Charlotte: So you’ve thought about your bouquet and your barnet and your shoes….but what about your nails? a neat and un-fussy coat of pale pink? or maybe something a little more daring such as a deep sexy purple… or how about some kind of two-tone monochrome with glitter and rhinestones?? (Ahem – got a wee bit carried away there.)

I was always going to have a sophisticated french tip for W-day then last minute (and after seeing my sisters statement hot magenta) I decided to go for a bold bright coral. The shade in question was number 75 by Biosculpture, a gel like coating that lasts for ages without chipping or fading (mine usually last a good three weeks before I require infills) and I would highly recommend the treatment. Biosculpture manicures and pedicures are available at beauty salons around the UK and will see you right through Honeymoon – expect to pay between £30 and £35 for a full set.

If I was in the position of choosing now, and especially if I was having a winter affair, I would be opting for a pretty mid-tone grey (as I type I am currently sporting Biosculpture gel in number 115 – “Eclipse” and I LOVE it)… or maybe even a dark charcoal such as Jessica’s Fishnets and Fringe.

And for spring? a delicious duck egg blue such as Nail Inc’s nail polish in Haymarket.

Jenny: I was a bit lazy and didn’t give my nails much thought, I am lucky that one of my closest friends is a beauty therapist, and she decided to come round the night before our nuptials and pamper me to within an inch of my life. I had considered being bold and having a colour on my talons, but then I bottled it and went for the standard bridal nail colour….french.

The only other colours I love to wear on my nails are super dark which I didn’t feel was appropriate for my wedding day.

My nails were manicured into a lovely squoval shape, quite short in length because I can’t function with long nails, and the polish lasted until I was almost back from mooning in Thailand. I had the OPI manicure, and I might treat myself to another quite soon because I have gnarly dry Mummy hands at the moment!

Vix: I have no idea what I will be a wearing on my fingers and toes for W-day, I do love a white tip on short square nails and at least it would “go” with everything but my favourite colour of all is a black red such as Chanels Rouge Noir. I recently discovered a deep cherry red by Nails Inc aptly named Victoria (!) which is really shiny, they also do a muted mushroom shade called Porchester Square which might be a nice balance between having something neutral but still a bit of colour….

Decisions decisions…. at least I have another 10 months to finally make my mind up!

Charlotte: So lovelies, what are you wearing on your fingertips for the Big Day? are you opting for your all-time favourite hue (and yes you MUST tell us what it is whether you are wearing it W-day or not) or are you going for pale and oh-so-interesting? And are you attempting to do it yourself (I worship at the ground of anyone that can paint their own well) or are you seeking to include some talon glossing in your general pre-wed beauty pampering?

Please feel free to provide links to our favourite polishes in the comments section below as you know…we may want to treat ourselves later.

Big If In Doubt You Could Always Go For Greige Love

Team RMW xx

P.S My coral can be seen here if you fancy a butchers.

Just to let you know, I don’t go on about items to invest in on RMW unless I have used them myself (for a good month or so) and the results are impressive, and although I certainly can’t account for all the different skin types out there or make any miracle-in-a-bottle promises, I will only recommend stuff that I think actually works, and is therefore worthy of the O’Shea bathroom cabinet.

Fortunately these last four weeks or so I have discovered some real winners, unfortunately they all fall into the Lady Luxe category in terms of price. Sorry about that folks. Brownie’s honour I will do my best to find you some covetable bargains soon.

And as always I would love to hear if any of you gorgeous lot use any of the lovely listed below or if there are any fairly recent discoveries you would like to share with the RMW community, just drop us a wee note in the comments section. And of course feel free to ask me any questions (I could talk about cosmetics forever…)

Poreless Flawless

The rubbish thing about having de-hydrated skin (apart from making you look five years older) is that the constant build up of dead skin cells makes for congested pores. Yuck. And apart from frequent exfoliation (which often leaves my prone-to-redness mug looking like a giant tomato) the only way I seem to be able to combat the problem is careful and thorough cleansing both morning and night. I have tried all the usual big named raves, Eve Lom (allergic), Liz Earle cleanse and polish (um…allergic), Clinique 3-step (face practically fell off…although I do like their ultra mild soap bar for when I have an attack of the greasies), Some new fancy one from Chanel (it made my pores worse if anything, and as a result was promptly returned to the very nice ladies at John Lewis)….. you get the picture. I don’t have much luck.

Then I read about Rodial Glamtox Cleanser in The Anti-ageing Beauty Bible (which if you are a self-confessed beauty whore like me will provide hours of entertainment) and due to the positive reviews thought I’d give it a whirl. It gets rid of every scrap of make-up and when used with a warm flannel seems to remove the vast majority of unwanted flakes, it also turns from a pleasant balm to a milky-like consistency on contact with water which I like and includes anti-inflammatories as well as a whole host of moisturising ingredients. My skin is substantially clearer as a result of using it – that’s all I can tell you.

Rodial Glamtox Cleanser retails at a staggering £50 (I know – told you it was Luxe) and is 100% paraben free, you can buy it from Space NK. Rodial also do “Boob Job In A jar” which might be the weirdest and most random thing I’ve ever heard of. However, if you’ve used it and it does the trick then of course let me know…

Softly Softly

As well as a good cleanser I love a really good moisturiser. And although I want it to essentially um….moisturise I also want the perfect base for make-up – i.e nothing super oily. After receiving some rather generous samples from Elemis I fell head over heels for their Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream (you may have heard of their ever popular Marine cream which is in the same range). It goes on like silk. And sinks in like a dream. And yes it’s called a night cream but I have been using it in the day too, it also doesn’t contain any silicones which seem to block my pores and cosmetics manufacturers insist on putting ‘em in practically EVERYTHING these days.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream retails at an eye watering £90 for 50ml but does contain some especially lovely lubricants such as Shea Butter, Avocado and Rosa Damascena oil. If you are feeling the need to self-gift you can buy yourself a tub from John Lewis.

Drink Up

Aptly named “Intense Hydrating Booster” this little bottle of magic by facialist-to-fancy-famous-types Sarah Chapman does exactly that – adds an extra bit of hydration to thirsty weather-ravaged skin. It is basically a serum comprising of Hyaluronic acid, universally praised for its water binding properties and the ability to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and crepiness.

I put in on clean slightly damp skin under my moisturiser and it makes my epidermis all dewy and radiant. Apparently you can also add it to your favourite foundation to make it more sheer – bonus.

Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster is available from Victoria Health (I have mentioned this on-line mecca before but if you missed it you are missing out people). It retails at £57 per 30ml…. and I have officially given up apologising for the price of everything.

Lit From Within

To add an extra extra glow for the recent party season I was very much taken with the Elemis Visible Brilliance brightener, a silky liquid that makes you look lit from within and just like you have had a good nights sleep (even if you haven’t). I like it so much I think it might even replace my current go-to primer.

This was another freebie sample but I will be going out to treat myself to the full size version once my plastic has recovered from Christmas. I sincerely hope this is sooner rather than later.

Elemis Visible Brilliance is available from John Lewis as before but also Debenhams if you don’t happen to have a JL near you, both stores seem to be quite generous in terms of try-before-you-buy. It retails at about £40 and you only need to use a pea-sized amount, yes even if you are inflicted blessed with a giant moon head like moi.

A Veil Of Loveliness

After all of that prepping it would be a travesty to cover yourself in a thick make-up base and tons of powder – let your natural (and sparkling) skin shine through I say.

Although I am not a fan of the cleanser I am a fan of Liz Earle Skin Tint - it is both rich and surprisingly blemish-hiding considering its translucent finish. I also like the fact it has yellowish undertones and as a result hides blue-hued under eye circles.

Liz Earle Skin Tint in available at the on-line Liz Earle store. It retails at £21 but a little does go a long way – honest.

My Body Is A Temple

Actually it isn’t (especially after all that seasonal sugar) but Skin Nourishing Hand an Body Lotion by Elemis sure makes me feel like it could be a shrine to all things smooth and touchable. And before you ask no, I do not work on commission for this brand. And yes this was a freebie but a FULL SIZE freebie that came in the very sexy goody bag Team RMW received from the Matthew Williamson trunk show that we attended last month.

It feels luxurious. It smells luxurious. It isn’t in the slightest bit sticky and the fragrance doesn’t assault your perfume like some whiffy limb-specific creams can.

Elemis Skin Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion is about £20 (and that is practically a bargain compared to everything else I have shown right?), you can go grab yourself a tube (or two) from John Lewis or Debenhams.

And just to show that men really are from Mars….

(Vix has just slathered herself in the above product)

Malc (Vix’s fiancé): You smell nice, is that new?

Vix: Yes it is a very posh body lotion, I love it..

Malc: Hmmm yes it smells like..it smells like….Shake and Vac?

Shake and Vac?(!)

Do they still make that stuff?!

I think he meant fresh and kind of powdery. Or at least I hope he did. Because if he didn’t both Vix and I are spending 2012 with an aroma reminisent of my Nan’s carpet.

Big Tell Us What You’ve Got In YOUR Bathroom Cabinet Love

Charlotte xxx

P.S – a nice lady on the RMW Facebook page has just let us know there are generous discounts (20% +) on Elemis products available on Hqhair.com …..maybe I can bag that brightener after all?

Yup that’s us. With Vix and I discussing our love of lipstick at the school bus stop since the age of about eleven and Jenny being a talented make-up artist and all I am proud to announce that the girls of Rock My Wedding are officially bonefide beauty-product-geeks.

The other day we were discussing our all-time favourites and newest raves, both from a luxe and a “less” perspective, ie admittedly there are many fancy items we adore but equally there are quite a few bargain basement finds in the mix too. Vix will be sharing her must-haves in a future post but right now Jenny and I thought it would be fun to share*

Charlotte’s Luxe List

From left: Stila is back and it’s in Boots!! When I heard the news I nearly did a high five (as I said – geek)… I haven’t found a better powder/foundation for my skin than their illuminating compact in 30 watts. It does immense flawless-making things to your face.

Tom Ford is a beautiful man. And his lipsticks are just as lush. When you see the price you might want to die BUT…blush nude is the perfect go-to for that bardot-with-a-smokey-eye look. And they are so creamy they even smooth out your lips in some major plumping type manner. You can buy one in the recently repackaged slinky black case from Selfridges.

It’s Stila again (told you I was excited) but this time it’s blush. If your skin is a) a bit on the dry side b) pasty pale, then convertible colour in Lillium is for you. A kind of just-been-out-in-the-garden natural rosy flush shade.

Charlotte’s Less List

From left: Discovered Topshop cosmetics recently and out of everything their skin tint is my absolute favourite. Like tinted moisturiser only better coverage.

I read about Prestige Longest-Lashes mascara in a review that sang it’s non-clumping praises. And I have to agree. Not for those that love a real volume giver but it separates and defines like nothin’ else.

Grey. How I love thee. Especially when you are as cheap as chips and as durable as Barry M Nail paint.

Jenny’s Luxe List

From Left: Mac Face and Body Foundation: When asked about my all time favourite product, this is it. I have it in four colours, C2, C3, C4 and C5. I wear it to even out my skin tone, I wear it all over my body especially on my legs and areas of scarring, I use a few layers (instead of fake tan) because the coverage is buildable. Goodbye weird looking thread veins and old lady blue veins, hello skin that resembles a nicely tanned 16 year old!

Benefit Eye Bright: Love this for along my waterline, it instantly brightens me up, and the colour is good against my slightly purple dark circles.

Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Foundation – This is my daily life saver foundation. It’s so easy to apply because the brush is attached (means no orange foundation finger prints anywhere), and it’s easy to slap on when you’re in a rush to get out in the morning. The coverage gives you that nice mattifying effect – almost as if you’ve set your base with loose powder. I’ve got it in two shades, 6 for summertime and shade 5 for winter.

Jenny’s Less List

From Left: The Body Shop Brow and Liner Kit – I am a sucker for a defined eyebrow. I am a sucker for a thick eyebrow too. I am not blessed with thick eyebrows, I have thin brows (the only part of me that is thin!) Without my brows done I tend to look a little odd, I tend to look all forehead actually so I don’t leave the house unless I have filled in my brows. This product is so natural, and it lasts. I’ve had the same one for 6 years now! I lost the brush yonks ago but any small angled brush does the trick, I find it looks more natural than using a brow pencil too.

Lacura concealer – Packaged just like the YSL Touche Eclat, with a very similar light reflecting pigment that helps disguise your dark shadows, but a fraction of the cost. You can’t go wrong with that! I use it all around the eye, and to highlight my browbone and define my brows so they look tidier in between shape ups.

Rimmel Mono Eyeshadow in Matte White – Another of my make up bag staples. In fact, I’ve been using this since I was 15! It looks like a bright white in the pan, but it goes on my skin as quite a creamy colour. I use it as a base colour all over my lid up to my brow bone, then when I am applying my bronzer I make sure I give my lids a quick sweep with my bronzing brush et voila.. I’m suitably made to look like I actually have a pulse and am good to leave the house!

So then lovelies, what are your beauty luxe and less list items?

Do you use any of the products listed above?

Drop us a note in the comments box below so we can have a butchers.

Big Geeky Love

Charlotte and Jenny x

*Please do not hate us for any sudden urge to spend your lunch break at your local department store/chemist/supermarket…

P.s I said “girls” of Rock My Wedding but if you follow us on Twitter you may have been witness to certain discussions around Adam wearing a dress and guyliner…..

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

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

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.

Now as many of you know, I am a lover of all things grey, dresses, interiors, shoes, fancy handbags…( especially the really soft pale grey strokable leather kind)…but not when in comes to my skin. Because somehow lovelies, somewhere between the end of November and mid December something must have happened to make me look so darn tired, and so incredibly flat.

Blame it on my round the clock work schedule if you will, or even the atrocious “highlight every crinkle, wrinkle and open pore” strip lighting in the ladies’ loo’s ( why do they do that?) But the cold hard truth is that I looked flippin’ awful, and no matter what the cause something had to be done to fix it. And fast. Who doesn’t want to sparkle at the Christmas party? And I don’t mean in a gaudy tinsel type of way, I mean in a look-at-me-glow type of way.

Radiance. That’s what I was looking for.

Being a complete cosmetics junkie as most of you know, I have a vast array of “wonder” products gracing my bathroom shelf and a few fail-safe staples that I turn to in times of desperate need. Unfortunately, so past the point of no return was my pasty faced self they were having little or indeed no effect whatsoever.

So then, out comes the wallet and the on-line research mission.

Firstly I had to re-assess my cleansing routine. I had gotten a bit lax on that front of late and the dead cells were having a field day, making my make-up appear chalky and my fine lines take on the appearance of
unsightly and seemingly gigantic crevices. ( Yes I realise I may be being a little over dramatic but I swear those mirrors are MAGNIFYING….)

A while back quite a few of you gorgeous lot mentioned significant improvements you had experienced after using the Clarisonic facial brush, I too had succumbed to the marketing hype but had been far too lazy to invest in the twice a day, every day, FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE ritual that is required to create optimum results. What a mistake that was. I’ve been using the Clarisonic 3 weeks and counting, and I’m pleased to report that I can certainly see a marked improvement.

Next on the list was the dryness, practically a guaranteed side-effect of central heating and extreme cold my nose and cheeks were looking distinctly flushed and flaky. Yuck. So I had a good read of Make-up Alley readers top picks and one of the best rated moisturising creams was Eucerin Q10 Active, a thick, rich, buttery goop that makes your face feel like velvet and your foundation go on like silk.

LOVE. IT.

One of the most noticeable contributers to my transformation into dreary Deirdre was my increasingly evident under-eye circles and blood shot sclera. Apart from the obvious concerted effort to get my 7-8 hours a night I also wanted to find a product that would reduce the unsightly purplish hue as well as hydrate and reduce puffiness. And it was actually quite by accident whilst purchasing cotton wool pads from my local Sainsbury’s that I encountered a never-seen-before range that must have THE most unattractive packaging ever: TRI-Peptox.

The Pro Collagen Cream promised to do everything I wanted and more for the bargain basement price of…… £6.99. Thought I may as well give it a whirl, especially as it was fragrance free and seemed to contain all of the anti-aging and brightening ingredients associated with much pricier department store brands.

It works. I’m not even kidding you. My Christian Dior skinflash now blends perfectly and with a touch of Armani high precision re-touch concealer on the darkest areas I am looking well rested and distinctly less ghoulish.

* A clever trick – ever come across Shu Uemura’s eye light pencil in white? the shimmery end on your lower lid inner rim works wonders. Not cheap but lasts forever.

With party season in full swing and well on the way to appearing at least a little more perky I was still on the look out for a fast fix boost to take me to full on “Lit From Within” proportions. In a recent interview the annoyingly golden and gleaming Cat Deeley (who’s luminous epidermis I can only dream of one day achieving) stated she uses a very posh face mask prior to red carpet events, SKII Facial Treatment. Apparently Madam D pops one in the fridge to cool, applies, leaves for 20 minutes and ends up looking nothing short of FABULOUS.

I nearly died when I saw the price. And then I nearly died when I saw the remarkable results. Smoother, plumper and dare I say it……even a wee bit younger. I would highly recommend asking Santa very very nicely if he might be feeling generous this festive period or just throwing caution to the wind and treating yourself for all your hard work in 2010….. Although closing your eyes and ears might be advisable when handing over the plastic.

If all else fails you can’t beat Mac’s Strobe Liquid. It’s like a lovely sheeny dream cream with pretty pink shiny bits that when mixed with your moisturiser or used as a highlighter, gives you a believable non-greasy dewy glow.

And if you folks have anything quick fix up your beauty queen sleeves we would LOVE to know about it.

Big No Longer Looking Grey Love

Charlotte xxx

Eye Whitening Pencil – Shu Uemura at Space NK

Posh Face Mask – SKII Facial Treatment at Harrods

Dark Circle Covering Concealer – Armani High Precision Re-Touch at Selfridges

Rich Face Moisturiser – Eucerin Q10 Active at Boots

De-Puffing Eye Cream – Tri Peptox Pro-Collagen at Sainsbury’s

Fancy Cleansing Brush – Clarisonic at Space NK

Glow Giving Highlighter/Primer – Strobe Liquid at MAC

So after a weekend traipsing around the fancy department store counters in the Big Smoke I thought I’d share a bit of glossy love.

Seasonal Fingertips

As much as I adore a coral or a hot pink polish in the summer months come autumn I can’t help but fall in love all over again with the darker richer and altogether shiner hues on offer. Inspired by Vicky’s ( Love Is The Light That Guides Us) recent Big Day deep red nails I hit the Chanel counter to purchase a bottle of the famous Rouge Noir, as classic as any french manicure if you ask me……

Whilst admiring the new Chanel limited edition collection a particularly unusual and amazing shade of lilac/grey caught my eye -”Paradoxal”, got me a bottle of that too, sure to become a cult favourite in no time I bet.

And if you really REALLY want the shortest, sexiest, and most sultry digits on the planet I suggest you consider Black Satin. The secret goth in me would love to pull it off.

Burberry Does Beauty

Not content with just creating the flashiest beige mac’s in designer-ville those check loving fashionista’s at Burberry have gone and created a whole line of to-die-for cosmetics too.

A vast selection of easy-to-wear ( but never boring) neutrals with silky soft formula’s and what might be some of the most “I’m going to get my powder compact out just because it’s so darn beautiful” packaging I have ever witnessed.

I was at the Harrods concession a long while.

I tried on a lot of items.

Then I went and bought a lot of items. Um, oops….

I know I know lovelies, just can’t help myself

Good news is I wore the luminous all in one powder foundation and it stayed looking air-brushed perfect ALL DAY. I also bought a lipstick in Cameo Pink and a lip liner in Nude Beige, together they make a lovely polished “wear anytime” lip…..I am having a complete love affair with my new purchases.

The Most Luscious Lashes?

Rebecca mentioned the new craze for lash growth serums a wee while back and not convinced by the hype I didn’t bother investing.

However…… when I read about the amazing results ladies had experienced with Rapidlash on a well respected beauty forum I simply had to give it a try. The recommendation is 8 weeks to see results however I’m on week 5 and there is some significant thickening and lengthening going on already. And most importantly no weird itchy/red eczema patches which is my main concern regarding any lotions or potions that go anywhere near my peepers.

Oh and I have also been slathering it on my brows in the hope they look a little less pathetic, earlier this week my beautician even mentioned they were looking “fuller”

Result!

Available at Boots stores nationwide.

* image courtesy of Shoot Photography

Charlotte Double Dare’s You

Those of you who didn’t read back through the comments on Laine and Danny’s wedding will be pleased to hear that the beautiful bride did in fact share her make-up bag secrets. And I was straight onto Maccosmetics.co.uk to purchase the gorgeous cremesheen gloss in Double Dare Laine wore on the Big day – the perfect pinky coral red.

I actually have a love/hate relationship with lipgloss, love the way it looks, hate the way it feels and find myself favouring lipstick or those lipstick/gloss hybrid’s that have a thicker, less sticky consistency.

MAC cremesheens are my new go-to for a natural day time lip as they are completely non goopy, they apply like butter and actually last longer than the majority of other brands I have tried.

And as it’s Thursday and as I think sometimes we just all need a bit of light relief I double dare you to share with us the naughtiest shopping trip you have indulged in, what you bought, why really you shouldn’t have and how much fun you had.

There is even a MAC Double Dare lipgloss up for graps for the funniest/most indulgent/naughtiest story……

Get commenting folks!

Big Daring Love

Charlotte xxx

P.S If you don’t fancy sharing your shopping trip news you can of course share a little bit of shopping bag news – I would love to know what new beauty buys you gorgeous lot have invested in recently…

It all began a few weeks ago whilst browsing the dreamy cosmetics department of the Manchester Harvey Nichols and I happened to stumble upon The Balm.

Queue lots of “ Ooh ahh lovely” “Oh My God I would buy this just for the name alone!”and “Ooh James look at this it is a special skin illuminiser – see how incredibly erm …illuminising it is!” whilst painting my hands with various types of lip goo and beaming like a complete goon.

NB ( My obsession with all things lip/lash/cheek enhancing is something James accepts but doesn’t necessarily understand)

The Balm was founded by the uber glamorous CEO Marissa Shipman who realised there was a gap in the market for multi-tasking products with a “beauty in 5 minutes” philosophy.

After investing in several “how to make make-up” books off Amazon and mixing a whole heap of gorgeous concoctions in her kitchen ( hmmm sounds much more fun than baking a cake)… Marissa designed a website, hired a chemist, got incorporated, and “The Balm” was well and truly born.

Previously only available in the US of A you gorgeous UK lot now get to try some The Balm fabulousness too, we are lucky lucky ladies….

And with such an abundance of brilliance what did I actually buy I hear you ask?

Down Boy Blush ( the perfect rosy pink flush for summer), Staniac in Beauty Queen ( makes my lips look cherry bitten ) and last but not least the Mary Lou Manizer . A little pot of honey-hued delicate sheen that lends a pretty youthful glow to your face and décolletage.

Oh and quote of the week?

“Youth is both a state of mind and a product of your make-up bag” – Marissa Shipman.

I think I might have a little bit of a girl crush on her.

The Balm is available at Harvey Nichols, Debenhams and on line at www.justbeautydirect.co.uk.

Go take a peek and tell us what you think and let us know what new items you have purchased recently;-)

Big Lou-Manizing Love

Charlotte xxx

So I made it my mission to achieve porcelain perfection in 6 short months, on the back of regular facials and a wicked skin care routine.

And my first stop? My GP.

La Pharmacia

There are all manner of lotions and potions out there ladies and skincare myths a-plenty but the real truth? Spots are all about bacteria or skin clogged sweat glands. It’s not as glamorous as the glossys lead us to believe but the answer lies in medicine not cleanser. So if you have a desire to remedy any greater a problem than a very occasional pimple, and particularly if the remnants of spots leave red marks on your skin, get yourself to your Doctor, pronto. (I’m not going to divulge what I used as each case is different, but suffice to say I used it for 10 weeks prior to wedding (and long after) and it did a great job – Please note all skins care treatments should be given at least 6-12 months to act, but there’s no harm in getting started!)

Ok so Biology lesson over, lets get on with the fun stuff. Given my blemish prone skin, I has been my want to try and starve it of moisture in the most, (I thought,) sensible approach to getting rid of grease. Strangely, I never had oily skin, just spots, and the answer itself lay in Oil. Aromatherapy oils, and lots of them.

Eve Lom, although firmly in the luxe skin care camp basically looks like Vaseline. Yummy smelling Vaseline that you smear all over your face when it’s dry and massage in to increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage. It’s like a mini facial every night and used with the muslin cloth provided (Yes, you would expect that for £48 a tub!) soaked in piping hot water and wrung out to hold against the skin and steam the cleanser into the pores, gives a really satisfying cleansing experience.

Eve Lom cleanser contains Egyptian chamomile, hops, clove and eucalyptus oil, together with cocoa butter to cleanse, tone, exfoliate all in one. And it’s no word of a lie. After steaming the face you use the cloth to buff off the cleanser in a circular motion removing all the makeup you were wearing plus hopefully, a ton of dead skin cells, never to darken a pore again.

Sell out Sucess.

The best thing about Eve Lom is that you can buy a starter collection for £25.00 which has 2 mini cleansers, the face cloth, a rescue mask, TLC Cream and SPF 15 day cream to try it out, and I really can’t recommend it highly enough. I have never come across a cleanser that after drying my face doesn’t leave my sin tight or flakey. Never. Until Eve came along.

I should also add that although it’s a pretty hefty price tag for a cleanser, each pot lasts me around 6 months, so not really that awful? Personally, I think it’s worth it for a great skin day everyday. Plus, with the lack of drying effects and your skin left comfortably soft, there’s no need for a second expensive item like toner or moisturiser.

Of course the range doesn’t stop there. I now use the Rescue Mask which is again, the first and only mask I’ve found that a. doesn’t break me out in a whole new set of spots, or b. actually works and stops current ones or future ones in their tracks! The Kiss Mix is divine and for a bit of sun protection I use the SPF 15 moisturiser which has a matte finish and forms the perfect make-up base. It’s Eve Lom all the way baby.

Are you all about Eve?

Do tell us all about your skin care regime running up to W-day and let us know if you are an Eve devotee or going to take the plunge…

Yours Truly,

Rebecca xoxo