More than a BB!

Plenty has been said on BB creams in recent months and there are so many on the market but which one to try?

  I used these Une BB Cream Foundations on about 8 women last week, all different skin types and complexions, these worked wonders.  

To look at, some of the shades appear darker than they do on the skin, choose carefully and maybe one shade up from what you see.  The smooth finish and fine texture allows for skin to peep through whilst nourishing and protecting, as well as createing such a beautiful, natural look, that also adds a delicate dewiness.  For those with oily skin, this BB Cream Foundation tends to shine well, without caking, for dry skin this adds moisturising properties. 

Une's BB are creams; this means speed for application.  I wouldn't recommend the brush it comes with in the mirrored, sliding palette, too small though handy for around the eye area, instead a flat or flat top foundation brush works for an even complexion.  Use of fingers might be a 'no, no' too as the warmth of hands might melt and create a slippery base.

Only £14.99, 100% natural, refillable, available in 7 shades and out now in Boots stores.

http://www.unebeauty.com/en/

Dior, more to love!

Get ready for more colour!  I know Autumn/Winter doesn't often exude the most vibrant of colour palettes but we like to see a splash here and there.

These warm, russet red/orange shades with flecks of gold are the delectable Dior lip and nail shades ready to launch next week.  I have used them on a few shoots and at the recent 'Miss Dress' event, for ladies looking to be styled head to toe by Clare Watson and her team.  Many ladies took a shine to these and declared them as 'wearable', 'sassy' and 'a great alternative to block red I've worn all summer'.  So don't be put off that only models can get away with these colours, that is not the case.

Rouge Dior in 961 Nocturne and Dior Vernis in 651 Merveille will be out along with the new Diorskin Forever Foundation on 3rd October. http://www.dior.com

If at first it doesn't work, try, try again and again!

Some months ago, the very kind people at Konjac Sponge Company offered to send me one of their remarkable sponges, which had already proven a hit with many beauty bloggers (just see from their blog page http://www.konjacspongecompany.com/blog/  I wasn't going to say no, so accepted with great expectations.
A few months later, I told them truthfully that I had attempted to use the French Pink Clay sponge, for hypersensitive skin, a few times but found it drying and unremarkable, though in these past few months I had been overloaded with skincare products and some further health issues, therefore my skin was feeling more delicate than usual.  My skin is not in bad 'nick', just the odd blemish but I do suffer from it feeling terribly dry and uncomfortably so due to having Hypothyroidism.  This is a common complaint and so I believed this sponge was not right for me so no hard feelings!
I kept my sponge and would occasionally try it again but I found the same complaint, what was I doing wrong?  Why are so many people loving it?

Ah, well, now I am not one to be negative about products, if it doesn't work for me or in my kit, then I daren't declare it a 'must-not-have' beauty product, as I am not the masses and one negative declaration is unfair.  Last week, I thought my Konjac sponge deserved one more chance seeing as I had given my skin a break from testing skincare delights, had a burst of adequate amounts of Vitamin D and that the weather had changed and had me bustling from air conditioned rooms to central heating to blustery days, this final test should amount to something.

The bad news is, I now have to eat my words, even though I had not been publicly 'slating' Konjac, I did let the lovely Konjac people know that I couldn't blog about it.  The good news is, I have found it remarkable and a reliable cleanser for my sensitive skin.  My pores are looking clearer, which is great news as I do have areas of open pores around my nose and a tendency to blocked pores when spraying hair product in poorly ventilated rooms at work.  I have also found that I was probably not using it confidently enough on my skin, as I was hesitant it might feel harsh and abrasive.  The sponge appears to work well pressed firmly to skin and now I can honestly say this is a huge bonus to my beauty routine.
My lesson has been learnt, somethings do come to those who wait a while and give it another go!

Little nippers!

I'm not known for being a complete nail expert but of course, needs must and most jobs entail some kind of nail work.  

Just like on this Scholl photoshoot.  Toes nails and buffed heels were a must, therefore I used my trusty nail kit of scissors, clippers, nail hoof, cuticle remover etc from my Mister Mascara set, that no longer exists it seems, though these nail tools have lasted well, at least 10 years and only just on their way out.

I recently purchased a few items from a reputable pharmacy, to replace the weathered tools though most definitely felt I might be missing something.  I was!  The Tweezerman Squeeze & Snip Nipper to tame cuticle, rid those hangers on's and with it's own cover. 

And here's a closer look along with the extendable nail file.  More handy tools, that's what I like!

The Big Brush Blog Post!

'Tools of the trade' is a term used a lot and to a Make Up Artist, this is not just a throw away comment or something of a gimmick, it can define you as an artist.
From a young age I've had a close connection with art and in my early years I played with mediums from oils to charcoal, pastels to watercolour, the brushes or techniques used were at times traditional or experimental and I found my strength grew with watercolour and ink.  I loved the fluidity of the wash of colour and the intense outlines from the inks.  The bonus was that I could work quickly, whether I was rambling through forests or along coastlines or even sat in a tropical hideaway, I would have time to create a loose impression of anything that captured my eye.

Roll on quite a hefty handful of years as a Make Up Artist, my brushes feel like an extension of my hand which help to create line, washes of colour, intensity and depth, angles and most of all create or enhance beauty.  I have wanted to write a post about brushes for some time though I've felt a little stuck as to how to explain how to use brushes; how can one define the touch or pressure of another. Impossible for me, therefore, I am showing you tools I like, that are recent additions to my kit and why I like them.  Happy reading!

Left to Right with click throughs:  Shisedo Eyelash Curler, Revlon Blush Brush (I use as Powder Brush mainly), Make Up For Ever 55N Powder/Foundation Brush, Cozzette P300 Angled Foundation Brush, Mii Precise Concealer Brush (often used as Lip Brush), Chanel Brow/Lash Brush, Smashbox Angle Brow Brush No.12,  Guru No. 5 Blending Brush, Suqqu Eyeshadow Brush F (Flat), Suqqu Eyeshadow Brush M (Rounded), Suqqu Cheek Brush, Suqqu Lip Brush L

The Eyelash Curlers: I know that everyone recommends Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers, which are indeed award winning, however, I've found I love the grip and pressure of the Shisedo ones which I've used for over ten years and gather there might not be much difference in it.  I've recently tried the Suqqu ones which I find too tight, though maybe in time they will feel right.

The Powder/Blush Brush: Revlon have revamped their brush range with the help of backstage genius, Gucci Westman, with all the will in the world to make a pro-like brush kit as possible.  They are not far off, though it is a shame the handles are so short, nevertheless, these synthetic brushes hold up well.   The Blush Brush is a superb size for a flush of blush or light dusting of powder to finish.

The Powder/Foundation Brush: I'm pleased to say Make Up For Ever have once again hit my radar, particularly this popular flat top style brush for an airbrushed effect.  I like the size and firmness from the mix of Goat and Nylon hair, plus the fact it doesn't moult like other brands (I shan't mention) that are on the market.  I can lightly buff on a liquid or cream foundation, even mineral powders to achieve a soft veil of coverage.

The Angled Foundation Brush: Not only is this Cruelty/Vegan Free and a good looking brush to say the least, the Cozzette has been a welcome addition to my brush roll.  I have always been a fan of the Cover FX synthetic and natural foundation brushes, No.170 Precision Foundation Brush and No.160 Cream Foundation Brush and continue to use these, though what with the ever changing face of foundations I feel I can cover more ground with speed, around contours of the face, with the Cozzette P300 with the help of its angled design.

The Concealer Brush (or is it?): I rarely use this as a concealer brush but when I do the precision is there and most definitely works for clever concealing around the eyes, however I think the Mii brush works as a decent lip brush! The gentle tip assists with ease around the lip line so too the firmness of the brush for extreme colour application.

The Brow/Lash Brush:  These types of brushes really haven't moved on and when I get the chance I'd like to redesign them.  However, over the years I have destroyed many of these brow/lash brushes as they cannot withstand pressure or bend too easily and fail to retain their stiffness.  I find Chanel have a good enough design to take the pressure plus the sturdy handle means its unlikely to get chucked in the bin any time soon.

The Angled Brow Brush: I cannot tell you how much I am a brow person.  The thought of plucking someone's brows into shape excites me (yes, I must get out more) but brows really do frame the face and can make or break a look.  This brush is such a winner, as well as being able to fill in brows whilst retaining softness, I can steady the brush to draw in an immediate arch effortlessly. This is most certainly a gem and worth every penny!

The Blending Brush: As much as I am technical, I don't always like a brush to be labelled as 'blending', 'socket' brush.  Obviously, you choose a brush to achieve results and being experimental about it helps  to create individual style!  This Guru Blending Brush blends well into the eye area and sockets in a heart beat and at times I find I use it for pressing in eye colour, even glitters, quickly onto eye lids and sometimes for highlighting the brow bone.

The Flat Eyeshadow Brush: This is a supersoft brush, as all Suqqu brushes are, with quite a few uses one being cream eyeshadow, second being pressed eyeshadow to achieve a smooth, even finish and with its flat design glides along the lower lash line very well.  I have used this as a concealer brush too!

The Rounded Eyeshadow Brush: A rounded brush such as this is superb for sockets and softening eyeshadow as well as cream eyeshadow around the eye shape.  I find Suqqu brushes exceptionally soft, easy to clean and although they are not cheap, I can bet they will be in my kit for at least ten years.

The Blusher Brush: The Suqqu Cheek brush has become a talking point.  I use this on almost every make up job and without fail once it is touching someone's cheeks they declare the softness is second to none.  I think the brush itself is so small it most likely just tickles cheeks but saying that I do get a lovely natural, contoured colour to cheeks.

The Lip Brush: In recent years lip brushes all seemed to be much of a much, quite rounded or have ridiculous points which never held up after once wash making me reach for eye liner or concealer brushes, so when I acquired my Suqqu Lip Brush, I felt a sigh of relief, it looks, feels and is a lip brush.  I like the flat top which I can work around a lip line for a perfect line, especially for the ever popular 'red lip'.  The price I do not know but I imagine it to be at the higher end, though I must insist the natural hair is exquisite and has not lost it's shape.

Amazonian Soul Soap.

Nope, it's not a rare piece of crystal but a soap by Paraguayan masters of all things organic, natural and fair-trade, Wembe.  These have been on my beauty radar for a few years now and I have been eager for them to skid into the UK market.

For those keen on traditional soaps you may think again when using Wembe, made of the finest Amazonian exotic ingredients and named after one of the locations most well-known plants as they are so gentle and not at all capable of stripping the skin.  The soaps lather up beautifully and act as perfect cleansers for sensitive skin with the bonus of knowing you are benefiting from the blend of scents which detoxify and sooth.

There are plenty in the range to choose from amongst the other reasonably prices Wembe beauty wonders, just click here http://www.beautywall.co.uk/

Eye spy something to shout about!

I wasn't planning to mention Natura Bisse products I was recently sent as a thank you but have to give praise to this little god send!
I'm currently working on a TV job and most of this month has been full of TV commercials equalling long days, ridiculously early starts and effectively looking pretty tired, some might say haggard.  Although I tend to look tired regardless of a heavy workload or not, I have never found an eye cream that assists in allowing all day luminosity until now.  Don't get me wrong, I will continue to alternate my Avon Anew  Eye Lift and Ole Henriksen Truth About Eyes at night to keep puffiness at bay but daytime brightness hasn't been discovered for a long time as I crave a lightweight consistency only.
Natura Bisse is a luxurious brand with claims of remarkable results, I'm sold!  Every time I've had the pleasure of using NB I've been impressed, although the price tag can be a little off putting.  The Cure Sheer Eye, however is around the £100 mark but I believe it's worth every penny as you only need a drop of product from the pump dispenser, to pat around the eye area.  The texture is very slightly waxy and has a sheer tint of beige which works on my mid to dark complexion.  My eyes are left with a sheen all day which softly blurs my naturally deep shadows.  
I feel quite addicted to this brightness now and knowing that it looks so natural and feels lovely...the claim is clearly stated 'provides anti wrinkle effect' and it does!  The downside is, I can't seem to find a UK link for this product. One thinks an online petition to get this over to the UK pronto is a must!