It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks in the land of newspapers.  Stories I’ve written or contributed to have been changed after I saw them last.  Sometimes people have been upset as a result.  And sometimes effort has gone un-credited.  

As with this piece in the Daily Mail, about 50 best beauty products.  The author asked several beauty editors to list their favourite products and say why.  Not as easy as it sounds, it takes time to figure out your definitive list, although it’s fun to do.  The article came out and lo and behold, all our names were cut (I’d like to remind you that we didn’t get paid to do this) and there was certainly no website namecheck - the only reason I did it.  You wonder why they think we would contribute to such an article, what’s in it for us?  The author of the piece was really apologetic, and I understand - it happens to us all.  Something you check off is subsequently edited and it’s not the way you would have done it yourself. 

At first I thought, well that’s easily rectified, I can write a comment on the website page, thank them for the informative article, point out that I was one of the contributors and add those products that for some reason they cut.  Only surprise surprise, they didn’t add my comment to their page.  (although they did have time to add 80 plus comments to their feature about how awful Katie Holmes looks - when she so DOESN’T look awful at all, look at the woman, no make-up and still amazing skin!) 

So why am I thanking the Daily Mail?  Because it’s a reminder of why I enjoy blogging so much.  The only mistakes are mine.  There’s no one else to go changing things in a hurry and getting it wrong with sometimes dire consequences.  

And so with that in mind, I contacted the PRS who represent the products on my original list that were then cut,  just to show you that anything the Daily Mail can do, we can do too.  

They’ve very generously contributed a prize each.  All you have to do to win this superb selection is tell me what your all-time top three beauty products are, and why, in the comments page following this post and a goody bag with a little something special from Chantecaille; Dr Bragi;  Cowshed; Soap & Glory; MLab; and Nude will be on its way to you. 

It’s worth entering -  unlike the Daily Mail with its mega circulation, I only have about 1000 hits a month and no one writes ANYTHING on the comments page, so you have a REALLY GOOD CHANCE OF WINNING! 

Winners to be chosen by March 20th. I’ll email you to let you know you’ve won and then send you the prize.  Easy! 

Until then, here’s my original selection of ten products, (the category they gave me was loosely anti-ageing) and why I like them.  If you want to find out where to get them, or how much they cost, there’s a link to the appropriate website.  And if you want to know what you’re winning, there’s a little WIN! written right next to the products.  (Sorry, if I was more of a geek I could give you a big old flashing star, or something with a bit more son et lumiere about it,  but sadly, all you get is a little WIN!..) 

KATHLEEN’S TOP TEN ANTI-AGEING BEAUTY PRODUCTS

TONER: Chantecaille Eau de Rose de Mai, Pure Rosewater. WIN!

I’ve never been a fan of toners, but this one is a magical indulgence made purely from rose petals and well water.  It’s almost mood-changing, and I want to spray it from top to toe.  Sometimes I do.  

HYDRATING MASK: Dr Bragi Marine Enzyme Intensive Treatment Mask - WIN!

Use as a pre-party pick me up, just wait a few minutes after removal to let the moisture really settle and you’ll have an amazing dewy finish to your skin which lasts all night.  Plus it comes in sachets which are perfect for travelling – on holiday is sometimes the only time you have for luxuries like face-masks!

FACIAL OIL:Cowshed Raspberry Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Oil - Win!

If you can’t find the time or the money for a proper facial, this is the DIY version.  It’s a great alternative to a serum, as it sinks straight into the skin prior to moisturising, and the aromatherapy oils make you feel like you’ve just checked into a spa. (If you keep your eyes closed and the bathroom door firmly shut, that is)…

EVERYDAY EYE CREAM:Sarah Chapman Skinesis Eye Recovery

Tightens instantly. The effect doesn’t last all day (none of them do) but it makes me feel I’ve achieved something nonetheless and I swear I’ve seen a (slight) improvement on my under-eye shadows.

NIGHT CREAM: Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream

I wanted the emotional comfort of a cold cream/Nivea and the high-tech functionality of an anti-ageing cream.  This one does both, exceptionally well, yet it’s not too heavy like some night creams.  I wake feeling like my skin looks brighter and feels super-soft.

BEST HIGH STREET RANGE:Soap & Glory - Win!

Without a doubt!  Who else delivers a high powered cocktail of anti-ageing peptides, packed into a serum for £12.99?  You can’t go wrong with this range; I’d use it over many of the luxe ranges any time.

BEST LUXURY RANGE:M Lab - Win!

I can’t always test everything myself, so I sent this out to a couple of friends to try, one aged 50, one aged 40.  They were absolutely raving about it, wanting to know where they could buy it themselves, completely hooked, so I tried it myself and am very happy with the results.  The textures of the creams are divine, you really feel like they’re doing something.

BEST FAKE TAN FOR THE FACE: Chanel Soleil Identite

If you want something very natural and easy to apply, this is the one -  top make-up artists swear by it.  It doesn’t streak, lasts for a few days, is wonderfully uplifting for your complexion.

BEST SERUM: Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum

It’s like a face-lift every morning.  Love it.  Tightens the skin, and leaves it looking brighter and firmer.

BEST SKINCARE SUPPLEMENTS: Nude - Win!

This perhaps isn’t the best recommendation but it’s the packaging I love here!  I am hopeless at taking pills, but these are the only ones I take.  They’re a good all-round supplement and they look great in my bathroom cupboard.  Shallow, moi?