Beauty Not Beast

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Pancake.

August 23rd, 2011

As in flat as.

That is what my barnet looks like on any given day unless I backcomb the living daylights out of it (Ok for a special occasion but not exactly good for you – the resulting knots are a killer).

My hair is fine. Baby fine. The slightest hint of volumising goop and it looks greasy. And up until very recently I resided myself to the fact that it was better to look a little lack-lustre than it was to resemble a giant chip.

On the run up to the big day this was one of my most prevalent beauty hang-ups, that my do would droop and I would end up looking all a bit pancake-like in the photo’s (Yes I know, incredibly vain. But I was the bride…I figured I was allowed).

Of course I was very lucky in that I had an uber talented hairdresser, plenty of time (it took HOURS), a whole can of hairspray, clip-in extensions, a crimper, about a thousand grips…. you get the picture. Not everyone wants to go through that on the morning of their wedding though, there are far better things to do, like drink champagne and gossip with your best girls.

And actually I no longer want to go through life as the perfect accessory to Shrove Tuesday. I want my locks to be big, bouncy and natural looking.

Recently I have discovered some products that actually work. No really – they do. And combined with some tips and advice from my sister (she’s now trained in doing cool things with hair styling as well as make-up) I no longer leave the O’Shea abode straggly and limp.

Result.

Wash And Go

There are an abundance of shampoo’s and conditioners that promise ultimate body and lift and I’ve never found any that genuinely deliver. With a sensitive scalp I also find that many of them leave me a wee bit itchy…

You can buy Yes To Tomatoes shampoo and conditioner from Victoria’s Health (I am completely obsessed with that website) and they have transformed my life. With over 99% natural ingredients and a pleasant fresh fragrance they make my hair soft and swingy – like a kilt.

Speed Demon

I’m not a big fan of the whole hair drying process. It bores me to tears. And the last thing I want to do after a shower is go get all hot and bothered for a good twenty minutes.

If you invest in one tool this year make it a Parlux 3200. You can literally turn your head upside down, blast the roots for 5 minutes and you’ll be pretty much ready to go. If hanging upside down makes you dizzy, as you dry lift your hair up in sections and aim the nozzle right at the root, promise you’ll notice more than a little “Big Hair” action.

Mr Parlux and I are now firm friends. We go everywhere together.

A Little Extra Help

So the deep fat fryer look I mentioned earlier – the trick is to not put any product on the top layer of your hair, just the underneath bit – that way there is no risk of looking like the great unwashed. I find one of those skinny handled combs work well – pull the top section of your hair up with the handle part and apply a specialised volumising product just to the roots. I rate Fudge Root Juice – I apply straight from the can as the nozzle is nice and precise.

For even more texture and Bardot inspired bouffant you can’t beat a shake or two of Lee Stafford’s Matt Fat powder. Dust it in and watch your height increase before your very eyes people… You can also add it to the lengths – especially effective for that sexy bed-head look.

For extra body I like those curling wands to create loose waves, wrap relatively large sections around the wand for a few seconds and blast with a super fine non-sticky hairspray. The ONLY hairspray I use is the one by Milkshake as recommended by Sev from Hepburn Collection.

So lovelies. Now I’ve shared a few of my secrets I’d LOVE it if you shared yours too.

What are your Go-To volumising products?

Any hair issues you are currently concerned with that maybe our community can assist with advising on?

Any hair styling requirements that any of our industry professional friends can perhaps post about here on Rock My Wedding?

Anything you want to tell us or need to know just leave us a comment folks.

Big Look Like You’ve Just Stepped Out Of A Salon Love

Charlotte xxx

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Big Day Flawless.

August 2nd, 2011

There is one thing that I would love to be able to walk around with all day and that’s a giant airbrush. Imagine lovelies, no more dark shadows, no more blotches, no more uneven skintone….

Make-Up artist and Love/Lust member Mariam Jensen specialises in the airbrush technique and has made literally hundreds of brides completely flawless for W-day. Mariam is going to share with us how airbrushing works both professionally and in the comfort of your own abode as well as giving us the lowdown on some of her favourite products for eyes and lips.

My favourite bit of a beauty feature? When the expert does exactly that – because they must have tried a lot of stuff right?!

Of course that’s not always a good thing. It just means I want to go out and buy everything they recommend….


*image courtesy of Exhibit Emotions

Mariam Jensen: Airbrush makeup is very different to most retail products on the market. The makeup comes in a wide variety of bases and my personal favourite is silicone – it’s long- lasting and extremely durable. The product is applied with an airbrush that is fed by an air compressor, creating the finest and lightest application of makeup. Try Airbase for a great foundation that can be used with or without airbrush.

The benefit of airbrush makeup is that it delivers lightweight, long-lasting makeup that is able to stand up to the scrutiny of HD for film/TV and also high resolutions in digital photography, making it an ideal choice for brides-to-be. One of the key reasons airbrush makeup looks so natural is because of the small spray patterns from the airbrush itself and the minimal quantity of makeup applied to achieve the desired effect.

Like any makeup, airbrush makeup is best applied by a professional artist and is worth the investment on your wedding day. However, the products can also be used at home to create a flawless make-up look using a good quality foundation brush and can be worn daily without the need for touch ups. For a natural sunkissed glow, add a touch of the Airbase Bronzer to the formula. This product lasts for hours requiring little to no touch up and feels like you’re barefaced. The coverage is fantastic and can be used to conceal acne, uneven complexions and even eczema.

*image courtesy of Edwina Ibbotson Millinery

A Rosy Glow

For gorgeous kissable lips, try a lip stain on your wedding day. I love Jemma Kidd Make Up School Rosy Glow Lip & Cheek Tint. The stain works best on clean lips that are well hydrated. Very easy to use, simply roll on evenly, blot lips together and viola – perfectly tinted, natural pink lips! For more definition try using a lip pencil, I love MAC Whirl which is a pinky nude shade. Then top with a touch of clear gloss or lip balm for some sheen. The best thing about this tinted lip product is that it is kissable yet not sticky like so many lip products often are.

*Image courtesy of Shanna Melville Bridal Couture

Big And Beautiful

Every bride wants big, beautiful eyes on their wedding day and of course, smudge- free make-up. For eye make-up that stands out yet withstands the tears, create a smokey eye using MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork – a gorgeous taupey-brown shade. Use a flat synthetic brush such MAC 249 Large Shader Brush to work the product all over the lid for a wash of colour. This can be worn alone or try layering to add sheen with a shade such as MAC Tan Pigment.

To make the look stronger, apply a deeper shade of eyeshadow in the crease. I love MAC Embark, it’s a deep aubergine-brown shade that adds depth and colour. Take a crease brush, such as MAC 224 and work the product into the crease and blend out and upwards in small circular motions. For added definition, apply a deep black liner in the inner rim and lash line. MAC Powerpoint Pencil in Engraved is a great product as it’s waterproof and wears very well.

Complete the look with a set of No 19 Lashes from Illamasqua – soft and smokey, these lashes are perfect for a wedding makeup look. You can also cut the lashes in half and use them as corner lashes which are much easier to apply and also give a more subtle flare to the eyes. After lashes are on, I would give lashes a light curl with the Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler which helps your own lashes and the false ones to blend and look more natural. Top wish a few coats of a good waterproof mascara such as MAC Blacksplash – this can be put on false eye lashes too and make them look very natural. Finally, blend some more black eye liner in the lash line to disguise the band of the false eye lashes.


*image courtesy of Exhibit Emotions

Make-Up Artist – Mariam Jensen visit www.mariamjensen.com or call +44 (0) 797 040570.

Airbrush make-up – Airbase

Mac Products – Mac On-line

Jemma Kidd – Space NK

Illamasqua - Debenhams

So then. Off to buy me some of this airbrush magic.

Or maybe I can somehow persuade Mariam to come round and make me look as radiant as one of the models?

Hmmm. Could take some time.

;-)

Big I’d Like Someone To Follow Me Around With A Giant Airbrush Love

Charlotte xxx

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Posted in Ask The Experts, Need to Know

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The Big Beauty Re-Stock.

July 19th, 2011

Do you find that everything in your make-up collection runs out at the same time?

I do.

A few weeks ago I came to put my face on only to discover that I had no concealer, a dry mascara wand, a stubby lipstick that I tried (and failed) to dig out with a lipbrush and various bottles and compacts of nearly-all-used and mostly congealed base.

Not at all glamorous.

So, in a bid to a) look half decent b) not be embarrassed to flash my beauty bag in public, I decided it was high time to hit the shops and have a full on re-stock. And being a product junkie and all, I’ve got to tell you, it was in no way a chore.

Having already planned a trip to an event at Wimbledon and having seen various must-haves and recommendations in my monthly glossy magazines that you can only purchase in the capital, it seemed London was cosmetics-a-calling.

Pixi Beauty

Just off Carnaby street is the loveliest little pale green boutique called Pixi Beauty. Inside it’s like heaven, with row upon row of beautifully packaged delights. Pixi was launched over ten years ago by make-up artist Petra Strand and has a world-wide cult following focusing on products that actually treat the skin as well as instantly beautify.

What Charlotte Bought: The product I had read about being brilliant was illuminating tint and conceal, a glowy tinted moisturiser with a concealer in the lid. I know. Clever. The shade I purchased was fair, a very pale gold. It goes on like silk and doesn’t look like you are wearing anything at all. Love.

Always one for a multi-tasking product I treated myself to Lip and Line in pale petal, a budge proof lipstick and liner in one. It’s a pretty pink/beige colour that’s perfect for a Bardot-esque pout.

I noticed that the cute sales assistant had amazing lashes. Like amazing. Glossy, separated and longer than long. She uses Lash Booster in black/blue apparently. Naturally I bought some of that too. And it holds up against my hay-fever induced eye streaming. Result.

Make-up Store

Just down from Pixi Beauty actually on Carnaby Street itself is the Make-Up Store. Which for want of a better expression it’s basically like MAC on crack. Think a zillion million colours of everything imaginable and times that by ten. That’s the Make-Up store.

What Charlotte Bought: I’ll be honest. There was so much to choose from I almost got a bit dizzy. Then I spotted the glitter eyeliner gel in the silver hued Diamond and knew it would add a delicious fine sparkle to an evening eye. It did. It does.

Next I succumbed to what is fast becoming the greatest lipliner EVER. It’s soft, it’s creamy and it doesn’t slide. I bought “Cherie” a girlish pink.

Topshop Own Brand

Ok so I admit to being a bit slow on the uptake here. I knew Topshop had an in-house cosmetics line, I just didn’t realise it was any good. Well it is. And it’s dirt cheap too.

What Charlotte Bought: I think the nail polish shades in general are fab. I went for “Peeping Tom“, an orange coral for shiny summer toes.

On the lips front (yes I know I went a bit OTT in this area for one trip) I opted for a very bridal-inspired lip glaze in “dash” and a look-at-me pinky red lipstick in Brighton Rocks.

As I’ve probably mentioned before I am a huge fan of Christian Dior skinflash for under eye highlighting. However, it is almost prohibitively expensive, especially as I get through it like ruddy water. Topshop do a similar product called Brighten. It’s not quite as flawless as CD but for only 7 quid it’s definitely worth a butchers.

So then lovelies, do you use any of the brands above?

Bought anything new recently that the RMW community should know about?

Do tell.

;-)

Big Now Totally Re-Stocked Love

Charlotte xxx

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Eve Lom v Liz Earle: The Verdict

May 25th, 2011

Everybody knows I’m a massive Eve Lom Fan. I’ve been hooked on the cleanser, the moisturiser, the rescue mask, the eye cream… (the list goes on) since a few months before my own wedding and have used it religiously ever since.

However there has always been a niggling thought at the back of my mind – at £50 a pot it’s not cheap and there are several other ‘hot cloth’ cleansers on the market these days that also receive rave reviews for a fraction of the price. So on a budget drive recently I decided to purchase Liz Earles Cleanse and Polish cleanser and I thought I would share the results with you all, so you can make your own minds up.

The Champion

The Product – Eve Lom Cleanser

The Price – 100mls for £50 with a complimentary cloth from Space NK

The Hype – Described by Vogue as ‘the best cleanser in the world.‘

Looking like a very beautifully packaged tub of vaseline, Eve Lom Cleanser has quite a medicated smell. Packed full of herbs to sooth, deep cleanse and regulate your natural oil balance, (hence also managing spots) this is a smooth-on, massage-in cleanser, which melts into your skin before you buff it off with the muslin cloth soaked in piping hot water.

In fact, it’s not that easy and fans of a bedtime ritual will love the Eve Lom 6 step cleansing regime. Yes. SIX steps. If you’re a wash and go girl then it’s not for you. In brief, the idea is that you smooth a small amount all over your face and then, using the tips of your fingers, perform a series of pressure point massage techniques to aid lymphatic drainage. The cleanser turns from vaseline-like to almost as fluid as oil (no dripping though) and your hands really glide over the skin releasing all the oils and stimulating blood flow too. Once you’ve massaged you hold the cloth soaked in hot water (as hot as you can bear) against the skin to further melt the cleanser and scrub it off in a circular motion. You can follow with a cold cloth before patting dry and going.

It’s expensive but you don’t need moisturiser, toner, eye make-up remover and each pot lasts me around 4-6 months, (usually 6 as there are inevitable nights I don’t bother – did I just say that?)

The Contender

The Product – Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

The Price – 100ml for £13.25 (Muslin Cloth extra)

The Hype – ‘We only make one cleanser because this formulation is the ultimate in concentrated yet gentle cleansing power and works on every age and skin type.‘

The Liz Earl cleanser is much more of a ‘cream’ and comes in a pump action dispenser which pushes out a thick rope of white pearly cream that resembles sudocrem. So far so similar. When applied to the skin the cream does soften, but doesn’t melt as well as the Eve Lom. There’s no ritual to follow but you could use the same technique and no doubt experience the benefits too and the cleanser has a tinge of eucalyptus smell about it which is satisfyingly refreshing.

There’s the exact same method for removal too, use a hot muslin cloth to polish off the cleanser and pat dry. Voila! You’re in the club.

The Verdict

For me unfortunately, the similarities end with the muslin cloth. I so deseprately wanted Liz Earle to live up to the hype and to save myself a fortune, but I can’t say I love it nearly as much as Eve Lom.

I don’t like the lack of melty-ness to the Liz Earle and it’s not just a textuaral feeling. Each of the muslin cloths are exactly the same – a double layer of muslin with quite a loose weave stitched together. I don’t think the Liz Earle gives nearly as good an exfoliation because of the heaviness of the cream which I think then sits or sticks in the gaps between the threads and creates an over all smoother cloth.

Secondly, it’s not a one stop product for me. It doesn’t get rid of half of my mascara and for someone who doesn’t even wear a ton – I’m a one coat girl – thats a major annoyance. It’s on my pillow, panda eyes in the morning and usually I don’t even need to apply again in the morning because some is still on my lashes. Not cool.

Lastly, the all important skin result… On the spot front, I don’t think they differ. That is down to your skin itself. One thing that Eve Lom does give though (and look away now if you’re a hands off type) is amazing softening so spots are much easier to pop if you just can’t resist. In fact, the exfoliating action often removes them before you get the chance whereas I didn’t find the Liz Earl as softening.

On the condition of my skin overall, again I was disappointed in Liz Earle. One of the things I love about Eve Lom is the fact that I don’t need to moisturise afterwards unless it’s the depths of winter and I’m really dry or flaky. And when I wake up, my skin is happy and healthy. Liz Earle is similar in that I don’t need a moisturiser, BUT my skin is oilier than it ever has been with a massive shine problem when I wake up, never mind battling it through the day.

So, it’s a damning verdict and I’m really sorry for being so harsh, but this is just my experience. I know there are loads of women out there who swear by Liz Earle and probably lots who don’t think Eve Lom is a justifiable price to pay. There are down sides and negatives to Eve Lom too, after 2 years of use it was a rare occasion you found me performing the six step technique religiously and don’t even get me started on the price but it still wins by leagues for me. If you’re thinking of trying either then I’d suggest trying the starter kit (Eve Lom even do sachets with a mini cloth) – both women do them and as every persons skin is just as different as your weddings should be, then it’s worth trying them out first.

Do tell me your experiences with Liz Earle and Eve Lom, or if you’ve tried another hot polish cleanser I should try before I go straight back to the Eve Lom Counter, credit card in hand. ;)

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

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Putting your Summer Face On.

May 18th, 2011

Given the appalling weather it’s perhaps appropriate that I share my reasoning behind writing this post… I have been inspired lately.

It’s been a few things… firstly the Dolly shoot reminded me how much I love colour on my face after months of dallying with neutral eyes.

Secondly, the changing weather made me realise it was time to put a bit more colour back into my face. Hello sexy shimmer…

Thirdly, my nails have been naked and boring for all of a few weeks now and I’m crying out for a change. A brightly coloured, juicy looking, shiny type of change.

And lastly, I realised how dreadfully neglected my body is looking after unwrapping it from the winter woollies. Shocking is not the word.

So here is what I’ve been doing about it!

Nailing a Trend

Colour blocking is a godsend for me, in fact I’m pretty much loving all the fashion trends right now, but particularly the colour and it spilling over into nail colours for Spring/Summer. Every year we get the official ‘colour of the season’ for nails from the beauty oracle that is Chanel, and this year is no exception. It’s all about Mimosa.

Not only a delicious drink, this is one gorgeous shade of yellow. I had my nails painted yellow on my hen do so I have a particularly soft spot for it and this is no exception. Mimosa launches tomorrow at Chanel counters nationwide. Get yourselves down there immediately for a sniff of the action!

Of course, it’s not all about yellow, tropical nails are all in and if you fancied a budget solution how about hitting Topshop? Their make-up range also includes nail varnishes and this very reasonably priced yellow shade for £5! Even better, purchase a copy of this month Instyle Mag and you get a free shade of Nails Inc varnish specially created for the magazine. I bought the orange one and it’s been brightening up the view of my keyboard all week. I couldn’t resist including this blue shade too, also from TopShop if you wanted to replicate Gemma’s ‘Something Blue’.

Purple Peepers

Make-Up was a big focus of our Dolly shoot and much as I loved them all (erm, who would have chosen yellow for an eye shade before clocking Dolly Daydream?) it reminded me of one of my all time favourite shadows… as demonstrated by Dolly Rock.

I have very pale greeny-blue eyes and MAC’s Parfait Amour makes them intensely green so Dolly Rock had me hot footing it back to MAC to replace mine. I also rooted out my favourite green MAC shadow, Steamy, which looks fab with a tan and some chunky gold jewellery on holiday, and might (*oops*) have also purchased some MAC pigment in Violette. I am so set for summer :)

(Please note the colours above are really dull in comparison to the actual shades, do go and check them out if you fancy a splash of colour!)

Switching for Summer

Coming into spring my skin was starting to get a little lack lustre. Although I often see highlighters used in magazines I never seem to get any effect from them under other products, so I decided to switch my usual Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser for her Illuminating tinted moisturiser. You could use it mixed with your usual one but I have been known to use it all over without looking like a pearlescent alien, it really brightens up your face like no other.

I’ve also found a new favouite mascara. In blackest Black, Cliniques new High Impact Mascara legthens, separates and thickens lashes. I’m currently using a sample Charlotte gave me when we were away together but I’ll definately be replacing it when it’s run out. Lastly, I’ve switched back to my favourite peachy-gold toned blusher for a more natural summery glow, Orgasm by Nars. Ooh la la!

The Body Beautiful

Really, my body is far from beautiful right now, but my biggest problem is those much talked about little bumps on the tops of your arms. I was horrified to find them lurking after months of no sun and exfoliating conveniently slipping to the bottom of the to-do list as many a blog post took over.

So now I’m on a mission. I’ve whipped out the usual suspects for buffing that backside (- read my favourites by clicking the link) and am full on preening myself back to smoothed out softness. My Mum has amazing skin and has always religiously exfoliated so I won’t be letting that habit go again in a hurry.

Blog Queen in Need

So now it’s your turn. If I’ve made you consider some of the above purchases do tell, but this blog queen is still in need of some serious beauty overhaul help. And where better to get it that by appealing to the RMW genius beauty community?

I Need to know…

What shade are you rocking on your nails today?

What’s your favourite bronzer?

After suffering an almightly hair fail at the hands of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, (lank and flat locks my punishment for laziness!) I’m thinking it’s time to treat them again… I used to love Kerastase shampoo but I fancy a change. Any smell-great but actually do the job choices from you lovelies?

And lastly. The biggest question. Can anyone help me make my hair beach wavy for summer?!

Yours (Wishing for shorter, cooler, mermaid waves) Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

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Make-Up That Goes The Distance.

May 11th, 2011

After my BBC News appearance* I had lots of lovely compliments via RMW and our Facebook page on my make-up that I can’t take a lot of credit for ( my sister Melissa came round and waved her magic artist wand at me to make sure I was TV ready )…so I decided I would share her tips, tricks and product love.

I was in a right old flap about a) Looking ghostly pale ( it’s just been winter and I am um….pale ) b) peaky ( I was so nervous I felt sick ) c) melting into a pool of shiny greasy goop under hot studio lights.

Melissa was her usual calm self ( I am definitely the daughter with the stress head ) and explained that she had plenty of camera-lights-action type experience and that actually it wasn’t that different from W-day beauty. ie. you want a look that would last and would make you look like a prettier more glamorous version of “you”.

The Eyes Have It

1) Step One: To prevent shadow crease ( hate that ) prime your lids, Melissa rates Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion. It’s like glue – seriously. Pat a tiny bit on with your forefinger and blend. Then add your shadow, we used the sheeny gold-hued MAC shadow in Nylon, this was blended underneath the lower lash line and into the inner corner of the eyes with MAC liner brush in 212. It opens up your peepers and makes them look super sparkly and stuff.

2) Step Two: Next it’s all about definition – the first thing to disappear on screen ( or photograph for that matter) are your eyes if there is not enough liner/mascara action going on. Kohl is a good start and liquid liner is even better. Melissa used Lancome Artliner in Noir. Officially the best on the planet for precision and staying power. Also worth a butchers is the Liner Pinceau from Bourjois which is also good and kinder to your wallet.

3) Step Three: The longer and thicker the lash the better. Melissa loves falsies but favours individuals over strip. She uses Eylure and the semi-permanent glue that comes with them to adhere. These are to be applied with tweezers AFTER a few coats of mascara, she used Armani Eyes to Kill, 3 coats and combing in between each one to remove clumps.

Amazing Base

1) Step One: Again Primer is key, it makes your base go on smoothly and prevents early signs of shine. Melissa used Guerlain L’or Radiance Concentrate that also imparts a satisfying glow.

2) Step Two: If you don’t like wearing a lot of foundation ( I don’t – never wear it in fact) then you don’t have to as long as you have concealer to cover blemishes and powder to keep pores looking teeny and shine at bay. Melissa used MAC Studio Moisture Tint in Medium ( would normally be a lighter shade but as it’s quite sheer there were no tide marks) with Armani Precision Touch concealer in number 2 to cover blotches and redness.

3) Step Three: From lack of sleep my under eye area was looking particularly purple, Melissa mixed the creamy Lancome Long-Lasting softening concealer with Christian Dior skin flash in 002 ( candlelight ) and applied with a small brush.

4) Step Four: Powder Powder Powder. It doesn’t have to be the heavy, cakey variety either. Melissa used a a sweep of my favourite – Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre in shade 25 ( light peach ) and applied extra to the T-zone area.

5) Step Five: Sunkissed. I have to be careful with bronzer, with such white-blonde hair I can easily end up looking tangoed. The only one I ever wear is Bare Escentuals powder in “warmth” – just a tiny bit on where your face naturally catches the sun – temples, nose and chin with a large powder brush. With the same brush ( and not using any extra product) this was blended all over the face to finish.

4) Step Five: A range recommended by a friend is Illamasqua which I particularly rate for blush, they have a wide range of lovely natural looking shades that have zero sparkle and don’t fade. Melissa used a natural candy pink called “Katie” with a pop of the warmer hued “Nymph” just on the apples.

Pout

1) Step One: Yup you guessed it PRIMER. Melissa used MAC Prep and Prime Lip to condition followed by Rimmel Lipliner in Snob ( A great pink shade and a formula that doesn’t drag ) to prevent lipstick bleed.

2) Step Two: My usual shade of choice – Yves Saint Laurent in Beige Tribute was considered “too washed out” so Melissa mixed this with Bobbi Brown colour rich in Bikini Pink, applied it with a lipbrush, blotted and then applied a second layer of bikini pink straight out of the tube.

Other Helpful Hints

Thin spindly lashes but don’t fancy falsies? apply a thickening base coat or loose powder ( yes it works) prior to mascara.

Feel like you’ve got too much on? a light mist of water spray makes you look “fresher” , we like Evian or Avene in a spray can. Also useful for mid-day touch ups followed by a dusting of your favourite powder.

You know the brown paper napkins you get in Pret A Manger? cut into squares and keep in your make-up kit as oil blotters. No I’m not kidding – they absorb oil like nothing else and don’t contain any chemical nasties like the paper ones you can buy in the shop. Oh and they are FREE.

Winter foundation felling too heavy for summer? Mix with one part moisturiser and one part glow giver/primer ( we like Guerlain L’Or as above or MAC strobe lotion )

Where To Buy

Lancome – Any Department Store and on-line at House Of Fraser

Urban Decay – On-line at Debenhams

Guerlain – At House Of Fraser

MAC – MAC Cosmetics

Bobbi Brown – John Lewis

Eylure Individual Lashes – Boots

Illamasqua- Debenhams

Chanel - John Lewis

Rimmel - Boots

Christian Dior – Garden

SO then lovelies. What are your recommendations for melt-proof maquillage? And if you are already a married lady please share with us your products for W-day, I’m sure our readers ( and me and me!!!! ) would LOVE to know.

Big Keeping Shine At Bay Love

Charlotte xxx

* I realise this makes me sound like a right berk and a bit like ( doing Mrs Bouquet/Bucket voice ) “daaarrrling when I was on the television…..” but didn’t know how else to write it and actually explain where this post came from in the first place. So um…..sorry for sounding like a Mrs Bucket berk.

;-)

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