Beauty Blog January 2011

Fashion week round-up

There are only three words on my mind this week: Paris Haute Couture. Yes, all fashion-fixated eyes were on the French capital to see what magnificent creations the fashion gods have dreamt up for spring/summer 2011. I'll stop talking now; let's get to the good stuff:

Devil in Dior

The original "New Look" shape, created by Christian Dior in 1947, is alive and well in this breathtaking collection by John Galliano. Make up artist Pat McGrath worked her magic and came up with this look that's got a touch of femme fatale about it. One product came to mind when I saw those lips: Dior Rouge Lipstick in Blazing Red. You might never own a haute couture gown (unless you've got a few thousand pounds to spare), but you could capture the ferocity of the look with this lipstick.

Luxe disco

Classic silhouettes teamed with neo-futuristic textures in vivid jewel hues? Yes please! Giorgio Armani Privé presented a collection that looks like Studio 54 in high definition. I'm loving the clean-cut tailoring and the super-matte porcelain skin and lips that contrast with the sheen of the fabric. Do make up the Armani way and get acquainted with a matte, translucent powder like Estée Lauder Aeromatte Ultralucent Pressed Powder to give a flawless finish to your foundation.

Fairytale fashion

The CHANEL show definitely got my heart all aflutter. Why? I'm a sucker for neutral tones in feather-light fabrics, especially with gun-metal embellishments. There were no vibrant, vixen shades here; just an elegant swipe of jet-black eyeliner (I love Benefit's Magic Ink Eyeliner because it lasts so well) with beautiful, glowy skin. Models rocked slightly worn-in updos with their front layers pinned back, which is the perfect way to disguise them in their growing-out period.

Finally, something to bring a bit of colour to these dreary January days! Keep your eye on the blog for coverage on upcoming fashion shows from around the globe.

Happy birthday IMEDEEN!

2011 is the 20th anniversary of the launch of IMEDEEN, the brand that's brought us award-winning skin care supplements formulated to help us look beautiful from the inside out.

Admittedly, I've never used IMEDEEN products before, but that's not to say I'm not impressed with the effect they appear to have. Judging by the fact my mum is currently fighting numerous celebs for the title of "number one fan", I'd say IMEDEEN must be doing something right.

IMEDEEN time perfection and, before that, IMEDEEN hair & nails, have been a vital part of my mums daily beauty regime for the past couple of years, so she jumped at the chance to sing their praises...

In her words, "I use time perfection every single day – nothing beats reducing the appearance of wrinkles!"

And she's in good company – actress and icon Joanna Lumley is also quick to show her appreciation for the brand:

"Wherever I go in the world, whatever I'm doing, I make sure I have my IMEDEEN tablets with me. I have been taking them for years and I believe that every compliment I receive about my youthful appearance is due to IMEDEEN's remarkable marine-based ingredient."

Now, I'm not saying my mum's complexion is now as line-free as it was 20 years ago (sorry mum!) but she certainly looks a more radiant, youthful version of herself these days. In fact, you could argue the most prominent wrinkles on her face right now are the worry lines that appear when she realises she's running out of her stash of time perfection...

Wakey wakey: the new eye-opening mascara

Struggling to find the energy to stay awake this January? I know I am. By about 3pm, sat at my desk, a wave of tiredness almost always comes over me and my eyelids start to droop. It may have something to do with my usual lunch of jacket potato and cheese (potato coma we in the office like to call it). The problem is there's almost always a meeting I have to run to where I need to look bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and full of enthusiasm.

Thankfully No7 have launched the new Exquisite Curl Mascara. It comes with a great brush, which is curved and full with traditional bristles (which is the type of brush I love) so it holds plenty of liquid. The great thing about this new mascara is that it claims to curl lashes by up to a whopping 90 degrees, which when I cast my mind back to school days and the use of protractors, seems to be a whole lot of curl.

Sounds unbelievable? We thought so too but here is what No7 make up artist and creative director Lisa Eldridge has to say: "This mascara gives a lift to the lashes for a wide open-eyed look. The bend in the brush helps to manipulate the lashes into place and get a good coating at the roots." The formula also contains a curl-setting polymer, which can help keep lashes lifted throughout the day.

So even if you're struggling to feel awake, like me, at least this eye-opening mascara is around to help. Exquisite Curl is on sale from today and available in brown/black or black.

Until next time!

Top rated beauty buy: Fitflop!

Anyone who knows me will vouch for the fact that I've been literally living in my Fitflop boots this winter and, in an attempt to find a kindred spirit or two, I've been checking out the Fitflop reviews you've been leaving here at Boots.com. And I've come to the conclusion that you lot are just as in love with them as I am!

Here are just a couple of the great reviews...

WelshgirlEz is loving the Fitflop Gogh Suede Clog in Amethyst:
"I've been wearing FitFlop sandals for a couple of years now but this is the first time I've bought any of the 'shoes' – these are really comfortable, I think I'll be wearing them constantly."

Sassiefiona is a fan of the Fitflop Mukluk Boot in Black:
"These boots are just so good. They are cute, comfortable and warm. You can wear them all day no problem. I am tempted to buy another pair!!"

Alimeme is raving about the Fitflop Superboot Short Suede Boot In Grey:
"WOW! Fantastic boots, love the style, love the design and love the fit. This is my second pair of Fitflop boots and they really are the best footwear I've ever had."

Want some great news? The spring/summer 2011 Fitflop styles have arrived at Boots.com! Judging by the reviews you'll all be raring to get your next Fitflop fix, so check them out here.

Personally I'm hoping the weather warms up sharpish so I can pop my tootsies into a pair of super-glam patent pewter Pietras.

Review: Goodskin Labs Exten-10™ Instant Youth Boosting Moisturizer SPF15

Here in the beauty office we love a cheeky preview, so I was over the moon to get my hands on a sneaky sample of the new GoodSkin Labs moisturiser. I've been giving Exten-10™ Instant Youth Boosting Moisturizer SPF15 a little test drive this week – here's what I thought...

Designed to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help improve skin's radiance, Exten-10™ feels seriously smooth on the skin. It has a fluid-like consistency that sinks in instantly, which I love – there's nothing I hate more than having to spend precious time rubbing in stubborn creams that just won't budge. I'm dishing out more brownie points for the fact that whenever I apply this moisturiser it makes my skin feel really quenched and pampered. I haven't been using it long enough to comment on the claims about fine lines, but in terms of radiance it's yet another thumbs up from me!

Exten-10™ Instant Youth Boosting Moisturiser SPF15 is available to buy from Wednesday, but if you can't wait to get your hands on one you can pre-order yours now to make sure you're one of the first in the queue!

Glitz and glamour at the Golden Globes

Last weekend the stars were out in force for the 68th annual Golden Globes awards ceremony. Glamorous dresses, groomed hairstyles and perfectly applied make up were the order of the night for those on the VIP guest list.

We checked out the nominees on the red carpet and there were some impressive sights. Here are the awards we think they should have won for their style on the big night...

Christina Aguilera

Golden Globe nomination: Best Original Song – Motion Picture (Burlesque)

Beauty blog nomination: Raunchiest red lips

Steal her style: Follow the burlesque trend with 17 Lasting Fix Lipstick in Showbiz

Amy Adams

Golden Globe nomination: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (The Fighter)

Beauty blog nomination: Most covetable hairstyle

Steal her style: Learn how to get the look with our Faux Bob tutorial.

Jennifer Love-Hewitt

Golden Globe nomination: Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television (The Client List)

Beauty blog nomination: Most alluring lashes

Steal her style: Sport your own set of knockout lashes with Get Lashed False Eyelashes in Get Stylish.

Lea Michele

Golden Globe nomination: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy Or Musical (Glee)

Beauty blog nomination: Prettiest pink nails

Steal her style: Get opulent, understated talons with Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Pink Clouds.

Who were your stars of the show? Drop us an email and let us know your nominations!

Experiment with new styles in 2011

Are you all sticking to those New Year resolutions? While January is the month where most of us resolve to follow a new diet and shift those extra pounds, we reckon there's an easier way to get body-confident in 2011. Personal stylist Lisa Talbot explains how...

"Get out of that style rut and experiment with different clothes. It's all about dressing the body shape to make it look amazing. Here are some pointers..."

Apple

This shape tends to be broader on the top with a narrower bottom half. The weight is generally carried around the tummy, meaning the waist is undefined. This body shape usually has a wonderful cleavage with slim hips and legs. The aim for this body shape is draw the eye away from the tummy by accentuating the shoulders and legs.

Clothes to suit: Fine knit jumpers, wrap around tops, shirts, single breasted jackets, flat fronted trousers, straight or wide leg trousers, jeans with wider waist band, A lined skirts, empire line dresses, blouson style tops, batwing sleeves. A chunky necklace is also brilliant for this body shape.

Clothes to avoid: Double-breasted jackets, chunky knits, baggy tops with no structure, ruffles, stripes (both horizontal and vertical), round necked sleeveless tops.

Pear

This shape usually has a flat tummy, is long in the waist, has a smaller bust and is wider on the hips. The aim for this body shape is to draw the eye to the shoulders and waist.

Clothes to suit: Boat and slash necklines will make your shoulders appear wider and balance out your bottom half. Tops, waistcoats and jackets that show off your waist, empire line dresses, trench coats. Shoes with a heel are great for this body shape, as they will add length.

Clothes to avoid: Avoid t-shirts that end in a straight line across the widest part of your body, as the eye will automatically be drawn to this point.

Hourglass

On this body shape the waist is small and short, the bust is larger and the hips and thighs are slightly larger too. This is the "classic" body shape.

Clothes to suit: Fitted styles to show off your curves. Corset tops, wrap over jumpers, jackets with belts, pencil skirts, fitted and A line skirts (as long as they are fitted around the waist and the hips.) Most trousers will suit, high or low waisted.

Clothes to avoid: Mandarin collars, round-necked tops, straight collars, capped sleeves, blouson drop-waisted tops, smock tops and dresses, tunic dresses, boyfriend jeans

Slim/Athletic

This rectangle or "boy" body shape is similar to a lot of the catwalk models. It's a very athletic figure shape that can carry off most high street trends. The shoulder and hips are equal in width and the waist is easily visible. The aim for this body shape is to give it the illusion of curves.

Clothes to suit: A line skirts, floaty tops, skinny jeans, halter and slash neck tops, double-breasted jackets.

Clothes to avoid: This body shape can get away with wearing all styles.

Hopefully Lisa's tips will help you on your way to a gorgeous new you for the New Year. Still in need of some inspiration? Check out our Weight Loss Live Event with nutritionist Vicky Pennington.

And the award goes to...

This weekend saw the annual awards season kick off in spectacular fashion at the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks watching the red carpet arrival is the highlight. Who needs awards anyway? And in case any of my favourite ladies missed out on an award, I'm dishing out my own right here on the beauty blog.

Best make up

Mad Men's January Jones sizzles off screen in a stunning Versace gown teamed with a tomato-red pout and bombshell waves. I love that she's rocking full brows and a strategic bit of bronzer to accentuate her cheekbones. Tempted to take on the look? Try a brow shading kit like Eylure Shape and Shade Palette and Maybelline Dream Mousse Bronzer.

Best hair

The Glee star Dianna Agron gets it so right with adorably feminine curls that suit her face shape perfectly. This look can veer into overly-cutesy territory, but Dianna keeps it fresh and modern with a jewelled hair accessory. Pop in-store to see our range of hair accessories that are perfect for glitzing up loose curls.

Best overall style

Angelina Jolie shows that she knows how to wow in this dress by Atelier Versace. You can take inspiration from this look in a multitude of ways, from her signature smoky eye make up to her effortless blowdry. Personally, I'd take a colour cue from the jewel-toned gown and try No7 Metallic Eye Pencil in Green on the lower lids to add a flash of intense colour and take a daytime look into the evening.

Stay tuned for more for more inspiration from the red carpet!

We're coveting: the new Chanel nail shades!

We've fallen completely in love with the brand new nail colours from Chanel's Le Perles Spring 2011 make up collection.

Pearl Drop, Pêche Nacrée and Black Pearl are our current favourite post-Christmas pick-me-ups. You can get your mitts on these stunning shades from 28th January.

Win a fabulous No7 makeover!

As promised, here's another gorgeous beauty blog competition for you...

Here in the Boots.com beauty office there are a fair few of us (myself included) that wear glasses. While we know we can use our specs to make a style statement, we're also united in the daily struggle when it comes to make up.

Whether it's finding the right make up to work with our eyewear, or simply a matter of struggling to apply make up whilst wearing glasses (for those that really can't see without them), we know all too well that the path to gorgeous, glasses-friendly make up never runs smooth.

Share our dilemmas? If you're in the same boat, or even if you just have some useful advice to share, we want your help...

Whether you've got the perfect technique for applying make up with your glasses on, or you know which colours work best for making eyes pop behind those specs, share the wealth! Send in your top tips and techniques and you could be in with a chance of winning a fabulous No7 makeover as well as £100 worth of No7 products of your choice, courtesy of Boots Opticians.

Here's a great example tip from the experts at Urban Decay, who helped out when one of our readers asked for advice on how to make her eyes stand out:

"Glasses make such a wonderful accessory for the face! Don't shy away from glamming up your glasses with a fun and colourful eye! Try our shimmery Eye Shadow in Grifter lined with our 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Ransom. Don't be afraid to add some sparkle by dotting some of our Heavy Metal Glitter Eye Liner in Spandex right on top of your eyeliner line. No doubt, you'll have the prettiest peepers in town!"

We'll showcase some of your top tips in a special blog post and the best tip (as chosen by those of us in the office that sport specs on a daily basis!) will win this fabulous makeover prize.

Terms and Conditions

• Entrants to this prize draw must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK.
• Purchase is not necessary.
• Prize includes one No7 makeover for one person in a larger Boots store (travel not included) plus £100 worth of No7 products, as chosen by the winner, to be delivered to the winner's address after the consultation.
• Employees and the immediate families of Boots UK Limited, their agents, or anyone professionally connected with this prize draw are not entitled to enter the competition.
• Closing date for the competition is midnight on 12/02/2011.
• Enter this competition by sending your tip to beauty.editor@boots.co.uk.
• Winners will be sent an email asking for their full name and address for the purpose of delivering the prize.
• Competition prizes cannot be exchanged for a cash alternative.
• Winning tips will feature in a blog post after 12/02/2011, along with the first names of the winning entrants. Any tips sent in to this competition may be used in future editorial from Boots.
• Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them.
• Responsibility will not be accepted for loss, delay and corruption of any data in transit or in the incomplete nature of any entries to the prize draw.
• We will not pass on your personal details to any other organisation without your permission, except for the purpose of awarding the prize if necessary.
• Winners will be selected by the Boots.com editorial team.
• The promoter of this competition is Boots UK Limited, 1 Thane Road, Beeston, Nottingham. NG90 1BS.
• Boots.com reserve the right to withdraw or amend this competition at any time.

Confidence tips – the winners!

So just before Christmas we set up a competition to find out some of your best confidence-boosting tips. There were so many great snippets of advice from you guys that we struggled to narrow them down to just five overall winners, but here's the final line-up...

"Keep a full-length mirror (as part of your decor of course) in the hallway or very near to your front door. Before leaving the house, do a last minute check just to know you're going out looking your best. Make it the last thing you do before leaving the house." – Janine from Birmingham

"My mum always told me the best thing to wear is a smile and it's stood me in good stead over the years. People smile back and then it gives me the confidence to start a conversation." – Tracy from Gwent

"Don't compare yourself to famous people; they have a team of people making them look flawless." – Rachel from Lancashire

"Believe in yourself if you expect others to." – Amanda from Edinburgh

"Be who you are and say what you feel because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind." – Colin

We've been trying out these tips ourselves and they really do work! Your The Doctor Brand Blemish Relief Starter Kits are on their way to you as we speak guys – don't forget to let us know your thoughts using the Ratings & Reviews section on the product page.

Thanks to everyone who sent in tips and don't worry if you didn't win this time – keep your peepers peeled for our next beauty blog competition very, very soon!

Beauty resolutions

New Year's resolutions: there's no hiding from them. The fine people of Boots HQ are just as obsessed with resolutions as any of you out there, so I thought I'd let you in on our hopes for the coming year. Who knows, maybe we have a resolution or two in common!

Our beauty editor, Alex, says: "To keep my Caribbean tan, [lucky Alex spent her Christmas on a Caribbean cruise] I'll be using St Tropez Everyday... every day! Having a tan makes me feel so much better. I'm also going to exfoliate more, I've started using Soap & Glory Scrub Your Nose In It to help combat my T-zone blemishes and oiliness."

Katie, who works in the Health and Baby content team, says: "My resolution is to improve my teeth ready for my wedding in June! Other than the obvious trips to the dentist, I plan on trying a few products out. I've bought the Rapid White 1 Week Tooth Whitening System and I also plan to buy a few other things once I've had chance to research it a bit more."

Verity, of Electrical Beauty, says: "I take so much time over my clothes and make up yet my hair gets left behind, so I'm committed to giving it some TLC this year. I've bought some Nice'n'easy Perfect 10 Hair Dye and Lee Stafford styling products. Now I just need an intensive conditioner to sort out my dry ends! Add in an extra five minutes with a hair straightener or styler and I'll be perfectly coiffured every day!"

And me? I've made a promise to myself that I'll take better care of my skin by drinking more water and moisturising more often, using the yummy Burt's Bees goodies I got for Christmas.

Now these resolutions are on the internet for the big wide world to see, it's surely a (binding?) incentive to stick with them and make sure these goals are reached!

Breaking news!

Last summer we were oh-so-excited when we discovered that, for a limited time, you could get a free limited edition nails inc. polish if you bought two bottles of Diet Coke in store at Boots.

You may remember us reporting that the four exclusive shades were a big hit here in the beauty office – many a lunchtime was spent in the on-site shop clutching two bottles of Diet Coke while trying to decide between cool nude and vibrant fuchsia shades. In fact, the nail polishes went down so well over here that I'm actually wearing one of the shades, Milan, at this present moment – being a classic red it was my staple Christmas nail colour!

If you were anywhere near as excited as we were about this gorgeous offer, you'll need to sit down for the next part...

THEY'RE DOING IT AGAIN!!

Starting today, for a limited time only*, you'll be able to get your talons on a complimentary limited edition bottle of nails inc. polish when you buy any two 500ml bottles of Diet Coke. Choose from Cool Caramel, Delicious Denim, Perfect Plum and Heavenly Heather Grey. Oh, I can see them flocking to the checkout as we speak...

*Offer available from 12/01/2011 until 15/02/2011. Subject to availability in participating stores.

Post-Christmas beauty rehab

The New Year is in full swing and it's time to make up for the seven deadly sins of the party season...

The sin: Disco dancing in killer heels has resulted in party-weary feet.
The saviour: Gorgeous Feet Perfect Pedicure Kit.

The sin: Sitting inside all day watching Crimbo telly seemed like a good idea at the time, but the central heating overload has left your skin dry, flaky and fed up.
The saviour: Boots Aqua Balance Hydrating Moisturiser.

The sin: You complexion is rebelling against overindulgence by breaking out in blemishes.
The saviour: Burt's Bees Spot Gel.

The sin: Heat styling your hair to within an inch of its life has left it limp, lacklustre and feeling very sorry for itself.
The saviour: Phyto Paris Phyto 7 Daily Hydrating Hair Cream.

The sin: Your festive diet of chocolate, mince pies and all the trimmings has left nails weak and brittle.
The saviour: Boots Expert Nail Strength Solution.

The sin: You've slept in your make up (more than once) and your skin is paying the price.
The saviour: Trilogy Sensitive Very Calming Fluid.

The sin: All that religious fake tan application in the run-up to Christmas has been left to fester over the festive period, leaving you with patchy, uneven-looking limbs.
The saviour: Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator.

Happy new you!

Five of the best: mood boosters

So you're back to the daily grind and all of the festivities of the past couple of weeks seem an eternity away. Feeling blue? Need a break to recover from your break? Yep, you're not the only one. Thankfully, at Boots.com, we've got a few simple treats to keep us in high spirits in the post-party season:

Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Detox Mask

While it won't replace the benefits of a squeaky clean skin care regime, this face mask can help give your skin a boost for the New Year. It's formulated with grapeseed oil and jojoba beads, which pop when you press them. If that's not therapeutic, I don't know what is. It also contains an aromatic fragrance blend of eucalyptus, orange and geranium.

Umberto Giannini Indulgent Beauty Moisture Mask

Hair can take a bit of a battering in the festive season – all that backcombing, curling and straightening can leave your locks looking a bit fragile. This hair mask's aim is to indulge your hair and help coax it back to its former glory. Plus it smells gorgeous too.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Eye Roll On

I don't know about you, but my under-eye circles always give the game away after a stint of over-indulgence. Vichy's Aqualia range is all about fortifying and soothing stressed-out skin, and this eye roll-on more than meets the brief with its mineral-rich formula which helps to tone down the appearance of dark circles and under-eye bags.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue

You might think this is a bit extravagant just after Christmas, but Light Blue is exactly what you need to wake yourself up on dreary, grey January mornings. This clean-cut citrus scent is like a four-star trip to a beautifully tranquil Mediterranean island in a bottle.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Hardener

Over the holidays, my nails were a multitude of colours: a festive cherry red for Christmas, a vibrant blue for Boxing Day and turquoise glitter for New Year. They probably would've looked pretty damaged by 2 January if it hadn't been for Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength Nail Hardener. I've only had one tiny breakage in a week and I think I have this to thank for it. It's my new go-to for nail therapy!

So now you know what to pick up to pick yourself up! We're always on the lookout for new and exciting mood-boosting beautifiers so if you've got one that you rely on to perk you up, share the wealth and let us know at beauty.editor@boots.co.uk.

You asked: No7 beauty products

Hi Agneta

Thanks so much for getting in touch – we're all really pleased that you're enjoying the No7 range all the way over in Sweden!

I've been in touch with my insiders at No7 who have come up with some answers to your queries – here's what I found out...

Unfortunately the Age Rewind range was discontinued at the beginning of last year, but fear not! It was replaced with Lift & Luminate, an anti-ageing range that's been formulated to help lift, firm and brighten the appearance of your skin. Among the products in the range are a Day Cream and Night Cream, so give them a go and let us know what you think!

In terms of the No7 serums, they're all quite different so it really depends on your age and the condition of your skin as to which one will suit you. To help decide, here's a breakdown of the ones that might be right for you:

No7 Protect and Perfect Serum is formulated to target the skin's surface helping to reduce the appearance of pores and smoothe lines and wrinkles.

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum is formulated to target deep lines and wrinkles.

No7 Brightening Beauty Serum is formulated to target skin tone and pigmentation, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and dark spots.

Finally, our insiders recommend using No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Eye Cream on the delicate eye area if you want to help target troublesome lines. It also helps improve the appearance of dark shadows and puffiness.

Really hope that helps Agneta. Drop us an email to let us know how you get on!

2011 style overhaul

Thinking about a style reinvention for the New Year? Personal stylist Lisa Talbot is on hand to help you on your way to a brand new you.

"This time of year we start to think about doing something different with our personal style – the phrase a 'New Year, New You' springs to mind!" Lisa says. "To help you on your way, I've got some quick and easy tips to inject some style oomph into your New Year."

Boost your wardrobe with a shot of colour!

"Wearing colour has a huge impact on how we feel and how others see us. I think wearing a bright colour can automatically cheer us up and the colours we wear can say different things about us..."

Black/grey
These deep, dark colours give the illusion of looking sleek. They're seen as authoritarian colours but can also be viewed as "the safe option".

White
A virginal, crisp, clean colour and a sign of purity.

Brown
Associated with nature, this colour gives the impression of being easygoing and relaxed.

Blue
This shade is seen as a conservative or "safe" colour.

Pink
A feminine colour, pink gives the impression of being compassionate and gentle.

Purple
The colour purple makes the wearer seem welcoming to others, warm, creative and sensitive.

Green
As this is the colour of our many elements of nature it is seen as a calm colour and represents a free spirit.

Red
A shade that represents excitement and fun. Whatever tone of red you wear it will show others you are confident with yourself.

"Colour really can make a massive difference to the way you look and feel, so remember: have fun and don't be afraid to try new shades!"

Like these tips? Check back in a few days for part two of your guide to getting a fresh new style in 2011!

P.s! Want more tips on experimenting with colour? Why not find eyeshadow shades to suit you and discover your perfect red lipstick for a instant style update?

Five great products from 2010

Happy New Year!

As we make our way into 2011 I thought I'd take a quick look back at some of my beauty highlights from the past year.

Trilogy Sensitive Very Gentle Cleansing Cream
I absolutely love this rich, creamy cleanser, which is free from fragrance and alcohol. It makes my skin feel silky soft as it tenderly melts away make up. The best bit? It's so gentle that I can even use it to remove my eye make up. Finally, a product that makes taking off my make up enjoyable.

Clinique Anti-blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup
Yes, I know you're all bored of me banging on about this foundation, but it really is my can't-live-without product. It's got enough coverage to hide a multitude of sins, and the blemish-fighting ingredients are an added bonus. Hello, guilt-free make up application!

Chloe Love, Chloe Eau de Parfum
I've been excited ever since this perfume launched – I'm just dying to own this feminine fragrance housed in a stylishly understated bottle. For me, the gorgeously romantic name is just the icing on a very, very delicious cake.

Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Wash-off Fake Tan Matte Medium
Having been a St Tropez girl at heart for a few years now, I love nothing more than some me-time with a bottle of bronzing mousse and a mitt. But, for those situations where I get caught short on a "pale day", I was over the moon to discover this instant tan from Fake Bake when the range arrived at Boots earlier this year.

Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Morning After Dry Shampoo
I'll admit that I do leave this dry shampoo out on my dressing table in the hope that people who come round will think I'm cool. Everything about this product oozes glamour, from the bottle design right down to the gorgeous fragrance. Team that with the fact that it sprays on clear, rather than white like other dry shampoos, and you can see why I think I'm on to a winner.

Looking back on the great beauty revelations of 2010, I can't wait to see what 2011 will bring...

Drop us an email with your favourite beauty finds from 2010 and we'll give them a shout-out on the blog!