Illamasqua believe make up should be about drama, accentuation and self-expression: if you want the bold and the beautiful they are the brand for you. This season they have brought us Rubber Brights nail polish, the limited edition collection that leaves your nails with a matte rubber effect. As well as the soft shine finish this range benefits from easy buildable coverage, durability and chip resistance.

Finding inspiration from 1920s Berlin and the cultural liberation that was born after the First World War, Illamasqua referenced the dominatrix rubber booted showgirls of the period. Designed in a series of bright colours from candy apple green to bright turquoise and scarlet red, the six-piece collection is ideal for those who want strong pigmentation and a variation on the traditional notion of nail polish.

Illamasqua Rubber Brights nail polish, £13.50, illamasqua.com

Text by Albany Bell

Christmas is a great time for beauty lovers. The stores are flush with beautiful limited edition products and exquisite exclusive ranges, wrapped in sumptuous packaging, threatening to break the bank of many an innocent shopper.

Top of our Christmas list is the By the Sea collection from Comme des Garçons who have collaborated with Sandra Korn for this limited edition release. The German artist has hand painted the bottles of the brand's three most popular perfumes: Amazing Green, CDG2 and Wonderwood. Inspired by her life in Hossegor in South West France, where she now resides, her abstract illustrations reflect her interest in graphic design and the natural sciences. The beautiful aquamarine sea print, painterly monochrome and gold design and moody dappled floral decorated bottle will transport you to the sunny shores of France and will dispel any winter blues. Launching this week the collection will make a great Christmas gift or even a little treat for yourself.

By the Sea will be available in all Comme des Garçons shops and Dover Street Market this week.

Text by Albany Bell

Coco Noir is the latest fragrance from Chanel. This bold, rich scent is the third in the Coco franchise, joining the 1984 perfume Coco and the 2001 blockbuster Coco Mademoiselle.

Created by Chanel’s master perfumer Jacques Polge, Coco Noir is designed to capture the elegance and magnetism of the colour black, which has become so key to Chanel’s heritage. Inspired by the sensuality of Venice and the love that Coco Chanel herself felt for the city, the scent is an ode to the history of the house. Travelling to the city to mourn the death of her love Boy Capel, Coco found comfort in her Baroque surroundings.

Luxurious simplicity is reflected in the elegant bottle and dark notes. Jasmine, rose and narcissus open the fragrance but the drama is centred around the heart of Coco Noir. Arranged around the woody base there are layers of sandalwood, frankincense, vanilla, tonka bean, vetiver and patchouli, which give a deep and intense presence.

Rich, opulent and intoxicating Coco Noir is designed to warm up the wintery nights ahead.

Text by Albany Bell