Beauty Review: Matchy matchy

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I saw this post over on The Beauty Department blog a couple of weeks ago. And it hit me, after always thinking I hated the matchy matchy look, I actually didn't hate it at all. I preferred it, in fact. We all like to think we're a bit rebellious really but turns out, I'm not. The matchy matchy look - in my opinion - looks cleaner and chicer than the clashing colours. Of course, our nails and lips rarely get that close, in real life. But as I painted my nails in Boots' 17's Risky Red, I reached for my new Boots No 7 lipgloss in Sultry Red and slicked on a coat:


Do you match it or clash it?
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Beauty Review: St Moriz Instant Self Tan Mousse

Last weekend, I wrote about my take on Instant vs Gradual vs Full-on fake tans. This week, I'm reviewing St Moriz's Instant Self Tan Mousse which brings all three together.

Now, until I tried this mousse, my new favourite tan had been St Tropez's Wash Off Instant Self Tan Mousse (you can read my review here). Until I tried this mousse. 



St Moriz's Instant Self Tan Mousse works like St Tropez's mousse, in that it instantly gives some sun-kissed colour to my legs when I apply it. But, unlike the St Tropez mousse, when it washes off when I shower, it leaves me with a lovely sun-kissed shade rather than the usual bare white colour. Granted, the colour is not perhaps as deep as some might like but being so completely scared by fake tans in general, this is a good things for me. It also allows for a build-up of colour, so you can apply again the next day, or leave it a day or two, depending on the depth of colour you desire. There is also now the St Moriz Instant Self Tan Dark Mousse which the lovely people at St Moriz kindly sent to me when they heard I had been converted. The Dark Mousse gives a deeper colour with just one application.

The brilliant thing about this tan is that you can apply in the morning, wait for it to dry, dress and look sun-kissed instantly. It smells like a lovely and light moisturiser when first applied and smells no different throughout the day.

St Moriz Instant Self Tan Dark Mousse: right leg (on the left!) with tan and left leg (on the right) without

Again, I would highly recommend using a tanning application mitt. For more tips on how to achieve a great self tan, check out my How to... fake tan post.

The lovely people at St Moriz also sent me their self tan lotion and bronzing powder to try out. I haven't managed to try either yet but will report back soon. Watch this space!

Best of all, the St Moriz Instant Self Tan Mousse is dirt CHEAP! I found mine in my local Savers store for £2.99 and on Amazon for just over £3 for a bottle.

Have you tried St Moriz's Instant Self Tan Mousse? Which fake tan do you swear by?

If you fancy some fabulous prizes - why not enter my 200 follower and 2 year anniversary blog giveaway - which ends later today?

Please nominate me in the "Established Fashion Blog" category

BEAUTY REVIEW: Instant vs gradual vs full-on fake tan

Who doesn’t love a tan? Now, living in the UK it is difficult to get a tan without a little help from a bottle. I’ve tried a fair few fake tans in my time, my legs in particular refuse to change to anything from the bright white they naturally are. (I’ve reviewed a fair few on the blog, here, here, here, here and here.)

So I thought it was about time I did a little analysis on which works better, or worse:

Instant fake tan	Gradual fake tan	Full-on fake tan
Washes off	Fades gradually and evenly	Lasts up to a week
No missing ANYWHERE	Can build up which gives better coverage	I’m prone to missing bit – like the back of my ankle
Not so much choice of colour	Can build up or lay off – depending on desired depth of color	Different colour depths available
No smell	Standard fake tan smell	Strong fake tan smell
Instant	Develops gradually	Develops gradually

For me, I think I have come to realise that instant fake tans work best as I’m not really organised enough to apply my tan the night before and when I do, I often find I’ve missed the back of my ankle or something and have a glaring white mark! The weather is also so unpredictable that for 99% of the time, I don’t really need to have fake tan on because I’m all covered up, so it is nice to have the flexibility to just apply it on those days or nights when I want to expose a little flesh and want it to have a little golden glow!


Update: Which tans do I recommend? Well, personally I'm currently addicted to St Tropez's Wash Off Instant Mousse.

Which tanning method do you favour?


If you fancy winning some fake tan - among other fabulous prizes - why not enter my giveaway?

Please nominate me in the "Established Fashion Blog" category

How to... pack your toiletries (Part II)

A couple of months ago, I wrote a post entitled, "How to... pack your toiletries for your hand baggage". Not long afterwards, I was asked to try out Arm and Hammer's new battery operated electric toothbrush. Now, it might not be very fashionable to talk about brushing your teeth but it certainly is fashionable - particularly in Hollywood - to have clean white teeth. I already use an electric toothbrush but it runs off a rechargeable battery with a mains charger and so a battery operated brush is much better for travelling - maybe a weekend city break or camping at a festival?

But now I'm thinking of swapping my current brush for this one permanently and not just when I'm on my holidays. The brush is bigger than most electric toothbrush heads which makes brushing easier and quicker and more effective. Believe me, I didn't think I'd be able to write much about a toothbrush but turns out I could go on!! But I won't. Only to tell you it costs less than £15 and a couple of AA batteries. What better for your holidays?

What are your safe saving tips for packing your toiletries for your holidays?

Beauty Review: St Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow Mousse

Last summer I reviewed St Tropez's Wash Off Instant Body Lotion. I've been using the lotion a lot on my legs this summer as they never seem to take on any colour and I nearly always end up with streaks when I fake tan - nothing to do with the tan itself but my application of it. But the lotion is quite thick and not only takes a while to rub in properly but also feels quite heavy on my legs for the rest of the day. This is fine my legs when I'm wearing a skirt but for my arms and decolletage, it is a little less appealing. So I decided to try St Tropez's Wash Off Instant Glow Mousse. And let's just say, I'm bought!

The mousse is light and rubs in almost instantly and feels light as a feather - or better, as I really can't tell I'm wearing it, apart from the change in colour. For most the colour will be too subtle - although it can be layered up to create a darker colour but this obviously detracts from the ease and speed appeal of the product. If you want to see the colour difference, here are my hands, the right hand (on the left of the photo) has the tan on and the other doesn't:

It definitely takes the white sheen off my skin and adds a healthy glow which will be great for all year round.

Tip: Just be careful when applying as it will turn your hand quite a muddy brown colour, so either make sure you have industrial strength soap on hand or use a mitt or latex glove to apply.

The best thing about instant fake tans? The don't smell!!

Next week I'm planning to do a fake tan special with an instant vs gradual vs all-out fake tan - let me have your thoughts below, or email me.

Have you tried an instant wash off fake tan? This one or another?

Please nominate me in the "Established Fashion Blog" category

Beauty Review: Dior Addict Lipstick

I'm sure you've seen the adverts starring Kate Moss for the new Dior Addict Lipsticks? Honestly, Kate Moss could probably sell me anything she advertised - I was a huge Rimmel fan during her time there. But now she is encouraging me to try something a little more luxurious and I'm happy to be easily led by the supermodel.

When I was passing through John Lewis one evening after work last week, I stopped to take a look at the Dior stand and before I knew it, I was in the make-up chair and having my face made up. I usually end up going home from a make-up trial session and removing every last drop of make-up from my face. I usually find that they have piled the make-up on and I look like one of those brides who walks down the aisle on her wedding day looking like the drag version of herself!! But not today. Not one bit. I loved the look I was given.

The minute my make-up man put the Dior Addict lipstick in Diorkiss (the shade that Moss wears in the advertising campaign) on I loved it. L-o-v-e-d. It is a wonderfully pigmented sheer lipstick and for the first time, I didn't hate a bright colour on me. Result. The consistency of the lipstick is a little like a lip gloss which means that it goes on easily but doesn't last for hours. But that only means you'll have to get out your beautifully packaged Dior lipstick to reapply!

"My make-up man" at the Dior counter used a lip liner in Candy Rose first. I've always been a little cautious about lip liners, thinking they look a little '80s. But instead he lightly brushed the pencil over my lips, almost feathering it all over my lips to give a good matte base colour. It also helps to keep some colour on the lips when the lipstick starts to rub off a little and before you have a chance to reapply. This is how my lips looked after a few hours of wear:

Of course, when "my make-up man" asked me if I'd like to try some more Dior make-up, I didn't hesitate to say yes! So he tried Dior's Diorskin Nude Compact. The Compact is a wonderful multi-tasking product - something you all know I love. It is a mineralised foundation, bronzer and highlighter that can be used altogether or separately. My make-up man event used the bronzer as a neutral eyeshadow and the highlighter on the brow bone:

To finish the look, my make-up man filled in my eyebrows with an Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil. I never do anything to my eyebrows (I barely pluck them these days) but I had to admit that they did frame my eyes better:

And finally he added some mascara. I'm really annoyed that I didn't check which mascara he used as it really did curl my lashes beautifully.

*Top Tip from the Dior man: use a little lip balm (like Dior's Creme De Rose which smells divine) before applying any lipstick but allow it to dry first or dab it dry, otherwise the lipstick won't stick.


Have you tried the Dior Addict lipsticks? Or any of the rest of the Dior make-up collection?

(A rave) Beauty Review: inside my bathroom cabinet

This week, I'll confess, I had thought I'd written and scheduled a beauty review post and so this morning I got up, dyed my hair, did my chores and headed out into the sunshine to the library. And then I came home and logged on and realised... there was no lovely new post this morning. So apologies to anyone who came here earlier looking for some beauty review action. Here it is. Better late than never and better still, it is about more than just one great beauty secret this week:

I am a hoarder of all things beauty (as well as being an advertisers dream and buying into every new beauty trend!). So today, I thought I'd share with you my absolute favourites from all of the many products I have collected over the years and the ones that have turned out to be keepers:

Let's start at the top:

• Hair care:

Aussie Take The Heat shampoo and 3-Minute Miracle conditioner: this is the only shampoo and conditioner combination that I have found that doesn't end up leaving my hair heavy and lank after continued use. It also tames my frizzy and unruly hair, leaving it almost straight when blow-dried.

Trevor Sorbie's Dry Shampoo is the lazy girl's best friend. I've tried others but this is my favourite for price, size and results. And it smells pretty neutral too.

Trevor Sorbie's Beach Hair Spray is a salt spray that does to your hair what the sea does when you're on holiday. Want your hair to retain those loose curls and waves from the beach when you're back home? Use this!

• Body care:

To keep my skin soft, I like to use Garnier's Intensive 7-Day Lotion with Shea Butter which is so moisturising. And smells pretty indulgent too.

To keep my legs soft and hair-free for longer, I've started using Veet's Hair Minimising Moisturer, which does seem to work as I usually have to shave every day but this seems to allow me to wait another day or two.

I don't tend to fake tan my whole body but I do like to tan my legs a little during the summer months as they never seem to take any colour at all.

When I have time I use Garnier's Summer Body Lotion for a Deep Sun-kissed Look. It smells lovely and is deeply moisturising whilst also building a good even colour over a couple of applications.

When I've forgotten to tan my legs (or have been lazy!) and still want to wear a skirt, I use St Tropez's Wash Off Instant Body Glow Lotion. I either use it alone or with a little of my moisturiser to tone the colour down a bit. Gives the most natural colour of all of the fake tans I have used. Ever.

The Body Shop's Shea Body Scrub is my number one for the shower as it has the large gritty bits in that I like to feel like I've been exfoliated properly.

• Face care:

I don't like putting a thick cream on my face on the morning, so I swear by Boots' No 7 Essential Mositure Day Fluid which is light and yet moisturising. Only annoying thing - no SPF. (But I do use a Tinted Moisturiser instead of foundation each day which does contain an SPF.)


At night I do like a thick cream to slather on and do its best as I sleep and so I use Boots' No 7 Essential Mositure Night Cream.

• Hair removal:

I've mentioned the Nair Silky Sensations Hair Removal Cream before and I love this for keeping me hair free without any pain.

• In my handbag:

I always carry a red nail polish in my handbag as it seems to suit any mood and outfit when I'm caught without polish on. At the moment, my red of choice is this Boots' 17 Supreme Shine in Risky Red. It's long lasting and has a great shine - even after one coat.

Boots' No 7 Summer Collection Lipgloss in Sultry has found a home in my handbag as I love the colour. I'm not usually one for bright lip colour but this I do like. The colour is rich too - not too translucent like some lipglosses.

My final beauty must have is Boots' No 7 Nail Polish in Sing the Blues - the colour is strong and sophisticated.

What are your beauty essentials?

How to... fake tan

How to avoid fake tan hands!

I am a wuss when it comes to fake tanning. You should know this already, if you saw my Beauty Review at the weekend of Boots' Soltan Self Tan Body Lotion. But if not, I'll tell you a story and then you really will understand! (If you read the Beauty Review already, you can skip this part!!) Boots recently – I say recently, it was at least a month ago now – sent me their Soltan Self Tan Body Lotion to try out and it has stayed on my dressing table ever since – taunting me as I complain about my white white legs each morning. So I eventually decided it was time to suck it up and try out the tan. What was the worst that could happen? If I ended up with streaky legs, I’d just have to wear trousers for the next week. I’d get over it. I mean, you didn’t think I’d actually get up the guts to self tan my whole body?! Well, you can find out what happened by reading the Beauty Review. This isn't it. This is a "How to".

Of course, being the internet geek that I am, I turned to google for the top tips when fake tanning and here, I present my recommended reading:

• Marie Claire’s 10 of the Best Fake Tan Tips;
• Boots’ How to Fake Tan Like a Pro;
• The Daily Mail’s Fake Tan Commandments;
• Looking Fab at Any Age’s A Professional’s Guide to using Fake Tan at Home;
• Handbag.com’s The fake tan commandments;
• Top Tips for Faking It by Really Ree, over at her fabulous new blog for Hello! Magazine.

And now for what I have learned over the years:

- If you’re a wuss or a beginner or don’t want anything too obvious, I’d recommend trying a gradual fake tan. I have tried many of these, including the one that I have reviewed: Dove’s Summer Glow Body Lotion, I have also tried St Tropez’s Everyday and Garnier’s Summer Body. 

- For an instant fake tan – on those mornings when you wake up and decide to wear a skirt or dress, only to find yourself staring in disbelief sometime later at the horrible paleness of your legs against the rest of your body which has taken on a little colour in the sun – I would highly recommend St Tropez’s Wash-Off Body Lotion. If this is a bit dark, I have taken to mixing it with my normal body lotion and quickly apply that to my legs. Not only does it create an even tan, it creates said tan in less than 5 minutes.

- Moisturise, moisturise, MOISTURISE!!! It is true what they say - make sure you moisturise everyday anyway and then you are always fake tan ready. I love Boots No 7 Pampering Dry Oil which is like baby oil but more grown-up and spritzes on for more easy and less messy application. When you are fake tanning, a useful tip that I used and worked well: dot a little moisturiser on dry areas, like elbows, knees and ankles, to stop the tan absorbing too much and creating darker patches.

- Exfoliate. Again, it is true what they say. Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin and your tan will be more even. Continue to exfoliate once you've fake tanned, to ensure that it fades evenly. I swear by The Body Shop's Body Scrubs.

- Use a mitt or gloves. Boots do a washable mitt and St Tropez do disposable gloves for applying fake tan and avoiding "fake tan hands". A must. I hadn't used a mitt before, but found it great, not only for avoiding the tell tale orange palms but also for buffing the fake tan and ensuring even coverage.

Are you a pro or a novice? What are your top tips for fake tanning?

PS. I have added a little poll in the top of the right hand column, if you have a spare second - please choose your response. Thank you.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Boots Beautiful Bronze Soltan Self Tan Lotion

When I was asked to trial Soltan's Beautiful Bronze Self Tan Body Lotion I couldn't wait. And then I did. I waited then six weeks. Because I suddenly remembered that as much as I like to have a tan, I don't actually like fake tanning - I don't like the stress of worrying over whether it will look alright or whether I'll be left with streaks or white patches, as have been the results of many a fake tan experiment when I was a student. So the bottle sat on my dressing table. Taunting me. Then last night, I decided to take the plunge and try it. After all, the forecast said rain for the next few days, so if it went wrong, I could hide under my skinny jeans. My arms tend to a take a little colour in the sun anyway, so it is really only my legs that remain an offensive whiter than white colour this time of year. So I tried the tan on them:

The verdict?

It worked.

You wanted more than that? Oh, ok then. It came out of the bottle in a gold shimmery gel-like lotion which smelled a little of chocolate as I applied it with the mitt (which was a great idea as it left me with no tell-tale brown palms!). By the morning the smell had reverted to the generic fake tan smell that we all love to hate but I'm not too bothered about the smell if I can wash it off in the shower and then apply a sweet smelling body lotion. The colour was good after one application - good enough for me, I mean. I didn't want my legs to go any darker than my arms but if you tan better than me - not hard - you'll probably want another application. The tan was even - except for where I had forgotten to apply it on the back of one of my ankles! And it lasted well too and faded gradually and evenly.

For less than a tenner, I'd say it's good value and would recommend.

Which fake tan do you use? Have you tried Boots' Soltan range?

BEAUTY REVIEW: Boots No 7 Summer Collection

Last week, I told you about Boots' 17 Summer Collection, this week, I have the fabulously glamorous Boots' No 7 Summer Collection to tell you about:

If hot pink polish and lipgloss isn't your thing, don't fear. The No 7 limited collection is glossy and glittery and grown-up. The collection consists of a matt three-toned bronzer, with a convenient mirror in the top:

A metallic cocktail of four richly pigmented bronzed eyeshadows:

Two lipglosses, in two alluring shades, Sultry Red which epitomises the 70’s glamourpuss look and Sultry Nude which oozes sophistication:

And two nail polishes, Golden Palms and Sultry Sands:

The collection includes everything necessary for your summer make-up bag, I know I'll be needing nothing else. Which is a shame, because Boots No 7 are currently offering this gorgeous free gift when you spend £22 or more on No 7 products.

What make-up do you wear in the summer? Do you change your make-up routine in the hot weather?

BEAUTY REVIEW: Boots 17 Miami Pop Summer Collection

Those lovely people at Boots obviously realised that my bank balance needed a break from all of the spending I keep doing and offered to send me some samples to try out - to which I said, yes please! Naturally.

So, I was pleased to receive the Boots 17 Miami Pop Summer Collection in the post last week. The packaging cute and candy coloured - just what you want to fill your make-up bag with in the summer, no?

The collection includes a shimmer bronzer - which will look perfect swept on with a large powder brush for summer evenings - and a hot pink lipgloss - which will brighten up any make-up look. In addition, there are two limited edition nail polish colours - Palm Beach, a hot pink colour, and Down Town, a bright orange  - I'd suggest painting one colour on your toe nails and another on your finger nails!

Boots 17 are also currently offering a 17 Nail Bar in a Bag free with any two purchases from the 17 collection:

Have you tried any of these products? What summer make-up do you use? Does the make-up you use change between summer and winter?

PS. I stumbled upon this post which suggests How to Wear Bronzer (and How to Avoid Mistakes).

Beauty Review: Boots 17 Waterproof Mascara

So when I got up last Sunday morning I wasn’t exactly planning on giving the Boots' 17 Waterproof mascara such a vigorous trial. I had in mind a day by the pool to see if it gave me panda eyes after a brief dip. But instead I found myself on a high-speed boat in the sea off Ibiza being thrown around and then thrown – quite literally – into the sea. And you know what? Not a panda eye in sight!


Do you wear waterproof mascara for water activities? Or go mascara-free? Or just hope for the best?!

Beauty Review: Nair Silky Sensations hair removal cream

With less than a week until I jet off to Ibiza with my girlfriends - to celebrate my birthday and my friend's birthday - I have given up the rather ambitious dream of a washboard stomach but thanks to the lovely people at Nair, I will be hair-free when I put my bikini on next week.

When getting beach ready: do you wax? Shave? Or use removal cream? Shaving is a pain. Waxing is a drain on my purse - and pretty painful too. Removal cream is cheap and pain-free. What's not to love? Really?

I already used Nair's removal cream for my bikini line and so when I received an email asking if I'd like to try other their new range of Silky Sensations hair removal creams I said, yes please. I was sent both the Silky Sensations cream and the Silky Sensations Sensitive cream. The first boasts Pomegranate and Soy extracts and claims to keep skin smooth for up to seven days. Whilst the second, is enriched with Kiwi, Vitamin C and Anti-Oxidants. Both creams have "a Dual Moisturising Blend and 20% hydration, so you not only get rid of hair, you get radiant, healthy skin, that feels fresher and silkier than ever before".

I chose to try the Silky Sensations Sensitive cream today, as my legs can sometimes be a little problematic. The new cream smell amazing - gone is the old fishy smell and in its place is a yummy fruity scent. No unpleasant stubble rash immediately after, as I sometimes suffer from after shaving and my legs are indeed lovely and smooth and silky.

Hair removal is now a pleasure. I'll be bikini ready in no time! Roll-on beach time!!

How do you get beach ready?

Beauty review: Quickies Nail Polish remover wipes

Bottles of nail polish remover are without a doubt the best way in which to take off that five day old chipped manicure. But when on holiday, another bottle of liquids is just not going to make it into my already over stuffed toiletries bag, so instead I like to take nail polish remover pads. I've tried a fair few in my time too. Recently I tried Boots Conditioning Nail Polish Remover Pads. Cheap they might be, but effective they most certainly are not. It took me two pads to remove the polish from one nail! So move over Boots' Pads and make way for Quickies Nail Polish Remover Pads. These are a little more expensive and the box is slightly bigger but it took me just two pads to remove the polish from both hands! Now that's some hard working pads! And they'll last more than one manicure.

Which brand would you recommend for removing my weekly mani?

New Beauty Alert: b.right Radiant Skincare by Benefit!

Just come across a fabulous new skincare range by Benefit whilst out shopping for a friend's birthday present. Have you ever noticed how no one you know has a birthday for ages and then there are four in one month? Seriously! All I seem to have done recently is shop for other people and there is something wrong with that, in my opinion!! 

Ready, set, GLOW with b.right Radiant Skincare by Benefit! 

"b.right offers skincare essentials that cleanse and moisturise, for a radiantly refreshed, lit-from-within look. Instantly turn on a brighter–looking, more youthful–appearing complexion!"

There are five products in the range and the lovely lady on the Benefit counter was kind enough to give me a sample of a couple, so just as soon as I have finished wrapping presents and have tried them out, I'll be sure to let you know how I get on with them. For now though, check out the range:

foamingly clean facial wash

1–step gentle facial wash

• thoroughly removes makeup & impurities
• retains moisture for fresh, smooth & luminous skin
• perfect for all skin types

refined finish facial polish

smoothest surface facial exfoliator

• gently exfoliates & smoothes for bright, soft, even skin
• purifies with seaweed extract
• perfect for all skin types

Moisturize: 

total moisture facial cream

hydra–concentrated facial cream

• contains exclusive tri–radiance complex developed for Benefit
• instant deep hydration & long–lasting comfort for soft, supple skin
• perfect for normal to dry skin

triple performing facial emulsion SPF 15 PA++ 

sheer oil–free facial lotion SPF 15 PA++

• contains exclusive tri-radiance complex developed for Benefit
• lightweight, oil–free formula absorbs quickly for instant moisture
• perfect for all skin types

Eyes:

it's potent! eye cream 

brightening eye cream to fade dark circles

• decreases under–eye bags & smoothes fine lines
• hydrates & soothes the skin
• evens out skin tone & helps to reduce puffiness
• perfect for all skin types

And throughout the whole of the month of April Benefit are offering FREE DELIVERY - automatically applied at the checkout. What could be better than that?

Cleanse:

BEAUTY REVIEW: Spring Make-Up

we heart it

Springtime has finally sprung here in the northern hemisphere and as we all begin to allow ourselves to dream of sunny days and picnics in the park and bare legs and sandals and long, light evenings and BBQs and, oh well, I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture! My favourite thing about the onset of sunnier and warmier weather is that I can at last do away with the heavy make-up of winter and choose a lighter camoflague. Here are some of my top Spring make-up products that will see you right through the summer too:

Clockwise from top left: L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream; Eyeko Summer Hols nail polishes; Benefit hoola bronzing powder; St Tropez Everyday Light/Medium Gradual Tan (Face); Eyeko Pastel Polish; bliss pore perfecting facial polish; Benefit posietint poppy-pink tinted lip & cheek stain; and L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Solid Perfume.

Let me explain my choices:

L'Occitane's Cherry Blossom collection is, in my opinion, the perfect scent for Spring and this hand cream will continue to keep your hands soft after a cold winter, while the sold perfume is great to keep in your handbag.

I have used Benefit's Hoola bronzing powder for years. It can be pretty dark, so make sure to knock any excess powder off the brush before you apply, but the colour goes on evenly and isn't too orangey. It also works well across the decollage. Posietint is the paler little sister of the popular Benetint. Posietint is just the right shade to add a little colour to cheeks and lips in the summer.

The Eyeko Summer Hols nail polish collection is just the colour to be seen in in your sandals, while Eyeko's Pastel polish fulfills this Spring's big trend.

St Tropez's Everyday Gradual Tan is splendidly moisturising and adds some colour to your winter skin. I don't know about you but my skin is looking oh-so-pale right now and a tan would be just lovely. With the absence of any trips to sunnier climes on the cards, I'm just gonna have to fake it!

Before applying any fake tan, make sure you exfoliate with bliss's pore perfecting facial polish.

What are your go-to Spring make-up essentials? I always love adding new products to my dressing table!