Beauty Buzz | Latest Cruelty-Free Favourites

I am always researching what brands don't test on animals as I strive to only use these where possible. It's pretty hard sometimes but I try my best.  Deodorant was always a tricky one to find but good old Marks & Spencer's have recently come up trumps. Thanks M&S, I was worried I'd have to use some unsuccessful hippy crystal for a while there...

I've just finished a month's detox and boy did it do my skin some serious good. But what also helped was one of my trusted 100% organic and cruelty-free skin care brands I discovered about a year ago, Spezia Organics, a small, super-ethical company based in Cornwall. I am currently trying out a mini version of their rose & vanilla face oil at the moment which is new to me, and using their nourishing moisturiser too, and my skin has been glowing. Definitely recommend if you have sensitive skin like me.

I just got sent some new cruelty-free make-up products to work so am trying those at the moment too.  I'm a sucker (or should that be pucker? Groan...) for a coral lip, so this mega-watt matte orange lip tar from Obsessive Complusive Cosmetics caught my eye immediately. This is a New York brand favoured by industry insiders and is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It goes on a treat and I shall definitely be wearing it this Summer. Plus it comes with a cute little brush and wallet. Sold!

WIBTW (What I Bought This Week): Insider Beauty Buys

Whilst I was away in Barbados for work, I was lucky enough to get my make-up done a couple of times by the very talented (and also VERY lovely) make-up artist Jose Bass. (Psst - he's the make-up guy Abbey Clancy tweeted about).

Jose hard at work on one of our Barbados shoots

Jose is well-known in the industry for his beautiful skin make-up, so I made the poor guy, at the end of a long day shooting, give me a make-up tutorial. 

I let Jose work his magic and have to say my skin looked amazing. And people noticed. A glow, not too heavy, but any annoying blemishes covered. Result!

So what was his trick?

Well I have quite dry skin so needed something moisturising, but I also get the odd blemish and blocked pores still (WHY?! I'm in my THIRTIES!) so need some coverage. Jose likes to keep things natural, so he used Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Mousturiser, which is now my new favourite beauty product, and then mixed with Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Foundation - but only where needed. The tinted moisturiser also has SPF 20 so great for the day.

Forget applying with fingers - Jose reckons the key to flawless skin is a great brush and the only one for me is Shu Uemura number 18 apparently - a goat hair brush that allows make-up to sit "just-so" on the skin without clogging pores and giving even cover. The brush is sold out in so many places I figure it must be good!

So when I got back the first this I did was go out and buy these 3 things and follow his tips. And I've had people notice my skin since. 

It adds up to buy it all, I admit, but you don't need to use much, particularly as the brush makes it go a long way.

Both the Laura Mercier and Estee Lauder come in at least 5 shades so this natural look can suit any skin tone, and I have to say if you have dry skin like me, don't want to feel caked on, but need a bit of coverage, this is the kit for you!

Thanks Jose!

My new skin kit

BEAUTY DUO OF THE DAY: Neon and nude from Bobbi Brown

A colleague at work got sent some new Bobbi Brown products this week and very kindly shared them with the team. I had a keen rummage and came away with a few products I fancied.

As it turns out I was holding the hottest beauty trend for SS13 in my mitts - neon and nude. Often a key look on the runways and in editorial (it was the beauty look for Giles catwalk show this season), this is actually one for us "normals" too.

I got the Creamy Matte Lip Colour (£18) in Passion Fruit (not yet available online) and Nail Polish in Roza (£11).

I've tried them today and have to say I love the products. I have only tried a few things by Bobbi Brown before but know a lot of people, particularly industry insiders, swear by her products.

The lipstick is totally juicy and moisturising and the nail varnish is one of the nicest nudes I have ever tried (it is hailed in Vogue this month). The colour is described as a "pink grey" and is just that. Very different to your usual grey or beiges.

So give the look a go.

Remember to keep lips matte and skin natural, without too much eye make up.

My new beauty buddies.

Backstage at Giles SS13. Pictures © Vogue.com

Beauty Duo of the Day: Essie & Korres

To brighten up an otherwise grey Monday I slicked Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter on my smackers and the oh-so-Summery Peach Daiquiri by Essie on my nails.

Perfect pops of colour. Plus, they match my scarf. Smiley face!

Velvet + Caviar nails by Ciate

I love a bit of nail art. I'll try anything when it comes to nails. I even used to get mine regularly pierced at Afflecks Palace in Manchester when I was a student. Just waiting for that trend to kick off again!

There's always something new cropping up to better the last and I'm a sucker to try the 'latest thing'.

So the offer of a 'velvet and caviar' manicure from Ciate at the Snow PR press day was hard to refuse.

Basically, they paint your nails then they drop a load of what I called 'fuzz' over your nails. It looks a little bit like what you get in the filter of your tumble dryer. But the results are good! Go for a darker colour though - the lighter ones do tend to show dirt.

I love the caviar effect on a signature finger, great for a night out. Doesn't last too long but these aren't everyday nails!

The caviar nails sets are available now at Ciate and the velvet nail manis are coming soon. Get your fuzz on.

Kate from Fabulous getting her fuzz on

My nails, velveted and caviared up!