Try a Trend...Co-ordinate your colour

It might seem prim and proper but matching your lips and nails is one of the hottest trends for 2011. For this shot, we used Revlon's recently-relaunched Fire & Ice Lipstick, £7.29 and Nail Enamel in All Fired Up, £6.29 Boots (see earlier post for the full story) to ensure a perfect match. Sx

Coming soon...

...there will be more Try a Trend shots coming very soon, including some rather fabulous leopard-print nails, and E will be reviewing a new peppermint shower gel for men.

Even more excitingly, I will be holding the first ever Best Tressed Beauty Awards. January always seems like a great time to take stock, so with that in mind I'll be giving a rundown of my favourite products, from exfoliators and cleansers to dry shampoo and nail polish. Keep checking in Best Tressers. Sx

Jessie who?

I know precisely 4 things about this here, Jessie J.

1. She's British.
2. She's 22
3. She likes to grab her crotch
4. She's rocking some serious S/S11 beauty trends

First, her lips are adorned with delicately-punkish black studs and crystals. I've been sat here wondering in what possible social situation could I get away with this sort of look...round the house it is then! Next, there's the super-luxe skin - think glowing, glossy and healthy-looking, whether your porcelain or olive-toned. Did we even mention the statement fuschia lip? This girl is our new cosmetic crush for 2011! Sx

It's Britney, Bitch!

I don't think anything could've cheered me up more on this dreary Friday afternoon than the news that Britney Spears is set to release her new single, 'Hold it against Me' in the US next week. I'm literally, actually, properly, like so excited!

After a demo of the single was leaked, Britney tweeted, 'Heard an early demo of my new single leaked. If u think that's good, wait til you hear the real one Tuesday. -Brit.' She also posted the cover of the new single and it looks as if Britters is back on blonde-bombshell form.

Even better news, the Britney Hair Appeal seems to have been an all out success Best Tressers, after the star was spotted minus the rat's tails here...http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1341323/Britney-Spears-finally-banishes-straggly-hair-extensions-returns-natural-head-hair-holidays.html

Sx

Rihanna Set to Launch Fragrance

I've started 2011 living by a new mantra...WWRD. Yes, before I make any decision, from what to make for tea to choosing which thigh-skimming dress to wear I ask myself, 'What would Rihanna do?' Ri-Ri, with her red ringlet hair and her Barbadian-bright attire, is my new style icon. I might not be able to pull off the 80s Whitney perm or the hot hotpants, but at least I will soon be able to smell like her.

According to Rihannadaily.com, Reb'l Fleur is a fruity chypre (I'm especially excited with the inclusion of coconut water, mmm) and reflects the singer's childhood in Barbados, followed by her time spent in NY. The fragrance is set to launch in the US on 25th Jan so I'm hoping it will be with us by summer. Oo na na, what's my scent? Sx

New year, new nail colour...

I don't know if I'm just getting older, or harder to please, but new nail colour fads don't excite me like they used to. I've seen all the neon shades under the sun. New finishes are never as good an idea as they might seem (matte, anyone?). Now I look for on-trend colours that will take me through to next season, and even the one after that.

I recently discovered Orly polish. It's got a great formula, like Essie, and the colour selection of OPI. Only it seems unfair to compare Orly to anyone else, seeing as it precedes both brands. This rusty rose colour is TDF. It strikes me as the sort of shade that transcends age. Two coats of Orly Nail Lacquer in Quite Contrary Berry, £8.95 (orlybeauty.co.uk) stayed chip-proof for a good few days. Definitely my big talon tip for 2011. Sx

Kardashian Line-Up Dashed by Khloe...

Yes, vertically-adept, Khloe Kardashian has shunned the brunette locks that have made her and her sisters so instantly recognisable (and enviable) in favour of a new soft, red shade.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1344537/Peoples-Choice-Awards-2011-Khloe-Kardashian-turns-hot-red-head-poses-brunette-sisters.html

I really like the new colour (very Isla Fisher) and her skintone suits the auburn tones perfectly. What do you think Best Tressers? Is it a hit or a miss? You know what to do. Sx

Happy New Year!

Hi Best Tressers,
First of all, I must wish you a very happy New Year, and secondly, issue an apology for my lack of beauty blogging. I have been distracted by presents, Bucks Fizz and that red fish from crackers.

So let's kick off 2011 with something fun. I am looking for female testers, aged between 40 and 55 to take part in a Tried and Tested for Woman's Own magazine. You get to trial (and keep!) 3 products, from anti-ageing foundations and cleansing gels, to moisturising shampoos and skin-perfecting powders. All you have to do is provide a recent picture and write a brief summary on each. If you, or anyone you know, might be interested then please email me at stephanie.maylor@hotmail.com asap with your name, age and recent picture.

Thanks a million,
Sx