Sales in red lipstick fall as women favour this new colour trend

Mar 9, 2014

It would appear that the rise of the nude lip is here once again.

For the first time in three years, nude and natural coloured lipsticks are outselling red shaded lipsticks.

Debenhams have reported a 62% rise in the sales of natural, softer shades of recent.

But is there a bigger picture to this story than simply a beauty trend?

Studies show that during a recession, shades of red lipstick sell far more than nude, and the opposite applies when there is a more favourable economic climate.

This “lipstick index” (named in 2001) was first realised during the Depression of the 1930s and seems to have been proved a stable point since then!

Many celebrities chose nude shades for this year’s award season such as Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock.

The latest weapon in the weight loss battle has been found

Mar 3, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Being packed with a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, seaweed has long been known for its goodness, but it seems there is more to the ocean’s slimy algae than first thought.

According to Scientists from the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, alginate found in kelp is to be the latest tool in our fight against fat.

The findings were published in the journal Food Chemistry and lead scientist Professor Jeff Pearson said: “We have already added alginate to bread and initial taste tests have been extremely encouraging. Now the next step is to carry out clinical trials to find out how effective they are when eaten as part of a normal diet.”

Researchers found that alginate helps suppress the digestion of fat by blocking the action of the enzyme and avoid the “side effects of convention anti-obesity drugs that inhibit enzyme activity.”

Now all we need to do is find a few seaweed recipes.

5 beauty tips from Miranda Kerr

Feb 27, 2014

by Amber Saunders

It’s hard to look at Miranda Kerr and not want to look exactly like her.

The 30-year-old has skin to die for and it seems like she hasn’t aged a day since she first started modelling – well for some!

So here are her top 5 tips for maintaining a flawless complexion:

Eye gel
Don’t underestimate the importance of eye gel.

Hydrate
No matter where you go, always carry a bottle of water with you so you remember to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Keep it natural
Since everything you put on your face is absorbed by the skin, you should use quality organic beauty products.

Spray mist
Have one nearby so you can spritz when you need to hydrate your skin.

Roseship oil
It has powerful regenerative benefits suitable for everyone.

A jack of many trades indeed: model is set to release debut single

Celebrity

Feb 24, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Aussie model, Miranda Kerr is set to release her own version of Elvis and Ann Margaret’s You’re The Boss.

The 30-year-old beauty insists that she isn’t looking to embark a career in music and that Jersey Boys star Bobby Fox ‘convinced’ her to do a duet with her:

“I usually just sing in the shower but @thedancingfox convinced me to record a duet with him,” tweeted the former Victoria’s Secret model.

An inside source also backed the supermodel saying: “she has no plans to embark on a singing career, she loves music and just thought this would be fun.”

Irish-born Bobby – who now lives in Australia – flew out to New Zealand to meet Miranda and they recorded the song in the studio in just one night – impressive!

You’re The Boss will available from iTunes on March 14 -we can’t wait to see what this unlikely duo has in store for us.

Have a Valentines ‘Beauty Affair’

Feb 12, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Whether you’re loved up or looking for love this February, the Valentines Beauty Affair in Dundrum Town Centre is there to answer all of your beauty questions and pamper you just in time for the big day.

Fall in love with this season’s hottest makeup trends at the event and enjoy free mini treatments and goodies from Benefit, The Body Shop, Harvey Nichols, L’Occitane, McCabes Pharmacy, Molton Brown, Mudpie, House of Fraser, Nails Inc, Marks & Spencer Pink Day Spa, Boots and many more

Don Nugent, Centre Director from Dundrum Town Centre said today: “People are often looking for things to do around Valentine’s Day and the Dundrum Valentines Beauty Affair offers something out of the ordinary that also showcases the extensive range of premium beauty brands we house here in Dundrum Town Centre.”

The event takes place on Thursday, Feb 13th from 12-8pm and Friday, Feb 14th from 12-6pm on the mall on level 1.

Who said you need a date – get the girls together and make a night of it!

DIY beauty hacks that will change your life

Feb 8, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Ok so, maybe “change your life” sounds a little dramatic, but we stand by it. These tips are great and make looking good an even easier job.

1. Pluck your eyebrows on a plane
We know you might not be on a plane very much but take advantage when you are because you will never find better lighting than you will here to take out those itty bitty hairs that won’t budge.

2. Expertly remove glitter nails
Everybody loves glitter nails – how could you not? What we do not like, however, is the pain of removing the glitter nail varnish. To remove the polish like a pro you need to create a peel-off base. All you need to do is get some kid’s glue (PVC perhaps) and mix it with a little water so it gets a nail-polish texture and use it as your base. Then, when it comes to removal, all you have to do is peel, simple and genius!

3. Make your lips stand out
When you have applied your favourite lipstick, make it stand out even more by dabbing some light shimmer eyeshadow into the middle of your lips for an even more dazzling look.

4. Make your perfume last
Your perfume will last all day if you place it in the following spots; the back of the knee, the throat, inside of your elbow, behind your ear and inside of the wrist.

5. How to dazzle with your eyes
Make your eyes stand out by putting a little white eye-liner or a light coloured shimmer eyeshadow into the corners of your eyes nearest your nose. It will brighten your eyes and make them bigger.

Beauty mistakes that make you look tired

Feb 6, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Wearing make-up is supposed to make you look brighter, fresher and impossibly dewy, right? In theory, perhaps, but most of us are guilty of the following beauty mishaps:

Using too much powder
Over-powdering tends to leave your skin looking older and tired. A light covering of translucent powder is enough to get rid of the dreaded shine.

Not applying moisturiser
Moisturising before you apply your foundation is the best way to avoid dull, tired, flaky skin. Remember to pick one up with an SPF.

Using the wrong colour concealer under your eyes
Whether it’s too dark or too light, the wrong concealer will make you look tired. Make sure you apply your make-up in a well lit room.

Not using a primer on your eyes
Primer under your eyes is a great way to stop dark colours from smudging your them. Nobody likes the raccoon look.

And if you’re still looking a little tired after fixing your make-up routine, you might want to consider an earlier bedtime…

Beauty 101: D.I.Y face masks

Jan 29, 2014

by Amber Saunders

There’s nothing better than a good homemade face mask – they’re cheap, all natural and you know exactly what you’re putting on your face.

Here are a few timeless face mask recipes you might want to try at home:

Yoghurt mask
For a natural way to cleanse your skin and tighten the pores, slap some plain yoghurt onto your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off and pat dry with a towel.

Lemon mask
For a quick pick me up, mix two drops of lemon with a tablespoon of ground almonds. The lemon will tone and exfoliate your skin while the natural oil from the almonds r will keep it nice and moisturised.

Egg mask
Sounds a bit yuck right? Don’t be fooled by the name. This can do wonders for your skin. Simply beat one egg and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then remove it. Watch your fresh face glow.

3 ways to use coconut oil in your beauty regime

Jan 20, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Coconut oil is an all-round product. It can do lots of things and can actually replace many products that you use in one quick purchase. Try it out and see what you think!

1. Moisturiser
Use coconut oil as a post-shower moisturiser or use it to soften feet, hands, elbows, knees, everywhere!

2. As a hair mask
If your hair is dry and brittle and your purse virtually empty, use coconut oil as a hair mask. Put it in at night, wrap your hair in a scarf to protect your pillows and wash it out in the morning. You may need to shampoo twice to get it out properly, but your hair will be super soft and shiny afterwards.

3. Hair removal
Replace your regular shaving foam with coconut oil for silky skin and a smooth finish.