Mmm Smells like Christmas...

Luanne McLean

Make Christmas come to your corner of the earth this Christmas Eve with a beautiful candle from Marie Reynolds London. Hot Toddy got me feeling as festive as my homemade mince pie and just unwrapping it from its beautiful packaging releases the scent pine cones and cinnamon ... just what every house needs this December. Marie also has beautiful fragrances to last the whole year round and with 50g votive candles starting at £8.50 these make perfect last minute gifts too...

View the range at www.mariereynoldslondon.com

Prices 

Luxury 135g - £30

Votive 50g - £8.50

Travel 30g - £5.50

Set of 6 Travels - £30

For a list of stockists visit www.dragonflydistribution.co.uk.  

Autumn Beauty Must Haves 


Luanne McLean

As the nights draw in and the weather draws colder our beauty bags need to follow suit. I've just discovered the fantastic Denman Be-Bop Shower brush - perfect to wake you up on a dark winters morning. It massages the scalp every time you shampoo - like a bit of salon heaven at home not only that but he circular brush has extra-soft plastic pins which stimulates the blood flow to the hair follicles in the scalp, this helps strengthen the hair’s roots and encourages healthy growth.

Denman D6 Black and Silver Be-Bop Shower Brush £4.00

Available from Boots, Superdrug and John Lewis For stockists, call Freefone 0800 262 509 or buy online at www.denmanbrush.com

Use your Be-Bop brush with the gorgeous JASON sea Kelp shampoo and conditioner to recondition your hair for the autumn  months. The scent reminds you of your summer holidays  with Ginseng root and natural sea kelp to rehydrate hair dried out over summer.

JASON Sea Kelp shampoo & conditioner

£6.29 each

For further information on JĀSÖN® natural care products visit www.jasonnaturalcare.co.uk, call 0845 072 5825 or tweet @Jason_Natural.

I love a new moisturiser as the weather turns colder and the amazing Fade Out Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even out/brighten skin tone, it's  active formula stimulates collagen production and protects the skin against age inducing free radicals, leaving fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced. I really saw the difference in my skin and the harsh lights in my bathroom seemed to be kinder to me when using it! It also has a 'clean" sensation when you use it which I love - makes you feel like it's doing something exciting! 

 FADE OUT WHITE REJUVENATING ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM, 50ml, £8.99

The new and improved Fade Out line-up is available from Boots, Savers and independent pharmacies from October 2010. 

SASSY SWIMWEAR

Styled by Luanne McLean

Model Carla Cressy
Photography by Ross Day and behind the scenes by Lisa Barnes

Hair and Make up Lisa Barnes 

Props and Set Styling Katie Sparks

STRIPED BIKINI BY Next PARASOL Prop Stylist's own

EMERALD CUTOUT SWIMSUIT BY Milly

CUT OUT TASSEL EFFECT SWIMING COSTUME BY www.sugarhillboutique.com

NAUTICAL BIKINI FROM A SELECTION BY Pepe Jeans

TRILBY BY Pepe Jeans

BEADED KAFTAN BY Custo Barcelona

CHIFFON DRESS, A PERFECT LUNCHTIME COVER UP BY Pepe Jeans

Nail art that feels as good as it looks!

Guest Reviewer - Claire Hawkins

I was quite excited to try out this original sugar velvet manicure, the latest fashion trend for fingertips promising to give texture as well as great colour from the range of twelve shades I choose a bright cerise pink and a deep royal blue.  To start with it doesn’t look like there will be enough to do all ten nails but it's amazing how far a small amount goes.  It’s a little fiddly but not too difficult and it didn’t take as long as I expected it to complete.  It was easy enough to follow the instructions provided and using my own base , I used was Avon Nailwear Pro in Viva Pink, followed by a a top coat, dip and press. Afterwards, there was plenty left in the bag, enough for another set.

It feels like I’ve been fuzzy felted.  I love the colour but it doesn’t look like it will last too long, especially if you have to do house hold chores.  It is definitely an acquired taste though.  I love it but my hubby wasn’t too sure.

After 24 hours  my nails are only half as fluffy,they still look ok as the base colour matches exactly but my nails have become a little bald in places.  I would conclude that these nails are perfect for a night out or a special occasion such as a wedding , perfect for co-ordinating with your outfit.  They would definitely get noticed and it's a bargain price point!

Sam Biddle available exclusively at Original Sugar in 12 colours £4.95 per 5g pot  - www.originalsugar.com

Elemis - A Spa in your Bathroon

Luanne McLean

Home Spa products are now a huge market as our time becomes more and more valueble in this busy world in which we live. Elemi to me have always stood head and shoulders above the rest of the competition with fantastic products beautifully packaged and carrying the same ethos as thier Sp's - something a lot of ther brands forget.

This month the ever popular Pro- Collagen Anti-ageing range has a new addition - Advanced Eye Treatment , £39 for 15ml at www.timetospa.co.uk.They always say if you want to know how you will age look at your mother - my mam has great skin and good hands but her eys and my nans before her are the windows of the soul that do tell the truth so since my eliy twenties i have had something of an obsession with eye creams.

This light weightserum is beautifuly housed in a scientific pepte like container and its active ingredients of blue flower linseed and padina pavinica help the skin have a firmer smoother apperance. I love not only the smell but the light feeling of this on my skin - a firm favourite already.

Since having my little girl last year I have noticed the skin on my face is less firm and my jawline appearing a little jowly - not good!So again I turned to the Elemis Pro Collogen range this time the Neck and Bust Lifting Treatment, £71.50 for  50ml from www.timetospa.co.uk , clinically proven to reduce cepiness in skin by 335 this is one cream worth investing in rather than just a one of spa treatment that would set you back a similar price. Used daily I did find the skin appear to firm up when i massaged the cream in - again containing Padina Pavonica aswell as algae,seabuckthorn, royal jelly and propolis.

so what are you waiting for - light a candle and put some fluffy towels on the bath tub - transform your bathroom into as Elemis Spa haven and look years younger for it!

90-second interview with Carrie Grant  

 Luanne McLean

Presenter and voice coach Carrie Grant is best know for working with husband David on BBC’s Fame Academy training the likes of Lemar for stardom, introducing children to music on the popular Carrie and David’s Popshop and most recently a became regular face on award winning The One Show. We caught up with her to discover her secrets of being stylish whilst being a busy working mum of four  …

What are you doing right now?

Filling in this interview questionnaire whilst waiting for my youngest daughter to get to sleep. She's nighttime potty training and keeps getting up.

 What are you wearing?

Tracksuit bottoms and a sweatshirt. 

 What’s your make up bag essential?

At least 20 products!  I LOVE make up and never manage "au natural."

Favourite skincare brand?

Dermalogica

 How do you pamper yourself?

Reading and playing piano

 Favourite high street store?

Has to be TK Maxx

 Last thing you bought?

A camera for my teenage daughter, I made her wait a year and a half to have it so she was beyond excited!

 Favourite designer?

Vivienne Westwood.  Tara Palmer-Tomkinson bought me my first piece and I love her theatrical, rebellious, womanly style.

 Biggest fashion faux pas?

Don't believe in fashion faux pas; celebrate difference even if others don't get it.

  

Favourite hair salon?

Keep my red locks fresh at Paul Edmonds salon in Knightsbridge.

 For more updates and new projects follow Carrie on Twitter at @CarrieGrant1 

Hard Working Beauty Must Have - for Baby and Me!

Luanne McLean

As adults we love our time saving products that do more than one thing , hard working products like 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioners and SPF's with tan colouring in them. Now i'm a mother these products are even more of a godsend but as you know I love anything organic or enviromentally friendly.

Step forward Thea Skincare my latest deiscovery. Meadow and I are addicted to their gorgeous Thea Baby Naturals range partiularly the multi tasking Organic Aloe and Rose hip 2 in 1 Calming Baby bath and wash, £6.95 for 200ml.

Not only is the wash a great time saver in its squirty bottle easy to apply to little heads , hands and bodies  but its also 78% organic and 100% natural - result!  Also even better it works just as well on my skin as it does on her's!

Take a look at their fab website www.theaskincare.com for more of the same , there's a 2 in 1 Chamomile baby shampoo as well as a whole range for us adults in cluding everyday skincare and anti-aging range that are  all chemical and paraben free I gurantee you wont cme away without purchasing something you will find you can't live without!

Holy Smoke!

Luanne McLean

Turn heads on those hot summer nights with these new Gosh eyeshadow palettes exclusive to Superdrug at just £7.99 each  and in 3 shade collections there's something for everyone - her's what our reviewers thought...  www.superdrug.com

REVIEWER 1 - Mel Brewer, Ipswich

SHADE - 02 brown

OPINION

I loved the colours - great selection and very flattering shades, ideal if too busy to reapply.It would be better if they gave you a directive of where to shade in each colour.

RATING
4/5

REVIEWER 2 - Sarah Cohen, East London

SHADE- 03 plum

OPINION

Very good ,love all the shades thata, look great together or separately.Covered and blended well giving a matt finish.Lasted all day and into the night,used on holiday and got me into the holiday spirit.Great idea to have the picture with guidelines to aid application,gave a really professional look.would definitely buy it. a mirror and sponge would make it even better value.
RATING
5/5

REVIEWER 3 - Katie Sparks, Essex

SHADE- 01 Black

OPINION

It has four colours, white forhighlighting the brow line and also the inner eye area. A light and dark grey, the light grey could be used for more ofa day wear, then add the darker grey for a more dramatic look. The last colour is the black which is a great liner for the eyes.The eyeshadows come with an instruction sheet to show how you can apply the colours all together. This is a glamourous smokey eyelook, which can be 'vamped up' rock chick style with a lush red lip or a nude lip to let your eyes shine.The eyeshadows longevity was around 6-7 hours before a little touch up was needed, for myself this is quite a long time as I haveoily skin.Overall thought of the palette is that it is cleanly packaged, the colours work well together; the only change I would make isthat there is a lot of fall off as you apply it, and you can end up with black cheeks if not brushed off correctly.It is a good black palette which is strong in colour and applies first time.

RATING  4/5

Treats for a rainy day from Mrs Crimble...

When the weather outside is grey raise a smile with a bit of home baking magic. But fear not no need to get the flour out just wrap your tastebuds around these treats from Mrs Crimble and with the delicious Bakewell Slices and scrumptious Double Choc Brownies both just £1.69 for 4 they are a complete bargain!

www.mrscrimble’s.com  also available in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Asda and Morrisons.

MY ADVENTURES AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

MY ADVENTURES AT LONDON FASHION WEEK

Luanne McLean


So after 3 seasons away on maternity leave ( LFW with abump - not a good look!) I ventured back to London Fashion Week  a couple of weeks ago to encounter what Autumn Winter 2012 has on offer for us.

Twenty8Twelve put forward a Faceless Featured presentation which was a very unique viewing experience. The models graced screens dotted up and down a gallery live viewing space at Somerset House very much like an art exhibition.The girls struted their stuff in 360 glory on each screen - excellent if you missed one girl just catch her again on the screen next to it.

CHOCOLATE BEAUTY!

CHOCOLATE BEAUTY!

Indulge yourself with chocolate this Easter - the calorie free way!

SKIN

Indulge in a deep bubble bath with the scent of melted chocolate with N Spa Indulgent Chocolate Waffle Bath Syrup £4.00 (www.nirvanaspa.co.uk) - make sure the bathroom cabinet hides this beauty treasure as everyone will want a peace of the action! Better still find it in the supermarket as it's stock in Asda!

BODY

Treat your tired body to Jason Nourishing Cocoa Butter , £6.49 (www.jason-natural.com) it smells good enough to eat and leaves skin silky soft!

FACE

Add a touch of rich glow with Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder , £6.99 (www.bourjois co.uk)and the gorgeous compact is perfect for that girl on the go!

NAILS

Smooch Nail Polish in 12 Chocolate Brownie, £6.50 (www.smoochcosmeticsuk.com) is perfect to give your nails the deep chocolate touch in just two quick drying coats.

How ever you treat yourself , be sure to have a Happy Easter!

Motherhood Essentials

Motherhood Essentials

When I had baby Meadow last May it opened up a whole new world to me . Now she is almost 10 months old I thought I'd share the products with you that have got us through those first special months...

£9.99 for 100ml

www.green-grocery.co.uk

Containing seven essential oils luxury skin treat perfect for dry skin - I smoothered my feet in it as pregnacey made them so dry but this softened them perfectly and  smells amazing too.

£39.99

www.dermacaredirect.co.uk

A  new mums must-have stretch mark cream , use as early as possible and everyday for best results - a god send!

£19.08 per case

www.tesco.com

Eisberg alcoholic wine was my indulgence this Christmas time, it is available in Riesling, Rose, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and is perefct for breast-feeding mums like me and those who are pregnant - why miss out on a tipple and it tastes great too unlike other alcohol free alternatives.

 £7.50 for 30ml

www.organicmonkey.co.uk

This amazing little find  contains a blend of soothing organic oils and has been my little helper whilst Meadow has been teething, it really calms down her liitle red cheeks and she loves the taste.

 brush baby brush £4.99 also  in pink or blue

toothpaste £2.35 for 30ml 

This clever little toothbrush is shaped like a teether and not only can Meadow hold it herself like a toy but you can also apply a pea size dollop of toothpaste so she can brush her first toothy pegs herself- I love this come 8 months we have used it everyday.

£19.99for 30ml

ww.boots.com

Lack of sleep can be aging but this amazing anti-aging cream not only doesn"t break the bank, but it really does improve the skins appearence.

£2.99 for 200ml

www.superdrug.com

Dry shampoo - my essentail product! With a tiny baby there's often not enough hours in the day , so avoid greasey hair and spray in this stuff. Batiste has been around for years and even hair tonne shades! perfect!

£29.99

www.burtbees.co.uk

I love natural products and Burt Bees are one of the best, the Bundle of Joy Gift Set is perfect for new mums with nappy cream, shampoo, wash and massage oil - perfect -I use it myself too!

£4.00

www.dribbz.co.uk

Now we are weaning I love this red apple bandana bib from Dribbz , they come in lots of different patterns and unlike other bibs they complement your babies outfit!

£35 for 15ml

 www.forestsecretsskincare.com

Forest Secrets i bright serum is perfect for avoiding the eye bag look, this serum is really light and refreshing on te delicate eye area.

£14.99 for 190ml

www.boobooshop.com

Avoid dry cracked skin by treating your tired body with this fab body butter, Boo Boo do a fab Mummy range.

£4 for 370ml

www.earthfriendlybaby.com

I adore the Earth Friendly Baby range, it includes everything from baby wipes and nappy bags to this gorgeously mild bubble bath- a really great range of green baby products.

3

£13.50 for 100ml

www.trevarnoskincare.co.uk

I love this hard working product not only is it a bubble bath and a massage oil but the organic oils are harvested from a beautiful Botanical garden and the oil evokes that scent in every drop.

£19.70 for 100ml

www.organicbabies.com

Amazing for both mother and babies skin to treat dry patches, scrathches and blemishes - a nappy bag essential