Shower treats good enough to eat

by Sarah-Jane

This product is best for: normal skin, high street shopping, fruity buys

Price: Bargain!

Everyone seems to being going smoothie crazy this summer! First we had a hair range from Schwarzkopf and now Radox are introducing Shower Smoothies. There are five delicious flavours to choose from and they all look good enough to eat. Whether it's the natural blend of chamomile and real cranberry in Soul Soother or a blend of coconut, real almond bits and myrrh in Totally Tropical, you will be sure to find your morning fix. My bathroom is starting to look like a health food shop with all these new summer products, but what’s good for the inside has surely got to be good for the outside?

I am a big fan of fruity flavours. There is something invigorating about a big burst of juicy fruitiness to wake you up in the morning so I couldnt't wait to get in the shower and try one. Surely they also count to your five a day which makes up for the piles of toast I consume after.

I honestly could not decide which flavour to try for, as they all smelt so gorgeous. In the end I opted for the Soul Soother as this looked like it packed a good punch to kick start me in the morning. It was a creamy and thick consistency that lathered well into smooth velvety foam. However I have to admit I wasn’t sure I liked there being real cranberry seeds within the cream as I literally felt like I was washing with a smoothie from my fridge! Still my skin was soft and moisturised and it was certainly a nice and refreshing start to my morning.

Radox shower smoothies are on sale now – plus for a limited period boots.com is offering them at £1.24 which is ½ the original price! Don’t miss out

Passing the Test of Line

This product is best for: high street shopping, natural makeup, long lasting makeup

Price: Treat yourself!

I had heard of long lasting make up – but felt quite sceptical about it. I had visions of drag queen streaks of eyeliner and clumpy lashes, thick applications to last the promised length of time. So when I was offered the chance to try Colorsports collection...I passed it on to a friend to try. My reasoning being that she goes for natural tones in her beauty style, and if it impressed her, then I knew we could be on to a new winning product!

Colorsport claim to be the ultimate in long lasting makeup providing luscious lashes and beautiful brows that can last for as long as 30 days! The perfect solution for busy mums, sports enthusiasts....or the good old fashioned party animal!

We all know how frustrating it is to spend hours beautifying yourself only to look in the mirror a few hours into an event to find yourmagic has disappeared. (Or rather smudged to the corners of your eyes). So I had my fingers crossed that Colorsport have found a way for us to look beautiful 24/7 without having to devote our lives to the task!

My friend tried out the Long Lasting Eye Definer.
“As an eye liner novice, I was a bit sceptical at how ‘user friendly’ the product might be, however I found using the liner pretty easy. It enabled me to get close to the lash line and so achieved a natural look which was what I was after. The black/brown colour is more natural than plain black. The colour could be as light or dark as you wanted as you can build colour with further applications. I was quite surprised that the liner seems to stand the test of time and yet is also easy to remove with eye make-up remover. I always had visions of the panda effect from eyeliner with dirty smudges around my eyes as the day wore on, but this stayed firmly in place and didn’t fade. I can’t believe the difference eyeliner makes to my eyes, they stand out and it made my lashes look thicker, longer and more dramatic!”

I have been trying to get my friend to try eyeliner for years – and it seems that I need to learn a few persuasions skills from Colorsport as they have succeeded where I have failed. She had instant sexy eyes in one stoke and is now a true convert!

I am off on holiday next month so am going to try out the Long Lasting 30 Day Mascara and brow dye kit! It sounds perfect for hassle and streak free beach beautiful makeup! Let’s hope there not a drag queen in sight! I will let you know my thoughts...

Colorsport retails at Boots, Superdrug and Asda. The Long Lasting Eye Definer retails at £6.99

Beat the Heat with Summer Styling

by Andrea
Now that the sun is finally shining it’s about time to flaunt your summer style. To help you get set for summer some of the beauty industry’s most notable experts have picked their must-have collection of products. Stylist Sam McKnight, celebrity facialist Antastasia Acrhilleos, make up artist Caroline Barnes and celebrity hairdresser Ben Cooke give you their top tips to achieve a sexy summer glow, with minimum effort.

1. Sam McKnight says that this summer “hair is all about volume. Volume brings hair alive, adding style and finish, it’s not just about ‘Big Hair’ it’s about having shiny, glossy hair that looks and feels great.” Prepare hair using Pantene Pro-V Volume & Body Shampoo & Conditioner which helps protect hair during the styling process.

2. Ben Cooke recommends Herbal Essence Beautiful Ends Leave In Conditioner to combat the summer curse of dry and frizzy ends!

3. According to celebrity facialist Anastasia Achilleos ‘Exfoliation should be your first step to a radiant glow, as it will help reveal newer, fresher-looking skin behind the dullness. Always following with a nourishing lotion such as Olay Total Effects Moisturiser which offers the perfect summer solution to your face combining seven anti-ageing benefits in one pot

4. Radiant skin is this summer’s must-have, get that right and you will have little else to look great (except your hair). When out in the sun, Anastasia recommends using a moisturiser containing broad spectrum UV Protection to block UVA/UVB rays and provide much needed antioxidants.

5. For summer make-up, Caroline Barnes, Max Factor MakeUp Artist recommends putting the emphasis on your eyes. “This means the way you make up your lashes is crucial, as they’re going to stand out more against summer pastel shades. When applying mascara looking down on a mirror held at chin level encourages you to brush right from the base of the lashes to the tip. To target tricky to reach bottom lashes, hold the brush vertically and use like a paintbrush”.

6. “To create a professional perfect complexion use a foundation brush to apply your base. Start from your t-zone and blend outwards to your hair line using your brush to build up where necessary and feather out to the edges for a seamless finish” advises Caroline.

7. “Vibrant Curve Effect Lip Gloss gives your lip shape for the extra boost, but for more pout power use a natural lip liner first to trace a beautiful lip shape and then apply gloss. This will make the colour more intense but more importantly when the gloss wears off you are left with a great shape”, concludes Caroline.

8. As hems get shorter and we dare to bare in our bikinis, it’s important to have smooth and silky legs. Skincare therapist Nichola Joss recommends shaving with water and a shaving gel as hydrated hair is easier to cut. Change blades regularly for maximum performance and remember there are a few oil glands on the legs so it’s important to keep skin moisturised. As an added indulgence use Gillette Satin Care Lavender Kiss – it combines the soothing benefits of lavender with skin-nourishing ingredients to protect the skin’s natural barrier.

Fragrance of the Month: Versus by Versace

by Sarah-Jane

It's funny how an appearance from the ever elusive sun puts a spring in my step. I am not the best with the winter weather; cold, dark, dismal - and that’s just my mood! Suddenly I feel like I am shaking off that gloom of the colder months and am ready to embrace summer.

I like to wear perfumes that reflect my mood and so have been looking for a fresh and upbeat scent. My little bit of summer in a bottle! And I have found it in the form of the new Versus fragrance by Versace.

An intensely fruity number with notes of apple and lemon whilst also bringing in romantic floral and sensual musk and patchouli notes which gives it edge and reflects the rock n'roll Versace brand. It’s the type of fragrance that I would wear by day as it never tires and each time I have worn it I have picked up a different fragrance note.

The fragrance comes in a deep purple bottle that fades upwards to clear; apparently coming back to the brands ethos of a game of opposites! Empty to full spaces, cold to warm, melodious to lively, classic to audacious, sublime to rock and roll! I have to agree this perfume is certainly one of extreme characters - it reminds me of myself moving from winter and summer!

This is a summer must have - and I have a feeling that likely a winter must have too as I pick out a completely different note with my change of mood. You can buy this fragrance at most department stores and I have found it online at Boots for £30 for a 30ml bottle.

Check out the fragrance samples we have avaliable for our members to try at LatestinBeauty.com

No pain, no gain!

by Andrea

This product is best for: spa treatments, tension back areas, Elemis lovers

Price: Treat yourself!

I was treated to some Wahanda vouchers the other day, lucky me!

I have seen and heard of the site but never ventured online to try it for fear it would bombard me with offers that were always too good to be true... but I couldnt have been more wrong. The site offers a comprehensive listing of everything health and beauty related which are near to your chosen location. So, if you’re wondering where your nearest spa is, whether to wax or shave, what to eat before yoga or maybe you’re just curious about colonics - Wahanda has the answers. It’s like having your own beauty advisor. The thing I liked most was that its not just the big chain spas but your local salons too. Plus there were hundreds of GENUINE discounts and offers to take advantage of.

I didn't know where to start....and could have spent well over my allocated £75 voucher! However I decided to treat myself, and my boyfriend, to a deep tissue Elemis neck and back massage (£37.50 each for a half hour session) at the Amida Spa in Beckenham! I was a little tired and was looking forward to a Sunday afternoon of pampering until I realised that deep tissue, really is DEEP tissue. My therapist worked on my back for a solid half hour and attacked a problem I have had under my shoulder blade and lower back. Fingers, arms and even elbows were buried deep into the muscles. Relaxing it wasn’t as I battled with the pain vs pleasure of the treatment, and whilst my therapist may of had the strength in her hands of a body builder, she was informative and gentle with a relaxing massage at the end of the treatment. The salon accepted my vouchers with no problem, making them a gift I could get used to having! Wahanda is a great way to find out what treatments are avaliable in your area from a completely unbiased source.

I have already signed up to the Wahanda newsletter to see what other treatments I can book myself in for...maybe something a little more soothing next time!

Visit Wahanda now and find the perfect treatment for you or show your boyfriend how much he means to you...with a nice deep tissue massage. It will certainly sort the men from the boys! .

Festival Beauty Must-Haves

Ever wondered how the celebs still look great after a night camping under the stars! Our Guest Blogger, makeup artist LeSalonDeBeaute, reveals her top 5 festival beauty products to keep festival fabulous with minimum effort!

I'm not a festival goer. I've always fancied myself as one but I just know that the reality is that it's not for me. For starters, I'm seriously geographically challenged! I can barely find my own house every day let alone a tiny tent in an ocean of tents across a field of fields. Then there are the crowds. I'm only small. I'd lose my friends in all the throngs of people. Combine that with not being able to find my tent and I'd be in all sorts of trouble. So I stay away from the festivals. I did go to the O2 Wireless festival once! That was great fun! Ever so civilised standing around in Hyde Park with cups of Pimms and watching Rufus Wainwright and Keane. Much more my cup of tea. Mmm... tea... yummm. Another reason festivals aren't for me. Can you take a tea pot there with you?

Anyway, while I watch festivals on TV and dream about looking as cool as Sienna in a boho dress and wellies, I ponder what festival beauty products I'd take with me. What kind of moisturiser does one need when sleeping in a teepee?

1.The very first thing that came to mind to combat festival hair was dry shampoo! It's just not possible for a girl to look glamorous with greasy hair! It just can't be done! I'd go with Batiste. For me it's the brunette version. You can nearly make it through a week without washing your hair if you've got a can of this handy! I also love that it's totally cheap and cheerful! You're not going to get upset if it gets washed away in a flash flood while you're crowd surfing in front of a stage elsewhere.

2.Technically this next one is two items. But I've decided to class them together as one! In case the sun does decide to shine down on Blighty, you have got to have sun screen! I swear by Institut Esthederm. They also have one that is a face cream with their special sun screen combined and it will do gorgeous things to your complexion. Now, these guys don't have an SPF number. You get one, two or three suns. Three suns is more for skiing or if you're going to trek to a pole. For a festival I would go with two suns, and I have incredibly fair skin that burns really easily. This sunscreen is great because it encourages all your own melanin to rise towards the surface of your skin. That means when the lotion starts to wear off, you'll have your own natural protection helping you out rather than just leaving you high and dry to burn to a crisp. It's the only lotion I've used where I've never ended up with some kind of burn.

3. So you're going to need something to wash all the mud off your face at the end of the day. Well, I've heard the stories of what the facilities are like at a festival! I don't think I'd be taking my Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish out there! No, I think this calls for Simple's Gentle Cleansing Wipes! Easy to pack, no running water required, effective but gentle on pretty much any skin type! In fact, I keep these in my makeup kit for almost every client I work on.

4. Now, me being me, there is no way I couldn't have just a little makeup, even at a festival. I think I'd pretty much stick to just two items though. Something to even out my skin tone and mascara. For foundation, I'd go with my new favourite, bareMinerals Original Foundation Powder. Just swirl the kabuki in the pot, tap off the excess and buff it into your skin! Trust me, this will last ALL DAY! It will give you a gorgeous complexion as well as a little more sun protection.

5. As far as the mascara goes, obviously it NEEDS to be waterproof! I love Rimmel's Waterproof Volume Flash mascara. It gives you those gorgeous, thick lashes you love in a super inky black. I like to really wiggle it into my lashes to get loads of definition around the eye - almost like wearing eyeliner without the hassle of having an extra step in your morning makeup regime. And this stuff isn't going to budge! You'll probably need to take it off properly with an oil makeup remover when you get back home!

I hope that helps your wash bag packing dilemmas for wherever you're heading this festival season! Stick to those basics, add some killer sunglasses and someone is sure to think you're with the band!

Hot Pink in the City

by Sarah-Jane

This product is best for: make up addicts, party girls, online shopping, fashion make up

Price: Bargain!

I have finally managed to get all my girls together for the night to see the highly anticipated Sex In The City 2 movie, and I can’t wait! My boyfriend can’t understand what the fuss is about as we discuss outfits, swap stilettos and mix up one too many Cosmopolitan cocktails. He doesn’t know what he is missing!

I needed to complete my outfit with a gorgeous nail polish – it is going to be the home of many a cocktail glass after all. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that Nubar had created the fabulous Summer In The City nail polish collection to celebrate the film!

I was like Carrie in a shoe shop when I set eyes on the four fabulous nail sets which have all been based on the fashion capitals of the world, with each character representing a different city. Whether you’re feeling stylish like Carrie, classic like Charlotte, professional like Miranda or sexy like Samantha Nubar has a shade to suit all.

I was feeling pretty brave and treated myself to the Hot Pink from the Sex and the City 2 Samantha collection – and it’s definitely a show stopper! The colour is bright and applied evenly, smoothly and only needed two coats! I have used Nubar Nail polishes before and I love them. They are chip resistant and the colour doesn’t fade.

Nubar Summer in the City nail polish collection is available at beautyshed.co.uk who are currently offering 4 colours from any of the City choices - and only pay for 3! £24.00 for a set of four, thats more money in your Manolo blahnik fund!

Three is the magic number!

by Sarah-Jane

This product is best for: make up addicts, party girls, highstreet shopping, fashion make up

Price: Bargain!

They say ‘three is the magic number’, and when it comes to these NEW statement shadows from Collection 2000, nothing could be closer to the truth! Inject some colour into your look with the perfect way to say goodbye to a cold and drab winter and hello to summer! It’s about time...

There is a choice of five colour palettes in the new Colour Intense Trio Eye Shadows from Collection 2000; candy shop pinks, golden browns and in-your face greens and purples which can be worn on their own for a burst of block colour or blended together for a more dramatic style.

I tried the gorgeous pastel pink blue and peach eye shadows in Candy Shop and they were beautiful. The pigments applied evenly with a pretty shimmer that opened my eyes up and lasted all day. With three colours in one palette it gave me the confidence to put eye shadow colours together which I may not have tried before.

At only £2.99 each you can pick a palette for every summer outfit! You can purchase directly from Collection 2000 website or will find the range stocked in all Superdrug stores.

Natural Nutrition for Hair

This product is best for: normal hair, dry hair, coloured hair, highstreet shopping

Budget: Bargain!

Schwarzkopf have developed the ultimate recipe for beautiful hair – and all you need to do is add water!

A new hair range from Supersoft has got my tastebuds tingling. Supersoft Smoothies are the first hair care range to combine yoghurt proteins with fruit extracts to gently cleanse, moisturise and nourish the hair making it softer and stronger.

The range comes in five luscious favours, so whether you want to fight the frizz or pump up the volume there is a smoothie shampoo and conditioner combination to suit you. I tried The Red Berries range for coloured hair with a UV filter to prolong colour intensity. The shampoo whipped up in to a frothy lather and the conditioner was thick and creamy and left my hair smooth soft and manageable. They smelt fab too – good enough to eat!

Feed your hair now, Supersoft Smoothies are priced around £1.79 and are available at Superdrug



Plus if you have dry hair or need a volumnising shampoo and conditioner then order the new shampoo and conditioner samples from Lumenesse in your next LatestinBeauty Goodie Box.
*Stocks are Limited