New work- Natural make up using My Mix Foundation
I wanted to share a little natural make up with you. I recently worked on some shots of Barbora a gorgeous new face at Premier model management. I love creating natural looks- perfecting brows, creating flawless skin with a glow and giving the cheeks a flash of glowing color.
I prepped the skin with Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish Hot polish cleanser, skin repair moisturizer.
For a totally flawless skin I used Myface’s My Mix foundation, this is a great foundation for close up skin in photo shoots as it is light weight the finish is exceptionally natural (although the coverage i s too light for problem skin, you will need to team with the matching concealer).
I groomed barbora’s eye brows using Shavata brow products.
For the lips and cheeks I patted on a little Becca Beach Tint Lip and Cheek stain and finished the lips with a little lip balm.
I finished by carefully applying a coat of Bobbi Brown’s No Smudge Mascara.
I also smouldered the look up later with heavy eye liner and some rocky body art.
Review of Famous’s Diamond Shine Lipgloss in Pink Sizzle
Today for the second day in a row I will be rocking Famous’s Pink Sizzle Lip Gloss all day! ….and maybe tonight too.
Pink Sizzle looks rose-pink in the see-through packaging but the silver and gold micro glitz that this diamond shine gloss is laden with turns it a slightly more of a peach tone on application think Nars’s Orgasm . A ”suits all” tone.
A subtle application of this is ideal for day-to-day wear or even a bride.
Alternatively if you layer this gloss you can create glitter ball lips! Perfect for evenings, great for christmas! Just team with sexy smoky eyes.
The flat spongy applicator is particularly easy to use. It didn’t promise to be long-lasting but lasted a good 3 hours which is pretty good, I find glosses that contain a bit of glitz usually do last longer than a standard gloss.
To sum up- this gloss has a very luxurious shine and is a gorgeous wearable colour at an extremely affordable price.
It suits all and lasts well, I don’t really have a complaint. Too sparkly for many I am sure, but if me you are a makeup magpie then this is sparklicious- I think I just had a glittergasm!
Find Famous by Sue Moxley at Superdrug and on Facebook.
Cheeky Preview- Barry M’s limited edition Metallic Lilac nail shade, available in December
Available exclusively at Superdrug, the product is priced at a tiny sum of £3.99.
Review- No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Glitter Bomb (the perfect colour for Halloween!)
My nails seem to repel nail varnish, FACT!
I have never been able to keep any nail varnish on for more than a day, so when brands give their products names like “Stay Perfect” I am excited by the challenge! Good luck Boots No7 Stay Perfect Nail Varnish !
So, to add a bit of reality to this review I’d like to point out now that this nail varnish was applied (like most of my day-to-day make up) on a train!
Some may think this is a little unfair but when else does a busy working mum get time to beautify?
I applied a rushed first coat (which took me about 2 or 3 stops!)
1 coat of NO7 Stay Perfect nail colour in Glitter Bomb goes on as a rich burgundy wine colour saturated in purple glitz.
The flat, wide brush makes this nail colour easy to apply in just 1 stroke but habit made me go over the area.
Thankfully 1 coat dried almost instantly and there was no chipping as I jumped off the train shoving my belongings into my pockets with out thought.
1 coat was almost enough but still a little transparent. 2 stops on the Jubilee line and got off completing an extra coat and my nails now looked like this-
The extra coat evened the colour perfectly, makes the polish turn into much more of a deep aubergine colour, it is much shinier and has an almost metallic finish.
So 24 hours later how has it held up?
I would be thrilled to say this gorgeous colour stayed on like teflon and there was no chipping but as you can see there are a couple of little chips.
I think under the cruel conditions of this testing the product held up very well. It is fast and easy to apply, it doesn’t stay as perfect as the name may lead you to believe but I will be touching this polish up and keeping it on for a while; this is the most amazing deep, dark, glitzy, magical Halloween colour!!!
At only £7 this is a great purchase and a fantastic stocking filler.
I beleive properly applied with a base and top coat this polish would last a very substantial time.
Review of Liz Earle’s Brightening Treatment Mask
Wanting to give my tired skin a pepping up I tried out Liz Earle’s Brightening Treatment Mask.
”…whenever you feel in need of a pick-me-up you can depend on this quick-fix treatment to come to the rescue in just a few precious minutes”
My skin has been its trademark dull self of late so this product was a perfect fit for the bill and I was excited to see if it could live up to its hype.
It’s a really stimulating mix of natural, active ingredients and therefore you should only leave it on for up to 2 minutes, avoid getting the mask to close around the eyes and lips and Liz Earle say as a precaution they do not recommend it for sensitive skin types. If you do have sensitive skin I would say Liz Earle is one of the most gentle skin care brands on the market and a great idea would be to first purchase this product in the 15ml size to see how you get along with it, it is super-duper affordable at only £4.85 and a great travel size!!!
If your skin isn’t too sensitive the 50ml pump starter kit is great value, it comes with a muslin cloth and only closts £13!
I was dubious when I read it contained white clay as my skin is dehydrated and clay products are usually too drying.
I noticed on application this product had a nice natural aroma not over baring at all. It is quite a thick white cream that spreads easily.
I put the mask on my clean dry skin for just under two minutes, the mask dried and tightened surprisingly quickly and there was a slight tingly sensation. The mask sweeps away easily with the muslin cloth and water.
I could actually see a difference! A more even appearance and a definite glow/fresher complexion.
I think this is a great pick me up and I will be reaching for it whenever I see a grey reflection in the mirror!
A great regular product for those with normal to oily skin.
My skin is dehydrated and sluggish/often dull so I found this really helped wake it up and left my skin feeling deep cleansed. I think it would be too drying for me to use regularly at the moment but during the hotter months when I am using a lot more products ie heavier spf, moisturisers and self tan I think this will be really good for a regular deep cleanse.
Following up from my recent bridal posts this would be another great skin care product in the lead up to your wedding to get your skin at its best.
Naturally active ingredients
- Otherwise known as pro-vitamin B5, this B vitamin is necessary for the normal functioning of the skin and has a moisturising effect. It also helps stimulate cellular renewal.
- This light emollient oil produced from almond kernels helps keep the skin soft and smooth.
- Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree. Its other common names, winterbloom and snapping hazel illustrate its unusually late flowering period and its explosive bursting seeds that can be ejected as far as 20 feet away from the plant. Naturally rich in tannins the distillate produced from witch hazel has a mildly astringent effect, helping to tone the skin.
- This natural ingredient is rich in mineral salts, such as calcium, iron and magnesium which help achieve fresher, firmer looking skin.
- The gel found in this cactus-like plant’s fat juicy fronds contain active ingredients to help cool, soothe and soften the skin. Aloe vera has been used for more than 6000 years to treat a variety of skin ailments, including sunburn, blisters and burns.
- This super-fine powder helps absorb excess sebum on the skin and draw out embedded impurities.
- Camphor oil has an uplifting and stimulating effect on both the skin and the mind. Extracted from the evergreen camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora, Chinese camphor is traditionally considered to be the best quality.
D-panthenol
Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis)
Witch Hazel Water (Hamamelis virginiana)
Green Mineral Silt (Silt)
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
White Clay (Montmorillonite)
Camphor Oil (Cinnamomum camphora)
Like this:
Bobbi Brown Eye Couture Palette
I just came across the Eye Couture Palette by Bobbi Brown Created in partnership with Elle Magazine for Bobbi’s Holiday 2010 collection.
If like me you are a magpie and aren’t afraid of colour then this palette and 4 piece brush set is quite a find! Bobbi brown describe the gemstone inspired 12 pan as a jewellery box for your eyes. Each of the 12 gorgeous tones has a luxurious shimmering finish. It’s not to late to get hold of the palette but act quick as its selling out quickly.
Colours include -
New Diamond Sparkle Shadow
New Platinum Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
New Marine Metallic Eye Shadow
New Onyx Sparkle Eye Shadow
New Amethyst Metallic Eye Shadow
New Emerald Sparkle Eye Shadow
New Citrine Metallic Eye Shadow
Bonfire Metallic Eye Shadow
Forest Metallic Eye Shadow
New Fossil Sparkle Eye Shadow
New Lapis Sparkle Eye Shadow
New Rich Ruby Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow
4 Piece Travel Brush Set:
Angle Eye Shadow Brush Eye Contour Brush
Eye Smudge Brush Eye Sweep Brush
Black Patent Bag Accessory
Cute Beauty Alert!
I saw these little purse shaped lip balms in New Look and had to share.
Cute as a button!
The lip balm inside is like a strong scented jelly,not mind-blowing but its £4.99 for 2!! So a perfect little trinket to depot your favourite lippy or lip balm into! Also they make amazing little (cheap) presents. Or you could get babies and pets to hold them for comedy value :-/
Get to New Look and stock up for party bag and stocking fillers as I am sure they’ll be gone by Xmas. (They are already out of stock in ASOS.)
xxx
Review of Guinot’s Hydradermie Facial
Today I treated myself to a Guinot Hydradermie Facial.
I’ve had this facial before and wanted to share my thoughts….
I can’t put into words how much I needed this facial! I don’t have spots or any extreme skin conditions but my skin is drab and sallow… Tired of constant remarks like “you look tired?” I phoned Gem’s my local salon and managed to bag a cancellation appointment!
The treatment began with the therapist analysing my skin which she found to be normal yet very dehydrated (probably caused by my terrible diet which consists of 90% Dr Pepper 10% cake).
Ok…please excuse me on the description of the treatment it’s not as accurate as it could be as I was falling in and out of consciousness (it’s a relaxing treatment, I was super sleepy!)
The therapist left the room as I slipped off my shoes and top and lay on the massage table under a towel. After cleansing and a gentle exfoliation the therapist applied a delicious Rose smelling gel to my face which smelt so good I was tempted to lick it off.
In the middle of the treatment as oddly as it sounds the therapist asks you to hold a conductor in one hand and she begins a mild electrotherapy (ionising, galvanic and oxygenating high frequency).
This sounds scary but in fact the 2 cold Hydradermie machine rollers massage over the face which feels lovely and helps the active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin, removing impurities and toxins and improving sluggish circulation.
I always encounter a metalic taste during this part of the treatment! This I am told is normal.
In between this the therapist offers an “extraction” which is the only part of the treatment I do not like. Using a metal extraction tool she prodded, squeezed and poked my blackheads and blocked pores away! The pressure is very firm at points but in favour of this my skin is always clear for ages after.
I think this was the point when the second Lavender smelling gel and electrotherapy came, this time the skin tingles more and the metalic taste is stronger, the electric device is now like a metal wand with small metal balls on the end.
Next I have a soothing face, neck and hand massage with a Vitamin E and Collagen-based cream. This was the point that I gave in and fell asleep!
I snoozed as a hydrating face mask was applied, I came round to the therapist’s whispering “are you wake?” she then removed the mask and massaged in a light moisturizer. I felt sad when it had to end!
I don’t really feel the benefit of facials without the electrical treatment any more, this method really does seem to push the product deeper into the skin. My skin is plumper and the benefits seem to last longer than that of other facials eg Dermalogica. I can only imagine after a full course of treatments my skin would look and feel great and I’ll keep you updated after a couple more sessions.
The products all smell like heaven and really suit my skin type.
Now, nearly 10 hours after my appointment my skin still feels more hydrated than it has in years! I wish I could say my fine lines had disappeared and my skin was firmer but this would be a miracle from a 1 hour £50 treatment.
Instead I can honestly say my fine lines where mildly softened and my skin is clear and looks and feels incomparably hydrated!
I have NO IDEA how I lived without Z Pallettes!
Ho w did I get by before without Z pallettes????
I bought 3 of the large-sized Z Pallets from http://www.makeup-provisions.com and lost a dramatic amount of excess weight (easiest achieved weight loss ever;-) and space in my make up kit by depotting eyeshadows, blushers, powders, flat glosses… absolutely any thing flat with a metal back. Its quite addictive.
I am going to buy more! Every thing in my kit that fits in it is going in it! I am hooked (……unless the product cost me a fortune, then the expensive looking YSL, Dior, Armani etc packaging might have to stay on to help me somehow justify costs 
).
The magnets are strong so the lid seals air tight and products magnetize securely, no more worries of packaging breakage, no more excess space taken up in my set-up by bulky, pointless packaging, no unnecessary weight in my case YAY!
It’s also a great way to organise yourself e.g. a pallette for brights, neutrals, blushers etc.
The clear lid allows you to quick and easily source colours.
Also I can now buy the cheaper refills from any range now rather than the more expensive product and without having to buy the accompanying pallete and then being roped into buying 6 colours when I was only drawn to/needed one – I am an easy sale!
The only downer I have for Z Palletes is that the packaging isn’t incredibly stylish, they come in black, pink or animal print but I think they could be sexier. They aren’t really cheap £16 for the large and some metal backed products that look like they will magnetize actually are made of another type of metal and actually don’t and this is pretty hard to gauge untill the product has been de-potted.
I am also hoping with all these giant magnets in my case it might start magnetising change up off of the street BONUS!
Have the beauty counters gone to far? Sales vs customer care
For the record I’m not really a whinger!
Quite spinelessly I brush off many things and prefer not to complain but I was recently pushed to contact to a high-end, luxury beauty brand about the pushy sales tactics at their counter. This got me thinking about the state of counter-culture…
I’ve done the rounds in retail myself as well as paying more shopping visits to the beauty counters than most people have had hot dinners and in turn I know the score. Behind the lip glossed smiles brands are more focussed on sales than customer service, and this leads to some very poor customer service and cookie cutter selling.
The worst culprits? You know who they are! They have pop up stands in shopping centres ” Madam can I ask you a question” is the start of their tired script, 10 mins into conversation if you haven’t indicated any intension of buying you can see them begin to slightly foam at the mouth in desperation. Expect hard sales from these brands their pay is largely made of commission but I’d expect informative sales advice from the high-end luxury brands!
I visited the beauty counter at Westfield’s with the soul intention of purchasing several products for an editorial and to check out their new cosmetic and skin care launches. Let me tell you the products I required where not cheap!
When approached I thanked the advisor for offering help and told her that I didn’t need advice and wanted to browse. I might as well have been speaking backwards in Japanese! Instantly she persisted to follow me at arms reach and ask sales engaging questions, giving me information on products I had no interest in and suggesting that I do a multi buy for a gift with purchase. As I scanned the beauty products I could feel I was being watched. Feeling incredibly stifled I practically ran away from the counter. I had none of the products that I needed
Beauty is my area of expertise so I wouldn’t fall prey to any of these sales tactics but what if I had very little knowledge on the subject and really needed advice? The sales person wasn’t listening to me she had no idea of my requirements or needs. The brands products range from about £20 to several hundred(!!!!) so it scares me when we are talking such big money to think that sales “advisors” are obviously under these sales pressures and so unreceptive to a customers needs.
When I contacted the brand I wasn’t complaining about the sales staff as I understand that these staff are under immense pressure.
Trusting consumers hang on their every word of beauty staff as expert and the sale begins. Many of the make up artists and beauty specialists in retail are brilliant, I have friends who work in retail and they are fantastic, talented make up artists/beauty specialists with great passion in what they do. The problem is that their job is in no way as simple as people believe. They have targets to hit, high targets. Their performance is constantly monitored on percentages- they aim to sell *% make up * % skin care etc.. IPS/IPT this stands for Items per sale/transaction. If you buy a single product this will bring their items per sale down so they have to try to avoid this. Their wage is often made up by commission as individuals and as counters. In a sale they have to try to link sale to improve their items per transaction, they also have to try to get your contact details as well whilst you are at the counter to add you to e newsletter or mailing lists and also so they can call/write to you to tell you about new products events etc to get you back in store.
It’s a shame that brands are now favouring the employment of sales people rather than beauty experts.
When you are at a beauty counter-
If you find some one particularly helpful you can book in with them directly for make up updates etc.
Dont be pushed in, its understandable if a sales person has spent a long time helping you feel an obligation but take your time to check the products in other lights and to ensure the product lasts well after a few hours.
Check your own products before you make a purchase, how many times has it happened, you buy the amazing sounding product just to find that you have something just like it already at home!
Listen out for the multi sell do you really need the extra products? Will the extra products really improve the finish or performance of your chosen products? Or are you just spending twice as much as originally intended for some trial sized products you would never have intended to buy?
Only give your contact information if you are happy at being contacted , it’s just an extension of the brands sales methods.
