Get Flawless: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF15

I've made that ever-so dangerous move. I visited the MAC counter in Selfridges and asked for their recommendations. And now I want EVERYTHING. I'm not entirely sure just how this happens, but when you sit in that mildly uncomfortable chair, close your eyes and allow the MAC make-up artist work their wonderful magic, you may as well give them all of your savings, right there and then. 

'But it really is worth it', you will utter as you hand over your weekly food allowance in lieu of some Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (which is, coincidentally, one of the best products for enhancing facial contours whilst still looking natural)

So yes, I made the leap. And yes, I am now a MAC foundation convert. I purchased the Studio Sculpt SPF 15, £24, available from MAC cosmetics, as I wanted a medium coverage which still has a luminous, glowy appearance as opposed to matte.

Studio Sculpt has a really thick liquid consistency, it's a gel based foundation which is fantastic for dry skin, which is best applied with a foundation brush. It's also buildable, so you can layer the application to create a high coverage. Here's a before and after picture, featuring my dear friend Anna...

I would recommend leaving the foundation for a couple of minutes before applying any powder to the skin surface, as it does set after you apply it. I'd recommend buying the complimenting Mineralise Skinfinish Natural powder, £21, to apply over the Studio Sculpt for an utterly flawless finish.

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Shine On: How to Get Seriously Glossy Locks

Oohhh, ahhh, shiny.

Yes ladies and metrosexual gents, your eyes do not deceive you. There is a brand new Aussie range available! Aussie Miracle Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, £5.99 each, available from Boots is for 'dull, tired hair, begging to shine.' Seeing as though I've abused my hair over the years in every which way possible (I'm so much more caring now, your beauty-honour!) and I've got lashings of shine-minimising blonde tones, I knew this was definitely one for me to try.

As always, five out of five for the sumptuous smell. It lathered brilliantly and my hair felt thoroughly cleansed after washing.

Before blow drying, I used Catwalk by TIGI's Sleek Mystique Straight Collection Blow Out Balm, £10.60, available from FeelUnique.Com (delivery inclusive in price) which protects hair from heat and adds an extra glossy shine, without weighing down fine hair. You only need to apply a pea-shaped amount to damp hair, but remember to work it across the palms of your hands first to avoid a heavy build up in one area. Again, this product smells totally fabulous, dreamy wafts of honeysuckle and dragon fruit all day long.

After blow-drying, my hair really had visibly improved in terms of shine. It looked healthy and glossy. Very impressed! A cautionary note... designer sunglasses may be required if these products are over-used.

De-Frizz & Shine: Mark Hill's Glam Goddess

Mark Hill's Glam Goddess De-Frizz Shine Serum, £6.49 for 50ml, available from Boots (where there's also a 2-for £7.50 on Mark Hill's range... oh hello there happy beauty blogger!) 

Winter is well and truly underway, which means it's frightfully nippy. It also means it is time to take those extra hair care measures to make sure your mane stays healthy, full and glossy. 

I'm already a fan of Mark Hill's hair products, despite the fact that I'm relatively new to them. Ever the shallow beauty magpie, I was enticed by the trendy packaging and the reasonable price tag (I'm a regular user of the rather pricey MoroccanOil, at £12.95 for 25ml) so as a cheaper alternative, I thought it was definitely worth a try. 

Overall, I was really pleased with this product. I have a number of friends who find the intensive de-frizz oils (such as MorrocanOil) too heavy for their hair, especially on a regular basis. If you're in a similar beauty boat, then give this product a try. It is light, smells lush and does leave hair visibly smoother. Just squirt a pea-sized amount into your palm, spread it across both of your hands, then work through damp hair (avoiding the roots). 

Dry as normal, you glamourous little arctic foxes!

Get Glossy: Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint

If you want glossy gel-effect nails without the 45 minute salon experience and a price tag of £20 to £30, then try Barry M's brand new offering. Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint by Barry M, £3.99, available from Superdrug, is the savvy girl's cheat to super glossy talons.

It might not last as long as a salon cured gel treatment, but this nail polish is a worthwhile purchase. Easy to remove (no need for acetone soaking) and fast drying,  I applied it while on a bus, ladened with several shopping bags, and remained smudge free despite only having a six-stop time frame. That's impressive. Good work, Baz!

My only grumble would be the limited number of shades, but that's mainly because I was seeking a deep, glossy black. No joy. Instead I plucked for Watermelon (pictured) but was also very tempted by the plum shade, perfect for the rapidly approaching festive season.