Before and After. . .

I decided to post a Before and After photo taken on my phone (with no filter or retouching) of this evening's bridal trial client for those of you who are scared to wear a lot of makeup and want a natural look but with definition to bring out your features.

My client told me that she never wears any makeup just a bit of powder but looks beautiful with a little more than that to bring out her lovely blue eyes and great cheekbones. 

To create flawless skin on this evening's bridal trial client I prepped the skin by smoothing primer Matte by MAC all over the face , then followed with Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream which gives enough coverage but still allows the skin to show through without masking it. I used MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW15 on blemishes and under the eyes mixed with a little No. 7 Quick Cover Concealer in 02 Extra Fair. I then dusted MAC Pro Invisible Powder all over to set the makeup and mattify the skin . I used MAC's Desert Rose Blusher on the apples of the cheeks and filled in the brows with MAC Eyebrow pencil in Fling. On the eyelids I used MAC Brûlé a matte cream shadow all over the lid up to under the brows and Stila eyeshadow in the light metallic grey shade, from the Smoky Eye Quad Palette on the lids . I framed the eyes which are blue using a fine liner brush and Maybelline Gel Eyeliner in Black (better than MAC's Blacktrack & Bobbi Brown Gel Liner) and NYC Skyrise Mascara in Black perfect one for natural looking ,separated lashes which is what my client wanted . To define the lips I used my favourite No. 7 lip liner in Nude that suits 90% of people and filled in with a mixture of pink/peach/nude lipsticks by No. 7, MAC &Illamasqua et voila all finished 💗

✨Shower Heaven✨

Despite been quite happy to splurge on shoes, serums or face creams I never could grasp the idea of spending a lot on a shower gel. Until that is , I was given a Birthday gift of Neals Yard Organic Shower Gels which smelt so sublime , made my skin feel as soft as a baby's and the heavenly aroma of essential oils filled my bathroom and home with the most uplifting intoxicating scents. From that moment forth I was hooked . The selection I was given was the Sensual Jasmine , Rosemary and Elderflower Shower Gels and English Lavender Bath & Shower Gel and I tell you I would not go back to the Palmolive Honey and Milk shower gel , that I used to like , for all the tea in China.

Knowing I'm cleansing my body with a cleanser which does not test on animals , is free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances , phthalates or other nasties makes me feel so much happier than using one full of chemicals when my skin is wet and my pores are open which in my mind cannot be good for you. All three of the shower gels contain certified organic ingredients, carry the leaping bunny logo and the Good Shopping Guide Ethical Company Logo. The sensual Jasmine also contains Fairtrade ingredients, and the English Lavender is suitable for vegans.

I use each one depending on my mood and how my body feels as they are packed with organic essential oils that can relax or energise me depending on what I need most.

In the morning when I'm half asleep and my body feels stiff and needs a real kick start I use the Rosemary and Elderflower Shower Gel, for no sooner than I've enhaled it's intoxicating scent and massaged it into my skin I'm suddenly a different person and ready to take on the day. The stimulating Rosemary, Lemon and Pine essential oils invigorate my entire body and the herbal infusions of Chamomile and elderflower help to make my skin feel hydrated and smooth unlike some synthetic shower gels that can really strip and dry the skin.

In the evenings , particularly in the cold Winter months , I simply adore using the English Lavender Bath and Shower Gel in a hot running bath to soothe tired muscles and totally de stress me after a busy day. The scent immediately relaxes and calms me and a good night of sleep ensues. Neals Yard say "Enjoy a skin-softening shower or a fragrant, relaxing bath infused with the aroma of organically grown English lavender - a much softer scent than its French cousin - enriched with skin-soothing extracts of organic chamomile and oat. Our English lavender is organically grown and tended by hand on a family farm on the rolling hills of Hampshire." This one is such a pleasure to use that I'm almost looking forward to Autumn so I can luxuriate in the bath of an evening, eyes closed , in utter bliss.

The scent of the Sensual Jasmine Shower Gel is reminiscent of a Summer's eve and will envelop you in a soothing , comforting aroma and leave your body gently fragranced with the essential oils of Jasmine and Ylang Ylang not to mention Egyptian Jasmine and Madagascan Ylang Ylang flowers. The Fairtrade honey and Rooibus only serve to make skin feel silky smooth and even forgo the usual slathering of Cocoa Butter afterwards.

I am a convert to using organic shower gels , these ones in particular. The pleasure I from indulging in these gorgeous products and knowing how kind they are to my skin make the price tag worth every penny-they make showering and bathing an almost spa like experience and what girl doesn't love that. . .

Available from Neals Yard stores, on their website and in John Lewis.

The RRP for the English Lavender and Rosemary and Elderflower Shower Gels is £9.75 and £14 for the Sensual Jasmine.

I like to use these with an exfoliating sponge to slough of dead skin cells whilst showering .  

You Glow Girl- 8 Steps To Radiant Skin

Finding your skin looks dull and lacklustre no matter how many lotions and potions and eye watering ly expensive serums you religiously slather on? Craving that dewy glow that you envy in women that seem to wear little more than a smudge of BB/CC cream and look like a fresh faced teen?
My guess would be that you miss out one simple step , albeit the most important step , of your skincare routine. . exfoliation.
Dead skin cells are the main cause of dull looking skin, and in order to eradicate those pesky glow inhibitors ,  I'll share with you my all time favourite products and how I use them , that will have you begging for summer to last forever, so that you can confidently bare all in nothing more than a tinted moisturiser or BB cream.
Once or twice a week (time permitting) I dedicate a good half an hour or more in the evening to my glow getting routine. I begin by double cleansing , even if I am makeup free , with the heavenly scented and gorgeously textured Rodial Glamtox Cleansing Balm and muslin cloth to prep my skin. I then dab my face dry and commence my exfoliation by applying Guinot Gommage Biologique Biological Peeling Radiance Gel, which contains fruit acids and green tea, in a firm circular motion all over the face and the under eye area , until the gel liquifies. I then remove thoroughly with warm water soaked facial sponges , dry my face and follow with a second exfoliation using the amazing Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel which literally makes blackheads disappear before your very eyes , as if by magic. I remove by splashing warm and then cool water over my face and gently dab my face dry and looking back in the mirror my skin looks as smooth as marble. It's polished , refined and blackhead free. Now my skin is prepped for my masks, serum and moisturiser to work much harder. I then paint on , with a clean foundation brush , Doctor Organic Rose Otto Face Mask which in their words (and I most definitely concur) "This nutrient rich clay based formulation draws oil from the pores while ridding the skins surface of dead cells and impurities stimulating the circulation deep into the capillaries to leave the skin younger in appearance, toned, regenerated and purified." I leave on whilst pottering about for 10 minutes , then remove with 2 facial sponges saturated in warm water. Again my skin looks even more refined and ready for the final step which is the jewel in the crown. It is the most radiance creating mask I've used and I've tried many, it is Guinot's Masque Essentiel Nutrition Confort. I've just read on www.jerseybeautycompany.co.uk that is has won Best Radiance Mask for 3 consecutive years and I can definitely see why . With it's heavenly scented essential oils, vitamin E and menthol and lavender it softens , brightens and makes you  look like you've had 10 hours sleep even if you've had 5. If my peepers are looking tired I also apply Guinot Masque Yeux a deliciously cooling gel that reduces puffiness, dark circles and refreshes the delicate skin around the eyes. I leave both on for about 10-15 minutes , and again use facial sponges that have been immersed in warm water , to thoroughly remove. To ensure there is no residue I soak two cotton pads in Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic, which smells incredible and refreshes like no other toner I've used, and sweep over my face and eyes on both sides of the pads. I then either massage in a facial oil or a serum (my favourites being Neals Yard Organic Orange Flower Facial Oil , Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment or Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum) , dab on a lifting eye cream like Guinot Longue Vie Yeux and massage in a moisturiser that I'm currently loving , Philosophy's Miracle Worker Moisturiser which firms and hydrates and is packed with vitamin C, Glutathione, Resveratrol and lots of wonderful anti aging antioxidants.
The difference in my skin before and after this routine is immense , and although it may seem like a real effort , your skin will definitely thank you and the change you will see shall encourage you to keep it up. Regardless of your budget it is so important to exfoliate and rid your skin of the dead cells that will stop your lotions and potions working to the best of their ability . So put aside that special you time and get scrubbing! I look forward to hearing all the compliments you are most certainly going to be inundated with. All brands mentioned are available online and in selected salons and stores. Some favourite high street ranges are La Roche Posay (for super sensitive skin) and Superfacialist by Una Brennan both available at Boots.com.

Natural Colour Works!

Colourist and owner Bradley Evans of Soho hair salon Jigami, is a very clever man. He took me, a virtual colour virgin (I say virtual because I can't deny many years of experimental colour in my teens and early 20's. Yes I've been blonde , copper toned , raven haired and varying degrees in between) but I had not had a drop of colour in my hair since 2006 thus making my hair , as a colourist would describe "Virgin Hair" . It was all my own , a rich dark brown which I actually really liked but after seeing the likes of Millie Mackintosh (Made In Chelsea) and Lily Aldridge (Victorias Secret model) with their sultry , subtley sunkissed locks I knew it was time for me to go back on the bottle (bleach not booze!). Or was it? Now as far as I was aware the only way to lighten the hair, aside from lemon juice in the sun, was to use bleach which wasn't ideal because of potentential long-term damage and the dry dullness it left the hair with after regular use. Bradley explained that the Natural Colour Works he would be using to lighten my hair was an innovative soya based colour completely free of ammonia and bleach which would absolutely be able to create the look I had in mind but be much kinder to my hair and leave it soft and remain shiny in between touch ups.
I trusted him to work his magic and when the time came for the big "reveal" as my hair was dryed off. I held my breath incase my hair was too blonde or stripey or brassy looking but I needn't have worried because it was exactly as I'd hoped it would be , maybe even better! My hair looked lightly , ever so subtlety sun kissed but it made such a difference. I looked younger, fresher , softer , the tone was spot on-it wasn't too warm or too cool-it was beautiful , it looked as it I'd spent a week on a beach but felt soft and looked shiny as Bradley has promised Natural Colour Works would leave it.
I didn't have to return to the salon for about 10 weeks to get the roots touched up and the colour didn't fade or go lighter or leave my hair dull looking as I'd experienced in the past from lightening my hair with bleach. My hair remained soft and healthy looking and I had numerous compliments from family, friends and even complete strangers! It has now been about 8 weeks since the second time I've had it done and I can happily say exactly the same thing as the first time-it really does look gorgeous and feels so healthy.
I would highly recommend Bradley Evans and Natural Colour Works to colour aficionados and colour virgins alike , you won't be disappointed. . . as I said he's a very clever man. Call the salon now on 02072870788 to get your appointment in time for summer (when it finally arrives!).

The Ultimate Nude Lipstick

Finding that perfect "nude" lipstick is like finding the perfect foundation or mascara -a real makeup bag staple for women and makeup artists the world over. And once you find the one that makes your lips feel luscious (one which doesn't sit in the cracks of wintery chapped lips like so many nude lipsticks tend to do), one that makes you look younger/fresher and one that goes with whatever eye makeup look that takes your fancy, be it a smoky Brigitte Bardot look or simply a slick of mascara and liner- you'll never want to be without it!
I do believe I may have found all of the above and more besides. With it's pure olive oil and vitamin E the Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Pèche by Laura Mercier glides on like silk and leaves lips beautifully soft,well hydrated and the colour is so flattering. It makes you look softer, fresher and is the perfect accompaniment to a cat eye makeup look and more natural looks equally.
The pigment is good without looking chalky or overpowering and it is just the right shade of nude with a peach undertone which would be flattering on women of all ages and most skin tones.
The packaging is sleek and glossy and most certainly a very welcome edition to my makeup kit.
Snap one up for yourself at any Laura Mercier counter in John Lewis, Fenwicks , Space NK or House Of Fraser for 20 of you Great British Pounds and you'll be mighty glad you did.

Get into Spring with glowing skin!

My lovely mummy who is a bit of a skincare junkie like me recommended I try this radiance inducing Rose Otto mask by Dr Organic. I have to say I am really impressed with the results- it leaves my pores non existant and refined and gives my skin a gorgeous glow as soon as I remove it. It's the best mask I've tried in a long time and at under £10 it won't break the bank either. Bonus! It gives me even better results than my favourite Manuka Doctor Rejuvenating Mask containing bee venom and Clarins Hydra Quench Cream Mask containing hyaluronic acid katafray bark , both much pricier at £49.99 and £28 respectively. The key ingredient is organic rosehip oil known for its moisturising, soothing and softening effects on the skin. It contains polyunsaturated fatty acids which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration. Furthermore it contains trans-retinoic acid, which is responsible for skin rejuvenation, quicker healing time and repairs skin subjected to excessive sunlight and the resultant photo aging.
If your skin is looking a bit dull and lacklustre this is for you.

Buy this in store at Holland & Barratt or online from the Dr Organic Website. http://www.drorganic.co.uk/rose-products.asp

Metallic Mink Eyes and Nude Lips

My first Makeup client of the day. Bridal trial for beautiful bride to be Rusen who's a Mongolian Romanian mix.Great features:-) She wanted a strong look on the eyes and natural everywhere else so this is what I created ♥
Makeup Brushes Used:MAC , Bare Escentuals, Stila and Laura Geller
Primer:MAC Matte Gel
Base:MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW15
Eye Primer:Laura Geller Eye Spackle
Concealer:Estee Lauder Disappear Smoothing Creme
Powder:MAC Invisible
Blush:A Peach for the apples of the cheeks and a light tan for contouring by Pixi Cosmetics (find them on Carnaby St)
Eyeshadow:A gorgeous metallic mink shade by Kiko Makeup Milano in 228 (find Kiko store in either Westfield)
Eyeliner: Gel Intenza liner in Pure Black by L'oreal which does not budge till removed. Way better than MAC's Blacktrack gel liner which smudges and is quite a greasy texture.
Brows:GOSH brow palette in dark brown.
Mascara:NYC Skyrise Lenthening Mascara in black my current fav.
Lip Liner:No. 7 in Nude.Best.Lipliner.Bar.None
Lips:Revlon gloss in Toast To
Shine a perfect caramel shade.

A tip for the eyeshadow application: The eyeshadow by Kiko Makeup Milano is a wet AND dry formula so for a more subtle colour use dry and for a more intense pigment wet your eyeshadow brush before applying. I always find a flat brush works best if you want to wet the shadow for a more intense colour.

Hair and Makeup For Strictly's Fab Judge Bruno Tonioli . .

Today I did the hair and makeup for BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and ABC's Dancing With The Stars judge Bruno Tonioli . He was an absolute pleasure to work with and made a list of the products I used on him so he could order them , as he loved the results.
I prepped his skin with Arbonne Regenerating Toner followed by Arbonne Restorative Day Crème SPF 20 , which is a really light , non greasy moisturiser and perfect to use under makeup for television . Then to take down puffiness and dark circles under the eyes I used Clarins Beauty Flash Eye Revive , which is one of my absolute must have products , and on top of that I gently patted on Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair which has smoothing and light reflecting properties.
I then applied 2 layers of MAC Face and Body Foundation in C6 with a Japoneseque Stippling Brush which gives a really buffed , even finish . Under the eyes I used Laura Geller Real Deal Concealer in Medium and Medium Deep mixed together to cover darkness and circles as it gives good coverage but blends really easily. To set it I used a light dusting of MAC Invisible Powder and a little MAC Matte Gel to stop him from shining under the strong studio lights. Bruno is naturally tanned but I gave him a light application of Chanel bronzer in Sahara for a healthy glow, without shimmer . On top of the makeup , to smooth out the skin around the eyes , forehead and nose to mouth lines , I used Clientele Estro Lift Wrinkle Filler which gives an effortlessly airbrushed look .
As Bruno has good hair and a good hair cut all I needed to do was rub a little of Wella Shockwaves Go Matt Clay through the ends to give a bit of texture and take away frizz but still leave a matte finish. I set lightly with L'oreal Elnett Hairspray in Supreme Hold.
All in all , with tv makeup for guys it's all about that "No Makeup, Makeup Look" that makes them look great but without being obvious why. Just healthy , well rested and with great skin!

Products mentioned above can be bought from:
www.qvcuk.com
www.maccosmetics.co.uk
www.boots.com
www.arbonne.com
www.clienteleskincare.com

Revlon Nail Colour in Craving Coral

I'm loving Revlon's new nail colour in "Craving Coral" a gorgeous , vibrant , 'makes you feel happy' red! Not forgetting my favourite top coat Seche Vite which I've applied over the top . It makes nails super glossy and your nail polish last longer:-)

Clarins Eye Revive Beauty Flash

If you get puffiness and dark circles around your eyes try Clarins Eye Revive Beauty Flash , a product I swear by. However tired my eyes look , just a couple of minutes after I've applied this , they feel so refreshed and look wide awake , like I've had a really good nights sleep. I often have very early starts for commercials & shoots and don't always manage to get a full 8hrs -usually it's more like 5! It literally transforms my peepers. This what Clarins say "Clarins’ quick ‘lift” for tired eyes — with refreshing Rose Petals, Lily and White Tea extracts—releases toxins to minimise dark circles, tighten eye contours, decongest and de-puff. Hydrates and protects the delicate skin around eyes, while chasing-away fine lines. Keep it in your emergency kit."
It really is brilliant - you won't be without this product once you've tried it . Just pat gently around the contour of your eyes with your ring finger and you'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed , ready for the day.