The review: Millie's Lashes

After writing about the news (here) that Made in Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh has launched her first line of lashes, I thought I really ought to practice what I preach, all in the name of blogging, of course..

I'd heard a lot about how lightweight Millie's Lashes are due to them being made from natural hair, which massively appealed to me as I really dislike how heavy certain big-name lash brands can feel on the eyes – that's even if I get as far as wearing them; usually I get so fed up with not being able to apply them properly and getting glue all over the place that I forget the idea altogether!)

But after watching the video below on Millie's website, where she demonstrates how to apply them (and makes it look a bit too easy!) I opted to try the Mayfair lash for a night out last weekend and found them surprisingly easy to apply. The glue dries clear too, so even if you do get into a bit of a glued-up mess, no one would ever notice! I can't speak for the other lashes in Millie's range, but the Mayfair is natural-looking with just the right amount of oomph, and you can barely tell you're wearing them.

Although a bit pricey at £8.99, the lashes are reusable up to five times (according to Millie in the video), and each pair comes with its own tweezer for an easy application. Plenty of lash bang for your buck, I reckon.

Millie's Lashes are available here and at selected retailers across the UK.

Have you tried Millie's Lashes? How do you rate them among other brands?

Ocean colour scene at the Emmys 2012

As the stars graced the red carpet at the 64th Emmy Awards, it became clear it was all about the gowns in tones of blue and green this year, creating an 'under the sea' inspired theme.

(From top, left to right)
Alison Williamson wears Oscar de la Renta; Hayden Panettiere wears Marchesa; Heidi Klum wears Alexandre Vauthier couture; Juliana Margulies wears Giambattista Valli haute couture; Julianne Hough wears Georges Hobeika; Sofia Vergara wears Zuhair Murad; and Zooey Deschanel wears Reem Acra.

My mermaid of the evening goes to Julianne Hough, followed closely by Ms Klum. Who was your best-dressed? Do you rate or hate the ocean-inspired colour palette? xo

*Images courtesy of Style.com

Get lashed with MIC's Millie Mackintosh

Starring in a reality show can often lead to many great opportunities (unless the show in question is Geordie Shore...) – see the cast of The Hills and Keeping up with the Kardashians, to name the obvious. Even Lauren Goodger from TOWIE released a fake tan, Lauren's Way – and, according to beauty blogger reviews, it's actually pretty good.

So it doesn't come as much of a surprise that the lovely ladies of E4's Made in Chelsea are taking advantage of the opportunities coming their way. First of all it was Caggie, who recently launched her fashion brand, ISWAI. And now it's Caggie's BFF, Millie Mackintosh's turn.

Millie, in collaboration with Noveau Lashes, has today launched a range of false lashes, comprising eight pairs, each named after different areas in London. Unlike Lauren Goodger's, perhaps, Millie's venture doesn't come as a surprise, due to her background as a make-up artist leading to her having a hands-on approach throughout the collaboration.

Commenting on the range, Millie says, "As a professional make-up artist, I know all the tricks of the beauty trade and so I have been fully involved in every part of the process in designing this new range. The strip lashes are made of natural hair, to give a more natural look so girls can imitate my own minimal and sophisticated style." (source) 

The lashes are priced at £8.99 and are available here. 

Today also saw the relaunch of Millie's website – check it out to discover her beauty secrets and the motivation behind her lash range.

What are your thoughts on Millie's lashes? Will you be purchasing? xo

*Images courtesy of nouveaubeautygroup.com and millie-mackintosh.com/blog
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Marks & Spencer launches natural skin care line

With more and more celebrities becoming devotees of natural and organic skin care (including these to name a few), I can't help but wonder, if the rich and famous are opting out of using chemical-based skin care – and they receive the most up-to-date knowledge and secrets on the most expensive cosmetics that claim to offer the best results – why am I subjecting my skin to harmful toxins? Especially when there are products available that are just as – if not more – effective, and provide the skin with vital nutrients?

The market for natural products is growing, and research must be adding up, at least according to Marks & Spencer, with the company recently releasing its capsule natural and eco-friendly range, Pure.

The line uses British-grown ingredients scented with 100% essential oils, and is 100% free from artificial colours, paragons and mineral oils (NB more and more studies are being done on the effects that these chemicals are having on the rise in allergies, skin complaints such as eczema and even some cancers).

Prices range from £6 to £9.50. As well as the above, products available in the line include a hot cloth cleanser, moisturisers, body cream, shower milk and face serums. What are your thoughts on going natural? Have you tried any products in Marks & Spencer's Pure range?

 

Olivia Wilde creates an illusion in New York

Olivia Wilde always looks fabulous, but she's usually known for her unique style, not for emulating others'. However, last night, she was pictured wearing a two-tone, optical illusion shift dress – a design made famous by Stella McCartney, seen on the likes of Kate Moss, Kate Winslet and Liv Tyler – for an appearance on Live! With Kelly and Michael in New York.

Stella McCartney has championed the "optical illusion" style now for a number of seasons. It's not difficult to see the appeal; who doesn't want flattering curves and the illusion of a slimmer waist?

Kate Moss wears Stella McCartney

Kate Winslet wears Stella McCartney

Liv Tyler wears Stella McCartney

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wears Marks & Spencer

*Images courtesy of glamourmagazine.co.uk

For most of us, Stella's versions will break the bank, but it's a design that many high street brands are coveting (see Rosie, above), and it's a look that will take you right through to next season. Have you invested?  

Below are my picks from the high street...

Love at Asos illusion maxi dress, £26

Warehouse jacquard panel midi bodycon dress, £50

Boohoo Myla belted illusion midi dress, £20