We are so lucky at La Luminata, as we are plugged into the main sources of info, get invited to amazing events, get to hear of and try out cool new clothing labels and sample some of the best new skincare and make up products out there. So, we would be doing you a mis-service if we didn’t report back on the best products and brands of 2009.

This is also a toughie as we tried out so many great lotions this year…However, for universal appeal and sheer gorgeousness we have settled on John Masters Vanilla & Blood Orange Body Milk.

Luckily the body milk is super fast to absorb and therefore makes the transition from shower, to moisturiser, to clothes that much quicker and easier. Leaving the skin soft and smooth, this would make a perfect christmas present for almost anyone. It should be noted that my boyfriend helped himself to this on a regular basis (and he is ultra fussy about using my products) and could be found wafting around the house smelling rather wonderful, which means that this is a great buy for women AND men out there!

“After a lifetime of very luckily being spot-free, once I’d had my fourth child, my skin decided to rebel and I am now prone to the odd breakout so I was interested to test out the blemish stick as there’s nothing worse than having a belisha beacon of a whoppa on the end of your nose!” - Kathryn

Lavera Aloe Vera Protection Cream 30ml costs £12.90 and is available from www.freetoexplorebeauty.co.uk Plant extracts from select organic avocado and almond kernel oils nourish your skin and lavish it in moisture.  This cream contains finest quality Vitamin E and it is absorbed quickly leaving the skin feeling smooth.

The Lavera Mint Blemish Stick 4.5g costs £8.70 and is available from www.freetoexplorebeauty.co.uk It works instantly to conceal redness and impurities.  It contains natural essential oils of organic peppermint and tea tree to purify and accelerate the skin’s healing process.  Plant-based jojoba wax and organic beeswax help keep the concealer in place.  It also contains sunflower oil, thyme, rosemary and jojoba.  It should be used after cleansing, toning, and moisturising anywhere you want to conceal blemishes.

Kathryn said “The Blemish Stick was very effective and definitely took the anger out of any spot breakout that invaded my face!”

Hayley said “Where can I get some more of the Protection Cream?  It’s fantastic!”

Welcome to the 21st century, for we now have toxin free nail polish! I am seriously blown away by this stuff, having shunned nail polish for the last few years I am now a lot more confident knowing that I can use Zoya’s products instead of regular nail polish full of toxic chemicals. These nail polishes are vegan friendly and safe - free of toxic Toluene, Formaldehyde, DBP and Camphor as well as being the longest wearing natural nail polishes available.

I have been rocking the Roxy, dancing in Diana and kissing in Casey…next up Raven! Perfect for A/W09.

Just because your summer clothes have been packed away, it doesn’t mean you should let your body beauty regime slide. It is just as important to apply moisturiser in the winter months; central heating, hot baths and cold weather cause your skin to dry-out, flake and itch. But which products work? Here ten ELLE staffers bravely put body butters, lotions, oils and creams to the test…

Best for: eco fans

This eco brand should be top of any ‘green’ beauty fan’s list. The packing is green (of course) and looks unfussy enough to be expensive. The cream smells fresh and feels light, and almost frothy. It did take a while to absorb into the skin, feeling slightly greasy at first but after a couple of minutes it made my skin smooth and glowing, without any residue. At the end of the day my skin felt softer still - this is one hardworking body cream.

Smokey eyes are the latest make up trend to hit the runway, mostly thanks to Versace’s last show. Beauty therapist Miriam Holcombe from freetoexplorebeauty.co.uk shares with us her tips.

To successfully create this look it’s important to remember that blending is key. Mineral based eye shadows, like the ones from Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics, are perfect for this look as they are highly pigmented and blend very well.

Step 1 - apply a dark liquid eyeliner - preferably brown, grey or black - close to the upper lash line.

Step 2 - choose a light, neutral colour as the base colour and cover your entire eye lid.

Step 3 - apply the darker tone close to the eye lashes and use a good quality eyeshadow brush to blend upwards. Make sure to blend colour into the lash line so the eye liner disappears.

Hey presto… smokey eyes!

Fortunately, this is not a problem with Santaverde’s aloe vera shower gel, which has a very definite ‘fresh’ scent; a lemony sharpness that gives the clean sensation you need from a shower. The gel itself is a thick lotion that lathers surprisingly well, and left my skin feeling refreshed and revitalised. I’d certainly choose this gel over the flowery ones I use only because I think they’re good for my skin, and will feel happy in the knowledge that it’s still made from body-hugging ingredients like aloe, almond oil and wheat protein, which are a great combination for dry skin.
£12.95 at Free to Explore Beauty

Author: Abi Silvester

La Claree Elixir d’eclat £32

This is a great little find and we’re always partial to beauty products that involve a pipette. They make us feel like a scientist! You only need six tiny drops of this serum to reveal smooth, plump and radiant looking skin. It provides a nice base for your day cream and keeps your skin hydrated all day long. A great winter skin saver. £32

There’s a new and exciting brand of lipstick on the market… and one that promises to keep nasty, irritating ingredients such as synthetic preservatives well away from your lips. I think sometimes we forget just what we are putting on our lips (and ultimately into our bloodstream) and sacrifice quality for cheap products… because they are cheap!

Well, if you are conscious about toxic synthetics running around your body you need to get your mitts on a stick or two of the Afterglow range (there are 15 colours to choose from), which we recently trailed for ourselves.

The Review:

What was immediately apparent was the feel of the lipstick once on, it didn’t feel as oily as most other lipsticks, more creamy if you like. The second thing that is most noticeable is that your lips don’t tend to dry up, it’s like adding a creamy moisturiser to your lips. Thirdly, there’s no disgusting perfume taste left in your mouth… result! Finally, removal is incredibly simple and our lips felt… well, refreshed and moist rather than the normal dryness (and staining) so many other lipsticks leave you with.
Sticks retail at a respectable £22 for a 4g stick, but once you’ve tried it for yourself we’re confident you’ll be converted!