With summer just around the corner many of us are delving into our new wardrobes, so why not accompany it with one of the latest trend setting hairstyles . If you’re stuck on where to start, check out some of the reinvented looks fashioned by today’s A-list stars.

The Ponytail: Catwalks this year have been home to the up-dos- which range from slick ponytails to careless buns. To re-create this look hair has to be clean, straight and smooth, so use a good conditioner to keep hair at its best. Be sure to invest in a smoothing serum or cream to produce the most polished ponytail you’ve ever seen.

The Heavy Fringe: If you do decide to adopt this look make sure you go all the way; the biggest mistake you can make is getting a short fringe. The maximum fringe length should be just above your eyes. The problem with this look is that fringes tend to get separate and oily during the day so make sure to use clarifying shampoo; and to keep it in place try using an intensive firm-hold hairspray.

The Bed-Head: This is a care free tousled look that makes hair look both effortless and casual- but takes a lot of effort to make it just right. For this look heated rollers will not go a miss- it will help create a wavy relaxed look- use curl booster sprays in keep them in place and lightly brush in some wax or cream to add some final texture.

The Alice Band: This is a quick an easy way to accessorize and complete any outfit . Make sure your hair is straight and smooth, keeping the hair in super sleek condition. Whether you decide to keep it up or down, use serum to smooth out any kinks and bumps and go for a wide Alice band for a smart and fashion-forward look.

The Tousled Twist: Who would have though a bun could be so chic and hip? There are no exact rules for this style, just pull your hair up and pin it into a bun in whatever style suits you. Use creams and texturising lotion to give your hair hold and shape, finish it off with a shine spray to make sure your hair looks cute not dry.

The Boy-cut: On the other end of the spectrum, you can move away from soft, feminine hairdos and try a masculine hairstyle which is also becoming a summer favourite. Agyness Deyn’s trademark boyish crop is a perfect template for anyone who wants to copy the look. To create this short and sleek hairstyle, start by applying mousse or gel through your hair.  Next, blow-dry your hair using a large round brush (pulling all the layers under and down). Then to add an extra smooth finish, run parts of your fringe through a flat iron and then top off the look with hair spray.

So here are the looks- but before you go at your hair with the closets pairs of  scissors make sure you have the right face cut for these looks- otherwise you’ll end up with the longest bad hair day ever!

Once again we are reminded how wonderful the internet is as beauty bloggers explode across the web. They are the ultimate resource for the hottest products, which are must-buys and which ones are must-avoids. They serve as tutors for the beauty-obsessed. But can these bloggers really turn make-up addicts into budding make-up artists?

Meet Joanne Reyes, a Film and Production student. She’s a pretty average girl but with a not-so-average flair for make-up and for that she thanks non-other than YouTube. Bloggers on YouTube who specialise in beauty such as amy04, MakeupByRenRen and ItsJudyTime, have encouraged Joanne to try out many different looks herself. Judging by the show-stopping looks from her portfolio, it seems that those online experts have made quite an impact on her. “There are so many makeup gurus on YouTube who I love and just through watching them I was able to polish my make-up looks. If it weren’t for them I’d still be one of them girls that reckon black eyeliner is the only existing makeup.”

Because of these online tutorials along with good old fashion practice, she gains flawless results. “You won’t get good results if you don’t practice. When I started with makeup I thought I was good, until I saw make-up gurus showing the right way to do it. Since then I kept perfecting my skill, practice always make perfect,” she said. “The product shouldn’t matter, but there are some products out there that are just totally useless.” 

With Joanne constantly experimenting with various looks, it is no surprise that she is pretty much on the ball when it comes to make-up brands. “I think Maybelline do one of the best foundations and mascara, MAC does the best eye shadows and Lancôme do the best lip gloss (juicy tubes). If someone asked me where is the best place to buy make up, ultimately I’d say MAC,” she said, “Expensive isn’t always the key, there are many drug store brands that are just as good.” 

Although YouTube bloggers have played a big part in the development of her talent, they are not her only source of insight. Celebrities and magazines are also a big influence. “When I see something I like on someone I try duplicating that look. A massive inspiration comes from time eras and films, like 60’s pin-ups or Catwoman. Anything can trigger a look even down to fruit and animals.”

Speaking of animals, it just had to be asked. How on earth did she do the “leopard-print” look? “All you need is a good base eye shadow colour. I used a light brown/beige for that and filled in my whole lid,” Joanne explains. “Then with black eyeliner, I drew “C’s” and inverted “C’s” side by side then filled them with a darker shade of brown and polished my look how you would with your typical foundation, mascara and red lips.” This is a great look that will come in handy for next Halloween and sounds easy enough for anyone to do.

It looks like Joanne is developing into a beauty expert herself but not so much a beauty blogger. “I find it so weird and uneasy talking to yourself through a camera and quite frankly I would have no time do keep updating viewers.”

Urban Decay

Pocket Rocket Lipgloss

There’s no doubt about it ,Urban Decay  is one of the most innovative cosmetics companies out there,with fun product names such as Midnight Cowboy and Quickie this cosmetics company deliver top-notch,bang-on trend beauty.

Their new lip gloss Pocket Rocket(£16) ,just goes to prove it. They have launched 8 new fabulous shades. Inside the lid of each custom lip gloss tube is a photo of a rather delicious looking man each with their own signature name: Timothy,Kirk,David,Jesse,Doug,Julio,James and Eric.  Now here’s the fun part- when you tilt the gloss back and forth,your chosen man undresses! (only to his pants of course!)

According to the Urban Decay website each man has a different personality,so you can pick and choose whichever one floats your boat! For example “Timothy”, described as a “coral hue with a pink glow” is “An all-American and future Senator, Timothy is your mother’s dream come true. Skilled at fencing, rugby and sailing, he is valiant and fun. Undress him and he’ll make you the next Jackie O-oh-ohhhhhhh!”

Yes and it gets better. David described as a “milky mauve” sells as “A hard-working man: at work, in the gym, and most importantly, in bed. After a grueling 60-hour week, he still has the energy to come over and put his 110% into you. Undress him to inspect your benefits package.”

Put his 110% into-Oh my…

Yes it’s cheesy but I’m a strong believer of not taking make-up too seriously. After all how often can a girl say “I’ve got David all over my lips!”? (Don’t answer that!). Joking aside this is a really brilliant product  other added bonuses of this gloss are that the portions are very generous.There are 8ml in each container rather than the measly 4ml in other more expensive lip glosses on the market. Also equipped with a baby-soft mini brush wand instead of an spongy applicator,this lip gloss glides on with no fuss and a vibrant,plumping colour payoff.

If all that isn’t enough to convince you then maybe the fact that it is enhanced with pheromones. The back is emblazoned with “Rub me for your pheromone fix!” Though undetectable to humans,these hormones enhance your mood and most importantly sexual attraction. What more could you possibly want?!

Available at Urban Decay Counters nationwide and www.urbandecay.com

Models Own Cosmetics

What happens when two brothers who have grown up surrounded by the world of beauty and makeup,combine forces to create new make-up line? Models Own Cosmetics is what happens. The result of a collaboration between brothers Mark and Steven Rodol (who are heirs to the prestigious Coty perfume company)Models Own is a new and edgy  brand that is taking the beauty world by storm.

Inspired by the “fast fashion” element of  style and make-up, Models Own nail polishes come in nearly 60 mouth-watering hues from a British Summer-time grey to New-Rave neon fuschia. This innovative element allows customers to be bang on trend with their nails as well as their outfits.A few firm favourites of mine are Fuzzy Peach- a juicy orange shade, True Turquoise- a perfect pop of colour for the dullest of outfits and the perfect Coral Reef which is the hot nail colour for Summer 2009.

These polishes are hard-wearing,give an excellent colour payoff and will see you through many a summer days. At a credit-crunch/ student overdraft friendly £5.99 you need to get your hands on them.

Available now at selected River Island stores,Urban Outfitters and online at www.modelsownit.com

There’s a bevvy of new perfumes on the high street  to replace your heavier winter fragrances with sheer scents perfect for lazy summer days. From fruity florals to spicy scents theres a perfume to suit you.

Cacharel- Amor Amor Sunrise

The brand’s first perfume, Anais Anais, launched in 1978, and “pioneered the concept of a designer fragrance at an affordable price” (Perfume Legends by Michael Edwards, p. 185).
Their recent release Amor Amor Sunshine promises “an explosion of freshness and fruits” for a “torrid summer”.The fragrance notes include grapefruit, raspberry sorbet, pineapple, rose and patchouli.

Cacharel Amor Amor Sunrise is available in 50 ml Eau de Toilette.www.selfridges.com

Anna Sui- Live your dream

The legendary Anna Sui has launched Live Your Dream, a new perfume for women named after the designer’s own motto. Live Your Dream is described as “feminine and sophisticated”, and for those who are “eternally Young At Heart”. The fragrance includes notes of  lily of the valley, white pepper and sandalwood.

Anna Sui Live Your Dream is available in 30 and 50 ml Eau de Toilette and in matching body products. www.annasui.com

Diesel- Fuel for Life Summer(Her)

The iconic whiff of Diesel’s Fuel for Life has been adjusted for the balmy summer days ahead. “Inspired by summer spirits and cocktails”, this fragrance is bound to be an essential.

Tommy Hilfiger- Dreaming Pearl

Tommy Hilfiger has launched a new limited edition perfume Dreaming Pearl. According to Hilfiger, ”pearls are an iconic symbol of timeless elegance and grace”.

Iinspired by the traditional and modern elements of the most classic of jewels, The Dreaming Pearl Eau de Toilette takes the senses on a journey. Tempting, seductive notes of White Peach, Tuberose and Freesia are found at the heart of the fragrance, capturing the essence of summer. 

Tommy Hilfiger Dreaming Pearl is available in 100 ml Eau de Toilette www.debenhams.com

Prada- Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger

The new Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger is the first in a projected yearly series of limited edition “Ephemeral Infusion” fragrances drawing on fragrance notes from the harder-to-find (and more expensive) Prada Exclusive scents. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the Ephemeral Infusion fragrances are designed to “evoke a light memory of the original ingredient”.

Winter is well and truly upon us. And as we don thick scarves and those extra layers it’s time to update our make up routines too. As the weather gets colder a bit of tinted moisturizer and a dab of lip balm will not be enough for most of us. So here’s a head start on all the upcoming beauty trends for Autumn /Winter 2008 and how to do them on a student budget.

Gone are the wide-eyed “dolly girl” looks we saw on the likes of Dior, Luella and John Galliano’s catwalk in Spring/Summer 2008.Replacing them are tones more suited to the dark British winter: greys ,reds, plums, golds, and black were all prevalent on this seasons catwalks and makeup artists reflected that in their beauty looks. Bold, statement lips are still big this season, but loud 1940-esque cherry red lips have darkened to towards aubergine, dark berry and crimson stained glossy or matte lips.

Black Lipstick isn’t just for Goths any more .Gothic Glam is going to be big this season. The models at Yves Saint Laurent were seen rocking black this look on the catwalks of both New York and London.It’s not the Goth of the 90’s, rather Goth girls’ gone upmarket, with super polished hair, smoky kohl lined eyes and glossy dark nails for a sophisticated rock chic vibe. No one doubts this would be an extremely hard look to pull off and I have yet to see anyone (apart from that emo girl in Holloaks) be brave enough to try this. Those not so brave can try dark browns, berries and plum shades to wear this trend with a softer edge.

The 80’s flash look that was also present at last season’s catwalk has morphed in to a more subdued palette. Bold cheeks are still present and so are matte lip colours. Zingy yellows and electric blues have all been replaced for darker hues, such as navy’s and plums in time for the leaves turning red. Worn properly this look can make even the most unremarkable face look contoured. Take care not to wear every aspect of this look all at once though; no one wants to look like Madonna circa 1985.

 At the other end of the spectrum, the natural look was prominent. Designers off-set their bold edgy, dark designs with models with little to no make-up on. The key idea for this trend is nude lips and eyes with a wash of colour on the cheeks and a strong, groomed eyebrow. Make Up artist Bobbi Brown says in her book “Beauty” that almost every woman needs to fill in her brows as part of her normal beauty routine. So for this look try Benefit’s Brow and Liner Kit and save on your threading allowance. If the idea of going nude fills you with dread, lighten up with touches of highlight or bronzer to stop you looking washed out.