Merry Christmas - Benefit's Festive Glow!

Get that perfect shimmering festive look this xmas with Benefit's Moonbeam, the natural golden pink colour gently highlights the cheek bones giving a radiant finish to your look. Just apply above the cheek bones & just under your eye socket after your blush (for best results use a cream blush). Also apply a little to your brow bone as well for some added shimmer or create an over all glow & add some to your moisturiser or foundation.

Mistletoe Perfect - Cherry Chapstick!

Since Katy Perry sang about it this summer the all time classic & original lip balm 'Chap Stick' has become a full on trend and of course it almost goes without saying that 'Cherry' is the most popular flavour!!! Perfect timing for the cold winter months & it's definitely the best way to keep your pout soft & luscious while tasting great! Get your hands on some before xmas eve & you'll be irresistible under the mistletoe!!!

Superdrug Vit E Cream - Best Budget Buy 2008

Here's some great news for beating the credit crunch blues while still treating your skin this winter, Superdrug's Vitamin E Cream has topped the beauty polls for 2008 as the best budget face cream. Perfect for protecting the skin against UV rays plus it absorbs brilliantly into the skin leaving it feeling soft & fresh with a great finish, also most importantly it's only £2.49!!!

Perfect Lashes from Revitalash!

Fed up with small, sparse or brittle lashes then this is the product for you, Revitalash is a revolutionary new eyelash conditioner from the US that promises to dramatically beautify your lashes so never again need you apply false eyelashes! It has quite a large fan base too with top celebrities such as Jessica Simpson & Marcia Cross snapping them up!
You simply apply once a day and within three to ten weeks your own natural eyelashes will look longer, thicker & fuller.
Doesn't matter how brittle, short, fragile, thin, or sparse your eye lashes are, this wonder conditioner can help you achieve long, beautiful lashes that any movie star would be envious of!!!
Available atHQhair

Bobbi Brown Party Collection

Bobbi Brown's new Party Collection is out now so grab yourself some while you can as they are only limited edition over the festive period! Their Glitter Lip Gloss is the perfect accessory for the office xmas party this year, they are infused with light reflecting flecks of glitter as well as a high shine gloss finish. There are six shades available from deep festive reds to light pinks as well as neutral. (£12.72 with reduced VAT)

Party Season Beauty Rescue!!

Mimic perfect skin after a hard night's christmas partying with 'Mymix' foundation from 'Myface', it's perfect for creating an instant radiant glow to the complexion, also it belends on perfectly feeling light on the skin giving you a natural dewy finish. Apparantly it has quite a celebrity following these days as well! Available from Boots (£12.99)

Christmas Shopping with Clinique

With Christmas shopping in full swing here are few of the popular gift sets on offer from Clinique this year & what's even better to celebrate Christmas Clinique are giving away free luxury gifts (four to choose from) with every order over £35 online, perfect reason to get some xmas shopping done, need to be quick though as the offer on lasts until tomorrow (12/12)!!!


Great Skin Home and Away I/II


Great Skin Home and Away I/II is the perfect Christmas Gift for those who want to sparkle this Christmas. This must have beauty kit includes:-

-Cliniques Dermatologically developed Liquid Facial Soap Mild 200ml with pump
-Clarifying Lotion 2 487ml with pump
-Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 125ml with pump
-Travel size Liquid Facial Soap Mild 30ml Tube with flip top
-Clarifying Lotion 2 60ml
-Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion 30ml tube and a must have Clinique bag!
£ 58.72


Redness Solutions Favourites


A perfect Chirstmas gift set for a Redness Solutions fan.
Complete with a Clinique clear drawstring wash bag, this set contains -
-Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base SPF15 40ml
-Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser 150ml
-Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream 15ml.
£ 26.91


Get Glowing


Get them glowing this Christmas with this Get Glowing gift set. Inlcuding:-

-Bestselling Touch of Bronze Moisturizing Lotion 150ml
-Face Quick Bronze Tinted Self Tanner 150ml
-Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream 75ml
-Water Therapy Moisture Glove Hand Cream 75ml
-Plus a handy clear wash bag.
£ 29.36

Available online at Clinique

Body Shop Christmas Offers - Up to 50% Off!

As the credit crunch deepens, it’s time to say farewell to free-spending fashionistas and embrace your inner ‘recessionista’ for the Christmas season! With The Recessionista’s 12 Days of Christmas Facebook application as your guide, you can become a savvy shopper with smart yet gorgeous gifts from The Body Shop that deliver a sense of luxury without costing the earth.

With over half of The Body Shop products containing ingredients or materials sourced through its unique fair trade programme, Community Trade, The Body Shop products are both festive and fair.

Simply click here to add the application to your Facebook profile and then check the calendar every day to take advantage of the fantastic offers and competitions. With up to 50% off products and some fabulous prizes to be won, there’s sure to be something for everyone on your gift list, including yourself!

To whet your appetite here’s the offer for the first day of The Recessionista’s 12 Days of Christmas:

Friday 12th December

Was £12.50. Now £6.25.

Kick start your Christmas shopping with a twist on the traditional stocking filler – the deliciously scented Satsuma Body Butter at 50% off! An intensive, creamy, all-over body moisturiser with hydrating, zesty and invigorating satsuma essential oil.

To redeem this offer:

Online - Visit The Body Shop and enter code DHAD000135 at checkout

In-store – Find your nearest store and quote GTIN code 38914 at the till.

VAT reduction will be applied at checkout

Luxury Christmas Gifts from ESPA

Great news for Christmas Shopping lists this year, ESPA have released a new collection of 22 inspirational gifts designed to suit every lifestyle, mood and occasion. Each lavish offering is individually hand-wrapped in luxurious tissue and exquisitely presented in a bespoke claret box, then tied with sumptuous ESPA ribbon. Whatever your budget, there is a truly special gift to suit everyone from this irresistible collection: gifts to relax and to revitalise, gifts for those who adore Spa experiences and gifts for men and gifts for the home. The perfect antidote to the stress of Christmas shopping, ESPA gift will also be available hassle-free online and will be beautifully wrapped and delivered for you with a personalised note.
I have been lucky enough to try out one of these luxurious gifts 'The Introductory Collecction' which is perfect to introduce someone to the ESPA range, it contains a complete skin routine in one little box! Firstly there is the 'Hydrating Cleansing Milk' a gentle creamy cleanser which cleanses deep into the skin leaving it feeling clean & fresh, the 'Floral Spafresh' is a light toner to sooth, hydrate & refresh your skin, 'Refining Skin Polish' is a gentle exfoliator to clarify & refine the skin, '24 Hour Moisturising Complex' deeply nourishes & hydrates helping to regenerate the skin & finally '24 Hour Eye Complex' which is a ultra nourishing cream gel which rejuvenates the delicate eye area. One of the most noticable thing about these ESPA products is not only do they feel great on the skin the fragrance is fantastic as well, leaving your skin feeling revitalised & ultra fresh as if you have just walked out of the salon every morning! The Introductory pack is only priced at £16 making it the perfect treat, more gifts from the range are below -


INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT COLLECTION (£41)


GENTLE DEEP CLEANSING BALM 5ML
FIRMING FACE MASK 5ML
REGENERATING MOISTURE COMPLEX 5ML
REGENERATING FACE TREATMENT OIL 10ML
REVITALISING EYE MASK 5ML
INTENSIVE BIO-COMPLEX 5ML



SOOTHE (£43)


SOOTHING BATH OIL 100ML
SOOTHING BODY OIL 50ML
SOOTHING AROMATIC T-LIGHTS



WINTER RESCUE (£44.50)


BOTANICAL LIP BALM 12ML
BOTANICAL RESCUE 18ML
WHITE CLAY HAND CREAM 75ML
REPLENISHING FACE TREATMENT OIL 10ML



INVIGORATE (£35)


BODY SMOOTHING SHOWER GEL 200ML
ESSENTIAL MOISTURISING BODY LOTION 100ML
COTTON CLEANSING MITT



THE ULTIMATE ESPA EXPERIENCE (£275)


HYDRATING CLEANSING MILK 100ML
FLORAL SPAFRESH 100ML
24 HOUR MOISTURISING COMPLEX 15ML
SKIN BRIGHTENER 15ML
REFINING SKIN POLISH 15ML
ESSENTIAL MINERAL MASK 15ML
REPLENISHING FACE TREATMENT OIL 28ML
SOOTHING EYE LOTION 100ML
PINK HAIR & SCALP MUD 100ML
MINERAL SEA SALTS 200G
EXFOLIATING BODY POLISH 100ML
ESSENTIAL MOISTURISING BALM 100ML
RESTORATIVE BATH OIL 100ML
RESTORATIVE BODY OIL 50ML
WHITE CLAY HAND CREAM 75ML
SOOTHING AROMATIC CANDLE 200G



SHAVE RITUAL (£39.50)


SHAVEMUD 200ML
POSTSHAVE 70ML
COTTON CLEANSING MITT

All Available www.espaonline.com

Serious Lash Attitude - Madame Butterfly

Make a serious statement with your lashes this party season with Madame Butterfly, amazing dramatic lashes that will certainly make you stand out from the crowd!!! The range also includes bejeweled lashes, coloured & feathered, plus with names such as 'Midnight Masquerade', 'Sexy Loren' & 'Burlesque Beauty', who could resist!!! £4.50 each at HQhair

Perfect Xmas Gift - GHD Purple Gift Set

This Christmas sees the brand new limited edition purple GHD gift sets flying off the shelf, the perfect present for any fashionista!
The set contains a set of purple GHD straighters with matching bag, a GHD travel hair dryer, purple hair clips & a heat resistant roll bag.

Available at 'GirlzNight' for only £145 -

Angelina Jolie - Red Lipstick Glamour!

Angelina Jolie wowed the crowds last night at the premier for Brad Pitt's new movie 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', she wore a figure hugging dress by L'Wren Scott, making it almost impossible to believe she gave birth to twins only a few months ago! To finish off her glamorous look for the evening she was sporting a fabulous red lipstick which gave added hollywood glamour to the whole ensemble! Red lips are the perfect accessory for any festive outfit this month, try Clinique's 'Angel Red' lipstick (also the colour Niole Kidman wore in Moulin Rouge).

New From Nars - The Multiple Duo

Nars have just released their new compact 'The Multiple Duo', it contains 2 of their most popular shades 'Orgasm' & 'South Beach' in their 'mistake proof colour' which is quick & easy to apply giving effortlessly flawless make-up! It can create a healthy flush of colour on the cheeks as well as shimmer effects for the eyes & soft colour on the lips, perfect for travelling light with your make-up bag!
Available On-Line at www.narscosmetics.co.uk (£33)

Make-Up Hall Of Fame - Barry M Dazzle Dust

Over the last few months we have been doing our very own 'Make-Up Hall of Fame', for all those fantastic products & tools that keep us looking at our best, it will consist of the true tried & tested items that come up trumps every time proving themselves to be timeless classics that no beauty junkie should be without! Any suggestions on what you think & any products you feel should definitely be put forward let us know - eyecandyblog@googlemail.com
Barry M's dazzle dusts are iconic & the perfect way to create a dazzling Christmas party look this year!!! Their collection includes every colour in the spectrum from bright to subtle sparkles, all highly pigmented & reflective so you can create a bold colourful look or opt for a subtle shimmer.. Best way to use the glitter pots is to apply a base first, go for 'Shell' Cream Base by Mac it really holds the pigment in the shadow & keeps it where you want it to be! Apply with a flat brush first of all & then blend out with a 'fluff' brush to create a soft finish. £4.50 each.

Brand New from Soap & Glory - Off Your Face Wipes

Latest addition to cult brand Soap & Glory is their fab new face wipes 'Off Your Face', these are an all in one cleansing wipe which removes make-up & grime from the day with an added bonus - pore minimiser! So over time they will reduce pore size as well as help dead skin build up as you cleanse , excellent!!! £3.99 from Boots.

New from Rodial - Glamtox Peel

Rodial's latest skincare addition & alternative to surgery is their 'Glamtox Peel', this is a clay mask which claims it can reverse the signs of ageing in just ten minutes!
It contains their new ground breaking ingrediant 'LaraCare' which firms & lifts the skin as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it also contains 'Aigirline' which can reduce stress in the skin & relax contracted muscles (a little like botox but without the needles!), they also claim that these ingrediants take effect instantly so you can see effects straight away after use. As if that wasn't enough to make you want to try it out, they claim that the fruit acids also refine the skin giving you a brighter, healthier & more youthful complexion!
To use, apply the mask generously to the skin, allow to dry & then remove by gently rubbing the skin with fingertips, finally rinse with warm water.
Available on line at www.rodial.co.uk or at Harvey Nichols (£70).

Bobbi Brown - New Long Wear Eye Palette

Bobbi Brown's new long wear eye palette is causing quite a storm at the make-up counters just now, they're limited edition as well so grab yourself one while you can!
The shadows are long wear, smudge & crease resistant, they also feature new as well as popular shades from their Cream Shadows & Gel Liners. There are 2 shadow colours & 2 gel liners, the shadow colours are light & natural with brown & black gel liners to choose from so you can opt for subtle to dramatic finishes making the palette completely versatile. 'Moon Rock Long-Wear Eye Palette' (£38 Each)

Rose & Co Lip Balm

With the winter chill starting to bite & a cold snap predicted to hit the UK this weekend it really is time to protect that pout! Try out Rose & Co's fantastic 'Strawberry Crush Gloss Lip Balm', it tastes & smells good enough to eat so you won't want to stop applying it, perfect way to keep those lips soft, also they'll be irrisistable as well!! Available at www.asos.com (£5)

Brand New Neutrogena Wave - Review

Over the last 2 weeks I have been putting the new Neutrogena Wave to the test, a new innovative & revolutionary way to cleanse the skin! It is a small compact device with a vibrating motion which releases a 'tingly' foam to penetrate deep into the pores, the gentle vibrations then massage the face to give you softer skin just after one use! This means that it can cleanse 10 times deeper removing dirt, oil & make-up, pretty impressive! You simply add the small softly textured pads & with warm water apply the the device across the face, quick & easy whilst you get a salon standard cleanse at home!
Having a naturally oily skin I have found that it can reduce excess oil build up as well, the sensation on the skin is fantastic, leaving my skin feeling very soft as well as banishing any blemishes!! It is very easy to use too which is important & makes cleansing a little more enjoyable each night, no more wiping cleanser away with cotton wool, just a quick fun cleanse & I'm done!
Neutrogena Wave is released in the UK on Monday (24/11) & you can find them in all major Boots stores nationwide, the starter pack is just £12.99 & includes 14 pads (you throw away each one after use), you can buy a refill pack for 4.99 which includes 30 pads, excellent value when you consider the cost of a facial!

Mac's New Holiday 2008 Collections

Mac's new Red Collections are all about classic glamour but with a modern twist, perfect for this season's festive spirit!

'Red' She Said, the full on Hollywood Glamour look!



'The Passions of Red' Collection



Bejewelled cases filled with red hot make-up gems, glamorous lip & eye palettes containing new & come-back shades, 7 compacts available. My favourite, 'Devoted Poppy' with this year's hottest lip colour 'coral', it contains 2 perfect & subtle coral shades with lip gloss. Lip Palettes £20 & Eyes £30.

'Passionately Red'



Viva Glam compacts featuring popular shades from the collection, all in beautiful warms tones, perfect for winter! There are 2 palettes each containing 2 lipsticks & Viva Glam Gloss. £20.00 Each.

Baily's "Listen To Your Lips' Campaign - PhotoShoot Preview!

EyeCandy have been given a sneak preview of the new Baily's campaign photoshoot 'Listen To Your Lips', it launches globally at the end of this month & top fashion photographer Rankin was assigned to create images which feature iconic & contempoaray lipstick/gloss looks.
First Advert Shots To Be Released -



Over 100 models were casted for the print advertising campaign, the key to choosing these models was that they had to have luscious and expressive lips, and were from different cultural backgrounds.
Casting Pictures -


In the first phase of print advertisements the model's make-up was kept natural and the make-up artist used lipstick/gloss colours that built on the models natural lip colour.
Exclusive Behind The Scenes Shots of the Photoshoot -




There are more print adverts to run later in the campaign which feature more dramatic lip looks including glitter, so we'll try post these as well, some inspiration for festive season make-up looks perhaps! Also the first set of tv adverts are out now so keep your eyes peeled!

New from Benefit

Benefit have just released this ingenious new tool for lips, 'Pocket Pal', it's a new portable version of their Benetint for lips paired with a super shine clear lip gloss. The tint comes with a handy lip brush to apply a sheer coverage of the rosy tint & then you just apply the gloss over the top for a super sparkling finish! £14.50

Also perfect for Christmas gifts & amazing value is the new lip gloss gift set 'Peace, Love & Glossiness', it includes 3 tubes each with 2 complementing glossy colours, so 6 in total. They are also Benefit's most popular colours & considering individual glosses are £13 each this set is a steal at £19.50!

Sparkling Eyes - Urban Decay Glitter Liner

For glittering fabulous eyes try out Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Liners to set them a light with sparkle! The formula has intense shimmer & glitter through it & just a light line across the top lash line can make a huge impact, it can be worn with or without eyeshadow & can even build up across the lid to create a full on glitter spectacular! Perfect for the festive party season next month!
£11.50 at HQ Hair, Click Here

Make-Up Hall Of Fame - Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Over the last few months we have been doing our very own 'Make-Up Hall of Fame', for all those fantastic products & tools that keep us looking at our best, it will consist of the true tried & tested items that come up trumps every time proving themselves to be timeless classics that no beauty junkie should be without! Any suggestions on what you think & any products you feel should definitely be put forward let us know - eyecandyblog@googlemail.com
Maybelline's 'Great Lash' is still the worlds number one selling Mascara, even used by top make-up artists it has graced many a catwalk as well as silver screen! The lash building formula gives fuller lases with no clumps & the brush is designed to build even the smallest of lashes. For best results apply 2 coats of mascara, it comes in 3 colours, 'Blackest Black', 'Very Black' & 'Brown'.
The Green & Pink mascara is somewhat of an iconic look & is instantly recognisable, finding it's way into millions of make-up bags it is second to none!
Shoot below with Christy Turlington wearing Great Lash Mascara -

Body Shop Exclusive Offer!

EXCLUSIVE OFFER:

50% off Coconut Body Butter 200ml,wWhen you shop in-store or online
From Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th November 2008
(Original price RRP: £12.50. NOW: £6.25)

Treat yourself (or someone else) to the rich and creamy Coconut Body Butter from The Body Shop. With a celebrity following, this excellent moisturiser melts at body temperature, leaving the skin feeling soft and silky smooth for up to 24 hours! It contains natural coconut oil, as well as Community Trade shea butter and Cocoa Butter from Community Trade cocoa beans from Ghana. Just Click Here

Rimmel's Sexy Curves Mascara

Rimmel have just brought out their latest offering in the Mascara stakes, 'Sexy Curves', with their new face Sophie Ellis Bexter showing us how to smoulder with perfect lashes they promises to give us up to 70% more curve! It has a new Triple Plump Brush as well as Lash Plump Formula to give added volume for beautiful volumpious lashes!
Also Rimmel have 10,000 to give away, so log on to www.rimmellondon.com now to claim yours before they all go!
£7.99 Each

Halloween Goodies - Bourjois 'So Laque'

It may have been this year's spookiest night yesterday but Saturday night is just the time to dress up for halloween & what could be better to finish off any outfit but dark patent nails....which are of course one of the hottest trends this year!
Defintely the best accessory to complete your look, try out Bourjois's brand new polish 'So Laque', just out this week, enriched with vinyl they give a fantastic rich colour & amazing shine, plus they stay on for 7 days! £4.95.

Halloween Goodies - YSL Black Lip Gloss!

As winter draws in, dark lips are predicted to be the latest trend & the perfect fashion statement..! Also perfect for halloween of course & it'll certainly vamp up any costume to make you stand out from the crowd this weekend!
YSL's new Limited Edition Gloss in 'Pure Black' has been a huge hit on the highstreet since it's launch, it's flexible in application as it's a gloss, so you can get a sheer plum effect with a light application or build it up for a deep black patent shine! This gloss is a preview for a new lip gloss range to be launched in Spring 2009, there will be 6 shades, all with pure colour & high shine.
£17.50

Party Eyes - Jemma Kidd 'Crushed Jewel Creme Duo'

Set your eyes a light with Jemma Kidd's 'Crushed Jewell Creme Duo', the cream base & shimmering jewels can help you create a striking look worthy of any catwalk! Apply the cream shadow base first of all across the lids, don't take it any higher than the socket line, then with a fluff brush sweep the loose powder jewels over the cream which will hold them in place. Blend it out softly in circular motions to create an even finish, also for an even more striking look apply a little of the cream base under the lower lash line & then with a cotton bud blend some of the sparkles over it. One tip though, as it can get a little messy, do it before apply your foundation so you can patch up any loose sparkles that fall down while you're creating your master piece!
Available at Boots £12, latest colour Released this week in 'Bronzite'

Happy Halloween By Mac!

Looking for some halloween effects for this weekend...well look no further!! The Mac make-up artists have been busy at work creating some frightful designs that will be sure to make you stand out at any party! Check out the clip below -

Best Matte Powder - Estee Lauder Double Wear

After searching for a matte powder that gives great coverage without caking as well as a long lasting finish Estee Lauder's 'Double Wear Long Lasting Powder' works wonders!
It creates a soft matte finish, controls excess oil & shine without drying the skin as well as minimising pores. It will set your make-up perfectly & the powder won't change colour either as it wears, plus it stays put - even increasing the wear of cheek colour as well.
Generally for oily to combination skin, it's perfect for keeping a fresh matte look all day without constant shine touch ups!
A little pricey, but it does last well so well worth it (£22.50).

Make-Up Hall Of Fame - Eight Hour Cream

Over the last few months we have been doing our very own 'Make-Up Hall of Fame', for all those fantastic products & tools that keep us looking at our best, it will consist of the true tried & tested items that come up trumps every time proving themselves to be timeless classics that no beauty junkie should be without! Any suggestions on what you think & any products you feel should definitely be put forward let us know - eyecandyblog@googlemail.com
Without a doubt Elizabeth Arden's 'Eight Hour Cream' is one of the world's most successful beauty products, initially created by Elizabeth Arden herself in 1930 it now has iconic status mainly for it's healing capabilities for minor skin irritations as well as it's versatility. The range now includes lipstick to hand cream & body moisturisers however the original is still the best seller of course! Here are just a few uses for this multi purpose product - helps sooth legs after shaving, soothes sunburn & helps to maintain your tan, skin & lip protector from the drying effects of sun & wind, perfect to shape unruly eyebrows, all over make-up highlighter from brow bones to cheek bones as well as mixing with eye shadow to create a dewy glossy finish!
The list could go on forever which is why it truly deserves a place in the Make-Up Hall Of Fame!
Why not treat yourself to the Vintage Collection out now (Pictured Above) £16