Archive for December, 2009

BRUSH-OUT: care for your makeup brushes

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Not only do I recommend using professional quality brushes to apply your makeup with, I also spend a lot of time explaining to my clients how important it is to look after their brushes.

In the past, I have seen many a client open her makeup bag and not only does it contain her makeup, it also has all of her makeup brushes inside which are dirty and often damaged, from being ‘crammed’ into a tiny makeup bag.

Good quality makeup brushes really are an investment and if you care for them correctly, they should last you for years. It is such a shame to spend good money on brushes and then to not look after them – so here are my top tips:

1) The most important thing is to keep your brushes clean! This is for hygiene reasons – if you do not keep your brushes clean, they are a breading ground for germs and bacteria. Use a brush cleanser such as Paula Dorf BRUSH-OUT , it is a gentle cleansing spray for professional makeup brushes and it is really easy to use – spray the cleanser onto a tissue and gently stroke the brush back and forth until there is no trace of colour left. Not only will this keep your brushes clean, it will help to keep your brushes soft and flexible.

2) Keep your brushes in a pot (as seen on left), rather than in a bag or in a drawer. This means that the air can get to your brushes and the brushes themselves will not get damaged.

Looking after your brushes in this way will make sure that they last you longer and also remember that it is best not to share your brushes with others – if you do, make sure that you clean your brushes after to avoid passing infection from one person to another.

To enquire about Paula Dorf, contact:  SkinBrands  0208 997 8541/ skinbrands.co.uk

 

Posted in Brush Cleanser, Makeup brushes, Paula Dorf | No Comments »

Curl your lashes with gentle heat – blinc

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Whenever I apply makeup, I will always curl the lashes before applying mascara.

Curling your eyelashes will make your eyes look bigger, younger and brighter and it will make your lashes look so much longer.

Shu Uemura eyelash curlers are always in my kit bag, but I do also carry the blinc heated eyelash curler, as there are some clients who do not like to use regular eyelash curlers and like the heated eyelash curler, as it works without clamping the lashes or using excessive pressure. 

Nothing sets a curl better than heat…after all, that’s how we curl the hair on our heads! It’s the same for your lashes.

The blinc Lash Curler delivers the precise amount of heat that can set a long lasting curl without damaging your lashes. The blinc Lash Curler’s simple yet advanced design gives you more control and makes it easy to reach and curl even your tiniest lashes.
Ready to use in 30 seconds, blinc Lash Curler only requires one AAA battery (included). The  blinc Lash Curler is small, compact making it easy to carry, even in the smallest makeup case or purse.

For your safety, blinc Lash Curler’s heated comb has a special built-in guard that prevents contact with your skin and eyes.

To use : Curl your middle lashes first and then your side lashes. Brush upwards while keeping the curler’s heated comb surface pressed against your lashes for 5 seconds. Continue brushing upwards and hold curler at the tip of your lashes and gently for the lashes back and hold for another 5 seconds. Repeat the process until desired curl is achieved.

RRP £18.00 www.blincuk.co.uk

Posted in Beauty gifts, Eye care, Eyelashes, Makeup, Mascara, blinc | No Comments »

Very Precious Brightening Concentrate by L’Occitane

Monday, December 21st, 2009

One of  L’Occitane’s latest anti-ageing product is this deliciously-scented face oil, made from the extracts of the Corsican Immortelle flower. Apply at night – when the skin is most receptive to active ingredients – for a smoother, more even complexion.

This night serum enhances the skin’s radiance and reduces the appearance of pigmentation marks. From the very first application of this dry oil, pigmentation marks start to fade; complexion is lighter and more even.

This is a wonderful product for someone who is looking to reduce the appearance of pigmentation marks or maybe your skin is looking a little dull and in need of an extra boost. It is also perfect for someone who is looking for a product which isn’t complicated and difficult to use – you can just ’slot’ this product in to your existing skincare regime.

Apply two drops in the evening, either alone or before your moisturiser, avoiding the eye area. The dropper applicator allows for very precise application of the Concentrate on the areas you wish to treat.

This is a dry oil, so it is not greasy. If you have an oily skin use this product and do not apply moisturiser on top - for drier and more mature skin, apply this first and then layer your moisturiser over the top. The product disappears into the skin and the fragrance is divine. Because you only need to use 2 drops, the bottle lasts a long time.

The results that I experienced were definitely an increase in radiance to my skin – it is so quick and easy to use. Because I have combination skin, I apply it all over my face at night and I then layer moisturiser over the top just on my eye and neck area. When I wake in the morning, my skin looks brighter and clearer and more refreshed.

RRP £39     http://uk.loccitane.com

Posted in Radiance and Brightening, Skincare | No Comments »

Get ready to slip into that Wedding Dress with Wahanda.com

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

This time of year is probably one of the hardest times to lose a few pounds when all of those mince pies and glasses of mulled wine are on offer!

Why not take the easy route and book a pamper day for a quick inch loss fix and beauty makeover- choose from a number of treatments including detoxifying massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and more.

If you prefer to be preened and pampered in the comfort of your own home, Wahanda has a comprehensive list of beauty therapists in your area who do home visits and happily accept the Wahanda vouchers.

The  Wahanda Spa and Wellness Gift Voucher, the perfect flexible gift as it is accepted at hundreds of day spas, salons, gyms, yoga studios and fitness centres nationwide.

Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or you’re looking to get together with the girls – pamper days are the ideal solution for a bit of relaxation and beautifying.

For more information visit the Wahanda website:  http://www.wahanda.com/inspire/pamper-days

Posted in Pamper days | No Comments »

Estee Lauder Idealist – Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher

Monday, December 14th, 2009

The Idealist range by Estee Lauder minimises the appearance of pores, giving you a visibly smoother, more refined skin day after day. It penetrates deeply to unclog darkened pores, and banishes dull and flaky skin to create clarity, smoothness and luminosity.

The product which I carry in my kit bag  (and have done so for as long as the product went on sale in the UK) for my clients who have open pores is the Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher by Estee Lauder. As I have open pores myself on my T-Zone, I tried the product myself and loved the results that it gave me, so I regularly recommend it to my clients who ask me for product recommendations to help their pores look less visible.

Applied to the skin before moisturiser, this product turns the skin to silk – instantly. It makes enlarged pores look virtually invisible with its revolutionary pore diminishing technology and not only do you see instant results, you will see a 69% reduction in the look of your pores in just 4 weeks.

RRP:  30ml £36 or 50ml at £49.00 www.esteelauder.co.uk

Posted in Estee Lauder, Oily skin, Skincare | No Comments »

OSCILLATION POWERBOOSTER from LANCOME

Friday, December 11th, 2009

For stronger, fuller lashes day after day – Oscillation Powerbooster basecoat improves lash surface condition, for visibly strengthened, denser and longer-looking lashes 

Lancome Oscillation Powerbooster: A vibrating, amplifying treatment.

I was very keen to try this product as my own lashes were damaged last year through wearing lash extensions for a long period of time and most have grown back, but my lashes were left very weak and brittle.

How does it work? A miniaturized motor (3cm) with a removable and recyclable battery allows the brush to gently vibrate. A combination of stimulating vibrations and a formula enriched with Crescentia complex.

Oscillation Powerbooster boosts the appearance of natural lash growth.*

Your lashes look longer, fuller, naturally.

Effective results:
 79 % of women are satisfied with the the treatment.

Women agree:
- Lashes seem stronger (85%)
- Intensely cares for lashes (84%)
- Lash fringe appears denser (90 %)
- Thicker looking lashes (92 %).

Apply Oscillation Powerbooster to prepare and improve the lash surface followed by your favourite mascara to maximise your make-up result.

*The vibrating Powerbooster enhances the appearance of lash thickness, density and length so that natural lash hair is more visible.
*Consumer test: 260 women. Powerbooster + regular mascara.

My results: What I love most about this product, is that not only does it improve the condition of the lashes, it is the most amazing primer for your own brand of mascara and will leave your lashes looking longer and thicker. Any bride can start using this product straight away on a daily basis -  the more that you use it, the better the condition of your lashes will be for your wedding day. You can then use this product as a primer for your lashes under your wedding day mascara (you can wear it under any brand of mascara) for beautiful, longer looking lashes.

I love the vibrating brush – it was my first experience of using a mascara wand of this kind and I have to say that it really does make application of the product so much easier! You can just hold the wand at the base of the lashes and gently move the wand up through the lashes – the brush does the job for you. I have definitely noticed less breakage of my lashes when removing my eye makeup, which was a big concern of mine. Apply this product every day under your mascara.

You can purchase this product online at www.lancome.co.uk  RRP £24.50.

Posted in Eye care, Eyelashes, Lancome, Mascara | No Comments »

Extreme-Plump your lips with Soap & Glory!

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother™ Pucker XL Extreme Plump is a super-sizing, extra-strength collagen clear lip shine with LIPSWELL™ natural plant oil infusion, SUPERFILL™ nanovectors and VISIVOLUME™ immediate effect lip filler.

If you are looking to make your lips look plumper and fuller without surgery or extreme measures, then you will love this product!

If you have never used a lip plumper before and you are wondering how they work, they all work by stimulating the circulation of blood to the lips, which leaves the lip with a slightly swollen/ plumped up look (temporarily)!

I love wearing lip plumpers – a word of warning though, they do tingle! Some of my clients really don’t like the sensation, but I actually like the tingle as I know that it is working. This is the word of warning that appears on the packaging for this product: 

CAUTION: This lipgloss will almost immediately plump, buzz, tingle and zing. (It’s not for the meek of the mouth. New Sexy Mother Pucker tryers should try the Original Strength SMP, before going to extremes.)

I wouldn’t recommend actually applying this gloss just before you walk down the aisle, as you will be kissing others on your wedding day (and their lips will start to tingle too if you kiss them with this product on), but if you want your lips to look fabulously plump on your wedding day, I would recommend applying this first thing in the morning and wash it off just before you apply your makeup, as the effect will last for a few hours and then apply your regular makeup and lipstick.

RRP £10 www.boots.com

 

Posted in Lipstick/ gloss, Makeup, Soap & Glory | No Comments »

Get the look – Charlotte Balbier

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

About Charlotte Balbier: With over 50 years of bridal expertise in the family, Charlotte comes from a bridal fashion house which isn’t afraid to go against the grain. Launched in 2003 the Charlotte Balbier brand has continued to grow and evolve; taking the bridal fashion industry in a brand new direction.

Charlotte’s dresses are adored by brides who are fashion concious and are looking for a dress that is feminine but at the same time a little different. I have seen many of Charlottes dresses and they are absolutely gorgeous and I love her advertising campaigns, which is why I wanted to write a ‘get the look’  piece on this particular campaign.

Shot in Manila, in the Philipines by photographer Frank Hoefsmit, the makeup in this shoot is soft, girly, romantic and very pretty.

This glowing look, using soft shades of taupe and pretty pink is the perfect look for a bride who wants a look to enhance her natural features and not look too ‘made up’ on her wedding day.

A major part of this look is a flawless, natural and dewy complexion – try Chanel Pro Lumiere Professional Finish Makeup SPF 15 (www.boots.com)

The cheeks are dewy and pretty in a soft pink tone – a must have for this look is the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blusher is shade Cherub (www.danielsandler.com)

For the eyes think light, pretty colours from lid to brow – treat yourself to the Chantecaille Sylvie’s Quattro Palette (www.spacenk.co.uk) which has 3 beautiful and very wearable eyeshadow colours and a pretty blusher (which you could layer on top of the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blusher for a more intense effect). Use a black mascara to enhance your eyelashes (don’t forget to curl them first)!

To complete the look, try the YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick  in shade Lingerie Pink (www.boots.com) on your lips and apply a clear gloss in the centre of your lip for a pretty, pink glossy finish to the lips.

Visit the Charlotte Balbier website at: www.charlottebalbier.com

(Photos kindly supplied by Charlotte Balbier)

 

Posted in Blusher, Chanel, Chantecaille, Daniel Sandler, Eye makeup, Foundation, Get the look, Lipstick/ gloss, Makeup, Makeup hints and tips, Yves Saint Laurent | No Comments »

[comfort zone ] absolute pearl is absolutely gorgeous!

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

absolute pearl – glowing skin, absolute beauty

All of the products that I write about on my blog are on there because I have tried them, I have loved the results and I want to share this information with brides to be and other members of the bridal party.

Every so often, there will be a certain product/ products that I try and the results are really amazing and I am so surprised at the difference it makes to my skin.

This range of products is one of these ranges and I was so excited to tell everyone about it!

[ comfort zone ] is the cosmetics division of Davines S.p.a.– an Italian firm founded in 1982 by the Bollati family and a leader in research, production and the marketing of product lines for aesthetics and professional tricology. As well as the head office of research and production in Parma, the three branches in New York, Paris and London offer a support service in key areas of development.

This range is very exclusive and is only available in selected spas/salons were the staff are highly knowledgeable in the range and it’s benefits.

About the absolute pearl range: The strength of nature and advanced scientific research are combined to offer your skin the beauty, light and perfection of rare pearls. A complete range of products for immediate and long-term results in contrasting dark spots, skin dullness and uneven complexion.

The absolute pearl range consists of 4 products: 

absolute absolute pearl corrector (deep spot deep impact) : high performance corrector, reducing and preventing dark spots and acne scarring.

absolute pearl cream SPF 12 (whitening ant-oxidant moisturiser) : multi-benefit moisturizer to balance pigmentation, reduce and aid the prevention of spots, revive radiance and contrasts cell oxidation.

absolute pearl mask (whitening glowing mask) : intensive lightening, smoothing, anti-oxidant and oxygenating mask.

absolute pearl light concentrate (glowing oxygenating hydrator) : illuminating fluid perfect as daily anti-oxidant hydrating brightener and base for foundation.

The results: when I first read about this range – it was the first time I had used a ‘whitening’ product and I was slightly concerned that it could make my skin look too pale! However, my first experience was using the absolute pearl mask -  this mask is clear, so unlike other masks I have used, you can still see your skin whilst the product is working. The mask goes on for 10 minutes and after 4 minutes, I went to the mirror to see how it was looking and I couldn’t believe how amazing my skin looked – it was already brighter, clearer, more even – I have never seen such amazing results in such a short amount of time. Even my husband commented on how amazing my skin was looking after I had removed the mask!

The absolute pearl corrector has visibly lightened a sun spot that I have on the right side of my face and as for the moisturiser and the light concentrate – when I apply this to my skin, the only way I can describe the result is that it looks as if you have the most flattering light shining on your skin and the bonus for me is that the light concentrate is the perfect base for your makeup.

To read more about this range and the other fabulous products by [comfort zone] , go to www.comfortzone.it and to find your nearest [comfort zone] salon/spa, call 01827 280 080.

Posted in Anti-ageing, Comfort Zone, Makeup, Mask, Moisturiser, Radiance and Brightening, Skincare | No Comments »