 It’s August, it’s sunny and we’re clinging on to every drop of summer feels we can during Covid-19. As the weather heats up, you might want to consider changing your makeup products - cutting out some of the heavier coverage products and swapping for a beautiful fresh dewy look. Dewy, glossy makeup is the secret to “glowing” your way through those hot, sticky days and it can look super sexy. SPF is your BFF so this is always your first step before applying your makeup. There are so many amazing products now to apply under your base and even spray over the top of your makeup application to top up your protection from the harmful rays! SPF protects your skin against premature ageing as well as helping to reduce the risk of skin cancer - so it is a beauty product that needs to become part of your daily skin care routine. Teaming up a sheer coverage - allowing those youthful freckles to peep through with a glossy lip is my absolute go-to look for this time of year and you can even add a pop of colour for a more statement look. Bright coloured eyeshadows and eyeliners have really surged in popularity recently. As with all trends, they come and go and blue eyeshadow has long been considered a faux-pax which belonged to the 1980s. However, you can modernise a bright eye with a simple wash of colour, a bright eyeliner in the waterline or go full on colour if you are brimming with sass! So don’t fear the colour - just choose how you choose to wear it for your own comfort level and rock it! Here are some of my favourite summer makeup products to glam your way to stunning skin and the versatile eye makeup products you absolutely need to try! DIEGO DALLA PALMA DAILY PRIMER BASE SPF50+ This primer is a great base for underneath your makeup application - offering broad spectrum protection against UVA, UBA and infrared rays. The lightweight fluid is both illuminating (ideal for boosting radiance to the skin) and translucent in texture once applied. It contains ylang ylang and frangipani butter which add a delicious helping of hydration to the skin.  CHARLOTTE TILBURY HOLLYWOOD FLAWLESS FILTER If you are looking to elevate your glow, look no further… This versatile complexion booster can be used as a radiant primer or can be used as a liquid highlighter for the ultimate high gloss glow. It provides a dreamy soft focus effect to the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores.  NUDESTIX TINTED COVER I love the creamy formulations in the Nudestix products and this lightweight foundation does not disappoint either. It is hydrating, buildable and even protects skin from environmental damage which can contribute to premature skin ageing. The ingredients are packed with anti-oxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and help to tone and lift. If you think this little gem couldn’t get any better, you are wrong. It is waterproof which makes it ideal for combatting the summer sweat (or should I say “summer glow”). Free from fragrance, gluten and parabens, cruelty-free and and vegan friendly. What's not to love?  BEACHED RAYS FOR DAYS BRONZER I absolutely love a liquid bronzer and this natural bronzing serum provides a beautiful sun kissed natural look, which you can build up to the level of intensity you want to achieve. It is super quick and easy to use which is always a bonus and the Aussie plums used in the formulation help to protect from environmental damage and reduce the signs of ageing. Who doesn’t want to look younger? I adore this little bottle of Aussie summer.  STILA EYE-SPY GLITTER AND GLOW LIQUID EYE SHADOW SET Even if you struggle with applying your own eye makeup, this is a mega quick way to add some subtle sparkle to your eyes and the only tool you need is your pinky. A little dab on your eye lid instantly provides a pretty halo eye makeup look and they are very long wearing which is a perk on a hot day. You can wear these alone or over the top of an eyeshadow.  KAT VON D EYE CRAYONS If you are looking to experiment with colour, these eye crayons are amazing! Very creamy in consistency and vibrantly pigmented, they glide effortlessly on the skin for ease. These eye crayons can be built up to increase colour intensity and can also be worn in the waterline for added drama. There are 3 colours in this pack - “Electric Blue”, “Bubblegum” and “Wild Orange”. For colour lovers, these are dreamy and are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.  MEMI MAKEUP HIGH SHINE LIP GLOSS IN AFTER HOURS A nude brown gloss is the must-have staple for your makeup kit in the summer and I am loving this gorgeous colour by Mimi Makeup. A nude brown is generally flattering for all skin tones and looks stunning with a subtle tan and freckles. This high shine gloss has a long-lasting, non-sticky formula. It is cruelty free and vegan friendly.   SPF is your skin saviour product and its not just for us beauty junkies… It would be easy to think that living in the changeable UK climes, wearing sunscreen seems like a ridiculous suggestion. Let’s face it, we get 2 consecutive days of mildly warm weather and we gratefully accept this as our summer time, hoorah! The bbq is on, the drinks are chilled and our strappy vests and shorts are pulled from the deepest depths of our wardrobes. We sit in the garden enjoying the warmth on our skin, trying to get a sun-kissed glow. Surely we don’t need sun screen though? It’s not like we are on holiday abroad? *Insert your own frustrated face slap emoji* The sun is the sun, regardless of where you are and simply put, any kind of change in your skin (tan, redness or worse - a burn) is skin damage. That’s right, that gorgeous brown summery skin you are sporting is actually damaged skin. Whether you sunbathe every day on holiday, or sit in your garden for 10 minutes on a hot day, you can burn. Infact, you can burn through clouds! Crazy, isn’t it? Apparently 80% of UV rays can still cause skin damage through clouds! Lets just be blunt, burnt skin is a step closer to an unwanted cancer. So this is why you must wear SPF - and not just on the sunny days. You need to wear it every single day; for protection and yes, even for vanity if you are wanting to keep those wrinkles at bay. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is vital for EVERYONE. Whether you have gorgeous olive skin than tans easily or pretty porcelain skin that cries as soon as you open the curtains on a sunny day, you need to protect it. SPF helps to protect against skin damage, skin cancers and premature wrinkles. The factor number is a guide to how much protection the products offer against the sun. The higher the factor, the longer you are protected without needing to reapply. You might have seen on some beauty products that it states they offer “broad spectrum” sunscreen. UVA and UVB are 2 different types of UV lights that are harmful to your skin. A broad spectrum sunscreen will protect you from both types. There are lots of fabulous beauty products on the market that add an SPF in to the ingredients for extra protection against harmful rays and I have selected my top 10 beauty products that contain an SPF protection. Douvall’s Daily Argan Moisturiser with SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection  Douvall’s nourishing Argan Oil moisturiser is beautiful and light weight on the skin and drenches the skin with hydration, Vitamin E, fatty acids and anti-oxidants which help protect the skin from premature ageing. It is non-greasy and quickly absorbed in to the skin, this is the perfect primer for underneath your makeup and can be worn all over the body and face. It is beautiful on the skin for your no-makeup days. Suitable for all skin types and super gentle for use on babies. 120ml - £46.00 - Available from Douvalls Burts Bees All Weather SPF 15 Moisturising Lip Balm  Burt's Bees All Weather lip balm provides broad spectrum protection with SPF 15 due to the zinc oxide ingredients. This handy compact lip balm feels very nourishing and non-greasy and should be applied liberally 15 minutes before exposure to the sun. It is long lasting and protects against the damaging effects of exposure to the sun. A huge benefit is that it's waterproof for around 40 minutes, which is ideal for swimming or outdoor exercise. 4.25g - £4.99 - Available from BurtsBees Filorga UV - Bronze Mist SPF 50+  Filorga’s Bronze mist is an exciting advanced technology product providing high level protection against all of the sun's spectrum of harmful rays (UVA, UVB and IR). Activated by heat from the sun, the photo technology detoxifies the skin from free radicals and oxidative stress which stem from UVA, UVB and IR (infrared rays). This water resistant mist cools and nourishes the skin and contains highly effective anti ageing ingredients such as Vitamin H, Hyaluronic Acid and the Micro-Encapsulated Glacier Water that tones the skin. 60ml - £30.00 - Available from Debenhams Marks & Spencer Feel Unique and Look Fantastic Soleil Toujours Extreme UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45  Soleil Toujoirs Extreme UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 is a deliciously luxurious cream created with broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and is ideal for using on the face. It is jam packed with anti ageing properties and antioxidants to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. This cream will apply with a white layer initially which is a benefit as you can see where it has been applied (or missed!) and then blends in beautifully. It can be applied underneath your makeup. It is 100% coral reef safe and should be applied liberally 15 minutes before exposure to the sun. 40ml - £45.00 - Available from Space NK Net A Porter Cult Beauty Harrods Selfridges and BeautyBay Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35  Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream is a dreamy light coverage foundation which contains SPF 35 protecting against UVA and UBV rays. It can also be worn as a primer underneath your favourite foundation if you prefer to have more coverage. It is hydrating and provides a radiance to the skin as well as helping to minimising shine. Available in 5 shades. 30ml - £27.00 - Available from Smashbox Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation SPF 15  Charlotte Tilbury is an absolute staple in my personal makeup bag and my professional kit so it will come as no surprise that one of her products has made into my top 10. The Magic Foundation is a semi matte coverage which is a long-lasting formula promising to stay in place for 13 hours. As well as providing an SPF 15 protection, it also improves the appearance of those pesky wrinkles and fine lines. 30 ml - £34.00 - Available from Charlotte Tilbury Sienna X Priming Day Cream SPF 30  Sienna X Priming Day Cream has an SPF 30 and is formulated to brighten the complexion and fight against the damaging effects of blue light and Infrared Type A due to the Marine Bamboo ingredient. This is a great cream for those with a dry skin type and can be used as a primer underneath a makeup application. It is very mild on the skin and therefore suitable for sensitive skin. Vegan Friendly. 50 ml - £39.00 - Available from Sienna-X Kerastase Creme UV Sublime  Kerastase UV Sublime cream is a luxurious nourishing leave-in conditioner. Containing lashings of Vitamin E, it helps to prevent dry hair and can tame frizzy locks for up to 24 hours, leaving hair silky smooth and glossy. 150ml - £24.80 - Available from kerastase Jane Iredale Hand Drink SPF 15  Our hands have taken quite a punishment over lockdown with all of the extra hand washing so replacing moisture back into the hands is even more crucial right now. The Jane Iredale Hand Drink is a super hydrating formula which also includes SPF 15 broad spectrum sunscreen and smells deliciously fresh with a hint of lemongrass. This non-greasy cream absorbs quickly into the skin and really protects and heals dry, cracked skin. The White and Green Tea together with Liposomal encapsulated Apple Extract fights against antioxidants and improves the appearance of skin tone. The hands are one of the first places to show signs of ageing and this is a great addition to keep in your hand bag. 60 ml - £19.95 - Available from Jane Iredale MAC Cosmetics Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer  Mac Cosmetics Studio Finish concealer is a high performance longwear concealer and offers a broad spectrum of UVA/UVB SPF 35 protection. This is a really creamy consistency perfect for concealing blemishes and skin imperfections as well as offering water resistant coverage up to 12 hours. It contains antioxidants together with Vitamin A and E to nourish the skin.
7g - £17.50 - Available from Mac Cosmetics  Starting a skin care routine might seem like high maintenance, especially if you already lead a busy life. Surely washing your face and applying a moisturiser is enough? Well yes, this is better than zero routine (I have spoken to many women in particular who don’t even apply a moisturiser after cleansing) but the more we look after our skin, the more it will most certainly reward us in the future. If you are a makeup junkie, you will already be aware that your application will be more flawless on well maintained skin.  The older I get the more obsessed I become with my own skin care routine. I am now at the top end of my 30s so my skin is showing signs of maturing and requires more TLC these days. However it is never too late to start a skin care routine. I have previously dabbled with drinking beauty powders as part of my daily routine and to be honest I did notice an improvement in the quality of my skin but the taste of the drinks were really REALLY awful. It was just one cup of water mixed with the powder per day (and the powder used to clump so it didn’t even full dissolve) but I dreaded it so much that I couldn’t bear to carry on with the powders once they ran out. Recently I was introduced to Truvivity by Nutrilite. This is a supplement programme which nourishes the skin from the inside, promising to add radiance to the skin as well as boosting collagen and helping to reduce fatigue. As a person who has suffered with a severely under-active thyroid for 17 years I am always open to trying new products that will boost my energy levels. Every day for the last few weeks I have drank a Truvivity powder beauty drink and had 2 supplement tablets. I start each day with the powder drink - and I should clarify this is a very pleasant fruity drink and dissolves fully in to the water, creating a refreshing juice. It contains Vitamin C, Zinc and the patented PhytoCeramide Complex which boosts collagen and the normal function of skin.  The tablet supplements are taken twice per day (they are quite large but are swallowed very easily with water) and they contain Vitamins A, C and zinc, the patented PhytoInfuse Complex and PhytoCeramide Complex. These supplements provide relief and protection for the skin against environmental stressors and help to maintain the skin.  There are many options of nutritional supplements and skin care products available in the range and I have seen some amazing results when used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
I am often sceptical about using beauty supplements and powders. Maybe I am old fashioned in thinking good skin care comes from a healthy diet, genetics and a product routine however there is no denying that I have seen a really significant improvement in my skin since adding Truvivity to my daily routine. I have some deep lines in my forehead as a result of old sun damage and these have definitively reduced - infact the overall appearance of my fine lines has improved which delights me… Maybe I can stave off the botox for a little while longer? If you are a bride looking to step up your skincare or simply looking to boost your health and wellbeing I can personally recommend Truvivity. You can contact brand representative Elena here for more details. Amway  Sundays are the perfect day to relax, reflect on the week that has past and re-set for the week ahead. Whether it has been a stressful week or you just fancy a good old pamper, there is something glorious about taking some time out on a Sunday evening to indulge yourself in some pampering. Life is always so busy - a little self care goes a long way. Here is my guide to the ultimate guilt-free Sunday beauty session… Start with creating a tranquil ambience. I love scrolling through Spotify looking for new “chill out” and guided meditation playlists. There are so many great podcasts to listen to as well. I really enjoy listening to inspirational business/entrepreneurial podcasts but I do try to switch off from these when I am having some quiet time. I think its important to allow your brain to dump all work related thoughts while you are enjoying some relaxation time. Light your favourite candle. I absolutely adore the Restore Apothecary candle from Marks and Spencers. Fragrances are so important for an experiential feeling of indulgence and this candle fills the room with a blend of various essential oils such as geranium, cedar wood, eucalyptus and lavender - which will help to ease you in to a calm state of mind. It has 32 hours of burn time and is very reasonably priced.  Available from Marks & Spencer - £7.50 Start running a bath. A bath has so many benefits when it comes to our wellbeing including helping you to sleep better, relieving muscle pain, helping congestion through steam inhalation and can even reduce blood pressure. While your bath is running, use this time to cleanse your skin. Face cleansing is of course a daily necessity when it comes to having a skin care routine. It is vital to effectively remove all traces of makeup and impurities before applying serums and moisturisers and I have been using the Creamy Cleanser by African Extracts Rooibos - which is perfectly suited to dry and mature skin. Massage this gently in to your face and neck - it has a fresh unique fragrance. With ingredients like Vitamin C and E, Jojoba Seed Oil and of course the Bio-Active Rooibos extract which is packed with anti-oxidants to help to boost the skin’s natural defence against environmental stress, you will feel deliciously clean, healthy and hydrated.  Available from African Extracts - £10.99 Oh and I have recently been introduced to an amazing body cleanser which is massaged in to the skin pre bath or shower. I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know body cleansing was a thing? Aside from using shower gels and body washes obviously. ESPA Cleansing Milk is a whole new level of luxury skin care which smells AM-AZ-ING! The light cleansing cream contains an aromatic blend of Vetiver, Sandalwood and grounding Ylang Ylang with ingredients such as Turmeric Butter, Shikakai and Opuntia Cactus which purify, soothe and lock in moisture to the skin. Once applied, immerse yourself in to the bath and allow the cleanser to melt away leaving your skin beautifully hydrated and nourished. I am obsessed with this product - the fragrance is super seductive.  Available from Espa Skincare - £38.00 Gone are the days of using Matey or Radox in my bath. My bath-game has elevated since trying more luxurious offerings over the last year or so and now there is no going back for me. I was so excited to try Liquid Yoga Bath Soak when it dropped through my letter box (the name is enticing in itself - you know you are in for a relaxing treat at the mere mention of Liquid Yoga). Running a small capful under the running tap will transform a regular bath to a deeply relaxing soak, soothing your body and calming your thoughts. Formulated with mineral salts to help soothe tired muscles, herbs and essential oils such a lavender and chamomile to nourish and hydrate your skin you will emerge feeling completely relaxed. It it a real treat…  Available from Mio Skincare - £26.00 Laying in the bath is the ideal time to pop on a face mask and Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Clay Mask is a favourite of mine. Charlotte Tilbury is one of my favourite makeup brands but her skincare formulations are also super nice! Only a thin layer is required all over the face (obviously not near the eyes) and should be left on for a minimum of 10 minutes. The mask contains super charged ingredients consisting of bionymph peptides (basically a skin plumper), Frangipani flower extract which smells delicious and has great moisturising benefits, Vitamin C to brighten the skin, Sweet Almond oil which is highly nourishing due to the Omega 3 and Rosehip Oil which improves the appearance of skin and fine lines. Once rinsed off, you will have baby soft glowing skin!  Available from Charlotte Tilbury - £38.00 Before getting out of the bath, gently scrub away any dead skin cells using Emulsion Cream Scrub Base. This unfragranced creamy texturised scrub will gently buff away rough skin to reveal brand new silky soft skin. This scrub is also gentle enough to use on the face and can be combined with your favourite Emulsion Add On. Emulsion products allow you to personalise your own blend tailored to your own skincare needs. They stock “core base” products and then scents and ingredients can be added additionally to target specific issues and requirements - these are what are know as Add Ons. Such a great concept!  Available from Emulsion - £18.00 Wrap yourself in a luxurious warm towel and pat your skin dry. Then use a body lotion to replace any moisture lost from the skin whilst soaking. Let me introduce you to Beauty Launderette. If you haven’t already seen these products you will find them in Superdrug and they are soooo cute, budget-friendly and great quality. The packaging and branding is so fun and I absolutely love the Soft Delicates Moisturiser, which at first glance looks like a kitchen spray (but I love that!). The spray makes the application so easy and this milky moisturiser just soaks straight in the skin, no fuss, no mess and boasts 48 hours of hydration. My skin always feels really soft after use and the fact its non-greasy and super light means there’s no waiting around before getting dressed. The honeysuckle and chrysanthemum formulation means it it ideal for sensitive skin.  Before hitting the sheets, give your face and neck a boost of hydration. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum can be used both on a morning and evening as part of a skin care routine, This serum has been clinically proven to improve the appearance of youthful looking skin by intensely hydrating, firming and reducing pores by 39%. It also provides a bright healthy glow which as you know is always a winner for me! Just a few drops massaged in to the face and neck is the perfect ending to a self-indulgent pamper.  Available from Charlotte Tilbury - £60.00 I always like to give my hair a weekly nourishing mask so I do this as my last step before having an early night. The Grow Gorgeous Balance Shine Enhancing Overnight Hair Mask is applied to dry hair and smells divine! The key ingredients are Oat Lipids Complex which strengthens the scalps natural protective barrier and Hyaluronic Acid to inject moisture in to the hair and leave a soft, silky finish. Other ingredients include Tung Wood, Rapeseed Oil, Pataua, Acai, Sweet Almond Oil, blended Green Tea extract and fruit acid which all contribute to fighting frizz, nourishing the hair and creating luscious glossy hair. Apply generously from root to tip and leave in overnight. I apply the mask and put my hair in a bun. The mask should be washed out upon waking using shampoo and conditioner (it is recommended to use the Grow Gorgeous pH Balanced Shampoo and Conditioner).  Available from Grow Gorgeous - £25.00 Lastly, prepare for a relaxing sleep by spritzing your pillows with Neom’s Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist. This luxury mist will send you on your way to a dreamy night of tranquility thanks to the expertly blended mix of essential oils including English lavender, patchouli and chamomile.  Available from Neom Organics - £20.00 End your ultimate Sunday pamper by turning off the tv and your phone and do some deep breathing. Inhale the delicious pillow mist fragrance and allow your mind to empty… after all, its almost the start of another busy week ahead!
Always take time for yourself. A little pamper might feel unnecessarily indulgent but 1 hour a week of self care can really help to re-energise and re-set for the week ahead. So make time for it and appreciate every second.  Applying makeup might be way down your list of priorities when you are running late for work, looking after the children or just short on time but, what if I told you it was possible to put on a full face makeup application in just over 5 minutes? For me personally, it doesn’t worry me to go bare-faced if I need to but, I also know that some of you would not dream of the leaving the house without wearing at least some makeup. We all have our own different levels of what feels comfortable but I promise, you can pull a natural, fresh look together very quickly, the secret is to use multi-use products and cream- based products. Creamy products are quick and easy to apply (and blend) and multi-use products are a no brainer for saving time (and space in your makeup bag). Yesterday, after coming in from a run and getting showered I had around 45 minutes before needing to be ready for a live stream video along with the other Editors at British Bride magazine, so I took the opportunity to pull a look together - timing myself - applying everything from moisturiser, base, blush, brows, eyeliner, from starting the application to finishing with a lip colour, the full process took me 6 minutes. The look I created was very simple, no precision work (winged eyeliner, bold lip). Instead, I just evened-out and brightened my complexion, added some soft eye makeup for definition, a dewy base and used a multi-use product to add colour to both my lips and cheeks.  As you can see, the results were natural, subtle and super easy to do in a very short space of time. As long as you have everything you need at hand, you can do it! Just remember, cream products are your friend for a fuss free makeup application. I always prefer to use brushes when I apply my makeup but using your fingers to blend cream based products is easier than using powders. Avoid using dark tones if you are in a hurry, as any mistakes you make will be more obvious. So, here are the products I used for my Zoom meeting makeover; The first product, which was a face mask, wasn’t strictly part of my look but I did use it prior to starting my application so I will add the details below. Algenist - Alive Prebiotic Balancing Mask This vegan mask is a colour changing face mask, going from green to pink as it is massaged into the skin. Formulated with an algae based prebiotic, it detoxifies the skin and boosts radiance, leaving skin looking visibly brighter and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It can be used 2-3 times per week.  Available from SpaceNK, JohnLewis, cultbeauty.com and @algenist - £38.00 Slow Ageing - Essential Facial Essence This luxe oil is a fabulous complexion booster and nourishes the skin. Packed with anti-oxidants and multi-active essential oils, it feels gorgeous on the skin and the glow it give is the perfect accompaniment to a radiant makeup application.  Available from slowageing.co.uk - £56.00 Illamasqua - Skin Base Concealer This full coverage concealer has become a staple in my makeup kit. It contains vitamin E and pro- vitamin b5 which is perfect for the delicate area underneath the eyes, helping to retain moisture and elasticity and prevent dry skin.  Available from illamasqua.com - £22.00 Illamasqua - Beyond Liquid Highlighter Drops I adore a natural, radiant glow. Whenever I apply my own makeup, or I am working on client makeup applications, creating radiance in the skin using illuminators is at the heart of my overall look and these highlighter drops do not disappoint! The application is easy (a few drops squeezed through the nozzle is sufficient for a natural look) but you can intensify the look by building up the application for a strobe effect. If you want to stay entirely au-natural, just mix a few drops in with your moisturiser, face oil or BB cream - perfect for an everyday glow.  Available from illamasqua.com - £24.00 Burt’s Bees - Goodness Glows foundation This foundation is perfect for those who love a natural dewy complexion. It took me a couple of applications to realise a little bit goes a long way, which is ideal for saving the pennies too. It actually feels very nourishing on the skin and is 98.9% natural , sourced from Meadowfoam Seed Oil, which is known for its moisturising benefits. I have shared my love for this product so much I now have an army of social media followers and readers sending me screenshots of their Burt’s Bees haul. Fabulous!  Available from lookfantastic.com - £14.99 Nudestix - Nudies Bloom in Tiger Lily Forever a fan of a multi-use product, I was really excited to try the Nudestix Nudies Bloom. This product is duel-ended with a soft blending brush at one end and the product at the other. One of the brilliant benefits of this colour stick is that it can be used on the cheeks, the lips and even eyes. The creamy consistency makes it very quick to use and easy to blend. I love the fresh look that this creates and using a multi-use product will also take up less room in your makeup bag. Double win! When creating my zoom look, I used this product both on my cheeks and on my lips.  Available from selfridges.com - £30.00 Eyeko - Brow Gel Brows are really important for framing the face but I am a “keep it natural” kinda gal. For me, I like to see groomed brows but if they pull the focus away from the face and immediately to the brows, it’s probably too much, in my opinion, so I really love this brow gel as it has a great natural finish. Applied with a brush, similar to a mascara wand, in upward strokes and although it will look wet initially it does dry with a long lasting hold. It contains nourishing ingredients such as keratin and gingko biloba. It’s very quick and easy to use.  Available from eyeko.co.uk - £18.00 Nudestix - Magnetic Luminous Eyeshadow Pencil As mentioned earlier, creamy products are really easy to use and these luminous eye colour pencils are a great way to brighten up your eyes and blend beautifully into each other. They glide across the eye easily, use your finger or a brush just soften off the edge of the application and your eyes are complete, super quick and super easy. I use these whenever I need to apply my makeup in a hurry. The range of colours are really gorgeous too, I love them.  Available from selfridges.com - £20.00 Lord and Berry - Smudgeproof Eyeliner Long lasting and smudge proof, what else could you possibly want from an eyeliner? This pencil glides on delicate eye skin easily and can last for up to 24 hours. This is the perfect product for bridges or special occasions where longevity is cruicial to maintaining a flawless look.  Available from Next and lordandberry.com Burt’s Bees - Nourishing Mascara This mascara is made from 100% natural ingredients (including Jojoba Oil and naturally moisturising Glycerin). A great mascara brush is vital for achieving luscious definition and this brush is designed to lengthen and define lashes along with the formula. I did feel like I wanted to add an extra coat after two applications on my top lashes but that's my personal preference. A huge benefit of this mascara is that it is gentle, so you can layer up to achieve your desired results without worrying about sensitive eyes. It's perfect for contact lense wearers.  Available from lookfantastic.com - £12.99 You can see the look being pulled together on my Instagram feel, feel free to check it out! If you were to ask me what is the most common question I get asked as a Makeup Artist, it would be very easy for me to answer without hesitation. “How to can I hide my dark eyes?” Unfortunately with dark eyes it can be hereditary, it can be your ethnicity (darker skin tones can often have patches of discolouration in the skin) and it can also just be lifestyle stressors such as poor diet and tiredness. In the same way this can also induce puffy eyes. There are products and makeup tricks that can improve the appearance of your skin, brighten up your eyes and neutralise discolouration… and here are my top recommendations. BeautyBio Science - Bright Eyes Illuminating Colloidal Silver and Collagen Eye Patches (15 pairs) I love the Bright Eyes eye patches by BeautyBio. They are a calming way to refresh tired eyes and contain a healing complex of aloe, natural collagen, illuminating pearls and colloidal silver which really brightens up the target area. I like to keep mine in the fridge for a nice cooling effect. This will revitalise your eyes and help to reduce the puffiness. These eye patches can also be used in various places around the face to as well as under the eyes to target crows feet and the fine lines between your nose and mouth (as shown in the video).  Emulsion Eye Cream with Revital Eyes Avoid using heavy face creams underneath your eyes. The skin is very thin underneath your eye and heavy creams can retain under the eye causing puffy eyes. Eye creams/serums are created specifically to target that delicate area and are formulated with ingredients to brighten, hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Treat this area with care by applying your cream/serum delicately with your ring finger. If you are looking for a new eye cream to add to your routine, try Emulsion Eye Cream. Rich in firming and nourishing ingredients such as pomegranate, green tea and caffeine which tones and rejuvenates the eye area.  Available from emulsion.co.uk, - £22.00 Lets talk foundations and concealers… My top tip - do not apply foundation underneath your eyes! Again, as the skin is very thin here products should be used sparingly, particularly with maturing skin. Foundations can be heavy in consistency and the aim is brighten underneath the eyes which we can do using specific under eye concealers. So apply your base (whether its a BB cream, foundation, tinted moisturiser etc) and leave a space under your eyes. Then apply under eye concealer under the eyes and blend between the concealer and foundation. Under eye concealer has light reflecting particles to illuminate the skin. I would recommend 1 shade lighter than your foundation to get a natural brightening effect. Illamasqua Skin Base Concealer Pen This pen is really easy to apply and the metal tip provides a cooling effect (which helps to minimise puffiness). As well as providing an amazing full coverage finish it also contains Vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 - which improves the moisture in the target area as well as fighting free radicals (including the ones that come from UV light). This slimline pen is great addition to your makeup bag.  Available from illamasqua.com - £22.00 While we are talking about concealers, do not get confused with using a blemish concealer for underneath your eyes… Blemish concealers are amazing for covering spots and mild discolouration in the skin but blemish concealers tend to be a thicker consistency than a watery under eye concealer. They are thicker as they are buildable (to cover those stubborn spots and breakouts). So using this type of concealer underneath your eyes will be far too thick and disastrous if your skin is maturing. You will age yourself by 20 years just by using the wrong concealer product. So remember, most under eye concealers will be labelled as such and blemish concealers are likely to be in pots, tubs or palettes. Too Faced Peach Perfect Instant Coverage Concealer Finding a good concealer is something I have struggled with as much as finding a mascara I absolutely love however this is a really concealer feels really lightweight on the skin. It is buildable though - perfect for covering those stubborn blemishes. The extra bonus to this product is that it is a long-wearing product making it perfect for special occasions and especially brides. It is crease-proof (up to 12 hours) and waterproof which is fabulous and it has a really pleasant fragrance due to being infused with a peach scent and extract. A great size for your handbag too if needed.  For those of you who have discolouration in your skin (such as people who suffer with rosacea can have redness in the skin, or some darker skin tones or maturing skin can become quite blue/purple underneath the eyes) you would need to colour-correct the skin the skin prior to using an under eye concealer or foundation. If your skin is particularly discoloured and you do not neutralise the skin colour first before applying a base/eye brightener, it can result in grey, sallow looking skin. Colour correction is a big topic all of its own which I will cover separately very soon but the transformation in brightening up the complexion (just by neutralising the colour) can be a significant game changer. I see this so often with my clients and advising clients via my makeup 1:1 tutorial sessions. Using an eye brightener pencil in the waterline of your eye can cheat the way to refreshing tired looking eyes. A good quality waterproof pencil is always advisable and there are so many pencils on the market that advertise themselves as waterproof but the application doesn’t last… Charlotte Tilbury Rock ’n’ Kohl Eye Cheat pencil My absolute favourite to date is Charlotte Tilbury “Rock n Kohl Eye Cheat”. It’s a flattering nude brightener which dramatically improves the appearance of tired eyes and it really does stay put.  Available from charlottetilbury.com - £19.00 Last top tip and this is ENTIRELY FREE! Thats right, FREE! Drink lots of water. We all have access to water and the benefits on both health and appearance are huge! If someone told you there was a magic elixir that would make your eyes sparkle, reduce puffiness in the eyes, improve the appearance of the cellulite, assist with weight loss and make you feel more mentally alert you would probably buy it, wouldn’t you? Thats what water does for you… as well as many other benefits. If you have been eating poorly, it can cause eye bags (salt, excessive caffeine) and water is really going to help push out the toxins in your skin, clear your complexion and you will see results as early as 24 hours after… so add those 8 glasses to your well-being routine. To see the visible results of my top tips, check out my video explaining each of these recommendations in detail. As always during lockdown, let’s just skirt past the bad roots and the unique quarantine hairstyling. We are all in this together, hey?  A combination of stress, poor diet and being indoors might be playing havoc with your skin so if you don't already have a skincare routine, now is the time to get one... Skin can react to any number of changes from what we eat, how we treat our skin and environmental factors amongst many other things and a good skincare routine is one of the most basic steps of good self care. After all, we only get one skin... and it is the first physical sign of aging so treat it well as early as you can and it will pay off as you get older. That said, it is never too late to get product-savvy. I am always amazed by the number of people I speak to that only wash their face with soap and water and don't even own a moisturiser! The key initially is determine your skin type and then match your products accordingly. Whether you are dry, oily, normal, combination, mature, sensitive... there are plenty of amazing products to help combat your skin issues. For example, if you have dry skin, you might want to use a hydration serum underneath your moisturiser and use a rich facial oil on an evening to hydrate your skin as you sleep. Skincare is a huge topic to cover on a "generally-speaking" basis so I will chat more on different skin types and recommendations in specific posts but for now I would like to introduce you to a fabulous range of natural skincare that I discovered recently.  Pamoja is a cruelty-free, palm oil-free and vegan friendly range of delicious skin care. Owner Sarah is a certified skin formulator, having trained with an award winning and accredited school or organic cosmetic science. Using high quality natural ingredients she formulated an effective solution to combating her own skin sensitivities which she had struggled with for years. Pamoja has been recognised at the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2020 with some of her products receiving Commended and Editor Choice awards.  I have been using the Reset, Restore and Revive range. The Reset Cleansing Balm is literally the best cleanser I have tried as yet (and I try a lot!). With a small amount of balm which melts in to an oil in your palm, it gently removes any dirt and makeup from your face and Sarah recommends using this product while massaging your face to get maximum results. The fragrance is heaven! Just like the gorgeous smell that hits you when you walk in to an expensive spa... Ingredients include Moringa oil, organic Safflower oil and organic Sacha Inchi oil which is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9, Mango and Murumuru butter. Lots of gorgeous essential oils in there too including Chamomile and Lavender to give you an amazing feeling of wellbeing. This balm feels so gentle around the eyes too and removed every bit of eye makeup without any subsequent irritation. £25.00  The Restore Multi-Purpose Beauty Oil feels very light on the skin and soaks in really quickly. The oil is nutrient rich in Omega 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9 essential fatty acids, minerals, anti-oxidant vitamin E and vitamin A with natural retinol. This oil is a super addition to your skin care routine and some of the other ingredients (including Sea Buckthorn, Pomegranate and Blackcurrant C02) help to increase resistance against environmental factors which can impact your skin. Scented with some deliciously fragrant essential oils such as Bergamot, Red Mandarin and Geranium Bourbon. It is a multi-use oil so can be used to massage in to nails, hair and any dry patches on your body that need a little TLC. Just a few drops a day and you can expect this bottle to go a long way. £36.00  The Revive Multi-Action Face Cream is a light, soufflé consistency that hydrates the skin instantly and leaves it glowing and bright! This cream provides protection from pollution induced skin damage and environmental stress. I really love how this moisturiser feels on my skin. Plumper and healthy. It contains gorgeous ingredients, just like the other products, including Red Raspberry seed oil, Arctic Blackcurrant CO2 and Hyaluronic Acid and Ylang Ylang essential oil. £45.00  All of these products are suitable for all skin types especially sensitive and allergy-prone skin. I have listed the prices based if bought on an individual basis but you can buy these 3 products as a package for £90. Pamoja offer 10% off the first order, free delivery and a free sample. Available from www.pamojaskincare.com  So we are another week in to lockdown and I have been spending it testing lots of new beauty products. I found myself focussing on creating some gorgeous fresh, spring skin and using 3 products in particular I now have a go-to complexion look that I absolutely love! Using a nourishing moisturising oil and mineral makeup, this base feels so light so I don't even feel like I am wearing makeup, which is perfect for a minimal makeup wearer like myself. With most products, I like to try them out several times to feel confident in recommending these to my clients and readers and I have worn this base 3 days in a row - just because it has really freshened up my complexion and made me feel so much better whilst working from home. You can see how I used these products in this short video. If you could just skirt past the fact my roots are desperately in need of some TLC - I feel better knowing I am not alone in styling out the quarantine chic. Douvall's Organic Argan Oil Moisturiser - £25.00 for 50ml - www.douvalls.com  Douvall's cold pressed multi-tasking 100% pure eco-certified organic oil is non-greasy, super nourishing and age-defying, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use thanks to the Vitamin E, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants. This can also be used to moisturise the body, dropped in the bath for some skin TLC, nourish cuticles to strengthen nails and applied as a hair treatment for dried/split ends. PUR 4 in 1 Mineral Tinted Moisturiser - £25.00 available from www.purcosmetics.co.uk  PUR 4 In 1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 is an all-purpose skin hydrator, primer, light coverage foundation and SPF protection for all skin types. I used this product as my base as I like a natural, dewy look but if you prefer a fuller coverage it can be used as a primer for a mineral foundation. Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint - £29.50 available from www.drhauschka.co.uk  Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint can be mixed with your moisturiser for a subtle warmth or added over the top of your base in same way you would apply a powder or cream bronzer. It will soften the appearance of blemishes and imperfections and it blends beautifully.  The amazing beauty brand DR PAWPAW have launched an initiative due to the demand on the NHS staff suffering with sore hands due to constant hand washing and cracked lips from masks. Dr PawPaw are giving away 2 free balms to all frontline workers (exc p&p). Since starting the initiative a few weeks ago, almost 30k tubes have been given away.  I have recommended Dr PawPaw previously to my clients and readers of @britishbridemag and it’s a fabulous product so this will really help our real-life heroes who are suffering with skin irritations. Dr PawPaw obviously want to reach as many front line workers are possible so they can benefit from this.
To claim the free balms please go to www.drpawpaw.com/frontline Thank you to everyone in the NHS for all of the work you are doing. We appreciate you ❤️ Please tag/repost/share with those you know on the frontline 🙏 Hey fellow isolators! As Beauty Editor for British Bride magazine, I am lucky enough to spend my time trying new beauty products so I can pick my favourites and tell you all about them! One of my new favourites is the AHA/BHA Peel Gel Mask by Lernberger Stafsing.  My skin has suffered lately due to a combination of the cold weather, central heating and working long hours. I have even been getting giant spots which is unusual for me as my skin is pretty consistent (sometimes a little dehydrated but not certainly not spot-prone). So I cleansed my skin as instructed and applied a thin layer of the gel mask on my face (avoiding my eye area). I actually applied this with a Planet Spa facial brush but using a brush is optional, not essential. The combination of Lactic, Glycolic, Salicylic and Malic acid starts exfoliating the skin surface and promises to improve fine lines, brighten complexion and dissolve impurities. This mask only requires 5-10 minutes on the skin (depending on your skin sensitivity). Once rinsed off, some blushing/mild burning sensation on the skin might occur. I had a few small patches of red blotchy areas but this settled very quickly. I loved the result! My skin looked bright, clean and polished. The recommended use is 1-2 times a week but I LOVE the idea of using this mask for a super quick skin polisher before a big event. Make sure you have a practice run before using it prior to a key event just to test your skin sensitivity.
Amazing product - £50 for 50ml available from Harvey Nichols. |
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