Lips get a lighter look

Jul 24 2008 by Andrew Flynn, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

‘Black, greys, soft tartan combinations, deep plums and the darkest of purples. Think Biba and the sort of grey skies we’ve had all summer’

BOURJOIS is a chic French cosmetic collection with a number of innovative products. The latest is a lip tint in a compact bottle with foam applicator. Offers colour without heaviness and a natural, no-shine finish. Non-sticky and available in six shades from orange to brown. Rouge hi-tech (pictured) is £7.25 and ideal for those who want colour without the feel of a lipstick.

ELEMIS, the British spa brand, is launching a new Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask to its range of anti-ageing products. The Pro-Collagen collection has won many accolades and this latest addition promises high-quality botanical essences and an instant lift for tired skin. Free from parabens and rich in cocoa seed butter, shea butter and all sorts of extracts, including the mineral quartz (to brighten and tighten skin). This luxury mask is £45 for 50mls. Elemis recommend it as a top-up between facials, but those who don’t have the time for salon treatments can treat themselves at home. Apply, leave for 10 minutes maximum and feel the difference. Check out www.elemis. com for suppliers

TONI&GUY has a Mini Protect and Style Set perfect for taking on a short break. The set contains four must-haves, from Straight and Protect Shampoo to Iron-It Heat Defence Spray. At just £6 it won’t break the bank, nor will it fill your washbag.

IF you’re fussy about your skin care and don’t want to use artificial chemicals then check out REN, an exclusive brand heavy on the natural botanical ingredients and with nothing harsh or synthetic. Look for www.renskincare.com

RESEARCH by Neutrogena has found that women believe stress causes spots. As many as 72% of the 1,000 young women questioned said that they became spotty when worried about something. Money and work topped the list of spot-related problems, followed by arguments and family worries.

A clinical study monitoring students found they suffered skin breakouts during exams. Dermatologist Sue Mayou says this is because stress causes the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones that increase the oiliness of the skin. And increased oiliness means more spots. Neutrogena’s new Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control range has a facial wash to unclog pores and a lotion to hydrate and soothe skin with green tea and cucumber extracts. All are £4.49.