Perfect reds!

On my search for the perfect red for a good friend of mine, I stumbled across this vivid red which was tucked away in my 'haven't tried it yet but will' bag in my beauty office.

Some of you fine ladies and avid 'red lippie' wearers, including my dear friend, probably have an ever growing stash of all kinds of red lipsticks due the ongoing search for the perfect red.  

Pictured above is just that, a red with enough pink, orange and crimson to balance well for enviable lips; namely Dior in Ara Red.

Instant Lift!

We all want instant results don't we?

I would certainly love to find that one workout gives me an immediate toned physique but who am I kidding?

If I can't have that then what else is there?

Lengthy lift to my lashes? Yes, please and I may just have found the magic mascara to enable just that!

Before I reveal the brand and product name, just take a look at my eye with no sign of make-up first thing this morning.

I am, some would say a complete convert to eye lash curlers but not today, I am really giving this new mascara (which is not out until the end of August) a thorough test-drive.  One coat has been applied to my lashes and already we have lift and definition.  Also, this true black mascara dries quickly but remains flexible enough to apply more should you wish to.

 I didn't stop there.  Another coat and more lift, in fact, are they even real?

Last week, I wore this mascara twice and each day someone stopped me in mid-conversation to ask if my lashes were real, what am I using and where can I purchase this 'false-effect' mascara, NOW?

Here she is and what a beauty! Yes, this miracle lift mascara is from those clever minxes at Benefit who have created the ultimate wand.  Notice the plastic bristles at the top of the wand; sphere-like to nudge those lashes to full capacity and beyond.

And here is a better look at 'they're Real' in it's hourglass packaging, something of a nice surprise from Benefit to tantalise us with a slick bullet of impact and sophistication.

My only concerns, although I am truly impressed with 'they're Real', is that it may dry up quite quickly and run out in no time but only time will tell.

Stoney Toned Toes.

I love talking nail colours and more often than not, bright shades, which are a little playful and work well against my skin colour. Since April, I've worn all shades of coral, occasionally beige, though generally towards a more orangey palette but never deep or darker shades, never!
Seeing as our summer seems to have gone AWOL, I have vowed to continue to wear my wintry attire and today, I adopted this idea to my toe nails using Rituals Amber Stone.  I adore this warm grey shade!  In daylight it adopts an aubergine-like tone which makes it extremely flattering on all skin tones, certainly more than other 'greys' I've accumulated overtime, plus tends to be a popular, though curious choice in my nail kit.  Sadly, there aren't many clients who recognise Rituals extend their cosmetics range to nail colours.  Therefore, they deserve a mention as they are exceptionally good.

In an attempt to achieve longer lasting colour, I prepped toes with Andrea Fulerton Nail Boutique Pre-Varnish Prep, without doubt this is a genius product and dries quickly to prepare the nail bed with a smooth, residue-free canvas. I then applied Rituals Amber Stone, one coat I might add, just one, yes, one!  The brush does all the work so I painted with ease, then finished off with Rituals Top Coat, which I class as one on the most effective top coats on the market; it lasts, remains shiny for up to 5 weeks and creates the ultimate finish.
I now can't stop looking at my feet, maybe as I am used to a bright pop of colour beaming back at me but I think more so because I love this intense, stoney shade and delighted at the quality finish of Rituals.  I dare you to try a new shade and above all, try a brand you've not tried, you could be pleasantly surprised!

Is there an aid to healthy hair?

I've reported many a time about my hairloss and all the natural or bizarre remedies I've tried but since growth and thickening have gradually taken shape,  how have I managed to keep my hair well maintained and in good condition?
I used to be a once-a-day hair washer in my youth, when I would style my hair using the latest styling range and attempt super sticky coiffed looks from either an entire can of mousse or bottle of gel spray. These days, I couldn't think of anything worse and love to be product-free to feel silky soft hair and see a natural sheen on my locks, which is why I now try not to wash my hair too often.  Vigorous washing in hot water can lead to more weakness, especially around the hairline and that is the last thing I need,  therefore a relaxed approach to my routine has me washing every few days alternating between an organic range and Viviscal Shampoo and Scalp Cleanser.

Before using Viviscal Shampoo and Scalp Cleanser, I have to admit I felt a faint pang and an expectation that this product would smell medicinal.  Then I thought I might feel a grimy residue in my hair whilst rinsing as you find with so many thickening shampoos.  I then anticipated my hair would feel thicker yet dull and difficult to style.  I was wrong on ALL accounts and 'it does what it says on the tin' with the aid of stimulating ingredients: wheat proteins, Vitamin E, Caffeine and Panthenole (VitB6) to optimise growth and healthy hair.
Mission accomplished!

Sleek Recollection!

Yet another blog about Sleek Cosmetics Eye Colour Palettes! Yes and I have good reason, they are a decent staple and this palette in Monaco is a good mix of brights and neutral shades.  Perfect for daytime to occasion!

I used Sleek back in the early 90's when I was beginning my career as a Make Up Artist with a low budget for purchasing darker foundation shades for my kit.  Back then it was not so easy to find a brand that would stretch from olive or tanned to dark shades.  The quality wasn't too good but it filled a whole for a little while. Their eye shadows never hit my radar which is why I am beyond thrilled to see a versatile palette such as this.

During my trip to Superdrug, whilst prepping for a TV commercial I also came across Sleek Glitter Eyeliners, Hollywood a star studded gold and the minty spangly, Mojito. I was impressed with the palette and found these equally fabulous.

As part of my research into the character for this TV commercial I came up with this sparkly combo for eye make up.  I like the sheen and lime green hue of Kiwi Zest combined with the glitter of Mojito, it fits my brief well, although I may prefer a matte eye shadow instead.  All in all it was a pleasant surprise to have this brand back in my kit.  Keep it up!

So Delicately Discontinued!

Is there any point in me declaring my love of Bourjois So Delicate when they are being discontinued?
Maybe not, but I thought I'd bring these velvety soft lippies to your attention so you can go grab them before they go!
The rosey hues of this range are subtle yet the powdery finish reveals a subtle block that works well with the ever popular smokey eyes or with more neutral earthy tones.
I have a stash of these lipcreams which I shall be using carefully as I wear these myself and I am sad to see this range disappear.  As with most discontinued items beauty companies tend to launch something similar yet with an improved formulation. Let's hope this is the case.

Eyes and Shine to Metallics!

My creative juices have been flowing this week and didn't stop for a moment on the Maximiliano Centini Salon photoshoot.  The 'look and feel' were discussed before the photoshoot though Max is always open to individual interpretation, so once I'd seen the clothes and the beauty lighting from Vic Singh as well as the hairstyles Max was aiming to achieve I was well away.  

Our model, Flora was ready for stage 1!  I decided to focus on her skin once her hair had been washed of colour and further prepped so began by cleansing her skin with Bioderma Sensibio H2O, then applying Iman Cosmetics Under Cover Agent Oil Control Primer then 'smoking up' her eyes with Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes E104 for a dark smouldering base.

I then washed over the eyelids with a metallic bronze from Ellis Faas Eye Lights in E303 for a highlight yet without taking away from that 'smoky' feel and continuing the colour up to the brow bone but avoiding the inner eye. 

 I then dabbed Iman Cosmetics Luxury Liquid Liner in Platinum around the eyeduct which created another dimension and edgier contrast.

The final touches to the eyes were again to achieve fluidity and light.  I added depth to the sockets with more Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes E104, gently glided Avon Glimmerstick in Twilight Sparkle to Flora's water line for extra sparkle and depth, then attached a few Eylure Individual Lashes to the outer corners to elongate the eyes with a light coat of DiorShow Mascara in Black.  After filling in the brows with the fairest shade from Clarins Pro Brow Palette, I then speedily achieved a flawless, contoured base with Iman Cosmetics Stick Foundation in Sand 4 and Clay 3 then buffed on Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers, 11 onto the highest part of the cheeks and 13 to shade a subtle yet defined cheekbones.  

The lips were a delicate hint of coral from Givenchy in Blooming Apricot , no lip liner for this look as I was keen to keep it looking slightly haphazard and carefree.  The clear shine I applied to eyes, MAC Gloss, really set off this look and made for an edgier finish for metallic eyes.
There are quite a few steps but to avoid a 'panda' look focus and start applying to the outer corners for more  depth of colour and keep skin 'real' and lips barely there.

The truth is, I'm just tired.

Always busy, therefore, always tired but how to beat puffy, fatigued eyes and look fresh as a daisy?
On my recent quest to find a soothing eye cream and avoid looking half asleep, I was introduced to Ole Henriksen Truth Is In The Eyes, a clear gel concentrate with the most gentle peeling action to assist anti-fatigue around the fragile eye area, with ingredients that claim to boost collagen production plus 'brighten, lighten and tighten',   I was not going to miss this trick.

I have been patting a minute amount around my eyes both day and night, a much smaller amount than is pictured (I got a little carried away but at least you can see the consistency).  A little goes a long way and for £57 for a 21g tube, rightly so!
The results haven't been taking my breath away...c'mon, what could visibly restore years of late nights though not all alcohol induced, lack of sleep and long working hours! What I am pleased to tell you is I now wake up in the morning without looking like someone has inflated my eye contours but instead performed a calming, ceremonious eye massage.
This products is most definitely becoming my best beauty companion, a few extra hours sleep in a tube.

Rockin' them nails and bling!

Ok, so I wouldn't usually plaster my nails in something quite so bling but at a recent press event I thought, 'Why not?'
This is Nail Rock on my thumb and it did get the thumbs up.  These designer nail wraps are speedy to apply once you've prepped your nails by removing nail polish, shaping the edges and buffing the surface to reduce the chances of lumps and bumps. After selecting the correct size, place onto nail, blast some heat directly for a few seconds, then manipulate onto the nail plate and trim edges.  Blingo!  You have super fast designs in seconds.
Mine were applied on Wednesday by the sought after nail technician, Zoe Pocock, since then I've worked, shopped, showered, bathed, washed dishes, typed and they have remained in tact till today with only slight wear and tear to the tip, impressive, I think so too.  I am now keen to try a tamer style like the black and purple leopard print....!

Pixi Best Picks!

If you're not familiar with Pixi then now might be the time to stop and take note.  It's a pretty looking brand encapsulating girly essentials from lip glosses to bronzers. Ah, the bronzers!  Pixi have a new bronzing palette for Spring but I just cannot stop using their past season Pixi Lumi Lux Bronze Palette which beautifies many skin tones.  The soft pink, bronzed and beigy fairies create contours and highlights as well as flush of colour onto cheeks, there most versatile product I'm sure you'd agree.
The soft, waterproof eye pencil pictured is Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black Tulip, a smouldering midnight blue/purple, which I've been using to finish off smoky eyes by applying along the water line or to add depth to the socket line.  It's a superb alternative to black especially if you're fair or bored of black.
Pixi is now available in Boots.