Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel

I used to be a scrubber, one of those ones that would get the grittiest thing and rub until it was bright red. I then wonder why my skin was sensitive to everything put on it, I was on the philosophy that if I could feel it working it was doing it's job. I wish I could go back in time and slap that person.

When I was pregnant I had to rethink my whole skin care due to the hormones going on a rampage. I had fallen in love with Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel after getting a sample of it in a pack. I was looked glowing and freshly exfoliated, people complimented on my glow and smooth skin. I was sold apart from the £30 price tag. Being on maternity leave it was too much for me.

I was peel less for months, using a scrub but felt that it wasn't the same now I had been spoilt by peels. I had some money and wanted to splash out on some skin care, pursuing Superdrug I came across the Naturally Radiant range, radiance is exactly what I needed and in spade loads.

The peel was on offer and I took the plunge because the price was right, I wouldn't spent a fortune if it didn't work out (at the time it was half price, normally £5.99. Currently on Buy one get one half price). It uses Kiwi Fruit and Mulberry Extracts to even skin tone and revive, with Glycolic Acid, a powerful Alpha Hydroxy (AHA) and a Fruit Acid blend to refine and re texture.

You apply over the face, avoiding the eyes, and leave overnight. It's a clear gel so there is no way I was going to be scaring Hubby at bedtime or Beth during night feeds. In the morning you wash off and apply a SPF moisturiser (as it can make the skin sensitive to UV rays). It fitted in with my routine perfectly.

I am smitten, it leaves my skin soft and smooth, I am very surprised with the results and could even give Elemis a run for it's money. It doesn't make me look younger, but it does make me look like I've had a few nights sleep when I've actually been up until 3am trying to get Beth to sleep. That's a win in my book.

Available at Superdrug stores and online.

Steamcream Moisturser - My new Skin Love

I fell in love with Steamcream before I got my hands on it, I love the limited edition design concepts of the packaging. I know from training and experience that the product can come second to packaging, modern, sleek designs that can suit every taste. I do not want to take anything away from anything that is inside the tin, that is something of a beauty in itself.

Steamcream have a simple concept, use high-quality, natural ingredients that are bought together using steam. This leaves a light weight but super nourishing cream to apply to the skin. My nose instantly brought out lavender, a soothing anti inflammatory alongside chamomile, these also calm fraught nerves and help unwind for sleep (or applying like I do in the morning a fraught night feed). Jojoba Oil is an emollient so it stops moisture escaping, cocoa butter and sweet almond oil are skin softeners, Oatmeal infusion is high minerals that brighten and even skin tone. You also have orange flower water and blossom oil which will balance out skins sebum production and lift your mood. To complete you then have Neroli and Rose Absolute oil to help skin elasticity for the more maturer skins. They do make sure that in one tin you have all skin tones/needs complete.

For me I like the keep it simple concept, using unadulterated ingredients to provide a product that hit all the needs that your skin will need at one point or another. I know in the past year my skin has needed balancing, nourishing as well as brightening. It's also lightweight that it doesn't cause a grease film over my nose and forehead, which is the problem trying to use a product that covers my T-zone successfully. I also love the scent as it reminds of my aromatherapy training when I used to turn into George from Roald Dahl's George's Marvelous Medicine.

Steamcream does say you can use it over the body, I wouldn't use it as all over body moisturiser as you race through tins, more on the areas that need a little extra like knees and elbows. I also rub the excess into my hands to give them a dose as well. I do also like that it works alongside my facial oil rather than clashes as some high street moisturisers do. At £12.95 for one tin (they do run 2 for £20 offers too) I think it's competitive to somewhere like Lush, as well as the high street. I won mine in a blogger competition but would be more than happy to replace once it runs out.

www.steamcream.com

Stérimar Congestion Relief Adult & Baby

It was ironic that the week that the cold attacked our house infected Husband, Mum and Dad in law as well as myself, that I would recieve an email asking if I would be interested in trying some nose degestents for baby. Not only was it a yes but they also kindly sent adult versions for Husband and I to use as well.

The nose is the firt line of defence against germs so it is important that it is kept in the best condition possible. Using sea water from Fench coast of Brittany, it has no presertives or additives. It uses Hypertonic solution, a solution with a higher salt concentration than cells in the human body for a natural decongestant effect, called the osmotic effect. It is also safe to be used in pregnancy, breast feeding, doesn't interfer with other medication and in the adult version, children from age 3 (the baby version goes up to age 3).

Husband and I used them for a week as needed up to 6 times a day during our colds, and it was a huge relief to be able to breath. It took me a while to get used to the spray up the nose but that is because I haven't used sprays before. We now keep these for when both of our hayfever allergies flare up during Spring/Summer.

You can also use the sprays as a prevention and this we did with Bethany so she didn't get our colds.  I will admit she did cry at the spray (it is a finer spray version), but soon settled afterwards with no after effects. Most importantly she came out of it all cold free. You can use the spray as a nasal maintence, I use it more if Beth get sniffles during the night that are keeping her awake.

The adult version is RRP £7.14 for 100ml or £4.49 for 50ml. The baby version comes as a 50ml for £4.07. They both can be purchased from leading high street chemists. For more information you can go to their website http://www.sterimarnasal.co.uk/

REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask

 

We all have them, a basket/box that filled with little samples that have been gathered from varnious offers and magazines over the year.  This also brings me to saying I don't know how this came into my hands, but I am exceedingly glad it did.

Invisible Pores Detox Mask uses French clay to draw out imputerities (a polite way of saying etc.), excess sebum production and removes dead skin cells. Tropical Spirulina proteins are used to encourage skin renewel (and are also used in Tropical fish food after a little research, it is not recommended to start putting fish flakes on your face!). Final key ingrediant is Red Tea whcih helps the skin smooth out from the fatty acids it contains.

nsructions are simple - onto clean skin for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash off with warm water (I use mine with a cloth/sponge to make sure I have all of it off). My skin was much more smoother and a lot more clearer around the nose (this is my most congested area). Out of my little sample I got 3 uses out of 15ml, a full size bottle is £18.00 for 50ml (Beauty maths works out at £1.80 a use).

FOTD - Christmas Work Party

I left my work place on 29t November for the start of my maternity leave, and on 20th December we were meeting up again to catch up one last time before Christmas. The place was Stoke Pages, a mass gathering of different workplaces and tables of wine. You could imagine how that ended up. I had one small glass of wine with my main meal, the most delicious salmon I had ever had but being a high standard restaurant and being pregnant,  I was soon day dreaming of chippie chips.

The thing I was happy with the most was how my dress that I ordered months ago still fitted even with my ever increasing bump as well as how glowing my make up looked for the night. I was determined to look as glamorous as possible as recently I had not being feeling it. I wanted to focus more on my eyes as I had some wonderful eye shadow palettes that I rarely get to go mad with, I also added on false lashes which I rarely get an opportunity to wear.

I did all the prep the night before after a shower to steam the skin I put on a clay mask, REN's Invisible Pores Detox Mask (Sample size). This was first time of using it and loved the results, I had a spot coming out on the side of my nose and this stopped it from fully forming as well as reduced the redness around the area. This was followed by my current Facial Oil (B.Skincare replishment Oil), moisturier on my cheeks and eye cream (a tiny amount of Lancome's Renergie Facial cream and eye cream).

I had saved up for a trip to the hairdressers and threaders (more on that coming up another day), to give myself a pamper before the event. After the quick cleanse with Philopshys 3-in-1 cleanser, I used Sothy's Day Cream and let that sink in before adding Witch's Anti-Blemish Primer.

Base: Max Factor Face Finity Light Ivory mixed with NARS Orgasm Illuminator
Conclearer: Estee Lauder Disappear Concleaer in Light
Powder: GOSH BB Powder in 04
EyeShadow base colour: Bobbi Brown in white (comes out in a matt skin tone colour)
Eye shadow contouring/colour: Sleek Make Up eye shadow palette in Sparkle 2 (Using Tinsel - silver, and Twinkle - Navy glitter)
Eye liner: Eye of Horus liquid eye definer in Black with Twinkle over the top (also used to line the bottoms lashes)
Mascara: Maybelline Mascara
False Lashes: Salon Systems strip lashes in Natural
Blusher: Dainty Doll in Money Talks
Lip: MUA lipgloss in Let's Talk

The dress was a eBay bargain at £8 brand new, it expanded well with the bump but covered up what I really didn't want to show off. The shrug is from eBay as well and I wore this when I got married nearly four years ago, it was about £10 second hand. I went with a simple long silver necklace and black pumps (I wasn't even going to attempt heels!). I'm glad I did go for a bit of colour in the end, out of the 12 ladies who went only 2 of us wore a different colour!

B. Replenished Facial Oil

 

I spotted this on British Beauty Blogger early September and being already obsessed with Antipodes Organic Avocado Oil & Rosehip I was looking forward to getting my hands on this which I was very vocal about on Twitter - this lead to only getting a preview bottle but an invite to the press day which you can read about here.

Suitable for all skin types, the thing that appealed to me most is that it was said that it is lightweight. I find with combination and hormonal skin I cannot now have anything really thick on my skin or it just sits on the top. It has a combination of Rosehip, Argan and Crambe seed oil, really good replenishment ingredients for battered skin.

I used 3 drops pattered over the skin, day and night for the initial week to give my skin an extra boost. I woke up in the morning with smoothed and even skin, even the slightly red patches around my cheeks and nose where gone. You put a moisturiser on top, and I found that after letting it sink in for a few minutes that if my skin had drunk it in I would add the moisturiser.

I am very impressed that an own brand company are producing a product that rivals more established brands. Since B.Skincare (and Make up) has launched it has gone strength to strength, this is my first product from them, with Micellar water now being my second after hearing the rave reviews.

Retails at £13.99 (Is on offer exclusively online at the moment at £9.99) at Superdrug stores where if you purchase 3 items you not only get 3 for 2 but a wonderful introduction to B. free gift until 30th December. Please be quick, my local store had already nearly sold out when I went in Saturday!

 

Apivita Anti Wrinkle Grape Face Mask

Apivita is a Marks & Spencer exclusive beauty brand, and what brilliant brand for them to have. Apivita started as a pharmacy in Athens in 1979 by husband and wife, Nikos and Niki Koutsianas, following the philosophy of of Hippocrates (a Greek who started the modern medicine movement and believed in treating the body and the mind).

For me the representive that I met at London Meet Up sold the brand for me, sun drenched fields and vineyards, I was already mentally booking my tickets there. However, I will have to settle with my grape in the face mask for now.

The mask has grape and the combination of A and E vitamins which is reported to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines while offering skin unique softness and revitalisation. Olive and sunflower natural plant oils have moisturising properties and enhance skin's elasticity and firmness.
You apply to clean skin for 10 minutes and rinse off (as I do with my a majority of my face masks I use a face cloth to wash off).

 

I will warn you know, it is a fluid mask so it can come out quicker than expected. It also has little particles of red in them so I would assume this is parts of the grape as I cannot find any information anywhere on what they are. I did like the softer touch to my skin afterwards, it felt much plumper and look liked I have had a night's rest.

 

Doing my research on the Marks & Spencer's website, they also have 20% off Beauty and Fragrance until 26th August (That's Bank Holiday Monday). The set of two sachets of masks would cost £2.40 instead of £3.00, not the biggest reduction, however if this is a sample of the rest of the range it's well worth a treat (or two).

Early Pregnancy Beauty

More know as "Before you get the glow"

I need to put a little disclaimer here before I start, this is what has worked for me, I cannot guarantee that it work for other women. Early pregnancy is really tough, whatever people have told you - treble it. I've been sick, signed off from work two weeks with an infection that I had to have rest for (which I also fainted in a shop with), and could challenge a dormouse to a sleep off and win. To everyone who is suffering in silence until the 3 months is over, hang on in there and you're doing great. It shall pass.

I noticed the first thing to suffer was my skin - it looked pale apart from the break out of spots that the hormones were causing. I also found my skin had also become more sensitive to products, and I had to throw out most of the pre-pregnancy skin care (apart from Antipodes Divine Oil, which survived. I have reviewed it here previously).

After raiding my sample bag I found Avene's Cleaning Gel (£11.50 Boots) delicate clean/powder scent, that cleans everything off including eye make up. I like this because I found a didn't need a large amount, the sample bottle has lasted well at over a week, but most of it didn't inflame my skin. I also been reaching for Dermlogica Microexfoliant (£40 for 200ml), it's gentle that it leaves the skin softer by using Rice-based enzyme powder that you mix with water to the consistency you would like.

To then brighten and smooth out I used Estee Lauder Idealist (Starts at £40 for 30ml) resurfaces the skin and illuminates. It's worn under moisturser during the day (I've been using Estee Lauder Daywear plus) and I have noticed that any make up I've been wearing has been wearing longer and smoother.

A quick note about dental care (as in my other work I am a dentist receptionist) - I found my breath smelt even worse than normal because your mouth waters more. It is more important to look after your oral hygiene as your gums will bleed more which can lead to infection. I switched to a softer brush, sanative mouthwash (no drying alcohol which can make bad breath worse) and flossing more. I noticed an improvement after a few days. You are also entitled to free dental care when pregnant (and 12 months after the child is born).

Preparation done, time to cover and conceal - I converted over to my slightly higher coverage foundation just because it made my skin tone even out and covered blemishes better. For this I went back to my old faithful Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ivory (£27.50). I used YSL's Touche Eclait (£25)  to brighten my dark circles around my eyes (you will be getting up in the middle of the night for bathroom breaks) and MeMeMe Beat The Blues (£5.50 Superdrug), a neutral illuminator that you can put on the areas you would like or mix it in with foundation for an all over glow.

I did keep most of my look simple, a slick of mascara and the new Bourjois cream blush in Healthy Glow (£6.99), a peach toned blush that goes on creamy but then goes to powder. It an also be built up so tailor how much glow you want.

Purity Facial Moisturiser

 

 

I have an admission - I didn't like this the first time I've tried it, I tried it a few times and decided that it wasn't for me, I acutally put it into my make up kit and well, forgot about for a few months. It came round to my assignment work for my BTEC in Make Up Artistry and I used it on my first client.

 

I know the first time I tried to put it straight on which was a huge mistake, it needs to be warmed up by rubbing it between your hands. This is because of the Shea butter and coconut oil (which turns solid when cool); It also has sweet almond oil, vitamin E and Beeswax to leave the skin supple. 

 



I would say that is more suitable for skin that is senstive as it contains no fragrance, has no anti age concerns and wants something that is light (due to the mousse texture) but can provide skin soften moisture.

 

It is certified as 98% Natural and 85% Organic, with  the Shea Butter is sourced from West Africa, the Vitamin E sourced from the UK. £5.99 for high stores such as Holland and Barrett or direct from their website www.purityorganicskincare.com

 

This no longer lives in my make up kit bag but now on my dresser table alongside the stunning Anti-Aging Serum Mask.

Glam Glow - Is it worth the £50 price tag?

First of all, yes you read that right, it's RRP is around £50 for a 50ml jar (there is a 15ml for £22.50 and a 'try-me' 7ml tube for £4.99 on the GlamGlow website). I had it as a sample sachet in my goodie bag from #BbloggersXmas event that I had gone to at the beginning of the month.

Glam Glow has come from Hollywood and says that after 10 minutes of use once a week not only will give a fresh glow but also smooth and revitalise skin. It uses the antioxidant benefits of green tea, soothing from chamomile and lavender, as well as the deep cleaning from Kaolin clay and exfoliation from micro volcanic rock. (Full list of ingredients from their website).

I put this onto freshly cleansed skin, and for an extra deep cleanse I put it on after a shower so I could the benefit of the steam opening pores up. I had read the back of the packaging that said that there may be a tingling sensation, I do put a warning here - If you have any sensitive skin please avoid using as will not be suitable because of this.

You can see the mask dry (it'll start going a paler colour), after 10 minutes you wash off with warm water. I use a cloth to wash mine off so I could also double it up as an exolifant treatment.

My skin did look more even toned, the redness that I do get on my cheeks and around my nose were reduced. The deeper cleansing and exfoliation process also meant that the look and texture of my skin felt smoother and brighter. The oiliness I get on my forehead and nose was not only gone but all of the above effects did last the promised 3 days afterwards.

So is it worth the £50 price tag? I think it is, but to start with I will have to downgrade to the 15ml. For me it supplied what it promised. I had smoother, more even skin for 3 days and I think with longer term of use it would significantly improve my skin. It is a rare thing in this industry that does delivery something that is promised.

Selfridges Advent Calender - Week 2 (Days 8 - 16)

Week 2 in advent calender land - If you missed Week 1 you can read it here. It feels that this week is more of a make up week with nearly a face full of make up in a week.

December 8th - Lancome La Vie Est Bella

I can't believe I forgot to photograph this, the mini is really sweet. The fragrance is soft floral with jasmine, Orange Blossom and patchouli. Very delicate and makes a good daytime fragrance.

December 9th - Lancome Hypnose Star mascara

Provides intense volume and intense colour, great evening mascara. I have saved this for dressing up on Christmas Day. I like the advertising on it using Betty Boo because I love her retro look.

December 10th - Lancome L'Absolu Nu in Rose Subtil

A soft creamy pink with hints of gold. A great feminine pink that would suit most skin tones.

December 11th - Lancome Hypnose Mascara

OK Have you noticed a theme apart from the make up is that it is mostly Lancome, I am a fan but it does seem clamped together. This is their big drama volume mascara and top seller in black.

December 12th - Lancome Tresor

A Lancome classic, powdery fruity floral. Very french and only can be worn when you want a bit of classic glamour.

December 13th - Lancome Genifique

This is currently living in my bathroom, hence why it's not here! Smoothing skin serum that prevents as well as reverses the ageing process. It's a gel like serum that goes underneath moisturiser, skin has already felt softer after a few days so it looks promising.

December 14th - Armani Code fragrance

Hurray something isn't Lancome! I like this powdery musky oriental fragrance, perfect for evenings with a dark smokey glamorous look.

December 15th - YSL Eye Liner in Black

Perfect soft liner that is a sweet wash bag size, haven't used YSL liners before so I look forward to this one.

December 16th - Lancome Juicy Tube in Cerise

Lipgloss in a soft red with small bits of glitter, I have the bigger version of this so the baby one will go into handbags as an 'emergency' gloss.

Masterclass - Lipstick

 

Lipstick is a combination of pigments, oils, emoluments, and waxes. This applies a colour, texture and protection to the lips. Some lipsticks can contains perfume as well as added vitamins but there is an increase of lipstick that not contain these they can increase chances of allergies.

 

Most lipsticks have four finishes:

• Cream - Has a slight shine to the finish, known for needed to replenished often. Has a high level of wax while long lasting ranges have a higher level of oil.
• Matt - Dull finish that can last longer
• Frosted - Lasts the longest because it also the driest, this produced by adding shimmery like mica or silica.
• Translucent - Almost colourless lipsticks.

Lipstick is made from grinding and heating ingredients. The heated waxes are added to the mix for texture. Oils and lanolin are added for specific formula requirements. Afterwards, the hot liquid is poured onto a metal mold. The mixture is chilled and kept cool so that the lipsticks harden. Once they have hardened, they are heated in flame for half a second to create a shiny finish and to remove imperfections.

 

It was said that first lipstick was made by Mesopotamian woman who grounded gemstones to wear on their lips. The ancient Egyptians expanded on this creating toxic combinations to decorate their lips including the first uses of fish scales to produce a shimmery effect.

 

In medieval Europe it was forbidden for people by the church to wear cosmetics and was know to be a mark of women of the night to be wearers. It wasn't until Royalty, Elizabeth I, started the trend for wearing blush red lips with pales faces that it acceptable for the higher classes to be seen wearing make up.

 

The first commercial lipstick was manufactures by French perfumer Guerlian in 1884. It was wrapped in silk paper and made from deer tallow, castor oil, and beeswax. It wasn't until 1921 that it acceptable for women to start wearing cosmetics and lipsticks.

 

Next Week - Lipstick trends

Montagne Jeunesse Dragon Fruit Sauna

I have spoken in the past how much I do like Montagne Jeunesse face masks (Written about here and here). Not only are they reasonably priced at £1.09 - £1.49 but are vegetarian,uses natural ingredients and are easily available (ASDA, Boots and www.montagnejeunesse.com).

I now have a new favourite to add to my collection: Dragon Fruit Sauna. I not normally a lover of 'fruitier' masks, I normally head to my other favourite Hot Chocolate masks. I've changed my mind for many reasons first of all this is still a sauna mask that gentles heats thus opening pores, but it also has the seeds of the dragon fruit that gentles exfoliates. The scent is not sickly sweet, it is not overpowering but still has a fruit scent.

I do realise it does make my face look sun burnt with the sun

My skin afterwards felt fresher with a smoothness that a deep cleanse should provide. It also seemed to re balance my combination skin to some plump even tones beauty. I have already repurchased this twice already, as it ticks all the boxes of what I want from a mask.

Selfridges Advent Calender - Week 1 (Days 1-7)

 

A few weeks ago I entered a competition on British Beauty Blogger to win a set of Lancome crackers and a Selfridges advent calender. Not so long story is that I was picked by the Selfridges PR to receive them after saying that the person I want to pull a cracker is one of my best friends, who's not only pregnant but it's due on my birthday (Congratualtions again to her!).

 

While I've put the crackers to one side to share with her (as it's only fair and it make our Christmas dinner a lot more special), this I keep eagerily awaited for December 1st.

 

If you followed on Twitter I have been giving a daily tweet to what I've got, and then bring them altogether to show what is in them. This would normally retail for £82, and contain 24 luxury beauty samples from Lancome, Kiehl's, YSL, Armani, Diesel, Viktor & Rolf and Shu Uemura.

 

December 1st - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

 

I've tried this before and wasnt bowled over by it, put it one before bed and when i woke it had soften down to a delicate scent. Husband approved as well.

 

December 2nd - Kiehl's Strengthing Hand Cream

 

I like the texture of this, it sinks it quickly but is still rich. I already know I'm purchasing this to replace my Estee Lauder Renutriv that ran out last month.

 

December 3rd - Lancome Regenrie Face Cream

 

Good size sample at 15ml, but it says it's for lifting and firming. I know I'm not quite there yet, but it smells beautiful.

 

December 4th - Lancome Eau Micellaire Douceur

 

Simple more know as cleansing water, and considering my Etat Pur also finished last month, this was a small God send.

 

December 5th - Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

 

I'm really excited to try this as I've heard other poeple say it's a great prodcut and never had a chance to try it.

 

December 6th - Loverdose by Diesel

 

The bottle design is beautiful, nicely facited so it catches the light but in a deep purple so it isn't too girlie. The scent is richly violet with a powdery vanilla dry down. It was definatly husband approved, as it also matches his Only The Brave by Diesel.

 

December 7th - Keihl's Ultra Facial Cream

 

This mornings offering was a lightly scented face cream, I know they are more known for their body products but I am intested in this. I have tried their Midnight concertrate and was impressed with that.

 

Many thanks again to Jane at British Beauty Blog and the PR team at Selfridges. It's the best thing I've ever won (and there is 17 still to go!)

Masterclass - Eyebrows

We have previous spoken about how to tidy the eyebrows and give them some defination and shape in previous Masterclass Update on Threading. What we are going to focus on here is how to add colour and bring out the eyebrows more using colour cosmestics.

The aim is produce eyeborws that are evenly shaped and taper naturally away at the outer edges. For the most natural effect would be an enhancement for the shape, however some fashions can lead for more of a promantly look

There are two different products to consider: Pencil and powder. Pencil should used put little angled lines to fill in where hair is sparse. Powder is worked using a pointed or firm and angled brush. Both should be used going from the inside of the eyebrows and worked outwards. This should be at the same time with breaks to swap so each can look indentical.

The next hurdle is what colour would be best - The colour should again be an enhancement of the natural colour. These below are guidelines:

• Blonde should be an ash colour
• Browns should be Mahogany colour (like a reddish brown)
• Black Brown should be a deeper mahogany or smoke (black is too dark - see above!)
• Red should be taupe or camel
• Grey/White shold be a grey or taupe.

I found now I regually had my eyebrows shaped and defined the rest of the my make up falls into place easier. Something so simple has really opened my eyes up and added more a simple, defined and chic everyday look.

Masterclass - Eye Make Up for Glass and Contact Lense wearers

Bet you didn't know I wore glasses? I should wear them for when I'm working on the computer (like now but I can't find them), and then I have another pair for when I'm reading print. These above are my computer ones and then I have a slightly thicker framed for reading - A little bit of geek chic.

The effects of glasses on the appearance of the face depends on the design of the frames and the colour/type of lenses.

Frames

Heavy frames can take bolder eye make-up and a strong lipstick to provide balance, while steel frames can look lost in heavy dark make-up. By keeping the eyes softer above it blends in without over powering, using a eye liner, eye brow pencil and mascara gives a more defined look without clashing. When designing this look I also took in consideration the colour of the frame (a deep bronze) and used the same tones.

Lenses

Short-sighted people are ones who can focus on close up items but not far distance, while long-sighted can focus on long distance but struggle with things that are close up (aka me). The lenses are designed to compensate for this however can also effect the look of eyes behind them. Short-sighted people have the appearance of eyes that look smaller, while its the opposite for long-distance. This is where last weeks Masterclass on How to wear eye shadow can help correct this.

Contact Lenses

I must admit the idea of lenses isn't really my thing, would you believe I really don't like things on my eyes. With contact lenses there are some considerations to have because it is a thin membrane that sits on the eye. Cream eye shadow are better to use but powders can be used with a damp brush to reduce any loose pigment getting into the eye. Avoiding heavy creams around the area as if these get onto the lenses it can smear or even melt it. For mascara use a block or low alcohol which also contains little filaments so these do not get into the eye.

Next week -

Masterclass - How and Where to Wear Eye Shadow

What we're going to be touching on more this week is where to put eye shadow to give you the best of what you got. I did used to be one of those people who just put it on without too much thought, but as I make my way through the my course and experience it can also be used to balance out upper and lower portions of eyes.

For application purposes I prefer brushes, you can get of a blended look, and especially with powder I have more control. When I started I had a big fluffy brush to apply base shade with then a slightly smaller stiffer one to apply any contour with. I then just built from there, I do detest the applicators that come with them, I feel they are too small to do anything with really. That is just me personally.

Click to enlarge

'Average' eyes

With this eye shape you are just enhancing the natural shape. Apply a base colour all over, and contour the darker shade into the crease of the eye and blend outwards.

Wide Set eyes

Avoid using strong and pearlised colours on the inner eyelid, use paler matte products from the centre to outer eyelid. Put a thin eye line beyond the inner corner of the eye and keep the line to the outer end of the lashes. If suitable eyeliner and shadow can be applied to the lower lid to the outer edges.

Close Set eyes

Brighten the inner corners by applying matte light colours, avoiding strong or pearlised that draw attention. Focus attention from the centre of the eyelid towards and beyond the outer corner of the eye by using darker eye cosmetics. 'Lift' the eyebrow by putting highlighter here.

Deep Set eyes

The shading of the eye socket needs to be created above the natural socket line to give the appearance of more depth, this will then be enhanced the new lash line below the eyes. Highlight beneath the eyebrow arch, then using a pearly shadow apply all over. From the lashline work a darker shadow and work upwards, and add a thin line along the outer half of the outer half of the eyelid.

Prominent eyes

By reducing the depth of the eyelid and creating extra width, use a darker shadow on the centre of the eyelid with a thicker liner flicking upwards and outwards . If using a lower line, keep a gap between both lines and blended eyeshadow underneath.

Hooded eyes

To create the illusion of fullness of the skin that creates the over hang, apply a small bit of highlighter in the eyebrow arch. Then add a pale pearlised shadow all over the eyelid. Use a dark neutral coloured shadow to the fullest area of skin hanging over the eyelid. Blend this upwards into the highlighted area using a slightly lighter shade.

Next Week - Adapting techniques for glass wearers

Masterclass - Eye Shadow Colours and Effects

Using different eye shadows colours can achieve different effects, depending how their use and where they are used. Eye shadows not only come in a pressed powder form but also loose powder and cream (as well as different variants in between). The best way to get used to these different textures is to explore and play with them. I prefer powder as this has more of use dry or wet, and I have more control over how I use it.

What we going to do for this masterclass is to break down the colours and what effect they have on the final look:

Dark, muted colours

Colours: Charcoal,browns, olive, plums

These are more for defying eye contour and are more flattering for a sophisticated look. Can look better on dark haired and eyed models, while for fair skins can be used with a finer brush as a more subtle liner effect.

Pastel Colours

Colours: Pale blue, light aqua, pale green, peach

These colours produce a softer effects, if they have a slight shimmer I use these more as a base for matching colours to go on top. Good for people with blond or grey hair and if matched with eyes can bring out their colour.

Pale Colours

Colours: White, pearl, cream.

In contrast to darker shadows produces a highlighting effect that can be on the brow bone and inside of the eyes to make them look wider. I also use these if what I have applied is too dark by buffing these colours over.

Muted Colours

Colours: Grey, beige, sage, mauve.

Produce a more delicate effect than the darker colours so are more suited to producing a everyday look, and then adding the darker ones to covert to more of an evening look.

Bright Colours

Colours: Blue, green, yellow, violet, red

As the 'fun' side of colouring, are more suited for fashion or glamour make up. However they can look harsh on maturer skins when used all over, so adapting it to use wet as a liner can be more flattering way of wearing colour.

Next week - How and where to wear eye shadow

Masterclass - Colour Theory

 

The above is known as a colour wheel and is the the simplest way to explain how colour interact with each other.

 

Primary colours of Blue, Yellow and Red are known as this because they cannot be 'made' by mixing another colour. By mixing two of these colours they create secondary colours like orange, green and purple. By mixing a primary with a secondary, this then produces tertiary colours like red-orange or blue-green.

 

Colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel are referred to as harmonious because they share the same base colour. A good example like this are the colours yellow-orange, orange or red-orange because they share the same base colour of orange. Strong tones of this colour look sophisticated when pastel coloured tones create more of subtle effect.

 

Complimentary colours are ones that one the opposite side of the colour wheel. These when put together make a bolder statement creating a more dramatic effect. Each primary colour has a complementary secondary colour and visa versa. When the colours are mixed together they also have a neutralising effect on each other, which is the key in colour correcting like green neutralises any red areas on the skin.

 

When we talk about the different tones to the skin being cool or warm this is referring to the colour sets that will compliment this tone. The colours yellow-green to blue-violet are know as more cool as they lean towards the blue tones. The warmer tones are from yellow-orange to red-violet lean more towards to the red.

 

 

Anew PRO Line Corrector Treatment with A-F33

I was one of the 10,000 people who applied to try the new Avon Anew PRO Line Corrector Treatment with A-F33. The pack I got had 28 days of treatment in 6 little baby tubes, and is recommended to use day and night under moisturiser.

Avon says, "Gel lotion formulation with patented+ A-F33 for Avon's ultimate in fighting fine and deep wrinkles. 30ml.Our fastest wrinkle fighter EVER+U.S. patent. All cosmetic product results are achieved with continued use"

At the moment I noticed that my skin is now showing little signs of age, it's not as bright as it was nor as forgiving. As yet I have had no wrinkles show, the closest I have is lines on my forehead and that only comes because I know I can be expressive with my face.

When I started using this what I want from it is to even the tone of my skin, and make it look a little 'fresher'. During the day I used it with an moisturer with a SPF in and night with a little richer moisturise (which I did before this).

After a week my skin looked a lot more smoother, the lines I had on my forehead were lessened. Week two the lines were even lesson, but for me it was all about week three. I work in a dentist reception and one afternoon I got to talking about age to one person, he asked how old I was and I replied 30. He was shocked, he had me down at about 23 years old.

That to me is the ultimate validation that it was doing some good.

In the end I liked the result I had, I wanted it to smooth and freshen my skin, it did just that and I was overjoyed. I think it is a great product that can be added to an anti-ageing regime. I know that some people will stick their noses up that it is Avon, please do not let you put this off. For a product that can produce this kind of result for £30 (Currently on offer at £20), which with some premium lines will be £70 upwards, is phemoenmal.