Monday morning beauty buys

by Taryn Davies | 23 January 2012

Don't let beauty take a back seat

Beauty buys that we need to be investing in this week will certainly perk us up and get us through this final full week of January, it seems to have gone on forever.

Which ones will you be trying?

This little box won't just perk you up for this week, it's the gift that keeps on giving. The Carmine beauty box is a monthly subscription service which brings you, right to your front door, the latest products from some of the biggest names. For only £10 (+P&P) per month, the products inside are valued at more than £40 - it enables you to discover exciting beauty products from all over the world so it's the perfect treat for beauty junkies. The box includes brands that you're bound to have heard from and other niche companies that you may have never spent money on before. Thanks to the latest box I now have a new must-have product, KMS California - FREESHAPE quick blow dry spray, it really does reduce the time spent drying my hair. (Available from Carmine.co.uk)

Kim Kardashian and in fact the whole Kardashian family have proven that the smoky eye is their trademark look and with this palette it's easy to recreate the look at home. The Urban Decay The Naked 2 Palette follows on from the successful first Naked Palette with five brand new shades. The great thing about this palette is that it can create looks for both day and night, with 12 different shades to chose from you can tailor the look for you. It comes in a sleek taupe tin, with a large mirror, a custom full-sized double-ended brush and a mini Lip Junkie lip gloss in Naked - which is the perfect addition to the look. But be warned you're going to want the full sized version as soon as you run out. (Available exclusively from Debenhams till February 4th, £36)

The chances are your New Year didn't start with you sunning yourself in a different country, so you're most likely sporty a pasty pallor. KARORA Instant Tan should be your friend, it's the only natural instant tan available in the UK. Use this on the face, body and legs for a sun-kissed glow that will rival any Carribean tan. (Available from karoracosmetics.com, RRP £13.50)

Youngblood Mineral Lipgloss is a long-lasting, conditioning formula which adds a high gloss finish with sheer colour - what more could you want from a gloss? Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection and Sunflower Oil provides all day moisture. Don't just rely on your lipstick to provide a bit of colour to your lips, plus they can sometimes dry out your lips so invest in a coloured gloss for the bitter weather. (Available exclusively from spas and beauty salons across the UK, as well as online at www.ybskin.co.uk, £17)

Don't forget your feet this month either, they're no doubt in need of a lot of care after wearing heels throughout the party season. Lotil Foot Cream contains Aloe Vera extract to lock in moisture after showering. The anti-bacterial properties will keep feet clean and protected and it helps to soothe and heal dry, cracked heels. (Available from independent pharmacies, £5.49)