With so many new beauty products on the market it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to looking for something new, so I thought I’d introduce a regular news post of what’s out there, both just launched gems and pieces that have perhaps been around a while, but because they’re from small suppliers or they’re niche products, you might not have heard about them.

That reminds me, the new beauty hall at Marks & Spencer in Marble Arch opens on Wednesday and I’m told it is to showcase products from less well-known brands. I so can’t wait to see it and try out the products that I went there a week early. I had heard the launch was last Wednesday – wrong. I’m in towo=n on Thursday so intend to have a play in there then.

By the way, let me know what you think of the products I post about and what you think about having a beauty round-up on the blog.

With the weird weather we’re having this summer it’s hard to know what to wear from one day to the next; it’s either pouring with rain or stifingly close. For days when the heat is getting to you, a facial spray such as this one from natural skincare company Angela Lawford is ideal and easy to fit in your bag. Freshen Up contains orange blossom, geranium and rose, and you can see it at Angela Langford.

This pretty pink blush is from 100% Pure Cosmetics. The colours are made from fruit and vegetable pigments, nothing else, which the company claims gives your skin the benefits of the antioxidants they contain (though surely these nutrients will have disappeared during manufacturing – I’ll have to ask). The products are paraben-free and contain no synthetic chemicals They’re also gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Also available in coral and taupe.

There’s a cheek and lip tint (left), if you prefer your blush liquid, and a  lip glaze (right) with a  base of cocoa and avocado butters to keep your lips hydrated. The collection also includes eye shadow, eye liner, cream blush and mascara. Find them at Cocktail Cosmetics.

 

I’m a little late to the party with this one as I know lots of other writers have already covered it, but it’s for a good cause as sales of the peel will help raise money to vaccinate children in Africa. Elemis is donating 1 vaccine for every tube sold and has already hit the 10,000 mark – which is excellent. There’s still a way to go though until it reaches its aim of 50,000.

Papaya Enzyme Peel contains papain, a fruit enzyme found in pineapple and papaya. It acts as an exfoliant, dissolving away dead skin cells, and there’s no need to rub. Simply apply to cleansed skin, leave for 10 minutes then remove with a damp cloth.

It’s been around for 10 years now and this pretty bottle has been produced to celebrate that anniversary. Created by British designer Laura Oakes, it looks lovely and summery and will certainly stand out on the bathroom shelf. Find it at Elemis.

These nail wraps from Models Own are available in lots of fun designs and the’re not that expensive so they’re great for ringing the changes and varying your look. There’s 20 nail wraps in each pack and a full-size nail file, and they’re easy to apply. They’re exactly the sort of thing I would have to hide from Dot, otherwise she’d ‘borrow’ them and I’d never see them again – except for on her nails. Find them at Boots.