Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)

I'm packing up the old kit bag today for a bit of action on the slopes and to find out how the ladies of Oslo keep so darned purdy in all that baltic weather.... So, if I'm not in traction, I'll be seeing you next week. Brrrrrr x

Blue Monday

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So how did you herald in 2009?

Well here I am - fashionably late, but it gets the first 2 weeks out of the way where hopefully everyone has ditched all that bobbins about keeping resolutions. I for one haven't finished demolishing my selection packs, the fridge is still stacked with bubbly...albeit babysham and there's no chance of me going for a brisk walk, not with a new series of 24 starting tonight to wind down my post-festive hazyness.

LAID BACK GLAMOUR

You wont find any killjoys on here harping on about bad habits or shovelling hulu hoops down your gullet (unless it's the beefy ones) No. Here I'm exploring a few beauty saviours to cheat your way into the new year - casual like..

Here are some gorgeous treats to give you a boost...

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer £14.68

Smooth, creamy treat for under eye baggage. Banish your grey bits with this fab concealer.

Concentrate on dark shadows around eyes (not to be loaded directly under the eye, but dab a bit lower where the true shadows are lurking). Don't forget around the nose area, inner corners of your eye and corners of the mouth to even out tone.

Mac Strobe Cream Moisturiser £19.09

Packs a massive punch, boosts, plumps, lightens, brightens...this little bad boy is fully loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and green tea. A glorious base.

ORIGINS Never A Dull Moment: Skin-brightening face polisher with fruit enzymes £21.53

This lil tub of love has got so many plus points. Exfoliating can stir up a whole heap of problems, especially if you have sensitive skin. This facial scrub is a unique experience, cleansing and gently buffing up the skin and keeping nasties away without feeling like you've dived head first into a gritter. Good for mopping up any oily nonsense too

Estee Lauder Artists Eye Pencil in White Writer £14.00

Hides a multitude of sins. Use in the inner corners of your eyes to brighten and highlight. Line the inner lower lid to freshen up your peepers. You can also use this to highlight your brow line

Ruby & Millie Face Gloss and Cheek Colour £12.00

Handbag essential, great colours for a really natural fresh-faced healthy sheen

NARS The Multiple in Orgasm £27.00

Slightly pricey option but it can be used on your eyes, lips cheeks or body for a euphoric glow

Ruby Red Organic Lemon Whipped Shea Butter - £10.75

Delicious smelling organic treat for your bod. Can be used as a moisturiser, highlighter and with it's magical medicinal properties of lemon peel oil and New Zealand honey it can be used for clearing up nasties on the face. I was lucky enough to find one in Santas sack this year!

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist £7.00

This is great for setting your make-up and giving you a little refreshing lift. With the UK resembling an arctic tundra and your central heating on max this spray will sort you out with a well deserved moisture boost.

Elf nail polish in Nude £1.50

Keep your paws pampered and fresh with these gorgeous quick drying colours. Result!

Payday?

Kate Somerville's Intensive Exfoliating Treatment 'Exfolikate' £82

A new face in a pot

Change from a fiver?

Legendary lip saviour Carmex - Soothes. Heals. Protects. Does what it says on the tin

Now, time to stick the kettle on, there's a love..