Although we seem to have been relatively lucky with the weather so far this autumn, there’s no doubt that the icy cold will start to rear its ugly head now we’re in the run up to Christmas. Dry skin can feel extremely tight and uncomfortable, and can make applying make up a much more lengthy process.

Thankfully, there are some fantastic skin care products on the market now, that can provide an ideal base for make up.

Foundation is prone to ‘cracking’ when it’s applied to chapped skin, and powder can look ‘caked on’, which is definitely not a good look by anybodies standards!

If your skin is dry, but prone to oiliness then you should opt for a lighter moisturiser or gel, that won’t make the problem look worse-Oil of Olay Active Hydrogel is perfect, as it is completely grease-free.

If dry skin is a problem that blights you throughout the seasons, Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex is just the job. This moisturiser is incredibly rich and penetrates deep into the skin, for inner and outer moisture.

To really give your skin the TLC it deserves, invest in a quality night cream. Dr Lewinns Double Intensity Night Complex Cream is an amazing ultra rich moisturiser that hydrates your skin throughout the night.

With these fab skin care products you needn’t let dry skin get the better of you this winter.

Guerlain have announced the launch of a new range of make up, which is set to hit shelves in the spring.

Titled the ‘Cherry Blossom Collection’, the make up has been created by Oliver Echaudemaison and is said to have been inspired by the cherry blossoms of Japan.

The collection has been pencilled in for release on the 26th January- giving you plenty of time to perfect your look for the spring.

The make up range- which will be limited edition- consists of two compacts which feature a soft blusher powder and fantastic eye shadow quad.

The shades are ideal for complementing spring’s fashion, and are based around pastel colours which look delicate, soft and feminine.

Guerlain’s ever popular Voyage Exceptional Pressed Powder features in the Cherry Blossom collection, and has been given a bit of a makeover. The powder has an updated formula and stylish new packaging.

A new womens fragrance, Guerlain Insolence Blooming, is also scheduled for release at around the same time and complements the make up range with its’ Japan inspired bottle and berry and floral undertones.

Marc Jacobs have once again collaborated with top brand Coty on a new range of gorgeous fragrances. The Marc Jacobs 2010 Splash Collection consists of three scrumptious fragrances- Apple, Pomegranate and biscotti.

The fragrances will be branded as limited editions, and are said to have been the result of a visit to a Parisian patisserie!

The existing Splash line of scents have proved to be very popular, so it’s little wonder Marc Jacobs want to capitalise on this.

The Apple Splash fragrance was produced by top perfumer Yann Vasnier, and features hints of apple juice, lemon, grapefruit, rosemary, jasmine, magnolia, coriander and cardamom- making for a truly citrusy experience.

Pomegranate Splash is the brainchild of perfumer Patty Hidalgo, and features notes of mandarin flowers, bergamot, rhubarb, violet, musk, vanilla and amber- and of course the key scent of pomegranate.

Biscotti Splash is perhaps the least citrusy of the bunch. Produced by Richard Herpin, the fragrance features key notes of freesia, bergamot, orange flower, pistachio blossom and vanilla.

Although winter has only just begun, the Splash fragrances sound like the perfect scents for the spring 2010 season.

Cosmetics giant Clarins have launched a new skin care range which is aimed at the younger generation. Clarins are renowned for their fantastic skin care products, and this new line is set to be no exception.
The Daily Energizer line consists of 5 key products namely Daily Energizer Lotion, Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel, Daily Energizer Wake-Up Booster, Daily Energizer Cream Gel and Daily Energizer Cream.

These products are to target the common skin complaints that many teens and young adults face- such as excess shine and spots.

The Daily Energizer line features three moisturisers to suit different skin types, and help to brighten tired and dull skin.

The Daily Energizer Lotion is lightweight and features an SPF 15, whereas the Daily Energizer Cream is great for normal to dry skin. The Daily Energizer Cream-Gel is great for those who suffer from excessively oily or shiny skin.

For those who wear make up, the Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel is perfect and cleans effectively whilst eliminating impurities.

A lighter alternative to the standard moisturisers is the Daily Energizer Wake-Up Booster gel, which is great for use in the morning and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
This skin care range would make a fantastic Christmas gift for daughters, grand daughters and friends.

Superstar songstress Beyonce Knowles is teaming up with Coty to launch a brand new fragrance.

This won’t be Beyonce’s first journey into the fragrance market- she previously joined forces with Tommy Hilfiger for their popular ‘True Star’ scent- although this will be her first signature scent.

The fragrance- which doesn’t appear to have been named yet- is due to be launched in 2010 and is expected to be subject to a huge marketing campaign featuring the singer.

Fans have been assured that the fragrance will “embody the soul of Beyonce’s persona”.

Coty’s CEO, Bernd Beetz, said:

“We welcome Beyoncé as a well-respected and esteemed partner of the Coty family. She is a star who brings a combination of power and femininity that will only further inspire the creative process as she works with Coty.”

“Modern and highly influential, Beyoncé has truly touched the lives of her fans and will continue to reach new heights in her career with the launch of her own signature fragrance. We are thrilled she has partnered with Coty to embark on this new adventure, one of vast potential.”

Beyonce added:

“For me, fragrance reflects a woman’s attitude and unique sense of style. While I love various perfumes, I haven’t found a scent that truly personifies me as a woman. Working with Coty, I was able to turn my ideal fragrance into a reality by creating an alluring and sophisticated fragrance; one that’s reflective of my inner power. It’s a true privilege to be working with Coty and I can’t wait to share this personal side of me with fans all across the world.”

There’s little doubt that independent women across the world will be vying for this fragrance the moment it hits the shelves.

Spanish heart throb Enrique Iglesias is set to get pulses racing once again, as it has been announced that he is the new face of the popular Azzaro pour Homme aftershave.

Azzaro pour Homme has been a firm favourite with men of all ages since 1978, and the addition of Enrique to the brand is sure to make the fragrance appeal to an even wider audience.

Enrique, who has sold over 60 million records worldwide and 2 Grammy awards, is the ideal modern icon for the Azzaro aftershave.

The aftershave, which was originally developed by three top perfumers- Gerard Anthony, Martin Heiddenreich and Richard Wirtz- is described as perfect for “the eternal charmer, a man who loves and respects women”, which is also a fitting description of Enrique.

The advertising campaign reflects the scent, and features sensuous black and white images of Enrique and a female model.

This isn’t the first time that Enrique has dabbled in the fragrance market- in 2005 he was the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s True Star Men.

It looks like it’s going to be a busy few months for Enrique as, in addition to promoting the aftershave, he is also set to release a brand new album.

If you’re coming to the end of your latest bottle of fragrance, and pondering what to opt for next, then look no further than the Jennifer Lopez lines of perfumes.

Lopez first ventured into the fragrance market in 2002, and since then has gone from strength to strength.

Her fragrances have been popular with women of all ages across the globe and have been produced by top perfumers including Ellen A. Molner, Claudette Belnavis, Shyamala Maisondieu , Jim Krivda, Ellen Molner, Louise Turner, Catherine Walsh, Gabriela Chelariu, Dominique Ropion, Steve Demercado, Caroline Sabas and Michel Girard.

The fragrance line includes Glow, Still, Miami Glow, Live, Love at First Glow, Live Luxe, Glow After Dark, Deseo, Deseo Forever and Sunkissed Glow.

She even ventured into the men’s corner of the market with her aftershave ‘Deseo for men’.

Her most recent fragrance- My Glow- was launched in October 2009, and is sure to be a regular in Christmas stockings this year.

The range of fragrances form part of the JLO brand, which also includes clothing and jewellery.

With a fragrance titled My Petite Glow expected next year it seems that J Lo has no intention of slowing down any time soon.