Wednesday 12 October 2011

Top Ten Best Beauty Buys

From a good foundation to getting your nails to dry on-the-go. Here are some of the essential beauty bag must-haves of 2011.

Finding a 'good product' can be tricky at the best of times. And what constitutes good? It's hard to know who to listen to. Let's be honest, nobody wants to spend money, whether £5 or £50 on a product who's fate is to be tossed to the back of a drawer or crushed beneath a mound of superior goods.

Well here is the guide to ten of my miracle workers, tried and tested, for skin, hair and nails.

Skin

- A must have for any make up bag. It can be used for anything, from soothing minor skin irritations to highlighting brow and cheek bones. I take mine skiing, for both the evenings and on the slopes.


- Perfect for spot prone skin. It contains Salicylic Acid which in high doses is used for treating acne. This cleanser has a milder dose but it still effective. Even if you don't suffer from continuous breakouts, it is handy to have in your drawer for any sudden, unexpected bouts of bad skin.

3. YSL Touche Eclat 2.5ml  £24.50
- It may sound like a cliche and you've probably heard it all before, but this really is gold dust and make-up artists and celebrities alike, swear by it. Used under the eyes to conceal one too many late nights and it lasts quite a while too. I have two in my make up bag!

4. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Body Oil 100ml  £26
- I know it's coming up to winter but this is the perfect summer scent that I just can't put down. A blend of coconut, lime, sandalwood and amber, it smells truly delicious and leaves your skin feeling luxuriously soft.

Hair

-If like me, your hair is prone to a little too much heat exposure, then this could be your saviour. A leave-in conditioner that reduces dryness, leaving your hair feeling soft and shiny. It's cheap and smells like heaven.

- A lightweight powder that is sprinkled on to the roots of your hair to add volume and texture without leaving your hair crispy or sticky. Its miniature bottle can be taken anywhere, its fairy dust in your handbag.

7. Batiste Dry Shampoo 200ml  £2.30
-Now available in a range of different scents and for coloured hair, this dry shampoo has become a must have for everyone. It can be used to add body to lifeless hair, or more importantly to revive hair between washes. We don't like to admit it when we haven't had time to wash our hair, well now we don't need to!

Nails

-Seriously, what did I do before I discovered this little pot of magic??I have tried endless varieties of fast drying nail polishes and top coats, and none have worked as well as this. Granted it doesn't smell too pretty, but it works and your nails are left dry within a couple of minutes. It also gives your nails a lovely glossy shine and prevents chipping. A life saver.


-A fast absorbing gel cream for hands and nails. It's perfect because unlike many other hand creams, it doesn't leave your hands feeling greasy. It smells lovely and can be used on your feet when they are in need of a little TLC.

-Said to be the secret behind every great manicure. I know we don't all have time for manicures, but this blend of Jojoba Oil works wonders on cuticles. The skin around your nails will be left softer and less prone to cracking. Lets face it nobody wants to been seen with unattractive mitts!