LFW: The beauty trends

The bold lip was huge at this season's London Fashion Week, where it could be seen on the catwalks of PPQ, House of Holland, Issa and Nicole Farhi to name but a few – and probably explains the popularity of it at the Grammys.

But two of my other favourite trends came in the form of hair and nails, where it was all about
side-parting up-do's...

Acne

David Koma

Paul Smith

Matthew Williamson

Daks

And then it was nails – of the dark, metallic kind...

Maria Grachvogel

Zoe Jordan

Holly Fulton

Paul Smith

Issa

It can be annoying when spotting catwalk looks and finding they're not reeeally appropriate to transfer to "real life", but these two trends will be easily wearable – from day to day as well as day to evening.

What were you favourite looks of LFW?

*Images courtesy of londonfashionweek.co.uk

Boots pairs up Dove and Nails Inc

 

Every girl needs a good summer coral nail colour, right? Well try Nails Inc's Copacabana shade on for size. It's the perfect addition to my (rapidly increasing) nail polish collection and, better still, it didn't cost me a penny! Well, technically it did, as I had to buy this Dove Go Fresh deodorant to get it free, but we always need deodorant, right?! Anyway, I love the colour so much that I've literally worn it all week. With our crappy UK "summer" weather recently, it really brightens up a simple outfit. See below for what it looks like with just one coat!

As for Dove's Go Fresh deodorant... well, if the weather isn't saying it's summer, this deodorant sure is, with the zesty citrus fruit smell ensuring I stayed fresh all day long. I'm a big fan of Dove deodorants as they are kind to skin, meaning irritated underarms are avoided. Result!

Magazine freebies

As I've probably mentioned before, I love reading magazines. I even set out with every intention of going clothes shopping yesterday morning, and what did I come back with... Elle magazine and a pasta pot from Boots (which, while I'm on the subject, is doing great food at the mo). Basically, give me some food and a mag and I'm happy. It even broke my heart a little the other week when I decided to have a big bedroom clearout and begrudgingly edited my magazine collection down to just one draw rather than a big stack on my dressing table.

Anyway, the point of this post is to explain my joy that
Marie Claire and In Style are offering two of my favourite beauty products with their June issues. The Body Shop body butter with Marie Claire and Nails Inc nail polish with In Style. But the hard part is deciding which scent and shade to pick. I'm leaning towards the Mango butter and the Fashion Fawn polish. What did you pick?

Glamour's fabulous freebie

I love a freebie, who doesn't? So I was super excited when my Glamour mag arrived this week... with a "bump".

Carefully opening the wrapping to avoid any damage (God forbid), I was pleased to a find a pretty Nails Inc. varnish drop into my lap. And in this cute colour, too (Warwick Avenue)!

  

I'm a big fan of Nails Inc. nail varnishes and have been ever since I received my first as a freebie, yet again from Glamour, in a lovely classic red colour (Victoria and Albert). They are well pigmented and stay on longer than most brands.

Glamour never fails on the freebie front, thank you muchly! x

Shellack attack

I went round for a catch up cuppa at my best beauty-therapist-and-hair-stylist friend's last night who gave me an insight into the latest nail polish revolution Shellac and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys. Although available in set base colours, Shellac can also be layered to give fantastic colour combinations. Reasons to love? How about that it stays chip-free for 14 days? Or that it offers ZERO dry time? Maybe it's that Shellac can be removed within minutes if you fancy a colour change for a different occasion? Whatever the reason, be sure to know that although it wears like a gel overlay, it's much kinder to your nails. Click the link for more details, or if you're in the Leeds area, pop along to my friend's salon Gabriella's Beauticians, which offers 10% discount on your first visit and a loyalty card scheme. Call now to book your appointment on 07921 387007

Have you tried Shellac? Thoughts?

The polish on everybody's nails

Get your hands on the polish-of-the-moment with super staying power. A firm favourite among celebs including uber fashionista Nicole Richie, Spa Ritual nail polishes are available in countless shades with fabulous names, including Spread your Wings, I am the Light, and my favourite shade for a/w Mystic (pictured). They're toxin-free too, meaning you can paint away knowing no harm is coming to your nails. Bonus!