MARY PORTAS: SHOP GIRL

Last week I went to see Mary Portas talk about her life, from growing up in Watford to working in the glamorous world of Harvey Nichols and Harrods. I've always enjoyed watching her TV shows, particularly 'Mary's Bottom Line' - her passion for what she believes in is contagious.

PRODUCT REVIEW: BARE MINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE

As you may have seen from my previous face of the week look, you can read all about that here, I'm not really one for base products. Anything heavy on my skin makes me feel weirdly claustrophobic - it's odd, I know - so a lot of the time I stick to concealer on it's own. Last weekend I took a trip to London to celebrate my birthday and I felt like wearing a bit more make up, so out came the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream.

BEAUTY AND SKINCARE HAUL

Last weekend I went on a little bit of a shopping spree to stock up on a few bits and bobs and also to pick up some new products to try out. I was very strict with myself and resisted buying everything that is currently on my wish list - which is very long!!! - and stuck to only a few products. *Pats self on back*. Here's what I picked up.

QUICK AND EASY AT HOME MANICURE

I must confess, I am guilty of neglecting my nails for long periods of time until they start to annoy me so much that I need a full on professional manicure. I'm trying to get into the habit of doing short little manicures more frequently to avoid the mess and dryness that my hands are often in. Woops. This post is by no means a professional manicure and I have no experience at all, this is just what I like to do to try and look after my nails and keep them in good condition.

TOP 5 CORAL LIP SHADES

In the past, I was never exactly daring with my lip colours, sticking to neutral, barely there glosses. Then I discovered the world of orange/coral shades. These shades suit my skin tone and hair colour far more than red ever has - in my opinion anyway - and now there's rarely a time that I don't have some shade of coral on my lips. Since it's the only shade that I've been wearing over the summer, I thought I would round up my top picks - from lip gloss to full on matte liquid lipsticks.

PRODUCT REVIEW: ORIGINS ORIGINAL SKIN SERUM

Well would you believe it, my second Origins post in no time - I wasn't lying when I said I was a fan. This time it's all about the Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum.