Kérastase Elixir Ultime Versatile Beautifying Oil Review

With nourishing Argan and corn oil, there's a reason why beauty editors rave about Kerastase's Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil. With a fluid consistency, the oil can be used on dry or damp hair and will leave it feeling silky soft and smooth, even brittle ends.

If your tresses are dry, try applying the oil mid-way down your hair to the ends and leave on for at least an hour before washing as normal.

A little goes a long way though, so if you have fine hair only use a pea-size amount otherwise you might end up with sticky, flat hair.

My favourite bit about this oil is the bonus of a perfumed fragrance, which leaves hair smelling freshly washed.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Versatile Beautifying Oil, £27.85 and is available from Feelunique.com.

Rating: 10/10 - if used properly, you can't fault this hair oil.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Frozen Quartz Review

Creamy in texture, super easy to apply and light enough to carry around in your handbag all day, I'm struggling to find fault with By Terry's Ombre Blackstar eyeshadow pen.

The colour is versatile and suits almost any skin tone, while the touch of glitter gives eyes a real sparkle. 


For an ultra glam look layer up the eyeshadow, apply your eyeliner to the base of your eyelashes and then apply lashings of mascara.


By Terry's Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow is £27.50 and available from SpaceNK.co.uk


Rating: 10/10 - It stays on and it is a great shade, although the price does make it more of an investment beauty buy. 

Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick Review

If you were a fan of Clinique's Black Honey lipstick the first time round, you'll be pleased to hear that the brand have based the entire AW11 make-up collection around the cult classic shade.

Intense, rich and perfect for tapping into one of AW11's hottest beauty trends, gothic luxe, the Black Honey shade is the same as the original formula.

The real beauty of this particular colour is the amount of different shades you can create with it. If you're daunted by the dark burgundy, apply a small amount of the colour to the middle of your bottom lip and use a brush or your finger to spread it across the rest of your lips. You'll be surprised at the pretty cherry shade that's created.

The only downfall of this lipstick is that it seriously dries out your lips, so make sure you have a moisturising lip balm handy.

Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick is £16 and available at Clinique.co.uk.

Rating: 6/10 - cracked lips are never a good look.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Sensuous Rouge Lipstick Review

Nude lipsticks are a key component to the minimalist beauty trend this season.

Achieving the perfect nude lip is tricky though as if you go too pale you can end up looking ill. Enter Estee Lauder's Pure Color lipstick in 'Sensuous Nude'. It's slightly darker than your usual nude lipstick as it has more of a wet-look finish. The flecks of glitter add to this, while the creamy formula coats lips easily and leaves them feeling soft and smooth.

Estee Lauder's Pure Color Senuous Rouge Lipsticks are available online at Houseoffraser.co.uk for £20 each. 

Rating: 9/10 - as nude lipsticks go this is one of the best around.

Hourglass Visionaire Eyeshadow Review

Since launching in the UK a few months ago, Hourglass has hit the ground running and become a firm favourite of mine.

The Visionaire duo eyeshadows have a creamy texture, which makes it easy to apply and stays on for longer without showing crease line.

It's not just the formula that impresses though, the packaging is super luxurious and unique with the swivel mirror, which makes it easier to apply the eye colour whilst on-the-go.

All of this does come at a price, but it's definitely worth paying. Hourglass duo eyeshadows are available at Liberty for £28.

Choose a shade that you will definitely wear to get your moneys worth. My favourite is the 'Dune' - the cream/sand colour is perfect for channeling a minimal make-up look, while the glittery green will give your evening look the ultimate glam factor.

Rating: 8/10 - this is definitely a product to add to your wishlist.

Bobbi Brown's Buffing Grains Review

Bobbi Brown's Buffing Grains is the perfect pampering product for the weekend. The loose grains allow you to make your own exfoliator by mixing them with your cleanser.

Whether you're after a deep abrasive scrub or a light buffing, this product will wash away dead skin and leave your skin feeling smoother, softer and cleaner.

Formulated with replenishing Japanese Adzuki Bean Powder, these grains won't sweep away any of your skin's natural moisture. This really is a genius beauty buy and a summer must-have.

Bobbi Brown's Buffing Grains for the face is available from Bobbibrown.co.uk and costs £26.

Rating: 10/10 - easy to use and a little goes a long way so it's great value for money.  

Holiday Hair Know How

Exfoliating, moisturising, dry brushing - the list is endless when it comes to getting skin into shape for a holiday, but what about our hair? Hot climates, harmful UV rays and salty sea water can take their toll on tired tresses, so here’s some top tips to prepping and maintaining luscious locks before, during and after your holiday.

Before you go

• Make time to get your hair trimmed just before you go away. Cutting off the split ends will make it easier to manage and feel much lighter.
• Treat yourself to a deep conditioning treatment mask in the salon or Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor mask is a quick, purse-friendly alternative and will leave your hair feeling smoother, sleeker and moisturised. 

While you’re there

• Invest in a good sun protection spray like Kerastase’s Micro Voile Protecteur spray, and apply like you would sun cream. Use before and after you go into the sun, and after swimming if you get your hair wet.
• Braiding hair for the beach can make it easier to manage, especially if you’re swimming in the sea. A top knot is perfect for a quick fix (snag-free elastics by Blax are ideal for this hair idea).
• Hair oils have made a big come back this summer, and are great for restoring moisture and taming frizz in the evenings after washing. MoroccanOil comes in a handy travel size bottle too. 

 When you’re back

 

• Use Paul Mitchell’s Shampoo Two, it will detox your tresses and wash away chlorine and any nasties. 
• Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Treatment contains Argan oil, which will replenish and restore your hair, leaving you with glossy locks.