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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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, […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
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 […]
Read more
Introducing the Milk Makeup Matte Quad
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 […]
Read more
The Best Burgundy Palettes
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 […]
Read more
Skincare Saviours from Fresh, La Roche Posay, Sesderma & Bare Minerals
I always love discovering new skincare products, partly because I never want to age and partly because I love the ritual of preening my face. There’s nothing better than seeing a visible difference between your slightly parched skin to a face plumped by a powerful serum. I’ve tried some great products over the past few […]
Read more
Get the Look: Lipgloss & Chainmail
The noughties revival has been gently gaining pace since Kylie Jenner decided she was bringing back the Von Dutch cap. It was a little soon, but her intentions were spot on. We’ve since seen the return of plastic chokers, asymmetric hems and can you believe it, cowl necks. Kendall Jenner sealed the deal on her […]
Read more
Introducing… RMK’s Concentrate Advance Cream
I don’t mean to fetishise a culture or anything, but as a rule, Japanese things are pretty cool. I mean, any country which gives me both Haruki Murakami and sushi (aka the best foods for both mind and body) is ok by me. Having sorted out both my brain and stomach, the Japanese have set […]
Read more
Blush Board: Party Time
It’s been a while since I’ve put together a Blush Board, so I thought I’d put all of my pinning to good use for a party-centric piece. There’s lots more to come on Slappshop.com, but in the meantime, here’s a little inspiration to keep you going!
Read more
Introducing Starskin Sheet Masks
If you’re a little late to the sheet masks game, don’t worry, so is Blush writer Annie… The exciting thing about the beauty world is that it’s constantly changing. And the worst thing about the beauty world is that it’s constantly changing. New products launch every single day, innovation is perpetual and rapid, trends you’ve […]
Read more
Get the Look: YSL 80s Revival
It’s official the 80s are back. Hot on the heels of the 90s trend that is no longer a trend and more a way of life, the era that declared big as better, is back in, a big way. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent, the trend has finally stuck and […]
Read more
The Beauty Blender Vs. Fingers
Vs. is back and better than ever. First up, Annie weighs up whether we should spend £16 on a blender or just use our fingers. It’s a surprisingly difficult choice. – Has there ever been a product more set for world domination than the Beauty Blender? Who would have thought a simple teardrop shaped pink sponge […]
Read more
Blush Styles – Rocks and Ripped Jeans
I resisted the temptation of ripped jeans for quite some time and rather stupidly waited until September to buy them, so this is a short style piece on how to try and make ripped jeans work for Autumn Winter. Two other looks I loved that I haven’t had a chance to shoot yet are… fishnets […]
Read more
Blush Loves… Rocks & Co.
I’m new to the jewellery game, but I’ve been upping the ante of late. The lovely chaps at Rocks & Co, offered me the chance to get to know their site and pick something I liked. It was actually a lot harder than I anticipated it would be. The great thing is that they have […]
Read more
Blush Tests – Dior’s Dark Lip
Hey guys, did you hear that in Autumn it’s a really cool and interesting idea to wear a dark lip? You heard it here first, OK? OK, I know, this is a boring idea and not exactly groundbreaking beauty journalism, but the Dior runway look made me feel excited about a dark lip for Fall, […]
Read more
Introducing – Clarins Instant Light Lip Oil
Something about the phrase lip oils makes me think of greasy, eaten-too-much-pizza looking lips. Not that those lips look bad – in fact, slightly irritated, shiny with grease lips are a surprisingly great look. But they’re not very practical. One can hardly eat a slice of pizza every time one needs a lip top up, […]
Read more
The Autumn/Winter Boot Edit
Autumn Winter is upon us and I have to say I’m pleased. I can finally whip out the cashmere, wear jeans everyday without remorse and most importantly, I can go boot shopping. I’m slowly upping my shoe game in my old age, and I now make sure that every AW I have a pair of […]
Read more
Introducing… Maybelline’s Loaded Bold Lipsticks
Blush writer Annie is back with another gem from across the pond. I feel like I’ve been messing with makeup long enough now, that bland pretty things just aren’t appealing to me anymore. The problem is that weird, ugly, experimental makeup products are usually the reserve of high end brands for editorial shoots and haute […]
Read more
Blush Eats @ Behind This Wall
I love a good cocktail, so when I was invited down to the mysteriously named, Bar Behind this Wall I was intrigued. Behind this Wall opened this March so is a relative newbie to the London foodie/bar scene, but has most definitely made its mark already. Situated in London’s achingly trendy Hackney, I was a little worried […]
Read more
Introducing… Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops.
Highlight is definitely having a moment. What was once reserved for a chalky white powder with flecks of snow white glitter, can now comes in a variation of pearls, champagnes and golds, sticks, tubes, pots and even cushions. Although a great highlighting powder will always hold a special place in my heart, they are a […]
Read more
Get the Look: The ‘Worn In’ Berry Lip – Creatures of Comfort @NYFW SS17
Berry red lips can often be a little intimidating to wear, especially if you tend to shy away from bold lips and carry a trusty nude lipstick in your handbag at all times. It’s one of few lip colours that suits every skin tone and an easy way to rock a bold red lip without looking too […]
Read more
Introducing… Kevyn Aucoin – Sensual Skin Enhancer
Concealer is hardly the most glamorous product in the makeup world, is it? Using it is basically an admission to your not being perfect, which I find terribly hard to do. A good way to add a touch of glamour to such a tasks is to throw money at the problem. Feeling luxe and rich […]
Read more
Testing the Treatment – The Mandara Spa
My skin has been considerably unruly of late. Perhaps it’s all the stress of launching a new business, perhaps it’s because I consider a pack of chocolate digestives a hearty breakfast, or perhaps in the absence of the sun this summer, my pores have given up and come to the conclusion that they’ll never need […]
Read more
Slapp Chat
So as you may have heard, I have just launched my app Slapp. It’s been out for a week and I’ve had such a great response so far. Slapp is a foundation matching app that matches you to the foundation shades and products that are right for your skin tone. As well as being a […]
Read more
Introducing Butter Bronzer by Physicians Formula
Annie’s back and she’s found a bronzer she actually likes. – I don’t think I really “get” bronzer. I can sort of see the appeal of looking healthy and glowy and like you’ve been on holiday, or are in a music video. But I prefer a slightly unhealthy, alien-y, otherworldly look on myself. Lots of […]
Read more
Get the Look – Velvet
Summer 2016 came and went before we could say ‘Brixton Beach’ As AW16 sees a confident return to the maximalist, bow down to the fabric commanding the spotlight for the season: velvet. The sensual textile is the epitome of elegance, bringing a feminine touch of glamour to all who catch its eye. As either a […]
Read more
Blush Tests… Tropical Makeup @ Alexis Mabillle SS16
Ugh, September. Why did Earth Wind and Fire decide that this was the month to celebrate? It’s a month which somehow seems like a purgatory before the hell that is winter. For those of you still grasping on to the last dregs of summer, here is a makeup look for pretending you’re on holiday and […]
Read more
Introducing: The Lee Stafford Treatment For Hair That Never Grows Past A Certain Length
I have self-inflicted ‘problem hair’. After months of being a homemade blonde breakage is finally happening. Right at the crown of my head is an unattractive tuft. I’m not proud of myself. Pre-tuft days, I did do a lot of masking – you know how blonde is; But clearly, deep moisturising was no longer cutting […]
Read more
Get the Look – Kim K @ the VMAs
Oh the VMAs. Is there a better awards ceremony in the world? Where else would you see a belly baring Britney shaking her thing with pet snake in tow; and there’s little doubt we’ll forget that Kanye T-Swift Beyonce-in-horror moment, that has become part of music history. This year was less controversial but definitely no […]
Read more
Blush Tests… SS16 Blue Eyes
Blush writer Annie, makes the case for Blue shadow, a la Chanel. – Blue eyeshadow has a bad rep. There’s nothing natural about primary colour smeared all over your eyes, that much is clear. But Chanel and Missoni said it was ok, so it’s now ok, ok? At this (interim) stage of my life, Chanel […]
Read more
Keep that Summer Glow with Tom Ford Soleil
Summer may be almost over, but it doesn’t mean you have to forsake that glow. Thankfully next season is all about hyper real skin and I’m obsessed. If you haven’t got time to prep and prime, fake it ’til you make it with the Tom Ford Soleil Colour collection. Readers of Blush will know how much […]
Read more
Get the Look – Trans-seasonal Trenches and Dusters
I can’t count the number of times I’ve received compliments on my trench coat. Perhaps it’s because, it is not a trench in the traditional sense of the word, but more of a utilitarian duster. It billows in the wind, has handy zipper pockets and is a seasonless graphite. Over the last couple of weeks, […]
Read more
Introducing – The Skinfix Soothing Collection
Skin is a delicate science, and for all my enthusiastic reading and trying, not one I’m sure I fully understand. When it misbehaves, it’s all too tempting to attack, but the older (and wiser) (not really) I get, the more I realise a tough love approach doesn’t always work. In fact, it’s much easier to […]
Read more
Blush’s Favourite Film Heroines – Get the Look
From Zoolander’s pout to Scarlett O’Hara’s velvet curtain dress, motion picture has long provided us with iconic style moments. Costume designers fill audiences with the urge to emulate the complex, flawed and painfully stylish protagonists of the silver screen. Who doesn’t long to don their best jewellery and an LBD for casual breakfast window shopping […]
Read more
Testing the Treatment – Charlotte Mensah’s Hair Lounge
If you have Afro hair, you’ll know how hard it is to find a good hairdresser in London. Well one that you won’t spend half the day waiting to be seen anyway! I’d already had the opportunity to visit the Hair Lounge when I interviewed its owner, the immensely affable Charlotte Mensah. It’s not often […]
Read more
Introducing – Glossier Flavoured Lip Balms
I am a total Glossier sucker, which is an annoying thing for many reasons. First, their minimal-cool-girl-low-maintenance aesthetic is just not something which totally jives with someone who loves glitter as much as I do. There’s a time and a place for no-makeup-makeup, sure, but to suggest that there is thus no time nor place […]
Read more
Blush Tests: Red Glitter Lips @ Atelier Versace
The Autumn/Winter Atelier Versace show was an absolute beauty treat. Blessed by the magic of Pat McGrath, models came down the runway with an array of looks: dark blackberry lips, graphic blue eyes, or metallic finished skin. It was hard to choose a favourite but, magpie that I am, it was inevitably the glitter lip […]
Read more
Introducing – The Sleek Solstice Palette
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in possession of eyes and a brain must love glitter. We are all magpies, drawn to the colourful and the shiny, and I won’t hear otherwise. But as adults, life often consists of a really disappointing amount of glitter. I want more and if you don’t, […]
Read more
Get the Look – Ballerina Style
What woman hasn’t felt the pull of ballet at some stage in her life? The music, the stage, the exquisite combination of femininity and strength; all pulled together with pretty French names, blush pinks and feathery layers of tulle. I first watched Swan Lake on Easter Sunday when I was five or six. High on […]
Read more
Blush Tests: Glitter @ Burberry AW16
I’ll be honest: working with glitter fills me with dread. The shimmery forays of 11-year-old me come rushing back to mind whenever I see a twinkling eyeliner or lip. The sparkle reminds me too much of Claire’s Accessories, candy necklaces and scented gel pens for me to take it seriously. But when I saw Edie […]
Read more
Introducing – Isabella Smith Insect Repellent Perfume
One of the worst experiences of my life began with a horsefly bite and ended with me showing my bare arse to a doctor. I’ll let you fill in the blanks. It was that day that I realised my personal embargo on insect repellent (I hate it, it stinks, it gets down my throat, it […]
Read more
Blush Guide to Patches, Pins & Personalisation
Denim, leather and satin outerwear are back and this time, they’re personal. Nothing quite makes a mark like an embroidered monogram or swathing signature and with the rise of iron and sew-on patches and badges, we’re pretty inspired to get crafty this summer. Seen everywhere from runways and street style to festivals and sporting events, […]
Read more
Introducing – Tinted SPFs
Blush Reviews Tinted SPFs from Eau Thermale Avene and La Roche Posay
Read more
Blush Guide to Chiang Mai
Heading to Bangkok? Blush writer Josie makes the case for Chiang Mai. After the oppressive heat and frenzied pace of Bangkok, a trip north to Chiang Mai is like a salve for the soul. A city hidden behind 13th century walls and moats, Chiang Mai is a lush oasis of calm. One can imagine Candice Swanepoel […]
Read more
Introducing – The Ritual of Karma Collection.
Showering: boring. Sleeping: better, but still not particularly exciting. Anything which can spice up your daily rituals (see what I did!? I’m a real writer!!) is a blessing in my eyes. And Rituals have come through with another really pleasant collection. The packaging is a beautiful jade-y blue with copper accents. It’s designed for summer, […]
Read more
Blush Guide to Hand Luggage
Unless you’re Kim Kardashian or Mariah Carey, flying probably sucks. Packing stress plus security checks, dehydration and a poorly ventilated plane set you up for hours of anxiety, exhaustion and general fractiousness. Flying is known to dry out your skin, bring on head and ear aches and increase risk of breakouts and eye inflammation. The […]
Read more
Blush Loves.. Dermalogica’s Charcoal Rescue Masque
I’ve never considered charcoal as being desirable in any way, let alone a skincare essential, but at a recent press briefing in the beauty Mecca that is Liberty; Dermalogica experts were on hand to fill us in on why charcoal was the newest necessary addition to our beauty cabinets. It turns out that charcoal, as […]
Read more
Blush Guide to Copenhagen
You might only think of snow or meat balls when I mention Scandinavia, but trust me, Norse countries are the dark horses of cool. With chocolate box cities, vibrant café culture and Utopian infrastructures, what’s not to love? Copenhagen is a pioneer of sustainable, cosmopolitan living and with its stress-free environment is fast becoming the […]
Read more
Blush Tests.. Miu Miu’s Ombre Lips
Ombre lips: old news, sort of. They’ve been in every runway roundup for many moons, and in the age old way have trickled down onto the high street. Nyx and Topshop have specific kits for achieving a two toned lip. But they are typically two very similar shades: a lighter and a darker. Twice as interesting […]
Read more
Get the Look – Nude Lips for Dark Skin
Finding anything ‘nude’ coloured when you’re darker of skin can be a huge challenge. At my school, we were supposed to wear skin coloured tights; a requirement that lead to me either wearing orangey fake tan nylons or stockings that made me look as though I’d been dipped in sickly beige paint. When it […]
Read more