Have you done any spring cleaning yet? The rooms in my house always look brighter come the spring but this also means I can see all those dirty marks that I have not noticed over the winter. It is time to get the paintbrush out and spruce up my kitchen.

The brighter days make me look at things with new eyes including my make-up bag and the products on my dressing table. I have never been a hoarder but when it comes to make-up I seem to have built up quite a store. Make-up like food has a sell by date and as soon as it goes a strange consistency it should be thrown out.

How long does make up last?

Changing your make-up can be a relatively inexpensive and quick way to update your look. But when was the last time you bought a new eye shadow or a lipstick?

Every 6 months or so you should take a good look at what is in your make-up bag and on your dressing table. Like food make-up has a sell by date and as soon as it changes texture or smells different you should throw it out.

The following is only a guidline as to how long the product will last.
•Moistuiser - 2 years
•Serums and cleansers - 2 years
•Foundation - 18 months
•Concealer - 1 year
•Powdered blusher - 1 year but cream and gels last longer
•Lipstick - 3 years
•Mascara - 4 - 6 months
•Eye shadow - 2 years
For more tips and advice see www.whatcaniwear.com

Give your legs and bottom a workout

Last year I bought a pair of fit flops and raved about them.
They not only tone the legs they give you better posture as well.

This year the range has grown with lots more colours than last year and I have bought another pair with gold sequins to add a bit of sparkle to my life.

Many high street stores are now stocking fit flops but you can also buy them from www.runningbare.co.uk The price is £35 for the plain and £45 for the sequins. They come in all sorts of colours and are a must have in your wardrobe.

If you find flip flops of any kind uncomfortable between your toes then these pads are the answer. Made of transparent soft gel they protect the space between the toes from rubbing and chaffing and help to prevent blisters. They are £5.95 again from www.runningbare.co.uk

Be fashionable without looking pregnant

Wandering round the shops you would be forgiven for thinking you were back in the 1970's or in an episode of 'Life on Mars'. There are smocks, puffy sleeves, bold patterns, lots of big bright beads and wedges. I remember wearing this look first time round and looking at old photos it was not a very flattering look for my body shape. I have what a nice shop assistant once described as very strong shoulders. In other words I have broad shoulders. Put me in puffy sleeves and I look like Popeye. If you have big hips and slim shoulders then puffy sleeves will balance you out but be careful because it can look quite girlish and really best left to the under 30's.

So to look fashionable go for the camisole with a bit of shape. The cami on the far left is from Next and is £15. While the one nearest is from Monsoon and is £22. If you are an apple shape (very little waist) then the empire line will look really flattering on you. But if you have a well defined waist then this shape will make you fatter than you are so best stick to fitted clothes to enhance your curves.

On chillier days you can add a shrug or a bolero to keep you warm.

Websites of the month

If you are looking for a piece of jewellery that is unique then design your own with the help of Cherish Jewels www.cherishjewels.co.uk

You choose the colours you want and the stones you would like to use including raw precious and semi precious gems. The designer Michelle will then come up with some ideas and together you will develop the piece. Every design is unique and no two are the same. This neckalce is from her Desert Island collection, is totally organic apart from the findings and costs £28.



If you like the clothes in Coast but feel guilty at spending so much on an outfit you may only wear a few times then have a look at www.styleshake.com

Styleshake allows customers to create their own individual and inspiring designs. You create your design using their design tools. It is great fun and you can change the colour as well.

When you are happy with the dress you click on buy and it is delivered to your door within 10 days. Prices start at around £42 for a knee length dress.

As they offer a bespoke service you cannot return the dress but they do offer a free alteration service so you get the perfect fit.

What I am loving this month

Come the spring I always like to change my moisturiser because I just feel like a change. This year I have rediscovered Neil's Yard Frankincense hydrating cream £18.10. I have used it before but an offer in a magazine prompted me to make a purchase. If you go onto their website www.nealsyardremedies.com and put marieclaire in the code box at the checkout you will get 20% off until 15th April.



I also bought some Frankincense hydrating mist as come late afternoon I like to blast my face with some moisture and a mist will not mess up your make-up. I sometimes make my own but thought I would give this one a try. I have not been disappointed, the smell is heavenly and at £8.80 worth every penny.

In the News

You can now blame your spending habits on your monthly cycle according to psychologists at Hertfordshire University. Impulse buys are more common in the 10 days before your period begins. The spending tends to be a reaction to intense emotions.

If you are feeling stressed or depressed you are more likely to go shopping to cheer yourself up according to Professor Karen Pine. So if you want to save money don't go shopping just before your period.


Feeling stressed then pick up a book. Research has shown that reading a good book is better than going for a walk or listening to music to relieve stress.

Psychologists believe that because you have to concentrate on reading it eases tension.

The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis is the true story of an ordinary woman who lusts after a beautiful diamond necklace she sees in a jeweller's shop window every day.

When she discovers that it has just been reduced to nearly half price in a sale she starts thinking of how to get enough money to buy it and comes up with the idea of a group of women clubbing together to buy it.

The story is of how the women's lives are changed by the necklace and how it brings out the best and the worst in the women concerned. They have their differences but manage to resolve them. Everyone's life is changed by owning a part share in the fabulous piece of jewellery. £4.89 from www.amazon.co.uk

 

Quote of the month

'Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself'.
George Bernard Shaw


Have a lovely Easter.

Lilian

Last Updated: January 14, 2010