Thursday 31 July 2014

Under eye circles, curing and covering !

Yes they are annoying ! Yes they are stubborn ! Yes they remind us we need our beauty sleep ! Dark circles and under eye bags ! I don't know about you girls but the only type of bags i want to be in possession of is a beautiful handbag, or bags filled with shopping (aka a new dress and heels.) Yes under eye bag and circles are defiantly not nice to have, but you will be please to learn there are ways of helping prevent, cure and cover these nasty baggies.



Simple tips to help cure and prevent !

There a few simple tricks we can try when it comes to the under eye bags. Cucumber being a great example. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. Some of these vitamins are good to be applied to the under eye skin and just the skin in general. That is why many faical products contain cucumber in the the ingredients. Also they are chilled the only vegtable/fruit (the debate goes on) that is actually colder on the inside than the out. Cold compressing can help with under eye bags.


Green tea bags-Loaded with anitoidants, green tea bag diped in to water and chilled can shrink under eye swelling reduceing the fluid around the area. Green tea is also fabulous to drink as it can give us more energy and is packed with goodness. It can actually suppress appetite too meaning it can keep us fuller for longer which is a added bonus. 

Tea spoons- Yes the tea spoon method is a quick fix for swollen eyes. The cold surface of the spoon takes down the swelling and just makes tiered eyes feel much better.

Sleep/showers- The obvious one for helping with dark circles is getting enough rest you need to be having a minium of 8 hours a night, to ensure your preventing getting those nasty bags. A few late nights wont hurt, but if you suffer with sleeping problems and restlessness it could be somthing to prehaphs seek some medical advice on. Everyone should more or less be able to sleep for 8 hours with out a problem anything under 5 or 6 hours a night i would seek advice. Cold showers espeical at this time of year can be great for your under eye bags and skin in general getting the blood flowing making us feel more awake.





Covering !

When it comes to covering dark circles you need a full coverage concealer. You need something not to thick to prevent it wrinkling under the eyes. But also not to thin, so you have the coverage required. Buying a shade lighter than your natural skin tone is also a tip not just for bags but to highlight that under eye area in general. Here are three top concealers i would highly recommend you trying !



Bobbi Brown - Tinted Eye Brightener

This brightening lightweight concealer now in new shades it is fantastic at its job its not to thick and it really does brighten up the under eyes. Its doe-foot applicator makes for more precise application and controlled delivery under the eye. Instantly brightens shadows so you look refreshed and revived-perfect for touch-ups too. Retailing at £20.00





Maybelline- Super stay better skin

The newest thing from Maybelline taking over from there normal range of super stay concealer is super stay better skin. This concealer is lightweight breathable the formula is a non-comedogenic and is formulated without perfume. Its good for sensitive skin and really does last all day with its super stay power ! Retailing at £4.99 its a bargain ! 


Mac - select cover-up
Select cover up from mac is a licquid concealer texture free and virtually invisible. It's lightweight and long lasting. Retailing at £15.00.

Sunday 27 July 2014

Get my look !


Quick makeup post ! Makeup run down for this look.




Foundation : Giorgio armarni designer lift mixed with rimmels 25hr
Concealer : Collection 2000 
Powder: maybelline matt powder
Hi light : high beam benefit / moon beam benefit
Lips : hot brown from maybelline 24hr mixed with Creme caramel maybelline 24hr
Blush : peaches from mac
Contour : light brown brozer from rimmel and dark sleek contor kit
Eye shadows : innocent mua pallet lightest colour inner eye then sleek contour colour in crease.
Eye liner : Maybelline gel liner.
Mascara : max factor clump defy mascara.
Lashes : Ardell Demi whispies 120 


Blouse : h&m 
Skirt : Florence and Fred ( beautiful skirt this range is improving all the time)

Remember to keep smiling, it's Monday which means it's a new week anything is possibly forget the stresses of last week and focus on what your going to make of this week. It's never to late to start a fresh ! Stay beautiful inside out ! 

Saturday 26 July 2014

Porefessional review


Say goodbye to pores with this perfect pore less perfection of a product !

Yes Porefessional gets a massive thumbs up from me, there are still bad points to this product namely the price retailing at 29.99 it is certainly expensive. However certain retailers you can find it cheaper and I will link a few places down below for you to price check.

I was given this product as a birthday gift for me the thought of buying a primer for 29.99 was not really somthing I'd be willing to do. That is until I tried it. I have always had larger pores around my nose area and have always struggled to cover them with a foundation even after using a primer. But straight away with the Porefessional primer my larger pores were no more. This really was amazing for me not only this but my foundation applied much better and it left a better finish altogether. Even on my bare skin it made it feel much softer and was nice just to wear it with just a hint of foundation on a natural day. 

So why is it any better than other primers ? Well if I'm truly honest as I always am in my reviews there is no real reason for this, it's simply the formula that works the best. It's texture and consistancy does the job that other primer do but just better ! It's second to none in every way for me and there is no other primer that stands against it. I use this primer on special occasions to get the most for my money but it really does last well I have had mine for four months using once or twice a week. For a daily primer I use loreals primer which is good just not quite pore fection !  9.5/10

Wednesday 23 July 2014

My skin care kit and routine

What's in my skin care kit !

In my opinion as a beauty obcessed woman trained in hair and makeup there are a lot of gimmicky products that say they will do miracles for your skin! You don't have to be any sort of expert to know the beauty industry is a gold mind. So it's no wonder diffrent cometic brands constantly compete for the best most amazing products to be released. Us weman are obcessed with making the most of our selfs and rightly so, but it's important we aren't wasting our money on miracle creams that don't actually work. For me a lot of my products I buy are 100% natural or 100% the product or chemical that actually works. I'm not staying these products are the best for everyone, but they are by far the best for me and I hope they can help some of my lovley readers ! 



Clear skin is vital for a lot of things. It makes us feel good and boosts are confidence, it also makes applying makeup easier and gives a over all better finish and even base. So what do I find works for me well here we go !







Frankinsence oil / tea tree oil 
These are two oils I get from mistic moments who actually have a store on eBay so everyone can buy them for a really reasonable price I'll link it here. They are 100% pure and the oils them selfs are fantastic for your skin. Frankinsence oil rebuilds broken DNA it literally has soo many good benefits and uses check them all out in my full article on frankinsence here. It's amazing for moisturising, rebuilding the skin and I use it predominately for anti ageing and moisturising. Tea tree oil I use for anti ageing and also it's a natural aniseptic so it helps remove bacteria stored in the pores causing spots and blackheads.




Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is my new best friend ! It is amazing for the skin perticuarly blackheads with one use of this product the blackheads on my nose were almost gone. This product helps peel and exfoliate the top layer of skin which in turn removes bacteria stored in the pores. Eliminating those bothersome blackheads !




Miroderma
There alot of miroderma kits you can get Clarasonic being a very popular and quite exspensive one. Microdermabrasion is a general term for the application of tiny rough grains to buff away the surface layer of skin. Many different products and treatments use this method, including medical procedures, salon treatments and creams and scrubs that you apply yourself at home.  It's important to understand how skin works.The skin is made up of two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis The epidermis is the layer closest to the outside world. It's a set of dead skin cells on top of another layer of cells that are in the process of maturing. With this miroderma kit i gently buff away these dead skin cells which leaves my skin looking glowing.All the dull dead skin is removed and this helps with spots and blackheads particularly by removing the dirt in that top layer of skin. Using this once a week or once a fortnight is enough with this treatment as we dont want the skin to be over buffed and exfoliated. You can find this kit here







Quinoderm cream is a amazing product, it is primarily a spot cream.  The product contains two active ingredients, benzoyl peroxide and potassium hydroxyquinoline sulphate. Benzoyl peroxide is a type of medicine known as a keratolytic. This means that it works by breaking down keratin, a protein which makes up the cells of the skin.When you apply benzoyl peroxide to the skin it causes the top layers of skin to shed. This helps break down deep dirt in comedones (blackheads)and those pesky spots. Not only this and unblocks the sebaceous glands to prevent the formation of new comedomes. I use this twice weekly but if you have a lot of spots of have had a bad break out you can use it every day. And I do use this for preventing spots to. Click here for more information.






Nivea soft
This is my favourite moisturising Creme, I find the formula is nice and simple. It's got a nice scent but it's not over perfumed. It's not to watery and lasts nicely on the skin, but does absorb well too. For me it's my perfect moisturiser. For very sensitive skin you may want to patch test before use as anything containing a scents as it can irritate the skin. 



Neutrogena blackhead eliminating scrub. 
I like this blackhead exfoliating scrub as it just helps remove dead skin while tackling those nasty blackheads. 
Baby wipes are less expansive than makeup wipes and for me these Johnson extra sensitive baby wipes just feel really nice on the skin. Now it's important to totally remove makeup and baby wipes don't always get it all out of the pores. But let's be honest girls we all have days that we just remove our makeup with wipes so it's important we get nice ones. If there good enough for baby's skin they are good enough for our faces and these ones for extra sensitive skin are truly perfect. I'd happily use them on my baby as it has no harsh chemicals so pies that go on your face should be no diffrent.


I hope this was helpful and remember to stay beautiful inside out ! 



Saturday 19 July 2014

My makeup look !







Get my makeup look! Quick post on my Saturday evening/afternoon makeup. All products used below, links to the websites to purchase any products you may want to try. Amazing long lasting makeup ! And if your Intrested check out my hair page for a video on how to get these glam waves and more information about oval curlers ! 


Concealer pallet - a must have buy from ebay just as good as any high end concealer I know so mny makeup artists swearing by this pallet. The value is amazing ! 

Foundation- Giorgio Armani designer lift foundation amazing natural finish yet has full staying power to last all day long. 

Pressed powder - maybellines matt finish powder is great for setting with out being overly cakey or heavy. Setting is important to make sure the foundation stays in place all day.








Blush and contor - brozen terra cotta bake blush from miss k co not a well known make up brand but wow there products amaze me every time. I used this on the apples of my cheeks it's so pretty and shimmery adds a slight golden rose brozen look to the skin. Honestly amazing ! http://www.kcouk.com/index.php/cPath/1
Contour is Ofcorse my contour kit from sleek.

Brow kit- lightly used to fill in my brows 


Eye shadows - lightest shade on the lid working in to a medium brown shade and the darkest in the crease simple an easy. Heaven and earth pallet a fantastic buy ! 

Liner and mascara - bobbi brown gel liner very similar to maybellines I use both ! 
Mascara- max factor clump free mascara 

Lashes - Ardell Demi whispies 120 

Lip liner - rimmel exaggerate in addiction sale on now ! 

Lip stick - 24hr lasting colour by maybeline in Creme caramel 

Have a beautiful weekend stay safe happy and blessed and live life to the full have a great weekend !

Thursday 17 July 2014

Beating those beastly blackheads !

Black heads formally know as comedomes are a problem for 9 in 10 of us. Yes it's fair to say the black head is a very prevalent skin concern for most people. There are various different treatments for banishing the bothersome blackheads, but today I'm going to share with you some extremely effective less known methods of defeating the blackheads once and for all. So what exactly are black heads? Well your about to find out! 




Blackheads, or open comedomes are larger pores in the skin taking the form of a circle, with generally a blacked mass on the skin debris covering the opening. Despite their name, some blackheads can be a pale colour. These nasties are caused by a small blockage in the opening of a pore (follicle)Sebum is designed to lubricate the hair and skin and usually drains out of the pores, but sometimes the sebum becomes blocked and bacteria begins to accumulate. Blackheads are generally caused by this overproduction of such sebums, bacteria and oils, which tends to occur when you reach puberty.

Foods, stress, hormones and family history have no effect with this skin condition as it would do with spots or acne. No, this condition is solely linked with oil production and products blocking our skins pores. The most common areas for this tends to be the nose, cheeks close to the nose, chin and occasionally the fore head. Click here for blackhead images.



So what can be done about these pore blocking blackheads? Well there are a few different methods that have been tried and tested and are very effective. However there are a few methods that stand out as being quick, easy and simply work very well. Yet these methods aren't as well known as many other so with out any furthered ado lets get into it.

Salicylic acid 
Salicylic acid is a deep pore exfoliant, which encourages pores to soften and pushes the gunk out to the surface. It helps to break down the top layer of skin removing bacteria and dirt trapped deep in the pores. You can buy it on it's own or you can look for products which contain salicylic acid in them such as facial washes and scrubs. Clean and clear blackhead scrub has salicylic acid in and is relatively effective. However diluting with water and applying with a cotton pad is generally the best way to use the pure product. Allow it to settle in over night and gently exfoliate off in the morning. This should be done twice weekly results can be seen from the first time of use. Dont be tempted to over use this product as it can dry out the skin causing dry patches.
Quinaderm
Quinaderm has two active ingredients, 
benzoyl peroxide and potassium hydroxyquinoline sulphate. Benzoyl peroxide is a type of medicine known as a keratolytic. This means that it works by breaking down keratin, a protein which makes up the cells of the skin.When you apply benzoyl peroxide to the skin it causes the top layers of skin to shed. This helps break down deep dirt in comedones (blackheads)and those pesky spots.This used with salicylic acid makes for the best combination for spots and black heads. This should be applied 2-3 times a week. For more information on Quinaderm click here.


 Traditions pore strips and tea tree.
Traditional methods like pore strips are very commonly used and do work well. Any pore strips that use tea tree are ofern most effective as the tea tree acts as a anti bacterial. This kills all the nasty bacteria and dirt trapped in the pores. These strips can sometimes be. Little rough on the skin so once a week is plenty.


Using all these methods you will quickly be on the road to recovery from blackheads. Beating the blackheads is a ongoing battle. Once you've got rid of them you have to keep up treatment. This will need to be done less frequently, but ensures those beastly blackheads are gone for good ! With methods that work quickly and effectively there's no need to try different lotions and potions. In my experience stick to what works simply and effectively and enjoy your clear skin! 

Tuesday 15 July 2014

Babyliss Oval curlers .. You have to try it !

One of the latest trends to hit the high street are oval curlers. Yes the oval curler is taking the beauty industry by storm! Since being released early this year the new innovation is fast becoming a stand up competitor against the conventional round curling tongs. Why could this be you ask ? Well, one the main features to this wand is the curl it gives you. If you have ever wanted Hollywood glam Kim kardashians waves this is the tool for you! This classic look has been at the heart of every major event with countless celebs rocking these natural elegant waves. Frequently requested in all salons up and down the country the oval curler is allowing us to get this high glam look at home. 




The Babyliss wand Inparticular heats up to 200°C, and the barrel is ceramic coated so no pulling on the hair. It has Advanced Ceramics technology for ultra fast heat up and heat recovery. There are five different heat settings from 140°C, meaning  if you have finer hair you don't have to use a damaging high heat, but if you have thick hair, you can use a higher temperature to get a greater effect. The wand also has a plastic cool tip, which prevents burnt fingers, and the bottom of the wand has a heat rest to protect your work surface. It also has an auto shut off, so it automatically turns off after 72 minutes. All helpful handy features. 



 
The wand has a few diffrent looks you can create from soft brushed out waves, to more defined set looking curls. It all depends on the look you want to achieve. Brushing out the curles will give you a softer wave and can even look nicer the next day as the hair sofens into it's style. Taking smaller sections and applying a hair spray will give a more defined curl rather than a wave. The looks are very easy to achieve anyone can do this at home! Not only is it simple and quick but the waves really do last for a good 3-4 days using dry shampoo.

 Being a salon stylist myself I was egar to give this new styling innovation a go see below how I got on with it and just how easy it is to achieve this look at home. 


Wednesday 9 July 2014

Quinoderm the amazing spot treatment you must try !

Acne and spots is a condition that can leave the person suffering feeling very self consouious. It can be confidence shattering. I myself no this from my own outbreaks I use to suffer with at age 15. Although it wasn't acne the break outs would always leave me feeling less confident and self concousious. But that was all at a end when I found this product !
   
Quinoderm is not a very well known treatment for spots or acne. The reason for this could possibly lie in it's availability . Quinoderm isn't openly sold on the shelves, it's stocked as a over the counter treatment you can find at your local chemists no prescription needed. However doctors regularly will advise to use this for cases of spots and acne. For me it's my go to product when ever I have a niggaly spot or break out.

 


Quinoderm cream is a amazing product, the benefits are endless, but how does it work?  The product contains two active ingredients, benzoyl peroxide and potassium hydroxyquinoline sulphate. Benzoyl peroxide is a type of medicine known as a keratolytic. This means that it works by breaking down keratin, a protein which makes up the cells of the skin.When you apply benzoyl peroxide to the skin it causes the top layers of skin to shed. This helps break down deep dirt in comedones (blackheads)and those pesky spots. Not only this and unblocks the sebaceous glands to prevent the formation of new comedones.
Benzoyl peroxide also has an antibacterial action and directly kills the bacteria associated with acne, Propionebacterium acnes. This is a common type of bacteria that feeds on sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, making them inflamed and causing spots. By reducing bacterial numbers, benzoyl peroxide helps bring the inflammation of the sebaceous glands under control.



Quinaderm comes in diffrent strengths 5% and 10%  the first time you use the product it may be wise to try the 5 as it can be extremely drying on the skin. Then from there work up to the 10 in time. It also comes in a form of a wash which you can use on it's on or as a double impacted part of your cleansing routien. 


My personal experience

My experience with quinaderm has been positive. I first decided to use the product when I was 15 at that time in my life I had a few hormonal spots just on my jaw line. A typical break out for me would make me feel anxious and less confident even if it didn't appear so. So this product for me was a utter god send. It drys out the skin and prevents break outs and removes bacteria on the skin to eliminate spots and acne already formed. 

How to use:

  • Quinoderm cream should be applied thinly and massaged all over the affected areas of skin two to three times a day.
  • Wash your hands after applying the cream.
  • If you experience excessive redness or peeling of your skin after using this cream, decrease the amount of cream you use and use it less frequently (or stop temporarily). If any soreness persists consult your doctor.
  • Do not use this product excessively - this won't make it any more effective but will increase the chance of it irritating your skin.

Warning!

  • This cream is for external use on the skin only and must not be taken by mouth.
  • Avoid getting the cream in contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose and mucous membranes such as the lining of the nose. Rinse the cream off with warm water if you accidentally get it on these areas.
  • Avoid applying the cream to broken or damaged skin.
  • Avoid exposing the treated areas to excessive sunlight, sunbeds or sunlamps.
  • This product may bleach hair and coloured fabrics including clothing, towels and bed linen. Be careful to avoid getting the cream on these materials



Saturday 5 July 2014

5 foundation reviews !

Some high end and some shop bought foundations. My truthful review on the quality of these foundations I have used and do use on a daily basis. 

Pink punch rimmel lip stick and georgio armini foundation.



So which are the best buys ? Are high end brands better ? Your about to find out ! 



Estée Lauder double wear

Coverage: 9/10 - full-  Great full coverage foundation all imperfections are covered. Gives a even finish to the skin and doesn't stick to dry areas. A small amount goes along way. 

Consistancy: - the consistency is thick, however it feels very light on the face. It doesn't feel as though your wearing a full coverage foundation. It still allows the skin to breath.

Long lasting: 9/10 - double wear is truly one of the best foundations for it's staying power. Anyone looking for a long lasting look this is diffintly it !

Flashback : 5/10 - unfortunately double wears SPF factor means that yes it protects you against the sun, which is a wonderful quality. But in flash photography your face will reflect light, meaning you can look like you have a much lighter face. Iv given double wear a 5. For me I have had this problem meaning some photos taken I had a much lighter face than my body. Not a good look ! The problem isn't as bad as some foundations but it's bad enough to notice. You will need a bronzer and powder over the top to help combat the problem some what. After these steps I'd give it a 7/10 you could take pictures.

Transfering : 8/10 - this foundation doesn't transfer very easily so don't worry girls! When your man kisses your cheek or gives you a squeez your makeup won't be on his shirt or lips.

Over all : 9.5/10



Rimmel lasting finish

Coverage: 8.5/10 - full - rimmels 25hr foundation does give a nice even finish. It hides spots,acne,marks ect very easily and is defiantly more of a full coverage foundation. 

Consistancy: This foundation is thick to the touch and you can feel it on your skin. Especially if your not use to a full coverage foundation. But it's not as thick as many full coverage foundations and it does have to be one of my favourite cheaper options.

Long lasting: 8.5/10 - rimmels foundation says it lasts 25hrs I would say it's fair to say it lasts a full day . 25hrs I'm not to sure but it does last and is great for the summer months.

Flashback : 8/10 - this foundation does have a SPF to protect from the sun, but lucky enough this factor doesn't give flash back. So flash photography is a go ! 

Transfering : 8/10 - not to bad for transfer can actually take a good wipe to get this foundation off even when wanting to remove. So with a setting powder this foundation isn't going anywhere.

Over all : 8/10




Giorgio Armani

Coverage: 8/10 - med to full -Giorgio Armani has a wonderful finish to it luminous silk gives as the name surguests a more luminous finish. Where as designer lift gives a smoother/firming finish. Covers most imperfections easily but is a mark below Estée launders double wear as it doesn't cover quite so easily.

Consistancy: a medium to thick consistency. Doesn't feel as though your wearing a thick makeup but you can feel it on the skin more than some foundations. Mainly due to the fuller coverage. 

Long lasting: 8/10 - Giorgio Armani doesn't claim to be a extra long lasting foundation, but it does last for the morjority of the day. 

Flashback : 7/10 - not too much flash back even though this foundation does contain a SPF with a setting powder non is visible on flash photography.

Transfering : 8/10 - does transfer abit more than the other two foundation mention so far, but for the finish it gives you I'd say it's worth it ! 

Over all : 8.5/10





Face atelier: 

Coverage: 9/10 - full - this foundation is a little wonder product ! The coverage is very full easily covering imperfections but still looks more natural like your own skin. A little goes along way with this product.

Consistancy: face atelier is a thick feeling foundation to the touch and on the face however after letting it settle and setting it with a fixing powder it doesn't feel as though your wearing a mask. Just a long wearing foundation. 

Long lasting: 9/10 - this foundation is very long lasting it will gay in place all day easily with a setting powder and finishing spray. 

Flashback : 10/10 -  I haven't had any problemswith flash back with this foundation. Possibly due to the fact it doesn't have a SPF sun screen. Which isn't much of a disadvantage to the product s the foundation itself will act like a screen / barrier on it's own. Just not as strongly as other foundation.

Transfering : 8.5/10 - for me face atelier doesn't really transferred to much unless rubed. T shirt transfer is minimal.

Over all : 9.5/10



Superstay 24hr foundation 

Coverage: 7.5/10 - medium - maybellines super stay foundation gives a nice even coverage. For me it doesn't completely cover blemishes and need building on. However this is more wht Iv found with the new version of the product the old version was slightly more full coverage.

Consistancy: medium - the new formula does feel more running nd. Licquidy thn the old one and does feel nice nd light on the face.

Long lasting: 7.5/10- I find this foundation will last a good working day 24hrs I'm not unite sure but defiantly a 10 hr working day. With setting power and finishing spray more so.

Flashback : 9/10 - superstay does have a SPF in it to protect from the sun but has barely ny flash back which is a doubley good thing.

Transfering : 8/10 - this product will transfer slightly not terribly but less so than most foundations.

Over all : 7/10