Summer SPF For Your Face

Yippee! The sun has got his hat on and has finally come out to play.That means it’s time to go through some of the best SPF’s around. This post is going to focus on the products specifically designed for the face, as it is important for your complexion to use the right type of cream. Be it oil free or extra moisturising, it’s important to always have a high SPF on your face. I'm one for always trying to look nice and bronzed, but I would rather use bronzer or fake tan, as striving for a tan is not going to be worth the wrinkles and crow’s feet when your older, not to mention long term skin damage. With that in mind, I have narrowed it down to 4 of the best sun creams for your face for this summer season to care for and protect your skin. 

Lancaster Delicate Skin is one of the best sun creams around for your face. The myth of SPF 50 hindering your tan is being replaced by the fact that SPF removes changes of sun damage to the face. This new wave of high protection is essential to ensure great skin when your older. This cream will protect against dangerous rays with new UVB/UVA technology whilst ensuring a healthy tan. This is fantastic for paler skin tones and those with delicate skin. With it's soothing qualities sensitive complexions should try this out.This isn't going to break the bank as it comes at £26 and can be bought here.

Now for those who have combination or oily skin types, the Clarins Oil Free Protection sun cream is for you. This £18 product is incredibly popular, it sprays right on the face, is invisible and smells great. My only flaw with this is that the factor should be a bit higher. For those who are not sensitive to the sun and don't burn easily this is a great purchase but for more 'burn prone' skin types stick to SPF 30 or above. The bonus point to this spray is that it has a Mineral Filter which ensures high protection at all times. 

Clinique Face Cream SPF40 is another fab face cream with a high factor. It's not greasy and therefore not an issue for problem prone skin and this wonderful cream has anti-aging qualities that get to work once you apply it! The antioxidants that come with this £17 sun cream work on damage that is already there whilst protecting from future damage. This can be worn by any complexion types as it is oil free and gentle enough for those who are sensitive. This is one of the best sun protections for the face out there. 

 Finally i thought id lower the price range and tell you about the Piz Buin Radiant Face Cream which is usually £10.99 and is now £5.49 from Boots (a bit of a bargain!). This cream comes in SPF15 and SPF30 and is fantastic for re-hydrating tired and dry skin. This also ensures that healthy glow i will never stop promoting! If you go swimming or are feeling the sweat in the heat then fear not- this isn't going anywhere as it is completely water resistant. I would always urge you to wear a higher factor on your face but if your skin is used to the sun then SPF 15 should be fine. This is a cheap and cheerful solution to those nasty sun rays. 












That is my top 4 for you all which i hope has been helpful!
If you have any further suggestions i would love to hear from you. My last tip would be to always wear an SPF, most cosmetics will already have them in the ingredients but just double check. Skin damage can happen through the clouds so even if you think it isn't hot enough or isn't sunny enough, it just is not worth the risk! 
M. X

This Week's Top 3

Now that my finals are over I can stop neglecting the world of cosmetics and start reviewing and recommending! 
Now I thought I would start doing a weekly 'top 3' post, there are so many new things coming out and I'm constantly changing my make-up routine! I will always have my all time fail safe products but its nice to change it up every now and then. 
So here is my top 3 this week...

Number 1 this week is Lancome's Hypose Doll Eyes
Now, my usual fail safe mascara is Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara - Radical Noir, as I love the non clump, natural look. Then I started using Lancôme's, £21 magic wand and I love it, it really is amazing. With long lasting effects I don't have to re-apply, it doesn't clump and my lashes look HUGE! The wand has a thinner tip which means it will get the littlest lashes for a fuller look. It emphasizes the outer end lashes with the thinner tip for a cat eyed look. Baby doll lashes is exactly what you get with this magic mascara. Try it and see!







My no. 2 this week Radiance Enhancing NARS Primer. This is genius NARS primer is unlike others that     have gel like textures, this is creamy and I love it.  SPF 30  and PA+++ are winning features of this      primer, but its also amazing for the dewy look I keep banging on about. Your skin shines through this      resulting in a clear, even toned complexion. I would happily  wear this without make-up and it's a great way to show off that natural beauty. Primers protect your skin while keeping you from reapplying you     make up, this one protects your skin from all the      'nasties' floating around. This is so moisturising      whilst oil free, suiting all skin types. I urge you to splurge £25 for this perfect primer, you won't regret it!







My final number 3 is Benefit's Moon Beam. At £19.50 is kinda pricey for a highlighter but its so beautiful (and I don't just love it because of my name)! I love their sister highlighter High Beam but often it's a bit silvery on a bronzed face. This is so great because it unlike other highlighters it has gold undertones to it so that when you hit any form of light your face is instantly lit up! If your ever feeling tired or drained then this is the perfect pick me up! A summer must have for a healthy glow. 






That's my top t3 for this week. Let me know what your top 3 are! Follow me on twitter @WomenRFromNars for more cosmetics tips and tricks 
M.X

A Terrybly Good Brand

If you havn't heard of Terry de Gunzberg and her incredible cosmetics range 'ByTerry' then stop reading this and Google her now! 
I was first introduced to her products by a friend who was using the Light Expert Foundation Brush (£43). This amazing foundating reflects light, leaving the skin looking nothing less than proffessional. The texture fills in any lines whilst giving a radient tone covering any imperfection.
Terry de Gunzberg creates her products in Paris, where her principle is that luxury comes first. Terry became famed for the multi-award winning cult classic highlighter for YSL, Touche Eclat, which is famed
for its light reflecting benefits. This light reflecting aspect continued on into the ByTerry range and is a huge reason why is is so popular.
Not only is the make-up range full of deluxe ingredients that make the application smooth and easy, every product is also nourishing for the skin. 
What i love about the make-up range is that it isn't too thick, it doesn't mask your face and create something new. It works with your natural beauty so your skin is still visible underneath. Minimal make-up, according to Terry, reveals grace and elegance, which i agree with and try to present with my make-up. 
This post is going to go through some of my favorite products from the ByTerry range, the benefits of them and how to use them. 

 The latest addition to my Terry products is the Touch Expert Advanced (£29). I got this nifty little pen at the Summer Beauty Edit at SpaceNK yesterday and I am already in love with it. I am going to have to add it to my 'Clever Concealers' post as it is one of the best things i have ever tried. With a click of the brush this formula glides onto your skin, hiding any dark colour or imperfections that need banishing. I have no.1 (fair) and i have got it under my eyes today and even though i am seriously tired, you really wouldn't be able to tell. I previously have always put Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage under my eyes but now i shall only use that for blemishes. The reason for this is Terry's Touch Expert Advanced is so light in texture that it blends perfectly into your skin, making it invisible. I love wearing make-up that you is very subtle, enough to cover flaws but not enough for people to really notice. With some under the eye concealers there is the issue of them sitting in fine lines but the rich botanical ingredients containing  hyaluronic acid microspheres in this concealer fills them in rather than sitting in them. This is a product that suits all skin types and i have completely fallen in love with this velvety miracle cream. This is a make-up bag must!

Terry's Soleil Terrybly (£58) my new found wonder cream. This luxurious bronzing serum is amazing. Its sheer and dewy so you get that sun-kissed glow without painting you face. This protecting serum is firming and reduces the size of pores while lifting the face as well. This is SPF 15 that is water resistant and long lasting while moisturising with Vit E. This hyrdra-bronzant is also an anti-oxidant leaving your skin in perfect condition. I use this over a primer and the terry concealer for a minimal make up look that leaves me with a dewy, healthy glow. As if this isn't enough, this tube of magic also stimulates the melanin in your skin to get it used to the sun therefore resulting in quick natural tanning that lasts a long time. I put this on my nose, chin, forehead and cheeks to create definition and natural colour. If your hesitant about the price, just remember that you buying a serum, light foundation, sun cream, bronzer,  tan booster, anti- oxidant and vitamin packed product. This is going to be a permanent fixture in my summer beauty regime. 

Ok, so maybe your more of a blush babe than a golden girl, or maybe you like to wear the two together (like me) either way the Rose De Rose is something you've got to try! This £40 liquid blusher comes in three different shades, my favorite is the coral rose shade (the lightest one in the pic). This is sheer and shimmery which highlights your features leaving you radiating. If one pump isn't enough, keeping adding it until you get your desired colour. Add some too your forehead and chin to soften the colour and shape of your face. It's very adaptable. The best thing about this is the smell, one pump and your nose will jump for joy as the rose garden scent is dreamy. The benefit of using this liquid blush and the liquid bronzer above, is that your skin becomes noticeably smoother with a glowing complexion. I often think that powders are very noticeable on the skin which leaves a dull matte look. Even and when you had a liquid highlighter it doesn't seem to blend or flow into the contours enough. I very VERY rarely use powder bronzers or blush anymore because of this. I love the dewy, natural glow you get from these light liquids. 

My final favorite of Terry's make-up line is the Ombre Blackstar eye shadow pen. Now at £27.50 I find myself really having to justify buying this creamy eye-shadow and i know your probably thinking that its absurd to spend that much on an eye-shadow. I thought that too...until i tried it. I tired 'Bronze Moon' (not just because of my name, but it helped) as i love smokey brown eyes. With my blue/grey eye colour, smokey brown layers bring out their colour to the extreme, i also just love the sultry look. This can be used day or night, as its a building colour, keep layering and blending until you reach that desired look. I used a thick line above the top eyelash and then smudge it out onto the lid with more build up in the outer corners of the lid. For night time use I also blend it in to the bottom lashes as well to make my eyes stand out. This eye shadow, typical to Terry's products, is light reflecting, making your eyes shine as bright as can be. This is not one of those shadows that you put on, and a few hours later it's all over the shop or wiped off completely. It hold in place all day without creating any creases on the lid. You have to try it to believe it but i love it!

There is also a fab skin care range that suits all skin types with a never ending list of benefits. I've picked my favorite, Gelee De Rose, a £55 moisturiser that is worth every penny. This intensely hydrating moisturiser smells so good it's easy to become addicted. Similar to her make-up, Terry's moisturiser detoxifies, restores, replenishes and gives your skin a pick me up so it can return to its optimum state of health. The gel-like texture of the cream wraps your face in a protective film that blocks any nasties from coming near your skin. It also plumps up the skin which always knocks off a few years which is an added bonus. This is rose tinted genius.





So, like i said before you've got to at least try it and see for yourself how great this stuff really is. Get down to Space NK, who are always happy to give samples so you can take some home and try it for yourself before you splash the cash. Iv attached two photos of me wearing all the products mentioned (apart from the Light Expert Foundation) so you can get the idea of how they look on. I used the Soleil Terrybly all over my face but build up more definition in the cheeks (in tone 1 - Summer Nude) and the blush in Coral Rose very lightly on the apples of my cheeks and the shadow is Bronze Moon. As it is day time look i buffed the shadow quite a lot using a blending brush so it did not appear too heavy in the day. 

Hope this has been helpful!
M. X 

Simple Steps - Moisturising

This is the final installment of my 'Simple Steps' posts. We have gone through cleansing and toning and now we will go through the best moisturisers for different skin types and why it is so important to use them. By moisturising your skin your pumping it with water therefore re-hydrating your skin. This helps tackle those irritating dry patches on your skin and leaves the texture smooth and radiant. 
If you suffer from dry skin then you will need a much thicker moisturiser as your skin cells are shedding a bit too fast which can look a bit 'flakey'. 
If you have oily skin, you want to find a moisturiser that hydrates your skin without adding extra oil. It is best to try and find a product that tackles oil and shine whilst moisturising at the same time - and yes they do exist. 
My skin tone is always changing, sometimes i suffer from seriously dry skin (the flakey type where it hurts to smile) and sometimes i get an oily t zone, so i have tried and tested a fair few products. Here are the ones i think beat the rest. 

As a great 'all rounder' moisturiser that is sutible for all skin types i recommend Lancomes Hydra Zen Neurocalm. At £39 this is quite a pricey moisturiser but it really is great. The smell is lovely, sporting hints of rose and your skin is left hydrated and smooth. This is an everyday moisturiser which may not be strong enough for those who suffer from really dry skin, when my skin is at it's driest i move onto thicker creams. For those with combination skin i believe you would be fine using this product, as iv gone through two pots of this and have not suffered from any break outs. It says it is soothing and anti-stress and it definitely is. I can almost hear my face saying 'thank you' as the cream relaxes my skin.  

 Oh the little joys of life so often come from Clarins, and this blue pot of moisture is one of those joys. Clairns HydraQuench Cream is pricey at £34 but as the saying goes, 'you get what you pay for'. This is for normal to dry skin tones, so for those with oily skin its best to steer clear of this one. Having said that, i have combination skin and i love this, although i tend to use it when i can feel my face is on the dry side. Iv mentioned before that i LOVE the smell of all the Clarins products and this cream smells heavenly floral. The only problem with this is a love it so much it runs out so quickly. This 'melt on your skin' moisturiser leaves you skin soft, smooth and sumptuous - perfect!

When my skin was at it's driest I relied on Bobbi Browns EXTRA Repair Moisurising Balm and it was my saving grace. This balm is as thick as the price at £62, but can you put a price on good skin? I think not. The texture is so thick and rich is almost difficult to put onto your skin - i wouldn't recommend putting make-up straight over this. I wore this either at night or give it minimum of 10 mins to sink properly into your skin. It has SPF 25 which is fab for protecting your face from the sun and a little goes a long way with this miracle pot which slightly makes up for the price tag. This is has a luxuriousness to it that you wont find in most moisturisers, so for those with dry skin, break your piggy banks and head down to Bobbi Brown - you wont be disappointed. 

If ever you skin is on the oily side or your suffering from breakouts Dermalogica should be your first port of call. The £43 Active Moist is a moisturiser for combination and oily skin tones. It smells of the lavender extract, one of the main ingredients but is naturally fragrance free so great if your skin is sensitive  This is oil free cream is incredibly light, hydrating those dry patches whilst fighting off the oil and shine we hate. Get the moisture without the oily breakouts we want to avoid with this wonder cream. It you want your redness reduced and your pores perfect then this could be for you. 

If blemishes and spots are your main concern, look no further. Cliniques Anti Blemish Solution is similar to the Dermalogica Active Moist in that it is lightweight and naturally fragrance free but this is only £18.50. This moisturiser that is so light is more a gel than a cream creates a barrier to prevent breakout causing elements reaching the face whilst working on any spots you have already. I like this cream and i have found it worked for me, the only thing i didn't like was the smell. For maximum results use with the Cleansing Foam and Clarifying Lotion from the Anti-Blemish 3 Step Solution range. 

When the we've busted our banks and our purses have taken a hit, its time to find a cheapy that gonna do the job and Welda fits the bill. Victoria Beckham and Adele are fans of this £8.95 Welda Skin Food. This organic and award winning product is not only cheap, it really works. It targets dry and flakey patches but is also used as an everyday moisturiser. It replenishes skin and even though it is rather thick, oily or combination skin tones benefit from this beauty wonder. Whatever the issue is, be it wrinkles, redness, blemishes or dry skin - this stuff will help! Without having any light reflecting ingredients your skin will have a fantastic natural glow to it. Its cheap and cheerful and is a backstage beauty secret used on models and has many celebrity fans. If its good enough for them, whats stopping you?

I find myself returning to the cosmetic wonders of Clarins when researching the best anti-aging moisturiser. The Extra Firming Day Cream comes at £48 but the benefits are endless. This suits all skin types and with the light reflecting aspects this is perfect for women in their 40's and above. It promises to lift and firm the skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The cream is thick but remarkably it soaks into the skin incredibly quickly meaning you don't have to wait to apply your make up. As well as firming your skin it also reduces pores and evens out the skin tone, resulting in younger looking skin that is richly hydrated. 

My final moisturiser that suits all skin types, is from Temple Spa, who's £33 moisturiser Be Still was given to me to try and i absolutely fell in love. Temple Spa describe the moisturiser as 'liquid velvet for the skin', sounds inviting doesn't it? Well i couldn't agree with them more. This soothing moisturiser is very appropriately named as it literally calms your skin into being still. The tranquility of this is evoked further by the relaxing scents of lavender that dances around your senses when you apply this. It is not too thick and sinks into your skin like a dream. This is also amazing for irritated skin as it soothes it back to its natural state. This is a professional standard moisturiser that you wont regret purchasing. 

So there you go, the final step of what should be your daily skin routine of CLEANSE, TONE and MOISTURISE! I hope this can be of help. Let me know what you think or if you have any further suggestions of moisturisers that you love. 

M. X

Sleepover Secrets

You know that feeling when you take off your make-up for the first time in-front of a partner? I hate it, it's like taking off a mask and being like 'hey, i tricked ya, look at me now!'. Well, that's what it feels like sometimes but its not the case. Firstly, make-up doesn't change your face, it doesn't remold or reconstruct.  It is there to highlight your best aspects, enhance your natural beauty and to cover those tiny weeny imperfections. 
Not everyone and not all the time but some of us do feel a bit nervous at the prospect of going bare faced. It's like that Morning Scene  off 'Bridemades' when Annie re-does her make-up before Ted wakes up, gets back into bed and pretends that is her natural morning face. I can relate all too well. 
I am not saying you should not be proud of your natural beauty, you absolutely should, but for those of us who are a little bit shy or need that extra confidence kick these are a few tips on how to look your best when you go to sleep and wake up.


Exceptional Eyes - The panda, smudged eye make up look in the morning, is NOT your friend. To avoid looking like this  -> 

Remove all make-up, sleeping in it is not only bad for your skin, you wake up looking and feeling a little bit dirty. 

if you still want to have definition in your eyes and lashes get down to Blink or somewhere that offers great brow and lash services. I get my eyebrows threaded for optimum shaping and definition, and i also dye my eye lashes and brows every so often. Having my eye lashes dyed means that i don't have to wear mascara which is fab, i wake up and go to sleep not having to worry about taking off eye make up or putting it on. Having eyebrows properly shaped is one of the most important things, they give your face such definition whether they are 'Cara thick' or elegantly thin and sleek, eyebrows really frame your face. 

Without eyebrows even the world most beautiful can look like something that crawled out of a horror show. 

The saying 'less is more' is crucial when talking about your brows. Do NOT over-shape or over-dye, even if you think you will end up looking like Miss Delevingne - you wont. 
What is more likely to happen is the 'scouse brow' which is not the look you want to have this summer. It's kind of like two slugs have crawled from either side of your forehead and died above your eyes.  Just aim for natural pretty eye's with a bit of help from some tint and tweezers. 

Natural Colour Now some of you will have that healthy natural glow that we all crave but for those who don't - fear not. It's less than ideal when one takes off their make up and ends up 3 shades lighter than what their 'mask' of make-up showed them to be. So, always match your make-up to your natural skin tone. It is such an easy mistake to make, but just remember that make-up is not a mask, it's an enhancer. 
If you think your looking a bit under the weather and you need a bit of colour then why not try putting on the award winning Clarins £18 Fake Tan which gives you a glow without making you orange. This is a fail safe beauty product and it lasts such a long time. I am slightly in love with this product. It is full of vitamins and nutrients so not only are you left radiant but also with silky smooth skin. I hate streaky tans and since using the Clarins self tanner, streaks have seldom been an issue. So with a healthy pop of colour, your brows and lashes, your face looks great and is untouched by make-up. You've got defined eyebrows shaping your face, great lashes and a healthy bronzed glow. Perfect!

Glow Before You Go Now, this final tip is the holy grail of sleepover secrets and was introduced to me by my far away friend in Paris. BareMinerals have come out with this genius, award winning Pure Transformation Night Treatment which puts an end to all your bare faced worries. At £45 it is a bit pricey but the benefits are endless. It reduces pores, evens out your skins tone and texture and brightens your face with a luminous glow. It works on your skin while your sleeping (without rubbing off onto your pillow) boosting cell rejuvenation so you wake up with brighter and younger looking skin. It comes in different shades so it can sit naturally and evenly on your natural skin tone and will leave you looking flawless in the morning.  

Some people marinate their food over night because it allows more time for those ingredients to soak in, so imagine that food is your face and the make-up is ingredients. The longer you leave it, the more chance it has to soak in your pores along with all the debris and grime that has fallen on your face that day. Gross.
You have to learn to love the skin you are in, not hide behind a wall or mask of make-up, so dont be embarrassed when you take it off. If your not confident with you skin, these little sleepover secrets might give you the boost you need. Take off your make-up and be proud of your beauty, happiness is the most beautiful thing so smile and be confident. 
Happy Sleepovers
M. X

Simple Steps - Toners

Once your skin is fresh and clean from cleansing, it's time to give those pores a second sweep to make sure we haven't left any dirt behind resulting in our complexions looking the best they can. Toners help to balance the skin and remove any left over dirt or make-up left from cleansing. They help to freshen the skin by removing dead skin cells and prepare it for moisturiser. Some people use toner twice a day in their morning and night skin care regimes while others prefer to use it just in the evening. I like using it twice a day for maximum effect.

One of my absolute favorite toners is the NARS Multi-Action Hydrating Toner from NARSskin. This £22 toner is alcohol free, therefor is perfect for all skin types. It exfoliates and smooths skin, reducing the appearance of pores and contains light reflectors for that bright flawless glow that healthy skin radiates. Some toners tend to have a drying effect on skin however this one is gentle but incredibly effective. I have had great success with this product and already have noticed a luminosity in my skin as a result. A major plus point that the smell is so deliciously fresh. 

Clarins Toning Lotion With Iris (£18) and I have had a long lasting love affair. The smell is amazing and it removes every last trace of dirt. This is targeted at those with oily or combination skin types so those with sensitive skin might find this a bit hash. This alcohol free toner leaves my skin feeling hydrated and purified.  It's great value for money as a little goes a long way with this toner. 

REN's new £18 Clarifying Toning Lotion is a great toner for those with oily complexions or combination skin tones. If you have sensitive skin it is best to stay away from this as it might be a bit tough on your skin. I prefer more of a dewy finish and this leaves the skin looking rather matte. This toner has great exfoliating properties which ensures for a deep clean removing all traces of dirt and grime. REN are known for their 'no nasties' so not only is this as great cleanser but it also promises to be kind to your skin. 

If you suffer from sensitive skin then Darphin's Intral Toner is your must have. This soothing toner, with hints of Chamomile, cleans your face gently without causing any irritation  tingling or redness.I personally love this toner when my skin is feeling dry because not only does it smell utterly amazing, it is so hydrating. The hydrating aspect to this wonderful toner means your left with a dewy glow that Women From Nars love. This comes at £27 but is completely work it. Cant recommend this more.  

Lancome overs a great range of toners and the Tonique Confort is one that caters to those with dry skin. At £22 we are already in love with the packaging which is pretty in pink. However, its what's inside that counts and i don't t think you will be let down be this terrific toner. The texture of this is rather thick but that is because it is re-hydrating dried skin. The moisturising aspect of this is amazing and the smell is wonderful. 

For another great toner iv come to Lancome again! The Tonique Douceur is a classic, at £22, this is a fail safe option. Everyone i know who has this product absolutely swears by it. It is alcohol free and smells delicious. This is for normal to combination skin and leaves you feeling refreshed, clean and hydrated. I would warn those with sensitive or dry skin to use a toner more catered to their needs, however for those with normal skin complexions this is a great addition to your skin care regime. 





Hopefully that has given an insight into the toning aspect of skin care. It is SO important to find the right toner for you - everyone's skin tones and complexions are different and react differently to toners. Perhaps try a sample before you you splash you cash on something that may react badly to your skin. 
By Monday afternoon i will have a the final installment of my 'Simple Steps' posts where I will go through some of my favorite moisturisers for all the different skin tones. 
Have a good weekend.
M. X

Clever Concealers

We don’t shout about our imperfections, highlight our flaws or point out problems, we keep them secret, and we conceal them. The same goes for our face which is why getting the right concealer for you is so important. This post will recommend and review 3 of the best concealers that I have come across over the years. The concealers I’m going to show you are all cream based. 

 

To apply this properly I would suggest letting your moisturiser,  foundation, tinted moisturizer set for a few minutes before applying the concealer on top. Scoop a small section from the pot onto the side of your hand (photo on the left), then with your other hand warm the cream by gently rubbing (photo on the right) it as the application will be smoother will sit better. 

Let's start with MAC's Studio finish concealer, with SPF 35 this little pot of concealer certainly does the trick. It comes in a rainbow of colours (mine is NW20) and is a reasonable £14.50. It is thick enough to cover any blemishes or dark spots and is a nice creamy texture. My only problem with this is that it has a habit of settling into any lines you have on your face and therefore becomes slightly obvious. This is great for covering dark circles under the eyes and any blemishes you may have. 






We love NARS and we really love Radiant Creamy Concealer, at £21 this little stick of joy is one of my favorite things that has come out of NARS. I love the texture and it covers dark circles or redness on the face. It blends really well and adds to your natural glow with its brightening effects. If you are suffering from a breakout this is perfect as it has a creamy thick texture that will cover most imperfections. 

Benefit have got a great, £19.50 concealer, called Erase Paste, which literally a paste that erases those imperfections we hate. This long lasting concealer is great on spots as the texture is so wonderfully creamy. The main 'benefit' from this is it removes those blue tones from under your eyes. This is my favorite for hiding those nasty spots. 

Oh Secret Camouflage how I love thee! Laura Mercier has created the king of concealers and at £26 this is a beauty must have. I use the shade SC3 and i find it works well with or without a tan. Our skin isn't always a permanent colour, so Laura Mercier decided to cater to the changing nature of our faces. This high pigmented cream covers it all. It's light enough so that you don't feel caked and strong enough to hide those imperfections. For best results use the lighter side for brightening any redness and for blemishes mix the combination to suit your tone. I have had mine since Christmas and I have found a little of this miracle cream goes a very long way. Your make-up bag isn't complete without this little secret weapon.

Simple Steps - Cleansers

It was so easy when we were younger, because morning and night routines went as far as simple soap and water. We are now older and more wary of our skin and we've all heard the mantra - 'CLEANSE. TONE. MOISTURIZE'. Now, some are skeptical of using so many products if their skin is already problem free - as they say, 'don't fix what aint' broken'. 
However, some of us, are not so lucky, so for us this mantra is one we should follow, as the benefits are endless. 
All our skin types differ, i have combination skin - if this is the same as you then don't 'over cleanse'. Over cleansing will remove the natural oils drying the skin out or you could remove the natural oils leaving your skin to go into overdrive producing more and ending up with a greasy look. 
If you have dry skin i would suggest cleansing only once a day to avoid drying your skin out too much. Products that are sensitive to skin will be your best best. 
If you have oily skin it is recommended that you cleanse your skin at least twice a day. Your pores are naturally more open and therefore you need to avoid blockage more so than others. 
Today I'm going to run through some of the best cleansers around. It's SO important to cleanse your face, we wouldn't go a day (we hope) without washing - so don't ignore your face. Rejuvenate your skin by removing the top layer of dirt and grime that accumulates during the day.  By cleaning and opening your pores you reduce the chance of blemishes and blackheads, this allows your skin to breath. These are some of the best products i have tried and loved.

Most of my beauty products are from Clarins because i can never seem to fault them and the smell they each have is amazing! Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser is no exception of this. Its only £18 pounds and very long lasting. You only need a pea size amount because once added to water it creates a fantastically smooth foam that you massage into your face and it gently cleans your skin. With great results of silky smooth clean skin, this product is great for dry and sensitive complexions. 

The Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish cleanser has the high-street price of £9.50 but don't let the price fool you. It's one best cleansers around and it suits all skin types. This is award winning product comes with a cloth so you can gently buffer you skin clean - genius. This cleans your skin whilst removing all make up, even the most stubborn waterproof mascara. This is cheap, easy and leaves skin actually feels and looks polished.



Dermalogica's Dermal Clay Cleanser is great if you suffer from oily skin. If i'm ever suffering from a breakout this is who i turn to first. It clay creates a deep clean while soothing ingredients such as cucumber relaxes your skin. I would suggest for best results remove your make-up first and then apply this cleanser to clean skin to see optimum results  If you have dry skin then this is not for you but anyone who suffers from occasional breakouts, oily complexion and problematic T-Zone - this is for you! At £27, if its good enough for Victoria Beckham - its good enough for us too. 

Ok, so your in a rush or maybe your just exhausted. Its been a long day at work or perhaps you've just got back from a night out. The last thing you want to do or can be bothered for is to properly clean your face. Imagine if there was an express cleanser than you apply with some cotton wool pads and you were done - even with a full face of make-up... Luckily for you, Lancome imagined just the thing. Lancome's Eau Micellaire Douceur (£22.50) is designed to quickly clean face, eyes and lips - removing make-up and cleansing your skin. Its hydrating and gentle so this is for all skin types, even you sensitive types out there. It also smells amazing! I suggest that there is a bottle permanently by your bed for those nights where your face just wants to meet the pillow - clean or not. 

Last but certainly NOT least is the Eve Lom Cleanser which i think is the king of cleansers.  Vouge once described this balm cleanser as "probably the best in the world" and the results are evidence of this. Everyone i know who has tried this has fallen in love. All skin types will benefit from this cleanser and your skin is left glowing and deeply cleansed. Much like the Liz Earle cleanser, the Eve Lom Cleanser comes with a muslin cloth.Your circulation is improved with the massage technique of the cloth, your pores are opened, decongested and then closed, resulting in a healthy radiance.  The 50ml pot is pricey at £40 but i cant recommend this enough. The only down side is the smell isn't delicious but who cares when the results are that good! 


Hopefully this has given some insight into the world of cleansing. There are so many different ones to choose from to suit all different types of skin. I love any type of Clairns cleansers - they are all amazing in my eyes but as i said before, im a sucker for the yummy smells. Let me know what you think and happy cleansing!

M. X



  

Poppy's Natural Look

Today the weather has been rather dull so i thought i'd rope a friend into a make-over to cheer us up. During the day, either going to work or meeting friends a 'natural' make-up look is great to master. You look healthy and glowing without looking like your caked in make-up. Even though the sun isn't bright, there is no reason why your face shouldn't be so. 

I've taken before and after shots so you can see how minimal make-up can make a real difference. 





To create Poppy's look i started off by using Laura Mercier's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Natural Radiance (the link for this is available in my 'Tinted Moisturizer' post). I applied this with a simple foundation brush and gently worked this into her face. After this i applied Laura Mercier's Secret Camouflage in SC3. I applied this under the eyes and on any blemishes. I then gently added NARS Laguna Stick (link in the 'Be Bronzed' post), i applied this with a foundation brush on the cheek bones to give some definition and shade. I then used the same stick on the eye lids to brighten eyes and give them a bronzed finish. To highlight the brow bones i added the much famed YSL Touche Eclat and added a dab in the inner corner of the eyes. For the final touch i added a thin layer of MAC's False Lashes which gives the lashes a longer and thicker look without being 'too much'. The whole process took less than 10 mins but the results are great. Poppy is now glowing on this rainy afternoon. 

M. X

Tinted Moisturizers

Tinted Moisturizers - iv always been slightly unsure of these as i panic that there wont be enough coverage for those days where you really need it. I have however, found a few that i love and think they are great for that effortless 'no make-up' look that we all love. I have narrowed it down to three brands that I've tried and loved!


This Vichy Lumineuse Sheer Radiance moisturizer is cheap (£10.60) and effective. It's is smooth enough to create an even completion but not too shiny that you end up looking greasy. It is packet with vitamins but for combination skin (like mine) this isn't ideal as it is quite oily. I also found that i had to re-apply throughout the day. My only other criticism is that the colour is quite intense, perhaps something lighter would be better if you want the 'no make-up look'. All in all if your looking for a good colour and a sheer glow then this is a great buy Click here to shop! 







   Bobbi Brown can do no wrong in my eyes. I am a recent fan after being turned to her make up after struggling to find a foundation last winter. It was love at first sight - the Tinted Moisturizer is no exception of her brilliance. 
This tinted moisturizer is a very clever product, i say this because it has all the benefits of a foundation yet without the thickness. I found it gave me even coverage, covered my blemishes more so than previous tinted moisturizers and gave me a dewy finish. I did have to use concealer in problem areas but it still gave a natural finish. There is also a oil free version for those prone to oily skin. It does exactly what it says on the tin, sun protection, coverage and moisturizer - what more could you want. At £28 its more expensive than some high street brands, but its worth it. Click here for the direct link to start shopping!

Now onto my favorite and fail safe tinted moisturizer. Laura Mercier's illuminating lightweight coverage it what convinced me to turn to tinted moisturizers. It comes in different shades to suit all skin tones, I'm using 'natural radiance' as I'm typing this and i love it. I started using it when i had dry skin and thought foundations were too thick on the dry patches and this was the perfect option. Now, without the dry skin problem, I'm still addicted. It gives this dewy glow that cant be competed with. On days where i don't think it will be enough coverage i mix with a foundation which still leaves me with the glow that this product provides. If you don't want to mix it with foundation but still want a bit more coverage, concealer over the top should do the trick. Click here for the £33 hydrating wonder product! 


All in all tinted moisturizers are great for a more natural day time look. I shall keep testing some more and let you know what i find!  

M. X