Greetings Pink dotttttterrrrss… I am currently typing from London, where I am now on a little vacay. Don’t worry, Pinkdot will still be in full operation in the northern hemisphere for the next few weeks! I will be researching and reporting on my very best finds in UK beauty, as well as finally checking out TOPSHOP make-up in the flesh: hope you enjoy the change of scenery!

In the meanwhile, I thought it would be timely to give a run down on some of my very favourite UK branded cosmetics available down under…

1. BURBERRY

Burberry THE BEAT rrp: $99 (50ml)

Burberry THE BEAT, is one of my favourite “night-out” fragrances. It is a sparkling floral woody fragrance with top notes of bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper and mandarin wrap. The effortlessly cool bottle features glass embossed with the iconic Burberry Check.

2. RIMMEL LONDON

With exciting campaign stars ranging from Kate Moss, Lily Cole and Sophie Ellis Bextor, Rimmel London is always one to watch. Their SunShimmer range has been a favourite of mine for a while and their perfect-honey-shade bronzer is compact and affordable. It provides an instant matte glow, leaving you with naturally highlighted cheekbones, minus any shimmer or orange hue.

Rimmel Sunshimmer Bronzing Compact Powder rrp: $15.95

2. JO MALONE

I discovered Jo Malone a few years back when I worked at the brand’s London PR agency and was instantly captivated by her fragrances, candles and the general store experience which is nothing short of fabulous. If you’re ever in London then be sure to check out her flagship store in Sloane St, if you are in Sydney then the Woollahra (Queen St) outlet is great too-make sure you try the fragrance booth.

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne rrp: $80

I’ve worn Red Roses Cologne since I was 18 (a memorable birthday present from the mum!) and the Parma Violet Linen Spray is also TDF. Linen Spray, you say?? I was shocked to discover that the Jo Malone PR rep wore it as a fragrance, and when I enquired as to what the gorgeous powdery-sweet aroma was, she assured me that it was said linen spray and indeed perfectly fine to wear as a perfume …I’ve never looked back. The scent is waaay to good for your linen, trust me! So there’s a little insider secret- JM  linen spray doubles as a perfume and is suitably safe for your skin!

Jo Malone Parma Violet Linen Spray rrp: $75

4. MOLTON BROWN

Molton Brown launched in 1973, and first opened in London’s trendy Mayfair as a hair salon. The salon’s name paid homage to the store’s location and its soft, individual and natural approach to haircare and styling.  Molton Brown always reminds me of holidays and staying in classy hotels, where you’ll often find a gorgeous, richly coloured Shower Gel awaiting you. Slathering this stuff always feels quite luxurious and decadent- not your average shower gel. I don’t have a particular favourite but I love Blissful Templetree for it’s fresh fragrance and stunning royal blue colour. A shower sensation…

Molton Brown Blissful Templetree Moisture Bath & Shower Gel rrp: $39

5. POP BEAUTY

Next-up, POP Beauty! I’ve had a lasting love affair with the POP brand, which delivers clever-clogs cosmetic products for affordable prices. The range is exciting, innovative and is guaranteed to brighten-up your make-up bag. One of my favourites from the range is the POP Sparkle Sauce:

POP Beauty's Golden Sparkle Sauce rrp: $19.95

POP Golden Sparkle Sauce is the tomato ketchup of the beauty prodz world and one clever condiment. It’s the type of product that once you’re tried it you can’t live without it! Mix with glitter, shimmer or powder pigment, and you’ve a new shade of gorgeous eyeliner. Apply as a topping for shadow, and voilà, you’ve got a waterproof, long lasting shadow. Combine with shadow before you use it, and give all your existing shadows a new golden gleam. Simply magical!

Picture credit: www.hostec.com