It’s been a big grooming week for me. I had my long and unruly hair tamed by Tim at the lookfantastic salon in Brighton AND I have invested in my first shaving brush, both of which I am really happy with! The shaving brush has really made a difference to the way I shave, it works up a great lather and it has helped put a stop (along with Tend Skin) to my dreaded shaving irritation.

Research has shown that 90% of men shave and although some of us may shave more often than others (did I hear someone say twice a week!?) it can often be a painful experience that leaves your skin feeling and looking sore. Now there is an answer….Dermalogica Shave, new at lookmantastic this week.

Dermalogica knows that shaving impacts the skins health – ingrown hairs, irritation and redness are just some of the visible signs of the trauma skin undergoes when taking a razor to it. Dermalogica Shave is a specifically designed system which delivers skin health and an improved shave by being the first to offer products which account for skin condition and facial hair growth type.

So my big tip for this week would be get yourself some Dermalogica Shave, and while your there, invest in a new shaving brush and you can join me in shave heaven.

Dunc x

1. Invite the girls over for some cheeky cosmopolitans to celebrate the release of the much awaited Sex and The City Movie on DVD.

2. Get physical! Exercise releases your happy endorphins so wrap up and enjoy a brisk walk this lunchtime!

3. Give yourself an energy lift and boost your circulation with a sip of yummy blackcurrant and red berry flavoured Thalgo Celluceane.

4. Pretend! Organise a summer party in your living room. Slap on some fake tan and slurp up some sangria!

5. Have a clear out. Pop on your fave 80’s CD and dance around as you declutter to leave you feeling on top of the world!

6. Embrace! As the dark nights draw in, it’s the perfect excuse to cuddle up with lover boy. thisworks Spice Candle Trio will help set the mood!

7. Try a makeover. Experimenting with new make up looks will leave you feeling like a new woman.

8. Lighten up! Seize time in daytime light as often as you can and when inside, try to nab a seat by the window to keep you feeling bright.

9.Treat yourself. Giving yourself something to look forward to increases your motivation. Take a look at our Christmas Gift Shop to pick your pressie!

10. If all else fails, I heard Mexico is nice this time of year!

Lots of love from an energetic, positive, smiley Linz! X

So I awoke this morning, a little earlier than usual and got myself down the gym for an hour of yoga before work. I thought it would help stretch my limbs and awaken me for a great day, although I seemed to have brushed aside the fact that I haven’t done yoga for a while, so unfortunately instead of feeling completely invigorated, I feel a little achy and pooped…I’m hoping this is a sign of doing it properly though and that my muscles will benefit from it in the long run!

However after chatting to Lindsey this morning she has shown me a new gift set from Dermalogica that promises to relax and renew your mind, body and soul. The Dermalogica Stress Relief Set combines mineral salts, treatment oil and a candle to soothe away any stresses from your day and help you unwind into a blissful state. Well Linz has completely sold it to me, so this afternoon I will be treating myself and looking forward to getting home for a relaxing and soothing bath that will replenish my body and get me back on track! However I think I will be staying away from the gym tomorrow!

Have a great week! X x

P.s. The fantastic gift set I mentioned is a new Christmas gift idea from Dermalogica which can be found in the Christmas Shop, live onsite today! And if you are an organised little elf check out all the other great Christmas ideas in there to get started on your Christmas shopping…it’s only 12 weeks away!!!

My favourite has to be OPI’s Holiday in Toyland Christmas ’08 collection – they’re all mega festive and sexy too! So if your looking for a quick way to jazz up an outfit without going overboard – stick some fabulous colour on your nails!

alex x

The film will clash with another Sherlock Holmes comedy with Sasha Baron Cohen, playing the main man. While the former Holme’s will be directed by box office blunderer Guy Ritchie, baron Cohen’s Holmes is yet to confirm a director. So who will make it to the big screen first?

And more importantly who will don the dear-stalker better?

What do you lot think?

I have just returned from a glorious week off and I couldn’t have asked for more. Opting to stay in England and staying in sunny Sussex, the weather was exactly that and I explored the beautiful rolling countryside that this county has to offer. I won’t go on though, as it’s always a pain when that happy camper goes on about their fab week off whilst the rest of you have been struggling on at work, so take comfort in the knowledge that I had 200 emails to sift through on my return!

Needless to say I have only just got my head around the amount of celebrity gossip and new looks that can happen in that short space of time. Apparently Posh wears socks and booties in bed as part of her night time beauty regime, I mean really do we think that makes a huge difference to how we look?! Purple is the colour of the season, bootcut trousers are back and statement jewellery is the latest must have.

However in terms of reality, I think the most important beauty or personal must-have everyone should focus on right now is a good hand cream. As the weather is slightly erratic and we are going through seasonal changes our hands are susceptible to chapping and dryness, not only ageing them but making working with your hands hard work. So invest in a good hand cream now (check out our extensive range) and I guarantee you will feel the benefits now and right the way through winter.

But whilst you are waiting for your hand cream to arrive at your door, enjoy the rest of this sunshine!

For now, amelia x x

Hot off the press, Tend Skin In-Growing Hair Solution has arrived at lookfantastic and lookmantastic. For those of you that haven’t heard of Tend Skin, it is the ultimate skin care solution for unsightly razor bumps, ingrown hairs and razor burn.

Most of us will have experienced some kind of hair removal irritation in the past, whether it was razor bumps, ingrown hairs or skin redness, we have all succumbed to painful and unsightly cosmetic problems relating to hair removal.

Tend Skin’s proven formula can now provide an answer for both men and women. Used anywhere hair removal creates irritation it is ideal for faces, necks, legs, bikini lines and underarms and at only £8.50, it’s a bargain too.

There are enough irritations in life without shaving being one of them. Click here to find out more.

Dunc x

Seeing as our Brighton salon gave us a call to recommend the NEW Redken Urban Experiment Wool Shake 08 I thought it was only fair that we passed on the know how.

Giving a messed-up, voluminous, washed out glam effect to satisfy the most dedicated fashion junky, this new product from Redken (the official sponsor of the VIP lounge at V festival last month, don’t you know) layers up for as much volume and texture as you can handle.

To achieve 3 cool but wearable styles, I’ve compiled some easy to follow tips….but first shake it to activate it! Yes… you have the power to turn the gel slush into a sprayable liquid.

1. For more texture and tousled waves, spritz onto wet hair and allow to air dry.
2. For a matte ‘dirty look’ apply to damp hair and blow dry as you wish.
3. To unleash wild texture with an unrefined wool like top coat, spray onto dry hair.

Remember, after applying the first dose of Urban Experiment Wool Shake 08, first scrunch your hair and then wait 30 seconds for an encore.

Last but by no means least, a little appreciation to Redken for presenting the lush smelling- uninhibited style giving, Urban Experiment Wool Shake 08 and the lookfantastic Brighton Salon for bringing it to our attention!

Loads of Love Linz xx

Having returned (with or without a tan!), I have been trying to catch up with everything that has been going on since I went away. Flicking through a copy of this month’s GQ magazine I noticed that they have published their ‘Men of the Year Awards 2008’. Among the winners were footballer Rio Ferdinand (Editor’s Special Award), Brit award-winning and lookfantastic favourite, Mark Ronson (Maverick of the Year Award) and TV chef Gordon Ramsey (Entrepreneur of the Year).

The award I particularly had my eye on was the award for Most Stylish Man which went to Killer’s frontman Brandon Flowers. The guyliner guru shrugged off the competition to join previous winner’s Russell Brand and David Beckham in the GQ style hall of fame.

In my opinion he was a deserving winner, his style may not be to everyone’s taste but he certainly has the bottle to try something new (yes, I’m talking about the gold suit at Glastonbury!). For that reason, I think it’s hard to argue with the result.

Well done Brandon, I’m off to apply some fake tan!

Dunc x

Have you ever wondered how to ensure your eye make up stays put all day and night long?

I tried and tested the Urban Decay Primer Potion when I was in Greece last week. Opting for a more natural look during the day with just a slick of mascara, I favoured the Primer Potion during the warm evenings. It was very easy to use, smoothing a small amount across my eyelids to create a soft and silky texture. I must admit that I was a little unsure if this would really work, but the primer left me with a smooth base to apply my eyeliner and eyeshadow. I was surprised at how my eyeshadow glided on without creasing. I loved the way it boosted the colour and the fact my eyes looked fresh all night, despite sampling the array of local wines, encouraging me to embrace the tradition of Greek Dance.

Definitely a thumbs up for Urban Decay from me! The Primer Potion proved great value as I didn’t have to use as much eyeshadow to build up colour or reapply. Most importantly for me, I was confident that my eye make up would remain smudge-free all night long! Yiamas!

Linz x

Summer is finally coming to a close (albeit the rather beautiful weekend we have just had – sods law!) and everyone here at lookfantastic is talking about Christmas!!!!! Crazy I know, but secretly I rather like it as it brings about thoughts of twinkling lights, mulled wine, cosy jumpers, fires and fun!

The part I seem to forget about though is the wet and wind and how difficult it makes life trying to get from A to B looking as if you haven’t just tackled a monsoon.

Although scanning the pages of the glossies on what’s hot this autumn/winter I have noticed headscarfs are in! Could these be the new saviour for preventing frizzy or lank hair, Agyness Deyn makes them look edgy and cool, but I have a feeling I would look more like The Queen (without the Corgies) or even more frustrating, my Mother! (No disrespect meant Mum, but I want the age gap to remain visible!) So I think this fashion ‘must-have’ won’t be making it my way and I’ll most probably invest in a good anti-frizz hair serum, such as Kerastase Oleo Relax Elixir Serum, to keep that rain from ruining my barnet!

For now though I will keep praying for a little more sun to keep my locks blonde and tamed! xx

This shade of red looks particularly fierce on lips (matte of course) or nails. Against a perfectly pale complexion – it looks divine!

Watch this space for all the latest goss next week from London Fashion Week….

Till then x

So now it is official, the short crop is definitely in for autumn!

Let us know your thoughts on what you think of Posh’s new do?

For now…Amelia! x

The least I can do is go in prepared. That means loads of waterproofs, wellies, and make-up that will stay put! This might be out of my control if the weather kicks in, so regular reapplication may be my only hope. I’ve decided to leave my SPF at home in the vain hope that if I don’t bring, I will need it, so here’s hoping!

What are your wet weather essentials? Or should I just stay at home!?

Fingers crossed

alex x

Having booked it almost half a year ago, I hadn’t realised how quickly it has approached. As I took to the shops this weekend and began frantically searching for a cute bikini, through the new autumn clothing ranges, I cursed myself for being so disorganised!

On this note I must thank my ever patient boyfriend and his gorgeous sister for putting their hunger pangs aside while we ran from shop to shop in what I can only describe as a military expedition!

Thankfully, sorting out my travel beauty essentials was a much easier mission. A quick search for ‘travel’ on lookfantastic.com turned back a choice of goodies to select from.

So with a new bikini safely purchased and my wash bag packed, all I need to do now is change my currency, locate my camera, pack my case and find my passport!!

Love from a slightly disorganised, but very excited Linz xx

Keeping it soft and minimal, a barely-there coverage let her flawless complexion do the talking, a light application of mascara to define her eyes and a rosy glow to her cheeks gave her that just married healthy glow, where you are so head over heels in love you simply radiate. Her hair was swept up in a classic do that showed off her delicate neck and shoulders, and if I sound like I was truly in awe of her beauty…..I was.

I would like to take a little credit here though, as she did let me into a little secret. She had taken great advice from the ‘Unveil Your Beauty’ feature from the lookfantastic website!

My best of wishes to the beautiful couple! And to all of those other happy couples getting married last weekend; I hope your day was just as memorable.

Amelia

As all the new beauty trends for fall are making their way into the mags, one trend seems to be quite literally punching me in the face. I’m referring to the heavy, glossy black eye make-up that everyone seems to be raving about and which practically covers the whole eye area – otherwise known as glossy eyes, latex eyes, steely greys, vampy blah blah blah. Quite frankly, it resembles two black eyes.

Now I’m all for embracing change but I think I might take rain check on the black eyes.

More beauty blog coming next week…

Have a good weekend x

Amelia x

Since my first blog entry I’ve shown you where to source the hottest products of the month, given celebs a helping hand to clearer skin, delved into the make up bags of my highly knowledgeable colleagues and had a good nosey at what’s been floating your boat.

From the day I arrived at lookfantastic, I’ve been blown away by the vast array of hair and beauty products and amazed by the effects they have on both physical appearance and confidence.

If you asked me to share just one tip with you now, without hesitation I would pass on these few words of wisdom. Truly embrace your natural beauty.

Contradictory? Perhaps not.

The beauty of the products available on today’s market is that they are designed to work with your hair and skin to enhance your natural gorgeousness and not just mask your insecurities…. Thus giving you the confidence to go strut your stuff gal!

Seriously though, having always opted for a natural look I was inclined to stick with a basic cleanse and moisturise. However, after deciding to switch my basic and very dated regime to treat myself to a new facial scrub, moisturiser and skin brightener I was amazed by the healthy glow that it appears I have been hiding! I now love trying out new make-up looks, whether it be a daily natural complexion or mysterious evening eyes. I even tried Alex’s tips in her ‘I Love the Sixties’ blog entry!

We all have it in us but if you need a helping hand to accentuate your natural beauty, please don’t by shy and leave a comment. I’ll be happy to share some skin secrets, Amelia will keep your hair in tip top condition and Alex will keep you on top of the make-up trends. Likewise, our blog readers are more than welcome to share their top tips!

Talk soon,

Linz xxx

Personally I think big brows should be used with caution. If you look like Keira Knightley then go large. If you have very delicate features or your eyebrows aren’t very curved or shapely then stand clear of the woolly wonders.

Till next week,

Alex x