Beauty Q&A with Leona Lewis

The Body Shop’s brand new Brand Activist Leona Lewis dishes the dirt on all her beauty secrets!

What was the inspiration behind the Limited Edition Collection by Leona Lewis?

The Limited Edition Collection by Leona Lewis is a playful, fashion- forward collection that’s perfect for spring, bursting with free spirit and wearable shades for every skin tone.

How would you describe your beauty/ signature look?

I'm always chopping and changing and love trying different things. I'd say simplicity is key though.

How does your look differ when you go on stage/ red carpet?

I love a beautiful gown on stage, and luckily I've been fortunate to wear some amazing dresses. Day to day I'm more relaxed, although I do enjoy the odd night curled up on the sofa watching Eastenders in a Cavalli gown!

What’s your top beauty secret?

Drink lots of water and juice. For me, having glowing, healthy skin is beautiful.

What tips have you picked up from make-up artists?

I've been lucky enough to work with some of the top make up artists in the world and along the way I've learnt so much! My most useful tips are make-up looks relating to photo shoots and stage. Make up changes so much in these lighting situations so you really have to cater to what the light reflects. You can look totally different in the dressing room to when you hit the stage because of the lighting.

Shower or bath? 

Bath because you can have bubbles!!!

What are your tips for applying eye liner to achieve that perfect flick?

Mark where you would like the flick to end, make sure it’s even on both sides and then follow the line. My make-up artist taught me that!

What are your favourite lip, cheek and eye shades?

For lips, I like a pink/peach tone as I feel it compliments my skin tone. For cheeks, I love a nice pinky-blush and for eyes, I love subtle brown/gold tones.

What is your favourite fragrance?

 

I like scents that are natural and fresh so right now it’s The Body Shop White Musk Libertine, which features in my Cruelty-Free Collection.

 Describe yourself in ten words or less?

Happy, totes emosh, funny, creative and passionate.

 What else are you currently working on and what do you have planned next?

I’m writing lots at the moment and working on some personal projects. I’m also preparing for my tour this year, which I’m so excited about!

Christina Ricci & Make Up For Ever Collaborate

Parisian luxury brand MAKE UP FOR EVER have announced a partnership with Hollywood star Christina Ricci.

It is not the usual ‘new face of the brand’ partnership either as Christina has designed a limited edition MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Make Up Bag.

 The MAKE UP FOR EVER Remix Make Up Bag features black faux leather adorned with  gunmetal studs, metallic silk screening, and a geometric motif that highlights the brand’s signature red lip  – a personal favourite for Ricci. 

Ricci, a long-time fan of the brand worked closely with the MAKE UP FOREVER team to design a bag that would blend both fashion and function.

The bag is heavily Inspired by her own edgy and chic personality and style. 

I loved collaborating with MAKE UP FOR EVER on a custom make up bag because I got to design something that actually holds everything I need on-the-go, said Christina. 

My inspiration for the bag was hard rock meets couture and I added a red lip motif to the geometric design since I love wearing red lipstick. Plus I thought it would add a fun pop of color.

The bag retails for $30 and will be available from Sephora from Feb 1^st.

Christina Aguilera Red Sin: Interview

January 31^st see’s the launch of Christina Aguilera’s newest fragrance, Red Sin.

Just in time for Valentine’s day, Red Sin is a light, seductive, pretty fragrance said to be inspired by Christina’s  desire to celebrate  ''The beauty of being a women and the power of temptation of the colour red''

Encased within the beautiful, curvaceous bottle adorned with red lace is a fragrance with notes of red apple, cinnamon, spicy ginger and sandalwood.

 

This fragrance is extremely likeable and highly wearable. It's not over the top nor is it a weak scent.

But I’m not the best person to talk to you about this fragrance, you should hear about it from the woman herself, Christina Aguilera.

I had a little chat with her last week to find out a little more about her latest fragrance.

 

How did you come up with the name Red Sin?

I love the colour red and the emotions that it evokes. It is a strong and sexy colour I wear often and I wanted it to translate to my fragrance

How does Red Sin differ from your previous fragrances?

Each fragrance is meant represents a different feeling and emotion and this one is really about sexy and seductive

How involved were you in the development and creation of the fragrance?

I am really involved in each of my fragrances from the selection of the scents and the different fragrance notes to the bottles and the packaging

 

The fragrance is beautiful, what type of woman do you think it will appeal to?

I feel as if at different moments in a woman’s life each fragrance can appeal to them. Red Sin is for the times when you want to be a temptress and be seductive

 

What is your signature fragrance?

With all my fragrances I like Musk to be an undertone so that would be signature to me

So there you have it from the very mouth of its creator!

Red Sin launches exclusively at The Fragrance Shop on January 31, priced at £38.50 for 100ml, £28.50 for 50ml and £20.50 for 30ml.

Will you be trying it out?

TOWIE's Lauren Goodger Talks Tanning

It has been revealed today that TOWIE's Lauren Goodger is set to leave the show that launched her career.

Oh Shut Up!

Lauren and the original TOWIE cast members

But there's more! 

It's been rumoured that Lauren is planning to join the next series of Dancing On Ice when it begins in January! 

Yay!

I caught up with Lauren before the announcement to talk beauty and tanning.

 
What made you decide to create a fake tan range?

I have always wanted to have my own business and coming from Essex, I find it important to look and feel good. In this way, I have an affinity with the beauty and tanning industry. 

Fake tan is a perfect product for me, TOWIE is the perfect platform and the time was right

How involved were you in creating and designing the range?

I was completely involved and I work very closely with my business partner

What is your favourite item from the collection?

I love the Self Tan Mousse (£17.95) as it is so easy to apply, especially if you use our tanning mitt. 

The instant colour means you can get a quick fix instantly and then it develops into a fab long wearing colour too

What does your TOWIE mates think of your range? Do they use any of your products?

They love it! And yes, many of the girls on the show wear it

What’s in your make up bag today?

I always carry a lip gloss with me and a set of fake lashes!

When do you feel most beautiful?

When I have a tan! A tan is such a confidence boost. My skin looks smoother, my body leaner and it just makes you feel good. 

The whites of your eyes and your teeth look brighter, so It’s a win-win situation

Has your perception of ‘beauty’ changed since becoming a celebrity?

Not really as I have always loved trying out the latest beauty products and it is so exciting to now be part of the beauty industry. 

I do look after myself and feel that it is important to look and feel good outside and in

You’ve been given a lot of stick in the press about your figure.  How do you stop yourself from getting down about it?

There is always going to be pressure from the media about weight and body shape, but you have just got to learn to let it go over your head and for it not to affect you and get you down. 

I am healthy, I go to the gym about 3 times a week but I am also a great believer in life balance

What Make up brands do you love?

MAC and Dior

Do you have a beauty Icon?

I think Cheryl Cole is beautiful and a real icon

Do you ever feel comfortable to be seen out completely bare faced and make up free?

Yes I never wear make up when I am lounging around at home or at the gym or even sunbathing on holiday

Lauren reveal her 'Natural Beauty' without her make up

Have you ever had a beauty disaster?

When I was younger I had several fake tan disasters, which is why I wanted Lauren’s Way to be a streak free formula and also odourless as I hate the smell associated with tanning products

What was the best beauty advice you have ever been given?

Always exfoliate and apply moisturiser to dry areas before applying your tan. 

Keep a look out for my Prepare to Party Glam Tan Kit(£36.95) which includes a body polish and tan enhancing moisturiser.