has enough gold options to find your match. If it’s too minimalist for you try the Narciso Rodriguez slightly warmer look; make up artists warmed lids with classic peach to buff first (Chanel's Ombres in Spices is the perfect nude wardrobe), then went for a pinker shade
in the corners, like Givenchy Le Prisme Yeux Mono in 06 Coral. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Or do like Mrs Beckham’s runway models and go for her pretty ice cream pastels from lashes
to lid in clean blocks of lemon, mint and my favourite lilac (try Givenchy Le Prisme Yeux
Mono 11 Indigo). And then there’s even loud glitter fans as seen at Giles – of course look no further than MAC, who with their pigments pots have a rich selection of coloured catwalk
glitters (that won’t budge). Just take colour over the entire lid, and then slightly higher for a
clean crescent shape for glitter that looks all together more modern, grown up and sexy. But whatever you do, it’s clean and sharp and that means a perfectly formed arch. My advice is to
get them threaded (Blink have just moved into T5) and fill in the gaps with a good brow pencil
like Giorgio Armani’s brilliant Eyebrow Pencils which double up as a great natural
looking filler and definer in one. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Fashion Week Essentials
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| 22nd September 2010
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| So as London Fashion Week gets to work, so do the beauty products that have the
hard job of saving models, editors and fashionistas faces (packing in 67 shows into
a week plays havoc with your skin whatever side of the runway you’re on). |
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| Over the last couple of seasons I’ve kept my eyes peeled for what the make up artists keep on
call for skin SOS. To clean models skin gently I’ve spotted Lancôme’s Express Cleansing Water, Face Eye and Lips and have since tried it myself. I can safely say that removes
every last scrap of make up, but leaves skin incredibly comfy and calm looking. I now use it
daily as my last step to super clean skin.
To prep skin there are a couple of behind the scenes tricks. The first is YSL Top Secrets Eye Masks. Used by Val Garland (the make up artists known worldwide for the way she makes
skin look heavenly) these magic masks plump, lift and smooth eyes instantly. For all over
hydration and plumping head to Bobbi Brown; she spent years perfecting and updating her Hydrating range so they now double up as brilliant make-up primers (even for oilier skins - go
for the Gel) which she and her team use backstage.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| If you really want to plump and hydrate skin it’s always been the SKII Facial Treatment
Mask (one of the worlds leading make up artists Pat McGrath swears by these to sort out
parched skin fast). They don’t look glamorous, but sit back and wear one of these cloth masks
and you’ll reveal a skin that’s all together more smoother, brighter, even complexion in ten
minutes flat. Post fashion week skin will be suffering; so I’ll be treating myself to a Dr.Sebagh Anti Pollution Mask (too much travelling and not enough sleep always leaves my skin
congested and dull but this mask undoes the damage leaving my skin clean and clear again)
and a nightly dose of Estée Lauders Advanced Night Repair (an oldie but a goody, it’s
still the unbeatable anti-dote to late nights and stressed out skin).
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Brits Aboard
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| 17th September 2010
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| British beauty is having a moment at Alpha Airport Shopping. |
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| Homegrown brand Elemis opens its new counter at T5 this week with its range of naturally
active skincare (well 6.5 million spa goers per year can’t be wrong). If you haven’t tried it kick
off with their Collagen Marine Cream, some say it’s a cult I say it’s a gorgeous moisturiser
that suits all skin types at all ages (and would double up as a great little in flight skin plumper). Another good anti dote to flying is their Cellutox Active Body Concentrate; a brilliant blend
of fennel, lemon and juniper oil that depuffs the body and lightens that heavy leg feeling instantly. There are also rumours of exclusive offers and products at this new counter so I’m listening out. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| If the patriotic mood appeals there’s also Molton Brown, Jo Malone, Miller Harris and the baby
of the pack REN. It’s fitting that Molton Brown has it’s home at Alpha Airport Shopping, because
they do some of the best, and oh so British, travel essentials for him and her. Their Travel Stowaways are a line up of their six best bath and body treats, including the addictive Black Pepper Body Wash (it has just the right amount of zing for early mornings). My advice is to
buy one for you and one for your hosts – they’re the luxury British beauty souvenir.
Twenty years and a few countries later, Jo Malone has come a long way since its Walton Street launch pad. But the brand is still about unusual fragrance combinations (which started at
Nutmeg and Ginger Bath Oil to the most recent English Pear and Freesia fragrance – which is
so pretty by the way) and decadent pampering. Do leave a little time either side of your retail therapy to enjoy both; there are 15 minute pre flight skin reats (arm massages, relaxing hand therapies using their very own signature stimulating massage technique taking any stress or
muscle tension out of traveling), and their infamous fragrance consulting to find your perfect perfume, or two. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Like a cooler younger sister to Jo Malone is Miller Harris; from their flagship store in the hip Bruton Street they develop stunning modern fragrances (the latest inspired by Jane Birkin),
sell candles to their A list clients, and with Lynn Harris at the helm have their finger firmly on
the fashion pulse.
Last but by no means least (it now sells in 43 countries) is Ren who made a gutsy arrival on the skincare scene ten years ago. Their Moroccan Rose Bath Oil is reason enough to rave about
this brand, but their ‘clean skincare’ – which is stamped with a list of baddies that they won’t include like PEGs, sulphate detergents and animal ingredients to name just three – is in fact
very very good. I recommend their cleansing balms and milks for a happy, clean and comfortable skin. With beauty and fragrance this good, it’s the one time you can be confident that the Brits abroad will do us proud. |
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| We’ll Have What He’s Having! |
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| 10th September 2010
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| Has anyone else noticed that the boys have got some of the best new products this season? Flicking through the new Beauty & Style magazine, it
struck me that I want what they’ve got too. |
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| Luckily for me when it comes to the best in beauty I’m all for sharing his and hers, particularly
in the recent wave of him wearing hers and her wearing his (it’s a modern phenomena that
women now like to wear fresh, modern male scents and vice versa). So I’m coveting a big
bottle of Marc Jacobs Bang, a serving of Lancôme’s skin saving Genefic HD for men
and a delivery of the line up of Ralph Lauren’s Big Pony, all making an early appearance at Alpha Airport Shopping. |
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| Marc Jacobs long awaited fragrance for boys, Bang, does not disappoint (I expect you’ve
noticed the campaign of Mr Jacobs and not much else). Just as wearable as his hugely popular perfume for girls, this fragrance has peppery and patchouli notes that make it surprisingly gorgeous, but sexy and sharp, on girls. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Lancôme’s new skincare for men Genefic HD not only looks like serious artillery against our
war on anti-ageing, it promises the same energy boosting, skin saving properties as their
genius Genefique serum (if you haven’t tried it do, it transforms skin in both the short and
long term). While this may focus on a man’s skin - it soothes after shaving, has ‘his skin only’
repair proteins and has that very masculine clean citrus smell and light on skin texture - I want
to try it all the same. Men can expect a change to their skin in a week.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Finally I’m not saying no to Ralph Lauren’s Big Pony Collection; with a scent to match
every man. There’s Sport (a fresh citrus), Seduction (chocolate and musk notes), Adventure
(think ginger spices and woody blend) and Style (an energy boosting mix of mandarin and kyarawood), which means a bottle to suit every mood and every bathroom. I’m doing all four
– they all smell great and the line up of bottles looks too cool and colourful to choose just one. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| The Perfect Tan
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| 2nd September 2010
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| There comes a time during a British summer when you just have to admit defeat and accept you’re not going to get any kind of lightly sunkissed face on home soil. The time has come to get my glow from of a line up of the very best in self tanning creams and sprays. Thank goodness then that the brands just raised the bar in creating some of
the most natural, beautiful self tans I’ve seen to date, add to that the most easy to use formulas I’ve tried (and believe me I’ve tried them all). |
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| Sisley have always been a brand I turn to for tanning; real of otherwise. And if you want that
gentle hint of tan then a layer of Sisley Sans Soleil Self Tanning Gel for the face over your moisturiser - or instead of as it’s not drying at all - worn overnight is the trick. It smells of
lavender too which invariable leaves me feeling perfectly sleepy. By day I love Clarin’s Delectable Self Tanning Mousse, SPF15. The whipped white mousse is so light and so fruity smelling it always tricks me into forgetting I’m wearing self tan, until a few hours later when my skin turns to a pretty honey tone (it can also be used on face and body). To bring a tan to real life
I swap powder bronzer for Chanel’s Fluide Enleumineur Irise, a gorgeous sheeny, pinky
gold that looks gorgeous on everyone. Because using your fingers to blend a little along the cheekbones, forehead and alone the bridge of the nose it just lifts a tan to make it look nothing
less than peachy, beachy real. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Mid tone to olive skin tones should try Dior Bronze Self Tan Face Natural satiny golden gel; it gives a week in the south of France deep colour, but one that’s totally even and totally gorgeous. It also has the benefit of going on tinted, so you can see exactly where you’ve applied
it. And if that still hasn’t delivered on depth of colour there’s always Benefit’s Talk to the
Tan; think more make up this time as this bronzed gel glides over skin for an even deep bronze gleam instantly. So fine you can use this over or instead of your base. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Six Secret Travel Exclusives
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| 27th August 2010
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| Sometimes the best beauty things in life are at Duty Free. Because while they do
all the beauty greats (new and old) otherwise found on the high street, they also do some of the most exclusive and the most prettiest of palettes all of their own. You
won’t find these six secrets anywhere else (however hard you look). |
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| For Nails: Dior Vernis La Collection – if you buy one nail collection this summer make it
this one. Dior has some of the best quality nail lacquer, with a non-chip, long lasting clever
colour palette that suits everyone. And with this gorgeous gold and berry red shades the kit
will take you through to autumn too. For Lips: Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Gloss
– if you’re not tempted by just looking at this cute little lip gloss wardrobe up, you might be
when you learn that these glosses are full of anti-oxidants and moisturising properties making
them great for sun kissed lips too. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| For Party Make Up: Estée Lauder Compact. It’s hard to believe so many different textures
and shades can exist in such a small, but perfectly formed, palette. A neat ‘all you need’ kit to
make eyes pop, skin glow and create statement fuchsia through to berry lips. I love it. For the Perfect Nude Palette: Clinique all in One’s palette is a totally foolproof way to get that
gorgeous healthy, wealthy flushed skin, cheeks and lips and warm eye tones without looking
like you’re wearing a hint of make-up.
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image |
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| For Skin: Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv baby skincare suitcase is the ultimate skin set to
match a luxury week away. As the company famed for fabulous anti-ageing you can expect
great things from this skin saving cream – and as their most luxurious range you can trust me
when I say it’s just heavenly to use (you’ll see a difference in a few days). A great choice too for dryer skins too that might want to save some over winter.
For the Classics: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream travel kit needs no introduction, but
if you are a fan (who isn’t?) these minis (with the classic version, the newer hand cream and
lipstick) are perfect for any addict who wants the whole line up to fit in her summer handbag. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image |
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| The Summer High Five
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| 17th August 2010
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| As skin changes and the temperature soars, a scent can be brighter, fruitier, more intense even, so August is a great time to switch to a hot weather scent. Whether
you prefer to wear a floral, fruity, oriental or sexy summer’s scent here are my top
five new splashes for summer. |
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| Floral: Prada Infusion d’Iris is the perfect feminine perfume for warmer weather. It’s just
the right side of floral (it’s not too heady) and manages to keep a modern fresh, powdery edge
that keeps skin smelling clean and pretty and has everyone asking what it is. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Second Skin: Thierry Mugler Sunessence Alien, the one fragrance that people comment
on whenever I wear it. It smells like sexy second skin, and is the perfect warm, spicy evening lingering summer scent. Ps. If you love Thierry Mugler’s Angel, try his equally polarising
Womanity – the sweet salty mix of figs and caviar is anything but boring. The Splash: Hugo
Boss Orange Sunset. A fresh, juicy fragrance (with top notes of mouth watering passion fruit) that just smells gorgeous on anyone who wears it. Fruity: Clarins Eau de Jardin; you’ll want
to wear this head to toe, the uplifting fruity fragrance actually doubles up to boost your mood
and hydrate your skin too. Spritz away! |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Oriental: Chloe Intense, if you loved Chloe’s original fragrance, you’ll love this. With pepper
and sandalwood it’s my grown up version to the original floral. And thank goodness for seasons, because as a little behind the scenes tip off, you might want to switch again by Autumn – I’ve
seen and smelt the new perfumes that are hitting the shelves at WDF this Autumn and I want
them all. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| The Seven Wonders of Alpha Airport Shopping
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| 12th August 2010
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| As a beauty writer I’m constantly asked ‘do you really get what you pay for?’ And if
my seven wonders of the beauty world are anything to go by, then it seems you do. |
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| Because it’s not just the hefty promises these creams come with (trust me, they live up to
them)it’s hefty price tags too, which for all those cynical shoppers is good news – depending
on which way you look at it. Because while good skincare goes some way to saving your skin
it doesn’t go anywhere for saving your pennies. So my advice for anyone looking to invest in
their skin is to start shopping the airport; because once you tip the beauty balance into luxury
it’s here you start to make real skin and cash savings. |
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| Prevage Body Cream: This anti-ageing cream does for the skin on your body what it does
for the skin on your face, all in a non-sticky buttery texture; it’s brimming with anti oxidants
to repair any damage and seems to plump skin up and out for that ‘one tone all over’ thick,
healthy looking skin. RRP – £95
Our price - £80.75 |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Guerlain Midnight Secret: Put this on before you go to bed if your alarm clock is going to
start singing a little too soon. The mixture of rose oil (to feed a tired skin) and skin detoxing ingredients (to brighten and deep clean) means you wake looking like you’ve had a full 8 hour sleep. Genius – and something every bedside table should have.
RRP – £58
Our price - £49.30 |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Clarins Beauty Flash Balm: While others have come and gone, this remains my one saviour
to add light and skin plumping hydration the morning after the night before. Tip: By winter,
mix it in with your moisturiser for a rich skin booster.
RRP – £26.50
Our price - £22.50 |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Decadent Moisture Tan Enhancer for Body: Without doubt the best after sun there is. Not only do I trust that it’s repairing my skin after sun
exposure, it also uses a touch of subtle self tanner to give a golden tan a head start, and leaves behind instant sheen to blur our blemishes. Plus it smells like a gorgeous summer holiday in
a tube.
RRP – £21
Our price - £16.85 |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| La Prairie Light Fantastic Cellular Concealing Brightening Eye Treatment: This
light reflective cover up sits on skin so beautifully not only to conceal but to perfect your skin
tone with a truly ‘real’ skin finish without that ‘flat’ chalky look.
RRP – £41 (plus refill)
Our price - £36.85 |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Crème de la Mer The Regenerating Serum: Because I just want a serum to give me
better skin I love this; it starts working to give you that clear, even, bright ‘Creme de la Mer
skin’ from the first time you use it (but stick with it as it gets even better) and sits under a moisturiser or make up like a dream.
RRP – £210
Our price - £178.50 |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| Sisley All Day All Year: Whoever tries this cream (used under, or as a moisturiser) loves
the French lavender smell, the light on skin texture and the way it arms their skin against
pollution, stress and sun for real peace of mind when it comes to anti-ageing.
RRP: £205
Our price: £169.15 |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| The Eyes Have It
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| 2nd August 2010
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| As the first place to show signs of ageing, it’s no surprise that the sales of eye cream
are on the up. |
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| It’s never too early to start using eye cream; but while a good hydrating cream like Dior’s
Youth Hydration Eye Cream, works for our twenties (dehydration can cause fine lines
that lead to deeper lines later) as our eyes get older our shopping list for ingredients that
brighten and smooth skin around the eyes gets longer. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| Buzz words to look out for our anti-oxidants (Prevage Eye Anti Ageing Moisturising Treatment, a favourite of mine, is packed full of them and light enough to sit under make up
for day, while Estee Lauder’s new improved Advanced Night Repair for the eyes is
my peace of mind night time version), peptides to boost collagen (Ren’s Lipovector Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream blends peptides with hydration and collagen boosters for a great
all rounder for keeping eyes young) and when you need it, a brightening ingredient to even out
any ageing pigmentation (Chanel Precision Anti-Eye Cream uses liquorice to even out pigmentation) |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image. |
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| And don’t think it ends there. As the main focus of a face it pays to have an artillery of de-
puffing, tightening, pre party and post flight fixes too. Pre party nothing beats YSL’s
tightening and brightening Top Secrets Anti-Fatigue Eye Patches (which are used backstage on all the models) and if the party was that good there’s always Clarins Beauty
Flash Balm for the Eyes to open and brighten up eyes the next morning. And for on the go
I keep Clinique’s All About Eyes Serum Roller Ball in my bag - using this cooling roller
ball and smoothing gel on each eye takes down puffiness and off the years in twenty seconds tops. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image. |
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| Skin Savers
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| 28th July 2010
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| If there’s one thing that dermatologists tell me it’s to always finish your after sun
– even after you get back from holiday. Because if you really want to repair the
damage that sun inflicts upon our skin, it takes time and it takes product. |
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| On the body it’s all about using anti inflammatories and hydration; which is the job of an
aftersun, so finishing the bottle makes sense. Anything with Aloe Vera in it (which does both)
is a winner. I love Cliniques maxi tube of aloe gel After Sun. Or if you prefer a cream Guerlain’s Super Aqua Body is gorgeous (it doesn’t say after sun on the bottle, but it
works in the same way to cool skin down and deliver a real skin drink). Another goody is
Dior’s Monoi Balm, it ticks all the anti-ageing boxes, is the kind of smell you can’t stop
sniffing and also notches up your tan. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image
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| On the face you need a hit of anti-oxidants to reverse the free radical effect from heat and UV;
a good anti-oxidant serum can be the difference of a good skin and a damaged skin ten years
later. I always use Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair (all year long) and on holiday
just wear it under an after sun to double my skin saving efforts. My favourite after suns are the ones that hydrate without heaviness like Clarin’s After Sun Replenishing Moisture Care (and SOS Sunburn Soother just in case) or the ones that give your glow a head start like Lancôme Soleil Reconfort After Sun Milk Tan Extender. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| Just remember that while after suns go someway to saving your skin, all this is worthless is
you don’t look after your skin in the sun. It’s not news breaking but my one tip is wear an SPF
all day all year, home (Shu Uemura UV Base is light enough for the city so you won’t know
it’s there) and abroad (Estee Lauder’s ReNutriv and Lancôme’s Genefique Soleil Face
are all the insurance you need on the beach). |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| Summer Legs
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| 22nd July 2010
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| Ok, so I’m not saying a cream can get you a new pair of pins; but if you like me
you’ve been slaving in the gym, cutting down on caffeine and sugar (great for
bloating and cellulite) and finished a course of hair removing laser (so worth it)
and Endermologie (amazing for slimming and smoothing lumpy bumpy bits) then
it can certainly help legs look more polished, gorgeous, and actually, toned
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| My first little must have is Clarin’s Anti-Eau Body Treatment Oil. Also a great product
for anyone who gets post flight puffy legs, just massage this oil in sweeping motions from
ankle all the way up to the hip area and to make legs feel lighter and look tighter. It can also
be mixed in with a body cream if you want to speed things up. I’ve been using it with a line up
of Dior’s Svelte Reversal and Sisley’s non-sticky delicious smelling Celluli-Pro –
and while it’s always hard to measure the effect of a cellulite cream, I can definitely see a
smoother, more taught skin. Tip: If you want a cellulite cream to work harder, and go deeper regularly buff and scrub your skin (my favourite scrubs are Origins anti-oxidant and
soothing aloe enriched Modern Friction for a weekly exfoliation, or if I’m doing a mini
scrub daily I like Kiehl’s soft on the skin Crème de Corps Soy Milk and Honey
Body Polish). |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| Skin has to be hydrated too, so for dry arid shins there’s This Works Dry Leg Oil for a quick
fix or Kiehl’s Crème de Corps, the classic daily body cream that gets you peachy plump skin.Next stop tanning, and this summer I’ve discovered Lancôme’s Soleil Flash Bronzer
Self Tanning Leg Gel. It’s a better golden colour for legs and seems to sit well on skin so
youcan stop worrying about streaks around the ankle and knee – I rub it in on my way out as
I know it will dry to an even shimmering tan. Or if you want an all rounder for the entire body there’s always St.Tropez; the fail-safe tan in a mousse, cream or spray version. If it’s a real
tan you’re after try Rodial’s Skinny Beach; the sheeny cream is a full UV protector for the
beach with de-puffing and streamlining caffeine in it (nope, can’t think of anything else I’d
rather be wearing on my pins on the beach). |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| My leg-perfecting product is Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess. I love it for the beach
holiday in a bottle smell alone, but the sheen it gives shins is just so gorgeous for evening
(whether you’re tanned or not). If you need extra help covering up blemishes first try MAC
Face and Body Foundation; it doesn’t budge and evens out tone without looking suspicious. Now all you have to do is remember to pack your shorts. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| Summer Nails
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| 14th July 2010
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| If you’re one of those nail painters who can never decide what colour to go for,
you’re in luck. Because this summer sees one of the biggest colour rainbows we’ve
had in ages. |
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| For something pretty and pastel there are the pistachios, greys, lilacs or dusty pinks (between Chanel and Revlon you have it covered), for turning up the heat there’s always the fail safe
summer coral (this summer I’m sticking to YSL’s La Laque in Flaming Orange), if you want
to keep it simple and sophisticated go nude, and now for something completely different there
are the new blues, golds (Lancôme Le Vernis in Pure Gold and Indigo Paris deep blue both
work so well with gold on fingers and blue on toes), deep chocolates, like Chanel’s Paticuliere and even summer berry shades, like Estee Lauder’s Black Berry -a great classic raspberry. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| But while you’ve got your colour freedom, there are some rules to stick to. Don’t match fingers
and toes. Apart from being the perfect excuse to wear two, this summer isn’t about matchy
matchy, it’s about wearing a hot orange on your toes and a deep blue on your fingers, or nude
on your toes and pastel pink on your fingers. My advice is to trust yourself and go for it with
your colour duo. But, if you need help pairing colours head to YSL. Created for a bit of DIY
nail art YSL’s Rock & Baroque colour combos (YSL’s classic orange and pink combo is
amazing) are for designing your own two-tone nails. The idea is to go for a wash with one
colour and a swipe of the other across the top; but I think the nifty sized bottles work well for
a holiday to do one on toes and one on fingers. |
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| For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| When it comes to choosing a nude nail lacquer, I always remember the tip given to me by
backstage nail artist Marian Newman; always go for a colour as close to your skin tone as
possible, otherwise it can make skin look grey and tired. It sounds simple but it works. For
me though Dior and YSL do all the nudes I need to take me from a paler skin to my gentle
summer tan. And stay in shape. It’s not long and it’s not square. Fingers should be ‘squoval’,
which in essence means following the shape of your finger tip, and while the trend is for
longer nails this season you should only just be able to see them over the tip of your finger.
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| Come Fly with Me
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| 13th July 2010
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| Paco Rabanne’s Lady Million; one of those warm, sexy, sweet fragrances that
smells like warm second skin. It smell’s almost as irresistible as the duty free price
tag. One bottle please! |
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| Beach Kit
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| 9th July 2010
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| Ten days and counting to my summer holiday and I’ve finally edited my beach kit.
My checklist of skin, hair and nails has been ticked, and it thankfully all fits in my
new Anya Hindmarch clear beach bag (well what better excuse?). |
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| Top of the list for me is always what’s going to keep my skin cool, calm and protected – and
while there are plenty of sun care brands that do just that (Estee Lauder, Nivea, Institut Estherderm are some of my favourites) it’s the easy-to-use versions or minis that are making
the cut. For the face I love Lancome’s little bottle of Genefique Soleil Face. Already
a fan of their all round anti-ageing range, the sun care gives solid protection and feels
incredibly comfortable on the most sensitive skins. On the body I love the ease of Lancaster
Sun Sport Multi Protection Express Mist Water + Sweat Resist; because while it
might be for sporty types it goes on like an airy dream and is sweat, swim and sand proof. |
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| For more information on any of Katy’s recommendations, click on the product image.
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| Second on my beach beauty list is hair. One idea is to get a good hair mask (Kiehl's Olive
Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pack also comes as a shampoo and uses avocado oil
for extra conditioning) and be kind by wrapping your hair up in a scarf for total protection. Alternatively if you’re a beachy wavy kinda gal invest in a good protecting spritz; Kerastase
Aqua Seal is ideal for a swim heavy holiday, while Redken Colour Extend Sun
Sparkling Shield does exactly what it says on the tin for keeping colour locked in.
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| For more information on any of Katy’s recommendations, click on the product image. |
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| Wearing make up on the beach isn’t for everyone, but my theory is why wear it all year round
and then go bare face on the beach? My absolute minimum is some coloured mascara or a
swipe of coloured liner along the lashes (YSL Everlong Mascara comes in incredible
greens and blues and doesn’t budge, while Chanel’s Waterproof Liners are some of the
best). I can’t live without Bobbi Brown Cheek Colour so I’m packing the bright Calypso
Coral shade to make eyes and a newly found tan pop. If you’re a lip gloss addict, (we know
who you are), Lancome’s Mini Juicy Tubes are too cute to stay at home; from red to coral
to buff these teeny tubes are so pretty. On top of that I take some MAC Blotting Papers to
take the edge of a sheeny skin.
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| For more information on any of Katy’s recommendations, click on the product image. |
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| If, like me, you’ve also got to economise on beauty space for the rest of your summer skincare,
have a look at Clarin’s Forget Me Not. It’s a great little holiday edit with cleanser, eye
make- up remover, moisturiser, lip balm and two of my favourites Flash Balm (great if post
flight skin needs extra help) and their Hand & Nail Treatment which lasts long after you
return from holiday. Top marks too for Lancome’s Absolu Voyage; because where most palettes do one colour you like and two you don’t, this double decker has my perfect summer capsule colour wardrobe for eyes, lips and cheeks, plus it manages to fit in the essential
mascara, liners, concealer, powder and brushes. Also a nifty little space saver are the mini fragrances, I’ve swapped one big bottle for a night time (Clarins Eau Jardin/Alien Sunessence) and day time (Prada/Harejuku) version. |
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| For more information on any of Katy’s recommendations, click on the product image. |
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| The Beauty Editor's Travel Picks
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| 25th June 2010
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| Evie Leatham, Beauty Writer at Easy Living; |
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| ‘I have to take a bottle of vitamin e oil with me (try L’Occitane’s vitamin e rich Precious Fluid)
to stop my skin getting dry on a flight. Failing that I sometimes take the Elizabeth Arden
Ceramide capsules which go a long way so there’s usually enough left to use on the back of
my hands, which always seem to age during a flight as the skin becomes so papery-looking.
‘If I’m being particularly good I will apply the oil, allow it to penetrate and then wear a
hydrating eye-mask. I love Guerlain Super Aqua or YSL Top Secrets Instant Eye Wake Up
Patches; they’re both clear so they go unnoticed by other passengers.
I’m a foundation girl, but it only serves to make skin dehydrated on the plane; so I use tinted moisturiser instead. I love Bobbi Brown’s new version and usually choose a warmer shade to
perk up my skin for the hotter destination. The only other make-up product I take is blush
– I prefer not to carry bags of products around when one is good enough to get you through
arrivals and off to your hotel, and blush instantly refreshes, lifts and wakes-up your
complexion.
My bonus tip? I can think of nothing worse than attempting to brush my teeth on the
aeroplane at the end of an eight hour flight, so I take Dental gum instead which also help
remove plaque.’ |
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| Jess Henley, Beauty Editor SHE
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| ‘I always have a great moisturiser to beat cabin dryness on board; I love anything from
Caudalie and Darphin. I also love Chanel’s HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE NUTRITION Lip Care
Balm to stop me getting those classic mid flight dry lips. Then all I need is a touch of blush
(cream versions are best) to stop me looking like tired when I get off the plane; Nars Cream Blushers are great.’
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| Emma Smith, Beauty Director Stylist
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| ‘For long haul flights I always take Guerlain’s Issima Midnight Secret, my first beauty love.
I apply it throughout the flight to give my skin a bit of a radiance boost.
Throughout the flight I’ll keep refreshing my skin and topping up its hydration levels with Caudalie’s Grape Water spray.
Whenever I’m travelling, I always carry This Works Breathe In with me as well. The
eucalyptus extracts always clear my sinuses and stop me from feeling bunged up by the stale
cabin air.
I also take green tea bags with me when I’m travelling, as it stops me from getting a bloated
tummy at altitude.' |
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| Style Watch
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| 21st June 2010
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| British sweetheart Cheryl Cole was spotted beauty shopping at Alpha Airport Shopping recently. |
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| Light on make up but heavy on that healthy, wealthy glow her skin is flawless. But as any
traveller will know mastering that bright skin when you’re on and off flights isn’t easy. But
with my crack team of moisture boosting creams, and radiance boosting secrets I think I’ve
found the light.
My first absolute must have on a flight is Clarins Flash Balm; an oldie but a goody pressing
this into my skin 20 minutes before landing gives that post facial glow by the time I arrive
(if you need extra help apply a little YSL Radiance Touch from inner corners to just under
your pupils - just go for shade No.2; stocked up at Alpha Airport Shopping it has more warmth). |
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| If you’re on a long haul flight don’t nod off until you’ve smoothed some Guerlain Midnight
Secret into skin; I swear by this rose scented serum which like eight hours sleep in a bottle
means you wake with plumper, clearer, brighter skin however turbulent the sleep. I’m also
addicted to hand cream; because dry hands just look older. But on flights something richer,
I love Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Hand Cream. (If you’re a lip balm addict invest in the
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Travellers Set, with the hand cream, lip balm and classic cream).
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| For more information on any of Katy’s recommendations, click on the product image. |
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| The Diary June Fragrance
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| 15th June 2010
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My one tip for airport beauty shopping is that if you have the self-control to buy just one thing, buy perfume when you fly. .
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Because whether you’re a floral, green chypre, woody or fruity kind of girl you’ll find your signature scent here and probably with 40% off*. Each month Alpha Airport Shopping edits over 50 fragrances; from the brand new to the classics and showcases them all with pretty staggering price tags.
This June I’ve already checked out the summer edit and it’s good.
Making a splash are the holiday classics like CK One, the lemon fresh must have that never goes away, addictive CK Escape and Paul Smith’s fresh Rose for Women - for him there’s Guerlain Vetiver (every man who wants to stay cool should have a bottle). For balmy evenings the editors have chosen Bulgaris Blu, for him and her, (notoriously hard to find), Kylie’s Darling (one of the surprise celebrity fragrances that actually smells incredibly pretty on warm skin) and even Lanvin E’Clat D’Arpege, the beautiful Sicilian lemon floral make’s it’s affordable appearance this month, as does Burberry for Women, with vanilla and musk this smells like sexy second skin.
For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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The new holiday hit for me is Miller Harris’s chunky Classics Eaux Parfumees; her top selling fragrances, Terre de Bois, Coeur de Fleur, Fleur Oriental and Citron Citron (my warm weather citrus fix) in supersize hot weather colognes. (If you’re a fan of Miller Harris you might like Un Petit Rien, the lighter neroli version to Jane Birkin’s musky mossy L’Air de Rien original).
If you can drag yourself away from the bottles, prices and smells of the discount wall, you might also want to check out the exclusives; only on sale here. June sees that mood boosting floral gem Clinique Happy Summer Spray, in its all together brighter beach bag bottle.
If like me you love having a wardrobe of scent, or a new season is another excuse for a new perfume, this really is the only place you should satisfy your addiction. I think it’s the good buy you have to make before you leave.
For more information on any of Katy's recommendations, click on the product image.
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| * At sleected stores only, subject to availability
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