Skin Deep Beauty Awards 2010

Welcome to the first Skin Deep Beauty Awards, featuring absolutely zero glitz and glam in the form of red carpets, star appearances, overstuffed goodie bags and freeflowing Champers but 100% honest, free-of-advertising-influence, sharing of my favourite product discoveries from 2010.
Agree/ Disagree? Want to share your own favourites of 2010? Please comment as I'd love to hear your thoughts!

HAIRCARE
BEST SHAMPOO...LA BIOSTHETIQUE
I swear by this shampoo to care for the condition of my hair.
BEST CONDITIONER...PHILIP KINGSLEY NO SCENT, NO COLOUR CONDITIONER
This conditioner left my hair silky, shiny and managable without irritation- no mean feat on my hair I can tell you! What's more, from the sale of every bottle, a donation is made to the wonderful Look Good, Feel Better charity
BEST MASK...ALTERNA CAVIAR SEASILK TREATMENT HAIR MASQUE
Whenever I use this mask, I rave about it for days afterwards. It manages to do the impossible- make me proud of my hair. It's luxurious, with a pricetag to match but a little goes a long way and it's quite simply the best hair mask I've ever used
BEST STYLING PRODUCT... NEIL GEORGE INDIAN GOOSEBERRY TREATMENT OIL
Whilst the rest of the beauty world was abuzz with talk of Moroccanoil in 2010, for me, it was all about my discovery of this wonder product which has boosted the condition of my hair and made styling an absolute breeze. I no longer use serum, this ticks all the boxes
BEST TOOL... TANGLE TEEZER
Quick and easy to use on wet or dry hair, this takes the pain out of hair styling. I've opted for the fun, bright pink version which is easy to spot in my overcrowded bathroom!

SKINCARE
BEST CLEANSER... BY TERRY DOUCEUR DE ROSE CLEANSER
Like a traditional cold cream cleanser, this rose based cream is soothing and nourishes dry skin.
BEST EYE MAKEUP REMOVER... ELIZABETH'S DAUGHTER THE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
I don't wear waterproof mascara so I can't comment on its effectiveness at removing this but I've been very impressed with this gentle product from a relatively unknown brand. The functinal packaging is superb!
BEST SERUM... CREME DE LA MER THE REGENERATING SERUM
Yes, it's eye-wateringly expensive but if you can afford to splash out then this is the product to go for. It transformed my skin and is, to date, the best serum I've ever used.
BEST FACE CREAM... ELEMIS PRO COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM
The Brit brand's bestselling product has Mother SkinDeep absolutely hooked for its anti-aging benefits
BEST EYE CREAM... CREME DE LA MER THE EYE CONCENTRATE
Another winner from CDLM- this luxury brand truly delivers results.
BEST DECONGESTING MASK... EVE LOM
My skincare S-O-S!
BEST HYDRATNG MASK... HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL HYDRATING AND FIRMING MASK
If I've had a heavy night out, I make sure to slather this onto my skin to rehydrate and it never lets me down.
BEST EXFOLIATOR...HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL SKIN POLISH EXFOLIATOR
Another wonder product from the celebrity facialist. I adore this effective exfoliator which uses glycolic acid rather than physical exfoliants.
BEST SPOT TREATMENT...GOOD THINGS STOP THAT SPOT CLEARING GEL
Great overnight results at a reasonable price.
BEST LIP BALM... BONBON BALM
Aside from the irresistable flavours, I love the concept behind this new brand which offers lip balms by subscription.
BEST SALON TREATMENT... CRYSTAL CLEAR MICRODERMABRASION
The celebrity anti-aging favourite leaves skin looking refined.

MAKEUP
BEST PRIMER... LANCOME LA BASE PRO
It doesn't work with every foundation but I find this gives fantastic lasting effects. Special mention also goes to URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER finishing spray to hold my make-up look in place all night.
BEST FOUNDATION... CARGO
I'm delighted that my favourite base is now available in the UK. It gives a good, lasting coverage.
BEST CONCEALER... OMOROVICZA CORRECTING PENCIL
For precision coverage, the pencil format of this concealer makes it easy to use and hard to beat for a professional finish
BEST BLUSHER...MAC CREAM BLUSH IN SWEET WILLIAM
This is great for fresh-faced radiance in an instant.
BEST BRONZER... GUERLAIN TERRACOTTA FOUR SEASONS BRONZER
Guerlain's cult bronzer received an update this year in a handy four-colour compact which gives a realistic colour
BEST EYESHADOW... BOBBI BROWN CREAM EYESHADOW
Quick & easy to use, Bobbi's eyeshadow gives intense, lasting colour without creasing
BEST EYELINER...YSL L'EYELINER
I adore this liner for adding instant drama and for a liquid formula, it's not at all difficult to apply.
BEST MASCARA... BENEFIT BAD GAL
I don't really require lengthening effects so I'm constantly on the lookout for volumising mascaras. This version, in black, is my favourite to date and I love the irreverant, bold packaging.
BEST LIPSTICK... DOLCE AND GABBANA
It takes a lot to part me from my signature Chanel lipstick but in 2010, D&G managed to do just that with their sleek packaging, highly pigmented and desirable shades which last all night long.
BEST LIPGLOSS...SOAP & GLORY SEXY MOTHER PUCKER XL EXTREME PLUMP
A chocolate scented, clear lipgloss with slight plumping effect
BEST NAIL POLISH... ESSIE
Simply the best for lasting colour, I rarely wear anything else on my fingernails, topped with the obligatory SECHE VITE. In contrast, I opt for OPI for toenails as their signature Pro-wide brush makes application a doddle & their quirky polish names bring a smile to my face every time.
BEST TOOL... REVLON BRUSHES
I'm a big fan of Revlon for value-for-money yet quality cosmetics and their brushes don't disappoint.

BODY
BEST SHOWER GEL...NAKED ORANGE BLOSSOM BODY WASH
I prefer to use natural products when possible, although they can sometimes be costly. This shower gel is great for morning use due to its uplifting orange blossom scent, it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and offers great value for money.
BEST BATH SOAK...AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES BATH AND SHOWER OIL
When I really want to indulge, this is the product I reach for.
BEST SCRUB... GREEN AND SPRING INDULGING EXFOLIATING BODY BALM
A great home spa product which makes the chore of exfoliation rather enjoyable!
BEST BODY OIL... ELEMIS EXOTIC FRANGIPANI MONOI MOISTURE MELT
I can't rate this wonderful product highly enough. Indulgent with a ritualistic aspect, I feel truly pampered whenever I use this and the wonderful lingering scent is amazing!
BEST BODY MOISTURISER...JERGEN'S NATURALS
Effective everyday moisturising at a great price
BEST SUNCARE...LANCASTER
I refuse to use anything else in the sun.
BEST FAKE TAN...FAMOUS DAVE
I'm not a regular fake tan user but I was really impressed when I tried this in the summer. Easy to apply, developing into a believable colour. Don't be put off by the random name- it's definitely worth a try!
BEST FOOTCARE...LUSH FAIRTRADE FOOT LOTION
Unapologetically bubblegum pink in colour with a delicious peppermint scent, this lotion really revives tired feet. Great post-party!
BEST HANDCARE...AVOPLEX HIGH INTENSITY HAND AND NAIL CREAM
Fab winter handcare with the signature fresh scent from OPI's avocado inspired range
BEST TOOL...DERMALOGICA THE ULTIMATE BUFFING CLOTH
I love this simple blue cloth for all over body exfoliation.
BEST TREATMENT... MINISTRY OF WAXING
The ultimate professionals, the team at MOW take the sting out of hair removal. Highly recommended.

FRAGRANCE
BEST FRAGRANCE (WOMEN'S)... MILLER HARRIS
The specialist fragrance house's blends are my all time favourite
BEST NEW LAUNCH... ELEMIS EXOTIC EAU DE PARFUM EXOTIC
I fell in love with Elemis' second fragrance when it launched this year and receive compliments whenever I wear it
BEST HOME FRAGRANCE... NEOM ORGANICS
Natural fragranced candles for a room filling fragrance with therapeutic benefits which work wonders. What's more, the chic glass tumblers look great in any room!

Finally, a word of thanks for all of your support in 2010. Wishing you a Happy New Year & here's to a beauty-filled 2011.

Wishing my wonderful readers a very... Merry Christmas!

Speed Review: Occo Protecting Lip Balm

Continuing the theme of winter beauty saviours, I've been using Occo Protecting Lip Balm over the past few weeks.
Occo is a new brand on the beauty scene and this is one of the first products I've tried from them. Before we come to my review, here's a little background on the Company...
Pitched as a luxury spa brand, Occo's products are made in the UK using the finest natural ingredients and the range is inspired by the resources of the Dalmation Coast and Adriatic Sea...think citrus groves, vineyards, fig orchards and wild flower meadows. All products are free from parabens, sulphates, artificial colours and petrochemicals. Their 100% natural fragrance formulations are blended in Grasse, France which regular readers will recall I happily visited in the summer.
Occo's branding is right on the money- their logo and font are easily recognisable and if you haven't heard of the brand as yet, I'd commit it to memory as I strongly suspect they're going to be big.
So... onto the lip balm. I have to admit that my first impression, once I'd gotten over the excitement of finally trying something from Occo, was that their packaging is rather excessive for a small tub of lip balm (encased in a box). I understand that they're trying to portray an impression of luxury but I did feel that it went somewhat against their natural image. However, having researched this, I'm happy to report that their packaging is sustainable and fully recyclable, even going so far as being printed with soya ink.
The lip balm retails at £12 which I think is a fair price given it's position- that's the same as the Aromatherapy Associates one for example. It's also a whole lot cheaper than my all time favourite, Creme de la Mer The Lip Balm & the consistency is pretty similar, with a smooth, buttery texture which is easy to apply. The lip balm has a slight herbal scent which I found hard to pinpoint but certainly didn't dislike. It definitely leaves lips softened and soothed although I've found, particularly in this cold weather, that I needed to apply it fairly regularly so it's a shame that it's only available in a tub rather than a tube which could be hygenically applied on-the-go.

Speed Review: Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Sensitive Soothe Conditioner

Winter invariably wreaks havoc on beauty and whilst I'm accustomed to my skin's needs, this winter, it's been my hair which has been suffering. As far as I can tell, the change from centrally heated environment to the bitter cold outdoors has caused my hair and scalp to become dry and sensitive and apparently, I'm not alone as 1 in 3 experience the same issues.

I have to admit that Schwarzkopf is far from my first choice of haircare- I suppose I've always seen it is a little dated and there have simply been other brands which have appealed to me more- but when the PR kindly sent me a sample of their new BC Bonacure Sensitive Soothe Conditioner (£10.95) which has been specially created to reduce irritated scalp issues by 50%, in a state of near desperation, I gave it a try.

I have to say that I'm impressed although a little annoyed at myself for having dismissed this brand for so long. Their packaging would probably benefit from a makeover- it's very plain and clinical which reiterates the fact that it is a professional, salon range.

The conditioner is super lightweight, making it perfect for my fine hair and has a gorgeous, delicate aloe scent which reminds me of body lotion. After using. I found that my hair was easy to style & had a lovely bounce to it. My scalp certainly feels soothed although I'd have to use the conditioner over a longer time period to comment on the lasting results.

Little Black Book... Reena Patel

You're in for a treat with this post readers as Award-winning Freelance PR Consultant, beauty addict and writer about town, Reena Patel shares her Little Black Book for Christmas...

As the countdown to Christmas fast approaches, most of us will be in the full swing of festive celebrations. If you always seem to run out of time to fully prepare for the occasion (that probably goes for most of us too!), here are my top pointers to looking fabulous this party season. I've also shared my favourite eateries and bars to visit in London, plus some beauty gift ideas that never fail to impress.

The hot spot to get you tinsel town ready is celebrity haunt, Neville Hair & Beauty in London. I recently paid a visit to experience a new treatment on the menu; a one hour indulgence that includes a deep hair conditioning treatment, manicure, pedicure and the most glamorous blow-dry ever that saves us from bad hair days and poorly painted nails. They call this the "WOW" and for good reason- I walked out feeling like a real "Pretty Woman". http://www.nevillehairandbeauty.net/. This treatment starts at £150.

If a trip to Neville is out of your budget, try some at-home pampering. If you have dry winter hair, invest in an intense ritual using Kerastase products such as the Fondant Nutrithermique treatment, £17.90 and Elixir Ultime, £32.72 for supreme soft tresses, http://www.kerastase.co.uk/. Also try the Aromatherapy Associates Enrich Hair Oil, £22.50, http://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/, which also deep conditions and adds lustrous shine to locks. Nails Inc also have cute crystal jewels on the tops of their Christmas collection, £15, http://www.nailsinc.com/. I love Royal Arcade and Crown Court. If you're seeking a sun-worshiping glow, a stop at The Chelsea Day Spa for the organic, paraben and streak-free Vita Liberata Spray Tan, £45, does the trick. http://www.chelseadayspa.co.uk/.

Fluttery lashes never go amiss. The Powder Lounge's Nourishing Lash Serum, Long Sexy Lashes, £22, http://www.thepowderlounge.co.uk/ is the perfect primer before a lick of mascara and falsies. I find Eylure's Girls Aloud Party Lashes, £5.95, http://www.eylure.com/ really rock a glitzy winter wonderland look. The perfect party palettes have got to be Bobbi Brown's Pink & Gold Lip Palette, which dips the lips with fresh pinks, deep roses and a golden nude, £35, http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/ and MAC's 6 Dashing Lassie Eye Shadows, £25, http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/, soft shimmers in fairy-tale vanilla, coffee and bronze encased in a Tartan tin. These pretty sparklers promise to shine without overdoing it.

LBDs and cocktail frocks by French Connection guarantee feminine party sophistication. I love the Silky Sacha, Graingers and Samantha Sequins designs the most. Check out http://www.frenchconnection.com/ to buy them online.

Christmas would not be the same without sophisticated scents. Florist Jane Packer has just introduced a new alluring fragrance. This crushed floral explosion dips you in a garden of red roses, black violet and cyclamen. Eau de Parfum, £45 http://www.jane-packer.co.uk/.

Now that you're looking and hopefully feeling a million dollars, arrange drinks and dinner with friends in London. Providores- the New Zealand tapas restaurant in Marylebone, http://www.theprovidores.co.uk/, offers a fusion of world flavours to create a unique and sensational menu. If you're East, Viet Grill is yummiest Vietnamese street food in Shoreditch, www.vietnamesekitchen.co.uk/vietgrill. When West and need an escape after shopping for gifts on Oxford Street, hydrate with cocktails at Aqua http://www.aqua-london.com/. The terrace top has great views over London and cosy cashmere blankets to keep you warm when it's cold outside. For the best Earl Grey martinis, set your sights on Hunter 486- the trendy bar in boutique hotel, Arch London, tucked away by Marble Arch. http://www.thearchlondon.com/.

On Christmas Day itself, you never know if a few unexpected guests will suddenly turn up, or worse yet, if they will come bearing gifts for you but you have none for them! To avoid any awkward present swapping moments, wrap up some beauty heroes. Molton Brown's The Three Musketeers should save you, £42, http://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/. This three-piece gift set for men includes the Active Cassia Sportswash, Deoderant and Moisture-Rich Aloe and Karite Ultrabar. Neal's Yard has another rescue remedy for last minute arrivals. The Exquisite Wild Rose Skincare Collection brings together the Beauty Balm, Body Elixir and Beauty Concentrate into one box set, £45, http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/.

Finally, lift into high spirits with scented lights! Fragrance your home with the new Diptyque Oliban and Spicy Orange Candles, £45 each, http://www.liberty.co.uk/. I also like the Crabtree & Evelyn Noel 3 Fragranced Candles, £21, http://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk/ and you're ready to celebrate in style! Happy Christmas!

Like this post? Check out Reena's blog at http://www.beautybiscuit.blogspot.com/

Can't live without...

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I'm beyond obsessed with this "genius in a bottle" product and wouldn't dream of wearing eyeshadow without applying this creamy base first.

It's had pride of place in my kit for so long that I can't recall how I first discovered it.

I guess it's a strange type of product to love so much- it's not a mascara or lipgloss for example which people normally claim not to be able to live without. The great thing about this product is that you can use any eyeshadow, whatever your budget, with it- it simply will not budge all day/ night long although isn't difficult to remove using eye makeup remover when required. It's particularly worth using under cream eyeshadows to avoid creasing.

I like that the packaging is so distinctive although there are numerous commentaries across the internet bemoaning the lack of functionality- the shape means that there's always that little bit remaining in the tube which you can't get at which goes to waste. Having said that, the ward applicator makes daily use a breeze and I have heard rumours of a packaging revamp.

I ask for one of these in my Christmas stocking every year- I get through them at a rate of knots. If you haven't yet tried this, I urge you to- you won't look back!

Speed Review: Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Wipes

LA facialist, Ole Henriksen, is extending his bestselling Truth Serum line with the introduction of new products including these brand new Truth To Go Wipes which I was sent to test.
I've tried a limited number of Ole Henriksen products in my time and much as I want to fall in love with this brand- for one thing, the brightly coloured packaging looks fabulous in my bathroom- I simply haven't yet found a product which I can't live without.
With that in mind, perhaps facial wipes weren't the best product for me to trial but I wanted to test something quickly to give my lovely readers a feel of the new products in the range whilst they're still current.
I admit that I'm not the biggest fan of facial wipes as I prefer a really thorough cleanse. Having said that, I do appreciate their appeal, understand that it's quite wide ranging and believe that if you're going to fall into bed drunk/ exhausted/ abroad, it's better to use wipes for a quick make-up removal than nothing at all. As I'd expect, the packaging is fantastic. It looks great in the bright orange colour which is signature to the Truth line and this also works well for wipes if you're travelling and want to find them quickly, for example. The packaging is also functional with a plastic flip lid rather than simply a resealable one to maintain the moisture of the wipes. I also like that when you pull out one wipe, the others stay put rather than popping up in a concertina effect.
At £20 for 30 wipes, these really aren't cheap in comparision to other brands (in fact, they're the most expensive wipes I've come across to date) but calculated on a price per use basis, 67p isn't bad for a speedy cleanse.
I'm familiar with Truth Serum and although it hasn't worked any wonders for me personally, I am addicted to the gorgeous orange scent so I was delighted to discover that these wipes replicate that.
The wipes are suitable for all skin types. I have fairly sensitive skin but these didn't irritate & for a wipe, they were a pleasure to use, feeling gentle rather than stripping the skin. The packaging states that they contain essential fatty acids to nourish the skin. Again, I'm not sure how many benefits can truly be gained from a quick sweep but I certainly didn't find them dehydrating which is a big plus point, especially at this time of year. I particularly liked that they can be used to remove eye make-up as well.
Let's face it, wipes aren't going to work any wonders for your skin but if you are going to use some, I would recommend these as for facial wipes, they're not bad at all. I'll be keeping them by my bed for emergency skincare following late ones over the festive season.

London Destination: Lost in Beauty

If you find yourself in London in the run up to Christmas, head to Primrose Hill's Lost in Beauty, a wonderful emporium for beauty junkies.

Downstairs is dedicated to unashamed old Hollywood glamour where beautifying services are on offer. Heading upstairs, discover a selection of beauty products, gift sets, accessories and one-off vintage pieces. Along the unique theme, the team will even host bespoke parties or come to your home to help you prepare for an event.

Perhaps most exciting of the one-offs is that Lost in Beauty will be hosting an exhibition selling signed paintings by one of my favourite London-based artists until 24th December.

Fresh from her solo show at Liberty, Daisy de Villeneuve, who specialises in quirky, brightly coloured illustrations which have featured on products for the likes of Topshop, Moet and Habitat, has created one-off, beauty-themed paintings (POA) which make a wonderful gift for the beauty addict who has everything. If your wallet won't stretch quite as far as an original artwork, Daisy's personally developed candles will also be available.

Trust me, this is a good opportunity to snap up her work...Daisy's designs feature on the forthcoming SS11 collection by Zac Posen so you'll be ahead of the fashion crowd.