After a couple of seasons off, Balmain is back and better than ever. Perhaps Olivier Rousteing needed a couple of years to recoup, rethink and try some different things. Thankfully, that’s over and his return to form was a stealth one. For his Pre-Fall 19 show, Rousteing left behind the glitz and glamour associated with […]
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In a world so obsessed with newness, it’s easy for old classics to be forgotten about. Nowhere is this more true than in the beauty sphere. There are some products which I hold dear in my heart and always wonder quite why they don’t get more attention. One such item is the humble Laura Mercier […]
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There’s something about Biologique Recherche. Whether it’s the fact that to get hold of their products you have to do an online consultation, or the myriad of testimonies attesting to the life changing nature of their products; they hold some sort of mythic status in the skincare world. Their products all have confusing, almost-coded names, […]
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The start of autumn is my favourite time of year. The excitement in anticipation of coats, otks and leather trousers is almost too much to bear. As summer comes to a close, getting dressed becomes even more confusing; you leave the house with umbrella, trainers and trench in tow, not knowing what you’re actually going […]
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Milk Makeup is a brand which is just, for lack of a better word, cool. They have the modern, low maintenance, young and unconventionally beautiful vibe of Glossier, but with more of a fun, experimental side. Their makeup, born of the famous photography studios, is unusual, high performing and fun: innovative formulations of actually useful […]
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When it comes to a smokey party eye, burgundy is the new black. I’m putting this down to the current consensus that less makeup is more, (even if we’ve definitely got quite a bit on.) The classic black suddenly seems a little heavy for a night out, whereas burgundy offers a softer, bronzer glow. It’s […]
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