Paying Lip Service to Kiehl's LIP BALM #1

We’ve been using Kiehl’s LIP BALM #1 over the past few weeks and while it does not win our first prize, it would definitely get a mention if we compiled a list of best balms.

Impressively, #1 has being in production for the past four decades and the reason for this is because it quite simply relieves dry and chapped lips, and that’s it! There are no other significant qualities to it apart from its SPF 4 which protects against sun damage on fragile lips.

It goes on lips nicely, if not feeling slightly greasy, but this is absorbed over time and leaves a slight gloss on the lips. Our tester couldn't really comment on whether her lips actually felt any softer though.

In a distinctive black and white tube, it's a simple, but effective balm for the no frills brigade. Possibly one for the boys??

Product of the week: Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector

This summer it's all about the skin looking young, fresh and radiating with health and cult Australian make up brand Becca has the perfect answer. Their Shimmering Skin Perfector comes top of the class with a perfect A*! Here at Bella Queen headquarters, we’re raving about this must have product that can go anywhere with you, from the city to relaxing on the beach.

To start with, it's a water based moisturiser so ideal for our current hot weather and it gives protection from over 90% of dangerous early aging UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 20. Plus, it comes in a sleek pump action bottle, which is good for reducing product wastage.

It's vitamin infused with A, B, D and E and with this concoction you’ll be getting help with tissue repair, boosting your collagen levels and improving your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Definitely, helps keep your skin looking good for longer.
With five easy to use shades, all skin tones are covered and it feels very light on the skin. Our favourite aspect is the fact that it contains mica, which causes light to bounce of your skin and gives the skin a healthy and glowing appearance. The shimmer works to even out complexion, by brightening dark patches, an added bonus!

There are so many ways to use the Shimmering Skin Perfector. Use on its own for a light weight and uber dewy look which is perfect for lounging by the pool, mix with your usual foundation for a radiant look on a busy day and for dancing the night away use as a highlighter when you’ve finished applying foundation and powder by dabbing over cheekbones, browbones or wherever you want a bit of a glow.

So this week we take our crown off to Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector, which does exactly as it says on the bottle. It gives the instant appearance of perfect skin, with a hint of shimmer!

Product(s) of the Week: OPI DripDry & RapiDry Spray

We've all been there.... freshly painted nails, good coverage, nice and even polish.... then you reach into our handbag and out comes at least one nail with a smudge or dent. Can put anyone worth their polish off painting their nails!

OPI to the rescue. Their DripDry drops can get nails touch dry in 5 minutes. And followed by a quick spritz of RapiDry spray, nails will be dry to a smooth and smudge proof finish within minutes.

To use, add a 1-2 drops of DripDry to each nail 1 minute after adding top coat to the last nail. Then wait 2 minutes and spritz each hand with RapiDry holding the bottle about 12 inches away from the hand.

Now sit back, put your feet up and flip through your fave glossy for 10 minutes. Nails dry and your fabulous self is good to go. Happy painting, Bella Queens!

Storage goes Stylish!

We've fallen in love with The Holding Company! Visited them at Selfridges, London and concluded that they really do provide stylish storage solutions. That said, the choice was extensive and everything was still simple, practical and infused with a sense of fun!

Being lovers of all things beauty AND beautiful, we couldn't resist these 2 very apt storage boxes :-) Perfect for storing nail care products and make up items, especially when on the go!

More info: http://www.theholdingcompany.co.uk/

Sunkissed Summer Glow

Sun’s out (finally) and here at Bella Queen headquarters we are just loving the sun kissed, glowing, healthy skinned look. After months of cover up, its time to let loose and give some colour back to our legs and arms, in fact our whole bodies!

To start with, we’re working on getting rid of any dry skin. Body sugars, body polishes, exfoliators, what ever works to reveal smoother and softer skin, we on it. By the way, we’re in love with the radiance boosting Laura Mercier Crème Brulee Sugar Scrub. It contains Vitamin A and E and Grapeseed and Olive oil which moisturise, soothe and protect the skin.

Now at this point, we would then slather on moisturiser all over the body, but at 2010 is the year of being all grown up, we are using the much more sophisticated, glow enhancer and sometimes over looked BODY OIL!

Body oils are so the moisturiser for this summer. Light and easily absorbed they keep the skin hydrated while casting a sexy glow all over. And if you get one with fragrance, you can be ‘scentalious’ all day!

Our faves are below:

Johnson’s Baby Oil – £2.99 - it’s cheap and cheerful. And as the advert says, it will leave your skin as soft as a baby’s bum and cast a slight healthy shine.

Champney’s Citrus Dry Glow Body Oil - £7 – this comes in a spray pump so its easy to use around the body and its non greasy (hence the word dry in its name, we guess). Suitable for every day use, the lemon and cardamom essential oils will lightly fragrance your skin, as well as soften.

SEN’s Lotus & Jasmine Massage Oil - £15 - although a massage oil, this oil is delightful enough to be used as an all over body moisturiser. With Jasmine and Sweet Almond oils, your skin will be left smelling faintly sweet and glowing all over.

MAC’s To The Beach Bronzing Oil - £15.50 – Limited Edition. This has bronze and gold shimmer particles suspended in oil which leaves a sheer, sexy gleam on the skin. It dries quickly and leaves no residue. Could you ask for more?

So go forth, jump in that shower, scrub up and emerge a bronzed and oiled goddess!

The Big Clear Out

Summer is finally here and as you throw away old tights, scarves and gloves, don’t forget to throw out winter cast offs from your make up bag and bathroom shelves. All products have a shelf life, cosmetics and make up are no exception.

Mascara, must be changed every three months. It's a key culprit in harbouring bacteria which can cause unsightly eye infections. Liquid eyeliner is another staple that needs binning an a quarterly basis. Once opened and in use, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria also. Pencil liners on the other hand can last up to two years, but beware that the colour and texture can change over time and make the pencil less efficient and pleasant to use. So keep an eye (no pun intended) on it!

Powder based products like face compacts or eye shadows typically have a few years on them once opened, but beware for when they start appearing extra dry or caked up in their tins. This is a clear sign that its time for them to go.

Liquid cosmetics like cleansers, foundations and mousses tend to lose 50% of their shelf life once opened, so use quickly and make sure lids are tightly on once opened. However, once the smell starts to change or ingredients start separating it should be heading straight for the bin.

Make up sponges and brushes must be washed at least once a week to rid them of dirt, bacteria and product build up. A cost effective way to keep them clean is to wash them in some warm water with some gentle shampoo and leave them flat to dry. Airing cupboards are a great place to get them dry very quickly.

A concealer brush should be washed each time its used, as lets face it, you’re using it to cover up a spot which may be infectious, and by using the same brush again the next time, you really are only moving the infection from one side of your face to the other.

Nail Polishes – these don’t need necessarily need throwing out as much as reviving. Old polish can be revived by putting in a few drops of polish thinner, closing the lid and giving it a good shake. Be warned nail polish remover does not do the same job, instead invest in a quality thinner like Leighton Denny's As Good As New or Mavala's Thinner. Both are under £10 and can dramatically increase the life of your favourite must have colour.

So there you go, get cleaning, chuck out the dead products and give yourself and excuse to hit the beauty counters all over again!

Muji Magic

In case you missed it, Bella Queen's favourite organise and tidy store, Muji, has launched a capsule skin care collection. And just like everything else it stocks, the products are practical, sensible and altogether to the point!

Similar to another Far East brand the key factor in this range is the water used to create the products. The water is from the Iwate region of Japan and is renowned for its softness and minuscule particle size. The science? the smaller and delicate the particle, the easier it is for the skin to absorb! Comprendre?

Lesson over! Although a fantastic start off range, there are only products for sensitive skin or dry skin. Oily skin sufferers, like me, lets keep hope alive!

There is peach juice for dry skin, which is very moisturising and grapefruit essence for sensitive skin, which naturally protects and keeps the skin moistened.

All the products are free from common irritants, packaged in a unisex design and reasonably priced from just under £8 to a top price of £18.