I'm bursting with excitement!  In just over a day, I'm off on holiday to South Africa.  It brings to mind the fact of my carry-on luggage and what beauty essentials I'll need to keep fresh! 

After doing my initial post on this last year, I've decided to find some new innovative products that just HAS to come on the trip with me.  These items is something you really couldn't travel without!

1)  Dual Lotion/Hand Sanitizer:  I have a serious addiction to hand cream and hand sanitizers, but I'm not a fan of typical hand sanitizers, because they're so drying.  So for me this hybrid is the perfect medium - it kills all the nasty, icky germs while quenching my seemingly eternally thirsty skin.  The fact that it smells fantastic, just like soap?  Well, that's just a bonus.

Currently Carrying Around:  CLEAN Shower Fresh Anti-Bacterial Hand Moisturizing Cream, £11.71

2)  Tinted moisturizer:  I'm blessed with pretty clear complexion, but my skin tone can always use a little evening out and brightening up, which is why I'm partial to tinted moisturizers.  This lightweight, botanical-rich variation packs a pretty powerful punch; it may as well be a full-blown foundation - because it offers buildable, natural-looking coverage - but the brush-and-sponge-free application is much simpler.

Currently Carrying Around:  Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 in Cuba, £27

3)  Makeup:  Nothing perks up my face faster than a little colour.  This miniature compact with major impact features eight eyeshadows, a lip gloss, a bronzer, and a blush.

Currently Carrying Around:  Too Faced Glamour to Go, £16.95

4)  Mascara:  An absolute must for me.  Two coats lifts the eyes, lengthens the lashes, defines the gaze, and it doesn't clump...what's not to love?

Currently Carrying Around:  Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara, £18

5)  Brow Pencil:  I keep my eyebrows in tip-top shape, but they still need defining and darkening to look their absolute best.  This handy dual-ended tool - one side an angled pencil, the other a sculpting gel - is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

Currently Carrying Around:  SmashBox Brow Tech To Go, £23.50



This is just a small stash of items I swear by! 

What do you carry with you when you travel? 

12 New Hairstyles for Summer

Warning: there are some truly awesome hairstyles ahead. If you're not careful, you will fall into the trap of wanting to try all of them at once ... and that might result in one of these celebrity hairstyle disasters. Yikes.

If you can control yourself, the upside is you won't have a shortage of new hairstyles this summer -- exciting, right? All of these hairstyles are perfect for warm weather, and there's really no better time to try something new than summertime. It's gorgeous outside, and you deserve to look as pretty as possible while you enjoy your freedom for the next three months.

And the cool thing about these hairstyles is that I didn't just pull them out of my a--, uh, I mean, make them up on my own. I actually looked into ideas from celebrity hairstylists Kevin Ryan, Jeffrey Martinez and Kara Silverman and the re-creation of celebrity looks and tips they gave on how to get each of this summer's hottest hairstyle trends. They walked me through 12 gorgeous celebrity looks, and gave me this piece of advice: "Braids, updos and headbands are the way to go for summer styles."

You can take it or leave it, but I'm definitely taking it -- I especially love the fact that these 2012 hairstyles can stand up to warm weather. Now I just have to decide which one to try first. Although last time I checked, there were plenty of days in summer to get to all of them. Whew.

Kim Kardashian's slicked back bun

Not only is this look totally gorgeous, it also gives your hair a day off from heat styling, says Ryan. Here's how to get Kim Kardashian's hairstyle:

1. Start with damp hair. Apply a dollop of leave-in conditioner and distribute it through your hair using a wide-tooth comb.
2. Brush all of your hair into a ponytail at the back of your head. Make sure your hair is nice and sleek, and secure it with an elastic.
3. Twist your ponytail around the elastic to create a thick bun, and secure the ends below your bun with bobby pins.
4. Apply a dab of styling gel to your palms and run them over your hair to tame flyaways.

Reese Witherspoon's full waves

Full, beachy waves are big for summer, especially when they look perfectly undone. All you need is a diffuser and some salt spray for this style, says Ryan. Here's how to get Reese Witherspoon's hairstyle.

1. As soon as you get out of the shower, towel dry your hair and mist it with salt spray.
2. Blow dry your hair with a diffuser to bring out your natural waves.
3. If your hair is naturally straight, use a 1-inch curling iron to curl small sections of hair.
4. To keep your bangs from "sticking to your sweaty forehead," just pin them up like Witherspoon does here, says Ryan.

Taylor Swift's soft waves

Not a fan of beachy waves? Brush them out for a soft, romantic look instead. Here's how to get Tayor Swift's hairstyle:

1. Start by applying smoothing cream to damp hair. Blow dry using a round brush to smooth out your hair.
2. Add a deep side part for a touch of glam. Take large sections of hair and wrap them around a 2-inch curling iron.
3. Brush through your waves with a paddle brush to loosen them, and mist them with anti-frizz hairspray to prevent flyaways.
4. Bring your hair over one shoulder for a romantic finish.

Selena Gomez's straight and sexy look

Straight-haired girls, you're in luck. Going pin straight is one of summer's sexiest trends. Here's how to get Selena Gomez's look:

1. Start by boosting your roots with some volumizing spray. Lift your hair in sections and spray it from underneath.
2. While your hair is still damp, massage some protective oil into the ends of your hair to prevent split ends.
3. Blow dry your hair straight using a paddle brush. Aim the blow dryer down the hair shaft to minimize frizz.
4. Once your hair is completely dry, use a 1-inch ceramic iron to straighten your hair in small sections. Mist your hair with shine spray for a super sleek finish.

Kirsten Dunst's braided updo

"Loose updos are a must-have look for summertime," say Martinez and Silverman. They're easy, simple and romantic. Here's how to get Kirsten Dunst's look:

1. Apply texturizing mousse to damp hair and allow it to air dry.
2. Wrap sections of hair around a 1-inch curling iron to create texture throughout your hair. Finger comb through your waves to muss them up.
3. Gather all of your hair back into a loose bun, and secure it with an elastic.
4. For an extra glam touch, slip on a braided headband to complete your updo.

Gwen Stefani's fluffy curls

Here's a shocker. This summer, let the humidity do its work. Instead of flattening your natural curls, play them up like Gwen Stefani did here. Here's how to get the look:

1. Start by applying volumizing mousse to damp hair, and let it dry naturally.
2. Touch up your curls with a 1-inch curling iron. You want to get small, spiral curls, so curl small sections at once.
3. Use a teasing comb to tease your curls in layers. Lift up each layer and mist your curls with strong-hold hairspray from beneath.
4. Take a small section of hair near your face, and twist it to the side for a quirky touch. Secure with bobby pins.

Ashley Tisdale's highlighted waves

Highlights are a gorgeous way to update your hair for summer. To get Ashley Tisdale's color, ask your stylist for honey or amber highlights (depending on your natural hair color). Overall, you want to add light and depth to your hair. "Just remember to use spray shine and UV protection to keep them looking healthy," say Martinez and Silverman.

Bar Refaeli's polished ponytail

Summer is also the best time to "get creative with your ponytails," say Martinez and Silverman. Bar Refaeli's polished ponytail looks effortless, and it's easier than you think. Here's how to get the look:

1. Apply blow dry gel to towel-dried hair and blow dry it with a round brush.
2. Separate your hair into four sections, and wrap them around large hot rollers. Once they're cool, take them out and brush through them.
3. Smooth your hair into a high ponytail, and secure it with an elastic. Wrap a piece of hair from the ponytail around the band to hide it for a more polished look.
4. Apply a dab of styling gel to your palms and slick them over your hairline to tame flyaways.

Paris Hilton: fun hair accessory

A hippie headband or bejeweled clip like Paris Hilton's will summer-ize any hairstyle. "Wear ones based on your face shape, say Martinez and Silverman. Here's how to get the look:

1. This trend works on any hairstyle -- straight, wavy or curly. Start by styling your hair the way you want it.
2. When you're looking for the perfect headband, "wear ones based on your face shape," say Martinez and Silverman. "Flat bands are great for round faces, thin bands are perfect for heart shaped faces and thick bands are the right call for oval shaped faces."
3. Now use a teasing comb to tease the roots of your hair for some extra volume. Slip on the headband and push it up to create a bump at the back of your head.
4. Mist all over with anti-humidity hairspray to set the look.

Nicole Kidman's piece-y braid

Messy braids are perfect for that "casual summer look," say Martinez and Silverman. And a sassy side braid like Nicole Kidman's? Even better. Here's how to get the look:

1. Start by parting your hair slightly to the side.
2. Towel-dry your hair and mist it with texturizing spray. Rough dry it with your hands to add more texture.
3. Gather all of your hair to one side, and start braiding it from the nape of your neck. Angle the braid over one shoulder, and secure it with a clear elastic.
4. Tug at the braid to loosen it a bit, and mist all over with anti-humidity hairspray to prevent flyaways.

Ginnifer Goodwin's edgy pixie

This almost makes you want to chop your hair off, doesn't it? Well, there's no better time than now, as "there is nothing quite as liberating as a new cut at the beginning of summer," says Ryan. If you're thinking of copying Ginnifer Goodwin's look, make sure the cut will suit your face shape.

 

Ke$ha's beachy bedhead

Believe it or not, there's actually more to Ke$ha's look than rolling out of bed and heading out the door. Even if you're not sure it's your thing, "give bedhead a chance," say Martinez and Silverman. Here's how to get the look:

1. Part your hair down the center, and run a generous amount of thickening mousse through your hair.
2. While your hair is still damp, separate it into several medium-sized sections. Braid a few sections, and twist the other sections. Secure all of your braids and twists into a bun at the top of your head, and let it dry naturally.
3. Once your hair is dry, take out the braids and twists and run your fingers through your hair.
4. Mist your bedhead waves with salt spray, and scrunch them with your hands for a beachy vibe.


Hope you enjoy playing with all the different hairstyles as much as me!

What your face says about Your Health

We've all wondered whether we are healthy or whether there is some underlying problems with our health that we don't know about.  One of the most obvious places to check your health would be your face.

Your face, you say?  Are you crazy, you say?  The times that you look into the mirror could easily show you some health facts about yourself too.

So stand infront of that mirror, and check out a few of these facts.

1)  Brows
What’s healthy?  Full, even and bushy (when left to their own devices!). 
What’s not?  Thinning brows – especially at the ends.  Hair loss here can indicate a thyroid problem.
What to do?  If you’re worried (and thinning is accompanied by brittle hair, muscle pain or weight gain/loss), your GP can perform a thyroid function check – a quick blood test that assesses your hormone levels.

 2)  Lips
What’s healthy?  Smooth lips. 
What’s not?  Lips that are temporarily cracked or dry can indicate dehydration. 
What to do?  If cracks at the corners of your mouth don’t heal after a month, see your GP, as it may be a sign of an iron or B vitamin deficiency.  You might need a cream to clear up an infection that’s causing the cracks, and if you have other signs of deficiency, you may have a blood test to check your vitamin levels.  Iron is found in red meat, lentils, spinach and soya beans, and vitamin C helps its absorption.  B vitamins are found in dairy and leafy veg.

3)  Eyes
What’s healthy?  Bright whites and comfortable blinking (visible blood vessels at the edges are fine). 
What’s not?  "Runny eyes can indicate an infection – if it feels watery, it could be a virus, and is best treated with cold compresses and paracetamol; if it’s sticky, it could be bacterial, which may need antibiotics,” says Larry Benjamin, vice president of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists.  What to do?  Experts agree that the most important thing is an eye test every two years.  Yes, two.  So if you haven’t had one since school, book!  “Most eye diseases can only be seen with specialist equipment that looks at the back of the eye,” says Benjamin.

4)  Tongue
What’s healthy?  Pink and clean with lots of super-small bumps. 
What’s not?  A white coating, which can be a sign of thrush.  Ulcers are normal, particularly if you accidentally bite your tongue, are on your period or have just given up smoking. 
What to do?  See your doctor if an ulcer doesn’t clear up after three weeks.  It may be a sign of an underlying issue, like a vitamin deficiency or immune-system problems.

5)  Skin
What’s healthy?  Minor but regular monthly breakouts on your chin (thanks, hormones!). 
What’s not?  "Random spots anywhere from the nose down,” says dermatologist Dr Howard Murad.  “These are due to high stress levels and are found here because this area is linked to your adrenal glands, which release stress hormones.” 
What to do?  To clear spot-prone skin, eat vitamin A-rich foods, like apricots, mangoes and sweet potatoes.  “Acne occurs when skin produces too many cells in its outer layer; vitamin A helps prevent this overproduction,” says Dr Murad.


I was so relieved when I did this research, because I was getting random spots at the bottom half of my face and at one point I believed that I had adult acne!  However, that was untrue and it was just a lack of Vitamin A-rich foods.  My skin has really started to clear up, and I'm feeling a lot more confident walking outside. 

Hope these facts have helped you today.

xoxo,
Angelique

Look Good in a Bikini -- NOW!

You know those girls that walk around on the beach with a sarong tied around their waist? Sure, it's cute, but that's so not what I imagine when I buy a super-hot bikini that I absolutely love. What I want is to show it off, not hide it. But with summer just around the corner (OK fine, it's already here, geez), I don't really have time to go on a strict diet or start a six-month workout. What I need is ... a quick fix. You know, easy tricks to hide those small flaws or de-bloat fast, whatever.

While nobody has a perfect body, there are some easy things you can do to prepare your body and make it look the best it can. I talked to several experts, including a nutritionist, fitness guru, tanning expert and makeup artist -- they gave me tips on everything from eating the right foods to de-bloat, to slimming down and prepping your skin for the beach. They even broke it down into a helpful timeline, so even if you only have a week (or heck, hours) until you have to be in that bikini, you'll be ready.

Just remember: rapid and dramatic weight loss should not be your goal. (Flabby arms and excess skin? Not attractive.) Instead, just focus on toning your body for summer and eating right. You'll see more of what I'm talking about in my post. Bikini-ready body? Here I come.

If you have one month: Start exercising

OK, so you probably can't drop 10 pounds in a month, but you can do certain exercises to slim down and tone your muscles. For fat burning, there is the classical and steady cardio. Try switching off between walking and running in five-minute intervals to raise your heart rate.

Next, try these strength training exercises that will give your muscles tone and definition. Hold 5 or 10 pound weights in your hands, and start with your arms at your sides. Slowly curl your arms upward to your chest, hold for five seconds, and slowly bring them back down. Now lift your arms out to the side, hold for five seconds, and bring them back down. Do this 15 times, and repeat for three sets. And doing it daily for a month? You'll see a difference.

If you have one month: Stick to a healthy diet

A month is plenty of time to make a difference in your diet and your body. Make sure you don't skip meals. This will only slow down your metabolism. Instead, eat a lot of lean (preferably grilled) proteins like salmon, white fish and chicken. Also, don't forget your dark vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, kale and celery.

Bonus tip: Taking fish oil pills and consuming more essential fatty acids (such as flaxseed oil) will strengthen your nails and hair. They also help reduce redness and irritation in the skin and promote a glowing complexion.

If you have one month: Avoid these "bad for you" foods

For the next few weeks (even better if you keep it up afterwards), don't eat anything on this list:
• Anything that comes in a can
• Excess salt
• Red meat
• Fruit juice or soda
• Corn and anything made out of it, like popcorn
• Starchy vegetables like potatoes and yams

You'll see a difference in how you look and feel after just a month of staying away from these foods.

If you have one week: De-bloat your body

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Your skin is the first to show signs of dehydration. Replace sugary juices and carbonated drinks with water and green tea only. Adding lemon to your water will help flush sodium out of your system. Fruits with a high water content (like watermelon, papaya and grapefruit) will also help reduce inflammation.

And after each meal? Drinking ginger or peppermint tea will help with digestion and minimize belly bloating. Also pineapple is the perfect snack because it's a natural digestive enzyme.

If you have one week: Prep your skin

First of all, make sure to avoid toxins such as alcohol, smoke, and stress leading up to your event. These toxins will dry out your skin and cause it to break out.

Every day in the shower, exfoliate your body with a loofa and a gentle body scrub. If you have body or facial acne, follow up with a daily acne treatment to clear it up.

You can also use gradual self-tanner to build up a glow throughout the week (much safer than hitting the tanning bed).

If you only have one week: Contour your body with self-tanner

Using self-tanner helps camouflage or mask any skin flaws or body abnormalities and creates the illusion of a longer, leaner look. Before you tan, moisturize your entire body with lotion and put on gloves. Apply a self-tanner in long strokes, starting from your feet up. Once it has dried, use your finger to "paint in" the following areas:

On your abs: Flex your muscles and paint down the center of your stomach. Start from just below your chest down to your belly button. Repeat down the sides.
On your arms: Hold one arm out and flex your muscles. Paint a line of self-tanner between your bicep and triceps. Repeat on the other arm.
On your legs: Apply an extra coat of self-tanner to the entire insides of your thighs and a bit more to the outer parts, leaving the middle section without as much tanner. Make sure to blend it all well.

If you only have one day: Contour your body with makeup instead

If you're short on time, you can use long-lasting makeup to create the same contouring effects and make your body look leaner. All you need is a body bronzer and a foundation brush. Here's how makeup artist Landy Dean says to contour your body:

On your arms: Hold one arm out and flex your muscles. Paint the gel bronzer between your bicep and triceps and use a foundation brush to blend. Repeat on the other arm.
On your chest: Use the foundation brush to paint the gel bronzer into the shadows around your clavicle bone.
On your legs: Flex your calf muscles and paint the shadows created under your muscles to accentuate them.

If you only have one day: Skip the heavy weight lifting

Skip your workout if you're planning to hit the beach tomorrow. Why? A heavy workout will swell your body temporarily as lactic acid builds up post-workout. Which means you might look bigger than normal. So for the slimmest "you" possible, save those training sessions for later.

If you only have one day: Practice your posture

We've all heard this before, and it's totally true. The way you hold your posture can make you look and feel slimmer. So practice standing up straight and holding your shoulders back -- slouching will create excess weight in your mid-section. That way, you'll be super confident when you slip into your bikini.

Another tip for when you're lying on the beach: dig a small hole beneath your towel for butt and build a small hill for your head. This will help you lay more naturally, so you're more comfortable and look sexier. It sounds weird, I know, but try it and see.


Enjoy the beach! ;-)

NOTD: Essie Smooth Sailing

Good morning girlies!

Another weekend has come and gone, and if you have the monday blues, I have just the thing for you!  I'm doing another one of my Nail of the Days (NOTD) and yet again it is one of those beautiful polishes from Essie!  Essie's Smooth Sailing.

Hoist up the sales and wind in the anchor as it’s time to set sail into the deep blue sea. Essie Smooth Sailing Nail Polish is a breezy lavender blue with a reflection of pearl – a gorgeous shade that echoes the warm waves of summertime.

Sizzle all summer long in this Essie Smooth Sailing Nail Polish. Whether you’re hitting the beach or soaking up the rays aboard a yacht (hey, a girl can dream right?) this gorgeous hue will set off your tan perfectly!





Essie's Smooth Sailing (756)





Directions of use:

• Always use nail varnish remover before doing your nails even if you don’t need to remove any old polish, as it prepares the nails by removing any grease so that your polish or treatment will last longer.
• Generously apply a good base coat using 8-10 strokes.
• Apply 2 coats of this Essie Nail Polish to seal all edges.
• Finally apply a top coat to seal colour and prolong durability.

This shade is absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to wear it more often!

xoxo,
Angelique

Wedding Week: Bridal Nails

Firstly, sorry for the lateness of this post.  I've been having trouble fitting blogging in today. 

But here I am, and here is my post:

Your nails are a VERY important part of your 'big' day, Many people forget their nails are going to be on constant display....... i.e When people ask to see your ring or when you have pictures taken signing the register and cutting the cake. This is why your nails need to be PERFECT, look natural and of course be strong enough to last through your honeymoon....Whether thats lying on a beach in the Maldives or white water rafting.

And with Nail Art being one of the biggest trends to hit us in this past year, it is imperative that you choose the right design for you.  Whether you choose the classic french manicure or something more exciting is of course your own choice, but please remember to get your little talons bridal ready.

Here are some really amazing looks to choose from:

One thing is true though, whatever you choose will look absolutely beautiful.  I personally had a french manicure (as my nails were short) with CND Shellac Gel Nail Polish.  It was brilliant and lasted until well after my honeymoon, so I had no problems with looking lush.

If you need anymore inspiration for your wedding, it is also worth having a look at Pinterest, and especially my Pinterest account which you can follow by pressing the button on the side here ------------------>


I hope with my last post on weddings that you will enjoy your planning process, being a bride-to-be and then eventually a bride, and also the 'BIG' day.  It is such a special and wonderful process and day, that tends to be over far too quickly.

With lots of love and cherished thoughts on your special time,

xoxo
Angelique

Wedding Week: Top 10 Bridal Beauty Looks

No wedding would be complete without the obligatory 'beautiful bride'.  This means a whole package of dress, shoes, hair and makeup, which really makes me want to talk more about makeup! 

Many brides decide early on in the planning process whether they prefer to do their own makeup or have a professional makeup artist do the work for them.  It is easy to get wrapped up in all the other things that accompany a wedding, but the makeup really does make as big a difference as the dress, shoes or any other part of the bridal look. 

Makeup frames the face and enhances the natural beauty of the bride.  So think really carefully about the look that you want to go for.  Here I've compiled a list of the best celeb beauty looks as inspiration for your makeup look:-

Be a laidback bride

Amy Adams worked a soft and romantic updo with a side-swept fringe for an oh-so-pretty look. The hair is understated and super-versatile – dressing up a simple dress and drawing back from overly embellished designs. The Enchanted star dazzled in honeyglazed tones of peach and apricot, with slightly bronzed cheeks for a sunkissed, totally flawless look.

Be a blow-out bride

Oh to have a team of profesh hair and make-up artists on stand-by for a preened and polished look 24-7. Up the glam factor on your day with an A-list-style blow-out for a dusk 'til dawn do. Team run-his-fingers-through-your-hair tumbling curls with smoky eyes and statement red lips for a look that's photo-fabulous.

Be a summer-loving bride

The halo plait is taking over runways and red carpets alike – it's officially the hottest look for S/S 2012. For flawless make-up to match Bérénice Bejo's look, it's all about the base. Start with an illuminating primer and then apply foundation with a brush for even coverage that doesn't look cakey. Sweep illuminating powder over the face for last-all-day radiance and then lightly bronze cheeks for a natural-looking glow.

Be a city-chic bride

Jessica Chastain is achingly gorgeous with a complexion so perfect, I actually want to be her. Nail your skincare regime for an equally flawless look on the day: use a hydrating mask at home or invest in a work-hard facial and try a night serum to wake up feeling fresh-faced and fabulous. I love a half-up, half-down do for a chic-in-the-city style that's really pretty.

Be a bold bride

Just in! Katie Holmes has had the chop and I'm loving her new fringe. A sharp cut adds a little drama to the look, helping to frame the eyes. If you're thinking of trying a fringe, be sure to make the move well in advance of the wedding so you can grow it out if you decide it's not for you and keep it at eyebrow length – any lower and you'll squash your lashes, any higher and you'll look constantly surprised.

Be a boho bride

Bridesmaids frontwoman, Kristen Wiig, kept it casual with gently tousled waves and au naturel make-up. This style looks great with soft, chiffon dresses and long, floaty designs for a cool, ethereal vibe.

Be a vintage bride

Miley Cyrus paid homage to old-time charm with a vintage-style do – think shoulder-length curls loosely pinned at the back. To give your locks body and bounce, use a volumising shampoo and finish with shine spray. I'm also loving her eyeliner flick and oh là là lashes for big, bold, beautiful eyes.

Be a classy bride

A crystal headpiece or a fallback veil would look great with Milla Jovovich's sophisticated updo. This style softens the face and looks great with a glitzy gown – think Jenny Packham or Temperley.

The slicked-back bride

Go super sleek with hair pushed back to give your make-up the facetime it deserves. Natalie Portman has accesorised this look perfectly, using glitzy finishing touches for a hit of glamour.

Be a sassy bride

Penelope looked bridal-hot with a Fifties-inspired, structured do cropped just above the shoulders. A pair of crystal studs or pretty pearl earrings are the perfect accessory and if you're going to veil it up, go for a simple blusher veil. Then throw on a prom-style dress with lace gloves and you're good to go.













Which look would you choose?

xoxo,
Angelique