Beauty Blog

New SEVENTEEN On The Spot Foundation - hello complexion perfection!

Beauty blog: Wednesday 15th May

Ever found yourself in that dilemma where you really want to cover up that pesky blemish, but you know that by covering it in make up you're likely to make it worse? It can be a vicious circle, but luckily it's SEVENTEEN to the rescue with their brand-spanking new, revolutionary foundation, On The Spot

This little gem is SEVENTEEN's first foundation which hides imperfections, whilst caring for spot-prone skin. In Just 4 weeks skin is clearer, making sure you feel ultra confident and ready for your close up. covers imperfections and helps to treat blemishes? Gimme, gimme!

Watch the video below to hear from SEVENTEEN make up artist Vanessa Guellar about just how amazing On The Spot Foundation is for blemish prone skin and her tips for application covers imperfections and helps to treat blemishes? Gimme!

This great new foundation is out now - what are you waiting for?! Flawless skin is just 4 weeks away...

Emily x

Spring into action - fresh new fragrances from Yves Saint Laurent

Beauty blog: Friday 10th May

Freshly cut grass, flowers in bloom, brand new fragrances from Yves Saint Laurent...who couldn't love the scents of spring? Warm, rich perfumes may be comforting in winter, but now's the time to energise and lighten up with these bright and breezy treats!

Yves Saint Laurent have added two new fragrances to their collection, and they're perfect for this season. Both are variations on YSL favourites - Paris and L'Homme - but with their own fresh twist.

The latest edition of Paris Premieres Roses celebrates 30 years of Yves Saint Laurent's Paris, introducing a softer and brighter take on the much-loved original. There's still the gorgeous bouquet of roses, but added green notes give an extra dimension of freshness and life. It's the ideal eau de toilette for spritzing on during sunny days and the light scent is so easy to wear.

For men, Yves Saint Laurent have released the refreshing L'Homme Libre Cologne Tonic (a worldwide Boots exclusive, we might add), which is a lighter edition of L'Homme Libre with an aquatic and citrus twist. It's a zesty, uplifting fragrance that's great for boosting energy and tempting you outdoors.

And notice something different about La Nuit de L'Homme? Look out for Garret Hedlund as the fresh new face (and hunky body) of this vibrant and seductive fragrance. One spray will work wonders...

I love swapping my winter wardrobe for a pair of sunnies and my favourite floaty dress - warm weather makes everything seem brighter! How do sunny days affect your beauty routine? Tell us at beauty.editor@boots.co.uk.

Natalie x

Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur

Beauty blog: Thursday 2nd May

There are scores of products out there claiming to reduce wrinkles and turn back the hands of time. However, I've always been sceptical. So, when given the chance to try Garnier 5sec Perfect Blur (£12.99), a new primer available at Boots this spring, I couldn't resist putting it to the test.

Garnier have created a silica-based formula which helps to tighten pores, reduceshine and nourish your complexion, evening out the appearance of your skin. This smoothing primer uses an optical effect which helps diffuse the light and therefore "blur" the surface of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as creating the perfect, long-lasting finish. I applied Perfect Blur a few minutes after my moisturiser and instantly saw the reflecting formula do its work, visibly reducing my early morning eye bags and leaving my skin feeling soft with a definite glow. It also acted as a great base for my foundation and smoothed blemishes creating a matt finish, (thank goodness with my oily T-zone!).

I must admit, this product surprised me. On reflection (pun intended!) once it had been applied I looked as if I regularly eat my five a day and had indulged in a good eight hours kip - it's a great "cheat" product! My skin appeared moisturised, ultra-smooth and blemish-free, and the effects lasted throughout the day.

True to its name, Garnier 5sec Perfect Blur takes less than five seconds to apply. It can be easily integrated into your morning skincare regime, is a perfect base for make-up and makes an immediate difference to the overall appearance of the skin. I never thought I would recommend it, but this skeptic has been convinced! Top notch!

Janine x

Benefit Cosmetics are having a flash sale!

Beauty blog: Wednesday 1st May

Every girl deserves the red carpet treatment when it comes to beauty, so why not join the A list and become star struck at your own gorgeous reflection with Benefit Cosmetic's Primping With The Stars kit, exclusive to Boots.com until 18th May. For two days only from 2nd to 3rd May purchase any two products from the Benefit range and receive a free mini POREfessional pore minimizing primer, along with free delivery; talk about celebrity treatment!

Containing a collection of Benefits iconic favourites for the face, cheeks, eyes and lips, this glamorous kit is so Hollywood it should come with its own bodyguard; guaranteed to leave you ready for that close up any time of the day.

Kelly x

Straight to the point!

Beauty blog: Tuesday 30th April

Most mornings are a struggle to get out of bed, and my hair can resemble a fallen bird's nest at the best of times. This unruly mane would only be tamed with a complete wash and restyle, but that was until I sampled the delights of the Glamoriser Professional Digital Ultralight Speed Straightener by celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward, which is exclusive to Boots.

Not only does it resemble my favourite quality street with its sparkly purple design, but it offers six instant easy to use heat settings ranging from 130°C to 235°C, meaning you can tailor the temperature according to your hair type.

The ultra chic straighteners have nano-diamond ceramic floating plates, which glide through hair to create a fabulous frizz free look. But they can also turn poker straight locks into gorgeous glam curls by simply clamping the hair, pointing the styler downwards and rotating towards you as you slide it down to the end. Voila! Two lovely looks using only one straightener.

Also, stop by on the Boots Beauty Blog tomorrow for big news and an amazing offer...if you're a fan of Benefit Cosmetics, you won't want to miss this!

*all prices and offer details correct at time of publishing

Kelly x

Soap & Glory presents- The Firminator range

Beauty blog: Friday 26th April

Unless you're a weather-proof fitness fanatic, the lingering winter has most likely caused you to hide indoors and put your feet up. Now, as we roll through spring, we're starting to think about working off those winter wobbly-bits.

Luckily, Soap & Glory have created a solution just in time for summer; combined with a healthy diet and exercise, the new Firminator range has come to the rescue! Designed to help smooth, tighten and tone, the Firminator range consists of three firming products for the legs, arms and body.

First up is Firminators Special Bikini Body Formula. Take my advice and don't step near the beach without it! It helps to smooth, rejuvenate, and stimulate the skin on your thighs and buttocks. Key ingredients include peppermint and litsea cubeba toning oils which work to help you gain a natural lift.

For arms, try the specially formulated Targeted Arm Firming and Toning Formula. This vitamin and mineral-rich formula is an ally for your arms, helping improve elasticity and texture when massaged into the skin regularly. To complete the range we welcome back our old favourite Sit Tight Intense XS (now an improved formula!). It contains peptides that are activated when massaged into the skin, and is now fitted with a new tri-ball massage roller to help stimulate circulation which, in-turn, will help smooth-out blemishes.

To treat yourself to the ultimate body-boosting pampering session, scrub up in the shower with Soap & Glorys The Breakfast Scrub Body Exfoliator. Voted "Best Body Scrub" in 2011 by Cosmo Beauty Awards and 2012 by Company Beauty Awards (among others!) prep your skin with this multiple award-winner before applying the Firminator range. With their powers combined, you will be well on your way to achieving a bikini body you feel more comfortable with!

Janine x

BB creams vs CC creams - what's the difference?!

Beauty blog: Thursday 25th April

Like many women, I like to keep my mascara brush to the lash when it comes to the latest beauty buys, and you may have noticed an explosion on the market when it comes to foundation fakers, tinted moisturisers and primers. The newest kids on the beauty block have combined the best elements of these make up bag staples, in the fabulous form of BB and CC creams; but what exactly is the difference between the two? (Apart from their cosiness in the alphabet)

BB stands for beauty balm and can be a non brightening primer, foundation, moisturiser, SPF and anti ageing product, while creating a lovely dewy finish. CC stands for colour correction, and the creams can be all of the above, yet contain a non brightening primer, generally provide slightly more coverage and aim to correct any colour imperfections, evening out the complexion.

I'm a BB girl at heart, but some lovely CC creams landed on my desk this week and I just had to share them with you!

First up is Max Factor's CC Cream (£9.99) which contains SPF 10 and reminds me of the Boots beauty team with its ability to multi-task! It can offer flawless coverage, hydration and coverage like a foundation; perfect for those early morning starts.

One for slightly older skin comes from Olay Regenerist (£24.99) It looks good enough to eat and offers delicious coverage. 82% of women who tested the product said it gave them a flawless complexion; you can't argue with those figures!

Next up is L'oreal Paris Nude Magique CC cream (£9.99) which can help to cover a multitude of skin issues, as well as offering a wonderful lightweight buildable coverage. They come in three different formulae, including:

• Anti fatigue, this contains an apricot hydrator to help wake up tired looking skin.
• Anti Redness, can neutralise the appearance of redness with the help of its green hydrator ingredient.
• Anti Dullness, helps to combat dull and yellow looking skin with its mauve shade.

Finally we have Nip + Fab's CC cream (£14.99) which contains SPF 30 and can offer up to 24 hour moisturisation, as well as presenting a shine free finish- amazing!

The weather may be out of our hands ladies, but we can put on a flawless face and smile through the rain with these wonderful CC creams.

*all prices and offer details correct at time of publishing

Kelly x

Garnier

Beauty blog:Friday 19th April

With the Arctic Spring finally thawing, my poor skin hasn't known whether it's coming or going. One minute I'm lathering on the moisturiser to disguise my dryness, and the next I?m dabbing on finishing powder to mattify a shiny complexion! But it seems the gods at Garnier have finally answered my skin care 'mares with their fabulous range of moisture match daily moisturisers.

Not only can they offer hydration for up to 24 hours, but they also come in five tailor-made formulae for each skin type, including:

• Goodbye Dry: for dry to very dry skin
• Start Afresh: for normal to dry skin
• Shine Be Gone: for oily to combination skin
• Wake Me Up: for dull skin
• Protect & Glow: for normal skin

I have many lotions and potions that only cater to one skin type. so it's refreshing to see Garnier bringing something new to the (dressing) table.

But how do you figure out which moisturiser matches up to your skin type? Head over to the Garnier Moisture Match tool to find out which moisturiser from this great range is your skincare soul mate - you can even order a free sample of your perfect moisture match skincare solution for your troubles- bonus!

My result came up with oily to combination skin; something I never knew I had, so it seems you do learn something new every day!

Kelly x

Compressed deodorants - same power, less packaging!

Beauty blog: Thursday 17th April

I love bright, new ideas, so it's great to see Sure, Dove and Vaseline's new compressed deodorants on the shelves. You may have seen these little versions of their full-sized cousins on the shelves and wondered what it was all about...

They've been redesigned to need less gas to spray the same amount of antiperspirant, which means they use less aluminium packaging but contain the same amount of deodoriser. Despite their petite appearance, a 75ml can will last just as long as its 150ml predecessor

Dove's compressed deodorants offer their signature ? moisturising cream for softness, Sure's 'Motionsense' technology works harder the more you move and Vaseline's caring complex helps to protect underarm skin - and they all work just as hard as the big cans.

The compact sizes are handy for freeing up space on my bedside table and fit snugly into handbags or gym bags - more room for all my other "essentials" (if only they could work the same magic on my entire make up bag!)

Natalie x

What's your favourite fragrance? Vote now for the FiFi Awards!

Beauty blog: Saturday 23rd March

It's so easy to get passionate over your favourite fragrance. A great scent can uplift your mood, make you feel like a new person, or take you back to a wonderful memory... Surely I'm not the only one who gets all teary over a familiar waft?

So here's your chance to shout about the fragrances you love, by voting for the People's Choice at the FiFi Awards. Known as the 'Oscars' of the fragrance industry, the FiFis are all about celebrating the best new scents for men and women. Just vote for your favourite fragrance of 2013 in both the male and female categories, and keep your fingers crossed!

Check them out here.

Looking through the nominations, I'm caught between the fresh and fun Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection (a fragrance for every mood - I want to own them all!) and Liz Earle Botanical Essence No 15; an earthy, spicy scent that makes me feel a bit like a wood nymph.

Go on - show the nation your signature fragrance is not to be sniffed at. Best of all, if the fragrance you voted for wins, you can pick it up for a fiver cheaper*!

Love a scent that's worth talking about? Share it with us at beauty.editor@boots.co.uk.

*Terms and conditions apply

Natalie x

Anti-ageing: The secret is out!

Beauty blog: Friday 8th March

There seems to be a million anti-ageing products out there, but do all those promising sounding ingredients really work? Well, a new discovery about an anti-ageing ingredient has beauty experts reeling - and what?s best is that you don?t have to be a super-celeb to get your hands on it.

Reading University professor Ian Hamley has found that Matrixyl, an ingredient found in some well known anti-wrinkle creams, really does have skincare benefits. When researching the use of collagen in wound healing, Hamley found that the peptide Matrixyl stimulates the collagen factories within the skin to help add strength and elasticity to your complexion. Collagen can improve firmness in the skin and provide a plumper, smoother and more youthful appearance by softening fine lines and wrinkles. Great news!

So, which products contain this wonder-peptide that?s whipped the beauty world into a frenzy?! These two are your favourites, with excellent ratings and reviews on Boots.com!

L'Oreal Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler - 30ml (£16.32)
Olay Regenerist 3 Point Treatment Cream 50ml (£29.99)

Do you think you will be giving these anti-ageing essentials a try? Are you are already in love with these super smoothing creams? Get in touch at beauty.editor@boots.co.uk and let us know what you think!

Emily x

Look after your eyes - Estee Lauder's new eye serum

Beauty Blog: Thursday 7th March

Eyes may be known as "the window to the soul", but they're equally good at revealing something just as secret - your age! To keep people guessing, I'm going to start looking after the delicate skin around my eyes.

My eye care routine comprises of dabbing a bit of facial moisturiser around my eyes and hoping for the best. Not the most careful approach - skin around your eyes is delicate, easily damaged and frankly deserves better! Luckily, the launch of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion (£45.00) is a good excuse to change my ways, with a super-potent solution to help combat the signs of ageing around the eyes.

This formula helps optimise skin's natural renewal process and includes nourishing ingredients to help protect against environmental damage. Fine lines are not a huge issue for me yet, but I'll be thanking myself in the future!

The serum is easily absorbed, and a little goes a long way. One pump was enough to cover my entire eye area and it left no sticky residue. In fact, apart from my skin feeling much smoother, it was so light I didn't feel like I was wearing anything. When the skin around my eyes is feeling especially dry, I'm going to pair it with Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Recovery Complex (£37.00), for an extra surge of moisture.

Although noticed results already - the skin around my eyes feels silky smooth and more rested - I see this serum as an investment for the future; it?s a great addition to my skincare routine.

Natalie x

Get the Red Carpet Glamour look with Lanc?me

Beauty Blog: Wednesday 13th February

Just so I can feel like I am in some way involved with all the glitz and luxury of the BAFTAs, I've been rocking this gorgeous Red Carpet Glamour look - stunning, smoky eyed make up that's sure to demand attention and make sure the spotlight is on you! Watch the video below to learn just how easy it is to create a celeb-worthy, show-stopping make up look, with Lanc?me's fabulous make up artist Katie Milewska

Emily x

Something old, something new - Getting crafty with gift boxes!

Beauty Blog: Tuesday 12th February

We love it when our readers get in touch - take a look at these amazing photos Ruth Carruthers emailed in to us!

She recycled her No7 Deco Darling gift box by cutting out the 4 corners and putting them on sticks, creating these unique wedding cake toppers for her best friend's wedding. The art deco shapes were perfect for the wedding theme and such a thoughtful, personal gift!

What a bright idea, we think they look absolutely gorgeous. Do you have any recycled beauty creations you'd like to share with us? Get in touch at beauty.editor@boots.co.uk - we love to hear from you!

Natalie x

Beauty myths busted... Toothpaste helps clear up blemishes...

FALSE!

Beauty blog: Wednesday 16th January

I can't even begin to count the number of times I've fallen for this old favourite. How many of us wake up with a bright red bump on our face and immediately reach for the toothpaste in a desperate effort to get rid quickly? But while it might appear to do the trick for some, it could actually be doing us more harm than good.

After a bit of research, it turns out most toothpaste contains an anti-bacterial ingredient known as triclosan which is often used in blemish treatments - hence why it sometimes seems to work. But there's a whole host of other harsh ingredients that go into toothpaste that just aren't suited to your skin, causing dry, flaky and inflamed patches that will simply replace your original problem with another! So the conclusion is, just don't do it!

But the good news is there are loads of products out there that will target blemishes and prevent breakouts. Check out my top blemish-busters:

Nelsons Pure & Clear Anti-Blemish Facial Wash 125ml (£7.85*) is a soothing seaweed-based daily cleanser that works to reduce blackheads and blemishes

Once a week treat your skin to Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Facial Peel 50ml (£6.00*). It takes just fifteen minutes for this gem to carry out a deep cleanse, leaving your skin refreshed and refined in record time

Choose a moisturiser free from perfume and colours such as Simple Spotless Skin Anti-Blemish Moisturiser 75ml (£4.99*) which contains soothing aloe vera and camomile to help calm breakouts

Carry an anti-bacterial blemish stick around with you to dab onto problem areas during the day - Boots Skin Clear One-Touch Spot Stick 6ml (£1.49*) is perfect

As tempting as it is to cake your blemishes in make-up, it tends to aggravate and prolong them so opt for a base specifically designed for oily skin. I just love 17 Blemish Balm BB Cream SPF25 30ml (£6.99*) which actually works to improve blemish-prone skin in four weeks - brilliant!

Do you have any top tips for fighting blemishes? Let us know your secrets at beauty.editor@boots.co.uk

*Prices correct at time of publishing

Laura x

The new Lynx Apollo range - Houston, we have lift off!

Beauty blog: Friday 11th January

When you were little, did you dream of being an astronaut and zooming off to outer space? If so, read on, as now could be your chance to make that dream a reality.

To celebrate the launch of the new Apollo range, Lynx is launching its most daring and exciting competition to date, giving ordinary people like you and me the chance to blast off into orbit* - imagine the point scoring you would achieve with your friends if you were the lucky winner...it'd be off the scale!

All you have to do to enter is go to www.lynxapollo.com and fill out your details

*For full terms and conditions go to www.lynxapollo.com

The Lynx astronaut touched down at Boots HQ to enrol our very own intrepid explorer Adam into the Lynx Space Academy, bringing with him a taste of the new, irresistible Lynx Apollo range! Watch the video below to see how he got on:

With an irresistibly edgy, woody, fragrance, Lynx Apollo is a huge hit with the lads in the Boots office - they think it's out of this world (geddit??), so make sure you grab some today (These treats will also make a great Valentine's Day gift, ladies!)

• Lynx Apollo Deodorant Bodyspray 150ml
  £2.99*
• Lynx Dry Apollo Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 150ml
  £2.99*
• Lynx Dry Apollo Anti-Perspirant Roll On 50ml
  £2.03*
• Lynx Apollo Shower Gel 250ml
  £2.99*
• Lynx XL Apollo Deodorant Bodyspray 200ml
  £3.59*
• Lynx XL Apollo Revitalising Shower Gel 400ml
  £3.05*

And there's even more Apollo products on their way in February, including the Lynx Apollo hair products and the Deep Space shower gel.

To find out more and to enter Lynx's competition, click through to LynxApollo.com

Terms and conditions
1. The promoter of the Lynx Apollo competition is Unilever UK Limited, Unilever House, Springfield Drive, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7GR. By clicking on the link featured above you are leaving boots.com and entering the Lynx Apollo website - which is promoted and facilitated by Unilever UK Limited. Full details of terms and conditions of the competition are available on LynxApollo.com.

2. Boots are excited to introduce our customers to this competition, but can in no way be held accountable for any aspect of promotion or the use of any personal details you choose to provide to Unilever UK Limited to enable your entry.

*prices correct at time of publishing

Beauty resolutions for 2013

Beauty blog: Saturday 5th January

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year! After all the fun and enjoyment, it's now time to make those dreaded resolutions...

Every year I'm guilty of making over-ambitious resolutions that I inevitably end up breaking in a matter of weeks (or days!) This year, I've decided to make a few small changes to my beauty routine that I can easily stick to and together will make a big change for 2013!

I will...

• Remove my make up every night: it's so important but so easy to forget! Face wipes make it so quick and simple so there's no excuse! Try Botanics All Bright Cleansing Face Wipes - 25 wipes (£1.99*)
• Start using a moisturiser with SPF: we've heard it a million times for a reason, the sun damages our skin even when it's cloudy. I'm determined to protect against sun damage and premature aging this year with a high factor SPF moisturiser like Clinique Superdefense SPF25 Age Defense Moisturiser for combination to oily skin 50ml(£37.00*)
• Find the right foundation - it's revolutionised the quest for the perfect foundation but I'm still yet to try out No7's fabulous new Match Made Service where one of the in store consultants will scan your skin to help you find your perfect match. Find out more about how it works here.
• Use a heat protection spray: all of the heat styling over Christmas has left my hair in need of some real TLC, but I just can't go completely cold turkey on my stylers so I've decided to compromise and use a protective spray every time I style. Try Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray 200ml (£5.50*)
• Invest in an eye cream - I'm guilty of doubling up my face moisturiser as an eye cream but the skin around your eyes is so delicate, it really does need a cream of its own. I'm going to be giving Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Eye Cream 15ml (£6.99*) a try.

So there's my list, I hope it's given you some ideas and I'll keep you posted as to how I get on! Have you made any resolutions? We'd love to know your New Year goals, email us at beauty.editor@boots.co.uk.

*All prices correct at time of publishing

Laura x

Lynx Apollo: coming soon!

Lads, it's landed...the new Lynx Apollo range.

Lynx mysterious box

Lynx mysterious boxLynx mysterious box

There's something BIG on its way from Lynx (trust us, it's exciting!) so check back next week where we will reveal all, along with the contents of that mysterious box!

Emily x

Hot new styling tools from Remington

Beauty blog: Saturday 22nd December

We're back with Chris Appleton, Remington Session Stylist, to show you how to create a sleek, sophisticated ponytail look that's perfect for day time and easily dressed up for evenings with a sparkly accessory and some killer heels! Chris used the Remington Keratin Therapy Pro Straightener (currently ?£24.99*) to effortlessly create enviable shine and style that lasts.

That's the last in our Remington Glam Hair series, I hope you've had as much fun as we have trying out all the gorgeous styles you can get with the Remington Keratin Pro range! I am a total convert, my hair has never been shinier!

*Prices and offer details correct at time of publishing.

Emily x

New Detox Salon Series heat stylers from Vidal Sassoon

Beauty blog: Friday 21st December

I just love getting all dressed up for parties at Christmas but don't love the damage I seem to cause to my hair with all that extra styling! That's why I'm so glad I've discovered the new Detox Salon Series from Vidal Sassoon (exclusive to Boots) just in time for this year's festivities!

Designed to keep hair looking clean and healthy throughout styling, the new range includes a curling tong, hairdryer and straighteners. The straighteners (currently £53.32*) are fabulous but as I'm all about glamorous curls this Christmas, I'm going to focus on the first two and how they can help you achieve perfect party hair.

The Professional AC Dryer (currently £39.99*) features special ionic technology which will help keep your hair frizz-free, plus the titanium-coated grill also helps to create a glossier finish - perfect for expensive-looking tresses! I love using it with the extra-slim concentrator, which gives my locks a beautifully smooth finish before I start curling. It also comes with a volume finger diffuser which is perfect if you already have curly or wavy hair as it helps to define curls and add volume at the same time, without looking frizzy.

The Curling Tong (£29.99*) features a 25mm titanium-plated barrel which helps to keep curls smooth and again, prevent frizz. Plus, its heat is distributed evenly to give luscious, natural-looking curls every time. With 30 different temperature settings, the tong can heat up to 220 degrees to transform even the thickest of hair into bouncy curls to die for.

I've been testing out my look for the Christmas party and I can safely say the Detox Salon Series tools will definitely be my stylers of choice!

*Prices and offer details correct at time of publishing.

Laura x

Scrub up for Christmas - flaky snow, not flaky skin!

Beauty blog: Thursday 20th December

I adore all the fun festivities of Christmas, but the cold weather and overindulgences can leave our faces needing a bit of TLC. If you're like me, and your skin really suffers during the winter months, Super Facialist's Tea Flower Purify & Refresh Scrub (£4.49*) may help work miracles on your mug!

With an impressive list of ingredients and a scent to die for, I couldn't wait to give this product a try. The Purify & Refresh Scrub contains micro-beads to give a satisfyingly "scrubby" experience; it left my skin feeling smooth and squeaky clean. I'm a little wary of exfoliants (nobody wants to feel like they've just washed with a pan scrubber), but this proved pleasantly creamy and gentle - great news for sensitive winter skin.

Exclusive to Boots, the Super Facialist range is the brainchild of facial expert Una Brennan. Her Notting Hill facials are the stuff of legends and recognised as one of London's best-kept beauty secrets. The formulations are stuffed with top quality oils, natural ingredients and hard-working actives - according to Superfacialist beauty buffs, the grapeseed oil will encourage a healthy glow and the elderflower water will help to tighten my pores. After using, my dry patches felt noticeably improved, and my skin looked healthier despite the cold; well on the way to that "an expert facial every day" feeling!

As a Boots Head Office newbie, I'm loving trying out all the latest beauty must-haves and hope to get you just as excited as me about these great beauty secrets! Just how do I get my hands on some of that accompanying Super Facialist's Pore Purifying Clay Mask, I wonder...

*Prices correct at time of publishing

Natalie x

Hot new styling tools from Remington

Beauty Blog: Saturday 15th December

We're back with Chris Appleton, Remington Session Stylist, to show you how to create another stunning hair style at home with the new Remington Keratin Therapy Pro Curl (currently £24.99*). I adore these vintage style waves paired with a deep red, matte lipstick for an on trend take on old-school Hollywood glamour!

Check back next Saturday when we will have another striking hair tutorial for you, created by the incredibly talented Chris Appleton for Remington!

Emily x

*Prices correct at time of publishing

Fresh as a daisy!

Beauty Blog: Friday 14th December

I don't know about you, but I've actually been rather organised about getting my Christmas shopping sorted this year, which is a huge deal for me as I am a chronic scatter brain! As an extra something for my sister, I treated her to the gorgeous Yardley London Daisy Gift Bag (£15.00)

I usually go for uplifting, fresh fragrances so I immediately fell in love with the light, floral scent of Royal English Daisy from Yardley. Because it's so light and refreshing, it makes a perfect gift for someone if you're not sure what scents they usually go for; the energetic top notes of green leaves and apple make this fragrance a great all-rounder.

In the Daisy Gift Bag you get a selection of Royal English Daisy scented goodies:

• 50ml Royal English Daisy Eau De Toilette
• 75ml Royal English Daisy Body Spray
• Royal English Daisy Soap

I love the idea of having three products that my sister can use one after the other, with the same fragrance - the body spray is great for carrying around in your handbag to make sure you smell fresh as a daisy all day long! As a fab fragrance for the upcoming spring, you really can't go wrong with the Daisy Gift Bag as a pressie for someone special.

How are you getting on with your Christmas shopping? What beauty gifts are you loving this year? Don't forget you can get in touch with us at beauty.editor@boots.co.uk, we love to hear from you!

Emily x

*Prices correct at time of publishing

Sparkly Christmas party make up with Pixiwoo's Sam Chapman

Beauty blog: Thursday 13th December

We had a great time at Nottingham's Victoria Centre store catching up with Sam Chapman, one half of the amazingly talented make up duo Pixiwoo! Here Sam shows us how to get a gorgeous navy smoky eye that's perfect adding that extra touch of Christmas sparkle to your outfit.

It's so easy and yet so striking; I never knew I could pull off such a dramatic look! I will definitely be re-creating this look for my Christmas Eve party, now I just need some glittery, sky-scraper heels to match...

Emily x

Hot make up trend: peacock eyes

Beauty blog: Wednesday 12th December

No, don't worry, it's not a peacock face painting tutorial! Eye shadow looks inspired by peacock colours have been seen on the catwalk of Roberto Cavalli and echoed in the gorgeous jewel toned clothes that are so hot this season. I gave it a go, blending shades of amethyst, emerald and gold into the lid with a big, soft blending brush:

I used these fabulous products:
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Quad in Tresors Chache
Rimmel Scandal Eyes Kohl Liner in Black
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess Mascara
Max Factor Eyebrow Pencil

Emily x

Hot new hairstyling tools from Remington

Beauty Blog: Saturday 8th December

A few weeks ago we were lucky enough to spend some time with Remington's session stylist, the fabulous Chris Appleton who showed us how to create some fierce hairstyles using the new Remington Keratin Therapy Pro range of heat stylers.

Watch our video below to see how Chris used the Remington Kerating Therapy Pro Volume Hot Brush (currently £22.99*) to transform my hair into a glamorous 60's style - perfect for Christmas parties!

Make sure you come back next Saturday to see another one of the fabulous looks that Chris created for us!

Laura x

*Prices and offer details correct at time of publishing.

Ready, set, GLOW! Self tan for the Christmas party (part three)

Beauty blog: Friday 7th December

The Garnier Ambre Solaire Mousse is perfect for giving you an instant, shimmery glow and is now only £9.33 with 1/3 off*.Watch episode three of the Garnier Tanning Diaries for great application tips. The Garnier Ambre Solaire Mousse is now only £9.33 with 1/3 off*

So, that was the last instalment of the Garnier Tanning Diaries and I don't know about you, but I feel much more confident in applying my self tan. Before I was too wary to even touch a bottle of tan but now I will now definitely be giving it a go for the Boots Christmas Party!

Emily x

*Prices and offer details correct at time of publishing.

Ready, set, GLOW! Self tan for the Christmas party (part two)

Beauty blog: Thursday 6th December

It's time for episode two of the Garnier Tanning Diaries! Find out just how simple it is to get an easy, streak-free spray tan at home.

Why not get together with your girlfriends and give it a go together? It's tons of fun and you've always got someone to do your back! What's best, the Garnier Ambre Solaire bronzing mist is now on offer with 1/3 off across all shades, at £7.79*

Come back tomorrow for episode three!

Emily x

*Prices and offer details correct at time of publishing.

Ready, set, GLOW! Self tan for the Christmas party (part one)

Beauty blog: Wednesday 5th December

I love the excuse to get all glammed up that the festive season brings and this year I'm perfectly prepared thanks to Garnier...

Last year I bought a stunning cream, sequined dress for the Christmas Party. After hours spent perfecting my hair and make up, I stood in front of the mirror to admire all my sequin-y, bouncy-haired hard work and was blown away by how completely and utterly washed-out I looked! I hadn't bothered with any self tan, I simply didn't know how and was terrified of streaks and patches on my big night. My skin looked dull and lifeless, my outfit felt incomplete and I longed for a bit more radiance and confidence.

But fear not! This tale of woe has a happy ending as the Boots Beauty Blog are bringing you "Ready, set, GLOW!" week. We've got three self tan master classes to have you shimmering and shining in time for the festive celebrations! Watch the video below to learn how Garnier Ambre Solaire can give your complexion a gorgeous glow. The Garnier Self Tanning Face Mist has 1/3 off at £5.66* so don't miss out this Christmas.

Tune in tomorrow for tips on how to get an easy, all over spray tan with Garnier!

Emily x

*Prices and offer details correct at time of publishing