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Talon-Tastic.

January 16th, 2012

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.

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Squeaky Clean And Silky Smooth.

January 4th, 2012

As winter arrives I tend to try a few new skincare products to take away the inevitable dullness and central-heating induced dry flakes (Ahem. Who am I trying to kid – I am a product junkie, any old excuse…).

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?

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Beauty Geeks.

October 19th, 2011

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…..

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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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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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