a line on BEAUTY

BRAND REVIEW: H&M Cosmetics

2012-01-14T14:19:00.002Z

The H&M make-up collection is hardly extensive but I picked up a couple of gems whilst in there recently.

I'm always on the hunt for good quality but inexpensive lip glosses so I can give them to clients. These two are really pretty good and a real bargain.

Nude Lipgloss £1.50 & Bite Me Blondie Lipgloss £2.99

The one on the left is a soft nude/coral and has a very subtle shimmer. It smells sickly sweet, like watermelon, however. Something I personally can't abide in my make-up but maybe there'll be a client who loves it. Who knows. It's such a shame because at £1.50 this could have been a real find.

The one on the right is a bit sickly, but not in the same league as the first thankfully. It's got more of a shimmer to it but is nice and sheer so just a small dab is perfect for a quick lip plump. It's called Bite Me Blondie and cost all of £2.99.

Bronzing Powder £4.99

Finally I had to have one of these fabulous Bronzing Powders. The packaging is great, chunky but light, and the powder base itself is huge - perfect for swirling a lovely big brush into.

But here's the main reason I had to have it. The COLOUR & TEXTURE. It's so hard to buy good bronzers, both on the high-street AND high-end. This is a lovely subtle bronze, perfect for winter, with just a hint of shimmer to stop it becoming flat. The texture is soft, and really fine, so you can build-up colour gradually to create warmth.

It cost £4.99, yeah baby.

www.hm.com

REVIEW: Aveda Outer Peace Blemish Spot Relief

2012-01-14T13:44:00.000Z

I would be lost without this miraculous little tube in the house. It is the king of zit zappers. Truly.

Being an Aveda product it has lots of lovely natural ingredients like Rose Geranium and Tamanu. But, most importantly, contains Salicylic Acid which acts as a pore-unblocker. It can leave the skin feeling dry so I'm pretty sparing with it and only use it to target the real hum-dingers...

I find a GENTLE squeeze, being super-careful not to break the skin, followed by a dab of Outer Peace, performs miracles overnight and you wake up like it was all just a bad dream.

Not cheap I'm afraid, but what price your SANITY?

Aveda Outer Peace Blemish Spot Relief costs £16.50 and is available online at www.aveda.co.uk

VIDEO: Susie Bubble does Panda Eyes

2011-11-25T21:00:00.001Z

Yet another incredible Because Beauty Tutorial by Kay Montano. This time starring fashion blogger mega-star SUSIE BUBBLE!

It was a super-fun day - and there are 3 more Susie looks to come, so keep checking the Because London website. A new one gets posted every week!

And if you haven't already, check out Susie's Style Bubble blog.

The look was inspired by the Gucci SS12 show, Kay created this dramatic eye using just one product, the heavenly Shiseido Cream Shimmering Eye Colour in Caviar. So easy to use and crucially, blend.

VIDEO: Diana Ross Because Magazine Beauty Tutorial

2011-10-19T20:30:00.002+01:00

Wow - I was lucky enough to assist uber-make-up-artist Kay Montano on the latest Because Magazine Beauty Tutorials.

But take everything you know about online beauty videos and shut them firmly in your vanity case.

These are what beauty tutorials should be; inspirational, fun, glamorous and with just enough how-to to make it achievable. Mainly I love them because they don't patronise and drone on forever.

(Also, as a tech-idiot, I wanted to see if I was able to post the video here, and it couldn't have been easier. If you're viewing in Dynamic Views you'll need to open this post to watch).

Check out Because Magazine at http://becauselondon.com/ and subscribe to Kay's new blog here http://www.kaymontano.com/ .

WEDDING BELLES: What I Wore & NARS Kyoto Eyeliner

2011-10-14T22:30:00.000+01:00

I got married back in December 2006 but can still remember exactly what make-up I used (obsessed - moi?). Quite a lot of it has been discontinued but quite a bit of it still features in my make-up kit.

There was Lancome Photogenic Foundation, By Terry concealer and mascara, MAC creme blusher, L'Oreal Eyeshadow and Armani Lipgloss.

But there's one little gem that I have re-used every week since then (and re-purchased numerous times), and that is my NARS Kyoto Eyeliner....

It's a fabulous khaki with gold flecks. The texture is really soft and easily smudged, so it gives a soft definition that subtly shimmers. I was wearing it today and felt made-up, but cool and not over-done.

It also reminds me of the day whenever I see it. Lovely.

Please nice people at NARS, don't discontinue this baby.

NARS Eyeliner in Kyoto is £16 at Space NK.

BRAND REVIEW (+ WIN!): MyFace Cosmetics

2011-10-03T12:38:00.001+01:00

MyFace Cosmetics - the make-up brand you need to know about now....

At a recent high-fashion party in London, there was a meeting of make-up greats. Kay Montano, she of Kate Moss Face covers, Obsession ads, and over 20 years of Vogue editorials and covers, bumped into an old friend, Charlotte Tilbury, the flame-haired make-up artist responsible for many celebrity red-carpet looks, ad campaigns and shows. I could go-on, but suffice to say, you definitely want to know what is in the make-up kits of these women.

The next morning, Kay Montano tweeted the following:

"Charlotte Tilbury last night "wow your skin looks amazing, are you wearing MyMix?" And of course yes, I was. @myfacecosmetics"

Need I say more? Well, ok, I will explain a little further....

MyMix is the foundation from MyFace. It is a dream to work with, light, dewy, creamy, blendable and crucially, incredible staying power. It covers without covering, if you catch my drift. What is is truly amazing about Mymix is the fact it is from a high-street brand and costs just £12.99. This is amazing because it is virtually impossible to find decent foundations at this price.

I generally find that the cheaper the foundation there is always something you are compromising on, whether it's colour (they are often too pink), texture, blendability or lasting power. You really don't need another foundation in your kit once you have MyMix.

It's based on a simple system of Fair, Medium or Medium/Dark. Within each of these there are 3 shades to choose from. I'm a Fair 03, sometimes Medium 01 if I have a tan (increasingly rare these days). The Medium/Dark is the best range for darker skin tones that I have come across. It repeatedly gets responses of 'Wow' from clients and models.

There you have it. It's the WOW foundation.

They also have a fab range of blushers (£9.99), lipsticks (£9.99) and glosses (£7.99 read on for a chance to win one) within the Fair, Med, Med/Dark system. There's a nude, medium and bright shade for each tone.

And one final little love note....to their amazing Bling Tones (£9.99). Little pots of flat glitter that are so easy to use and add instant glamour. Because they are 'flat-packed' they don't drop all over the face. Simply swipe your finger in the pot and press into the lids - building up for a more intense or 'wet' look.

My favourites are Morococo and Spice'y (pictured above and below) for wearability, but there is a whole cornucopia of colours for you to play with.

MyFace is available online in the UK and USA via their own website www.myfacecosmetics.com. You can also buy it on Amazon at www.amazon.co.uk (make sure to search for it using 'myface' all-one-word).

If you want to go and see it in the flesh, then head to your nearest big Boots (check their website for specific stores).

COMPETITION
I have a MyFace Lip Gloss Pop in Medium 234 Hot Stuff and Medium Blusher in Lady Monaco, to give away to one lucky person. Everyone who comments on this post will be automatically entered to win - that's all you have to do! I will draw someone at random next Monday 10th October.

UPDATE: Some are finding it difficult to post comments. If this is the case for you then please just send me a message on twitter to enter.

I'll announce the winner on my Twitter feed so make sure to follow me in the meantime and include your twitter address in your comment! You can find me at @arabellapreston - http://twitter.com/#!/ArabellaPreston

GUEST BLOG: Cherry Healey - she's a red lippy girl

2011-09-29T10:18:00.000+01:00

Her day-to-day choice is a good old Barry M lip pencil - lovely and
matt, doesn't budge and a perfect bright, cherry red - of course.

Oh my poor neglected blog. What with summer holidays, then straight back into London Fashion Week madness, I have been ignoring you.

So I thought I'd launch straight back in with a corker of a guest blog from the lovely Cherry Healey. I lured her round, on the pretence of a kiddy play-date, and then forced her to play make-up with me - mwah hah hah...

Cherry is a red lippy girl. I am not. So, here for your viewing pleasure, she road tests her favourites...

CHERRY'S ODE TO LIPPY

Here we went for old school glamour with a glorious classic
Chanel. No.22 in Paris. It's properly grown-up this one,
a sheeny, bluey-red. Lurrrverly.

Someone once told me that the 'legs or boobs' rule also applies to make-up: you have to choose between flashing your eyes or your lips. This suits me fine as the thought of dealing with both areas at the end of the day leaves me cold.

I've tried to laugh in the face of the rule but, without fail, I always end up looking either ten years older or like my toddler after an unsupervised session in my make-up bag.

This one is an old favourite, Topshop in Rio Rio (see post below for swatch).
It is BRIGHT, this lippy and a red/orange rather than red/blue.
It's also matt which somehow makes it more wearable.

I took the pic below whilst filming a few weeks ago - it's the Rio Rio lipstick which, on a rainy day in Glasgow, really perked my tired face up! That's the beautiful thing about lipstick - it brightens the face immediately and if it's matt, like Rio Rio, then it doesn't feel too over the top.

The bright orangey/red is definitely a touch on the attention seeking side so I feel more comfortable wearing it with very casual clothes. In fact, that goes for most red lipsticks. My perfect red lipstick outfit is black leather trousers, a white t-shirt and flat shoes.

Also, one last love note to lipstick - it makes a brilliant birthday present. A Chanel lipstick is about twenty quid which, for a lippy, isn't cheap BUT that's not extortionate to spend for someone's birthday. And the look of joy as someone is handed a little Chanel bag is pretty fun.

My favourite one is number 14 - it's pillarbox red and very sexy. I find the Chanel 'classic' (number 64) too purpley and a touch old fashioned. But just in case, give them the gift receipt and they can enjoy testing all the lippy's for themselves and annoying the busy make-up assistant. PLUS if you buy it at Boots you get points!!! Win win winy win.

You can read more about Cherry, her upcoming programmes and continuing 'Fashion Maths' struggles over at www.cherryhealey.com

BRAND REVIEW: Topshop Make-up....How do I Love Thee?

2011-08-21T23:23:00.000+01:00

Let me count the ways.....

ONE, I love that when I visit you in Topshop Oxford Circus you are calm, clean and EMPTY. Just one helpful lady re-stocking and cleaning samples (yes, that's right, cleaning the samples).

TWO, I love your funky colours and packaging. Young, but definitely not too young.

Lipstick in Rio Rio £8. An awesome red/orange.

THREE, I love your wall of nail polishes, although it makes my skin itch a little with the wanti-ness of it all.

Nail Polish in Moonshine £6. What a Beauty.

Nail Polish in Zenith. Limited Edition,
no longer available. Booooo.

FOUR, I love your semi-permanent eyeliners. I swatched this one on my hand and it was there for DAYS. Which didn't make me look like I washed much, but hey ho.

Semi-permanent Eye Liner in Tarnished £8

FIVE, I REALLY love your round numbers pricing. No fannying about with 99p's here. It's more honest and, guess what, actually makes it seem more bargainous. Although I could do without all your clothes costing £40 - what's that about?

But most of all I love your website for actually trying to sell make-up decently on-line. If you haven't tried the Virtual Makeover yet go NOW (but only if you have a spare hour free, it's seriously addictive).

STUFF I GET UP TO: Gone Away

2011-08-08T07:54:00.000+01:00

I'm not here this week, I'm HERE, guest blogging on the gorgeous Cherry Healey's site.

It's my top tips for busy Mum's and all budgets are catered for. Do go and have a read, I'm quite pleased with it and wish I did posts like this for my site more often. Hmmm, am plotting as I write......

While you're here it seems like a good opportunity to let you see a pic of the beautiful lady herself on her wedding day - you can read my blog post about it here.

www.cherryhealey.com

REVIEW: Estee Lauder Idealist vs Topshop Skin Tint

2011-07-30T21:30:00.000+01:00

Really? I know, not exactly comparing like for like is it....but bear with me.

For once, I've been liking my skin tone and texture recently. Annoyingly, I realised I started using both these products on pretty much the same day. So now, how on earth do I work out whether to keep buying the £10 Topshop Skin Tint or do I, gulp, have to spend £62 on the Estee Lauder Idealist. You can see why it's been bothering me....

So firstly, lets plunge in with Estee Lauder....

I can't believe I even wasted a tiny drop of this for the picture. I literally SCRAPED it up afterwards.

I bought the Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator in a very weak moment in duty free, so got it for £50-something instead of the £62, but STILL, I am suitably ashamed. I've been a bit paranoid about pigmentation on my skin since having kids and don't yet want to resort to laser. The Idealist promises to improve blotchiness, blemish marks, dark spots and discolouration.

Like I say, I have definitely seen an improvement in my skin since I started using it, but part of me thinks I am trying to convince myself, after spending half my weekly grocery bill on it. You do only need to use a tiny amount so I reckon it's going to last a good while.

But what if.....just what if, the improvement was down to a product that cost £10 instead? Well, all would be right in the world for a start.

I really love this Topshop Skin Tint. It is sheer, non-shimmery and like an instant dose of sun. Once on in the morning it will last all day, but is also buildable, so you can top it up if you want to.

I don't do anything fancy with it. I just start on my cheekbones and then blend into my hairline and bridge of nose, before blending firmly all over my face.

I think Topshop make-up is utterly fantastic. So much so I am going to do a dedicated blog post before too long. It is edgy, girly and cool - all of the things you would expect from Topshop - but it also has a seriousness and is a properly thought -through range.

Agghh! I was really hoping writing this would lead to a conclusion, but all I'm left with is an inability to let either of them go. Sorry folks. Feel free to add your own reviews in the comments!

www.topshop.com
www.esteelauder.co.uk

STUFF I GET UP TO: Cotswolds Chic

2011-07-22T14:26:00.000+01:00

I had a disgustingly early start a few weeks back (and this is from someone with two kids under 4) due to a 9am call-time in the Cotswolds. What could possibly tempt me there at such an ungodly hour?

Well, my friend Charlotte Semler was shooting her Winter collection for her fab brand Charlotte & Co and my brushes & I were summoned. So DISCLAIMER ALERT! Charlotte is my friend, used to be boss many moons ago, and now godparent to my little girl - ahhhhh. However, I have to say hand on heart her stuff is amazing and I can't shut up about it. She is a smart lady and really understands what women want and need in their lives. It's all cosy cashmere, silky but comfy knickers and vests, yoga pants that drape beautifully, all in lovely muted tones.

My brief was polished & groomed but real. The lovely Nadya at Models 1 has perfect skin so I just used the lightest touch of Chanel Vitalumiere to even out. Then Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage and MAC Select Cover conceal where needed. The eyes were MAC eyeshadow in Malt with Concrete to define in the sockets and along the upper and lower lash line. I also smudged MAC eyeliner in Coffee into the lashline.

I gave her brows a good groom and a gentle fill-in with MAC eyebrows in Fling. Mascara was Max Factor False Lash Effect but really combed through with a metal lash comb to look lovely and natural. I used my old favourite Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Antigua as a soft blush.

Lips in this shot were a combination of Inglot lipstick in 13 and 38 - a soft pink nude and a bright coral - to get the perfect stain. I just blotted this on with my finger so she didn't look too made-up.

More of the same here just with a nude lip - Laura Mercier lipgloss in Blush I think.

Charlotte also makes one of my favourite beauty products - silk satin pillowcases ! Honestly, a night on one of these leaves my skin feeling revived and rested (and me a little bit like a 50's film star).

Best of all her stuff is not crazy expensive, and she has a fab sale on right now.... www.charlotteandco.co.uk

STUFF I GET UP TO: Jumpsuits!

2011-06-29T21:32:00.001+01:00

Here are a few pics from a recent Jumpsuits shoot I did for Star magazine....hope you like! Credits & product info below.

Photographer: Caroline Leeming
Stylists: Hershey Pascual & Jess Richardson
Hair: Jack Merrick-Thirlway @ Nevilles
Make-up: Arabella Preston
Model: Zuleika @ FM

It was such a fun relaxed shoot. I love working with the Star girls.

Products I used (it was a few weeks ago now, so bear with me): Chanel Vitalumiere in 30, MAC pigments in Melon & Coppertone, MAC Big Bounce Shadow in Up the Ante. Lipsticks we had a few changes, the first pic is DVF in Volcano, the second is NARS Velvet Matte in Red Square, the third is Inglot in 01.

MAC Mineralize powder in Soft & Gentle gave Zueilka that lovely bronze sheen.

WEDDING BELLES: A Perfect Summer Wedding

2011-06-14T09:42:00.002+01:00

My dear 'sort-of' cousin Jamie married his gorgeous girl Delia recently. I was truly honored to be asked by Delia to do her bridal make-up and, because there was time, I even managed to get my hands on her two lovely bridesmaids.

They got married at Jamie's parents house. If ever a house was made for a wedding this is it. The church is actually IN their garden for goodness sake. The sun shone, the booze flowed, I got to hang out with family and then they topped it all and did a choreographed dance routine with TOTAL commitment.

Here are some pics for you to enjoy, courtesy of their lovely wedding photographer Ed Clayton. If you've got a wedding coming up I can't recommend him enough. www.edclaytonphotography.co.uk

Church in the Garden. SO convenient.

I'm happy really! Just taking my job V seriously.

Beautiful beautiful Delia.

So Delia has the most stunning skin anyway, but she definitely had been looking after it in the run-up to her big day. I cannot emphasize enough what a difference this makes. I know this is the oldest advice in the book, but your make-up is only ever as good as your skin.

Products I used, off the top of my head, Chanel Pro Lumiere, Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Golden Light, Laura Mercier Secret Camoflage, MAC Select Cover concealer, Laura Mercier eyeliner in Brown Copper, Bourjois eyeshadow 05, Benefit Creaseless Cream eyeshadow in Birthday Suit, MAC eyebrows in Lingering, Laura Mercier lipstain in Shy Pink & lipgloss in Blush, Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Antigua.

Oh, and after this photo was taken, a little Bobbi Brown pressed powder in Pale Yellow!

BRAND REVIEW: Bijou Bourjois

2011-05-30T16:02:00.001+01:00

The nice people at Bourjois sent me a few bits and pieces from their latest collection recently. There was one stand-out product, the Blusher in shade 32 Ambre D'or. This picture doesn't do it justice - it looks more like a bronzer here. It is a pinky/coral/copper blush that gives an instant hit of summer to tired skin.

I have been having a bright-pink blusher phase for the last few months and this has knocked me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way.

On the subject of Bourjois, just a mention to their Bio Detox Organic Foundation which I picked up on a recent Superdrug binge. It's a good yellow-based foundation - hard to find on the high-street - with 98.8% of ingredients from natural origins. It gave nice matt finish to my skin although I did need to use a bit of moisturiser to loosen it up a little. That might just be me though - my skin is horribly dry at the moment....

REVIEW ROUND-UP: Summer Skin

2011-05-19T12:46:00.001+01:00

We had a cheeky week in France last week with Granny. Perfect weather and yummy food & wine. I took a couple of my favourite summer skin products with me that I just love love love.....

The first is the glorious Huile Prodigieuse OR by Nuxe - a present from a friend in return for a little make-up advice (if only I could eat make-up, then I would always ask to be paid in products), this is a seriously treat-some delight. A dry-oil perfect for smoothing on tanned skin without greasing-up, with flecks of gold dust to shimmer and sparkle. I simply cannot describe how delicious this smells either, natural but luxurious (maybe I could eat it after all?!).

The second is my number one skin product for summer - L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Shield SPF 40. This is a lightweight formulation with a gorgeous pearlescent sheen to brighten your skin. I put this on every morning as a base for my foundation or tinted moisturiser. It isn't sticky like a lot of SPF's and also smells heavenly.

Oh, and by the way, I'm still working through a back-log of emails. If you haven't heard from me, please do drop me a reminder at alineonbeauty@gmail.com. Thank you!

Hello!

2011-04-30T21:51:00.001+01:00

I just wanted to fire off a quick post to thank everyone for all the lovely messages and to say a huge hello! to all my new followers. I will personally get back to everyone who has contacted me - but please do bear with me. I work entirely on my own and also have two small children so life can be frantic at the best of times!

We celebrated yesterday's amazing events by having our dearest friends for dinner. James Mullinger (stand-up comedian extraordinaire) and his lovely wife Pamela, and the hosts of our daytime fun, Tom Edmunds and Deborah Brett.

Deborah gave me the most fabulous scented candle by Ila in Tuberose & Rose. Seriously glamorous packaging with a serious 'beyond organic' philosophy to back it up. Heaven.

Ila Candle in Tuberose & Rose

Oh, and for those of you with wee ones, Deborah writes a blog detailing her 10-month-old daughter Mini's extensive and super-stylish wardrobe. I'm not a bit jealous, of course.

REVIEW ROUND-UP: High Street Beauty

2011-04-28T09:54:00.001+01:00

Every so often I hit Boots or Superdrug to see what the High Street brands are up to and come home with a goody bag full of things to play with. Here is a selection from my recent trip. Enjoy!

L'Oreal Glam Blush Bronze for Blondes £10.29 - a really lovely soft bronzer. A bit of shimmer but not too much, which can be difficult to find in cheaper bronzers.

The soft, light pink can be used on its own as blush, or swirled in with the bronzer to give a gorgeous all-over glow. They have one for brunettes too.

Bourjois Effet 3D Lipgloss in 16 Beige Theoric £6.99. My lipgloss du jour; somehow combines being matt while giving a sheen and plumping effect. I think this shade would suit most skin-types too.

L'Oreal Super Liner in Crystal £6.19. This is basically black with shimmer. Kind of a gun-metal effect. I LOVE it. Super Liner is one of L'Oreal's cult products, so easy to use, and lasts forever. This just gives it a fun twist for evening. Such a cheap and quick way to update your look.

Maybelline One by One Volum'Express Mascara £8.49. This is a good basics mascara. Not a wow product but definitely something reliable to have in your everyday make-up kit. The brush does decent separating and coating, but because the mascara is a lighter formulation, you don't get much of a lift.

Food For Thought

2011-04-23T18:25:00.001+01:00

Completely inspirational article in today's Telegraph magazine about Horst Rechelbacher, the founder of Aveda.

I'm sure you'll be able to read it online at www.telegraph.co.uk - but his crusade against the beauty establishment makes for uplifting Easter reading. I love that instead of complaining about the contents of beauty products, he has spent his life actively searching for alternatives (with varying degrees of success, some of the early attempts make for amusing reading).

And thanks to my dear mama - if I wasn't staying in sunny Shropshire with her this would have passed me by. Food for thought indeed.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

REVIEW: Big Hair Styler - The Results

2011-04-12T13:54:00.001+01:00

Ok, so I'm generally not one for posting pictures of myself here, but am feeling pretty smug about my first effort with the Babyliss Big Hair.

My hair is fine and frizzy but there is absolutely masses of it, and I have never been able to get close to what the hairdresser can do with a round brush and hairdryer. Until now that is. I actually think this might be the best £45 I have ever spent.

It took me a couple of goes to get the hang of it. Which button turns the brush this way or that way. But amazingly it didn't tangle my hair at all even when I had royally messed things up. Pretty soon I was working through my hair at decent rate and generally feeling a bit over the top for a playdate with 3-year-old boys.

REVIEW: Babyliss BIG Hair

2011-04-07T22:34:00.002+01:00

I've got one. I've got one!

So these things have been out about a year already, and I've kind of been thinking about getting one for that long. But today, shock horror, the Daily Mail ran a feature on them that might as well have been paid advertising and I knew if I didn't get a blardy shift on I wouldn't stand a chance in hell.

Sure enough, boots.com seemed to have sold out and amazon.co.uk only had a couple of chancers selling them at a premium.

Trusty old Argos came to the rescue. I reserved one in my local Kilburn store and ran down there this afternoon.

'Tis a Babyliss Big Hair Styler if you're wondering what on earth I'm on about. Hot air comes out of the round brush, and then, and THEN, you press a button to ROTATE the brush and wind your hair up in perfect hairdresser fashion. I LOVE it. (Really, I am SO sorry about all the CAPS)

It is big but isn't nearly as heavy as it looks, lighter than my hairdryer certainly, and I am already envisaging taking this away on holiday.

Oh Ashley!

2011-04-07T14:18:00.001+01:00

Shocking! What on earth was Ashley Judd thinking at her recent book signing? Completely bizarro. A professional make-up artist would never have left her face in a state like this......

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1374314/Ashley-Judds-make-malfunction-distracts-hard-hitting-memoir.html

I hate powder under the eyes. True, it is one way of ensuring your under-eye concealer has staying power, but it is so difficult to stop it becoming ageing and cakey. Let this be a lesson y'all....

The Skinny on Skin

2011-04-05T22:05:00.000+01:00

Models, private clients, brides, friends, you name it, everyone always ask me for my top skin specialist recommendations. Living in London we are spoilt for choice with luxurious day spas like Bliss, top dermatologists and beauty salons on every corner.

But, in fact, my number one recommendation is not London-based. Those in the know, make the journey to the Cotswolds, to see Jeanie Scott, at her business About Face. She is a Dermalogica trained skin specialist and also offers IPL laser treatments from an idyllic setting.

Jeanie trained in Sydney and did a stint at the prestigious (and now sadly defunct) Leonard Drake in Kensington. She somehow manages to bridge that tricky gap between the indulgence and comfort we all look for in treatments, while keeping science to the fore, and most importantly, getting results.

So there you have it. The secret is out. I'm really not sure why I've just shared this with the world. I have trouble enough getting an appointment as it is.

www.aboutfaceskin.co.uk is based in Milton Under Wychwood, Oxfordshire. You can contact Jeanie on 01608 652 110.

Shooting for the Stars

2011-03-30T09:37:00.002+01:00

Today was a monochrome story for Star Magazine. The clothes were so pretty - not scary hard-edged 80's style monochrome - but pretty, soft, parisienne chic.

So in honour of this I kept the make-up simple and young with some Shu Uemura apricot blush, Bobbi Brown long-wear eyeshadow in Bone and MAC eyeliner in Coffee. I highlighted the inner corner of the eyes with MAC pigment in Provence (now discontinued, Vanilla is a good substitute).

A pop of bright lipstick was essential to keep the look young and to give it that edge of French glamour. I used MAC Lady Danger a fabulous orange-red with NARS velvet matte pencil in Red Square (a more orange shade). Then MAC clear lipglass to gloss.

The Bare Minimum

2011-02-19T09:18:00.001Z

I am always asked about the contents of my own make-up kit - and the answer is too exhausting to contemplate! My kit is, of course, extensive and I pick and choose from it as the mood and season depends.

However, faced with a 6 week holiday in Thailand, (taking the bare minimum of personal items due to filling one suitcase with Cow & Gate Follow-on Formula) I was forced to create a capsule holiday kit.

I didn't want to take any brushes and therefore cream formulations were the order of the day.

So I give you, clockwise from top left:

Posietint by Benefit £24.50 (yes, I know, I balked at the price too. But it does last a long time). I much prefer this to Benetint - it looks rather flouro in the pot but gives a gorgeous youthful pink glow that really lasts - just be quick, quick, quick when you apply it!
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20 in Sand £33 at SpaceNK (again, a bit ouch on the price but they are generous tubes that you can really squeeze every last bit out of). The SPF 20 is great and this does something magical on lightly tanned skin - I find it a wee bit orange in the depths of a UK winter.
Lancome Liquid Star Bronzer - gah! Discontinued. OK I dread to think how old this is, it's going in the bin when I get home...
MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer in NC15 £13.50 A fail-safe light-weight go-anywhere do-anything concealer. Not enough for covering bags under eyes but lovely and natural.
Vaseline Pocket Size £1.32 (that's a bit more like it) Lips, cheeks, random dry patches, eyelids & blending eyeliner into a smoky smudge. Don't leave home without it.
MAC Cream Colour Base in Fabulush £13.50 This coral based cream colour has flecks of gold in it that shimmer beautifully. Equally gorgeous on cheeks or lips. Don't be afraid of coral/orange tones, they are pretty much universally flattering.
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara in Brown Black £15 One of my brides introduced this to me last year. It does what it promises and curls lashes brilliantly. The formulation coats the lashes - the only way to remove it is warm water and gentle soap and it will pull off your lashes in clumps that almost have a plasticity.
NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Kyoto £16 at SpaceNK A lovely shimmery dark khaki that can provide a good deep colour or subtle smudgy eyes.

And let's not forget the skin. I picked up this Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturising Body Oil in Superdrug £5.07 before I left. I was about to buy a smaller bottle of BioOil for four times the price and then came to my senses.

Finally, I never, ever, go anywhere without my Laura Mercier for Tweezerman tweezers £18.50 at SpaceNK. Simply the best.

Eye Brightening

2011-01-22T10:26:00.004Z

Benefit Eye Bright

A few years ago, a top make-up artist showed me her top tip for bright eyes - lining the inner rim of the eye with white eye pencil. It really works, but recently this look has started to look a little dated for me. I think it's too easy to spot and can jarr on an otherwise subtly made-up face.

So recently I have started to use my Shu Uemura nude lip liner to do the job instead. It's also great for cleaning up mascara smudges and those pesky flakes of eye liner, and a little touch on your cupids bow can plump your lips up beautifully.

To be truthful, I don't think it's quite the right shade. Too many yellow tones - it should have a little pink in it. But a quick scan of the online beauty aisles revealed that the big brands don't have any nude/pink eyeliners. The Benefit Eye Bright £14 looks good - but I can't believe this isn't a make-up essential.

Winter Bronzer

2010-09-20T12:53:00.001+01:00

There comes a time of year when dusting on my bronzing balls just feels a tad desperate. Like clinging to the youth of my summer or somesuch.

Enter the winter bronzer - as depicted left. This one's Antigua by Bobbi Brown, a really lovely pink-brown with just a hint of shimmer to lift your mood and illuminate your fading tan.

Good sturdy packaging with a decent mirror too. I can't bear it when bronzers have insufficient padding - stand up and be counted NARS Laguna Beach (a justifiably popular shade but just not worth the money when it crumbles to a million pieces after a tumble to my bathroom floor).

And good name, good name. Wafting round with a bit of Antigua on your cheekbones you can pretend to be one of those Notting Hill types who'll be spending New Year there.

How did I miss this?

2010-09-13T09:42:00.001+01:00

Gold Leather and Velvet Make-up bag
£20 by Charlotte & Co

It's a Gold leather make-up bag, with raspberry silk velvet lining for goodness sake! It's only £20 AND it's on 3 for 2.

Ok, I'm going to buy one and report back.

There are also some amazing pointy gold slippers which would make my size 8 feet look like boats, but someone out there should buy them.

www.charlotteandco.co.uk

Brrrr

2010-09-10T19:32:00.006+01:00

Err...hello Summer? I'm back and it's freezing cold.

Although I am, of course, very excited about tights and boots season being just around the corner, I am really not ready for coats just yet.

So, I'm thinking this little number might be the ticket a 'cashmere cardi-jacket' from Charlotte & Co. The perfect way to feel good about the end of summer.

And I'll be putting one of the cashmere dressing gowns on my xmas list too. Anyone reading this? Hello again?

Bouf!

2010-09-07T22:39:00.021+01:00

A quick update from perfect September weather in the South of France. Tillies pedicure still holding up well 2 weeks on - bit worn at the edges but not a chip in sight and my poor feet have been getting serious abuse from my toddler who loves to stomp on my toes. I think it's unintentional.

Colour is Leighton Denny in Viva La Diva - a really good orangey-red...I can't help but pick up a bottle of this hue whenever I spot it. Another really good one is Revlon in One Perfect Coral. My obsession started about 5 years ago when I spotted a super cool French shop assistant wearing an amazing polish - it turned out to be a Stephane Marais shade stocked in Space NK. When they discontinued the line I started to hunt down similar colours - I've never matched it but this is pretty good.

Ooh Seche Vite!

2010-08-25T19:48:00.003+01:00

Santorini is calling so a trip to Tillie's Nail Lounge today for an emergency pedicure. The lovely Kasia attended and even bought me magazines and cappuccinos - what a treat.

Even better, they have a stock of the glorious Seche Vite - no more scrabbling around in Liberty's for the last bottle. I snapped one up before they changed their minds.

Seche Vite is the ultimate Top Coat - patented in 1992 it is still to be beaten. It should be applied thickly over wet nail polish to create a really solid layer that will dry quickly and last much longer. Happy!

On Set

2010-07-25T13:06:00.002+01:00

Anna Bourne on set

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July - it's always fun to work with friends and this weekend I got to work with the lovely Anna Bourne. Anna and I trained together at London College of Fashion so it was great to catch up and swap notes on our careers to-date.

We were working on a short film, "The Half Light", written and directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah, produced by Sophie Vickers and starring David Haig. I won't give any more away but will post back when it's released. The small bits of footage I caught during filming looked fantastic.

Make-up wise it was v simple - mainly lots and lots of MAC mineralize powder as boy was it HOT.

Cherry Season

2010-06-05T13:16:00.003+01:00

Cherry Healey

Saturday 5th June - beautiful mummy Cherry Healey got married today. My sisters best friend, (she'd the sort we'd all love for a bestie, lucky Els) Cherry really is superwoman. Not only was her camera crew in attendance (Cherry is currently filming for her new BBC3 series), but TWO photographers, one personal, one from BRIDES magazine, who had been confirmed the night before! All this with 9-month-old Coco on board and a flat full of school-mates.

Despite this she was the picture of calm good-humour. She had a really clear idea of how she wanted to look but managed to make me feel like whatever I did she would love it.

There were falsh lashes involved (my old faves, Eyelure individual flares), Lancome Photogenic foundation and MAC creme blush (Ladyblush I seem to remember) for that youthful glow. Lips were Laura Mercier in Blush (all this blushing!).

Getting dressed

I love this picture... so much giggling as my sister 'helps' Cherry into her dress.

Back To Work

2010-05-29T14:20:00.000+01:00

Saturday 29th May, 2010 - after a terrifying 4am taxi ride to Gatwick, a cancelled Easyjet flight, then a mad rush to Euston to catch a train, Baby Ray (all 2 1/2 months of her) and I made it to Glasgow by midday. Phew!

What tempted baby and I so far from home? Well, my dear friends Becky and Sam were getting married and my brushes and I were on duty.

Becky has the most beautiful, long eyelashes which I enhanced with individual flares at the outer corners. Other than that we kept it really simple with perfect skin, brows and Laura Mercier pink gloss (now discontinued, sob. Thanks for the loan Frankie!).

The wedding ceremony was held in the grounds of Becky's parents house, Duchal. Becky came down the 'aisle' accompanied by African singers, whilst the congregation sat on hay-bales under an enormous old tree. The tree even managed to keep the scottish rain at bay and clear of ladies hats and hair!

Congratulations you two, it was a gorgeous day with just the right amount of Maclay barminess.