TanTime

Liz Hambleton, Beauty Editor of Grazia magazine reveals her top beauty and fashion secrets.

Do you use self-tanning product? If so what brands do you use?

I don’t tend to use them on my body but if I need a pick me up, I mix a little of my Chanel fake tan into my moisturiser which gives me a great glow. I also really rate Sisley Dry Golden Oil as quick glow giver for the body, I’m terrible at applying fake tan!

What make-up brands do you swear by?

Blinc mascara is only one I ever use – it never smudges, goes on like a dream and gives me long, sleek lashes quickly. Lancome Hydra Zen Tinted Moisturiser brightens my skin everyday and sadly I’m still surviving on the final content of my Stila Convertible Colour for a rosy glow. Lipsticks – I always head to Chanel and Giorgio Armani.

Do you feel tanning has become more fashionable?

Yes 100%. I love the idea of giving your skin a finish rather than a tan, something that you’re helped to pioneer. At the shows tanning is now given just as much importance as make-up. We’re now seeing stylish women like Gwyneth P faking it rather than just the obvious, super glam celebs.

Did you go to any shows at LFW S/S?

Yes, I loved Giles. Amazing casting and so great to see Abbey Clancy and Kelly Brook in the flesh. I loved the collection and the hair and make-up was amazing. Sophy Robson did a great job on the nails as well. Burberry was gorgeous, I love the look make-up artist Wendy Rowe always does here.

Do you think the days of the over-dark tans are over?

Hmmm, not necessarily. I love the idea of using it in a fashion way to build up a look or a mood. I think the natural dark tan is out and anything too dark and orange is a no no. A great mahogany fake tan could look amazing thought on the right women with the right look.

You have recently launched Grazia TV, tell us about it?

Yes and we’ve really excited about it! It basically brings to life our 10 hot section and reacts to great news and fashion scoops all over the world on a weekly basic. For beauty that means products that are flying off the shelves or creating huge waiting lists, amazing new backstage trends and glamorous new celebrity looks.

Do you have anything exciting happening that you want to share with us?

Well we are currently putting together our annual beauty awards which comes out on the 23rd November and busily shooting our new season trend stories. That’s exciting enough for us!

Name one item of makeup you can’t live without?

Would have to be Bobbi Brown Eye Brightener or Blinc Mascara.

Name one fashion accessory you could not be without?

I’m never without my Vanessa Bruno fringed bag – it edges up every outfit and seems to flit effortlessly from my relaxed daytime look to my more boho nighttimes’ look. Also can’t live without my Isabel Marant feather earrings. They work for every occasion.

What do you think the new beauty trend will be next year?

Looking at NY, London, Milan and Paris I think we’re going to see two new tribes – one a very tanned, distressed, glamorous traveller type of look epitomised by Blumarine and Bottega and a more conceptual colour trends seen at Altuzarra and Jill Sander. Both equally fabulous.

Who is the most inspirational person you have met?

Beauty wise I loved working on a hair shoot with the great Guido Palau. Amazing to watch him quickly and quietly transform our models hair into a piece of art – but one that you’d want to wear to go out that night. He totally understands what makes women tick when it comes to hair. Linda Cantello is also fabulous and I love hearing all her tales about the Tom Ford/Gucci hey day which she was part of. Model Anja Rubik is pretty inspirational too – a beautiful girl who really has stayed at the top of her game and is what I’d call a “professional model.’ Mark my words she’ll still be around in ten years time and with a whole host of successful business ventures to boot.

What are you doing after this interview?

Hopefully having a black Americano and carrot cake from Starbucks and catching up on this months mags. I love it when all the new magazines flood in. Especially Paris Vogue!

Cab or Tube?

Tube, always the Tube.