SheSaidBeauty.com

I always love receiving surprises in the post. Last week a particularly pretty pink box was delivered to my door filled with little goodies. The box contained tester sizes of popular beauty products to try and then review online. Very similar in idea to the SampleTrend concept which I reviewed a few months ago.

SheSaidBeauty.com is the ultimate monthly Beauty Discovery Box and Social Networking experience for women to discover, compare, review and recommend. The box is an all in one experience, delivered directly to subscribers’ homes. June’s She Said Beauty box contains fabulous brands including Saint Tropez Gradual Tan Moisturiser and Elemis Spa Home Bath OilYardley Royal Diamond perfume and Let’s Go false eyelashes.

The beauty box costs only £9 + £2.95 p&p and each month subscribers receive five handpicked beauty samples to enjoy in a thoughtfully presented gift box. Subscribers can then rate and review the products with the SheSaidBeauty.com online community, as well as seeing how others rated them. Elle’s Beauty Director Emma Strenner is a contributor to the site, which is an integrated experience for women to connect with like-minded people around the world combined with the She Said Beauty online magazine, they aim to provide an all-round beauty experience.

Every month the products are seasonal and in tune with current trends. I was amazed with the selection I received… all beautifully wrapped up in tissue paper and ribbon. My particular favourite was the St Tropez gradual tan body moisturiser which is perfect to create a natural summer glow and particularly good for legs that need a bit of colour and confidence. The Balance Me super moisturising hand cream is natural and nourishing with a lovely scent, it unsurprisingly won Beauty Insider’s Choice Awards in 2010. And, of course, as an eyelash addict, I adore the Let’s Go lashes that are individual clumps so look subtle but add gorgeous length and volume.

Just as I look forward to my monthly subscription of Vogue landing on the doorstep, I know I would love to receive a monthly pink box of beauty gifts. SheSaidBeauty.com is a cheap and fun way to try the best new beauty products on the market… visit the website here to order yours now.

https://www.shesaidbeauty.com/home

Hot on the Highstreet Week 111

My beauty essentials change with each season… in summer I choose products that nourish and protect while encouraging tanning: rich moisturising hair serums and sprays to avoid dry split hair and simple make-up that accentuates sun-kissed skin and adds a warm glow.

With new products on the market all the time, it is difficult to find the best, so I have selected a few fail-safe favourites to pack in your suitcase this summer.

HOOLA – This famous Benefit essential is a beauty bag must have. Easy to apply, ensuring all over even coverage, it lasts well, giving a deep honey brown rather than an offensive orange hue. The bronzer comes with a super cute mini brush that fits conveniently in the box, enabling easy application and storage. Buy here.

INSTITUT ESTHEDERM TAN ENHANCER – I love any product that safely helps me tan. Recently I discovered the Beesline collection in Beirut and now I’m delighted to have found the Institut Esthederm range of luxurious summer lotions that protect and enhance, helping you achieve a natural healthy tan. The tan enhancer doubles up as an aftersun and tan extender; it should be applied directly after sun exposure to repair and soothe the skin and everyday after your holiday to extend your tan. It will calm down redness and helps deepen your colour. The product also contains very subtle shimmer adding an extra glow. Another Esthederm product worth trying is the Bronz Repair, the best-selling sun care lotion for beautiful bodies. This cream protects the skin as it tans and cutaneous tissue is restructured, allowing the body to maintain its youthful appearance in the sun. I found that applying this product once every few hours while sitting in the sun prevented me from burning whilst intensifying my tan. Buy Institut Esthederm products here.

KERASTASE is my favourite for all year round haircare, and their range of sun specific products are particularly effective. This professional brand understands what your hair needs, protecting your precious tresses in harsh damaging sunlight and adding moisture and shine. Aqua Seal and Huile Celeste are both summer holiday essentials. The Aqua Seal hair oil smooths and calms unruly dry, weathered locks, and you only need a tiny drop so it lasts for ages! Huile Celeste contains a beautifully subtle shimmer perfect for glamorous sunbathing excursions…rub a little bit in your hands and evenly run your fingers through the lengths and ends of your hair… avoid roots to prevent unwanted greasiness. Finally the Kerastase Elixir oil is great for intensive recovery of dry wiry hair, making it feel and look softer and shinier immediately. Buy here.

My last product will help you achieve wavy natural summer hair and volume even in the heat of summer. The new SHU UEMURA ‘VOLUME MAKER’ is magic… a truly unique and innovative product. The invisible texturising powder lifts the hair from the root and instantly transforms the look. Better still the dust comes with an easy to use brush for easy application and it’s perfect for handbag storage. Beach ready hair in a flash. Buy here.

Now that you’ve got your beauty bag for summer sorted, you just need to book your flight to an exotic beach.

A Thoroughly Modern Photoshoot: Monday Girl

Model wears: Vintage silk shirt, Chanel. Silk Pajama trousers, La Senza. Retro sculpt bra, Aubade. Avon of Bellville 1950’s star show girl earrings, from Atelier Mayer. Gold necklace, Assya. Shoes, Cleo B.

Creative Director: Milly Kenny-Ryder
Model: Lexi @ www.oxygenmodels.com
Photographer: Jonathan Hines www.jonathanhines.co.uk
Hair and Makeup: Alice Howlett www.alicehowlett.com
Stylist: Valeria Hernandez-Ugarte www.valeriaugarte.com
Photographers Assistant: Nick Southworth

With special thanks to:
Mike and the team @ www.solalights.com
Luka @ www.oxygenmodels.com