Armani High Precision Retouch Concealer

Every girl has something in her makeup kit she would not be without . . call it a desert island must have , call it a "cry if it ever got discontinued product" , call it what you will but I'm sure each and every one of us can think immediately , of that very product that makes us feel better about our appearance.
For some it is mascara (I know women who will not open the door to the postman without it , let alone leave the house!) , for others it may be lipstick that's their staple item or maybe you're a girl that's obsessed with perfectly groomed eyebrows and would be mortified not to have your brow gel/pencil/shadow with you. .which I have to admit I am certainly guilty of.
But despite all the other wonderful delights in my makeup bag , I have to say hands down my Armani High Precision Retouch Concealer in shade 3.5 Light Sand , holds the top spot for my desert island makeup essential.
It covers dark circles under the eyes , darkness or redness on the eyelid , blemishes , spots , fine lines . It is a beautiful lightweight liquid texture and the applicator is a super, super fine brush. After applying my tinted moisturiser I lightly brush the concealer under my eyes , to the outer corner of my eyes , over my eyelids , a couple of beauty spots that I don't like , my nose to mouth lines , around my nostrils , the line between my lower lip and chin and on either side of my top lip. I then blend very gently with my MAC 190 foundation brush. If you find this too large for you , then use a flat concealer brush . I don't find this product works or blends as well using only your fingers .
Once blended , any darkness , discolouration or fine lines melt away into nothingness . My skin looks flawless and yet as though I am not wearing makeup . It builds beautifully , so if you have particularly dark circles under your eyes or an angry red blemish/es this works very well using 2-3 layers and doesn't look heavy or cakey in the least . In fact this high precision concealer contains light reflecting pearls, vitamin E and moisturisers, and diffuses the light so it actually nourishes and smoothes the skin , rather than making it feel dry or god forbid settle into fine lines which is a big no no!
I have tried many concealers in the past , all the famous most hyped about ones , but this by far is the ultimate for me. I have a yellow toned , olive skin and I find a lot on the market are too pink and dull looking. This conceals perfectly but is undetectable and sometimes I will wear just this , a bit of brow gel and I'm ready to go. It's good enough that you don't need foundation or tinted moisturiser.
If you're fed up spending a fortune on concealers that promise the earth and do not deliver , and your search for the best concealer out there seems fruitless , I'd say look no further-this is your baby!
At £24 it ain't cheap but mine lasts a good 4-5 months , and has lots of beneficial , skin nourishing ingredients so actually it is well worth it . . . and let's face who can put a price on flawless skin.

Available:Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and www.georgioarmanibeauty.co.uk
Shades Available:Three . 2-Ivory 3-Pale Peach 3.5-Light Sand
RRP:£24

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser vs Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint

Having been a massive fan of Armani Hydra Glow Foundation for many years , when it was discontinued I was in disbelief and very disappointed , as it really was the best foundation I had ever used and left my skin with a gorgeously subtle glow and was the perfect shade and just the right coverage for me.

Now that it had been discontinued worldwide and I could not get it ANYWHERE , and believe me I tried , my search began for the next "perfect" foundation for me . I tried them all ( I was savvy enough to get samples instead of buying!) Christian Dior , YSL , Chanel , Estee Lauder , MAC , Shu Uemera , Shiseido , the list is endless. . you get the idea!
Not one even came close to the results Armani Hydra Glow gave me. I was gutted-they all seemed to be dull and grey looking, even the ones that were yellow toned and promised to deliver radiance etc, etc. I then came across Lancome Teint Renergie Lift R.A.R.E which finally was able to give the radiance I had so missed from a foundation, firmness to the skin , plus the right coverage but all that was missing was the exact shade. It was a shade or 2 lighter than my skin tone and the next shade up was a tad too dark! Damn, almost there! So I opted for this and applied a little more bronzer to my cheek bones and temples to make up for it's lightness .
Not long after I then decided , as I am blessed to have very good skin (thanks mum!) , and rarely suffer from breakouts , to not cover my skin up and wear something fresher and more sheer. I decided to give Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser another go. Previously I had found it to be too sheer and it would just slide off half way through the day and look patchy. Plus the shade Sand had been a little too dark for me . Never a good thing! I explained this to the Laura Mercier consultant and she suggested I try the non oil free formula as for some reason the Sand shade is lighter in colour than the oil free version .
I couldn't believe the difference it made . The colour was spot on and the texture felt richer and creamier than when I had used it previously . Maybe the non oil free version makes all the difference!
I played about with different application techniques at home to find the ultimate finish and felt that fingers were by far the best. Over flat a foundation brush or a Stippling brush . For the best finish , after cleansing and moisturising (and sometimes using Laura Geller Spackle which is a great primer) I squeeze a 20 pence piece sized amount into the palm of my hands , rub together lightly, then apply in gentle downward stokes onto my face , following down onto my neck . I then blend in thoroughly with my fingertips until I have a fresh , flawless , slightly dewy finish looking back at me . If I want slightly more coverage I repeat a second time just using a pea sized amount and smoothing just across my nose, forehead and around my nose . This helps it stay on for longer and if I'm going out in the evening I might add Lancome Teint Renergie Lift R.A.R.E Foundation to it in 50/50 measurements , then rub lightly in palms and apply.
On a day to day basis I use one layer of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser and it is perfect . It makes my skin look amazing without looking like I'm wearing makeup which is the ideal really .People regularly comment on how great my skin is as opposed to how good my foundation looks, which is the ultimate compliment . I would absolutely recommend this to anybody who likes the no makeup makeup look!

Recently Liz Earle Skincare launched a tinted moisturiser . Their first foray into makeup having previously only sold award winning skincare, which I am a big fan of -especially the Skin Tonic , Superskin Moisturiser and Superskin Concentrate . As I know the care and time Liz takes with all her products I knew it would be a good 'un and couldn't wait to try it. I am fortunate that they kindly sent me one
The Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint is available in 3 shades. My shade is Beige 02 for the winter but I could use Beach 03 in the summer months. I have a light olive skin tone which is sometimes darker as I like to self tan . The texture is fairly thick for a tinted moisturiser , and again I played about with application techniques for this and chose fingers as the best choice . I squeeze a pea sized amount in the palm of my hands (as this has more coverage than the LM tinted moisturiser) rub lightly , then apply in gentle downward strokes . It gives the most INCREDIBLE glow and sheen to the skin . It makes you look like you've a month of good night's sleep and as though you've had the best facial of your life . I am very impressed! I love the dewy look which is not greasy , and love that is cares for your skin too containing natural source vitamin E , Borage and Avocado oils. It looks beautiful with a cream blush blended gently in and takes years off. Which , let's face it is what most women want!
All in all these two tinted moisturisers are the best on the market and I would highly recommend either .

Here are some facts about both to help you choose which one to go for!

Laura Mercier Non Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser:
SPF:20
RRP:£33
Coverage:Light-Medium. Buildable
Shades Available:9
Available From: Selfridges , Harrods, Harvey Nichols, House Of Fraser , John Lewis , Space NK and online.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint:
SPF:15
RRP:£21
Coverage:Medium
Shades Available:3
Available:John Lewis , Peter Jones , Liz Earle Store Duke Of York Square, Chelsea and online.

Jade Face Roller . . for younger looking , plumped up skin

It is one thing slapping on all sorts of wonder creams that offer all kinds of promises to make you look younger, more radiant etc, etc but what if the secret lies within how taut the muscles on your face are?

Well indeed it does. There is zero point applying products, however expensive or lauded by the Beauty Industry if the muscles on your face are slack .

There are plenty of machines on the market that promise to tighten your face and yes they all come with a hefty price tag! So is younger, more plumped up looking skin available for everybody, whatever their budget?

The answer is yes and I have discovered it in a very affordable , very effective device. It is the hand held Jade Facial Massager. Use daily for maximum benefit, treating face, throat and decolletage. Regular rolling, stimulates lymphatic drainage and by improving the circulation increases the oxygen supply to the face, thus enhancing the general bloom and radiance.
Incorporating acupressure and massage principles, facial rolling will ensure a lean, re-contoured, wonderfully unlined face; thoroughly toned and with improved elasticity.


By generally speeding up the drainage system of the face, the Jade hand roller reduces residual puffiness and any congestion caused by stagnation in the jawline, where toxins are liable to accumulate.
The cooling stone - which has a soothing effect on the nervous system and absorbs negative energy - will even skin tone and tighten pores.

The Eye-Roller ,which is the smaller head (see photo below) improves lymphatic drainage around the eyes, the most common site of blockage. It can reduce discoloration sometimes caused by dark shadows.To use,place vertically into the inner corner of the eye, using gentle rocking motion, press lightly to encourage drainage in eye zone and reduce puffiness. Another useful technique is to press the Yuroll gently around the eye-socket in a clockwise direction three times, this will give you a fresher faced look in the morning, help avoid the horrors of puffy eyes and generally avoid the morning after the night before look. Also useful for the area between the nose and lips and for decongesting sinuses.

I use twice daily morning and evening for a couple of minutes. It doesn't take up hours of your time so is realistic and you will love the results it gives.
Prices vary from £12-£65 depending on where you buy .
I would recommend typing Jade Face Roller in to Google search and choosing a site that brings this product to you at the price you wish to pay as they are all very similar and will give the same results.
Go on give yourself the gift of great skin!

Neals Yard Shower Gels

There's nothing nicer than a steaming hot shower at the end of the day to wash away the stress of London life and soothe aching muscles. Until fairly recently I never was a believer in expensive shower gels . . until that is , I tried Neals Yard shower gels. The Rosemary and Elderflower one is simply heaven to apply and smells in.cr.ed.ib.le -I could stand in the shower for hours just inhaling the aroma of rosemary, lemon and pine oils and herbal infusions. It is refreshing and invigorating but soothing at the same time and it has become an absolute favourite of mine. It is made with 63% organic ingredients and contains no parabens .
I also love the Neals Yard Sensual Jasmine shower gel for when I really want to unwind. It makes showering such a pleasure. It leaves my skin so soft too with enriching honey and antioxidant herbal extracts.The floral extracts of exotic Egyptian jasmine and Madagascan ylang ylang flowers make it smell intoxicating and leaves my bathroom smell gorgeous for hours after I've finished my shower.
They are both priced at £14 which isn't cheap, but worth every penny and they last for ages as you only need a small amount . I put a penny sized amount on my body polishing sponge and it lathers up beautifully.
Either one of these would be perfect as a gift and if I were you I would definitely add to my Christmas wish list. . there'll be no going back to the £2.00 shower gels one you've tried these:-)

Chanel Precision Soleil Identite Perfect Colour Face Self Tanner SPF 8 - Intense ( Bronze )

Now that the winter months are drawing near (you wouldn't know it by the weather mind you!) your skin may be lacking it's summer "glow" .Fear not as Chanel's Precision Soleil Identite Perfect Colour Face Self Tanner SPF 8- Intense ( Bronze ) , is the perfect antidote to pasty a winter complexion , not helped by the central heating we are most certainly going to be cranking up pretty soon!
I've been using this product for the past 2 or 3 years and have been meaning to blog about it for ages because it really is the best facial self tanner I have ever used. Period . I've tried them all , as I am not one who likes the English Rose look on myself as I'm naturally quite olive with dark hair and eyes , and a light tan keeps me looking and feeling my most alluring. Since I do not tan my face naturally in the sun ,for obvious reasons ,only a good self tanner will do:-)
I like the fact it doesn't smell like fake tan , that typical unpleasant pungent smell that you usually associate with a self tan. It has a subtle sweetness to it, very similar to chocolate, which is never a bad thing . It's a light fluid texture but is hydrating enough not to need a separate moisturiser underneath , even for my skin which can be a little dry at times. And the colour that subsequently develops , oh the colour, it is reminiscent of those first 5 days or so that you are on holiday , that lovely golden sun kissed glow , not too fair and not too dark and certainly no hint of "tango" about it . It is just right. I like to apply it just before bed or an hour or two before for maximum absorption (just so it doesn't rub off on the pillow!) and for £28 a pop you don't want to waste a precious drop. This may seem like quite a hefty price tag for a facial self tanner but the results are well worth it. I like to use it about 3 times a week because I use a foaming facial cleanser which can make the colour fade faster than a cream cleanser, but 1-2 times a week may be enough for some people.
I use the shade Intense (bronze) which is suited to olive skintones but if you are fairer then Dorè (Golden) would work best.
I put the size of a penny of this non-tinted white fluid in the palm on my hand , rub my palms together a little , then blend outwards and upwards on my face, then with the residue I rub downwards onto my neck and décolleté. You will see the tan developing after about an hour or so but fully after about 4hrs and definitely overnight.
It does contain an SPF of 8 which a low by today's standards but better than none at all. Ingredients include tomato extract to improve radiance and copper pearl to optically correct wrinkles. My skin does look and feel firmer after applying so that might have something to do with it!
All in all if you are a facial self tanner devotee and haven't found the perfect one yet, try this and I bet you will stop looking . . .

Carnaby Street . .

Had a couple of hours free this afternoon and went a bit trigger happy shopping on Carnaby Street:-)
First I popped in to Liberty Of London and bought some REN Rosa Centifolia Facial Cleansing Gel. I had been using the REN Hydra-Calm cleansing gel but it had been leaving my skin a little bit tight and the sales lady recommended I try this one as the Rose was nice and hydrating. Will keep you posted on that.
Next stop , Fouberts Place for MAC . Stocked up on some Copperplate Eyeshadow a wonderful matte , velvety textured mushroomy grey colour , some Studio Fix Fluid Foundation which gives a smooth matte finish so great for photographic , and some Translucent Powder which works so well on all skintones from ultra fair to very dark and keeps any shine at bay without looking heavy or cakey. It is great for layering.
I was about to stop there and do some clothes shopping but then I spotted Pixi Cosmetics and decided I needed to go in as had been meaning to for ages but kept forgetting! I'd heard a lot of good things about their products so was determined to find out what the fuss was about.
The staff were very friendly and helpful and as I was the only customer in the shop in some cases one may have felt pressured into buying but they were relaxed and very informative and knowledgable about the products. I nabbed the last remaining Ultimate Beauty Wardrobe which was on offer for an amazing £20-total bargain!! It consists of 32 very wearable/usable eyeshadows, 16 lip glosses from nude shades to gorgeous rich berry tones and 8 powder blushers to suit all skintones. I couldn't resist the trio of the Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black,Dark Brown and Plum which were also a complete steal at £12! They are actually kohl pencils rather than "pens" , glide on beautifully and have a nice strong pigment, once set they do not budge-perfect for long wear and shoots. Lastly the Lid&Line , an all in one wand that provides and eyeshadow,liner and smudger in coordinated tones-I got the 05 Smoky Mink which describes it to a tee. Excellent pigment and contains vitamin E and Aloe Vera to boot . At the till there was lots of kerfuffle with their PDQ machine which resulted in me being there for quite some time, having to call my bank and eventually having to go and find a cash machine. They were ever so sweet and offered me a complimentary choice of Lip&Line or Lip Booster for having waited so long. I chose the Lip Booster in #1 Maxi Lip Clear , a nude gloss with ever so suble gold flecks-utterly gorg and utterly free-what a nice treat:-)

Next stop clothes . . Lol!

OXY CLEARLIGHT

Today I was at Private Member's Century Club, to give a presentation to 30+ Beauty Editors/Journalists of all the top Women's Magazines , on new product that harnesses the power of blue light to prevent spot causing bacteria and stop them before they develop. It's called Oxy Clearlight and uses exactly the same technology as products with a £200+ price tag, all for a cool £39.99!
It was sent to me this week and i decided to use it on a spot that was about to rear its ugly head, and despite being dubious , it actually stopped the redness, swelling and soreness straight away and then a quick use of it the following morning made it disappear altogether. Quite Marvellous!

It was a press launch today and Oxy Clearlight will be available in the next week or so . . would definitely recommend!

MAC Shopping Spree!

Just dropped a load of dough at MAC Carnaby street , despite my 35% Pro Discount . . . but look at all the goodies I got:-)

Red Lipstick

Loving Topshop's gorgeous red lipstick in Rio Rio. Used on last shoot with Photographer Steven Read and Model stef Dakota from MOT Models.