Berry beautiful

by Sarah-Jane

There aren’t many female celebrities who not only look amazing, are fantastically talented and you think would be super nice with it, but Halle Berry ticks all those boxes.

So it’s no surprise that her new fragrance - Halle by Halle Berry EDP, ₤23 for 30ml (available nationwide), is a huge success. A huge fan of fragrance, the Oscar winning actress says ‘For years I have created my own personal scents by mixing and layering fragrances, trying to come up with something unique and different.’

And that’s exactly what she has done with her new fragrance. It’s a mixture of fruity pear, floral freesia and woody sandalwood, but don’t take my word for it, it’s out in the shops now so stop and have a sniff.

Wonder mascara

by Sarah-Jane

I have often waxed lyrical about various new wonder mascaras that either vibrate, are shaped like a cactus or lengthen the lashes as well as coating them decadently black.

Well, there’s a new contender on the market and it’s no surprise that it comes from Lancome, who are known for their innovation in mascara. Their latest offering is the Hypnose Drama mascara, ₤19.50 (www.lancome.co.uk) , it’s unique S-shaped brush makes sure that every lash gets covered, even the teeny tiny ones in the corners of your eyes. I have had so many comments from friends about it that I’ve now got them all converted. Hopefully you will be too.

by Sarah-Jane

There’s nothing like a good facial scrub to make your skin feel shiny and new again. There are loads to choose from but some of my particular faves are Soap & Glory’s Greatest Scrub Of All, £7.99 (Boots) which is almost a cleanser at the same time.

If you’ve got particularly oily skin I would highly recommend Elemis skin buff, £24 (timetospa.co.uk), it sloughs away dead skin cells and when you use it you can’t help but feel that it’s doing something good.

Finally, an old-school favourite brand of me is Aapri, they have just launched a new scrub called skin renewing micro-dermabrasion exfoliator, £7.99 (Boots), it smells gorgeous and really gets down and dirty!

Packing List

by Sarah-Jane

I’m packing up for my first holiday of the Summer, a week in Newquay, and I think I may have put a little bit too much faith in the British weather as I’m taking my new bareMinerals spf30 sunscreen, £22 (www.qvcuk.com). This is no ordinary sunscreen though, it’s a mineral based powder that comes in a very handy brush-on applicator. Just a few clicks of the button and the product comes through. Like mineral foundation, it gives amazing coverage without feeling heavy and offers amazing protection from the sun’s rays.
The next thing being flung into my suitcase is my new Gillette Venus Embrace, £6.99 (available nationwide), the new razor is the first to have 5 blades and offers the closest shave yet. Finally, I never go on holiday without my favourite perfume, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique, £34.50 (available nationwide). This year he has released a limited edition for Summer that is alcohol-free and I love it!

Nu-rave neon

by Sarah-Jane

Neon has been a huge trend on the catwalk and the high-street and it seems to have filtered down to beauty products. So if you want to add some instant colour to your beauty cabinet or to your look, then read on.

TIGI Rockaholic Livin’ the Dream Shampoo, £7.95 and conditioner, £8.95 (www.tigihaircare.com) This fab new shampoo and conditioner set not only looks rockin’ but it’s packed with green tea and goji berry that will detox your locks.

Barry M nail paint in acid yellow, £2.95 (www.barrym.com) This is more wearable than you think, just make sure your hands are a little tanned, not too pasty!

Mac Lipglass in Pink Poodle, £10.28 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk) A sheer pink that you can layer up for ultimate brightness or just have one swoosh of colour for a sheer subtle pink.

Holiday minis

by Sarah-Jane

Ok, I’d admit it I’ve got an addiction to all things mini. It doesn’t matter what it is but if it comes in a smaller size I am bound to fall hopelessly in love with it. It’s not just because everything looks cuter when it’s in a smaller version but they are just so handy. I’ve got two mini breaks planned for over August and these are my must-pack products.

Essie neon minis, £15.95 (www.nailsbymail.co.uk)
I change my nail colour more than I change my outfit….so that’s saying something! These minis are the perfect size and the brushes are still very useable.


Green & Spring Indulging travel candle set, £18 for 3 x 37g candles (www.greenandspring.com). There’s nothing more indulgent than burning a candle in your hotel room. These brand new mini candles from Green & Spring are the perfect size to chuck in a weekend holdall bag.

TRESemme deep cleansing shampoo and conditioner, £1.09 (available nationwide.) Not only are these the perfect size for a weekend away but they are also under 100ml so ideal for taking on a plane.

What's in a name

Virgin Vie cosmetics has been renamed to VIE at home. After 12 years being part of the Virgin group the time has come to move forward on their own. But besides the name change nothing else really changes. VIE at home will continue to source their products from the same suppliers. The packaging remains the same, sleek and practical. You will continue to be able to order products online or via a Party organised in your own home.

What is new is their new summer line which is coming in the next few weeks. It looks like it is going to be a great natural and fruity range. We'll keep you posted when it comes out. For those of you who want to have a little memory of the past, you can still order a sample of their best selling Virgin Vie Cloud 9 moisturiser on LatestInBeauty.com. Hurry up though, there are not many left over!