Horses for courses.

Friday, November 6th, 2009 | Celebrities, Fashion, Make-up, Trends | No Comments

“The best colour in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you.” Coco Chanel

Engulfed in an abyss of fickle on-trend rules, translating seasonal looks into covetable ‘you-styles’ can make for a daunting feat. Trawling through hot new picks, runway costumes and studying Gaga (the lady of a thousand faces), I find myself squinting sideways as I vision my humble locks and average silhouette morphing into some of the outlandish styles of the moment.

A self confessed slave to the cause, I possess an array of squeaky clean soled shoes, dresses that only ever feature in bedroom bound fashion shows and what can only be described as a  make-up larder brimming with neon shadows and matching nail coats. But after attempting to finally put those floral 100 deniers to good use in light of the new ‘funky tights’ trend, I came to the realisation that there is no denying the uncomfortable truth: fashion is simply horses for courses and what may transform one into a haute couture ‘dame de la mode’, will invariably morph the most of us into a scantily clad style disaster. Bin the florals Sarah. Please.

The key? Knowing who you are and digging your heels (or flats) in while you bend the rules to you suit the beautifully unique look of you. Style is what makes us fashionable. Fashion doesn’t give us style. Experiment, on yourself (and on others), be comfortable, have confidence and ultimately, adapt trends as you see fit. If you go the other way, you’ll be on a fast track to ‘Gaga-ville’ and I imagine sporting a thousand faces real hard to maintain.

Daring divas…
All that glitters is definitely gold for Balmain this season. Transform AW09s sequin craze into a full on cat-suit if you wish, and everyone will stare in amazement at your courageous quirky audacity. When in the office, why not reduce your sparkle sensations to some shimmer-shouting eyes with Bare Escentuals Glimmer - True Gold. Couple with  some patent booties (anything up to 5″) sported inconspicuously under the desk and you’ll relish in office glamour without offending straight-laced-Susan on floor four.

Elegant dames…
Sky high waists teamed with studded Jimmy Choos (we love you H&M!) and some razor sharp shoulders will have you swanking around in 80s fabulousness. Finish with a matted scarlet pout, rounded chill nails and a perfectly tousled up-do for the on-trend Audrey Hepburn image. Try Babylish Black Conical Wand - wide Barrel for delicious curls and to hold that pose for ever, spray hair zealously with Sebastian Liquid Steel.

In love with flats…..
Missoni’s heavy knitwear is all about layering and can be uber chic for the lady of natural beauty. Have a make-under in the style of the Gucci girls and relish in gleaming and dewy skin tones. Try Yves Saint Laurent Touché Eclat Luminous Radiance to add an understated glow to your fabulous complexion (jealous much) and bask in your easy-peasy beauty that quite frankly makes the rest of us green!

Alberta Ferretti put it perfectly: “Fashion shouldn’t be a costume, your dress should be an extension of your personality.” Afterall, you don’t need a 2004 Christina Aguliera calling the office and asking for her worst dressed rep back do you?

Longing for the A-List Treatment

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 | Celebrities, Fashion, Hair, Hot Topics, Make-up, Nails, Skin Care, Trends | No Comments

These could be yours! Amongst more A-list must-haves...

Ok so if you’ve made it to the blog via our lookfantastic homepage then you would’ve already seen the amazing prize that’s on offer throughout November right?

Undeniably it’s an ultimate opportunity to steal the limelight of the A-listers as you ensemble your new designer gear, splash the cash (well ok, vouchers) on fine wine, before soaking up the romance of Paris … and then when you arrive home to some fresh flowers every month from your adoring fans (admittedly we can’t promise the fan bit) you can set to work choosing yourself some delectable handmade furniture and accessories to stylise your humble abode. Steam up the bathroom, run a bath full of bubbles and indulge in a bit of relaxation with the latest edition of Glamour. Oh and you’re not finished yet…£300 worth of goodies from the lookfantastic site are yours for the taking to make sure you look top dollar as you step into L.K. Bennett to splash the vouchers once more!

The excitement of pulling a whopping £2500 prize together was so overwhelming that it slipped our mind that we couldn’t enter it ourselves! Doh! Oh well, I guess that’s more chance for you then… x

P.s. If you are contacted next month as the lucky winner of our competition and struggle to find someone to join you on the weekend to Paris, you can always contact me via this very blog…! xx

Flutter-thy lashes

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 | Make-up, Trends | 1 Comment

Believe it or not, but for fear of them crawling down my face causing much embarrassment, I only tried my first pair of falsies on a (very fun filled) hen night last month.

Too nervous to put them on myself, (please feel free to leave a comment if you have any fool proof tips on applying false lashes!) my friend stepped in to act as my very own lash saviour. Together, friend and falsies joined forces to give me the most amazing lashes! Ever! And behold, I am now addicted to them.

However, I do not feel it appropriate to wear false lashes 24/7…despite working in a fashion fuelled environment and instead opt for lashings of trusty mascara. Top of my wishlist right now is the multi-tasking, time saving Clarins Wonderperfect, the lifting bareMinerals Flawless Definition with it’s 360° fine-toothed comb and my sisters favourite Benefit BADgal lash, which make it look like you’rer wearing falsies without the risk of them falling off!

Have you had any touch-and-go beauty moments you wish to share?!

Walking in a beauty wonderland

Friday, October 16th, 2009 | Hair, Hot Topics, Make-up, Men, Nails, Skin Care, Trends | No Comments

“Now Clarins, now Cowshed, now Tigi and Darphin, on Gucci, on Prada, on Juicy and Redken…Twas the countdown to Christmas and all through the night”…to cheesy? Ok I’ll quit.

Selfridges did it with 141 days to go, Harrods with an impressive 152 and lookfantastic with a confident and swanky 75. It’s inevitable that with less than three months before the turkey-laden day, it’s very on-trend to be utterly engulfed in an array of pre-season Christmas shops. Amongst the whiskey, shoe polish and cat food (yes, there are!?) gift sets, I have succumbed to the notion that there are in fact, gift ensembles for absolutely everything. And of course, not being one to disappoint, the LF Christmas Gift Shop offers no less than something for absolutely everyone.

Avoiding January bill blues has become one of my crowning feats in recent years. Rummaging around early bird Christmas collections during mid July may be frowned upon by some, but be forewarned - my ‘I’m-so-organised-face’ is always mildly smug as I fall in after my New Years Eve finale and realise I’m proudly debt free (ish).

I  also believe there is an incredible amount to be said for shopping in your jim-jams, especially when over zealous shoppers cram into each home store like sardines. I take guiltless pleasure in lounging around, swapping my tea with (festively) large amounts of Bailey’s, and watching my gift list gradually shrink with every ‘Add to basket’ click.

With this is mind, I have scoured through the gift-set merriment that adorns the LF Christmas Shop to bring you my personal top three yuletide goodies, because let’s face it; successful gift giving is the difference between receiving an item from your wish list and being handed a pair of (possibly used) peach, velour, fleece lined slippers…one size too small. So amongst our oh-so-fabulous collections I have found these beautifying bad boys for your browsing pleasure. Come all ye spendful (and thriftful) there’s something for us all!

Tweezerman Swarovski Slant Tweezer - Devine White. As white as freshly settled snow yet packing some dazzling-blingtastic punch, these uber glam tweezers are guaranteed to impress your glamour-puss compadreys.

Cowshed Bullocks Sponge Bag. Definitely a quirky stocking filling for your raging bull. Designed to pacify and relax in a flash, he can indulge while you get on with finishing the Christmas tin of Roses. Having the purple ones all to yourself!

Burt’s Bees Polka Dot Perfect Mani-Pedi Gift Set. Give hardworking Mum the gift of pretty pieds and plush pinkies this Christmas and you’ll no longer have to wince as she prepares the turkey with bare hands!

Finally, after living through some personal (brow raising) experiences, I would just like to note that when deciding on festive donations, you’ll never go far wrong with a few self indulgent beauty aides. Men, women, young, old, everyone loves a bit (or a lot) of me time, and a complimentary preening kit will always be welcomed with open arms.

On the other hand, a brand new top of the range, ultra fast folding, super light weight, remote control, ironing board for her, will probably be met with some deflated disappointment. Possibly even a strike - ironing or otherwise. Equally, buying him the same middle of the road aftershave your dad, uncle and dentist wears will only further him comfortably into ‘predictable’ mode. Spontaneous spa trips and lavish diamond gifts- cancelled.

Spread your wings and flutter away!

Friday, September 25th, 2009 | Fashion, Hot Topics, Make-up, Trends | 1 Comment

With the comforting kisses of mistress-summer landing few and far between, we are fast becoming beholden to the looming autumn grind. With darker nights and dimmer days, its no wonder the entire fashion universe ruled long ago to add some promising sparkle to this dull seasonal transition. The annual deadline for all forthcoming fashion trends is launched each September with the ascendancy of London Fashion Week. 25years on and the glossies are filled with thrilling new frocks and chops. Imagine my excitement as the classic and elegant designs glide down the catwalk and I swiftly realise that in their simplistic lustre- I am left lashings of room for statement make-up!

I once described the fun a girl has in the application of make-up as comparable to pre school picture painting. Admittedly I got some bemused looks?! But I’m sure any self-respecting cosmetic junkie will agree that each application is a personal work of art and the possibilities are endless! (Golden rule: Not to mix too many colours and be sure to leave enough blank canvas for appreciation!) Just as well this season you’ll see ocular opulence cropping up in abundance, with lavish lashes and dark smoky lids. Autumn’s ‘winged-eye’ will add some von-tease to any classic couture number.

Unlike its 80’s predecessor, the smoky statement eye is now going solo, remove all traces of brazen-scarlet lipstick and let your pout bare all. Coupling this ‘extremist versus minimalist’ style with the strong lines and sharp edges of the catwalk, your alluring eyes will surely win you a few long stares. Deep plums and smoky denim replace ebony shades along with a lifting sweep of eyeliner glitter to make an uber glamorous finishing touch.

As with any dramatic style, things can quite easily slip from stunning statement to dramatically dreadful! With a fair few cracking experiences under my belt, let me give you a few invaluable tips to assist your way to smouldering siren and you can be the first to strut those lids and spread your brand new ‘wings’.

Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Fishnet

Kicking off the proceedings with Too Faced Eyeshadow Candy Bar in Black Liquorice, sweep a lighter grey colour over mid to top of lid, creating a soft but smoky base for you to build your masterpiece. Never start with a base-colour too dark, light layers of colour will prevent your luscious lids from sporting the ‘long, hard night’ look.

Choose either a plush plum or deep navy feature colour such as Urban Decay Deluxe Eye shadow in Fishnet, this partially smoky, partially metallic mauve will give you eyes a colourful lift whilst still remaining dark and mysterious.

Now to create the infamous ‘eye wings’ you must make the inevitable decision: Are you a liquid eye liner pro with a grip as steady as a bomb diffusing veteran? Or like the most of us, do one too many late nights and a slightly misty mirror leave your precision eye line techniques a lot to be desired? For perfect Polly, there is the classic swipe of shimmering Urban Decay Liquid Liner Oil Slick, to give you a sparkly swoop that will lift you all the way to couture status. Run a fine line over the top of your lid and outward in an upwards motion to create a ‘youthful flick’ (anything that involves the upward motion is considered youthful don’t forget!).

If you are an average steady-eddy then stick to creating your seductive wings with a dark and smoky shadow like Duwop Smoke Palette - Navy Seal in the same upward motion remembering less is always more. Well, in this case

Finale your new seductress look with The RMK Ingenious Pencil Eyeliner 02 in Deep Gray to create the lower lid statement and ultimately completing you testimony to the brand new autumn 2009 make-up style in the ‘blink of an eye’!

Smell fantastic!

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 | Celebrities, Fashion, Hot Topics, Men, Trends | No Comments

Well let’s start with an apology for the recent lack of attendance!

We haven’t been neglecting you, in fact quite the opposite! For we’ve been working hard to bring you our sparkling new fragrance shop. Oh yes! The lookfantastic virtual shelves are overloaded with tantalising fragrances, seductive scents and elegant classics for both him and for her. Take a peek and lose yourself amongst the likes of Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gautier and even the Beckhams!

Fancy yourself as our guest blogger?

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 | Celebrities, Fashion, Hair, Hot Topics, Make-up, Nails, Skin Care, Trends | 1 Comment

We update you daily with our latest discoveries in the world of hair and beauty but this week I thought it’d be fun to mix it up and give you a chance to join our fabulous blogging team!

I’ve got 3 sample bags full of yummy Caudalie goodies to give-away. To see yourself on this very blog here next week send me a quick email to blog@lookfantastic.com with your name, address and explain in less than 50 words why you’d make a fab guest blogger for next weeks post! We’ll choose our faves and then send our chosen ones a sample bag of Caudalie’s dry skin saviours to review in a dedicated blog post next week!

Look forward to working with you!

Up, up and stay!

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 | Fashion, Hair, Trends | No Comments

For a while now I’ve been finding myself a little bored of my style and toying with the idea of getting my locks chopped for a funky new ‘do. And when I finally pluck up the courage, up-do’s are everywhere!

A quick and easy hair fix!

I’ve had long hair for as long as I can remember and thankfully I hadn’t stepped into the salon before re-discovering the endless possibilities of long locks!

For example, today I turned up to work in a bit of a rush with my hair down and within the time it took for the kettle to boil, I transformed my look effortlessly with a quick plait.

With my new found passion for long hair, I’ve also ‘discovered’ some great styling tools! Amongst them the backcomb brush, hairspray and kirbygrips! Ok ok, so hardly newly discovered, but it’s safe to say I’m more than chuffed with the inspiration I’ve gained from the upping trend of cheeky twists, chignons and the 40’s roll, and I will not be taking the chop!

The lookfantastic award winners

Monday, August 3rd, 2009 | Celebrities, Hair, Hot Topics, Make-up, Men, Nails, Skin Care, Trends | No Comments

It’s a hotly anticipated day today here at LF HQ, as this morning we’ve been privy to some highly insightful and informative information which we are excited to share…. This year saw us bring you the first ever lookfantastic awards, and today we’re thrilled to announce the winners!

Breaking down the winners so you can see what ‘you’ the customers thought and voted for, as well as what our panel of experts voted for as their must-haves and what they highly commend as well as highlighting the overall category winners.

Astounded by the sheer number of votes we received and taking from our expert’s opinions, we suggest if you haven’t got the winners in your beauty bag it’s time to stock up now!

Bronzing rocks

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 | Make-up, Trends | No Comments

With sexy summer style adorning the glossies I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the new St. Tropez Bronzing Rocks and hoorah, I finally have them in my possession!

The smart packaging oozes luxury and the Bronzing Rocks themselves were to my surprise rather large, (I was expecting the usual small bronzing balls). Now it wouldn’t be much use just looking at these dazzling beauties so I, for the benefit of you all, just had to try them out! There’s a picture there just below…see?!

Me using the new Bronzing Rocks!

You might wonder what I’m doing there, but not only does this bronzer sweep on beautifully with a brush, they’re easy to handle and make a brilliant eye shadow too. Working wonders if you are in a hurry, simply pick one of the rocks up with your fingers, smooth on and blend outwards. Although using your fingers might limit the number of effects you could create, there’s no reason you couldn’t use an eye shadow brush to blend with your daily hue.

The texture is velvety, adding to the indulgent feel and the colour itself is gorgeous, offering just the right hint of bronze to the face and neck, I’ll probably sweep some over my shoulders too for a sexy shimmer. So overall it’s a glowing report from me for these gorgeous versatile Bronzing Rocks!

P.S. Has anyone tried these on the lips under lip gloss? If so let us know how you got on!