The British Beauty Blog
by Jane Cunningham since 2008

[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] I am asked questions about tubing mascara more than any other category of make-up except perhaps foundation – whether it’s simply asking which I think is the best one, understanding how a tubing mascara differs from any other mascara or a tubing mascara for sensitive eyes…and the strange thing is, there really aren’t all…

As ever, the minute I publish a BBN, something exciting happens and last month was no different as Unilever announced that they are selling both REN (one of my favourite brands ever, far too expensive though) and Kate Somerville. Actually, this was announced at the end of August which means I have missed two months…

[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] This QVC special offer is so good that it has a post of its own. With a price tag of £71.95, it contains £243 worth of products and really, I cannot argue in any way that it’s not an absolute bargain. As soon as I see the words ‘frangipane monoi’ I’m in bliss. This,…

[unpaid/affiliate] I know, from bitter experience, that the coveted Dolce Gabanna Panettone tins, with their vibrant patterns and delicious cakes, sell out very quickly indeed. These have served as perfect Christmas presents for friends and family in the past couple of years – I gave one each to my sisters/brothers-in-law last year and to the…

[unpaid/sample] Life is spooky sometimes. When I was leaving The Clean & Tidy show at Excel with Gen last week, we passed a restaurant and I commented, ‘that’s where I had a coffee with Sam Farmer, years ago’. A few days later, Sam got in touch on Instagram to say he is back working full…

[unpaid/affiliate] I am not a fan of a cardigan in general – they make me look as though I’ve given up on life, so I don’t have many in my wardrobe. However, one of my favourite pieces of clothing is a black cashmere long cardigan with a hood which I got for a bargain price…

[unpaid/sample] Every year – sometimes a couple of times a year – I flag up the gorgeous lip balms from Andrea Garland, a) because I’m good like that, and b) because there is such a variety I will never run out of new styles to show you. With the weather about to take a chilly…

[unpaid/samples] Lisa’s latest lipsticks are a world first – honestly! All of the refill componentry is made from aluminium – not even a speck of plastic anywhere. She has apparently been trying to get this recyclable technology off the ground for five years and, as a relatively small brand in the big world of make…

[unpaid/sample] It’s taken me nearly forever to get this review up – Cecred is Beyonce’s hair care range and bearing in mind that it is predominantly aimed at textured hair, I wanted my friend Amisha to test it out for me because, obviously, my hair is textured. It took a while to get together but…

Watching: Rivals on Disney. My friend recommended it – I was certain I’d hate it – I absolutely LOVE it. Why? Absolute romp, the eighties outfits, Katherine Parkinson. Tip: Not in front of the children. Watched: Sweet Bobby on Netflix. Why? Beyond belief catfishing story. Tip: Popcorn. Listening: The Kill List Podcast. Why? Tech journalist…

[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] I currently have a review queue for ash/grey haircare – having never been a hair care fan at all, I’m very much enjoying putting products I’ve never tried before through their paces. I reviewed Oribe last week, and this week, at the opposite end of the price spectrum is Provoke Go Ashy at £5.99…

[unpaid/samples/affiliate/ad] I tested a fragrance – Santal Beauty – earlier in the year from the brand Bibbi, founded by Swedish born Stina ‘Bibbi’ Seger and her husband, Jan Vilhelm Ahlgren in 2023. At the time, I said I’m too practically minded to join the whimsy that accompanies this brand where Bibbi practices meditation and can…

[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] I must admit, I didn’t even know Espa existed any more – it’s one of those brands that was always in every magazine and Sunday supplement about a decade ago. The brand was founded in 1992 by industry veteran, Sue Harmsworth, and always had the sophisticated air of a heritage brand. Espa was sold…

[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] Like several Gen Z targeted brands, Kosas has accidentally made a great brand for Gen X and Boomers. Gen Z prefers a less-is-more approach and so do we! The thing about these brand new marbled blushers is that they’re being introduced to an audience who is seeing them for the first time. Baked blushers…

[unpaid/affiliate] It’s interesting that silk lined beanies are mostly marketed towards textured or curly hair and that they’re not nearly as mainstream as they should be. My daughter bought me one a couple of years ago and I wouldn’t be without it for my mainly straightened locks. Hat hair is nobody’s friend and yet, it’s…