For sensitive eyes I’ve found Eye Öf Hörus Liquid Define Liner. The ancient Egyptians used natural waxes in their iconic eye products and this range is based on the same principles-no irritations, nourishing, and suited to the most sensitive eyes. Did you know that almond shaped eyes resemble a falcon eye of the God Horus who had magical powers? Feel like an absolute goddess in this new liner and experiment from thin, to thicker lines to flicks. The brand also does eye shadows, eye pencils in some sultry colours, like bronze and teal, and amazing mascara with a flexible brush that easily removes with just water.

Available £13 at : http://www.eyeofhoruscosmetics.co.uk/

If you’re tired of black eye liner, and not crazy for coloured ones then you might want to try Paul & Joe Beauté limited edition liquid eyeliner in Sepia Brown (02). This liner draws the thinnest lines ever, and has impeccable precision! It contains polymers, rich powders and silk emollients which help the colour stay put. I’ve found it not to fade; and there is no running or panda eye. It’s not a storybook fairytale, but a must-have for bright eyes for the New Year ahead. Of course, it also comes in true black for those drama queens! £19 available at www.harrods.com

Eye Spy Says: Well there certainly had been many things I spied on this Christmas. However, if you didn’t get what you wanted this Christmas, don’t despair!

For girls on the go-go-go this past festive season there might have been the wee issue with no more battery on the phone. This is a real drain to your evening when you’re relying on it for maps, texts, or to call a cab! Well girls, you probably were not holding onto the right purse. You heard me correctly. The new ‘Mighty Purse’ has a built in phone charger.

It was developed my international model and make-up artist Ana Slavka, as she got tired of being let down by low battery and not being able to keep going on her passion for fashion. So she married the two, and thus, this luxurious leather clutch bag that comes in loads of colours! It is compatible with MicroUSB Smartphones (including Samsung Galaxy, BlackBerry, tablets & MP3 players), and iphones too!  The battery is then simply recharged by connecting to a USB port.

I think this is essential and worth investing into-especially to those (like myself) who are always on the go. Of course, you can try to find a Starbucks, Café Nero’s, or even Costa to charge up but the only problem with this is that you’ve got down time, and have to drink another coffee and wait. With this, there is no down time-you can just keep going! I love it, as it’s still stylish enough, and you can use it as a larger purse for not just money but other make-up essentials in the handbag. With so many colours to choose from you can get a trend colour of the season (mint, or purple) to vamp up the wardrobe too.

 You will be most surprised at the price too, as this all leather clutch handbag that can charge your phone & devices comes in at also the Mighty (tiny) price of £84.95! Get yours at www.cuckooland.com and never be stranded again for 2014! Purse-fection

Beauty's favourite skincare product of all time is serum. She's fallen in LOVE over and over again on Racinne's Ultimate Hydra Perfection Essentialift Supplement Serum. 

Beauty says: I highly recommend the Ultimate Hydra Perfection Essentialift Supplement Serum. Any skin type can use this as it is so light and after a week or so of use, you will see the effects of a more toned and lifted skin. At ?38, this serum is exceptional and worth trying and seeing the results for yourself. As summer’s high heat has had my skin oily on the top but rather parched underneath, I have found a decent solution to my problem in the Optimal Fortifying Emulsion-also in the Ultimate Hydra range. The lightweight gel-like formula sinks into the skin instantly, and leaves the skin with the brightest glow I’ve ever seen. Truly at £30 it also gives top anti-aging lines a run for their money. I was also surprised by the suppleness and softness of the skin too. It seems that this range is a good option for that weather change that happens between the end of August and the beginning of September. I have no doubt that it will also withstand the central heating as well in the winter, and maintain good hydration levels throughout this season in the skin. Exceptional in every way from results to incredible value for money- and puts the 3 S skin needs: Suppleness, Soft & Super gorgeous!  Get some Racinne now at www.racinne.co.uk

The Best Face Plumper: Ceramides give your face oomph and replace VOLUME!

Ceramides are one of three lipids or fat found in the skin; and are the kind of lipids that act as moisture magnets for our skin. Over 20% of the stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin is made up of ceramides. Young skin makes plenty of ceramides, and hence, that is why it always looks hydrated and plump. Over time our skin looks dull and dry as we age, because we lose production of ceramides. With the loss of ceramides, we also lose facial volume and our face can look slack or simply put: aged. Thankfully, you can replace ceramides into the skin by using moisturisers which contain them. (Another nifty fact about ceramides moisturisers is that clinical tests have shown they also help treat conditions such as eczema.)

At the forefront of Ceramide products is Elizabeth Arden who offers a full range of Cermamide products. Beauty's favourite treatment product of 2013 is, you've guessed it, Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide (GOLD) Youth Restoring Capsules! 

 This product is not only a serum for the face, but a multi-functional product. You can use it as a serum, a booster for the day, pop it on before a flight to prevent dehydration, and on the chest & decollete as well. (I got a top tip from a consultant, that if you pop this on your breasts it will give them some extra oomph as well!) The texture may feel a bit oily at first, but if you continue to massage it in until completely absorbed you will find that it is incredibly soft. Best yet, it is easy to travel with and there is no waste, as each little capsule measures a proper dose. I usually use them as a night treatment or after masks, and just pop it on without moisturiser on top. With being so versatile, you can work this into any other products you are currently using or without interrupting your normal skincare regime. The only thing you’ll be counting down is how many you’ve got left in the bottle! They come in 30, 60, 90 pieces www.johnlewis.com

Beauty's Top Cleanser for 2013 is...Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm...simply delicious! 

Beauty Says: The first moment I massaged a drop of Elemis’Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm onto my face, I felt like I was transported to the Elemis spa in Mayfair. Primarily, it is the smell of aromatics that awaken your senses. I also felt an incredible immediate calmness wash over me. For those who like oil cleansers or rich creamy textures this Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm offers this and more. Beauty experts have tipped it to be the new ‘hero’, or ‘new instant classic’, while I give my seal of the kiss of approval, and say it’s the new Beauty Bomb! 

www.timetospa.co.uk

A girl's pearly whites are her best accessory...so don't be without in your make-up bag, Dawood Tanner's toothpastes. Best tasting flavour....ooo Brazilian limes of course! 

Beauty Says: Renowned, Specialist Dentist, Dr. Susan Tanner has some super new toothpaste that gives the greatest brush off ever for the most sparkling teeth and healthy gums. The new ‘Delicious’ range has a blend of essential oils in mouth-watering flavours. More importantly, they all contain Fluoride which helps to strengthen tooth enamel, and Xylitol to prevent cavities and plaque formation. There’s also Sodium Bicarbonate to restore natural whiteness to the teeth and maintain pH levels in the mouth. I’ve bitten into them, and I’m absolutely smitten!  www.deliciousteeth.com

Best Body Moisturiser? Well it musn't be sticky, it must be super firming....the clear winner for Beauty for 2013: LOVE YOUR SKIN's: Love Your Skin-London: Collagen Moisturising Gel

One of the key reasons I love love love this body product is that it’s OIL FREE! The water-based gel leaves the skin soft and not oily, and you are able to dress immediately. Containing a collagen protein, and Evening Primrose to plump and redensify the skin-it’s one serious firming gel. Aloe Vera cools and soothes the skin, so this is a great one to use in heat or hotter weather as well. Best of all, you can use it on the face as well.  www.lys-london.com

Is there a scent out there that Beauty approves and remembers in 2013? Of course! And this one is also fashionable too! It's the Fashion Decree by Atkinson's 1799. She knows you won't disagree with the Fashion Decree!  

Beauty Says:  Atkinson’s: The Fashion Decree fragrance. Since the 19^th century when King George IV first caught a whiff of Atikinson’s cologne they’ve been the official perfumer to the Royal courts of England. (And not to exaggerate, but literally on the spot!) For more than 200 years Atkinson’s has bedazzled the fashionista’s of the 19^th century and beyond such as the lovely Sarah Bernhardt. Nothing welcomes the new season’s styles such as the stylishness of ‘The Fashion Decree’. The scent summons silk brocades (take note, as I’ve told you in other posts already that brocade is big this season!) which at one point was all the rage with Queen Victoria herself!

The scent smells like ‘luxury ‘ in its own right with patchouli, rose, pink peppercorns, and Chinese Magnolia.

I know you will not disagree with me that there indeed is fashion scents in The Fashion Decree! www.atkinsons1799.com or exclusively at Harrods. 

Her top tip to get legs cracking again in the Summer heat is her top leg revitaliser and favourite invention by KIKO Cosmetics: Crackling Leg Mousse. So refreshing, it is a must have on any holidays or in the bag in the city! www.kikocosmetics.co.uk

Best make-up tool of 2013 comes in at Paul & Joe's TOUCH UP BRUSH. As Craig Ryan, Director of Paul & Joe Beaute says: It's not just a lip brush! It's much more as it's your on the go, concealer, liner, lip, lifesaving touch up brush. Best, of all it goes into the pocket so you don't have to lug it all along with you! www.harrods.com

Beauty's favourite nail polish for 2013 is Nails Inc's Feather Effects Nail Polish. A seriously fun, and easy detail to make any outfit pretty polly, don't you think? She's going to play this one again this Spring! 

www.nailsinc.com

Her Favourite Sun Protection is.... 

Doctor T’s Supergoop!Antioxident-Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C SPF50: Not only be No.1 for protection, but also the best product for holiday. You will be addicted to applying it throughout the day as it has the most incredible smell of fresh cut oranges. What I like most about this is that it hydrates, and doesn’t feel like it’s pulling or drying out your skin like other sunscreen or protecting sprays on the market. It’s also 100% oxybenzone-free, aerosol-free, and parabens and fragrance free too! Don’t just take my word for it, as it’s a Cosmetic Executive Women Indie Beauty Award Winner. It also has impressive strength as it has 80 minutes of water resistance. I love the fresh sheen it leaves on this skin too for sexy sultry look. Easy to carry and apply (to wet or dry skin) with a quick spray, it is ideal for everyone covering and protecting from head to toe. Hello Sunshine….www.uk.spacenk.com

Forget Me Not Jewellery is a must by Jessica De Lotz.

You will find Jessica De Lotz’ quirky jewellery exclusively at Fortnum & Masons of London. Jessica is known for her wax seal pendants and necklaces that are hand finished, in polished gold. There’s nothing evil about her EYE pieces as they are made from vintage dolls and blink. Aren’t they the sweetest and most unusual? Jessica’s pieces evoke a personal stories that are collectible and that will become cherished heirlooms. Daisy Lowe, Helena Bonham Carter, and Paloma Faith are fans, are you? www.jessicadelotz.com

Best for Accessories, and any basic tops for quality and quirk is BIMBA & LOLA! Function, style, reasonably priced...they've got it all checked. Now have you got it marked down in your fashion diary?? www.bimbaylola.com

I’m so ‘Fawn’ over Sugarhill Boutique’s Prints

 For those not in the know, it’s well known for their cute prints. Every season they do the prints a dress version or a top for those who like be a bit more playful. I’ve gone into the showroom to see and feel it for myself, and let me tell you, it gives other high street retailers a real run for their money.

The shapes are flattering, and on trend, while also being able to update your wardrobe for the next season. Get some magic happening to your wardrobe now. www.sugarhillboutique.com

Crumpet Cashmere knows COZY Nothing says cozy as it starts to get nippy....

Something to throw on whenever.....for whatever.....a don't think about it....favourite item and staple

www.crumpetcashmere.com

Best for Hair: PERCY & REED EAST

To book Percy & Reed East: Call 0207 078 0780 or email: east@percyandreed.com

Best Overall Spa Experience: Elemis Day Spa

To book call 0207 499 4995

Best Retail Facial goes to Omorovicza at Liberty's! The most luxurious retail facial of 2013! You'd think you were in a day spa! Enquire at Liberty's 0207 734 1234

 Beauty Says: It’s a no brainer-as the 3^rd, 4^th & 5^th roll onwards in January, many of us are gearing towards a healthier new start to the year (which hopefully results in better bodies as well). Of course, even for the most disciplined, assistance is always needed. Think of it as a form of motivation, or your own mini version of minions to cheer you ahead/on. I’ve tuned into Rodial’s Super Fit Range and finding consistent results. Check it out…

Rodial’s Super Fit Turbo Shots: If you’re not a fan of energy drinks because of the way they taste then you’ll love Turbo Shots. Not only does it taste pleasant and citrusy but it’s also packed with amino acids, taurine, I-carnite plus guarana, green tea and b vitamins. It helps to increase your energy while also helping you burn more calories during the day (providing of course you move/exercise). I find them absolutely great to mix in juice, a smoothie, or just in a half glass of water as a substitute to a morning coffee. I also put them into a cup of green tea as an instant revitaliser when I need a lift in the afternoons at the desk too.

Here’s a recipe for a SUPERCHARGED BERRY SMOOTHIE to get you cracking!

SUPERCHARGED BERRY SMOOTHIE RECIPE:

Mix a handful of each of raspberries, strawberries and chopped pineapple with chopped ice in a blender for 30 seconds. Add half a pint of fresh apple juice and mix in a Rodial Turbo shot. Prepare to be supercharged!

Fitness Expert and Guru, Glen Malton has helped celebrities look good for both for the red carpet and prepared their bodies for challenging roles in film/tv. His take on any supplements or body sculpting products is to use them in conjunction with regular exercises. Glen says, that many people look for a certain time frame when they’re looking for body transformation, but not realising that this is dependent on each individual’s body. Sensible targets are key when looking for change. When looking to firm, or tighten, remember that progression is involved in making muscles. This is why you must also change repetitions and up the numbers of reps as time passes. Glen also makes an excellent point of how our core muscles (that’s those in the middle etc,) can disconnect through life and genetically. Therefore, to receive benefit and results you should build on the volume theory or connect and strengthen these core muscles. Below, Glen shows you how with each of Rodial’s new SUPER FIT products. Simply apply before each workout and follow Glen’s steps:

Super Fit Tummy Tuck

For a flatter stomach in 2 weeks flat:

PLANK-SIDE PLANK-SKYDIVER-REVERSE BRIDGE

-       Rotate the plank (on front) Side plant (both sides) and Skydiver (on stomach lifting arms and chest and head off the floor) three times each morning and night. Start by holding the position for a minimum of 30 seconds per exercise and build up to one minute each within found weeks.

Glen’s A-List Tip: I recommend my clients read their scripts whilst they hold these intense positions for the full three minutes. It is not only distracting but also challenges mental endurance and concentration.  

Super Fit Arm Sculpt
 

To get rid of bingo wings and sculpt beautiful arms try this:

-Do these exercises twice a day with the application of Rodial’s Arm Sculpt and the arms you’ve always dreamed of will be yours within a month!

- Bicep Curl: Holding light weights raise hand towards body and repeat 20 times AM & PM. You can use two cans of tin soup if you’ve not got weights!

- Hanging Bicep Curl: Using body weight and natural resistance, hold bar and pull upwards igniting the bicep for extreme results!

Glen’s A-List Tip: To get results like the stars, Glen recommends doing as many should shrugs as possible throughout the day as this works upper back muscles and triceps-giving sleeker shoulders and arms!

Super Fit Size ZERO
 

For those looking to do all around weight loss and fast try this for a SUPER SLIM LINE SILHOUETTE:

-          Squats are the most effective when it comes to simple exercises. Stand with your feet wider than your hip-width apart, back straight, shoulders down, toes pointed slightly out and drop to right angle and pull up to standing. Repeat 10 times AM & PM. Hold for 1 min at right angle position within two weeks.

          Glen’s A List Tip: To be HD ready always use Rodial’s Size Zero as it’s the real hero for red carpet WOW. Layer Size Zero on, wear spanx for full absorption for superior toning effects of the derriere!

So there you go, with all these easy tips, and encouragement from Rodial’s new SUPER FIT Range….no excuses…do it one step at a time, and aim for Swim Suit Season now ladies! 

Beauty Says: Many of you may feel that there’s a conspiracy going on in the world of anti-aging skincare as the on-going story seems to be full of:

 -Relentless routines that may leave you deflated (because let’s face it, who has the time?);

- Steep price points that no one can truly afford; and

- Promises of ‘fountain of youth’ results yet to be fulfilled.

Of course there are always the chemist/drug-store-based brands such as the likes of Olay, Nivea Visage, and others that make the claim that their products and technology are equally superior to top ranges without the golden price tags. While there are reputable M.D. brands on the market, it seems there is also a hype of the ‘DR.’ or plastic surgeon trend, where their stories are trusted purely because they’re looked upon as M.D.’s. Most recently, the trend seems to be quick-fix solutions with products like Nano-Blur- where poly-fillers go to fill in lines and wrinkles. These solutions only show that are options have been over exhausted, and very few people do truly believe in miracles. Is there no hope left? Is it all a myth? Can anything, if, but and only true results be proven?

If you’ve lost all hope in lotions and potions then read on, because there is a non-fussy, purse conscience solution for 2014….

A short while ago, I had spent some time chatting to Lorraine Winslade- a true skincare expert and specialist to find out what really lies beneath good skin? Lorraine has had a career spanning four decades in all aspects of beauty and holistic therapy with hundreds of clients and students. She is respected and highly regarded both in the UK and internationally and works with the UK government departments on national training standards, and lectures professionals worldwide.

Lorraine’s take on a quality skincare is simple: it must be easy to use, and will tackle all the possible issues present in skin. By saying this, Lorraine truly demonstrates she is an expert as only those who have worked with numerous clients learn daily about every day skin problems and the best solutions to troubleshoot them. (I know this statement to be true as I, myself have spent nearly a decade myself with hundreds, if not thousands of clients.)  Of course, it may not surprise any of you then, that Lorraine has developed a full (and simple) range of skin care called LOVE YOUR SKIN.

After giving me a short consultation, Lorraine trailed me with a cleanser, serum and moisturiser. I have used this range now for 3 weeks non-stop both morning and night. I have also trailed this for a week in a more extreme climate where it is much colder, drier and also where I was more exposed to central heating. Here’s what I thought of each product below and the results that I’ve managed to achieve with this superb trio:

1.       Cleanse and Smooth Cleanser: This cleanser was described to me to be an all over cleanser with micro-beads. No weekly exfoliation was required in my regime with this as it was meant to exfoliate gently daily. Also no toner was required as a follow-up.

I have been absolutely addicted to this cleanser from the first moment I tried it! Not only does it clear away all the grease and grime, but it also gives this incredible glow to the skin. It can gently remove stubborn eye make-up (I’ve tried it on all my waterproof liners and mascaras). The smell of rosemary + willow bark + meadowsweet is not only divine, but fresh, clean and clear. As many of you know, I’m a bit of a treatment addict with masks and exfoliators, so when I was told that I didn’t have to use any treatments products I was rather dubious. However, after my 3 week trial, my skin did not present any bumps, or dryness. In fact, it is so smooth and soft with this cleanser- it literally is like baby’s bottom! Lorraine’s top tip is to apply a bit of this cleanser on elbows for smooth beautiful arms! I also love the fact that no toner to follow the cleansing was necessarily, as I don’t tend to like to wipe with cotton pads or cotton balls.

2. Brightening & Clarifying Serum: This serum is suitable for any skin type and skin that appears dull or lifeless-with pollutants such as city life, alcohol or smoking. I was told that if I needed hydration, this product would be key to my regimen.  

After about using this serum for a day or two I did see an incredible visible difference in my skin- that I did not want to admit to my other bottle of £300 serum! I liked the fact that it sunk into the skin immediately, and if your skin is thirsty like mine, you can feel it drink this serum straight away. I also found it great as an eye gel to revamp tired eyes from a long flight or journey. Best of all, you can apply make-up straight away with no pilling, or mess with any brand of foundation. There’s also Omega 3 & 6, as well as Moringa, Pomegranate and Cranberry, which you know means that it has super anti-aging properties and will fight free radicals! I was also impressed that a little goes a long long way! A tiny pea sized amount not only satisfied my thirsty skin in extreme colder climates, but also was able to protect it from wind chap and central heating!  Lorraine’s tip for this product is to modify your hydrating needs by adding a pump or two of this to your moisturiser day or night.

3. Intensive Hydra Gel Moisturiser: This moisturiser contains an intensive collagen. When I first heard about this, I immediately took to it. It also contains vitamin E.

Upon using this moisturiser on first use I was impressed for several reasons. First, for its lightness, but also its super hydrating power-it is not sticky at all, and no residue is left behind. Make-up application is a breeze after applying this on, and you almost get a better absorption of any base you use with this. There is also an incredible glow that you see immediately after a couple of days. My top tip for using this, is to apply it your hands- no one will ever truly know your age again!!! The collagen in this moisturiser not only boosts the hydration but also plumps and lifts.

After trialling these 3 pieces of skin care from LYS (Love Your skin) all I can say is how overwhelmed I am about the balance in my combination skin that I have never had before with any single brand/product. I am assuming it is because all the products are water-based, hence the skin loving it. As we are made up of 80% of water, our skin the largest living organ of our bodies recognises the water and takes to these products. There are no overwhelming choices with these products, no complications when using. It is simple, and by adding more or less of serum or moisturiser, you are able to cater to your skin’s daily needs. Note, for those who have eczema, acne, or any other skin problems, there are solutions here too.  

 Best of all, the LYS range can be bought for less than £100! The 200ml cleanser is £22.99, the 30ml serum, £30, and the 200ml moisturiser £29.99 at www.lys-london.com

If you think it’s too good to be true- it’s not. I think it is indeed a worthy investment for 2014, and something you won’t regret getting into.  It also will perhaps help you check off ‘looking 10 years younger’ the New Year’s Resolution list too. So if you don’t Love Your Skin, isn’t it time to?

For more information about LYS and products available at:  www.lys-london.com

Snob Says: I’ve caught onto Beauty’s fever recently, and have made a note that you are indeed what you eat! That’s why to contribute to a NEW YOU this issue Dr. Perricone & Ocado are pleased to announce their collaboration of the 3-Day Face Lift Diet (delivered to your door!) in the U.K.

Although it sounds too good to be true, you can eat your way to be wrinkle-free in a short period of time. Not only will you look good for it, but feel it too! To jump your 28 day plan, Dr. Perricone recommends the 3-Day Face Lift Diet-which make you drop dress sizes & make your skin GLOW! In collaboration, Ocado (that’s the online retailer of Waitrose) will be introducing a Perricone food basket on their website. You can add all the necessities of your skincare plan with just a few clicks, but what should we be buying?

Salmon is an essential to the 3-Day Face Lift Diet, as it contains DMAE, astaxanthin and essential fatty acids. Did you know that all these found in salmon can reduce puffiness, increase radiance and add firmness to the skin? Try eating this at least twice a day. If you get tired of salmon, go for poultry or tofu as substitutes. Put tofu in curries to make them exciting and not boring!   

To order, simply log on to www.ocado.com/perriconemd

At lost of what Dr. Perricone’s Three Day Plan involves. Don’t worry, follow all the easy steps below! Good Luck to eating yourself, beautiful this 2014!

Wake Up

• 250ml (minimum) of spring water

Breakfast

• 3 egg omelette and/or 180 to 220g grilled salmon
• 50g cooked oatmeal / porridge (not instant).
• 5cm slice of cantaloupe and 1 small handful of fresh berries.
• 250ml (minimum) of spring water

Lunch

• 180 to 220g grilled salmon
• 1 kiwi fruit or 5cm slice of cantaloupe
• Green salad made with romaine lettuce or other dark leafy greens.

Dressing: extra virgin olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon to taste

• 1 small handful of fresh berries
• 250ml (minimum) of spring water

Snack

• 1 apple
• 60g sliced chicken or turkey breast or 150g to 200g natural yogurt
• Small handful of hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds

FOOD FACT: Great source of fatty acids and folic acid

Dinner

• 180 to 220g grilled salmon
• 100g to 150g steamed vegetables - especially bright green vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, spinach.
• 5cm slice of cantaloupe and 1 small handful of fresh berries.
• 250ml (minimum) of spring water

Before Bedtime Snack

• ½ apple or pear
• 60g sliced chicken or turkey breast or 150g to 200g natural yogurt
• 3 or 4 almonds or olives
• 250ml (minimum) of spring water

* Smaller framed individuals can reduce portion size

Shopping List

• Blueberries, raspberries or mixed berries - fresh
• Cantaloupe Melon
• Kiwi fruit
• Lemons
• Apples
• Pears
• Hazelnuts, walnuts or almonds
• Romaine lettuce or dark leafy greens
• Bright green vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, spinach
• Oatmeal
• Plain Yogurt
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Free range eggs
• Salmon
• Turkey breast
• Fresh spring water