The Fashion & Beauty Boutique: MSN Life & Style Blog

The day before Mother's Day, my brother and I were, as usual, stuck for ideas on what to get our mum and were wandering through a department store when my brother declared he had an idea and stormed off to the make-up and beauty section. He then went on to tell me in a very matter-of-fact way that this particular abrasive scrub from Origins was, quote 'just heavenly for the skin'. Even though I was shocked at his sudden camp personality, I have to say, I agreed with him. We bought my mum the product and I sneak into her room every now or then to use it on myself.

 

It's a very hard abrasive scrub which if you use more than once or twice a week can really irritate the skin but in moderation it leaves skin soft, smooth and feeling clean. Having used products from Garnier and Clearasil which didn't seem to make much of an improvement this is definitely the best I've tried. However, as always, the products I seem to like come with a rather large price tag. At the higher end of the high-street, this product 'Modern Friction' from Origins is a shocking £27.50. Even though it lasts a very long time as you can't use it very often, the price is probably just that bit too steep for me (and most people).

 

I've since tried out St Ives Apricot scrub (simply because it was on offer 2 for 3) and was quite impressed with the results. The finish wasn't as nice as the more expensive product but I loved the smell and the value for money was good. After a while, however it seemed to irritate my skin and so I've since stopped using it. Exfoliating is an important part of any girl's skin routine as it prevents pores from getting clogged and those annoying black heads from appearing.

 

Unfortunately for me, I’m still on the lookout for a good scrub!

 

The week is almost over here which means that on Monday Nic will be back from holiday and back on the blog so stay posted for more tips and tricks from her!

Jess

I noticed a couple of years ago that I had acquired stretch marks on my thighs and more recently my chest. Distraught at the thought of permanent scarring I immediately went to the shop and bought some Palmer's Cocoa Butter moisturiser which was supposed to reduce the visibility of the marks. I love this moisturiser as it leaves the skin extremely soft and also the smell is addictive, however I didn't really notice any change in the appearence of my scars.

I know use bio-oil which was very expensive for such a small bottle but I have to say I really am starting to notice the effects. The majority of my marks are fading right away and are nowhere near as noticeable as before. The product is expensive at around £15 for 200ml but I bought a 60ml bottle and still haven't finished it as you can use it sparingly and it is still very effective. Another option may be to try baby oil which I have also tried and this too appeared to improve the marks and is just a fraction of the price of the other products. The great thing about bio oil is that it also can be used on the face and really helps to even complexion and reduce redness.

 

Even if you don't have strech marks, using these products on a daily basis could help to prevent you from getting them and if you want my advice, that's definitely worth it!

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Nic has gone off on hols and so I will be filling you in on all the latest from fashion and beauty. Molton Brown are releasing a new range for next season and I was lucky enough to get to discover it.

 

Molton Brown - something you only come across in the most beautifully tiled and decorated bathrooms complete with fountains and personal hand-driers... well maybe they don't have to be that posh, but it is certainly not a product you would expect to find in your average household. I see Molton Brown products as special. If ever I were to have the pleasure of owning one I would definitely use it so sparingly that I still have it in 50 years time. Considering the price of these products you may be able to understand why this is the case for me, an extremely poor student.

 

The great thing about the products is that you do feel as though you are getting good value for money. The scents are so strong and powerful that they last a long time and the creams are rich in moisturiser and will leave your skin feeling softer than soft. If I had enough money to, I would definitely indulge and it would come before the beautiful tiles.

 

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending the release of the Autumn/Winter range of Molton Brown products. I know what you're thinking, surely summer has only just begun, but I guess there's no harm in buying your Christmas presents early! Some of the new products in the range are candelas in varying scents, my personal favourite of which is the rich and sweet inspiring wild indigo. These candelas are available in large and small sizes which come in a trinity. Unfortunately for me £49 is possibly a tad high a price to pay on a scented candle, but would make a nice present if your circumstances allow you to splash out. The burn time on the candelas is also very long as each one is expected to burn for between 70 to 80 hours.

 

Some of the new scents such as the black pepper and yuan zhi are darker and deeper in fragrance and so may be more appealing to men. The heavenly gingerlily products caught my nose in particular, especially the shimmer fragrance with its strong, sweet and yet clean smell with a subtle hint of spice. At £30 I think is a great bargain.

 

My afternoon was topped off with a hand and arm massage which was absolute heaven - I almost fell asleep in the chair! The great thing about these treatments is that they are complimentary in most stores which have a Molton Brown range. If you have 15 minutes to put aside I would recommend popping in to experience it for yourself and you'll be making regular trips after that!

 

Jess

Every girl (and well, the occasional boy) loves to shop - but when the weather is fine and dandy it can be a tough choice between hitting the high street boutiques at the weekend - or chilling out and relaxing in the garden or park.

 

Thank goodness that dilemma is no longer a problem with fabulous sites on the internet such as shop.com. For fashion - and especially beauty products - this site is a real find.

 

Another one I've become rather to addicted to (since discovering it on Trinny and Susannah's website) is notonthehighstreet.com. It's one of those beautiful places where you feel like you could just go in there and buy nearly everything to make your home and garden look fabulous (it also does great jewellery which is ideal for presents too). But back to gardens, thecontemporaryhome.co.uk does these wonderful little fairy light lanterns which can add a touch of magic to a barbecue this summer. I'd heartily recommend a good browse.

 

Anyway, enough about shopping, for the summer holiday is calling and it's called by the way of Sardinia. Sunshine, tasty Italian seafood and highly quaffable wines are but a two-hour flight away. I can barely wait.

 

In the meantime, our Life & Style assistant, the lovely Jess Edwards, will be taking over the reigns and keeping us up to date with the latest fashion and beauty news here - and on the Life & Style site.

 

Ciao for now!