Facial and Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell

TheFoundationDirectory; Heaven Skincare and Facial by Deborah Mitchell

I was super excited when I got an exclusive invite for a special evening with Founder Deborah Mitchell of Heaven Skincare and beauty therapist. Heaven is a luxury British organic skincare brand, founded in 1991, the key ingredient in most of her products is Bee Venom. Deborah came up with this potion in a dream, her sister is a bee keeper, so she knew a lot about bees. She has now patented her 'secret' mix as Abeetoxin, a complicated formulation of bee venom, honey and natural botulinum harvested from bees.

TheFoundationDirectory; Heaven Skincare Bee Venom Mask - Gold

Deborah's infamous Bee Venom Mask is sold in 3 tiers;
Silver (£7.50-£82) - this contains the lowest amount of Abeetoxin as an introduction to the masks, but also good for those with sensitive skin. It's more like a rich cream than a traditional mask, and appeared to disappear from the surface of my face within minutes of application. It contains essential oils like organic Rose & Lavender, also organic Marshmallow, organic Shea Butter, vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, obviously Bee Venom, Abeetoxin & Honey. It's said to control facial muscles for an immediate tightening & lifting effect, it firms & releases collagen, relaxes muscles, and interestingly can help with pain.You apply a thick layer, leave for 10-20 minutes and then wash off. You can also apply it on top of your usual moisturiser or as your moisturiser, I've not trialled it in this way yet though, but it did feel very hydrating upon application so I can see how it would work. I cannot comment on the anti-ageing effects unfortunately, because even though I'm in my 30's wrinkles are not something that is a concern for me, but a great preventative measure and really nice moisturiser.

Black (£163)- her bestseller and Gold (£352), which you can only buy once, as it uses the Queen Bee Venom and there's only one in each hive. But don't forget this is an organic brand, so Deborah is now a 'Guardian of the Bees', because she donates a percentage of all her profits to bee charities and the way she extracts the venom actually saves the bees lives.

TheFoundationDirectory; Heaven Skincare

Deborah started out at 17 years old as a mobile therapist, she has been quoted as saying 'when I put my hands on the first person I ever treated, a strange, life-changing feeling came over me.....Now if I don’t do enough treatments, I suffer; it’s therapeutic for me'. Deborah can quote a long list of some very important royal clients and A-list celebrities including Camilla Parker Bowles, Kate Middleton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Junior and Victoria Beckham to name a few. So when I got the chance for her to lay her hands on my face (feet and hands included) I jumped at it, she doesn't only just do facials, but reads your aura/heals while she's at it. In the luxurious setting of the Langham Hotel room, I laid down while Deborah read my aura, I have a lot going on in my head she chimed (she's not wrong there). She cleanse, massaged and treated my face, neck, décolletage, hands and feet, it was a wonderfully relaxing experience and my face felt clean, plump and glowing after.

TheFoundationDirectory; Aallexxy with Deborah Mitchell following Heaven Skincare Facial

I have to say the packaging and overall presentation of the brand is gorgeous, when you expect to see a tub, it's actually a pump, it's clean, sophisticated and luxurious. Deborah has a great down to earth, vivacious bubbly personality, you can tell she really cares about her clients. If you are looking for a great British luxury organic brand with a focus on anti-ageing this is definitely for you, check out the range here.

The Limited Edition Rituals of Karma Summer Collection

TheFoundationDirectory; Rituals of Karma Summer Collection (image cred: rituals.com)

Rituals have created a limited edition summer collection called, The Ritual of Karma. According to ancient Hindu belief, living with good intent attracts positive karma, that is good or bad luck being viewed as resulting from one's actions. Rituals have devised a four step routine using the products from this collection to help practice the art of good karma. I'm not sure how this routine will do that exactly, but it definitely gives you food for thought and is relaxing and pampering in the process, which will hopefully put you in the head space to think good thoughts, which is a start.


TheFoundationDirectory; Rituals of Karma Body Cream (image cred: rituals.com)

I received two items from the five in the collection; The Ritual of Karma Body Cream (£19.50) and Shower Oil (£8.50). The body cream is a rich creamy moisturiser that contains gorgeous shimmer particles, that look great on my skin tone. I really love this body cream, it's perfect for summer, rich enough to moisturises the skin but not at all heavy or sticky. And the shimmer particles are an added bonus, I've almost used up this 200ml tub, and will need to repurchase for my pending summer holiday, can you imagine my skin shimmering away in the sunlight by the pool?! Don't worry I won't forget to apply sunscreen, if only this body cream contained an SPF, that would have been the cherry on the cake. The body cream has a light refreshing scent, as it combines the floral aroma of White Lotus, with refreshing Bergamot, bliss!!!

TheFoundationDirectory; Rituals of Karma Shower Oil (image cred: rituals.com)

Next is The Ritual of Karma Shower Oil, this is a lightly foaming shower gel that nourishes while it cleanses, leaving the skin soft and clean with the same scents as the body cream. If prolonging a tan is something you look for this will help, as it nourishes and hydrates the skin, ensuring you lose less pigment.


The collection also contains a Body Scrub, Shower Foam and Bed & Body Mist, but hurry at it is limited edition. You can find the collection here prices start at £8.50.

Sip 'n' Share Event with Illusions Cosmetics

TheFoundationDirectory; Janice & Denise Tunnell of Illusions Cosmetics

I was super excited when I was invited to an intimate event in London by one half of the dynamic twin duo makeup artist Denise Tunnell. Denise and Janice Tunnell are celebrity, television and film make-up artists based in America, their clientelle reads like a who's who of the A-list, including Brandy, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson & Mike Epps to mane a few. And the film/TV accolades are even more impressive The Notebook, The Hunger Games, The Grammy Awards, Vampire Diaries, need I go on?

In addition to this the Tunnell twins somehow found the time to create their own cosmetics line in 2006 called Illusions Cosmetics, created to address the needs of women of colour. This extensive line features foundations, powder, blush, eye shadows, liquid lipstick and lip gloss to name a few. The twins also have plans to extend the line to include skin care and make-up brushes in the near future. I have previously reviewed items from the Illusions Cosmetics range, see here and here.

TheFoundationDirectory; Illusions Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks

At this event I also got to try the Liquid Lipsticks, which I absolutely love, there isn't a shade in there I wouldn't wear. Below I'm wearing the shade Sushi Flower, a gorgeous fuchsia pink, these liquid lipsticks are very pigmented and have a satin finish so very comfortable to wear on the lips.

Aallexxy in Illusions Cosmetics Liquid Lipsticks in Sushi Flower

I also got to play around with the Eye Dusts, which I have reviewed previously (see link above), I fell in love with Bada Bling. It's a dark black brown with lots of gold shot through it, but to be honest all these shades are great, pigmented and in this great spill resistant packaging.

TheFoundationDirectory; Illusions Cosmetics Eye Dusts

The Tunnell twins are such inspirations, not originally trained in make-up artistry, for years they worked 2 jobs to be able to follow their passion. They are great role models for the likes of myself, pursuing our passions on the side of a full time career. Even now the Tunnell twins are juggling a very busy schedule as they host a weekly online radio show called 'Beauty Talk', where the sisters give the beauty industry it's voice.

You can check out the full Illusions Cosmetics line on their website IllusionsBeauty.com, prices start at $9, and they will soon start shipping to the UK.

Have you tried anything from this brand?

Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

Kiko Cosmetics Summer Collection

I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Kiko Milano's Limited Edition Summer Collection, inspired by the passion to travel, I have to say I was awe struck by the gorgeous packaging straight off the bat. The packaging was designed by designer Ross Lovegrove who's known for his futuristic and conceptual work, he was given the brief to design beautiful products you can take with you anywhere. This fits well with Kiko's overall ethos to provide functional and affordable products, that look and perform far better than there actual cost. The result? The collections gorgeous golden lust worthy packaging, that I'd be happy to pull out of my bag for on the go touch-ups absolutely anywhere.

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; Kiko Summer Collection

This huge collection includes a DD Cream, Cream & Powder Foundation, Bronzer, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Mascara, Lipstick, Lip Oils, Highlighters, Makeup brushes, Baked Blushers, Fragrance and another gorgeous make-up bag I'd rather use as a clutch bag (Click here to see what I'm talking about). I haven't managed to try everything I received from this massive collection, partly due the size of the collection, but also because the foundation I got in the goody bag actually doesn't match my skin tone. I'll pick some of my favourites so far from what I have.

TheFoundationDirectory.BlogSpot.com; Kiko Summer Collection

First up is the Endless Sky Volume Effect Mascara £12.90; As the name would imply, this is a volumising mascara, and it's great at doing that, but not so much lengthening. It's a very nice very black mascara that stays put all day, it has a medium sized brush that tapers to a point. I really like this mascara, but I do pair it with a lengthening mascara (which I do a lot with my mascara's) to get the benefits of both volume and length. The Dessert Dunes Bronzer £22.90 is another item I like, not because it actually bronzes my skin tone, even though I have the darker of the 2 shades available. I used this as a finishing powder to add a subtle glow to my face. This bronzer is absolutely huge, a massive 20grams to be precise, very reminiscent of something from Tom Ford. It could also be used as a subtle highlighter depending on your skin tone. Next up is the Mirage Lip Stylo £13.90 (aka Lipstick), I have 2 of the 16 shades and 11 Soul Blackcurrant is my fave, the deep fuchsia shade is right up my street, when I want to opt for bold colour on my lips, see it in action on my instagram (Aallexxy) here. The next item I'm going to touch on is the Lip Oil £10.90, which I feel is a brewing trend in beauty. This is a great glossy textured moisturising lip oil that has no colour, but is available in three scents, hence the different tints I have the vanilla scented option. The scent is not overpowering or sickly, which is nice, it just gives some hydration and sheen to the lips more than anything. It's a nice alternative to applying a balm, while out and about. And finally is the Makeup Pochette £16.90, which as mentioned previously, I'd more likely use as a clutch bag on a night out.

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; Kiko Summer Collection

What do you think of this new collection? Have you picked up any items yet? See the collection here, prices start from £8.90.

Dove Soft Feel Deodorant

TheFoundationDirectory; Dove Soft Feel Powder Room

I was invited down to the Dove Soft Feel Powder Room at Westfield Stratford, to learn all about this popular deodorant called Soft Feel, that's now in it's second year. The scent for this was developed in collaboration with global fragrance house Givaudan, as Dove wanted to explore how we attach scent to memories, you know when you smell something and it gives you a feeling of nostalgia. So Dove partnered up with Givaudan to create a scent that would evoke a sense of comfort, freshness and luxury, the fragrance has top notes of Vanilla, heart notes of Sandalwood and base notes of Ylang Ylang. You wouldn't believe I was still talking about a deodorant with a list like that would you? This all while still incorporating Dove's signature 1/4 moisturising cream, 0% alcohol and 48 hour protection, so the deodorant is still gentle on your underarm skin. I didn't realise so much went into the development of the scent for a deodorant, I will definitely be picking my scent much more carefully from now on, rather than just opting for the odourless version.

TheFoundationDirectory; Dove Soft Feel Deodorant 

The scent as you would imagine from the name is very light and soft, so present enough to be worn on it's own, but definitely wouldn't interfere with any perfume layered over the top. The Soft Feel Powder Room toured London and Manchester, did you spot any pink fluffy pods while out shopping during the month of May?

Dove Soft Feel Deodorant is available here, and currently on offer.

MAC Cosmetics A/W16 Trend Presentation

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; MAC A/W16 Trends

It seems really odd to be talking or thinking about autumn/winter, when we've barely had a summer, but I got the fab opportunity to attend the MAC A/W16 Trends Presentation. Talking make-up and nail trends for autumn/winter this year, based on designs done on the catwalks of fashion week.

Make-up Trends

Let's start with the make-up trends; It's going to be all about the lightweight base, something we are more accustomed to in summer, allowing the skin to show through, no make-up make-up if you like. NOw don't be shocked, but apparently contouring is going out, yes there's an 'anti-contouring' trend on the horizon, according to MAC. I guess this goes hand in hand with a much more lightweight base and skin looking more like skin.

TheFoundationDirectory.blogspot.com; MAC A/W16 Trends

Of course we expect a dark lip for autumn/winter, but MAC is trying to reinvent how this is applied, think grungy but sophisticated. Imperfect lip lines, that are smudgy around the edges. Also glossy lips are in, new technology will allow us to apply a glossy lip that lasts, without the need for multiple reapplications using MAC's lipglass. Eye liner is also being applied haphazardly, as if you've made a mistake, not just sticky strictly to the lash line area. Of course the nude isn't going anywhere either, but think true nudes, that actually look like your own lip colour almost as if you're not wearing a lip colour. It's all about lip prep before application, so you don't actually require that much colour. Also heart shaped lips are in, on the catwalk these were drawn in on the models, where their cupids bows were very exaggerated. Again prepping lips so they look as plump as possible prior to colour application.

Nails

The main thing here I guess is that short nails are out and long pointy nails are in, which is great for me, but I'm sure pointy nails have been in for a while (think stiletto nails). Nails are still matte, but not flat and glamorous, but with an edge and some attitude. Another catwalk trend that may not necessarily translate to everyday is painting the actual fingers, yes, extending the polish down your thumb for instance. It'll only last the night, but it'll be interesting to see if this actually takes off. My favourite of the nail trends however is the idea of not forgetting the back of the nail, that's right a little colour or bling applied to the underside of the nail, which again I guess goes hand in hand with short nails being out! Nail art is going to be paired way back, and be reserved for the underside of the nail too. Also MAC are trying to reinvent the classic french manicure, by leaving them clear instead of painting them white. Pastel nails are also going to be big in A/W, but these are going to be applied with a shimmer topcoat that makes them easier to wear and less chalky. I'd like to see that in practice, as pastel colours can be difficult to pull off on deeper skin tones, it'll be interesting to see if the shimmer topcoat makes a difference.

Obviously trends are just guidelines, and some catwalk trends won't translate to every day wear as easily. Always feel free to continue to wear your make-up and nails however makes you happy, rules are there to be broken after all.

What are your thoughts on these A/W MAC Trends?

Kiko Cosmetics - The Artist Collection

(Source: Kikocosmetics.com via google)

The Italian brand Kiko bring us The Artist Collection, inspired by the world of art and looks at your face as the canvas and these products are your artist's tools. We can now all be our own artist and create a work of art on our face. I love the idea behind this collection, and the collection itself doesn't disappoint, all at very affordable price points.

The full collection consists of;

• Glacial Light Soft Sifter Foundation £12.90
• Velvet Loose Mineral Beauty Powder £10.90 – 4 shades
• Blending Wave Multi color Blush £10.90 – 4 shades
• Fine Art Eye Pencil £5.90 – 6 shades
• Signature Eye marker £6.90
• Artist Powder Face Brush £13.90
• Artist Foundation Face Brush £13.90
• Artist Eye Duo Brush £11.90
• Artist Pochette £9.90
• Blooming Glow £13.90
• Glowing Pearl Cushion Highlighter £8.90
• Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eye shadow £6.90 - 6 shades
• Colour Click Lipstick £6.90
• Fine Art Lip Pencil £4.90 - 6 shades
• Artist Pochette - Make-up bag £9.90

TheFoundationDirectory; Kiko Artist Collection

Firstly I love the packaging of this collection, the clean white with splashes of colour, how the lip pencil is literally shaped like an artist's pencil and the push click delivery system of the lipstick. I will be discussing the latter 5 items on the blog today, starting with the Glowing Pearl Cushion Highlighter, that literally has a cushion ball applicator like how an artist may use a sponge to smudge colours into a canvas. You twist the applicator up from the bottom, and the smudge or dab onto areas of your face you would like to highlight. It's a gorgeous pale golden shade, that can either give a subtle lit from within glow or built up for full on look for you highlighter fiends out there. Then the Colour Click Lipstick that's very reminiscent of Chanel's lipstick delivery system, where you push the bottom of the lipstick and it pops out. There are 5 shades in total, I have the shade 03 Clamourous Strawberry, it's a bright pink shade. This lipstick is super creamy and glides on the lips, it has a satin finish. Then I have the Fine Art Lip Pencil in the matching shade, which is highly pigmented, creamy and also glides along the lips. They have a sort of rounded triangle shape, in the guise of an actual artist's pencil, great for stopping it from rolling away while you're doing your make-up. Now for the Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eye shadow, I have the shade 05 Skill Blue, a super glittery royal blue colour. I love the mesh style delivery system in the packaging, so if you dropped this eye shadow you wouldn't make as much of a mess as with typical loose eyeshadows. And finally is the Make-up Pochette, a gorgeous make-up bag that I would be more inclined to carry as a clutch bag on a night out lol!!!

Kiko is a great affordable brand, that offers great quality items at affordable price points. If you would like any items from this collection, I wouldn't hang around as it's limited edition, you can find what's left of it here.  

Ojon Damage Reverse Treatment, Rare Blend Deep Conditioner & Oil (Plus Giveaway)

If like me you've been living under a rock and didn't realise that the retail giant Estee Lauder had acquired Ojon in 2007, now you know lol!!! However the founder of Ojon, Denis Simioni remains as president, now Ojon sits alongside Origins. Origins was founded in the 90's by Estee Lauder's son William P. Lauder, and is one of the original Lauder companies. I was invited down by Origins to the Ojon Restorative Hair Clinic to get a hair consultation by the fabulous Jennie Roberts, and was given a hair prescription of Ojon products to cater to my hairs needs.

The basis of the Ojon range is 'Ojon Oil', which is included in all their products, and Ojon refer to as nature's golden elixir. It's Palm Nut oil that grows on trees in Hondura, the oil within these nuts is extracted by hand by a local community in Central America called Tawira, Tawira in their native language literally translates to 'people of beautiful hair', Ojon states their products are clinically proven to transform hair back to great health.

Ojon Damage Reverse Treatment, Rare Blend Oil & Deep Conditioning Treatment

First up in my prescription was the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment, a pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment for damaged hair. This claims a 64% improvement in dry, damaged hair after just one treatment, when left on overnight, which I'm yet to try this method. It's a highly concentrated balm textured intensive hair treatment, that hydrates and improves the condition of damaged hair. Fortified with pure 'Ojon Oil' that is rich in essential lipids similar to those found naturally in hair, you apply this to dry hair, rubbing the product to transform it into an oil first. I left this on for 20 minutes in conjunction with my Heattreat Cap, my hair felt soft and hydrated following this, I then rinsed my hair and followed with shampoo.

Next is the Rare Blend Deep Conditioner, formulated with potent hair repairing oils, it protects, softens and boosts shine.  it contains two Potent phases;

1. Amber Phase; A restorative blend of 7 rare oils, including hair repairing ‘Ojon Oil’, African Shea, Brazilian Muru Muru and Indian Kokum butters.
2. Ivory Phase; A moisture rich cream infused with deeply nourishng plant derived conditioners.

I apply a generous amount to wet hair, comb through with a wide tooth comb as it has a nice amount of slip it's great for detangling, I leave it for 5-10 minutes and rinse. If I’m not using the Damage Reverse Hair treatment, I would use this as my deep conditioner and leave on my hair with the Heattreat Cap for about 20 minutes. This can also be used as a leave in if you like rocking your natural curls out.

Last but by no means least, is the Rare Blend Oil - Total Hair Therapy, for thick or coarse damaged hair. Ojon gathered potent natural oils known for their healing powers and infused them into 3 hair reparative phases; Amber, Crystal and Red. Ojon state that only one drop is needed for this oil to protect, nourish, repair and transform dull, dry or damaged hair. On my hair type I required more than a drop, this oil is lovely and lightweight, that still left my hair feeling nourished and hydrated.

Ojon Damage Reverse Treatment & Rare Blend Oil Giveaway

You can find all these products and more at Origins.co.uk, but so you can also experience some of the Ojon magic, I am doing a twitter giveaway, where you could win the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment and the Rare Blend Oil - Total Hair Therapy. All you have to do is go to my profile (twitter.com/aallexxy) and retweet and like the pinned tweet, you must obviously be a follower of mine, the giveaway closes on the 20th May and a winner will be chosen w/c 23rd.  

Good luck

Mahoghany Naturals Review and Giveaway

TheFoundationDirectory; Mahogany Naturals

 If you follow me on twitter and Instagram you may already be aware that I am now a Brand Ambassador for Mahogany Naturals. Mahoghany Naturals is a brownbeauty owned brand, created by Tope Beesley in 2012, Tope is an award winning curly hair stylist and certified aromatherapist and created this brand to address the needs of Curly and Afro textured hair. The brand has recently gone thorough a re-branding and is expanding it's product range to address hair, face and body with an adult and kids range. This brand creates spa quality natural and organic products that are cruelty free and vegetarian friendly, they are hand made in small batches to maintain freshness.

TheFoundationDirectory; Mahogany Naturals

I was sent my first batch of items from the brand that included the Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo, Brazilian Butter Damage Reverse Treatment and the Luscious Hair Milk. The Damage Reverse Treatment is an amazing strengthening treatment, if your hair loves protein it will love this deep treatment, my hair instantly felt stronger after the first use and it smells absolutely amazing. This treatment is for those with dry, damaged and colour treated hair and it is a pre-shampoo treatment applied on damp hair. It contains an array of Butters including Brazilian Nut Butter, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter to name a few as well as Aloe Vera, Avocado Oil, Emu Oil (see full list of ingredients on the website).

I follow this treatment with the Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo that is full of happy scalp ingredients to gently, but thoroughly cleanse your hair without stripping it, a very difficult combination to achieve. This shampoo will clean your hair, balance your scalp, smooth your cuticle and remove buildup. It contains Apple Cider Vinegar as the first ingredient, which will help maintain the hair and scalps PH level, remove buildup without stripping the hair of it's natural oils.
It also seals the hair cuticle, making hair smoother, softer and shinier helping hair maintain moisture and prevent split ends, it also treats dandruff and itchy scalp, works as a natural detangler and encourages hair growth. Need I say more, if you struggle with the smell of Apple Cider Vinegar, this maybe a great alternative. It also contains Avena Sativa Oats, Shea Butter and Argan Oil to name a few, I was worried this wouldn't lather up, but it creates a beautiful gentle lather, while being sulfate free.

And next is the Luscious Hair Milk a daily leave in conditioner and moisturiser, great for dry damaged hair in need of intense moisture, it reduces breakage, detangles, moisturises and defines curls. It can be applied to damp or dry hair and is great for use before blow drying, which is how I like to use it. It contains Sweet Almond oil, Mango Oil, Vitamin E among other things and also smells great.

This is a great truly organic natural luxury brand, that creates great products that work without all the nasty's we all want to try and avoid. The Damage Reverse Treatment is £40, the Shampoo is £20 and the Luscious Hair Milk is £25 all are 250ml and if you head over to my instagram now, there's a giveaway to win this amazing Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo. To check out the rest of the range head over to Mahoganynaturals.co.uk, you can also find her products here and here as well as in Xsandy's Hair & Beauty Shop in Lewisham Shopping Center.

Have you tried anything from this brand? Any recommendations of what I should try next?

Pretty Honest; The Straight Talking Beauty Companion

I get really weary of buying beauty books and the like, just because there's so much available for free on the internet, I always wonder what extra I'm going to get that I haven't already heard, read and watched for free. However I had actually been contemplating this purchase, so when given the opportunity to review it I jumped at it, as I like Sali Hughes straight forward and honest approach to beauty.

TheFoundationDirectory; Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes

The great thing about this book is you can read the chapters independently, so for a busy working mum like myself I can skip straight to the sections of interest, and have the book to hand to draw on whenever I need it. One of my biggest bugbears is 1. Assuming I'm wearing makeup to cover up bad skin (I love skincare just as much as makeup), 2. Assuming because I wear makeup I'm unintelligent, 3. Assuming because I wear makeup I'm shallow, ok so that's more than one. Reading the introduction in this book was like have a good natter with my bestie; ranting and moaning about the same thing and realising you really get each other. But it's also nice to hear it from a well respected journalist, almost gives it extra validation, if it was ever needed.
 

TheFoundationDirectory; Sali Hughes - Pretty Honest

After reading the Introduction, the chapter on Skin Types and Managing Counter Staff (great tips by the way), I jumped straight to the section on Foundation, and by the second page I read this.....'And how women of colour manage to leave the department stores without attacking a make-up counter with their handbag is beyond me, so under-served or plainly ignored are they by very many brands'.....I fell in love with Sali even more.  

 

Now I haven't had the chance to read the book cover to cover (see busy working mum reference above), but I do feel like I've got a treasure on my hands, I'll make reference to this book time and time again, after all there's nothing better than being curled up on the sofa, drink in hand with a good book.

Sali Hughes Pretty Honest is out now in paperback, you can find it here, here and here.

Do you buy beauty books? Have you read this one? What others would you recommend?