News: Olivia Palermo Annouced As Ciaté London's New Guest Creative Director

The beautiful, fashion-forward and straight-up stylish Olivia Palermo has just been appointed Guest Creative Director of Ciaté London.

Ciate London, the British beauty brand that is now available in over 40 counties, is celebrated for its innovation and colour. So I am not at all surprised the brand has decided to pair up with this fashion icon.

"I'm so thrilled to be working with Ciaté London as Creative Director in 2015, bringing to life my ideas for colour cosmetics for the first time. I'm an admirer of their innovation, I've enjoyed the creative process and I'm looking forward to the launch of the products coming to life" says Palmero.

With Palmero at the helm, 2015 will see the launch of four limited edition collections which will be stocked at Sephora stores globally. The first will be the Olivia Palermo X Ciaté London Colour Collection that will feature three shades of nail lacquer. Each polish in the collection has been carefully selected by Palmero and has been designed to suit all skin tones. The polishes will feature a mesh lock technology which provides lasting power, nail strength and a glossy finish.

Interview: Dr Ayee-Marie McGrath

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Ayee-Marie McGrath, the smart, empowered and passionate co-owner of Knightsbridge Dental Care. Now, I love meeting successful women - especially those who keep their femininity intact and strive in a industry packed full of male ownership.

Ayee-Marie is knowledgeable about dentistry and is a big fan of all things beauty (I mean, just look at her!). For these reasons, I just had to interview her for this series. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our little chat...

What inspired you to work in the dental industry? And how did your career journey begin?

I knew from the age of 14 that I would like to be in the medical profession, either medicine or dentistry. I had always been fascinated with how the human body functions and heals, and biology classes sparked the curiosity further.

I left home at 14, so I had a tough start. I took a dental nursing job on the weekends, to earn some money while trying to further my studies, and this cemented my path into dentistry. I knew I wanted to study this at university and that it would provide me with the lifestyle that I wanted, I only had myself to rely on and worked my backside off to get the grades to go to medical school.

What is your career highlight?

The day I got my A-levels results, enabling me to go and study at university. I will never forget every sensation, sight and sound of that day. It was like I won the golden ticket to visit the Chocolate Factory. The rest is history, I never looked back.

My second highlight would be that I was one of the only women to get a post graduate master’s degree in Dental Implantology and Surgery.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the dental industry?
The advice I would give any empowered lady wanting to launch her career is, 'believe fully in yourself! You CAN do it'. Don’t listen to anything anyone tells you, just believe in yourself and go forth - that tiny voice inside your soul is never wrong, so honour it.

When it comes to medicine and dentistry, it’s now so competitive with universities only taking the elite, that you have to work hard and get the grades. Also, get as much work experience in reputable hospitals and clinics as you can - this will give you the edge.

Who is the ultimate beauty icon?

I have to be honest and say it's Jennifer Lopez in modern times. She is flawless and empowered, she is a great businesswoman, she always looks amazing and she keeps getting better with age!! Outdoing all of her younger contemporaries - I take my hat off to anyone who can sit in a selfie with Cara Delevingne and Rita Ora and steal the show.

What are your makeup bag essentials?

1. Bobbi Brown Corrector!!! OMG miracle product!
2. The Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation is so lovely. It gives a gorgeous glow, provides non-cakey coverage and you can keep topping up with it if you need to
3. MAC Blusher in Peaches
4. Lancôme Le Crayon Khôl Eyeliner - this is the best eyeliner I've tried, no other brown liner comes close
5. I usually wear the L’Oreal Glam Shine gloss but I recently fell in love with No7 High Shine Lipgloss with SPF15. It is non-sticky, very moisturising and provides the right hint of colour
6. My newest mascara find, the Maybelline Big Eyes Volume Express Mascara
7. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzing Powder

What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?

Yellow teeth of course!!! Yellow, discoloured teeth are very ageing and there is no need for it in this day and age. The second biggest beauty crime is bad eyebrows!!!

What is your top beauty tip?

Keep your smile - your signature - in top condition; always schedule regular hygienist visits and ask for the amazing salt cleaning hygiene technique. High powered small salt particles are used to clean the tooth surfaces gently, removing all fine staining which leaves them sparkling white when you come to make that first impression!

www.knightsbridgedental.co.uk

Wednesday Wisdom: Hannah Senesh

“There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world even though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind.”

The Tuesday Tip: How To Save Sore Lips

Now, if the winter months mistreat the skin, they bully the lips. Cold weather regularly causes lips to flake and chap - sometimes damaging them so much that they feel raw to the touch.
Now there are some great lip products out there that help to nourish and protect the lips, however the best treatment I have ever used is eye cream. Eye cream not only hydrates and moisturises the lips, it also smooths out lip lines - making lips appear plump and youthful.
Any eye cream will do, however the more hydrating and moisturising the better. I am a big fan of the Weleda Wild Rose Soothing Eye Cream 10ml (£13.50 Boots / $28.50 weleda.com).

Ingredients 101: Grapefruit Extract

Scientific Name: Citrus Grandis Peel Extract

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

Origin: Grapefruit extract comes from a peel of a grapefruit, a subtropical citrus fruit.

Location: Grapefruit was first cultivated in Barbados, however the United States is now the top producer of grapefruit.

Beauty Benefits: Grapefruit is sometimes referred to as the 'fruit of paradise' because of its many health-promoting benefits and healing properties. This natural wonder is packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and citrus flavanoids - all important antioxidants. Potassium helps to smooth wrinkles and age spots and provide a protective shield against UV rays and vitamin C boosts the immune system, encouraging collagen production. Vitamin A exfoliates and hydrates the skin, whilst improving the skin's cellular structure and overall health, and citrus flavanoids help prevent the over production of melanin, giving skin a brighter complexion.

Warnings: Grapefruit is considered safe to use topically, however if you are pregnant or breast feeding, please consult your doctor before using it.

Found in: Yes To Grapefruit Daily Facial Scrub 110ml (£6.99 Boots / $9.99 ULTA). This affordable face scrub smells amazing and does a fabulous job at exoliating - I use it daily as it is so gentle on the skin. It scrubs away all of the dirt and impurities, leaving my skin ultra clean and radiant!

Weekly Worship: Antipodes & Simple

Price: £5.33 50ml

Stockist: Boots

I am obsessed with bright and radiant skin. My foundations have to have a dewy finish, my makeup can never be matte (expect for lips!) and I am forever stocking up on skincare that promises to brighten my skin. So it's no surprise that the Simple Kind To Skin Illuminating Radiance Cream got my attention when I recently attended a Simple press event.

I have been using the Illuminating Radiance Cream for the last two weeks and, considering its price, I'm very impressed. The cream has a medium to thin consistency which feels lightweight on the skin. It is scentless, colourless and absorbs relatively quickly, leaving skin soft and nourished.

The cream does contain very tiny glitter particles that sit on the skin evenly when it's applied. Some people aren't cool with glitter in skincare - I get it - however these particles are very hard to spot with the naked eye and they don't leave you looking like a glitter ball, I promise! As for illuminating the skin, this cream does an amazing job. My skin looks bright and more youthful once applied and it helps give my foundation added radiance and staying power. It also has a SPF 15 which is a great added extra!

Price: £27.99 / $42.00 30ml

Stockist: feelunique.com / antipodesnature.com

The Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum is not a new product; for me or the beauty shelves. However it is one of my favourite hydrating serums and I thought it was about time I shared my love for it.

This water-based serum is a real hydrating hero. It absorbs quickly and, unlike other hydrating serums, doesn't leave any stickiness on the skin after application. It instantly hydrates my skin and brings it back to life, so I'm always reaching for it whenever I am sick, hungover or suffering from extreme dehydration. Its ability to instantly hydrate isn't the only thing I love about this serum; it provides some great anti-ageing benefits too. In vitro testing has shown it to stimulate collagen production by up to 72%!

Like all Antipodes products, it contains 100% natural ingredients and is also certified organic. So it's a great f**k you to those who think green beauty products don't pack a punch!

Behind The Brand: PHYTO

Date of Birth: 1969

Founder: Patrick Ales

History: PHYTO (meaning plant in Greek) was created when Patrick Ales, one of Paris’ legendary hair stylists, set out to merge his two passions: hair and plants. Ales saw the huge benefits that botanical ingredients provide, so he set out creating haircare products that were packed full of them! In 1969, he released his first PHYTO products: Huile D’Alès, Phyto 7, Phytodéfrisant, and Phytopolléine.

Alès presented PHYTO to the public, along with the opening of the Patrick Alès Salon in Paris - which is sill open today. Since then, the brand has grown significantly and is now full of products designed specifically for certain hair types and needs. Today, all PHYTO products are developed in French laboratories, and are each clinically tested to ensure the highest levels of performance, tolerance and safety. It is PHYTO'S performance, expertise and innovation that makes it one of the world's most respected haircare brands.

USP: PHYTO is based on the principle that healthy hair begins at the root. The brand is also built on a heritage of craftsmanship and cutting edge scientific advancements; it boasts the highest concentrations of pure plant extracts in today's beauty market. In fact, every product in the range is 95% natural.

Offerings: PHYTO sell every thing you'll ever need to keep your hair and scalp healthy and happy; from shampoos and hair oils, to masks and hair thinning treatments.

Hero Products: Phytopolléine Botanical Scalp Treatment, Phytocyane Revitalizing Serum, Phytovolume Actif and Phytodéfrisant Botanical Straightening Balm.

Availability: PHYTO is available across the globe. If you are based in the US, you can find PHYTO in Sephora, Nordstrom and dermstore.com. If you reside in the UK, PHYTO can be found at Selfridges, John Lewis and lookfantastic.com.

Website: phyto.com

Price Points

Shampoos: Up to £16.50 / $28.00

Conditioners: Up to £16.50 / $28.00

Treatments: Up to £45.50 / $65.00

Styling Products: Up to £22.50 / $30.00

Wednesday Wisdom: Marilyn Monroe

“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best”

The Tuesday Tip: Coconut Oil & Its Beauty Benefits

Skincare ingredients are important; so important, in fact, that they often play a huge role in our decision to purchase certain beauty products. However there are certain ingredients that are so good, they provide beauty benefits all on their own. For example, oils are great at going solo because they are safe to use and provide a wide range of benefits. Olive oil, macadamia nut oil and argan oil are particular favourites, however this feature is all about coconut oil.

Coconut oil is a nutrient-rich ingredient that has antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is also packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E, phytosterol and phenol and it is unusually rich in short and medium chain fatty acids. These properties enable coconut oil to deeply nourish the skin, as well as repair skin and protect it from environmental damage.

Coconut oil also helps to improve hair health, thanks to its ability to nourish the scalp and treat problems such as dandruff. Cutting to the chase, coconut oil can be used for all kinds of things. I use it for just about anything - from softening my cuticles and removing makeup to cleaning my makeup brushes and shaving my legs! So the tip this Tuesday is simply to invest in coconut oil. It is cheap (around £3.00 for 500ml) and will cover a variety of your beauty needs. If that's not enough to convince you, Gisele Bundchen, Miranda Kerr and Angelina Jolie swear by it...and look at them!

Now, if you don't want to dive on the coconut oil bandwagon just yet, start with some products that contain coconut oil as a main ingredient. My current favourite coconut concoctions are the OGX Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Conditioner 385ml (£6.99 Boots / $7.99 ULTA) and the L'Erbolario Tiarè Crema Fluida Corpo 200ml.

Review: Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque

The Promise: "A gentle yet thorough deep-cleansing treatment that extracts impurities clogging the pores, to smooth and refresh the skin"

The Price: £27.00 / $39.00 60ml

The Stockist: aesop.com / Barneys

The Skin Type: Suitable for all skin-types

The Key Ingredients: Parsley Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Kaolin Clay, Lavender and Evening Primrose

The Application: This face mask applies very easily. It has a medium creamy consistency that spreads easily across the skin. Like with many Aesop products, the Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque has a strong scent - mainly of lavender.

The mask is nude in colour when first applied however, as it dries, it turns light and ashy. The mask absorbs into some areas of the face quicker than others, indicating areas of dryness. Once fully absorbed, the face becomes stiff (as expected with any clay mask), however unlike other clay masks this one isn't uncomfortable to wear and doesn't crack or cause any mess. I leave it on for a minimum of 15 minutes, however if my skin is in need of some serious TLC, I may leave it on for an hour.

The mask can be removed easily, which is one of its many great qualities. When I use a muslin cloth, the mask wipes away quickly and cleanly, leaving no residue behind.

The Results: The Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque makes good on its promise. It cleanses the skin deeply without causing a breakout and, when I am suffering from a breakout, this bad boy calms the skin and reduces any swelling. It also cleanses the skin without drying it out or leaving it tight and uncomfortable, which is a huge benefit. Now, although this mask is designed for all skin-types, it is ideal for those with combination or blemish-prone skin.

It also does wonders for my complexion. When the mask is removed, my skin is noticeably brighter and softer. I love it!

The Pro: This mask is the perfect quick fix for treating tired and/or damaged skin

The Con: The scent is a little too powerful for me

PR sample

Weekly Worship: Perricone MD and La Roche-Posay

Price: £8.50 / $34.95 150ml

Stockist: escentual.com / amazon.com

La Roche-Posay Serozinc is a cult product that is loved by French women. Until recently, girls in the UK were able to get hold of this super spray but not easily. Luckily, Serozinc launched in the UK at the very end of last year and beauty fans around Great Britain rejoiced.

Serozinc is made up of three simple ingredients; water, sodium chloride and zinc sulfate. Zinc sulfate is the hero ingredient in this toner, as it does an amazing job at calming and treating breakouts. Applying this product is a dream; it provides a fine, refreshing mist that covers the entire face in seconds. It leaves no mess and it absorbs very quickly. It begins to calm the skin - soothing irritation and redness - the second it is applied.

Serozinc also makes good on its promise; after a few days of use, any breakouts I have begin to clear. Now, it is not the best spot treatment I have ever used, however it comes close and it is definitely worthy of worship - especially considering the affordable price tag!

Price: £24.00 / $135.00 30ml

Stockist: John Lewis / Sephora

The Perricone MD Hyalo Plasma is one of the best skincare products I've ever used.

Packed with three unique forms of Hyaluronic Acid, this treatment has a gel consistency that is lightweight and soothing on the skin. It applies easily and evenly, leaving behind smooth and instantly hydrated skin.

I have been using the Hyalo Plasma for about three weeks now and I've noticed a big difference in the texture and general health of my skin. It is plump, softer and free of pesky fine lines (caused by dehydration).

It is on the expensive side...there is no point avoiding this. However it one of only a few products that have really impressed me in the last couple of years and I am sure I'll be worshipping it for many years to come.

Crimes Against Beauty: Smoking

Smoking has to be one of the worst crimes against beauty. Aside from the obvious health implications, smoking really takes its toll on your looks.

Smoking damages skin, teeth and hair and it accelerates the skin's ageing process. The horrible habit causes:

• Wrinkles
• Discoloured skin
• Dehydrated skin
• Stained teeth 
• Stained fingers and finger nails
• Thinning hair 
• Dark circles

Furthermore, those who smoke are at higher risk of developing:

• Psoriasis
• Stretchmarks
• Gum disease
• Warts
• Skin cancer

So if you are a smoker try your best to stop! Your outer beauty (and health for that matter) will thank you for it in years to come, I promise!

Review: Wheat Belly Diet Week Two

Week two and the What Belly diet is still going strong! Unfortunately I didn't lose as much weight as I did in the first week, however this isn't really surprising. On saying that, I did lose three pounds which I'm very happy about.

I find the diet relatively easy. I haven't been craving wheat and, more importantly, haven't been craving naughty food. The Wheat Belly book indicated that this would be the case as, apparently, wheat is the main cause of late night cravings. This is obviously a huge benefit as, for me, the main struggle with any kind of diet is dealing with temptation or that constant feeling that you're 'missing out' on enjoyable foods.

When it comes to what I am eating, I am sticking to the same sorts of things as last week - meats, vegetables, salads, eggs and cheeses - as well as occasional fruits, yoghurt and potatoes. I did promise to make more exciting dishes (as opposed to just meat with vegetables) and I stuck to that promise. I make a low fat chilli con carne (which I served without rice), home made cheese and bacon potato skins and ginger and garlic pork loins.

Now I appreciate that I'm still only two weeks in, however I would strongly recommend this diet if you're looking to lose weight and generally feel better. It is surprisingly easy and hugely effective!

Look out for my week three update next week!

Wednesday Wisdom: Alice Walker

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any”

The Tuesday Tip: How To Fix A Crumbly Eyeliner Pencil

When it comes to beauty products girls can't live without, eye pencils are often high up on the list. They are affordable, create great definition and fit into the smallest of bags. However some eye pencils have an annoying habit of crumbling when you sharpen them or try to apply them.

Luckily there is a really quick and easy way of avoiding this. Simply pop your eye pencil in the freezer 10-15 minutes before using it. The cold conditions will harden the pencil, making it easier to apply and less likely to fall to pieces. Trust me, this is a fool-proof way of keeping your eye pencil intact!

Choosing a great quality eye pencil is also important. I am a massive fan of the KIKO Kajal Pencil (£4.20 kikocosmetics.co.uk). It is affordable, highly pigmented and long lasting.

Ingredients 101: Ginger Root Extract

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

Origin: Ginger root extract is taken from ginger, the rhizome of the Zingiber plant

Location: Ginger is indigenous to southern China, however it is now grown commercially across the world.

Beauty Benefits: Ginger had been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Ginger carries a huge number of benefits when it comes to the body, however it equally benefits the skin. Ginger contains around 40 antioxidant compounds that protect the skin from the free radicals (i.e. environmental damage), reduce toxins in skin cells and increase blood circulation. Ginger also improves elasticity which makes skin firmer and more youthful and, if that's not enough, it treats hypermentation. This is why the ingredient is found in so many anti-ageing skincare products.

In addition to its anti-ageing benefits, ginger helps to smooth and heal skin damage (anything from burns and insect bites to acne and blisters).

Warnings: Ginger is considered safe to use topically, however if you are pregnant or breast feeding, please consult your doctor before using it.

Found in: Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser 250ml (£26.90 zestbeauty.com / $30.60 dermstore.com). This gel-like cleanser is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It provides a nice cooling sensation whilst on the skin, is fragrance free and doesn't create any post cleanse irritation or tightness. It also does an amazing job at removing tough makeup, a rarity in gentle cleansers. It helps reduce redness and keeps skin hydrated long after it's been rinsed off.

The Beauty Myth: You Don't Have To Cleanse Your Face In The Morning

The Verdict: False

It's frustrating addressing this crazy ass myth but no, it is not true that you don't have to cleanse your face in the morning. Yes, you cleanse in the evening, however don't think for a second that your face remains oil free, sweat free and dirt free throughout the night.

The skin repairs itself naturally while we sleep and, in doing this, produces dead skin cells and excess oil that need to be removed the next morning. Now don't go thinking a splash of water will help remove these nasties; water alone only removes around 65% of oil and debris from the surface of the skin. You will need a cleanser and I recommend using a gentle one, such as the La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel 200ml (£12.00 Boots / £21.99 laroche-posay.us).

Review: Update On My Wheat Belly Experience

So yesterday marked the end of my first week on the Wheat Belly diet, and I'm please to announce that I am still alive! I made it wheat-free for a whole week, which, for me, is pretty impressive.

I've managed to lose seven pounds in my first week, which has come as a huge shock. Now I don't expect to loose this much every week, however if I can lose a steady two to three pounds per week, I would be a very happy girl.

The Wheat Belly diet was difficult at first - in the same way every diet is - however I soon got used to the do's and don'ts and now find my day to day eating habits a lot easier. To give you an idea of what I am eating, breakfast is usually eggs, fruit or yoghurt. Lunchtime consists mainly of salads with either chicken or cheese (halloumi, camembert, cheddar etc.). For dinner I usually have meat with vegetables or salad, on occasion I include a small portion of rice or potatoes. I add flavour to these dishes by marinating the meat with spices or wheat-free sauces. Snacks are anything from 85% dark chocolate and baked parsnip crisps, to 0% fat greek yoghurt and fruit. Now I know what I'm currently eating sounds a little on the boring side, however my life is so busy at the moment that I've struggled finding time to try out exciting wheat-free recipes. However this is going to change, as I plan to cook some interesting dishes in my second week of the Wheat Belly diet.

I will give y'all another update next week. In the meantime, wish me luck!

Review: KIKO Precision Lip Pencil 302

The Colour: Natural Pink

The Price: £4.20

The Stockist: kikocosmetics.co.uk

The Application: As much as I love this lip pencil, I need to make one thing clear. The colour is not really natural pink; well not on my lips at least. I'm unsure why KIKO describe it as such, however I would say the colour is more of a light-medium brown, with peachy undertones. The colour is actually a good dupe of the MAC Nice 'n' Spicy!

Right, on to application. When wanting to line the lips, this pencil glides on smoothly. However, when using the lip pencil to cover the entire lips (as above) the pencil tugs at the lips a little. On saying that, lip pencils are designed to lock in lip colour and provide staying power, so they have to be a little on the stiff side. Talking of staying power, this lip pencil has it - I only ever find myself reapplying it once during an entire day!

The colour itself is highly pigmented and completely opaque; one layer is enough to cover my natural lip colour. It has a matt finish, however sometimes I like to apply a lip gloss or balm over the top to give a gloss finish.

Now the best thing about this lip pencil is that it provides perfect precision; it is not called the Precision Lip Pencil for nothing! It creates a sharp and clean line around the natural lip, which also makes it the perfect pencil for extending the lip, à la Kylie Jenner!

The Pro: Great pigment, great lasting power and great price!

The Con: When applying all over the lips, the Precision Lip Pencil tugs at the lips a little

Wednesday Wisdom: Simone de Beauvoir

“One is not born, but rather becomes, woman”

The Tuesday Tip: Budge-Proof Brows

A great set of eyebrows will get you far in life; you only have to look at Audrey Hepburn and Beyonce to know this to be true. Creating a gorgeous brow is quite simple but keeping that brow intact, throughout the day, is not always so easy. Now, achieving a lost-lasting brow obviously requires a good eyebrow pencil (or powder, wax, gel etc.) and a clear brow gel to keep it in place. However there is another quick trick you can do to guarantee staying power. When applying primer to the face, simply take it all the way up into the brows - that's all. Easy and super effective!

To keep my brows strong, I use the Paul & Joe Eyebrow Liner (£15.00 Selfridges / $25.00 Dermstore), MAC Brow Set in Clear 8ml (£13.50 Debenhams / $17.00 maccosmetics.com) and DHC Velvet Skin Coat 15ml (£17.00 feelunique.com / $22.50 dhccare.com). I have been obsessed with the Paul & Joe Eyebrow Liner for the past month. It has an ultra-fine lead (1.2mm) that provides perfect precision. I have the colour Sable (01), an ash brown which helps any extension I make to my brows look as natural as possible. For a while I've known that Paul & Joe Beauté is celebrated for its amazing eyebrow products; I finally understand why.

Ingredients 101: Macadamia Nut Oil

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

Origin: Macadamia nut oil is expressed from the nut meat of macadamia, an Australian rainforest tree.

Location: Macadamia is native to the East Coast rainforests of North Eastern parts of Australia

Beauty Benefits: Macadamia nut oil has a variety of beauty benefits and, because of this, it is used as a key ingredient in many cosmetic products. Firstly, Macadamia nut oil contains one of the highest sources of palmitoleic fatty acids. Palmitoleic acid naturally occurs in our skin and it is vital for delaying skin and cell ageing, however the amount of palmitoleic acid in our skin decreases with age. So it is the high levels of this miracle acid that makes macadamia nut oil a fabulous anti-ager.

In addition to palmitoleic acid, macadamia nut oil also contains oleic acid, a fatty acid which has great regeneration and moisturising properties, and linoleic acid, another fatty acid which helps prevent trans epidermal water loss.

When it comes to hair, macadamia nut oil is just as beneficial. Macadamia oil moistures and replenishes the hair without weighing it down or making it greasy. It also protects the hair from harmful UV rays and improves shine and elasticity.

Warnings: Macadamia nut oil is safe to use topically

Found in: O&M Original Detox Conditioner 350ml (£23.00 Selfridges). This conditioner deeply cleanses the hair of dirt, styling products and natural oil build-up that leaves hair looking dull. Free from parabens, MIT and triclosan, the Original Detox Conditioner smells minty and fresh, thanks to Australian river mint and peppermint. These ingredient provide a gorgeous tingly sensation on the scalp, perfect when you're in need of a morning pick-me-up. It leaves my hair looking shiny, healthly and squeaky clean!

Review: Dermalogica Biosurface™ Peel

The Promise: "The BioSurface™ Peel is a professional chemical peel designed to resurface the skin with minimal recovery time. Our unique, multi-phase approach works with the skin’s biology to safely slough away dull epidermal layers and accelerate cell renewal without inflammation and prolonged downtime typically associated with chemical peels"

The Price: £85.00 (60 minute treatment)

The Place: Liberty Regent Street, London W1B 5AH

The Treatment: Before having the Dermalogica Biosurface™ Peel, I had a few concerns. After all, I saw Samantha Jones post-peel on Sex And The City...

I used to believe that chemical peels equalled inflamed and peeling skin - resulting in a post-peel appearance that would scare even the bravest of children. Now, some women believe these side effects are the sign of a good chemical peel, however a good schooling from Dermalogica soon put an end to that myth. Contrary to popular belief, a professional chemical peel shouldn't leave skin damaged, inflamed or flaking; despite its name, there should actually be no peeling in a chemical peel.

Review: My Wheat Belly Journey

So it is officially 2015 and, like many women, the diet starts today. I am a good dieter - not always so good at maintaining a particular weight - but good at losing it. My favourite type of diet is calorie counting, restricting myself to no more than 1000 calories per day. It works really well for me but in the spirit of keeping things fresh, I want to try something a little different for the next month. This is where Wheat Belly comes in.

Wheat Belly is a book that, basically, hates wheat. Written by Dr William Davis, it uses hard science to back up it's claims that wheat is bad for you for a variety of different reasons - weight gain being the biggest. Shockingly whole grains are included in this. Although we are told that whole grains are a healthier option, whole wheat bread, for example, has a higher glycemic index than table sugar...