Not long ago women were treated to BB Cream which skyrocketed in popularity, giving them the opportunity to experience a wonderful product that promised light coverage with a slight tint.  The next beauty evolutionary step is CC Cream which stands for colour corrector and is a hybrid multitasking product.

So, what is CC Cream?

This newest must-have to make itself known is the next generation of BB Cream but the main difference is that CC Cream has a little more pigment in it resulting in more coverage yet still feels light once applied.  It can be used as a foundation but isn’t as heavy as the usual types you find these days plus is suitable for all skin types - perfect as we’re coming into the warmer months now.

Top beauty brands such as L’Oreal, Max Factor, Clinique and Olay have already brought out their selection of CC Creams varying in price and shades. 

L’Oreal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream Anti-Redness, £9.99

They can be used to brighten, reduce dark spots, take out redness, revive or plump your skin so will appeal to a wide range of women. 

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It’s lovely to be able to sit out in the garden without having to keep on weather watching in case things take a turn for the worse.  It seems like decades ago that we were lounging about on the patio enjoying the company of friends and loved ones as the BBQ roared away with a promise of scrumptious food.  Hopefully the sun is here to stay allowing us to spend more time in the garden and less time slumped on the sofa watching re-runs of our favourite programmes!

If you feel like your garden is looking a bit drab and boring and want to give it a fresh summery makeover, which is in keeping with the sun and blue skies, investing in some new outdoor furniture will do wonders for your surroundings.  Giving it a much-needed update will lift your mood so hosting garden parties will no longer seem like a daunting prospect.

Oliver Bonas is known for its quirky yet undeniably fashionable furniture that is able to create an environment which home owners can warm and relate to.  The brand’s latest collection is Primrose which is made up of garden tables and chairs in lovely spring hues including coral, grey, lemon and mint.  Tantalizingly refreshing! 

Mix and match the colours to lift your spirits and create a unique garden seating area where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy lazy summer days. 

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Organising a picnic is the perfect excuse to escape from reality for the day as you lounge about in the heat of the sun and feast on delicious food.  There are plenty of beautiful places across the country to have as the backdrop for your excursion, hanging out with family and friends and enjoying the beautiful weather while it lasts.

Nobody does picnics quite like the British as with the first snippet of blue sky we’re out on sun-baked grass or hot sandy beaches, soaking up the rays that will no doubt lift moods and relax minds. 

Make sure you have all the right essentials when eating al fresco as, depending on where you are, won’t always be able to just pop back into the house if you’ve forgotten something.  That’s why being prepared and planning ahead is always a good idea as you want to be stress free and make the most of the sunshine.

Zara Home at The Bentall Centre has a wonderful new picnic collection including basket sets, tablewear, utensils, towels and napkins in bright fresh colours that are associated with the summer season. 

The Picnic Basket for Four is made up of a striped cotton towel, four acrylic blue stemmed glasses, four melamine plates and twenty napkins, featuring a funky vibrant animal print, and a coloured cutlery set of four PVC knives and forks.

An orange theme runs throughout the Picnic Briefcase for Two with the dinner and dessert melamine plates and paper napkins boasting an on-trend paisley print. 

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It’s incredible how a pair of statement earrings can instantly transform your look whether you’re wearing a cocktail dress or a t-shirt and jeans.  That is the beauty of jewellery these days and with so many show-stopping designs floating about this season, you’ll be astounded at the impact a pair of earrings can make.

The obvious store to visit for much needed sparkle is of course Swarovski as the brand is known for producing exquisite jewellery that women can cherish - if you’re willing to spend a little more than normal though. 

Chandelier styles have always been associated with elegance and luxury and are a stunning earring to flaunt during spring/summer.  Finding the perfect design to accompany you to special occasions and events like weddings and garden parties will ensure you are glamour ready whilst alternatively can be worn during the day to spruce up plain outfits.

Chandelier earrings don’t have to be the exact same shape; as long as they are branched and decorative, they are in-tone with the style.  These variations in beautiful romantic colours are fun and fearless resembling the glitz and glamour of the jewellery seen on celebrities walking the red carpet.  You’ll feel empowered as soon as you put on your choice of show-stopping chandeliers!

The Tody palladium-plated earrings were inspired by tropical birds which is apparent in the design.  Dangling crystals that graduate in shades of feminine pink and purple represent the unique beauty seen in the wild. 

For a more classic take on the trend add the Baba earrings in Golden Shadow to your jewellery collection.  Slightly more versatile, yet equally fascinating, they are delicate and offer a chic Parisian boho look.

Tody Large Pierced Earrings, £109.00 from Swarovski

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The word kitsch gets thrown around quite a bit in the fashion world but what exactly does it mean? 

Well the dictionary definition describes the term as pieces that are considered to be in poor taste but are appreciated in an ironic way, but when it comes to clothing and accessories kitsch is all about the little details.

Bold prints and embellishment are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this fabulous OTT trend as there are so many ways to incorporate kitsch style into summer looks. 

Multicoloured gem detailing or pieces which offer a bit of glitz is enough sparkle to see you through spring/summer and will add a lovely bit of femininity to ensembles.  That’s what makes the chiffon jacket from New Look so perfect as the divine pale blue hue paired with the silver beaded embellishment can be layered over a number of tops or dresses to make a style impact. 

A statement neckline like the carnival bib, also from New Look, will add some oomph to a plain tee thanks to the variety of facet stones and drop chain tassel detail.  You can’t go wrong with an eye-catching accessory like this!

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As it looks like the weather has finally improved, it is time to ditch the layers, jumpers and heavy coats and welcome back the blazer; men’s fashion staple for the season.  These are no ordinary outerwear garments though as the classic tailored pieces have been made over in bold prints and shades to fit in with the spring and summer season.

The brighter months are known for bringing forth a more vivid colour palette and a somewhat less conservative approach to how men dress.  By adding a statement blazer into the mix you’ll be surprised at how versatile and wearable this piece of clothing actually is. 

The trick behind wearing something this bold though is confidence!  You can normally tell when a person doesn’t feel comfortable wearing something that might be too far out of their comfort zone.  Just remember; you’re wearing the blazer, not the other way round.

Bold block blazers and those that have had a healthy dose of print infused into them will see you through warm summer days as this timeless garment has been given a twist to give menswear a much needed update. 

Print doesn’t necessarily mean bright and eccentric.  There are plenty of subtle options available that will have you on-trend if you don’t want to fall head first into the more head turning designs.

Teaming a statement blazer with simple basics that won’t clash or fight with the piece is the way to go if out-there prints intimidate you slightly.  You’ll feel more at ease with how you dress and won’t feel like the jacket is totally unwearable. 

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Most of the time, a coat gets overlooked once we welcome in spring/summer but this garment is an essential piece to any woman’s wardrobe no matter what time of the year it is.  A coat is a fashionable staple and lightweight options for the warmer months will keep you protected against the odd downpour or cold wind flurry plus can pull together a look with minimal fuss.

A coat in a fresh summery hue is ideal as it makes a stylish change from the deeper more neutral options we see in winter.  Certain standout prints will work for the next few months too as they will revitalise your way of dressing and allow you to put together tantalizing chic combinations. 

High street stores are still packing their rails with new season beauties so if you’re yet to find your perfect spring coat there are plenty of options to choose from in a variety of designs that are on-trend for the season.  Materials you want to look out for include linen and cotton which will add to the lightweight feel of the coat.

As spring time is sometimes associated with softer silhouettes, as opposed to more structured pieces, investing in a coat that offers a more relaxed fit is a step in the right direction.  Cocoon, round shouldered and collarless outwear are inspiring shapes that women will instantly warm to as they won’t feel tied down and restricted. 

Short styles are a lot more wearable in spring/summer months, letting you feel like you’re wearing more of a jacket and will give you a wider style choice.

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Our luggage goes through quite a journey, travelling from different countries and might have, over time, been dented and marked ruining the appearance and reliability of the exterior.  This is a shame but you don’t want to risk loosing anything whilst on the move.  If you’ve booked a holiday for this year you might want to consider treating yourself to new luggage and travel accessories to ensure the safe travel of your personal belongings.

Most of the time women have a carry on bag to store vital essentials safely such as travel documents, reading material and a few beauty products to ensure you look fresh throughout your journey. 

Tommy Hilfiger has a beautiful range of duffle, satchel and tote bags that are ideal sizes to accompany you on the plane.  These classic shapes have been revamped slightly in fresh shades and chic designs for SS13 to ensure you are on-trend no matter where you are. 

A favourite of mine though would have to be the Ellen Satchel.  This beauty has an almost nautical theme to it as it comes in the signature Tommy Hilfiger logo jacquard print with leather trims.  Super luxurious plus it will keep you organised – everything you could possibly want in a carry on bag.

Ellen Satchel, £155.00 from Tommy Hilfiger

Lizzie Duffle Bag, £170.00 from Tommy Hilfiger

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Smashbox is one the latest cosmetic brands to make its mark here in the UK and is now being stocked in health and beauty store Boots.  With Hollywood stars swearing by its long lasting products and being able to achieve a flawless look, maybe it’s time us Brit beauty enthusiasts give the makeup a go this season.

Launched in 1996 by LA brothers and professional photographers Dean and Davis Factor, Smashbox Cosmetics’ main goal was to create a makeup range for everyone that is beautiful to wear, feels great and solves the same problems in the comfort of your own home that the snap happy duo solve in the studio. 

The brand offers a good selection of items including foundation, primer, blusher, lipstick, eyeshadow and all the other makeup must-haves beauty junkies will want to get their hands on such as brushes and ‘Try It’ kits.

The prices are a little higher than you would expect to pay for other makeup brands but I’m always willing to spend more if the product is of good quality.  There is no point in purchasing cheap and cheerful makeup if you don’t get the results you’re after. 

Smashbox Cosmetics has an extensive array of primers to choose from and are a good place to start when investing in new beauty products.  From colour correcting to pore and line primers there is one for every skin tone and type.  They’ll keep your makeup looking fresher and better for a flawless complexion.

The next beauty investment is finding a foundation that’s right for you.  Smashbox has plenty to try out, all promising different things. 

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Women across the UK are already planning and booking their holiday getaways for the year in the hopes of finally getting some proper sun!  Whether you’re off for a girls only trip, romantic escape with your partner or a fun filled family vacation, there are always times when you just need a bit of down time away from everyone. 

That’s why making sure you’ve got a couple of good books packed away in your suitcase is a good idea!  They are a great way to unwind and let your mind escape from reality for an hour or so.

There is a good selection of books being released this year in time for the summer holidays making now an ideal time to start putting together your must-read list.  Waterstone’s at The Bentall Centre is packed full of thousands of stories for you to get your hands on so why not browse through the list of upcoming reads and pre-order your favourites now.

Lauren Conrad, Star of the MTV hit show The Hills, has been busy working on her next book Starstruck which is the second title in her glamorous series about life in front of the camera which dishes the Hollywood gossip and drama at every turn.  This latest story is filled with familiar and new characters including Madison Parker who is back for the mean follow up to The Fame Game.  She made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door-turned-reality-celeb Jane Roberts in L. A. Candy and now the claws are definitely out in the race to become Hollywood's brightest star. 

Madison is now ready for her turn in the spotlight and she’ll stop at nothing to get it but backstabbing friends and family, relentless paparazzi and tabloid scandals are the things she can’t control.  This is an easy, drama filled read which you’ll be able to lose yourself in as you sunbathe by the pool.  Another must-read from the gorgeous Lauren Conrad!

Starstruck, £5.59 by Lauren Conrad from Waterstone’s Published 28.03.2013

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