Keep it clean!

Hygiene is high on my list of priorities as a Make Up Artist and it should be for any beauty user.
Many individuals, sitting in my make up chair have admitted never cleaning their 10 year old blusher brush, whilst in the same conversation declaring their skin unpredictable with incurable spots.  Er, hello!!!
I beg to differ, a little common sense and thought is all that is required.  Cleaning brushes regularly with shampoo, brush cleaner or good old fashioned Fairy Liquid to avoid bacteria growth, which leads to those unsightly pimples is a 'no brainer'.  Throwing away products when their consistency or smell changes and most definitely your mascara, every 3 months maximum without fail is not senseless but sensible.
At work, if I didn't follow the hygiene code of conduct, I would be passing on bad practice and bacteria time after time.  Make Up Artists have to set standards and quite frankly it makes for a better artist!
I use spatulas, artists palettes to dispense products, hand sanitizers, disposable mascara and lipgloss wands etc.  Unfortunately, it wasn't something I was taught at college many years ago, but since following simple steps and procedures along the way, it has become second nature, just as making up a face has.
All quite simple really, you wouldn't eat off a dirty plate now, would you?!

To find out more about practising safe beauty and to invest in essential products, go to The Pro Make Up Shop www.thepromakeupshop.com  

A Simple Start to Cleansing.

I don't like to bombard brains with beauty jargon, after all, we just want to try a beauty product and know that it works, right?
Right! So let me introduce you to Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Anti Ageing Facial Starter Kit, a nifty cleansing routine encompassing a 'common sense' method through massage techniques using the botanical  Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm and aromatherapy infused Rosehip Exfoliating Seeds, which can be added to the balm to gently remove debris, with additional help from the Dual Action Buff and Polish Cleansing Cloth. 
I love this 'system' and there is a 'system', so for those of you who are lazy but complain of 'bad skin', going through the motions of a cleansing routine such as this will make you, stop, contemplate and learn about your skins needs.  By following the simple facial techniques shown in the kit, you will be guided towards improved toning, sculpting and circulation for your face and neck.
To end your routine the kit includes Natural Lift and Sculpt Hydrating and Firming Treatment Moisturiser and Natural Lift and Sculpt Firming Eye Serum, again more beneficial when applying facial methods for uplifting results and to penetrate the deep into the skin to complete your Amazing Face facial.

What's all the Faas?

I love space saving products, without a doubt!
Better still, make-up that stays in place and does what it says it will do, so when I was introduced to Ellis Faas a few months ago, I knew I had to have the range in my kit immediately.
The packaging is clearly genius silver bullets of high performance ingredients which include the Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes; spectrum of up-to the-minute catwalk shades which achieve a long lasting solid eye colour or subtle wash.  If you love smokey eyes the darker shades are a 'must-have' and glide on with ease, making for a very quick, easy, fool-proof dynamic look.

There is more to be said about Ellis Faas such as the twist-up Concealer and brush-on Skin Veil Foundations unstoppable performance; guaranteed coverage with a clever choice of shades proving Ellis Faas herself is Make Up Artist of integrity and exceptional consideration to her craft.  I have not stopped using these since they adorned my make-up kit and the products have intrigued many clients no end and these days, with many requests for the perfect red lips, I eagerly direct them to the Ellis Faas Red.
I shall be keeping an eye on the Ellis Faas brand and if I could award Best Newcomer to my kit, this would be the one for innovation, performance and quality results.

Scrub off the old, reveal the new!

New Year, new skin!
It goes without saying, we've all partied and over indulged over the festive period and to our horror our skin is clogged, dull and all partied out.  What better way to reveal refreshed, revived and clearer skin than with Foaming Facial Scrub by Melvita, Natural and Organic Cosmetics, ideally used once or twice a week before your cleansing routine.
The micro particles of Bamboo Tears gently exfoliate and lift off dead skin and debris, whilst the foaming ingredients wash away to expose a refined complexion.
"Will it dry my skin?"  I hear you cry!  No, no, the Pink Corraline (an enriched seaweed) protects, the Jojoba and Carnuba Wax work to moisturise, therefore, no uncomfortable tightening and possibly guilt-free partying until next year.