CALLING ALL DIVAS!

The fashionistas of Essex were on high alert when the Elite Model Look team hit Lakeside, all desperate to get their hands on the Samsung Diva phone, the perfect fashion accessory for looking fabulous while keeping up to date with all social media like Facebook and MySpace. Satisfy your inner Diva and get onto http://www.bediva.co.uk/ to find out how to bag yourself one of these ‘it’ phones, or come to our next EML casting in Glasgow on the 10th of April to have a chance of winning a handset. Check out this exclusive behind the scenes video of the Diva campaign and click here to see more clips of the phone in action!

Foundations I'm trying to use up and the would-I-repurchase test

Even when I've find a foundation that I like, I'll keep on trying out others. And as I'm incapable of waiting to buy until I've finished what I'm currently using, I end up with - dare I say it - too many. The good thing about this is that I can compare products side by side.

My favourite foundations are MAC's Studio Sculpt in NC25-30, mineralize compact in NC30 and Face and Body in C4. But they are the darker end of the spectrum for me. So in the winter months I have been using (and trying to get rid of!) the 'older' products that also happen to be lighter in colour. These are:

1. Laura Mercier's oil-free tinted moisturizer in Nude

When I first got this, I was really impressed that my t-zone didn't shine as much or as quickly. I was using her powder to set it, which I don't anymore, and I'm using a different moisturizer under the foundation so the effect isn't quite as wow now. I don't find the coverage to be too low or sheer; I think the name 'tinted moisturizer' is misleading.

Would I repurchase? Yes, in another colour, perhaps. But I still have a back-up that I got when I was really into Laura Mercier...

2. Bobbi Brown's Moisture Rich foundation in Beige 

I like that it comes with a pump but I don't like the way the cap gets dirty. That's a minor complaint that has nothing to do with the product itself, which is fine. I use so little - half a squirt - that I get quite sheer coverage (similar to Laura M's tinted moisturiser). The glass bottle is fine for using at home but obviously not for travelling.

Would I repurchase? No.

3. Bobbi Brown's Luminous foundation in Warm Sand 

I was given this (tester) and this is too light for me so I'm not using it at all (I thought I'd mention it, though). There's also the risk of pouring out too much product. But the coverage is better, if that's what you're looking for, and more moisturising, with anti-ageing properties. I do like the creamy formulation and overall finish.

Would I (re)purchase? In theory, yes, but probably never will.

4. Shu Uemura's Face Architect in 764 

Another glass bottle. It comes with a pump (good) and the cap is much bigger and doesn't fit so snugly onto the pump so it stays clean - not a smudge of old, crusty foundation anywhere. Nice creamy formulation with good coverage.

Would I repurchase? Yes. And I would prefer to get this than Bobbi's Luminous but in a different shade (sometimes I think it looks too rosy).

Swatches of the above four foundations.

Laura Mercier, BB Moisture Rich, BB Luminous, Shu Uemura

5. Foundation sticks from Bobbi Brown (beige, warm beige) and Chantecaille (Camomile) 

I just don't like foundation sticks. I never re-apply foundation during the day (especially when I'm out) so I don't need it in solid form. Some people might find them useful for applying around the nose when you have a cold and need to blow your nose all the time. Anyway, looking at the swatch of Warm Beige, I think it's too pink. Camomile is too light for me. I should put this together with my concealers so I'll remember to use it.

In the swatch photo - look how they emphasise my pores! Ugh.

Would I repurchase? Never.

Foundation sticks in Beige, Warm Beige, Camomile

6. Bobbi Brown's Smooth Skin fondation in Beige 
Another tester that I was given. I've never used it. I used to hear such negative reviews about this product that I'm quite honestly scared to use it. I know that it doesn't sell well, either, so I'm not surprised it's being discontinued - isn't it? It says 'last chance' on their website.

Would I (re)purchase? Never.

I completely forgot to swatch this foundation when I was doing the others - it goes to show how unloved this is by me - so on its own:

When I look at all of these swatches, they colours look so different that I'm rather horrified - how could I never have gotten strange remarks?!

Do you try and finish products, even if they are no longer right? 

My yoga ritual

Yoga is something I want to enjoy and look forward to doing.... with a little help from these friends.

1. Brew some tea. 
It's always good to drink and I never drink enough. So I make a pot of Aveda's comforting tea.

If you make it right, it can taste really sweet, even though there's no sugar in it. It's still a matter of trial and error for me but it has to do with using the right amount of tea leaves - the more the sweeter. But it's quite an expensive tea so you don't want to use too much. Trying to get the right balance is not easy. Also, infuse for longer and it becomes sweeter.

2. Keep a scented room spray within reach.
I have another product from Aveda.

There are different scented sprays for each of the chakras. I only liked the smell of chakra 2.

There's so much breathing through the nose in Kundalini yoga that it's nice to spray it in the room. I do find that I have to re-spray it every now and then because the scent is quite light and doesn't linger.

3. Have a blanket ready.
I love the fleece blankets from Ikea. Even if you only do the short warm-up sequence, you should relax afterwards - lie on your back in Corpse Pose with eyes closed. My body cools down so I stay warm with a blanket.

4. Music.
Only if I'm not doing a full session (one whole DVD), I like to have my yoga music playlist ready for the relaxation part. It really helps me relax, unwind and not get bored. As Maya Fiennes says in her book, "(relaxation) is when the body processes the information it has received, rests and absorbs the changes and the healing."


All we have to do is make time... maybe that should be number one on this list.

Elite Model Look Casting Day One: Lakeside!

Our winners from Essex

The waiting is finally over - The Samsung Diva Elite Model Look road show kicked off on Saturday at Lakeside Shopping centre in Essex. The day passed in a blur of Toni & Guy blow outs, fluttery Eylure lashes, DIVA phones, a Warehouse instore after-party (thank you Artisan cupcake company http://www.theartisancupcakecompany.com/ ), photo sessions and catwalking so thanks to all of you who came down and took part! 


We found 8 fabulous winners in Essex who we are going to take with us to the next stage so congratulations to Becca Rimmer, Rachael Graham, Phoebe Drain, Amelia Palmer, Chelsea Baird, Jayne Lymer and Emillie Rix, we shall be seeing you in London soon! If you missed out on this casting don’t worry as this was just the beginning and we will be hitting 9 more locations throughout the UK over the next few months, so make sure you go to http://www.elitemodellook.co.uk/ to find out more. Next stop, Glasgow!

Elite models Samara, Sylvie and Eden showing off some Spring warehouse looks!

Got it: Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle

I had the impression that #5 in Mademoiselle was one of the, if not the most popular colour from the new Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick line. Vanessa Paradis does such a convincing job of selling the je ne sais quoi with this that even I had to get my hands on it.

Generally, I'm more into playing up the eyes and going lighter on the lips, so I was worried that Mademoiselle might be too strong a colour. It can be, if you apply several layers - see the swatch on the right - which can be handy for day-to-night transitions. But just one quick swipe or smacking the lips together when applied to the upper lip will give you a healthy-looking stain.

As with any lipstick, you can change the colour and effect with lip gloss. Out of curiosity, I swatched Mademoiselle first on its own (very left), then applied four different MAC lip glosses.

L to R: Chanel #5 Mademoiselle, MAC Lustreglass Love Nectar, Cremesheen Glass Partial to Pink, Dazzleglass Goldyrocks, Dazzleglass Moth to Flame 

I like it best with Love Nectar, which isn't a surprise because it's my favourite gloss. It gives it some shine and deepens the colour a bit but otherwise stays relatively true to the lipstick colour. Partial to Pink is a pink gloss so unsurprisingly it takes Mademoiselle into a girlier category. The last two are just extremely glittery and don't appeal to me. In fact, I don't like the Dazzleglasses anymore, they are too shiny and way too sticky.

Wishlist: Dior summer collection 2010

It has been over 10 years since I last bought a Dior eyeshadow. Can you believe it? I still remember, it was a palette of five green eyeshadows. I had only just started dabbling in make-up and the interest was absolutely there but the know-how was absolutely not. I'm sure I looked like a clown, trying to put all five colours on my eyelids (but where...?), and I think that put me off Dior make-up (unfair, yes).

Now that I'm older and wiser, I am ready to face Dior again. An eyeshadow palette from their summer collection has caught my eye.

Crush glow eyeshadow palette. But 649 or 659? I can't make up my mind but I have a slight preference for 649 (with the dark eyeshadow in the middle).

See pictures here:

What do you think?

EML GOES TO ESSEX!

Elite Model Look castings kick off this Saturday 27th March at Lakeside, West Thurrock where we'll be pitching our EML roadshow in the main atrium. Come and meet us to enter the contest, check out our Warehouse Style Studio and get your hair advice from the Toni & Guy experts. Plus Eylure will be demonstrating their goregous besopke lashes and there will be opportunities to win heavyweight fashionista gifts from the likes of chanel, Creme de la mer and YSL from our headline sponsor SAMSUNG DIVA. And all absolutely free! Oh yes. See you there!

HANDBAG.COM featuerd EML today, read all about it HERE

http://www.elitemodellook.co.uk/

Yawners in yoga class

I have been going to a Kundalini yoga class. I wouldn't say that these classes are much better than Maya Fiennes' DVDs - not at all. In fact, I think I prefer doing yoga by myself.

One of the reasons why I prefer to do it at home is because there is usually someone in the class who is annoying. Often it is a loud breather. Yes, the breathing is an integral part of yoga, but some people exaggerate so much that you can't even hear your own breathing. How is anyone else supposed to be able to concentrate on their own breathing (and go at their own pace) when there is someone practically snoring in the same room?

Luckily, the loud breather stopped attending this class after the first session.

But the yawner is still there.

I can understand why anyone would yawn. Some of the exercises are so relaxing that you just want to fall asleep. But there is an acceptable way of yawning - quietly - and an unacceptable way.

She yawns in every class. And she does it so loudly that I can hear her when she's sitting two rows behind me. It is incredibly irritating!

Please, if you are one of these people, be considerate and tone it down.

Quote: The best mummy

My son's going through a lovely phase of telling us parents how great we are.

"You're the best mummy in the world. I love you so much."
"You're the best daddy in the world. I love you so much."

I am trying to soak up the compliments as much as I can.

It's pure happiness but sometimes I'm also haunted by guilt and sadness because I think I could be so much better. Do we put too much pressure on ourselves?

There's nothing like sunshine to make us happy

It's finally spring, it's finally warm. I've put away my winter boots and taken out my strappy sandals in eager anticipation.

I'm sitting outside and soaking up the sun. There is really no better cure for the winter blues!

Finally finished: Bobbi Brown corrector

This is Bobbi Brown's corrector in Light Peach that I have finally finished. Hooray - because this happens so rarely :-) I got it two years ago and I've been using it on and off (I have several other concealers).

Do I like it? Well, I bought this to use under concealer but ended up using it alone. It's ok but I found that it wore off after a few hours so the shadows under my eyes were visible again, even when fixed with powder.

Would I repurchase? Probably not. At least not in the near future. I'm too keen to try other products - I'm eyeing Laura Mercier's camouflage.

I like the packaging, though, so I've put Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick samples in there.

Mythic, Adorable, Orientale, Fatale

Do you recycle nice containers, too? 

HELLO HONEY

As we approach the first castings for Elite Model Look what better time is there than now to appreciate some of our great finds of 2009?! We snapped up the gorgeous Honey Davis-Wilkinson after spotting her rocking out at T in the Park last summer, and with bookings for everyone from ASOS to Louis Vuitton already under her belt we're very glad we made the trek to Scotland! This fab video featuring Honey was taken on a recent campaign shoot for Marina Shlosberg, photographed by the very talented Jessie Craig, and caught the attention of the Elle bloggers. Read their review HERE

Marina Shlosberg 2010 Collection - Behind the Scenes from Jessie Craig

Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in #7 Genius

Chanel recently launched a new line of lipsticks: the Rouge Coco. This is why I'm reviewing a lipstick from their Rouge Allure line. Hm, that doesn't make sense, does it?

Ok, so all the publicity got me wondering about their lipsticks again. I own several Chanel lipsticks already so I pulled out the most wearable nude (for some reason, all of the others are shades of red). It's a Hydrabase, which is being replaced by the new Rouge Coco line.

I looked at the swatches of the newly launched lipsticks and made a mental note of Mademoiselle, which is what Vanessa Paradis is wearing in the ad. When I finally decided to buy it, it was sold out in two stores that I went to. Looks like I wasn't the only one fooled by the marketing.

But I couldn't simply walk away empty-handed. Whilst contemplating which colour to get, the packaging of the Rouge Allure lipsticks caught my eye. Yes, the packaging. It looks like this.

Here is how to open the lipstick. You have to push one end and then it pops out.

I got Rouge Allure 07 Genius.

It's a pretty coral colour, nice for spring. But it can get quite intensive if you apply too much (see photo below, swatched once lightly on the left and several times on the right).

What bothers me is that it doesn't feel that hydrating. For the first hour or so, it's comfortable but then my lips start to want lip balm. My old Hydrabase lipstick is more hydrating than this. But I'll just wear some lip balm or gloss over it - this will also tone down the colour a bit - and it'll be fine.

Even though I like the chic packaging and the fact that it's Chanel, I'm not convinced I would buy another Rouge Allure. What I do love is the Rouge Allure Laque, which is like liquid lipstick. And of course I'll give the Rouge Coco a try...

iPhone app: Sleep Cycle

Sleep Cycle is one of the best selling iPhone apps at the moment. You put it on your mattress at night and it will record your sleep patterns.

I am aware that it is not completely accurate (apparently) but I am still fascinated with it. I use it every night and the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning, even when I'm still groggy, is check my sleep chart!

Here are some examples (you can email these sleep charts).

And on this night I seem to have slept better:

It monitors your movement in bed (apparently we move differently according to the sleep phase we are in). It has an alarm function that will wake you up in your lightest sleep phase within a half hour time frame (so if you need to be up by 7:15, it will go off anytime between 6:45-7:15).

The alarm sounds are soothing - no more hideous beeps - but it doesn't have a snooze function (yet?) so I need to set a second alarm if I must get up at a certain time. I also wish it would give a weekly summary.

If anything, it records how much sleep you get. And going by these charts, I know why I'm so tired. I usually need 8 hours of sleep and I'm not even getting 7. You know, this app could do with a 'go to bed now!' alarm...

I recommend Usborne's See Inside books: How Things Work

For kids who can't yet read, pictures are everything. And to make that even more interesting, there are picture books with flaps. Usborne does some very good ones.

There's one in their See Inside series called How Things Work.

It is packed with explanations on how musical instruments or household appliances (hair dryer, toilet) work. It introduces new vocabulary (also perfect for me because I never really learned what parts of a crane or helicopter are called!). It's probably too complicated for four-year olds to really understand but there's no harm in introducing such topics. This will be a useful reference book for years to come.

These books are educational but so well done that they definitely belong in a kid's library. They would make great gifts, as well.

EML IN LOOK MAGAZINE

With the first casting tour date of the EML roadshow fast approaching, we hope you know exactly where and when we are going to be at each location. If you need reminding check out the latest issue of Look magazine which gives you a full run down of our schedule...we are looking forward to seeing you there and make sure you go to our website for full details on how to enter!

The first casting will be at Lakeside Shopping Centre on March 27th

Quote: Shall we swap?

Dinnertime with kids can be tricky.

We all want them to eat well so I've often resorted to hiding vegetables in sauces. It works.

Sometimes, though, my son's just not in the mood to eat what I've cooked so he complains that I've given him too big a portion.

So I ask: "Shall we swap, then?"

And he looks at my plate and the bigger portion... He grins and says, "No, thank you."

Chakra 1: Courage (Kundalini Yoga with Maya Fiennes)

I'm moving onto the next Kundalini Yoga DVD by Maya Fiennes. It doesn't mean I'm going to abandon the Detox and De-stress one. But I'm eager to learn more, and well, doing the same DVD every day threatens to become boring.

It is the first part ("Courage") in a series called "A Journey through the Chakras".

The explanation given sounds really promising. Apparently the first chakra is found at the base of the spine and is the centre of our regeneration, stimulating all the cells of the body. It addresses addictive behaviour (!), survival, security and courage. By survival, it means we need to work the first chakra in order to eliminate toxins (from pollution and chemicals).

Did that make sense?

To be honest, I'm still struggling with it because I'm not used to thinking of yoga as medicine (from the Universe) for our body - but that's what Maya says in this DVD. (What and where exactly is the Universe and how do we get life force from it?!)  

As for the exercises: the warm-up is exactly the same as in the Detox and De-stress DVD. Which I like, so I don't mind at all.

But the rest of the DVD is much more physical. There's a lot of alternating between lying down on your back and sitting up and bending over to touch your toes. And there's no mistaking the meditation for relaxation here, as this part is also all about bending over to touch the toes and twisting your torso (which is unbelievably hard!).

There's hardly a moment of rest after you get past the warm-up so I'm already not so keen on doing this every day...

Damages is good for marriage

For me, TV series can become a serious addiction. I usually watch them on DVDs and find it incredibly difficult to turn off the DVD player, when I think I could squeeze in just one more episode...

Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives... all such great series, yet I have to watch them alone. As in, my husband refuses to watch them with me.

But now we have something that's far from girlie: Damages!

This is an exciting and intelligent legal thriller that my husband is also hooked on and now we can spend our evenings together in front of the TV!

Seriously, if you aren't familiar with Damages, go for it. There are so many twists and turns in the plot that it will keep you on your toes.

Clementine Stevens:New Face of the week

We knew she was something special when French beauty Clementine Stevens walked through Elite London’s door...with the ability to pull off the natural beauty of a new face and the polished skill of an editorial pro we have high hopes for this one! Originally from Lille, the home of numerous supermodels on the circuit, Clementine has just finished school and is ready to take on the high flying career that awaits her. Check out Clementine’s progress on Models.com

Wishlist: Chanel Rouge Coco in #5 Mademoiselle

I'm not even particularly a fan of Vanessa Paradis but after seeing her newest ads, I am feeling the urge to own the new Chanel Rouge Coco in her colour, Mademoiselle...

ANOTHER EML ONE TO WATCH: SIMONA!

Chloe

We love it when an EML contestant hits the big time and following in the footsteps of the likes of Constance Jablonski and Sigrid Agren, 2009 EML finalist Simona Andrejic has just wrapped up a spectacular opening season. With a show list to rival some of the most established models on the circuit, Simona took to the catwalk for designers such as Calvin Klein, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Kenzo and Moschino. We can’t wait to see the editorials which are sure to follow!

Calvin Klein

Dolce & Gabbana

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Favourite hand creams

I have only recently become interested in higher end hand creams. At least, I never used to fuss over them. I used Neutrogena a lot and mainly stuck to the cheaper products. Not anymore.

1. My current favourite is by L'Occitane. I like the small tubes (30ml) and keep them in my handbag. It doesn't take up much space and it's really light; but what's better is that with use, it flattens out and takes up even less space. (Some tubes are one-size only and keep their shape, even when there's nothing left inside. They then become too bulky and I get rid of them as soon as possible.)

I suppose if I had to find something I didn't like about these, it would have to be the screw-on caps. They are so small that I often drop them and that can be annoying.

L'Occitane often does limited edition hand creams so look out for those.

2. Another favourite is the Mani Pedi by Estée Lauder. This is to use at home because you get quite a lot (200ml) for your money. The packaging is nowhere near as nice and the product itself is not as creamy as the L'Occitane stuff so it doesn't feel ultra moisturising. But it's fine for during the day, when you're going to be washing your hands soon afterwards again anyway. I prefer that to having greasy hands. It's also scent free.

3. Another good one that I've tried is Dior's HydrAction hand creme. It comes in a sleek packaging (75ml) that's good for keeping in the handbag and whipping out in front of others (it's Dior, after all). I remember it had a nice fragrance and it was moisturising but not greasy. The thing I mentioned before about certain tubes not shrinking... well, this is an example of that. The Dior packaging stays as it is all the way through to the end. But I would repurchase. In fact, I like it better than EL's Mani Pedi; only the cost factor, in comparison, is a slight issue.

Others:

Estée Lauder's Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting hand cream - this is way too pricey. It's supposed to work magic, like reduce dark spots, but seeing as I don't have any yet, it's a waste of money.

Biotherm - you can also get this in a travel-friendly size. I would say that it's good and smells nice. But it wasn't anything special. I won't be getting this again.

Molton Brown - I'm not counting this as a favourite, I only wanted to mention it because I've use it. You can get a matching hand wash (for your guest bathroom), which is a nice touch. But the hand cream is only so-so. It's definitely not greasy but it could be creamier, for my liking. Make sure you get the one you like the smell of because it can be overpowering.

Quote: Vultures

We explained to our son that vultures eat dead animals. (I don't know who taught him the word dead - it certainly wasn't me - but now that he knows, I guess it can be useful. No more sleepy excuses.)

He thought about it.

Then he asked, "Do vultures eat dead kids, too?"

?!?