With the new year approaching, it’s time to take a look back and think about what 2011 has offered in the way of beauty.

2011 has undoubtedly been the year of the ‘dramality’ show (TOWIE, Geordie Shore, Desperate Scousewives), introducing Britain to the world of vajazzling, ridiculous tans and the infamous scouse-brow.

According to the Telegraph’s Fashion journalist Jane Cullen, 2012 is set to be the year of the make-under. It’s time to take a step back, before ‘dramality’ shows, before Jordan and Peter, all the way back before our fixation on Z-list celebs ever even took a hold.

2012 is all about recreating Hollywood’s heyday – understated, sophisticated, glamorous and sexy. Think Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Ava Gardner. Think black thigh-split maxi-dresses and gold drop earrings, bright red lipstick, killer heels and fur shrugs.

And what better time to kick of this new, old look, than at your New Year’s Eve bash? We’ve compiled a handful of beauty products to get you started.

The key to classic Hollywood glamour is this: radiance.

So how to achieve that gleaming, radiant skin without covering yourself in glitter?

We recommend starting your regime with Gatineau ‘Melatogenine Futur Plus Eye Concentrate’. Claiming to fight the appearance of wrinkles, smooth eye-bags and banish dark circles, this emulsion gel is sure to make your skin naturally radiant, before you even start applying your makeup.

You can buy ‘Melatogenine Futur Plus Eye Concentrate at Very for £47

The next must-have product for Hollywood glamour is the ‘Estee Lauder Golden Alligator Refill’ with ‘Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder’. With a decadent look, this vintage-style compact is great for quick touch-ups throughout the evening…and it looks pretty snazzy too.

You can buy Estee Lauder Goldon Alligator Refill with Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder at Estee Lauder for £36 

The centre-piece of any vintage look has to be the lips. Why not try Dior’s extreme luxury range of high fashion lipsticks? Introducing Diorific, the epitome of decadence with its beautiful gold casing, rich texture and long-lasting colour. We recommend Dolce Vita Red, a bright red shade for a sexy kick.

You can buy Dior’s Diorific in Dolce Vita Red at Debenhams for £21.50.

No Grace Kelly-esque outfit would be complete without a sophisticated fragrance, and no perfume radiates sophistication more than the eternally classic Chanel No.5.

You can buy Chanel No.5 at Boots for £86

Each yuletide period the little elves at the Lush headquarters busy themselves with creating a bevvy of festive treats so we can all wash ourselves in a winter wonderland.

Every Christmas they bring back some olde ye faithful favourites such as the bestselling candy floss scented Snow Fairy goodies and the much loved stocking fillers – Gingerbread House bubble bar and Christmas pub bath bomb – as well as releasing a sack full of newbies.

With just four sleeps left till santa, if you still need to perform a last minute gift dash then make sure Lush is on your list of pits stops – even if its just to pick up a treat for yourself after a long hard day shopping… Here are a few of favourites:

For him – Merry and Bright £8.50

Need to get a little something for a man in your life? Coming in at under a £10, this Merry and Bright gift set makes a good stocking filler or small gift. It contains Glogg shower gel inspired by mulled wine and a fair chunk of Northern Lights soap which will get even the stinkiest of men smelling glorious.

For her – 12 Days of Christmas £35.95

There is no partridges in pear trees, turtle doves or French hens involved in this gift, only bubbly loveliness and lather for each of the 12 Christmas days. Inside there is a mixture of Christmassy themed bubble bars, soaps and bath bombs.

Last minute gift – Gingerbread House Tin £14.50

This fairytale inspired bath tin contains everything that is needed for four heavenly festive baths. The tin can also be kept as the perfect home for any future lush goodies.

For you – Christmas Eve £2.95

After all of that present buying you surely deserve a little treat for yourself? Christmas Eve is the perfect way to get you in the mood for the big event that is Christmas Day. With a hint of sensual jasmine, essential oils and Irish moss powder to leave your skin feeling smooth – a gorgeous bath and perhaps a hot toddy will have you forgetting about the mania at the shops in no time.

Pop on over to the Lush website to take a look at the full range of Christmas goodies.

With only 10 days to go until the Big Day, it’s time to hold up the endless present wrapping, stop frantically re-reading the recipe book and forget about all the stressful organising for a while…because it’s officially Christmas party season!

Whether it’s the office Christmas party, festive drinks with neighbours or a girl’s night out on the tiles, the party season is really just an excuse to dedicate a whole evening to some ‘you-time’ -scrubbing, pampering and glamming up to look your festive best.

If there’s any time when it’s truly acceptable to wear a full-on sequined cocktail dress paired with gem-stone stilettoes and glittering gold jewelry, it’s the Christmas party season. But with all that glam and glitter- what are you supposed to do with your makeup?

There’s a fine line between looking glam and looking like a bauble on legs, so our beauty tip for this season is dress to impress but keep it sleek and simple on your face.

We’ve selected 3 essential beauty items to help you keep to this rule.

Skin

Benefit dandelion pink perk-me-up face powder

If you’re looking for that fresh, rosy-cheeked ‘just been outside’ look, you could either actually go outside (let’s face it- can we get away with the streaming nose and smudged mascara?), or alternatively, apply a touch of Benefit dandelion pink perk-me-up face powder. Offering instant radiance in a cute, portable pot, this product is great for natural-looking touch-ups throughout your evening.

You can buy Benefit dandelion pink perk-me-up face powder for £23.50 from selected stores or from the Benefit online shop.

Lips

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color

For bold, Hollywood glamour, choose Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in either ‘Old Hollywood’, a bright, cherry red, or ‘Crimson’, a rich red wine shade. Red goes well with gold or metallic shades so if you’re going all out with your cocktail dress, a slick of rouge will give it a sophisticated edge. Alternatively, if you’re going for a chic LBD, bright red lips offers a sexy focal point.

You can buy Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color for £18 at the Bobbi Brown online shop.

Eyes

Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara

New to Max Factor this season is a mascara promising to become ‘the must have miracle for dramatic eyes’. The product is designed to lengthen and add volume to your lashes and would make maximum impact paired with a nude eye-shadow.

You can buy Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara for £11.99 at Superdrug.

With fresh cheeks, bright lips and bambi eyelashes, this natural yet glamorous trio is sure to compliment a glittering outfit without going too OTT.

Tightening those purse strings this Christmas? That doesn’t mean you have to fill your stockings with budget busting clementines – here are some great beauty ideas that won’t set you back more than £5.

1. Lush – Magic Wand £4.95

This bubble bar is the epitome of girlyness. Scented with the ever-popular Snow Fairy perfume, simply waft your magical wand around your hot bath whilst chanting abracadabra and low and behold…bubbles appear.

This bubble bar should last you a good few baths so once you are done waving your wand, stash it somewhere safe to dry off, ready and waiting for your next bath.

2. Models Own – Scarlet Sparkle nail polish £5

Get Christmassy from your fingertips right down to the tips of your toes. This sparkly red polish will add some festive cheer to any outfit.

3. Bodyshop – Cranberry Joy Lip Balm £4

Pucker up with this cranberry scented hydrating lip balm.

4. Accessorize – Leopard Nail File £2

This cute leopard print nail file with a glittery finish will be a welcome addition to any girl’s handbag.

5. Pink Cow ginger bread bath and shower gel £2.99 – available from Boots

This great value deliciously scented bath and shower gel is perfect for winter baths and showers. The smell of spiced biscuits is the perfect way to warm you up on those cold winter mornings.

When I hear the word ‘apothecary’, I think of medieval alchemists pouring smoking potions into decanters, or dark, dusty shelves stacked with spell books. A far cry, then, from the sleek, modern, multi-billion-dollar beauty industry of the 21st century.

…Or is it?

We recently reported news of House of Fraser’s exclusive Biba Zamac ring-

a handy lipgloss hidden inside a statement ring. Now the high street chain has gone one step further and hidden a full (and rather generous) make-up range inside… a book.

Introducing the Apothecary Essentials Kit, exclusive to House of Fraser. This generous make-up collection includes:

• An exclusive eye palate with a spread of 12 smoky shades
• A liquid lipstick in a vampy red
• A shiny lipgloss in rustic rose
• An oyster pink highlighter for that glowing renaissance skin
• A black eye pencil for gothic-style eyes
• Luscious false lashes

All of this, hidden inside an antique-style apothecary’s potion book. It’s the stuff of gothic romance.

Inside the ‘book’ you’ll find the make-up kit hidden beneath authentic pages covered in hand-written notes and pencil sketches – a quirky touch to a very quirky product. In terms of practicality, the make-up trays slide out smoothly to allow for easy access, with no fumbling round in make-up bags. Everything you need is laid out before you.

You can either leave the ‘book’ open on your dressing table, or tucked away in your library! It looks good either way.

The Apothecary Essentials Kit would make a fantastic Christmas present for anyone who wants to add a touch of gothic glamour to their dressing table this season.

You can buy the Apothecary Essentials Kit exclusively at House of Fraser for £26.00

Popular, quirky and kitsch – Soap & Glory have been a firm high street beauty favourite for some years now, but something has always been missing…make-up.

Up until very recently Soap & Glory have focused their efforts on their bodycare range, with an extensive range of gorgeous scrubs, lotions and potions. Now however, Soap & Glory have decided to stick their finger in yet another pie and have released a cosmetics range featuring mascara, eyeliner, bronzer, blush, foundation and lip products.

I won’t waste too much time discussing the packaging because obviously it’s delightful. If you are anything like me and an absolute sucker for packaging then that will have been what made you fall hook, line and sinker for Soap & Glory products in the first place. They have continued their standard black and pink packaging throughout – as they have with the pun inspired product names.

Here are our top three picks from the range:

1. Love at First Blush £11 - This multi tonal blusher gives the skin a warm rosy glow and brightens up tired looking skin.

2. Kick Ass Concealer three piece camouflage kit £10 – This kit is all you need to improve the appearance of heavy eyes and bothersome pimples. It includes an under eye brightening concealer which helps to ease any puffiness, an on the spot concealer to cover those troublesome blemishes and transparent setting powder to make sure everything stays where it should.

3. Lid Stuff £10 – This is a great quad for everyday use and contains 4 fabulous neutral shades which rival some of the much higher end brands in terms of pigmentation and longevity. If you can’t afford the Urban Decay Naked palette then this is a great simplified cheaper alternative.

Check out the full Soap & Glory make-up range here.

Come December and many of the big names in beauty are releasing their holiday collections ready for the Christmas shopping period. Sometimes they hit the spot – and sometimes they really don’t.

Generally when I am perusing Christmas beauty products I shop by the manta ‘beauty products are for life, not just for Christmas’ – meaning that anything that myself or the giftee wouldn’t use past Christmas is a definite no no.

This year I am particularly impressed by the seasonal collection from NARS, which has taken inspiration from Asia and the beautiful Japanese geisha’s.

The colourings are subtle and sultry and are inspired by traditional kimonos and kabuki theratres – reds, neutrals, black, gold, plum and ice white.

The shining star of the collection has to be the Nagauta Kabuki Brush Set. This five-piece brush set is encased in a keepsake wooden bento box with red lacquer interior. The brushes themselves have been exquisitely designed and manage to look authentically Japanese. There are also two new brushes that are exclusive to the set – the Kabuki Eye Brush and the Kabuki Lip brush. The set comes in at £160 which is a small fortune, but as most make-up lovers will know a good quality brush can go the distance if well looked after. A bog standard MAC brush can set you back £30 and coming in at around £32 each these NARS brushes actually have something a bit different to offer and will be money well spent.

The Naguta Kabuki brush set is exclusive to Selfridges and can be purchased online.

The second stand out product for me is the Kudoki Kabuki Mini Lip Coffret. Again, the packaging is exquisite whilst also remaining very simple and stripped down. Presentation is in another red lacquered wooden box and inside are three vibrant limited edition lip shades which have been poured into black ceramic cups. The set also comes with a Kabuki Lip Brush. Again the price is quite high at £90 but the shades are all very wearable (deep red, deep pink and a neutral) and the quality of the products you are receiving for the price makes this a truly great investment which is well worth the money.

The Kudoki Kabuki Mini Lip Coffret is available from the NARS website.

If the above are both out of your price range then there are plenty of other great gifts to explore. The mini nail polish coffret is a steal at £22 and the scented candles featuring traditional Japenese scents would also make for wonderful gifts which are far from being tacky and too seasonal to use past January. To view the full Modern Kabuki collection from NARS please visit the website for further details.

The beauty market is currently completely saturated with chemical laden overpriced bad quality facial products which promise the earth but unfortunately deliver very little of what they say on the tin! So, needless to say when I heard about a natural skincare brand that has been supplying Italian Pharmacy’s for 28 years I was itching to try out some of their offerings.

The first reason I was excited by Kalis skincare is because they appear to be a beauty brand with a conscience: i.e. not telling porky pies about using chemical ingredients but instead focussing their efforts on including as little of them as possible and more of the stuff that we know to be great for our skin like vitamins and oils.

Secondly, if it’s good enough for the Italians…

Italian women are renowned for their excellent dress sense, slim line figures, flawless skin and natural looking make-up – so essentially everything one might wish to be.

Third, fourth, fifth and sixth – the people are nice, the service is personal, the products are modestly priced and they are also not over packaged – all rarities in this day and age.

So without further ado, onto the review…

I have been sampling a variety of Kalis products but the one I particularly want to talk about is the Ultra C face cream with macadamia.

I really struggle to find a good face cream. I have highly sensitive allergy prone skin and eyes and I have had to discontinue use of numerous creams that claim to be fragrance free and hypoallergenic –Body Shop, Simple, Johnsons, Oilatum and Lancome and Clinque to name but a few.

After finding a good face cream that I like and that doesn’t irritate my skin, I have been reluctant to try anything new for fear of shelling out pounds on something that I may only be able to use once or twice before confining it to the bin.

Ultra C however, is designed for ultra sensitive and allergy prone skin. Its designed to fight off wrinkles and to hydrate with it’s bevvy of good ingredients from Vitamins C and E which rejuvenate the skin and help to fight the signs of aging through to Macadamia oil to nourish dry skin.

I’ve been using this cream for over a month now and can say with certainty that it has improved my skin tone and dry patches without causing oiliness. It’s lovely to apply both in the morning and night and makes for a nice make-up base. The packaging is clean, simple and no frills – which in my opinion is all that is needed and the scent is mild, clean and inoffensive.

In terms of price point the cream comes in at £24.50 for 50ml. It isn’t a bargain but it isn’t overpriced by any means either. I’ve been using the product for around 2 months now and am about a quarter of the way through (that’s from using twice a day) which is quite impressive.

Regardless of the price I think the true testament of a product is whether you would actually buy it again, or in this case with your own money, which I most certainly would.

For more information about Ultra C, visit Kalis Skincare to find out more. You may also be interested to know that Kalis are currently offering an October and November promotion of 10% off. Simply enter WINTER at the checkout to get your discount.

Look out for more upcoming reviews on Kalis Skincare.

Long gone are the days when a ‘real man’s’ grooming session consisted of a hard scrub with a loofah and a shave with a bar of soap and a penknife.

This is the age of man-bags and guy-liner, the age of the modern, metrosexual man who isn’t afraid to go to the spa before a pint in the pub.

A 2010 survey by Superdrug found that men spent longer in the shower than women, and spent only 19p less a month on beauty products.

It seems men can’t go anywhere without their average 83 minutes of grooming time in the morning, so we’ve found the perfect luxury bathroom gift to keep them happy this Christmas.

Molton Brown Men’s Traveller 2011 is great for men who go away frequently either for business, or for pleasure (or even when their partners are fed up with them hogging the bathroom).

It’s a neat, compact set of 7 different luxurious Molton Brown Products in miniature form, including:

• Re-Charge Black Pepper eau de toilette
• Re-Charge Black Pepper Shave Oil
• Conditioning Olibanum Supershave
• Power-Boost Zinc Anti-Fatigue Hydrator
• Bushukan Citrus Bodywash
• Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash
• Deep-Clean Mineral Ions Facewash

Of course, with power words like ‘ions’, ‘ultra’ and ‘charge’, men new to the metro-scene can still feel like they’re in home territory. Plus, the musky, spicy scent of black pepper is great for those who like their male partners smelling excitingly fresh and sexy – and not like they’ve been sitting in a rose-scented steam room for the last half hour.

The package comes in a modern, practical airport security bag and complies with all of the current airport security regulations, so there won’t be any awkward standing around while his make-up bag is searched.

You can buy Molton Brown’s Men’s Traveller at the Molton Brown website for £40

Want to shower guilt-free without feeling like you’re destroying your hair and the planet in one hair-wash?

Many shampoos, conditioners and soaps contain damaging chemicals like parabens, SLS and petrochemicals that strip your hair of nutrients and contaminate the environment during production, distribution and waste.

‘Naked’ is a brand that claims to be 97% natural but 100% transparent and ‘honest about everything’ they do.

The leftover 3% of ‘unnatural’ ingredients consists of preservatives, which stops perishable components going off, and emulsifying agents, which stops the ingredients from separating.

The company also claims to source local ingredients wherever possible in order to cut down on carbon emissions from transportation. If some ingredients are unavailable in the UK, Naked will buy from sustainable community-traded sources. All products are produced in the UK and, of course, never tested on animals.

Naked Bounce Curl Defining Conditioner is part of a range of guilt-free products created especially for curly hair.

It contains Avocado oil to moisturise and extracts of kelp to boost natural hair repair. Together, these ingredients create bouncy, soft, perfect ringlets- as well as saving a little bit of our planet!

You can buy Naked bounce Curl Defining Conditioner at Naked Body Care for a very reasonable £3.99