As I’m sure everyone knows I am an official make-up junkie.

I love the stuff and wear several products every day – including liquid liner and a good few coats of mascara.

I’m accutely aware however that there are many lovely brides out there who actually don’t wear a lot of make-up, pursue the ultimate natural “look” and the thought of having to potentially pile on the slap just because it’s their wedding day fills them with dread.

Believe me I’ve met a few – the poor pets have literally melted under the make-up artist/sales consultant “You should wear this, this and this!!!!” spell – always with regret and on one occasion a complete refusal to admire her W-day photo’s so “overdone” was her maquillage.

Well we don’t ever want you to feel like that lovelies….

There is no need to change ANYTHING about your look for the Big Day if you don’t want to.

So for all you au natural ladies out there RMW have selected a range of ( what we consider) the perfect “Are they/aren’t they?” cosmetics that will just make you a slightly glossier version of your already gorgeous self.

Naked Ambition

Brows: As everyone knows they frame the face and a neat and tidy groomed pair can make you look instantly polished. MAC Brow Set is nothing short of genius, a tinted gel that fills in the patchy gaps and makes wayward strays stay put. Comes in clear and shades for blondes and brunettes.

Skin: Love the skin you’re in? Don’t feel the need to wear foundation but fancy a bit of flawless? Then Laura Mercier tinted Moisturiser is for you. Sheer, undetectable and comes in a vast array of face friendly shades. This product wins prestigious beauty awards left right and centre ( it’s that great) and is now available in a rich version for dry complexions and oil free for “say no to shine” types.

Cover: Aptly named “Nude” this new concealer from Christian Dior is sublime. Dot onto dark shadows and pat in gently for seamless coverage and/or around the sides of the nose to mask redness. I also used this on my somewhat tomato-like wind chapped cheeks last week and you couldn’t tell I had anything on at all.

Brilliant.

Get Your Glow On

Finish: I have tried a zillion million loose powders ( ok slight exaggeration but a fair few)…and I ALWAYS go back to this Chanel beauty. I wear it on its own in the summer with concealer – It does somehow make your skin more even without the need for foundation. I use shade 50 “Peche” as it gives a “Lit from within” glow.

Oh and a tub lasts FOREVER.

Lips: I can’t recommend one gloss – that would be ridiculous as there are so many great shades out there. Am a big fan of the NARS lip gloss pots though and “Chelsea Girls” is a particularly sexy pout enhancing hue.

And its not too goopy.

Cheek: A recent discovery and another gem from Madam Mercier, cream blush in “Oleander” – the perfect suits all “just went for a brisk walk in the park” blush. Blends like a dream and has pretty good staying powder for a cream formulation.

So then folks…. what natural products float your make-up boat – sticking to your much loved favourites for W-day or trying something new?

I did a bit of both to be truthful, invested in a few new pretty pieces but didn’t stray too much from looking like “me”.

Big Naked Love

Charlotte xxx

While Charlotte is the undisputed makeup guru around here I happen to have a few tricks up my sleeve for some bridal beauty buffing pre-wedding day.

Often the first thing brides think of in terms of a beauty regime is skincare, by which I mean facials, a good cleansing regime and moisturisers that perfect all your hard work. But with gowns getting ever more inventive and an often sun soaked honeymoon hot on the big day’s heels, what of the body beautiful?

There are pleanty of beauty treatments designed to tighten, tone and make your skin shine but with so many different aspects of planning to stretch the budget, this is one area you can save a few pennies and still get skin sexy with some home skin priming for perfection.

I Aint no Scrubber!

I’ve long been a devotee of the body scrub and it’s ability to turn the roughest backside into silky smooth skin. Not all scrubs are equal however so here are my personal favourite which I guarantee will slough off any undesirable bumps and leave you with a bottom as smooth as a babys.

First up, my absolute favourite Sanctuary Salt Scrub. In a gloopy oil based liquid this salt scrub smells absolutely heavenly and is rough enough to smooth your skin to perfection, yet the oil base stays on the skin meaning you can skip on moisturiser and skip out of the door in no time! Probably not the best for oily skin, it’s never-the-less a life saver for dry winter damaged hides.

Like your skincare natural? Then it doesn’t get better than this… Buffy the Backside Slayer from Lush. Nothing to do with vampires, this scrub bar was inspired by the beautiful Brazilian women who rub a mixture of sand and suntan oil on their bodies to improve circulation and reduce cellulite. Mixed with cocoa and shea butters (to soften and moisturize), ground rice, almonds and aduki beans (to exfoliate you to velvety perfection,) voila, Buffy was created! This is another super moisturiser too, perfect for dry skin.

Fancy a scent-sational treat? Origins Incredible Spreadable Ginger scrub has a fabulous Ginger boost to revitalise your senses yet with warming properties to cosset you as we move from Winter into Spring and you get ready to bare! Once again, a heavy duty scrub with good sized rough bits, a handful of this stuff will smooth your bumpy bits away and make you smile.

In your Arms

Nearly every woman I have ever spoken to gets those annoying little bumps on the top of their arms and I’m no exception. With a dose of sun the only sure fire way I knew of to get rid of them, but being sun safe here at Rock My Wedding that was no longer an option and I had to find a solution fast before Wedding day! Correctly named hyperkeratosis pilaris the condition improves with age and can be treated by your doctor with salicylic acid preparations. I preferred to go down the ‘extra time in the bathroom’ route and discovered a gem…

Exfoliating Gloves from Boots cost around £2-4 and used daily with your usual shower gel may just be the most effective thing I have ever stumbled upon to make your upper arms bump free again. The key here is being religious about it and using the glove EVERY day as it is a build up of keratin that causes the ‘plugs’ which must be kept at bay!

With all this buffing you’ll need to keep on top of your skins moisture levels and Lush Dream Cream is my top pick to do just that. With a distinctive smell of the ‘acquired taste’ variety, (Although I’m a complete addict now!) this body cream was developed to superbly moisturise and calm troubled skin. With a calming oat meal base it’s packed with every soothing plant the geniuses at Lush could find: tea tree, lavender and chamomile, moisturizing olive oil and loads more. It’s the only cream I have found that leaves my skin as soft at the end of the day as when I first applied it that morning.

And last of all, if you are a fan of layering your fragrance I’m also a convert to theGinger Souffle also by Origins. This luxurious cream really melts in and leaves your skin smelling all gingery, warm and zingy

Ahhhh, breath a sigh of relaxed relief. Lock yourself in the bathroom for some quality time, soak away the day, scrub yourself silly, then smooth things over and sleep like a baby.

You can thank me later

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

My name is Charlotte and I’m a Macaholic.

I was just sweet 16 when it all began….

It’s 1996 -M.A.C had recently come to London and was already achieving “cult” status. My lovely Mum ( who seems to be in the know about these things often even before my make-up artist sister and I even have half a clue)…..takes a trip to the make-up mecca that is Harvey Nichols ground floor and purchased a few pieces of the sleek shiny black packaged cool that is “Make-up Art Cosmetics” for little teenage me.

In the little “white” HN bag….

Twig lipstick.

Vanilla eyeshadow.

Studio Fix Powder Foundation in C2.

I can remember exactly. Pretty sad right?

13 years later and I’m afraid to say there is no known cure for my addiction. I am possessed, obsessed and totally devoted to all things glossy, pretty and M.A.C

Now I don’t use these particular items any longer ( although I did for years – my Mum has great taste) but I do use a whole heap of other M.A.C fabulousness that I want to shout about.

Every Day Natural

Ricepaper Eyeshadow I sweep this across my lids every day for a “I look like I have had more sleep than I actually did” pop of champagne shimmer. It doesn’t move -seriously not even if I go to the gym straight after work. Neither does it irritate my contact lens.

Prrr Lipglass A glossy slightly goopy pale pink. I rub this on with my finger if in a rush or wear over most lipsticks for a bit of shine. Popular with all sorts of glamorous celebrity types like Paris Hilton and Victoria Beckham.

Well Dressed Blush An uber natural beigey pink with glowy bits blush. Suits almost every skintone. Everyone I have applied it on/lent it to has gone out and bought one. It really is that great.

Evening Sexy

Point Black Liquid Last Liner This is BLACK and has a nice pearly sheen. Once you have mastered the knack you can create a perfect sex kitten flick that is completely melt proof.

Viva Glam V Lipstick A natural pink with slight mauve undertones and a subtle lustre. Every penny made from the sale of a Viva Glam lipstick goes towards the M.A.C Aids fund so you can be charitable as well as gorgeous.

Steamy Eyeshadow My favourite blueish green eye candy. Works brilliantly for a smoky eye look and blends like an absolute dream.

Did you know that if you take 6 empty M.A.C containers back to your nearest counter you get a free lipstick? Oh yes you do – they call it “back to M.A.C” and it’s flippin’ genius.

I also love ( even if my wallet doesn’t ) the monthly limited edition collections they bring out. There is ALWAYS at least one item that I lust after and the campaigns are nothing short of incredible in terms of styling and design.

Out right now is a little gem of a collection called “Have a Love Affair” which is entirely appropriate because believe me you WILL want to have a love affair with this to-die-for array of lip luciousness….

My wish list currently includes lipstick in Lovelorn and dazzle glass in baby sparks……

Are you addicted to M.A.C?

Well we want to know what your top products are so we have yet another reason to go visit a counter

Big sleek black shiny packaged Love

Charlotte xxx

I am not and never have been a skincare snob.

Don’t get me wrong – I love as much as the next person a fancy pants bottle adoring my bathroom shelf and the promise of complexion perfection and eternal youth ( Yup I have believed I would in fact wake up looking like one of those flawless poreless 19 year old airbrushed models after smearing myself in “the latest cult” moisturiser)

But really folks….a lot of it really is utter marketing Boll*cks.

Believe me I’ve tried enough “wonder products” and consulted enough dermatologists to finally realise the fact that spending lots of your hard earned dollar doesn’t necessarily equal a blemish free epidermis. It often just means you get some incredibly stylish packaging. And uber cool advertising campaigns.

Now I’m by no means any expert but I have put together a few of my cheap but chic favourites for you to try if you are unhappy with your current routine. And clearly it won’t cost you the earth.

Cleansing

PONDS Cold Cream Much loved and been around for donkey’s years this pot of ponds is ideal if your skin is desperately dry ( or just in need of a deep cleanse with a softly softly approach)…. use with a warm damp flannel to remove every scrap of make-up and leave you all fresh and dewy.

AVENE eye-make-up remover No oils, fragrance or nasty chemicals this lightweight gel is perfection for sensitive peepers whilst still removing layer upon layer of mascara ( seriously I’ve tested it – 5 layers of black lash goop, liquid liner, eyeshadow, glitter the works…..this baby removes it without a single tingle)

NIVEA for men sensitive face wash And no I don’t just mean for your man, I LOVE this stuff – it’s mild, it’s gentle and it removes impurities without leaving your skin feeling taut. It is also under £4 ( total bargain!) and you can even buy it in Tesco. One to put in your trolley when you next pop out for peas.

Hydrating

AVEENO moisturising cream A few years ago I had burning bumpy rashy eczema nightmare all over my cheeks and forehead and feeling blue about the whole situation went and booked myself a consultation with a very well respected UK dermatologist ( You have your skin for life so I figured it was worth the investment).

He recommended this cream.

And I have used it religiously ever since.

I use a weeny bit as an eye cream when my skin is super dry, whenever I get a patch of eczema or just when I feel like it. Has a nice matt effect finish and the natural collodial oatmeal does a great job of reducing redness.

OLAY complete care It has spf 15, it sinks in a treat and seems to work well under make-up. It doesn’t leave you resembling a chip pan either. What more could you want eh?

ROSA MOSQUETA treatment oil This beauty oil is rich in essential fatty acids and is especially effective as an intensive before bedtime treat – I rub a few drops in ( avoiding the eye area) and wake up glowing. Rosa Mosqueta is renowned for its scar reducing capabilities – I have used it on mine and they really are less noticeable. Available at all good health food stores.

Treatments

NO 7 total renewal exfoliator I’ve tried a lot of facial scrubs ( expensive and not so much) and this is by far my favourite. It really seems to remove dead skin cells without leaving you lobster like. I use it once/twice a week and follow with the Aveeno cream.

VASELINE petroleum jelly Anyone not own one of these blue tubs of delight? I don’t just use it for lips though, I also use it on my brows when they are having a mental ( I like the sheen) and when my nose is incredibly dry from a cold ( like erm… the whole of this week) – I rub a little bit in and leave it over night. Doesn’t look particularly attractive but does the job.

FREEDERM gel I’ll be honest I tend to sway towards flakes rather than spots but if ever I do feel a potential pimple arise I whack some of this almost invisible magic on the offending area. By morning it is no where to be seen.

Minus the Rosa Mosqueta oil all of these bits of lovely can be found at larger Boots stores.

Use any of this cheap and thrilling skincare?

Use any cheap and thrilling skincare that we need to know about?

Then please drop us a comment, would love to know what’s out there that works and doesn’t necessarily cost the earth.

Big cheap and thrilling Love

Charlotte xxx

Some time ago we featured the very fabulous Victoria’s “Old Skool Glamour” wedding where she was sporting a seriously sexy glowing skin and red-lipped make-up look.

And the genius behind the perfect canvas? why… the very talented Kit Hall from Slap Artists of course. Kit has worked on all sorts of magazine features, music promo’s, T.V shows and obviously a whole lot of gorgeous brides.

Kit rocks.

And she has kindly sent two posts to be featured in Beauty not Beast, the first being her absolute MUST HAVE beauty buys to help you create that much coveted fresh faced picture perfect pretty.

For cosmetics junkies this article is soooooo darn good.

And therefore for my own personal bank balance it’s SERIOUSLY bad.

Enjoy.

Primer – Philosophy the present
This smoothes the texture of the skin, fills in open pores and provides a long lasting base on which to apply makeup.

Foundation – Chanel Vital Lumiere
I love this medium coverage foundation. It is luminous, even’s skintone and is easy to use. I would recommend no heavier than medium coverage foundation, if you have specfic areas that require move cover use concealer, after applying foundation.

Concealer – Chantecaille Total concealer
Expensive but worth every penny. It is versatile and can be used on blemishes, sun marks and under the eye’s.

illuminator – Clinque Airbrush Concealer
Illuminates and smooths, lifts creases around the eye area. I prefer the colour of this one to Touch Eclat.

Powder – Mac Loose Blot
Lightweight powder which controls shine and sets makeup without caking or taking away the glow from the skin. It is essential to set your base and powder provides a blending base for blush and bronzer.

Eye base – Mac paint pot in Bare Canvas or Sublime Natures (depending on skintone)
This is a cream eyeshadow which used as an eyebase will stop your eyeshadow creasing and provide a blank canvas on which to apply eyeshadow.

Mascara – Max Factor Masterpeice
Great value for money, go for waterproof for your wedding day.

Eyeliner – Mac Blacktrack
This is a soft kohl liner that comes in a pot, apply it with a Ruby and Millies flat liner brush. It can be blended into your eyeshadow to create a more dramatic look or applied close to the lash line to define the eye’s and enhance the lashes.

Eyeshadow – I recommend investing in a chanel 4 or dior 5 colour eyeshadow compact. These have really good pigment, blend really easily and the colours in the compact compliment each other and will provide a complete eye look.

Blush – Illamasqua cream blushes
A cream blush is longer wearing than a powder blush, these have great pigment. Use sparingly and blend well. For real impact and a very long lasting finish layer a powder blush in a similar shade on top

Lipstick – Mac
Jubilee is a great neutral shade that I use again and again on brides. A nuetral with a hint of pink is very flattering in photographs.

Lipgloss – Nars
Great colours with good pigment that aren’t to sticky. Apply sparingly on your wedding day, just enough to add a little shine and lift your lips.

So then, how many of you are now going to purchase at least one item off this lust list?

I have at least 3 on my own ( not to mention I already have a few of these beauties already – chanel eyeshadow quads are divine…..)

Kit Hall will be back tomorrow with excellent advice on the make-up Do’s and Don’ts….don’t miss it!

Big Junkie Love

Charlotte xxx

Ok so it’s the 22nd December…..have you bought all of your presents?

No?

Looking for some cheap but lovely stocking fillers?

Then look no further – us ladies at RMW have a selection of beauty must-haves all for under a tenner and all available at your local Boots.

Max Factor

For non bank breaking luscious lashes you can’t beat MF mascara’s for their advanced formulations and no clump brushes. We like False Lash effect for thickness and the fairly new lash extension for length. If you are feeling like you want the best of both worlds then do exactly that – buy both and LAYER people.

Been around for ages but relatively under the “it’s A.mazing” radar is MF Facefinity compact powder foundation. Colour range is not great but the finish is. I wear it alone when I fancy heavier coverage than my usual all-in-one offers and Melissa brushes hers on top of a liquid base for a perfect no-budge matt finish.

Maybelline

Maybe she’s born with it?

erm nope.

It’s just the clever folks at Maybelline know what they are doing when it comes to budget end make-up.

The minerals concealer is creamy and translucent, perfect for those little red patches around the nose area and under eye circles. It’s a little on the thick side but nothing a dot of moisturiser can’t fix.

Their mousse blush pot is also a winner for dry winter cheeks ( I have Dolly Pink) and their express nail polish is not only a bargain but also comes in a myriad of colours and as it dries in a flash you can switch shades as often as you fancy with absolute minimal fuss.

So then ladies, any cheap beauty thrills you rate that we need to know about?

There are still 3 shopping days to go until Santa comes down the chimney you know

Big Thrilling ( but cheap!) Love

Charlotte xxx