I've just returned from your wonderful country of Sweden. I came over for a long weekend and stayed with the fabulous Editor in Chief (the Ed) of the site who looked after me terribly well and showed me the fabulous and famous Stockholm. I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect so was delighted to find it a very beautiful and sophisticated city.  Lucky you!

Amongst other things, the Ed and I toured your shops and spent many hours in make up shops and in your department stores pouring over products, scents, make up and chatting to the staff and I loved every moment of it (yes, I know it's terribly sad).  And here are some of the wonderful things we discovered.   

FACE Stockholm - oh my god!  What a fantastic store.  Go visit immediately - they have wonderful make up, especially eyeshadows.  Normally in Summer, companies will bring out lighter, brighter colours for the season. This time however, colours are definitely darker and shimmer.  FACE have a range of colours in powder (they call it dust) and I'm loving the very dark blues right now but these can be tricky to apply. We've mentioned this already on site, but get the "Instant Light" from Clarins and these shadows will look glorious rather than leaving you looking as though you've been boxing. And whatever you do, do NOT use any products which have glitter in. Glitter is soooo last month and you'll look like a drag queen.  It's gone, finished, had it.  Leave it behind.   

I also had the huge privilege to meet one of the gods of the beauty industry, Ole Henriksen (who also happens to be wonderful man!)  I'm guessing a lot of people haven't heard of him but don't worry - I'll forgive you. Ole is passionate about beauty and healthy skin and produces an extensive and comprehensive range of the most fabulous products.  They are packed with natural ingredients (all of which are certified organic) and then a few chemicals are thrown in to enhance their performance.  His latest product which will be hitting the shelves some time in September is the African Red Tea range which are a facial spritz and a body lotion, both of which are powerful anti-oxidants.  Believe me, if his face is anything to go by, go buy every single product he's offering!  He looks amazing.  

Nipping over to Lancome, I discovered some wonderful blush - Magie Blush!  These come in a small jar, are not cheap, but you don't need too much (if you do, you'll look like you've been on the sherry - not a good look).  Anyway, these come in several wonderful hues and when I got back to London, I ran as fast as my high heels would allow me to the nearest store to go buy.  Now I love people who are passionate about their job whatever it is - I find them the most energising and fascinating people and lucky me!  I met the the wonderful make up artist who works for Lancome, Donna Star.  She was delighted to show me huge amounts of their products (believe me, there are staff who would rather shoot themselves than chat with customers - we all know them) and give me wonderful and sensible advice.  I can't wait to see her for a make over!  And before you ask, the blush which I got and apparently is the most popular is No. 3, Rose Lumiere.  

After all that hard work, the Ed took myself and a couple of friends to the new bar Mälarpaviljongen on lake Mälaren for my last evening (a very cute place). With a glass in my hand, I finally had time to appreciate the sight seeing opportunities. And I'm not talking about mountains and lakes.  Yes, I mean your chaps and I have to say, you are a lucky, lucky bunch over there!  This lot were scrummy!  I felt as though I was in a big phat hair gel advert!  Great hair do'sall over the place!  I didn't know where to look.  Plus, this lot obviously work out and dress well!  If this were England, we would be in Gay Land.  I couldn't believe my eyes and this, apparently, is the norm.  Ladies, all I can say is count your blessings and shake you by the hand.   

This really was the perfect way to end my visit and I hated to leave but all good things come to an end.  So thank you for a very lovely stay and hopefully I'll be back soon!