Beauty round-up – hair, make-up and fragrance
For frizzy hair sufferers everywhere (including myself), Tresemme has introduced Keratin Smooth, a product range that comprises a shampoo, conditioner, treatment masque and heat protection shine spray.
According to Tresemme, a third of women in the UK are “desperate” for products that straighten and smooth unruly hair – I know I’m still looking for a magic potion to help me tame my tresses, but as to whether this is it, well I’ll have to report back at a later date. Keratin Smooth is in store now.
For anyone experiencing withdrawal symptoms for Sex and the City, the HBO shop has come to your rescue with its new Sunrise and Sunset fragrances – the latest additions to the Sex and the City body collections that were launched late last year.
Sunrise is described as capturing the feel of “a laid-back brunch in a sun-drenched outdoor cafe in Manhattan” presumably without the smell of food, while Sunset features notes of freesia, vanilla orchid, muguet, woody amber and tonka, to capture “the soft and warm beauty of sundown reflected in the iconic skyline of New York City”.
I take their word for it as when it comes to fragrance I’m rubbish at recognising the notes, top, middle or base. Both versions are on sale now at www.store.hbouk.com.
If you’re lucky enough to have curls rather than frizz then this might be for you. New Prep Curl Defining Oil from Toni & Guy nourishes, smooths and conditions curls, whether you style your hair or leave it to dry naturally. It may well work on frizzy hair too – though that’s just my guess, the company doesn’t claim it does.
Simply apply the product to damp hair and dry. It’s non-greasy, which is a plus point, and it’s in Boots stores now.
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Duo mineral blushers in L – R: Radiant Rose, Pink Blush, Sweet Apricot and Caramel Fudge |
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Duo Mineral eye shadows in L – R: Everglade, Rich Tamarind, Juicy Plum, Purple Passion, Moonlight and Ultra Marine |
I’m always happy to hear of new products from Beauty Without Cruelty. The company has just released a collection of eye shadows and blushers that team a natural mineral formula with cruelty-free principles.
The six eye shadows and four blushers are talc-free, long lasting and easy to apply, and they are available now from the online store at www.bwcshop.com.
I’m thrilled to see this brand continue to evolve and embrace the latest make-up trends, without compromising any of its ethics. I remember Beauty Without Cruelty from the 1980s when the products were perhaps not as good as those of the competition. That has changed and BWC is now up there with the bigger brands in terms of ingredients, colours and product range. Their cosmetics are also easier to get hold of now than they were back in the day. Find them in stores nationwide.
Beauty round-up
Beauty round-up – eyes and face
It has been a week of launches for Lush, firstly with the colour wheel and Emotional Brilliance and now with this cute mascara. It might look small but there’s more product in that little bottle than in your usual mascara tubes. The ingredients are designed to nourish the lashes and include wheatgrass, as well as carnauba wax to stop smudging and just one preservative – apparently mascaras usually contain up to six. Colour-wise the pigment is deep, it goes on well, without clotting (thanks to the little brush, which is easy to manipulate). There’s just one thing, it might just be my sample, but the brush keeps coming out of the lid.
Also launched last week are Emotional Brilliance Translucent Face Powder, and Skin Tints in Charisma and Feeling Younger. The light-reflecting face powder sets make-up, but on its own, works to even out skin tone. It contains moisurising jojoba oil and is free of preservatives and mineral oils. Charisma gives a bronzed glow and is ideal for skin that is already tanned, while Feeling Younger contains light-reflecting pigment that brightens the skin. Both can be used alone or with moisturiser; they contain orange flower water, cocoa butter, jojoba and almond oils, and oats. All on sale from 21 July. www.lush.co.uk
New from Frontcover Cosmetics are a series of summer make-up kits – and for the first time you can buy them direct from the company’s website. There are six sets in the collection – Matte + Metallic, Colour of the Season: Pink, Pencils + Polish, The Baked Powder Collection, A Rainbow of Colours and Sunlit Metals. As is usual with Frontcover, there’s comprehensive instructions and illustrations on how to create a variety of looks – handy if you’re a little lost when it comes to application or if, like me, you’re a little inept in the make-up artistry department. I haven’t tried these but love the colours and my two favourite kits are pictured below. By the way, if you’re in Europe this summer you should be able to find Frontcover in branches of Sephora. www.frontcovercosmetics.com
The Body Shop has added to its tea tree collection with a pore minimiser, so if you think your pores are too large then get on down to your nearest branch – it’s on sale from August. Tea tree is known for its antibacterial and healing qualities and including it in this minimiser helps eliminate congestion and clogged pores; Body Shop tea tree oil is organic and fair trade, so farmers in Kenya benefit, too. The product is also a primer and it gives a matte finish, reducing shine. I know some people don’t like the scent of tea tree, finding it rather medicinal, but I love it so this is one product I’ll definitely be trying soon. Apply after moisturising and under makeup.www.thebodyshop.com