Smooth Operator

I have really neglected my body moisturising routine lately and my goodness, have I paid for it?!

In the past few weeks I have hopped on and off more planes and covered more miles than I care to remember - all in the name of work, of course.

The problem is that my skin has been through the mill - I have stopped body brushing, and have not been using my usual products. Couple that with the dehydration brought on by flying and the change in climate, and it really is a recipe for disaster.

But you know, there are some great products out there to remedy all skin dramas.

So, I have invested in a couple of key products and my skin is back to its gleaming tip-top state.

Gone is the 'any old hotel soap' and in is the Queen Cosmetics Gentle Glycerin Soap.

Now, Queen Cosmetics advise this to be used on the face, but my face has been in quite good nick lately. But blimey, my body has suffered.

Using this soap just for a couple of days made a massive difference. What was once dry, and a little scaly, is now feeling soothed and calmed. The soap comes up in a really good lather and can be used for shaving under your arms or even your legs. I really found this brilliant and at a fiver not half bad! Get yourself on the website and order one now! (www.queen-cosmetics.com)

But soap alone won't be enough to hydrate thirsty skin.

I have been using a combination of products on my body. Something more intense and nourishing for the evenings after a bath, and something fresher but very hydrating for the mornings after my quick shower and mad dash to work.

After a hot shower in the morning I need something that will slather on quickly, absorb even more speedily and keep me smooth and smoothed all day long. My secret weapon is Dermalogica's Body Hydrating Cream. This cream gently exfoliates the skin, all the while the essential oils nourish and repair the skin. The fragrance is subtle but gently lingering and so you catch a bit of the uplifting scent throughout the day.

But in the evenings my skin really wants something a bit more intense.

So, after having a long, hot and relaxing bath and using my Queen soap, I dive for my Living Nature Beautiful Belly Oil. Now strictly speaking, this is for mums-to-be, but it is so super-nourishing and calming that it really is fabulous for the most-tired and needy skin. The combination of oils really soothes and relaxes too. My skin is super smooth but actually is nourished. Now, some of my mum-friends love this Living Nature product, and used it when pregnant and even after their little ones were born. They all say they had barely-there, if any, stretch marks and that their bellies really benefitted. Actually, I have to say that I have found it to be awesome. My skin is really great and any of those nasty, silvery little lines that I may have had are certainly much reduced. And the aroma. Wow, really gets you ready for a good night's sleep.

Now, that's my tip for the three golden products that will restore your skin to its natural and perfect state.

Sexy scent

Kylie Minogue has been creating some wonderful perfumes in partnership with Coty for a number of years.

They have all been as uber-successful as she is and have looked really fabulous too.

Scent snobs query whether they actually smell any good.

Well, while I have to say, they haven't all been my cup of tea, a great many of my friends do love to wear them very much. Plus she has shifted a lot of bottles of perfumes, not everyone can be wrong can they?

Well, you may want to drop a hint to your other half for Valentine's Day, because let's face it, he probably hasn't got you anything yet, and be brazen - tell him how much you'd love a bottle of Kylie's Dazzling Darling.

It is such a light but beautiful scent. It is floral, but not claggy: soft rose, violets and passion flower come through quickly, but underpinning that is a hint of musk and sandalwood.

It really is pretty but lightly sexy.

I am totally sold on it and have just been blatant about what him indoors should buy me…maybe you should do the same! you'd love a bottle of Kylie's Dazzling Darling.

London Calling!

If any of you are near Harvey Nichols in London anytime on January 19th, head to the Stila counter with an old lip gloss.

Basically, to celebrate the new Stila counter at Harvey Nichols London, Stila are introducing ‘Stila Steal’ makeup amnesty for one day only.

On 19th January 2012 from 10am, Stila are offering all beauty connoisseurs a chance to trade in their old worn out lip gloss for a complimentary award winning Stila Lip Glaze in Stilas hero Kitten shade, a gorgeous nude, suits all shade.

So get yourself down there! In fact, I'll race you to the counter!

Absolutely flawless!

Getting ready for work in the morning is always a bit harder in the Winter, I find.

Skin is drier, less moisturised, less hydrated or even more tired after the party season.

Putting on foundation in these conditions means that it just doesn't smooth on as well or look as velvety.

However, Rimmel have found a great solution.

It's called Wake me up Foundation and I've got to say, it is a cracker.

It goes on a treat, really easily and with no need to work it in hard. I find using a foundation brush is best, but my friend is using her fingers and has also been raving about it.

Skin looks more refreshed, more 'alive' than it does with some other foundations, so all good.

I think the finish is down to a silky textured and creamy liquid. It looks natural and allows movement in the face rather than feel 'bogged down' and heavy. I also like that there are some vitamins and minerals in the mixture, which feel as though they are doing some good.

Another plus is the fact that it sets quickly, so you don't end up with make-up on every towel and shirts and jumper in the house. Or on your other half's suit when he's on the way to work.

So grab yourself one and try it out. I promise you will love it. It's available in Boots, Superdrug, good chemists and most supermarkets to and is a bargain at only £8.99.

Modern classic for men

I know we have just said good bye to the Christmas tree and saluted the start of 2012, but you know, Valentine's day is just around the corner.

So with that in mind, I've had a little thought about what us girls might like to buy him indoors.

I'll bring you knew ideas until V-Day!

Joop for men is a classic. It's not the most expensive, nor is it in the high-end, but the truth is, it smells wonderful.

It is of course, bright pink, so is greeted with a touch of scepticism. But don't be shy: the fragrance is full of fresh citrus notes like bergamot and orange blossom, but it is countered by some rich vanilla, cinnamon and jasmine vibes too.

Utterly delicious, but be careful, This is a great but strong fragrance and a little goes a long way. Great gift for blokes of all ages!

Feet treat

I tend to get busier at work in the lead up to Christmas, as I am sure many of you also do. Twin that with part season, which basically means wearing heels every blinking night, essentially means my feet hurt.

Actually, they don't just hurt. They balls of my feet feel as though they have been set alight and they throb when I eventually take the blessed shoes off.

Well, that is all in the past for me, and could be for you also.

Moisturising your tootsies is not enough. You need an intensive and healing foot cream and I have found just the thing. The Ahava Mineral Foot Cream.

I want my feet to feel smooth, be nourished and maintain a soft texture and appearance. This cream achieves this.

It contains tea tree oil, which is anti-fungal, aloe vera which is healing and a number of oils, among them avocado and jojoba which soothes and nourishes.

Do your feet a favour and grab yourself some ASAP!

Sweet smell of success

Buying for mums is such a tricky thing.

We love them to bits, but they always says things:"You shouldn't have wasted your money on me", or worse still:"It's lovely" while relegating to the back of the wardrobe, never to be seen again.

But I think this Christmas I have cracked it.

After having tried it out, I have decided that Bobbi Brown's subtle, sophisticated, but distinctly Christmassy new fragrance, Bobbi's Party is the one for her.

I adore this scent. It is warm and spicy but not overpowering. The gentle aroma evokes Christmas and cosy evenings but doesn't smell like a Starbucks Gingerbread Latte. There is a hint of floral too- so it feels feminine but again, not sickly, because there is a touch of sandalwood there to bring it back to earth.

It's available throughout the UK in most department stores. In fact, save yourself a whole load of bother, order it online and click on the gift wrapped option!

Gift-buying made easy

We all want an easy way to buy gifts and we all have one (or more) tricky blighters to buy for. But stress no more! Wahanda have the perfect tool to ease your troubles.

So, head on to www.wahanda.com and click on the gift finder.

Once there simply input some details, who you are buying for, personality traits and a few other things, and before you know it, the ideal gift pops up.

They give you a few choices and they tend to be beauty-oriented, or spa days and the like. Really great stuff and good value too.

It is stressless and actually, has come up with some great pressies for my nearest and dearest.

And actually, I booked something for myself too!

Just a quickie!

You may remember some time ago, I featured Dr Bronner's magic organic soaps.

To jog your memory click on this and have a little read:

http://mybeautybagsecrets.blogspot.com/2011/07/clean-as-whistle.html

Anyway, I found out recently that these little beauties can be purchased at TopShop! Get down there now!

Winter skin savers

So, it is pretty flipping chilly and I've got my coat and scarf out. In the coming weeks I will no doubt be wearing a hat and gloves too. At home, I have the central heating totally cranked up, in my car the heating is set at 24 celsius and at work, the radiators are on full blast.

Cosy as it is, this adds up to major trouble for my skin.

As you know, that makes me very angry indeed. I'm a big believer in keeping you skin tip-top, because after that the make up just looks so much better. But it is a real struggle and requires some tweaking from your ordinary routine to a new winter regimen.

Here are some of the products that are my winter essentials.

Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser

This cleanser is really fabulous during this time of year. My face can feel pretty beaten up because of the chill, the wind and then the heat, but this cleanser really soothes the skin. And it cleans a treat. This is perfect for this time of year as it doesn't clog the pores, washes grime and make up away beautifully, and reduces redness.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter

If I need a cleanser which is a tiny bit more enriching but still cleans like a dream, I turn to this rich and creamy Clarins wash. Goodness, it makes your skin feel so good and nourished that you don't need to rush and put your moisturiser on. A real treat and I tend to use it a few evenings a week.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

Yes, I know, I love Dermalogica. But with good reason. The products are amazing, and this is a real wonder product in my view. I actually do not use it in the recommended way, which is slather it on, leave for 15 minutes and then wash off. I actually only use it in the morning and I like to smooth it on after washing my face, leave it to absorb and then apply my moisturiser. I use a blob about the size of a 5 penny piece. Skin hydration is vital - the skin cells plump up and as such your complexion is smoother, brighter and more youthful.

Avon Anew Clinical Lift and Firm Pro Serum

This is the serum that I like to use after I wash my face of an evening. The serum is seriously silky and glides onto skin beautifully. After application my face looks and feels much smoother and a lot firmer too! A real treat for tired skin.

Simple Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser

I really like this a lot. It is light but very moisturising, repairs and protects but is not greasy. It absorbs well and really is great for under my day make up. Big fan. It's not pricey at all so you can afford to splash out on other items like the facial wash or the masque. It also works really well with these other products. So don't be afraid to mix and match your skincare brands.

Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter

This is my winter skin saver secret weapon. I know it's for babies' bums, but to be honest it is such a dream cream I cannot live without it. While I know it doesn't have anti-ageing properties, I also know that patting a dab of this wonderful olive oil, lavender and chamomile-scented 'set oil' into my face of an evening after a particularly cold or windy day, makes my skin feel and look amazing. It's cheap as chips too and chemical-free!

I'm back!

I know it has been a very long time and I can only apologise, but I am now back.

Get ready for more tips on having luminous skin which will make you the envy of all your friends and on the best beauty secrets around.

mybeautybagsecrets.blogspot.com is primed and ready for action.

Watch this space!

x

Product of the day!

A friend of mine has been peroxiding her hair for about 12 years.

You don't have to be a genius to know that her hair is crying out for help. It is dry, straw-like:desperate for some attention and care.

A month or two ago I gave her a pot of Trilogy Botanical Moisture Masque and she has never looked back.

The rosehip oil really softens and replenishes the moisture in every strand of hair, and the product even contains wheat amino acids which are proven to help rebuild and enhance the hair.

It really is a fabulous product if you hair is very dry, damaged or over-coloured and styled.

Now, I am not saying that my mate now has hair that Rapunzel would be envious of, but it certainly looks a lot better than the shocking rat's nest of a Barnet she had before!

Product of the day!

If you are looking out for a little gift for Christmas, I have found the ideal pressie for young cool girl in her mid-twenties who loves a bit of trendy sophistication.

Ted Baker Origami Occasions gift set is cracking little set which contains four miniatures - ideal for the weekend away.

The products are: Body Wash, Body Spray, Body Soufflé and Bath Foam and the scent is so warm and luscious. hints of vanilla, raspberry, rose and sandalwood - so warming

and sensuous.

Get organised for Christmas early and buy this now!

Product of the day!

I've got more eyeshadows than you can shake a stick at.

And while I love my black eyeliners, sometimes, I like to use a brighter colour - just to add a different accent of definition to my eyes and it can change my look.

So, when I came across Aveda's Colour Options Eyeshadow Transformer, I was over the moon!

It is a liquid and an applicator and you squeeze a couple of drops into the eyeshadow you want to use, dip the brush into it and apply as you like.

I really love it, because unlike dipping the brush in water, it doesn't dilute the colour, it actually intensifies it. It doesn't smudge and nor does it fade as the day goes on.

Product of the day

My hair needs a bit of extra loving at the moment.

It's at that stage where it needs to be a bit longer but it also needs a trim you see.

As a result, it needs a boost in terms of shine and general conditioning.

So, that is why I am using Aubrey Organic NuStyle Organic Detangler & Shine Booster.

It really smooths the hair and reduces frizz beautifully.

My damaged ends seems more refined and repaired and in addition it feels that my scalp and roots are more nourished.

All up, as with the rest of the Aubrey Organic range-this is a class product!