Hot on the Highstreet Week 177 – Beauty Competition

After a luxuriously long summer, autumn has definitely arrived, and this week my iPhone tells me it will be raining on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There is no more need for shimmering after-sun body moisturisers and fun summery make-up; instead we look for nourishing face creams and comforting products to help us get through the cold months ahead.

FACE

Dr Perricone seems to understand women’s skin better than anyone. His Deep Moisture Therapy is my favourite winter moisturiser to use day and night. Rich but light it hydrates and softens skin, noticeably improving complexion tone. The new No Foundation is another great product, providing a lovely natural glow to paling winter skin. The cream includes SPF 30 perfect for days out in the sunshine, though this product is best in winter, providing a light coverage whilst also moisturising your face.

In my opinion the Sanctuary Spa Secret Facial Oil is best used before bed, after cleansing. This 99% organic plumping treatment revitalises skin overnight, so you wake looking bright and rejuvenated. Long term the oil will soften and restore your skin’s natural youth, a kind of superfood for the skin.

The 111 Skin Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask uses advanced technology to nourish the skin and stimulate collagen production. The gel mask cools and refreshes the face, instantly brightening the skin. Perfect pre-holiday, or for a weekend pampering session to calm your stressed skin!

Jurlique is a natural brand that I cannot fault. Every product I’ve tried I dread finishing, the effects are genius. The Rosewater Balancing Mist is a refreshing spray to hydrate and soften the skin and leave skin looking dewy. The spray is perfect to use in the morning and at night keeping your skin balanced and beautiful at all times. Hydration without the greasy residue.

In winter your face needs a little more care and attention. Thalgo’s Masque Desalterant is perfect for this, a moisture quenching mask that gives your skin a moisture boost. I found this product to be ideal for sensitive skin, soothing and protecting skin against the damaging winter weather.

Lipstick pencils are easier to use and often the colour looks more intense. This is certainly true of the Lord & Berry 20100 Shining Lipstick. These thick pencils come in 12 shades, something for every occasion. The colour is bright and the texture creamy. My favourite hue is Mandarin, an orange-red that will really make your lips pop.

BODY

Most know Sanctuary for their gorgeous spa in the heart of Covent Garden. I tried a few of the products this week and was thrilled with the effects. As the colder weather ensues skin tightens and cracks quickly and the Tight & Tone Body Serum is ideal for combating those symptoms adding smoothness to the skin whilst also toning up bums and tums! For extra softness use the 4-day Moisture Oil Scrub which gently exfoliates and leaves skin silky.

I always like to have a hand cream at my desk and this season I am using the lovely Liz Earle Superskin Hand Serum. With extracts of rosehip oil and pomegranate, it smells as good as it feels.

HAIR

It was pretty cool to have Daniel Hersheson himself commenting on my hair colour and style, advising me on what would work best with my eye colour and skin tone. Since then I’ve been a massive fan of his work and products and the Essentials kit is a must-have for girls who enjoy experimenting with hair styling, and is the perfect gift. It includes the Hersheson limited edition Batiste Dry Shampoo, pins, grips and hair bands in small and large.

Kerastase’s Volumifique shampoo and conditioner is the perfect duo for fine hair. The shampoo is silky and naturally thickens hair; the conditioner controls fizz and adds strength without the unnecessary grease. Professional products to revolutionise your hair.

I’ve always thought Fudge haircare was for boys only. The sweet smelling Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Hair Spray, packaged in a brilliantly psychedelic pink container, says otherwise. With extra strong hold, a few sprays will last you all night. The Salt Spray is a great texture tool to ensure your hair looks breezy and beachy all year round.

Fun and effective Bumble and Bumble are a fashionista’s dream. For luscious locks follow the Color-Minded routine which keeps coloured hair bright and beautiful. The shampoo and conditioner are gentle and soft on all hair types. Complete your routine with the Dryspun Finish, a thickening spray to create a full and airy texture without letting hair feel heavy.

To win a selection of these products:

1. Follow Thoroughly Modern Milly on Facebook here.

2. Follow Thoroughly Modern Milly on twitter here.

3. Tweet me telling me your favourite Autumn beauty product and why.

The winner will be decided on November 1st and the prize will be posted out as soon as the winner gives delivery details.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 159: Best Beauty Products for Summer

It is always nice to try new products at the start of a new season. In summer you want to feel fresh and fragrant and to help you achieve that I’ve chosen my top products for hair, body, face and nails!

HAIR

Kerastase is my all time favourite hair brand. The easy colour coded bottles help you nagivate your way round the extensive collection of specific shampoo & conditioner sets. For warmer months I’d recommend the red and pink lighter ranges. Kerastase Soleil is ideal for sun damaged hair and Kerastase Reflection is a soft and gentle set perfect for highlighted or very sensitised hair.

Bumble & Bumble is a great brand – versatile and reliable. The Surf set of foam wash shampoo and creme rinse conditioner are lightweight products for summer adding a carefree soft seabreezy texture to your hair.

BODY:

He-shi is a self tan you can trust. Everyone wants a healthy glow in the summer months, getting your pasty pins out for the first time can be daunting. He-shi exfoliating bodywash and express liquid tan are easy and quick to use with the mitt and ensure a natural and flawless effect.

FACE

Jurlique are renowned for their gentle fragrant and effective skincare products. The new Antioxidant face oil is a soothing remedy for tired and dry skin. It smells divine and is ideal as a before bed treatment.

Dr Perricone needs no explanation. This summer the brand celebrates the launch of Formula 15, the ultimate wrinkle cure. Sun damage is the greatest cause of wrinkles so why not begin combating aging this summer with this luxurious cosmeceutical face firming activator. Get 20% off the product today here.

Dennis Basso‘s new scent is for everyone. The citrus notes blended with warm tones of orange blossom and jasmine make it a sensual but light smell for summer.

NAILS

Color Club is an American brand of nail varnish often used in UK nail bars. I love the vibrant and fun colours, perfect for brightening up the tips of your toes in sandals.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 126

As autumn fades and winter approaches, the cold weather becomes more damaging to our hair and skin. It is essential to invest in effective products to keep healthy and glowing in the chillier months. I have picked out a few of the best new products from my favourite beauty brands which can hopefully act as everyday staples.

MOISTURISER

Perricone MD Deep Moisture Therapy: Keeping your skin moisturised is the most important part of your daily beauty routine and Dr Perricone is a brilliant Cosmeceuticals brand that I can’t fault. The Deep Moisture Therapy is a new antioxidant based cream designed to hydrate, smooth and repair dry and damaged skin. Thanks to the palm, borage and coconut oil ingredients, the cream is light and soft on the skin and comforts and moisturises without the heaviness often found in winter moisturisers. With anti-aging properties, it is a good option long term working over time to protect skin and ensure a healthy glowing complexion. When using it I found it was a brilliant base underneath make-up as well. £69.50

SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin Shampoo and Lait Vital Conditioner: The Kerastase ranges are exemplary for hair care which is why you see them used by so many top salons and hairdressers. This range is for normal to dry hair so is perfect for use during colder weather. I find this shampoo and conditioner nourishes from the roots to tips, eliminating signs of split ends and leaving hair silky smooth and shiny. It is always best to use a very small amount of shampoo twice to ensure the hair is fully cleansed and hydrated. £29.95

L’Oreal Force Vector shampoo and conditioner: I am a new user of L’Oreal’s hair products and have been pleasantly surprised by the results. Force Vector is a great range for winter, in particular the conditioner replenishes hair and acts as a masque, preventing breakages and split ends and thoroughly moisturising. These products are formulated with Glycocell (Incell and Royal Jelly extract) to leave hair fibre fortified and protected. £24

WINTER TAN

He-Shi Luminous Shimmer: If you are partial to the winter blues this product could be the one for you. The He-Shi bronzer has extra sparkle and has an easy-to-use tanning mitt for perfect tan application. Best of all it is designed for him and her. Slightly scented with a sweet subtle smell, this wash off bronzer leaves you looking naturally tanned with an extra glittering finish. The cream can be applied to the whole body or used selectively to enhance legs or shoulders on a night out. £10.50 plus £4.50 for mitt

MAKE-UP

Benefit Peek-a-Bright-Eyes: this eye illuminating kit is perfect to brighten up tired winter eyes. The cute little kit includes an instant eye brightener, buff base shadow, warm chocolate contour shadow, pearly pink highlight shadow, contour / liner brush, concealer brush plus tips and tricks to help you achieve the best from these Benefit essentials. I particular liked blending the two contrasting eye shadows together to create a subtle warm smoky look. Everything you need to make your eyes stand out from the crowd this winter. £24.50

HAIR CARE

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil: I love this product. Presented in a small neon orange bottle I found it instantly appealing. The oil smells delicious and is so featherlight and soft, it dissolves instantly into the hair leaving a lovely shine. It is perfect for either towel dried hair or for adding finish to already dry hair. Now I’ve tried this product and fallen in love, I want to try the whole B & B collection! £30

Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode: The only hairspray to use this winter is the Bumble and Bumble fashion edition bottle. With extra strong but flexible hold and an astounding memory for shape, it is perfect for day and night-time use. £21.50

Mashooq 100 % Natural deep penetrating oil treatment: The Mashooq oil is an exclusive blend of pure natural oils which rejuvenates and nourishes the hair and is particularly beneficial to dry, damaged or brittle hair. The treatment has no chemicals or additives and has a medicinal smell, you feel you are doing your hair real good when applying it. This is a product without hype, but with the evidence of amazing results. £7.99

All products available online.