How cute! Japonesque Artisan Slant Tip Tweezer

Tweezers are like jeans. Once you find a good pair, you never want to let them go. I was sent Japonesque's Cow Print Artisan Slant Tip Tweezer, £15.50, http://www.johnlewis.com/, a few months ago and while I'm not sure they're top of my brow plucker list yet (I do like a slanted tip but it seems to take a few gos to whip out the hair with these) the pattern is to die for. Sx

The Saturdays + Fashionista

First there were crackle polishes. Then nail wraps. Now the latest nail effect to hit the masses is magnetic nail polish. Nails Inc and 17 are among the first brands to launch magnetic nail paints but it's Superdrug brand, Fashionista, that have been the most canny by launching 5 colours with The Saturdays. Each Saturday has her own shade - I'm wearing Una and Vanessa below.

To use, paint a single coat over each nail. Go over with a second coat, a nail at a time, and hold the magnet over each one for about 10 seconds. This was my first attempt - I think it will take a little more practice to get that real rippled effect. Fashionista Magnetism Nail Lacquer costs £6, while the Magnetized Nail Magnet, which slots onto the lid, will set you back £3. My one criticism is by having the magnet in the top of the lid it can prove a tad messy when turning upside down to hold over the polish. The polish on the brush then ran up to the lid - no actual spillages mind. I definitely think these will sell incredibly well for the brand, especially with The Saturdays on board. Sx



I Beliebe in a thing called love...

If you're a fellow Belieber, you should like totes head down to Westfield next Monday 7th November between 4 and 5pm to see the sought-after young man switch on the Christmas lights. Even I'm pretty impressed they managed to get the Bieber to turn up and turn on their lights!

On top of that, there's a rather exciting competition launching to win the chance to meet the man-boy himself! You'll also receive a pair of VIP tickets to see his performance in London, a bottle of Someday by Justin Bieber AND a copy of his new album Mistletoe - hey, am I allowed to go in for this?
For your chance to win, log on to www.justinbiebersomeday.co.uk (entry code is JBCOMP11) between now and midnight Thursday 3rd November (one entry per person only please). Winners will be selected and notified on Friday 4th November by phone and/or email. You will need to make your own travel arrangements and be able to arrive at Westfield Shopping Centre, White City, London at 3pm on Monday 7th November. Justin will be switching on the lights and performing between 4pm and 5pm. Sx

P.S If any of my friends enter this and win, I'm expecting an invite!

I'm back!

Hello Best Tressers,
Oh how I've missed you. Apologies for the severe lack of posting over the last few months. I've been covering at Woman's Own magazine, which has been fabulous, but not left much time for blogging about the latest launches.


After the sale

Let's begin with some good news. A couple of months ago, I ran another beauty sale and boy was it a big one! So much so, we managed to raise a staggering £300 for the East Africa Food Crisis Red Cross appeal - and with gift aid, that took it up to £370! Massive thanks must go to the lovely Hayley for providing her abode, cake-making skills and some rather fancy carrier bags (yes, we do beauty sales in style!). Thanks also to everyone who came - without you and your unwavering lust for mascara, tan and hairspray, we wouldn't have raised such an incredible amount for such a worthy cause. Final thanks go to all the fabulous PRs who are kind enough to send out samples - I'm so grateful for all your support. Sx

One to Watch...Carmex Moisture Plus

A couple of months ago, I went to the launch of a new hero of a lip balm, Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm, £4.49 (Boots). I don't know about you ladies but my lips have really taken a beating this summer. I'm kind of anti-Vaseline, just because the petroleum jelly tends to dry out the lips after a while, meaning you have to reapply it more often. Needless to say, I've been on the lookout for a lip-nourishing balm that will keep my pout hydrated all day. The new balm comes in three shades: clear, peach and pink, all of which provide a sheer, glossy finish. I've been wearing it for a week and the ultra-hydrating formula of Vitamin E, Aloe, Shea Butter (not forgetting SPF 15) really does keep your pout lip-smackingly hydrated for hours. The colours really are very sheer so if you're wanting more of a stain effect, then this probably isn't for you. The colour variation is so subtle in fact, I've included pictures below to illustrate. Sx

Clear

Peach

Pink



Noise from the Boys VII: BANGtidy

I’m not exactly an expert on the matter but as far as I can tell, the folks at Marc Jacobs know cool. An obvious point perhaps when discussing a big-hitting designer brand, but I feel it is a point I must emphasise in discussing BANG BANG for men, here’s why… There are lots of cool things about designer fragrances. Aside from the glaringly obvious ones like they make you smell nice, the brands carry the same prestige as they would if you were wearing their clothing, they make girls like you more, etc. But ultimately what is cool about fragrances is the range of subtleties and artfulness that form the whole package. There is no single definition of what is cool, it is a nebulous and flexible concept. What is cool changes depending on who you ask, what era you grow up in, where you’re from and any number of other variables. Similarly, fragrances that are cool vary in many ways; there are subtle, sophisticated scents that come in heavy, minimalist bottles; vibrant energetic scents that come in streamlined, metallic containers. And then there are the off-the-wall scents that just seduce you and you can’t explain why, as well as everything in between. BANG BANG, somehow manages to be sophisticated, vibrant and enigmatic in one, and a frankly sensational package.

Looking at the bottle - an aggressive, sharp, metallic blue sculpture - you could be forgiven for thinking that BANG BANG was going to smell brutal. The design concept is instantly engaging - a simple shape made exciting with a bold twist. This perfectly complements the fragrance itself. Think sophistication and elegance shot through with something fresh and invigorating. BANG BANG is a striking combination of fresh citrus notes riding on top of a smooth musky base. Like an enigmatic stranger in a classy bar, the zesty elements grab your attention and the softer, woody follow-through keeps you engaged for the rest of the evening, and before you know it you’ve been banged (sorry I had to do it sometime). This fragrance plays with the ideas that make up the cool spectrum - it has the balls to be overstated and bold in its presentation, and then confounds expectations with a complex and dynamic final product that is both subtle and striking. Since I picked this up I haven’t used another fragrance. BANG BANG is many things - a man for all seasons, a one night stand - but it is certainly cool.

Marc Jacobs Bang Bang EDT, £51 100ml, launches next week (stockist 0800 652 7661). E

Are you a Belieber? Try Justin Bieber 'SOMEDAY'

I am not afraid to admit that I am a Justin Bieber fan - perhaps somewhat ironically though - I have an 'I heart JB' keyring - but I can still be found singing 'and I was like, babaaaaay, babaaaaay, babaaaaay, ohhhhhhh' in the bathroom and like to check-in every week or so and see how the Bieber and Selena (or Selieber) are getting on in their latest holiday snaps (thank you Daily Mail website). But would I wear his debut fragrance for women, 'SOMEDAY'? Erm well maybe...someday.

If someone asked me 'what are you wearing' there is absolutely no way I would tell them 'Justin Bieber - SOMEDAY'. But then again, I am a 25 year old woman with a semi-serious job (beauty product testing IS important I tell you!). Roll back 10 years and I would've lapped that scent up like my sister's dog around Aldi's Specially Selected Onion and Chive Butter Twists. Funnily enough, I got my mum to smell the fragrance yesterday - she is 54 and very knowledgable on her perfumes - and she loved it. She admitted she would definitely wear it but if asked what she was wearing she would conveniently forget. Hmmm.

So what has the Bieber got to say on his debut fragrance? “SOMEDAY is the idea that we can change the world, make our dreams come true, and even be with the one person that means everything,” he says. “Giving back has always been incredibly important to me, but let’s be honest... I wanted to create a fragrance for my female fans that I can’t get enough of... that I want to get next to and I can’t stay away from.” Clever, Bieber, very clever.

The reason I would maybe, someday, wear this fragrance - and it's not to get close to you Master Bieber - is because actually this fruity-floral smells quite nice. After my first spritz, though, it was a different story. Top notes of mandarin, pear and wild berries made me think this was going to veer into sickly-sweet territory - a personal fragrance turn off - but after 30 seconds or so this mellows into a deep floral heart of jasmine, water lily and coconut orchid. The base includes sandalwood, vanilla and soft musk and I must admit as an EDP, it lasts on the skin well. It doesn't smell young either, in case you were wondering. You only have to witness my mum's 'I'd wear that' reaction to realise that. Did my boyfriend like it? Well he was indifferent. But I'm impressed. This is a very admirable first fragrance attempt - although I'm not sure how involved JB was in the process - and so far it has won over 2 out of 2 Maylor girls...and we're a tough crowd. 

Before we leave this scent review, we must touch upon 'that' bottle. Does it remind you of something? It should do. It's pretty darn similar to Marc Jacobs Lola. Tactile rubber lid? Check. Pink-hued top? Check. According to reports, MJ (erm Marc Jacobs, not 'heeeeee-heeeee-owwwww' Jackson) is totally aware of JB's perfume bottle but has chosen not to take the matter further. I'm also surprised that Harrods are currently selling the fragrance exclusively - it will launch nationwide on 10th September. Are teeny-boppers even allowed into Harrods?

If you like the sound of this scent/want the possiblity of getting close to Bieber prices start at a very reasonable £23 for 30ml. Sx

Over to you...

Hi Best Tressers,
How are you?

I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome the new followers and thank you regular Best Tressers for all your ongoing support. I also wanted to pick your beauty brains on what you wanted to see more of on the blog, from catwalk trend shots and make-up tips to simple reviews and E's grooming features. Post your comments below and I'll do my best to take in the changes.

Thanks a million,
Sx