Archive for December, 2010

Diamond Ice Lift Mask from Natura Bisse

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

Some products have to be used regularly and over a period of time before you see results – but I am often asked if there is a product which gives an instant result. If you are looked for a product which gives an instant ‘lift’ to the skin, along with a brightness and refreshing look to the skin, this is the product I would recommend.

The Diamond Ice Lift Mask is not the lowest priced lifting mask on the market, however this range of products has luxurious scientific ingredients and you really do get what you pay for here.

Perfect for a bride who wants to use it on the morning of her wedding to get a real lift to her skin (before she applies makeup) or a mother-of-the-bride who wants to treat her skin in the run up to the wedding day. This mask is an innovative, anti-fatigue mask that uses transdermal patch technology to provide an instant face-lift, along with long-lasting results. The technologically advanced formulation leaves skin feeling nourished, hydrated and supple.

To use this product, you apply it to clean skin to your face and neck (you will immediately feel an intense cooling sensation when you apply it). You then leave the product on for 20 minutes and when it is completely dry, you gently ‘peel’ the mask off the skin, starting at the edges and moving in an upwards direction.

This is my favourite lifting mask, especially for use around my jawline – it’s that special occasion ‘lift’ and boost to the skin, which leaves my skin feeling tight and toned – but not in an uncomfortable way, I love the lifted look feel that it gives to my skin.

RRP £98.00 from www.spacenk.co.uk

Posted in Anti-ageing, Mask, Natura Bisse | No Comments »

The product I can never be without in my kit box – the Creme de la Mer Lip Balm

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

There is one product that I have had again and again in my kit box for years, that I use on EVERY client (from real life brides to professional models) – the Creme de la Mer Lip Balm.

As soon as I apply the product, clients ask me “what did you use on my lips”? It it feels so luxurious on the lips and when you apply it, your lips look and feel amazing. So many of my clients have gone away and purchased themselves one of these, as they adore the feeling of this product on the lips.

Yes, you can purchase cheaper lip balms from the high street – but what makes this product so special, compared to less expensive brands?

Thinner than any area on the face, the lips are virtually defensive against subtle changes in wind, temperature and dryness. The Lip Balm infuses a potent concentration of the original Miracle Broth with marine extracts, botanicals and vitamins to regenerate the delicate lip skin.

The luxurious emulsion works on contact to soften roughness, relieve dryness and flaking and help heal seriously dry lips. A patented Lip Lipid Complex is the first line of defense. It delivers moisture, strengthening the lips’ minimal moisture barrier and helping to prevent further damage. An essential protein found in the artic helps insulate vulnerable lip skin from extreme conditions on heat and cold. Mint comforts the lips and enhances the balm with a cool refreshing flavour (something my clients also comment on).

Like all Creme de la Mer products, the results are immediate – lips look younger, smoother, soft and plumper. There has never been a client who has not liked this product!

Priced at £36, this product will last ages and will get your lips looking gorgeous for your wedding day. It isn’t greasy, so you do not have to worry about your lipstick/ gloss ’sliding off’. It is perfect for this time of year, when the weather gets colder and the heating is on at home and work – this is when our lips can get dry and sore. This product really treats the lips, rather than just sitting on top of the lip area.

Order online at www.cremedelamer.co.uk

Posted in Creme de la Mer, Lip care | No Comments »

Vintage glamour – my top wedding makeup tips

Thursday, December 16th, 2010

It is important that your makeup compliments the look and theme of your wedding dress. With more and more brides opting for a vintage inspired wedding dress or maybe you just love a glamorous vintage makeup look and would like to re-create the look on your wedding day, here are some makeup tips for you:

1) FLAWLESS COMPLEXION:
 It is essential that you create a perfect makeup base for this look. Ensure that you use a primer, so that your foundation stays perfect all day. Choose a light to medium coverage foundation and apply it with a foundation brush. Follow with a concealer to cover any blemishes and set your makeup base with a light dusting of powder.

I recommend: Guerlain L’Or Radiance with Pure Gold Primer, Chanel Pro-Lumiere Foundation, Daniel Sandler Base Brush and Invisible Blotting Powder.

2) DON’T USE EYESHADOWS WITH SHIMMER:
 Opt for matte (or if you don’t like matte shadows, use a satin texture) and choose shades that are muted browns/ cream colours. Use the lighter colour on the lid, a medium shade in the contour and a darker shade across the top and lower lash line. For more confident artistes, apply a very fine line of black liquid liner to the top lash line.

I recommend: Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes Contour Kit, Suqqu Creamy Eyeliner (black)

3) CHOOSE A SOFT SHADE OF BLUSHER:
 Go for a gentle shade of blusher – don’t use a blusher which is too bright, as this look is about the eyes and lips and you don’t want to end up looking like a painted doll!

I recommend: Daniel Sandler Mineral Matte Blusher in shade Natural Beauty

4) GO FOR BIG LASHES:
 Use a long- lasting, black waterproof mascara. Curl your lashes first and for even more impact, apply a few individual false eyelashes to the outer corners of your eyes.

I recommend: Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Lifting Mascara (black) and Eylure Individual Lashes

5) BOLD LIPS:
 Some brides love the look of a really bold lip colour – I have found that most brides who opt for this makeup look like some colour, but a shade which isn’t too bright. Remember if your dress is white or a light colour, a bold lip colour will look even stronger against your dress, so you need to take this into account. Keep the lip colour matte and if you cannot go without your lip gloss, just apply a little amount in the centre of your lower lip.

I recommend: For a bold lip colour, All For Eve Red Lipstick by Daniel Sandler and for a softer shade, try Dior Serum de Rouge Luminous Colour Lip Treatment in shade Raspberry Serum  

STOCKISTS:
Benefit: www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk
Chanel: www.boots.com
Daniel Sandler: www.danielsandler.com  
Dior: www.boots.com
Estee Lauder: www.esteelauder.co.uk
Eylure: www.boots.com
Guerlain: www.harrods.com
Suqqu: www.dollyleo.com

Photography by www.rosieparsons.com , makeup by Sarah Brock

Posted in Benefit, Blusher, Chanel, Christian Dior, Concealer, Daniel Sandler, Eye makeup, Eyelashes, Face powder, Foundation, Get the look, Guerlain, Lipstick/ gloss, Makeup hints and tips, Mascara | No Comments »

Instant Light Complexion Perfector by Clarins – a gorgeous primer

Sunday, December 12th, 2010

I am always talking about the importance of wearing a primer on your wedding day. Primer should be applied after your moisturiser and before your foundation and it will help your makeup last longer and stay flawless all day.

There are many different types of primer – some have silicone which help with smoothing out the skin and filling in fine lines and wrinkles, whereas others concentrate on the radiance of your skin.

If you are concerned with skin radiance (maybe your skin is looking a little tired and grey), one of my favourite primers which adds radiance and luminosity to the skin is the Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector (RRP £22.99). The gliding, lightweight fluid texture instantly melts into the skin and leaves the complexion smooth and even. It illuminates the complexion which stays flawless and satin-smooth in any lighting (making it perfect for a wedding day, as you will be photographed indoors and outside). It ‘fixes’ makeup, giving a natural, long-lasting results.

This primer is suitable for all skin types and has a range of shades to choose from. To apply, before you apply your foundation, use a small amount all over your face using a foundation brush or your fingers.

Find out more at: www.uk.clarins.com 

Posted in Clarins, Primer | No Comments »

How to cover blemishes – my top tips and products

Thursday, December 9th, 2010

I am often asked how to cover blemishes and also which products to use. Remember, foundation is not to cover blemishes - it is to even out your skin tone and then you should use a concealer specifically designed to cover blemishes. If you use a foundation thick enough to totally cover your blemishes, then it is probably too thick and will not look fresh and natural.

So, after you have applied your primer and foundation (and remember to blend well), take a good look in the mirror (preferably in daylight) and see if you have any blemishes that you need to cover.

The concealer I love for covering blemishes is the Daniel Sandler Camo Cover Concealer (RRP £10.50). This heavy duty concealer has added tea-tree, which is a natural antiseptic which aids healing. It can be used on blemishes, birthmarks, tattoos, scars, burns and high colour. It comes in 12 shades, so I know that I can get the perfect shade for any bride.

If you want the perfect tool to apply this product, use the Daniel Sandler Concealer Brush (RRP £12.00) , it is perfect for applying concealer – if you have a really tiny blemish, you could also use a cotton bud to apply the concealer.

My top tip: For a flawless complexion, apply the concealer to your blemish and gently pat the product into your skin with your finger. Repeat, until you have the coverage you desire. Then, to set your concealer, I use a soft fluffy eyeshadow brush to gently pat loose powder on top of the concealer before I then use a larger brush to apply face powder to the rest of your face.

Read more about Daniel Sandler at www.danielsandler.com

Posted in Concealer, Daniel Sandler, Makeup hints and tips | No Comments »

The perfect bridal beauty accessory by TRAVALO

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

Winner of  ‘Best Beauty Gadget’ at this year’s Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards and Elle Magazine described it as “Possibly the most genius beauty gadget ever!”

I have seen so many brides with the most beautiful bridal handbag for their wedding day which looks gorgeous, but as it is so small they struggle to fit in everything she needs for her big day! Most brides will take tissues, makeup for touch ups on the day and as some handbags are so tiny, there is rarely room for you to carry your wedding day fragrance, to use later in the day.

Here is your solution! TRAVALO is a lipstick-sized travel perfume atomizer designed to hold up to 50 sprays of your favourite perfume and its unique fill system means there are no funnels and no spills.  Just remove the nozzle from your favourite perfume, place the Travalo on top and pump in up to 50 sprays. It’s then ready to pop in your handbag enabling you to leave your bulky full-sized bottle at home.  It’s totally shatterproof and aircraft approved so you can carry it with you in your hand luggage on flights worldwide.

It comes in several shades – and is priced at £9.99

Read more about this clever product and where you can buy online at: www.travalo.com

Posted in Fragrance | No Comments »

The latest cover of Conde Nast Brides – January/ February 2011

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

The latest issue of Conde Nast Brides Magazine is now out and I am very proud to have been the makeup artist for the front cover!

If you love the makeup look on the front cover, click here for the step-by-step guide to create this look on your wedding day.

There are 2 other shoots inside the magazine for which I created the makeup looks and also inside the new issue you will find:

Summer Wedding Special: check out sizzling wedding ideas for a stunning summer celebration.

Bridal Fashion: discover 2011’s new wedding dress trends – from pretty colours to fabulous details.

Beauty Countdown: ensure you are in tip-top condition with the Brides month-by-month bridal beauty diary.

Real Weddings: see all the pictures from gorgeous real-life weddings – from a quirky countryside reception to a military theme.

Honeymoon Hotlist: Brides Magazine unveil’s 2011’s must-visit romantic honeymoon hotels. 

FREE Wedding Planner: inspiring ideas, essential advice and all the insider contacts you need to make your big day truly special.

Brides Magazine January/ February 2011 issue is on sale now priced £4.90

Posted in Brides Magazine, Makeup | No Comments »