Introducing… Lipstick Queen – Girls Will Be Boys
Ah, makeup. We all want to wear it, yet we all somehow want to look like we aren’t wearing it. It’s a paradox of the first degree, and possibly rooted in problematic virgin-whore dichotomies and our old fave, unrealistic beauty standards. Essays could be written on the topic. But that’s not what I’m doing today. […]
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Best New Beauty Products
It’s been a while since I rounded up some of my favourite beauty buys and thanks to my work at Slapp, I’ve found even more excuse to experiment. I’ve noticed a real difference in products since I started Blush back in 2010. Formulas have advanced and we’ve picked up a few more skincare steps along […]
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Introducing… Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath
There’s something about lip gloss. It has an oddly adolescent reputation, sort of a “lipstick light” for those not quite ready to take the plunge. And while teenagerhood is, to me, always an aspirational state, I do think there’s something to be said for a more serious lip gloss. Gloss for grown-ups, if you will. […]
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Introducing… Rodin Lipsticks
If you’re a fan of Cool Girls (and let’s face it, who isn’t?) you may be familiar with the original and best, iconic stylist Linda Rodin. Even by looking at her you can tell she’s cool – white hair, oversized glasses, clean skin and neon lipstick is her uniform. Plus, she never got married because […]
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Summer’s Not Over Yet! – GTL: Last Minute Style Fixes
Summer has been a never-ending dream of sunny days above 20 degrees. We’ve already given you a sartorial heads up, but the summer has lasted longer than we anticipated, so we thought we’d add a few more must-haves to your Summer shopping list. Get the Look: Track Swimsuit, £70, LesGirlsLesBoys Christian Dior, Burgundy Quilted Velvet Lady […]
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Introducing… Vichy – Idéal Soleil Solar Protective Water
I think the whole world now agrees that SPF is, broadly a good thing. We have a scientifically proven way to prevent burning, premature skin ageing and cancer, so it seems a bit remiss to not bother using it. Yet, still SPF products tend to have a bad rep. They’re usually very much function over […]
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Blush Loves… Thomas Cole & Ed Ruscha’ Empire at The National Gallery
As a long time fan of Ed Ruscha, I was beyond excited to preview his new exhibition Course of Empire at the National Gallery. The press release also noted that works from artist Thomas Cole would also be featured; interesting and maybe worth a look, I presumed. I rushed off to the NG and straight […]
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Introducing… Dior’s Lip Glow
In a world of Instagram lip art, glitter, and ombré, there’s something to be said for a low maintenance lip look. And while I’m a huge fan of a clear gloss or (gasp) just leaving them bare, sometimes there’s a need for a little something more. Something which looks like, your lips but better. Enter, […]
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Introducing … Ellis Faas Glow Up
If ever a makeup item has defined a time, surely it is highlighter defining right now. I’m not that old (I really promise I’m not), but I remember a time when highlighters solely referred to neon pens. In fact, I remember discovering Benefit High Beam (which I’m pretty sure was the first mass-market highlight) and […]
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12 Vestiaire Vintage Pieces To Pimp Up Your Summer Wardrobe
After the sell-out success of our last Vestiaire Collective round-up, I figured Summer was the perfect time for another. I’ve picked 14 of my faves from the vintage app to keep you looking cool all summer long. Givenchy, Cut-out Swimsuit, £302.51, Vestiaire Collective Moschino, Sunglasses, £131.52, Vestiaire Collective Balenciaga, T-Shirt, £210, Vestiaire Collective Alexander Wang, […]
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The Summer Essential: Guerlain Terracotta Light Bronzer
Summer dreams are made of Guerlain. My first flush with the french powerhouse was in Spring 06 on a trip to see my Parisian bff. We wandered dow the Champs Elysees and stumbled upon the Guerlain Flagship. As we ascended the spiral staircase in what seemed like an old Maison, my love for all things […]
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Backstage Beauty: Gucci Cruise 2019
Ah Gucci, how do I count the ways I love thee. With every collection Alessandro Michele gets better and better. Settling further into his stride, the Gucci creative director and indisputable king of Fashion, has further refined his eclectic aesthetic with the Gucci Cruise show. This year, my all-time favourite boss-b Elizabeth I made an […]
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Introducing… IGK’s Thirsty Girl – Coconut Milk Leave In Conditioner
Cool Girl Hair is a timeless ideal. Even without describing it, I think you know what I mean – hair that falls just so, is perfectly somehow both soft ‘n’ shiny, yet texturised ‘n’ tousled, and most importantly, hair that is totally effortless, requiring no product or styling. After years of extensive research, I’ll go […]
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What to Wear for Summer in The City
Every summer we are inundated with vacay shopping guides, and every year I reach new levels of FOMO. Whilst I most definitely indulge in a summer trip or three, I’m yet to achieve the 4 hour work week lifestyle, in which I can spend 6 months here and 6 months in the sun. Nevertheless I […]
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Blush Loves… Erno Laszlo
I’ve always struggled to find a makeup remover. Not an eye makeup remover – for which there are many. As an advocate of unabashed slapp, I’ve always been the friend who has primed, concealed, foundationed and set. For some a swish of mascara or swipe of a red lippy is enough to impart confidence. For […]
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Introducing… Urban Decay’s Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette
Though I’m not confident in many statements when it comes to beauty, I feel pretty safe in saying that warm eyeshadows are not going anywhere anytime soon. I think this is because they’re a great balance between playing it safe vs. making a statement; as they’re brown-based but with hints of colour, to add an […]
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Introducing… Vapour Organic Beauty’s Atmosphere Luminous Foundation
When it comes to makeup, in spite of my intense love for it, I am fundamentally quite lazy. I’ve accepted it, and therefore no one can use it against me. I probably wear makeup twice a week, and when I do it’s usually as few products as possible. Except when it comes to glitter, but […]
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Festival Glamour Inspiration: Elie Saab SS18
I’m a huge fan of all things Elie Saab. Whilst girly isn’t usually my style, nothing makes me swoon like one of his dresses. Glitzy, glam and impressively modern, he is the indisputable red carpet king. With Coachella underway and festival season on the horizon, I’ve been contemplating on how to approach this annual dressing […]
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Blush Loves… ChloBo
I think I may have found the antidote to this dreary non Spring, we’ve all been experiencing. I was lucky enough to be invited down to the recently opened Mandrake Hotel, a stunning boutique gem tucked away on Fitzrovia’s Newman St. I was there for lunch, but most importantly, to experience new jewellery brand, ChloBo’s […]
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Introducing … NOTO Botanics Hydra Highlighter
Although there’s a time and a place for a full, beaming, metallic highlighter, I think the future of glow is an altogether more subtle affair. Something which mimics a naturally healthy and hydrated complexion, combining dewy oils with a subtle wash of colour, or iridescent pigment, is a totally cute and modern way to shine. […]
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Testing the Treatment – Massages at Blush + Blow and Park Plaza’s Aurora Spa
I’m always on the lookout for new treatments and am more than happy to sacrifice my face/body in the name of beauty. I’ve recently tried two fantastic massages that are must visits for this Bank Holiday weekend. First up is The Aurora Spa at Westminster’s Park Plaza. This spa is a little gem. It may […]
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14 Divine Vintage Finds From Vestiaire Collective
With the promise of Spring, it’s finally time to start thinking of ditching heavy coats, dark hues, getting ready to bare those legs; and frolicking around town in a backpack, trench and trainers. A recent Absolute Vintage spree, really got me in the mood for Spring; thanks in the most part to a skimpy camel […]
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Introducing… Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair
For those who may fall into the category of ‘stylistically challenged’ when it comes to hair, such as myself, a good texturizing spray can be a total godsend. They can take hair from “messy by accident” to “messy on purpose” – which is a huge distinction. Plus, the effort is minimal, and the skill required […]
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Introducing … Tata Harper Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint
If you have your finger on the natural beauty pulse, you’ll likely have heard of Tata Harper. It’s the name of a brand and also the name of a woman, which is pretty cool. She makes tons of expensive and beautiful skincare from her home farm in Vermont (probably not actually, but let’s focus on […]
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Introducing – Indeed Labs 10 Balm
The transition between seasons can be hard on skin. Particularly at this time of year, when temperatures swing erratically between “spring has sprung” and “quite literally snowing.” The fresh air (read: icy blizzards) hitting your precious face day by day can take a toll, particularly when combined with harsh central heating. And by a toll, […]
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Blush Loves Osman Pre Fall 18
I don’t check up on as many fashion shows as I used to. Partly because over the last 3-4 years fashion’s mood has been pretty consistent. Nevertheless I’m always on the lookout for something fresh. Being an owner of a brand championing inclusivity in beauty, I experience frequent internal eye roll, at the many brands […]
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Killer Combos: Dr Dennis Gross C + Serum x Paula’s Choice Resist C15 Booster
The world is full of powerful pairings: Michelle and Barack, Lizzie and Phillip, jam and scones, socks and sandals, the list goes on. When it comes to beauty, we all have our own helpful hacks, whether that’s powder before foundation Jackie Aina style, or layering up our skincare, inspired by the Korean 12-step routine. For […]
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10 Things We Want From the Browns Fashion Sale
Sale season is here (hurrah!) And it’s finally time to get your hands on all the things you couldn’t afford a week ago. Our 2017 wish-list was long, but somehow we’ve managed to edit down our top 10 must buys from the Browns sale. Calvin Klein 205W39nyc, Straight High Waist Leather Trousers, £1014, Browns Vetements, […]
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10 Things We Want from Mango
In the last decade, Mango has definitely become Zara’s forgotten sister, but to overlook this High-St heavyweight would be a big mistake. Being the under dog, has enabled the brand to re-evaluate, and offer up a seriously good selection of affordable classics; (and you’re far less likely to see someone in the same outfit as […]
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Last-Minute Christmas Shopping – The Gift Guide
Once again I’ve left my Christmas shopping list to the last minute, but I’m sure you’re all used to this by now. With less than 2 weeks til Christmas, I thought it was about time I compiled my list of all of the things that are top of my Christmas list, that would make perfect […]
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How To Dress For Party Season, Without Looking “Party Season”
As winter creeps in, it’s time to wholeheartedly embrace glamour. Wrap up in plush velvets and cosy furs, show off in metallic finishes and sequinned gowns. Once you’ve bedeck yourself in feathers, drag your ensemble into 2018, with matte leathers, sharp suiting and whiter than white boots. Natasha Zinko, Velvet Bow Mules, £600, Browns Fashion […]
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Testing The Treatment: London’s Best Local Waxes
Regular readers of Blush, will know how much I love a good a treatment. Full body massages, blow dries, facials; I’ll take them all. There are a few necessary evils that when the time comes, I always dread: threading (it looks awesome but there is no pain quite like it) and waxing. Eyebrow waxing: is […]
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Blush Loves… Diptyque Westbourne Grove
Now I’m a bonafide Westy, I while away my days on Westbourne Grove. The epicentre of Notting Hill, for those who can’t bear the Portobello hustle and bustle, Westbourne Grove isn’t just a great spot to grab a speciality coffee, or an Ottolenghi take out box (although both are absolute musts). Westbourne Grove is a […]
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Introducing – & Other Stories Foundation
Since launching a couple of years ago, & Other Stories has fast become the bane of my wallet and the light of my life. Grown-up fashion for Zara fans, looking for something a little more unique,;Stories also happens to be perfect, for those who may have grown out of Topshop, but aren’t quite minimal enough for […]
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Get the Look – Gucci’s Cosmic Cool
If you ever find yourself wanting to escape the mundane, take a look at Gucci’s AW17 campaign video and for 1:15 minutes transport yourself to another time and galaxy. Produced by Glen Luchford, the latest branding triumph of the fashion power house celebrates Star-Trek as a cultural lynchpin of the seventies, not only in the […]
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August Favourites That You Need in Your Life
So it’s been a while since I last posted, and for that I am truly sorry. Slapp is consuming all of my time, but if you are looking for some Beauty advice, or news on the latest launches, I would suggest heading over to the app. In other news, I have been trying out a lot […]
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Introducing… Epara Skincare
We all know we’re supposed to take care of our skin and thanks to a post-teen dabble in the Clinique 3 -step programme, most of us know what skin type we are. I have the pleasure of being Combination: which basically means I’m a little of everything. A bit dry here and a bit oily […]
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Blush’s Top 10 Makeup Products + Brushes
With new launches dropping every day, it’s often hard to decipher the good from the great. I’ve tried a tonne of products over the last few months and will be bringing you my ultimate faves in the coming weeks. First up are some of the makeup products and tools, I’ve been reaching for this month. There’s […]
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Blush Loves.. Trish McEvoy’s Makeup Planner & More
Trish McEvoy may not be a UK household name, but for those in the know, it has fast become a go to brand- and is consistently Liberty London’s best seller. Having been recently reintroduced to the brand, I can see why. Created by award winning makeup artist Trish McEvoy, the brand puts practicality at the […]
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The Summer Dress Edit
Humidity is in the air and that’s a good enough reason for us to get our legs out. Whether you’ve got summer weddings, festivals, or frolics in the park to plan for, we’ve got all of your dress needs covered. Rolla’s Bones, Floral Long Sleeve Dress, £110, Urban Outfitters Tommy Hilfiger, 90s Tank T-Shirt Dress, £70, Urban […]
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Blush visits : Jo Loves
I’ve long been a fan of the legendary Jo Malone. Who doesn’t know the story of how the self made entrepreneur built one of the most recognisable luxury fragrance brands, only to lose the rights to her name, and the option of working in the industry, she had so significantly shaped. After a 5 year […]
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Blush Styles: Workout Wear with Elle Sport & More
Maybe it’s Marathon Fomo, or the fact I’ve just moved next door to a Pure Gym; but I’ve been feeling rather sporty of late. Whilst I’m yet to extend my commitment to fitness, beyond walking to Soho, I have made the first crucial step: dressing the part. Deciding what to buy, when it comes to […]
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Blush Asks… Lisa Bronner
Name Lisa Bronner Occupation I write a blog for the company. It’s called ‘Going Green with a Bronner Mum’, that helps anyone who’s busy and doesn’t have time to search through all the information; to help them transition to a healthier lifestyle. What’s your favourite product in the range? The product I use the […]
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Coachella Inspired Festival Style
Coachella has spoken, the flower crown is finally dead! This year it’s all about throwing back to your favourite era, or tribe. Here are a few of our favourite Coachella-inspired looks, we’ll be channelling come June. – 70s Sister The Inspiration: Lais Ribeiro What you’ll Need: Bell-Bottoms, (or even better – sequinned bellbottoms), Lamé, Big hair, […]
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Blush Visits – Oslo, Hackney
My first memory of Oslo is turning up at around midnight on a Saturday night, with my phone in a box of rice. Suffice to say it had been quite the eventful day. Which swiftly turned into an equally entertaining night. When my pal was down from Paris a few weeks ago, I knew it […]
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Blush Visits – The Barbican’s Japanese House
The Barbican is one of London’s not so secret gems, and a place you are always guaranteed to see something a little obscure and unexpected. After reading a recent review of their new Japanese House exhibition, I was compelled to see it. As someone who has always been intrigued by Japanese culture, (ever since we […]
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Summer Wedding Dress Edit: Ted Baker x John Lewis
Spring has most definitely sprung, and with it, comes the thrill of planning for all of your Summer soirees. Whilst festivals, call for a cacophony of past wardrobe loves, the onslaught of summer weddings, is the perfect time to show your legs and invest in a new dress, or two! With that in mind, we introduce […]
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New Necessities: Rosa Artica, Coco Loco and Skin Food
You know a product is good, when it’s the one thing you turn to in your hour of need. For me, there are a few products that I can’t live without and have on constant rotation: Nars’ Radiance Creamy Concealer and All Day Luminous, Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil, Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish and Dermalogica’s Multi Active […]
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Spring Style Inspiration: Denim, Silk & Sportswear
It’s been a while since I’ve posted and I’ve been finding it very difficult to decide what my first dip back into the pond would be. I knew I wanted to create a GTL, but I couldn’t quite decide what to cover. My current style obsessions are: Denim (- it’s actually getting quite worrying how […]
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Monday Blues? The Dior AW17 Show will give you that much-needed boost
We already know that Maria Grazia Chiuri, wants us all to ‘be Feminists’, but for her AW17 collection; instead of emblazoning this message across instagrammable t-shirts, this was cleverly sown into the fabric of her seemingly sombre – and all blue -collection. Her message could be felt in the black panther inspired leather berets, the small […]
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Blush Loves… Paris
I stepped off the metro, on the first Thursday in February to the smell of croissant. I followed my offline Citymapper to my hotel a four minute walk away, undoubtedly looking like the tourist I so clearly was- dressed in a giant hat, wide legged trousers, a blazer, and once-upon-a-time white Reeboks, peeking out at […]
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Blush Styles – Folli Follie
Spring is on the way and I have to say I’m ready to see the sun again. The mulled wine and nights by the fire, were great and everything, but nothing’s better then whipping out your trench and letting your ankles run free. That’s the feeling I had this Fashion Week, which was over in […]
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Introducing – Chantecaille Foundation, Vital Essence & Matte Chic
In her last piece for Blush, Annie introduces us to Chantecaille… Chantecaille is a brand that has always seemed a little out of my league. In spite of what you may think, glamorous, I’m not. I love makeup and skincare and all things luxe, but at heart I think I’m secretly quite low maintenance. Chantecaille, […]
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Blush Loves – The Zara Home – Perfume Collection
Zara is one of those not so secret gems. You can always rely on it, for that last minute change of clothes before an event, that trend led piece you’re not quite ready to invest in, or those strappy sandals you need for your bestie’s wedding. It’s the high street’s answer to affordable chic. Another […]
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All I Want for Chinese New Year is…
I’ve always liked Chinese New Year. As well as being a fan of hong bao and the treats that lay within them, I love that each year has it’s own personality. Distinguished by animals, CNY brings more meaning to the new year than it just being ‘a new year.’ No ‘New Year New You’ malarkey here. CNY is […]
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Testing the Treatment – KUB Hair
As someone with naturally Afro hair, my coverage of Afro hair salons is severely lacking. So my resolution for the new year, is to be better. Anyone with Afro hair will understand the struggle of the hairdressers. It takes ages to find one you like and when you do, you end spending your whole day […]
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Has Fashion fallen out of fashion?
I must admit to being a fashion nut. Well I was. I religiously made the pilgrimage to the Soho magazine shop every month, quarter and year, to stock up on style bibles: 10, V, I-D, Dazed and Love. I’d rip out the pages of the looks I loved and plaster them across my walls, like […]
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L’Oreal Oil Precieux Vs. Davines OI Oil
The realest versus in life, is that of expensive vs. cheap. Think about it – aren’t we always wondering where is best to treat one’s self, and where frugality is in itself the best reward? And nowhere is this more prevalent than in beauty. It’s really the only place where a product can cost £500 […]
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Get the Look – Poker Straight Hair 2.0
I don’t know about you, but I was pretty lost when Kim Kardashian disappeared from the social sphere. I was also pretty shocked, that I cared. Like an addict going through withdrawals, I Googled her at least once a week, just to get a Kardashian fix. It was a tough time, but thankfully it’s over (and more […]
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Blush Loves – Time Bomb InstaWow & More
I reviewed Time Bomb, way back when I started Blush. I remember the press launch so clearly. I was super nervous and kind of hanging around the display, when the lovely founder, Gail Federici came over to chat. What I didn’t know until the event, was that Gail was formerly CEO at John Frieda and was […]
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Must-Have Mascaras 2017
Mascara is the best-selling beauty product in the UK for good reason. If I’m honest there are very few mascaras which even touch the sides witj my excuse for eyelashes, but I guess that makes me the perfect person to judge. Over the years I have tried some pretty fantastic mascaras, Lancome Hypnose, YSL Volume Effet […]
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Introducing the Body Shop Instablur
In a world of snapchat filters and ten foot posters of poreless skin, a blur is very much an appealing idea. Why must we always be seen in such high focus? What happened to sepia? What happened to a nice oil painting? What happened to a flattering drawing of you on the wall of a […]
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2017: An Ode to Optimism
After a rocky 2016, it seems we are all committed to making 2017 a year of hope, togetherness and possibility. If 2016 was the apocalypse, then 2017 is the year we dust ourselves off, walk through the rubble and saunter off into the sunset. For SS17 it was surely no surprise then, that designers looked to […]
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Introducing – Anastasia Modern Renaissance Palette
In a world of neutral palettes, there comes a time when enough is enough. I love a bronze wash as much as the next girl, but let’s face it – I have about a hundred bronze wash options at this point. To catch my attention, there has to be something more, something extra. Enter: the […]
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Get the Look – Party Season Sequins
Nothing will get you in the mood to party faster than a dousing of sequins. Thankfully this NYE is the year to wear sequins without fear. Whether you’re off to the fireworks or partying it up at your friend’s pimped house, see in the New Year in style. The Inspiration: Get the Look: & Other Stories, Silver […]
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Introducing… Mario Badescu’s Healing & Soothing Mask
The world of problem skin is, believe it or not, a problematic one. It’s almost like playing a game of whack-a-mole with your face. Once you get a breakout under control, something else will pop up. You’ll treat the suppurating, throbbing sores, only to be left with flakey, scaley dry patches. Fun and glam, I […]
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Blush Loves – Beauty Pie
I love presents. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one. What I love more though is post. Maybe it’s seven years at boarding school, when post was literally the highlight of our week; There was no better feeling than receiving a care pack from home, or no worse feeling when your friend would literally […]
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Introducing… Leighton Denny Light & Dark Fragrance Cocktailing
Anything with cocktail in the name is pretty much guaranteed to be a hit with me. And any beauty experience which allows some, even slightly perfunctory level of creativity is another big tick in my pro column. Plus, like everyone else with a nose, I like nice smells. The Fragrance Cocktailing Collection from Leighton Denny […]
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Testing the Treatment – Smooth You Dalston – Luxury Pedicure
As readers of Blush will know, I love a good treatment, and I have tried some greats. I’ve been to the outskirts of North London, swanked it up in Mayfair and been to the creme de la creme of neighbourhood classics in Chelsea and Hampstead. It’s been a while since I ventured east for a […]
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Get the Look – Glitter Lips
The trend started by Pat McGrath has been gathering pace as party season approaches. I missed out on McGrath’s kit, so I was very excited to try affordable alternative, Glitter Lips. Created by Beauty Boulevard of Dragon’s Den fame, Glitter Lips makes adopting the trend super easy. The Inspiration: The kits come with a lip […]
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