Beauty for Grown Ups

The new way to exfoliate- AHA and BHA exfoliants

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 11:23:00 -0800

Alpha- and Beta-Hydroxy Acids, also known as AHA and BHA exfoliants, are the two products that have totally blown me away in the last few years. I keep banging on about them to anyone willing to listen, as they have done amazing things for my skin and I believe, everyone from teenagers to people with mature skin would benefit from using them.

The main difference between them and standard abrasive exfoliants is, that they are applied on clean skin and left on to do their thing for several hours, in the same way you apply your moisturiser. You can use them both in the morning and in the evening, or once a day. They come in liquid, gel and lotion forms depending on your skin type.

AHA exfoliants are suitable for dry sun-damaged skin types, and BHA exfoliants are great for acne-prone oilier skin types, which struggle with blackheads, blemishes and white spots. AHA exfoliants contain glycolic acid and sit on the surface of the skin to help tackle unevenness, pigmentation and fine lines, as well as reveal new fresher skin. BHA exfoliants contain salicylic acid which is the only skincare ingredient able to penetrate into the pores and clean blemishes and blackheads from the inside out. Both exfoliants are based on fruit acid derivatives and promote collagen production and skin regeneration. They could be used in conjunction or alone, depending on your skin type and concerns.

I tend to alternate between using an AHA and BHA exfoliant once a day most days. I prefer to use them at night underneath my night serum. Since I started using them around 3 years ago, my skin has has gradually calmed down and become more even-toned and balanced. To start with I used them every day, but over time I now need to use them no more than 3-4 days a week. As everyone's skin is unique, it takes a bit of experimenting to find your perfect routine.

One thing to keep in mind is that these types of exfoliants require an SPF used over them, should you want to apply them in the morning.

My top picks are:

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel
Paula's Choice RESIST Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid

You may notice that more and more skincare companies are introducing AHA and BHA exfoliants in their ranges. Please be aware that salicylic acid in wash-off type exfoliants will simply not get the chance to do its job as it needs to stay on the skin for a period of time, hence I would not recommend using those. Also, not all exfoliants of this class are formulated at the effective range pH range. Hence the reason why both options above are from Paula's Choice range which are by far the best formulated and effective ones currently available. The bottles they come in will last you for 1 year each, if used regularly.

There is a body care lotion in the same class, that I have been using for couple of years now and will not be without. It's the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Anti-Aging Smoothing Lotion, which contains both AHA and BHA exfoliants, as well as Vitamin E and shea butter. Sold for a mere £4.09 in Boots and Superdrug, it is an absolute steal of a product that helps tackle keratosis pilaris - the red bumpy skin or the tops of the arms and legs many people get, and reveal soother and more even-toned skin. Due to the combination of moisturising and exfoliating properties, it is a great all-in-one product.

Revlon Nutri Color Creme

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 10:22:00 -0800

Over the years I have coloured my hair in most shades under the sun. Last year, I went blonde for awhile, and later on decided to grow my hair out. For that reason I opted for going back to my original brown colour and give my hair a chance to recover and stay healthy. In my search to find something that will allow me to colour my hair less often, I came across the Revlon Nutri Color Creme.

It is best described as a semi-permanent colour wash that aims to revive, condition and tone your existing hair colour between colourings. It is applied on washed and towel dried hair and left for 3 minutes, before washed off. It deposits colour onto the hair and helps keep your chosen shade vibrant, as well as can be used as a toner on blonde hairs.

I have found it to be an excellent way of extending the time between hair colourings. In fact if you like keeping your hair colour close to your natural one, this product could easily be used instead of a semi- or permanent hair colour. It comes in the full variety of shades ranging from black to platinum blonde, and a bottle of 250ml contains the equivalent of around 15 washes.

People who love having their hair coloured in strong, vibrant shades such as red, purple or copper, will find this product a must. A once a week treatment with it should be enough to stop your colour from fading and keep hair looking glossy and in good condition. The blonde shades of this product serve as excellent toners for bleach blonde hairs and are great for toning down brassiness. I find that the product is extremely nourishing and leaves my hair shiny, manageable and much less frizzy.

Currently Revlon Nutri Color Creme is available on Amazon, Salon Direct and Ebay.

Hand Creams

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Mon, 6 Jan 2014 10:17:00 -0800

There are some amazing inexpensive hand creams on the market which help protect and nourish your hands. Depending on the condition of your hands, here are the ones I rate and use regularly:

Aveeno Hand Cream with Colloidal Oatmeal- it is great for people with normal skin who need a cream for general maintenance. It absorbs quickly and leaves hands soft and moisturised for hours. I love it as a summer hand cream as it is less heavy than other hand creams.

Garnier Handrepair Intensive Restroting Hand Cream- I love this stuff and have been using it for years now. It contains Maple Sap and Glycerin which instantly soothe and help restore dry chapped hands. I used to have a painful crack reappear on one on my fingers every winter. This hand cream has helped sort it out for good. Although it is rich, once applied is sinks in quickly and leaves no greasiness on the hands.

Palmer's Shea Butter Formula Concentrated Cream with Vitamin E- I have been using it for the last few months and it is and excellent option for the colder part of the year, or for people who have their hands in water repeatedly throughout the day. It is great for any area with dry skin, like elbow, knees and feet. Easily absorbed, it is a joy to use.

Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm- this is an amazing gentle and effective product for people with dry sensitive and eczema prone skin. It is the most emollient out of the all chosen products and creates a protective barrier over the skin to allow it to heal. It is a great versatile product that can be used for anything from cracked hands, lips, elbows etc. I love applying it last thing at night.

It is worth pointing out that an SPF cream applied at the beginning of the day and once again in the afternoon is essential for keeping your hands in great condition. Sun exposure is the main factor that causes skin ageing and your hands should not be ignored. I tend to apply the same SPF I use on my face onto my hands.

Collection 2000 Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 03:35:00 -0800

Eyeliner lovers, rejoice!

I am always super excited when I come across a true beauty bargain. These Collection 2000 felt tip liners as exactly that. At £2.99, they come in 4 great colours, including black, packed with pigment, easy to apply and very long lasting. I bought the blue, teal and purple ones as they make a nice difference to the classic black colour. All 3 shades are very flattering and easy to wear and give just enough pop of colour to liven up your make up look. They have a slightly glossy finish which looks elegant and understated. The felt tips are a lovely elongated shape that makes for an effortless application and perfect for drawing a flick.

If you are an eyeliner novice, try and apply the pen as closely to the eye lashes as possible and let it glide over them. Worry less about drawing a perfect line and more about filling in all the gaps between the eye lashes. Short strokes work best if you find it hard to control the line. The pen will do the rest for you. For youthful eye lift effect, end the line a centimetre above the outside corner of your eye and draw a flick upwards. Ladies with hooded, deep set eyes or small eyelids should aim at drawing a thin line to avoid making their eyes appear smaller. The larger the visible part of your eyelids is when your eyes are open- the thicker the line you can get away with. For elongated feline looking eyes, start the line 2/3rds from the inner eye socket and make it thicker towards the outer corner.

Lastly, the Collection 2000 Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liners are very long lasting and you may struggle to remove them with some make up removers. I use Bioderma Crealine H2O to take them off and it works well. Another great alternative would be an oil-based eye make up remover.

Feed Your Skin Healthy

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Wed, 25 Dec 2013 00:00:00 -0800

You have probably heard this already, but there is no skincare or make up product in the world that could give you the glow that well nourished skin has naturally. If you are unhappy with how your skin looks, it is worth exploring whether there are underlying medical conditions you need to get checked out. Healthy people need to consider the following when thinking about how to improve the look of their skin:

More of:

Water- I cannot stress highly enough the importance of water for supple healthy looking skin. 2-3 litres daily of water, green or herbal tea is a great daily target to aim for.

Vegetables- Pick them in variety of colours and have them with most meals. Most vitamins contained in vegetables need good fats to allow for their absorption, so don't skimp on the olive oil on your salad or the butter in your meal.

Fruit- All types of berries are packed full of antioxidants and low on natural sugars. Make sure you eat some fruit every day, just be mindful of the quantities of sweeter fruit (such as exotic ones) consumed. A bowl of natural yoghurt, topped with berries and some almond flakes is a great way to start the day.

Protein- Whether you are a meat lover, pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan, protein should form a large proportion of your diet. Eggs, fresh meats, fish, seafood, pulses and nuts, cheese, as well as leafy vegetables are all great sources of protein.

Fats- Despite their bad reputation, fats are our friends. There is an overwhelming research about the importance of good fats for the functioning of our bodies. Fats keep us slim, they make our skin, hair, nails and eyes sparkle and also make everything taste so much better. The foodie that I am, I cannot get enough of full fat diet, after years of eating low fat boring meals. Aim for natural fats such as olive and vegetable oil, butter, lard, nut based oils, avocado oil and the truly amazing and versatile coconut oil.

Keeping active- whatever exercise you prefer, keeping active will help your skin look its best. Ideally you want to spend at least 20 mins outside every day and reap the full benefits, both for your body and mind, of staying connected with nature.

Sleep- Regular sleep for at least 7 hours will make your skin look as young as it can possibly can be. You simply cannot fake the effect of a good night's sleep even with the best skincare or make up available. If you are a new mum or a busy professional who doesn't have the luxury of regular uninterrupted sleep (I have been there myself), please make sure you slot in as many daytime naps you possibly can.

Kindness- Be kind to yourself and others. It will make you feel good and your skin will glow from within.

Less of:

Sugar - You will hate me for saying this, but it has to be said. Sugar is bad not only for

your waistline, but for your skin too. Simple carbohydrates, like refined sugar, white bread and cakes, cause your insulin levels to spike, which causes inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. Digested sugar permanently attaches to the collagen in your skin through a process known as glycation. Aside from increasing the effects of aging, glycation can also exacerbate skin conditions like acne and rosacea. Plus, the more sugar you eat, the more likely it is you'll develop insulin resistance, which can manifest as excess hair growth (hirsutism) and dark patches on the neck and in body creases. Sugar is contained in many foods, from simple carbs such as cakes and biscuits, to low fat foods and natural fruit. It is worth making an informed choice about the foods you put in your body. Do not assume that just because something is natural or appears healthy, it necessarily is good for your skin and weight. Generally a high in protein and fats diet, with lots of vegetables, full fat natural yoghurt and small amounts of fruit should alleviate existing sugar cravings and help with keeping your body and skin healthy.

Alcohol, Tobacco, Processed Food- Nothing new here, we all know these are not great for us and should be used with caution.

Stress- It ages you, and it is not good for your heart and mind. Whether it is something you can actively avoid or need to manage long-term, there are a plenty of ways to do so. Please do not delay dealing with stress.

Supercharge your skincare routine

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 04:52:00 -0800

Winter is by far the hardest season for our skin to cope with. The constant change between hot and cold environments causes irritation, dehydration and exaggerates underlying skin problems. As a rule of thumb using more intensive moisturisers and treatments for specific skin concerns should help keep your skin in good condition.

I have combination skin with oily T-zone which is also mildly sensitive. Generally I use serums as my moisturisers as I find creams to be way too rich for my skin. In the last month or so I have been using La Roche Posay Hydraphase UV Intense Light as my daytime moisturiser. It is aimed at dehydrated, normal to combination sensitive skins and contains a broad spectrum SPF 20. I find it to be very absorbent, leaving my skin soft and hydrated throughout the day, without looking shiny. I used it as my eye cream too. The hydrator's main ingredient is Hyaluronic Acid which helps keep water in the skin. It is an excellent base for make up too.

If you suffer with redness and find it becomes more problematic during the winter months, I can thoroughly recommend La Roche Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Localised Anti-Redness Care. It is a soothing serum designed to calm the skin, reduce signs of rosacea, and also prevents its reappearance. You can apply it day and night over the areas of concern. A little bit goes a long way and once sunk in, the serum leaves no residue. You should see an improvement in your skin condition after a month or so of using it.

People with dry and mature skin would love Avene Eluage Cream, which is formulated to tackle loss of firmness, wrinkles and dryness. It feels rich, yet light and leaves a lovely dewy finish on the skin. I use it over drier areas on the face and find it does not cause any breakouts and nourishes my skin very well.

Another great budget-friendly serum that most skin types would love is the Boots Botanics Super Serum Radiant Youth. Packed with antioxidants, it helps protect skin from environmental damages and keep it healthy. It is gentle, non-greasy and suitable for most skin types.

Big Glossy Hair

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 03:28:00 -0800

I am pretty useless at styling my hair and rely on products that make the process as easy as possible. My hair is thin, wavy and below the shoulders and I most often use my beloved BaByliss Big Hair to style it. Now, there are two Big Hair stylers- the original 50mm one and the 42mm one. I have tried them both and would recommend the bigger one for people with thicker and longer hair, and the smaller one- for people with thinner or shorter hair.

Here is what I do when I want a quick blow dry that leaves my hair big and bouncy. I wash and towel dry my hair. Then I liberally apply TIGI Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray onto the roots and massage it in. I also apply either Organix Moroccan Argan Oil or Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique to the middle and ends of the hair. I use a hair dryer to dry my hair whilst tipped forward until almost dry. Then I use BaByliss Big Hair, still with my hair tipped forward and slowly run it through all sections, by pumping the volume into the roots and creating loose flicks at the ends. When my hair is dry, I tip is back and use the styler to finish off any stray hairs before letting it cool down for a minute or so. Styled this way, my hair looks great for up to 2 days.

On days between washes I prefer to use Urban Fudge Texture Blaster, which is a cross between a dry shampoo and a hair spray. Applied to the roots of the hair, it is amazing at giving extra body and texture to hair that is limp and in need of volume. It mattifies the hair and smells faintly of coconut. The great thing about the Texture Blaster is that by massaging the roots occasionally throughout the day, it produces more volume, whilst keeping the hair movement and without a sticky residue. An added bonus is that is leaves no colour or white cast, unlike most dry shampoos.

TIGI Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray- both Amazon and HQ Hair tend to have great offers on it. It's fairly economical and a bottle should last you several months.

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil- available in Boots and Superdrug, it is times cheaper than other brands and just as good. It makes hair feel soft, strong and shiny. A drop or two is all I need for my hair.

Kerastase Ciment Thermique- HQ Hair often have it on offer. A walnut sized blob is all I need to cover my hair. It melts instantly into the hair and works to strengthen and give volume to processed, weak hair. It is activated by heat and acts as heat protectant too, so people who style their hair regularly would love the practicality of it. I have noticed that my ends are a lot less frizzy and splitting less since I have been using it.

Urban Fudge Texture Blaster- available in Superdrug. Great, as it is in effect two products in one, and thus great if you are travelling or, if like me, you dislike the cast that dry shampoos leave on your hair.

Winter Nail Colours

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Wed, 4 Dec 2013 04:08:00 -0800

From left to right: L'Oreal ColorRiche in Parisian Rooftops; No7 Stay Perfect in Salsa; Essie in Carry On; Essie in Size Matters

From left to right: Essie in Bobbing for Baubles; Nails Inc in Motcomb Street; L'Oreal ColorRiche in Luxembourg Garden; Look Beauty in Mink

Winter nail colours are all about gorgeous greys, burgundies, blues, mossy greens and minks. There are some wonderful collections of colours this year available in your local Boots or Superdrug. All of the ones I have picked apply easily and have great staying power.

Personally I use Essie's Good to Go Topcoat which is by far the best I have found. It makes any nail varnish last at least 5-7 days chip free and leaves a gel like shine on your painted nails.

L'Oreal ColorRiche in Parisian Rooftops is a beautiful grey nail varnish with hints of purple.

No7 Stay Perfect in Salsa- a festive blue based red infused with tiny golden specks.

Essie in Carry On is a stunning burgundy nail colour with a rock chic edge.

Essie in Size Matters- the name makes me smile every time. This is a dark fuscia nail colour that is universally flattering.

Essie in Bobbing for Baubles- I can't get enough of this nail varnish. It's an understated blue-grey colour that reminds me of a stormy seaside.

Nails Inc in Motcomb Street is a deep blue shade that makes a great alternative to black nail varnish.

L'Oreal ColorRiche in Luxembourg Garden- mossy pale green that people with cooler complexion will love.

Look Beauty in Mink- your perfect nude nail varnish that makes fingers look long and elegant.

Mally 12 Piece Celebrate Your Beauty Collection

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 09:32:00 -0800

Currently available on QVC, this Mally collection is one of the best value Xmas gift ideas I have come across recently.

QVC UK

Sold at £69, it contains 3 sets consisting of an eye shadow palette, an eyeliner, a liquid lipstick and a volumising mascara. All beautifully presented in individual colour coordinated gift boxes.

The collection comes in a stunning chocolate box type box in the signature Mally pink snake pattern and includes a lovely booklet with tips on various eye looks.

The 3 palettes are Radiant Taupes, Romantic Brown and Royal Plum and each one contains 3 x eye shadows and an eye primer. Each palette comes with a Espresso, Shimmering Black and Royal Plum eyeliner respectively. The liquid lipsticks included are Mally Melon, Mauvelous and Petal to the Metal respectively. All 3 mascaras are in black.

The 3 sets of palettes could make perfect Xmas gifts, or if you are greedy like me, simply keep all 3 of them for yourself.

I have been a huge Mally fan for many years and rate highly many of her products. She is an American make up artist who has worked with the likes of Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie and Rihanna and her products are currently available on QVC UK. If you get a chance to see any of her live presentations, I can thoroughly recommend her, even only for the fact that she has an infectious enthusiasm, love for women and is very funny.

All products included in this particular collection are excellent.
The eye primer and eye shadows deliver on all levels- they are universally flattering, versatile and sophisticated.
Mally's eyeliners are soft, pigmented, and as she calls them, 'bullet proof', in that they stay put until you decide to take them off.
The liquid lipstick is glossy, moisturising and very flattering. Mally has an amazing eye for colour and her colour ranges manage to be both versatile and sophisticated.
And lastly, I absolutely love Mally's volumising mascara featuring in the collection. It is everything a mascara should be- an intense black colour, lengthening and volumising. Although it is not marketed as a water resistant mascara, I find it to last incredibly well even through a sweaty exercise session.

Overall this is an incredible value for money set. Whether you decide to keep it for yourself or split it in presents it's up to you. Get it before it sells out.

Shades of Red

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 10:23:00 -0800

I am a self-confessed red addict. It is my favourite colour and I am always on the look out for the next amazing shade. The thing about red lips is that no matter what clothes I am wearing or how tired and fed up I might feel, putting on a red lipstick is an instant way of bringing in the sense of occasion in my life.

Red is also one of the most intimidating looks for many women. In my selection below, I have included several options for those of you who are afraid they won't be able to pull off the look. My tip is- try wearing red lipstick on a casual day, when you feel relaxed and most likely in your jeans and sweater. Take time to enjoy the way it makes you feel and build your confidence towards stronger looks. Nothing would make you feel more like a little girl experimenting with her mum's make up than attempting to wear red lipstick for the first time as a full on evening look.

MAC Ruby Woo- My all time favourite red lipstick. It looks scary, dry and intense on the bullet, but applies surprisingly well and feels weightless on the lips. The colour pay off is second to none and is very long lasting when applied with care.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect in Rouge- glamorous, full-on, hydrating and plumping lipstick that has old-school glamour written all over it. If you struggle with dry lips and want a lipstick which delivers comfort, while giving the sense of occasion, this is the lipstick to buy. It is a classic blue based red that suits most skin tones.

NARS Red Lizard- a rich red suitable for warmer and/ or dark skin tones, this lipstick is a distant relative of the MAC Ruby Woo, only this bit more intense and warm.

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Trendsetter and Finale- I love this particular line of Revlon lipsticks. Easy to apply and buildable, both shades are universally flattering. Trendsetter is your cherry red shade and Finale is a warmer tomato red. These are perfect if you are afraid of red as a lip colour and want to ease yourself into wearing it. For matte lipsticks, they are non-drying and weightless on the lips and by far the most long lasting ones I have come across.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Mightiest Maraschino- I much prefer the Intense range of the Chubby Sticks to the original ones. They offer a better colour pay-off, more hydration and better staying power. The Mightiest Maraschino is a blue based glossy red that feels a cross between a lipstick and a lip balm. Although the shade is incredibly glam, the bullet allows for easy application. I think of it as my 'jeans-and-sweather' red.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in New Temptation- moisturising, pigmented, glossy. There is something nostalgic about the shade of New Temptation. It's a slightly cooler red that makes my teeth look really white.

L'Oreal GlamShine Stain Splash in Juliet- if you are a red lipstick virgin, try this stain and you won't be disappointed. The GlamShine Stains are water-based and keep lips soft and hydrated, while providing a lovely buildable coverage. You can wear them as a bare hint of colour to a more intense shade of cherry red. Long lasting and glossy, they fade away to a beautiful stain on the lips and great for people who hate re-applyng their lipstick.

No7 Poppy King Lipstick in Power- another 'easy' red, presented in a super cute packaging. Easy to apply, not too intense and hydrating, this is a great every day lipstick that you can pop in your handbag and apply on the go.

Concealers

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 07:44:00 -0800

A good concealer will hide a multitude of sins- dark circles, blemished, redness, scars, you name it. The easiest way to cheat a good night's sleep and fresh face is to use a good quality foundation to even out your skin tone and then conceal the areas of your face which require better coverage. The best concealers are well pigmented and easy to apply and they will not crease in lines or or slide off your face halfway through the day.

Here are my top picks:

Clarins Instant Light Brush Concealer- this is a light reflective concealer with enough coverage to tackle dark circles, redness and discolouration. You can use your fingers or a brush to pat it on where needed. As it's packed with hyaluronic acid, it helps smooth away fine lines and makes you look more rested and fresh.

MAC Select Cover Up- my favourite ever concealer. It does everything from erasing dark circles to covering spots, redness and making skin look flawless. It has light watery texture, which combined with the incredible pigmentation, makes for an amazing coverage at the stroke of a brush. It comes in 11 shades and a tube of it lasts for ever as you only need a tiny bit at a time.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer- this one is up there with Mac Select Cover Up in terms of quality. It is slightly thicker and has this bit more radiance. It is a great option for people with stronger dark circles or people who prefer fuller coverage. It provides long lasting coverage and hydration and comes in 10 different shades.

MAC Studio Finish SPF35 Concealer- lightweight, highly pigmented, water resistant. This emollient concealer provides amazing opaque coverage both for under eye circles and blemishes. It is densely pigmented and best applied with a brush. The high SPF is an added bonus and a must for people who need coverage during the summer months.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer- this is a great all-arounder that does everything from covering dark circles to hiding blemished, discolouration and redness. It dispenses from a tube and a little bit goes a long way. Its only downside is the small colour range.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage- this concealer has been around for a long time and for a good reason. It contains two tones of concealer which you could mix to customise according to your skin tone. It is provides up to full coverage for blemish, discolouration and imperfection coverage. Should you want to use it as an under eye concealer, mixing it with a bit of foundation would make it look seamless.

Easy Glam Eyes

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:48:00 -0800

If you are intimidated by complicated eye make up or struggle for time to attempt such looks, look no further. In the recent years the cosmetic industry has come up with a variety of products that allow for effortless glam eyes that require minimal effort or skill. Eye crayons, sticks, paint pots tend to contain cream or gel based eye shadows that are both long lasting and very forgiving. These are also amazing when used as primers for heavier eye looks. They can serve the function of a great eye shadow primer, as well as give dept and definition. They come in matte, satin and shimmer finish and thus allow for customising to whatever look you are aiming for. As a rule of thumb, cream products containing some shimmer in them are easier to apply.

The good thing about cream/gel based eye shadow products is that overall it is very hard to find ones which disappoint. Irrelevant of the price point, these products tend to deliver really well. I can honestly say that the Collection 2000 eyeshadow pencil which is the cheapest of my chosen products, is just as good as the Mac Paint Pot ones which is times more expensive. An added advantage is that the vast majority of these products are waterproof.

The amazing variety of colours cream based eye/ gel based eye shadows come in provides an option for all tastes. I tend to pick more muted colours, such as taupes, greys, browns and purples as they provide versatility. However there re some amazing bright options for people who love the look.

Personally I love the practicality of the pencil type ones, as they are easy to carry in my bag and apply on the go. Also with them, you can use the pointed tip to create different effects with next to no effort or skill. I tend to use my fingers when applying cream eye shadows. Don't worry about creating precise looks when using them- smudging is what they are made for. If you really want to, using a blending brush such as Mac 217, to smooth out the edges is an option.

Here are my top picks:

Collection 2000 Work the Colour Eyeshadow Pencil
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Shadow Stick
Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24 hr Eyeshadow
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot

Winter Lips

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Fri, 1 Nov 2013 03:35:00 -0700

The cold winter months, combined with the dry air caused by the central heating at home, are the biggest challenge for my lips every year. I happen to have dry, sensitive lips that go into a state of peeling mess if I don't look after them and forget to protect them.

My winter lip savours are:

Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm- technically a skin balm, this product is amazing at maintaining my lips in good condition and repairing them when then need extra care. I have a tube in my bag and another one at home and reapply 3-4 times during the day as well as last thing before I go to bed. I find it great for getting rid of old flaky skin too. Simply apply a thin layer for a few minutes and gently rub off by rolling a cotton bud, before applying lipstick. You can apply this product on any area of your body as it acts as a protective barrier and supports skin's own regeneration, as well as soothes dry and cracked skin.
Clarins Light Natural Lip Perfector- A softly textured lip gel with a deliciously sweet scent. Lips are left looking soft, smooth, shiny and plump. Sheer, but has enough colour to wear alone or to complement your favourite lip shade. Contains Shea Butter, Vitamin A and E and. This comes in several lovely wearable shades which leave a sheer tint of colour on the lips. It dispenses from a felt tip applicator and super easy to apply in the go.
Dr. Dan's CortiBalm- the only lip balm that contains 1% hydrocortisone, which people with sensitive and prone to allergic reaction lips will absolutely love. It provides anti inflammatory protection and helps stop itching and inflammatory due to dry skin, sunburn and cosmetics. I have used this balm for 2 years now and will not be without it. It is available on Amazon.
Nivea Hydro Care Lip Protection With Pure Water & Aloe Vera- an classic lip product, this simply works and is kind enough to suit most lip types. I find it's emollient enough to offer hydration and protection at the same time during harsher weather conditions.

In terms of lip colours, I tend to avoid matte lipsticks during the winter as they are drying on the lips and highlight flaky skin, which is not a good look. Glossy lip products and lip glosses are an easier look to maintain and often have more skin beneficial ingredients to help protect the skin. If you find that lipstick is particularly drying on your lips, it helps to put on a thin layer of your favourite lip balm and pat it on the lips, before applying the lipstick. This will help your lipstick glide better and prevent it from drying your lips.

Modern Skin Routine

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 08:01:00 -0700

In a reality when we are bombarded by more and more specialist products treating yet more specific skin concerns we didn't know we had, the truth is all we need is a simple, concise and effective skin regime. It's time we re-think what a good skin care regime entails and start using products that work with our skin and not just act as 'fire extinguishers'. It's time we reclaimed the understanding of how capable of renewing our skin is, as long as we treat it with respect and protect is from further harm. The skin routine of the future should involve gentle, multitasking, well-formulated products which help achieve and maintain happy skin, capable of repairing itself. It should not cost you much either, just nip down to your local beauty store and make informed choices.

Cleanse

The best cleansers are fragrance free, non-irritating and effective. After cleansing , your face should feel soft and plump and not 'squeaky clean'. Cleanser- in fact all skincare products- should cause no sensation of stinging, cooling, tightening or redness. If the ones you use do so, consider ditching them for kinder ones.

My top picks:

Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash
Bioderma Crealine H20

Moisturise & Protect

Depending your skin type, you could decide to use a serum, lotion, liquid or a cream. The oilier the skin, the lighter the consistency. You do not need to layer on many products addressing different skin concerns. There are plenty of well formulated moisturisers on the market that do it all. Choose a moisturiser with a broad spectrum SPF for day and one without SPF for night. Or have a moisturiser for day and night and top it up with a sunscreen in the morning. Well-formulated moisturisers double up as eye creams. Think about combinations of good ingredients, as products marketed on the back of only one great/exotic ingredient often fail to deliver. Do not waste money on moisturisers, however tempting, unless they are packaged in opaque, air-tight containers.

My top picks:

Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Moisturiser & Sensitive Protection SPF15
Simple Kind to Skin+ Protecting Moisture Cream SPF30
Aveeno Positively Radiant Triple Boost Serum

Exfoliate

Effective exfoliation is done by applying an AHA or BHA product on your face after cleansing and before moisturising. Alpha Hydroxy Acid helps treat signs of sun damage and reveals new smoother even toned skin. Beta Hydroxy Acid penetrates into the skin and helps treat blocked and enlarged pores, acne and blackheads. Both AHAs and BHAs promote collagen production, more even toned and supple skin, reduce irritation, redness and inflammation. Depending our your skin concerns you could choose to use either or both types of exfoliants. I prefer to use them once a day, on alternative days, as part of my evening routine. I urge you to try this new type of exfoliation and be completely amazed at how good your skin will feel and look within weeks.

My top picks:

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Exfoliant Lotion
Paula's Choice Weekly resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA
Olay Regenerist Night Renewal Elixir

Foundation Brushes

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 07:56:00 -0700

I bet you have seen enough badly applied streaky foundations out there to know about the importance of a good foundation brush. When you find one that works, you will know straight away. The best ones make application easy, give perfect smooth finish, wash well and will be as good as new even after years of use. A very important thing to consider is how you like your face to be touched. For example, I like the soothing strokes of flat or dome shaped brushes, compared to the tap-tapping action of stippling brushes. There is no right and wrong choice when it comes to which method you prefer, as there is so much choice of good quality affordable foundation brushes on the market at the moment. Here are several of my preferred ones:

For Applying Liquid and Cream Foundations

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This small domed synthetic brush is the perfect all-rounder for applying liquid and cream foundation. It is super soft and does not irritate sensitive skins. Its perfect shape helps with blending foundation over all areas of the face and achieves airbrushed finish. Use in small circular motions for best results. Great for building coverage. Washes easily, does not shed and dries in no time.

MAC 190 Foundation Brush

A firm synthetic flat brush with chiseled tip. Great for both emollient and water based foundations. A preferred option for people with skin concerns. Use downward strokes to smooth foundation over small hairs, pimples, dry or sensitive patches.

Multi-tasker Foundation Brushes

Shiseido Foundation Brush

A brush for the make up connoisseurs. Designed to achieve the ultimate natural finish with all types of foundation. Its unique slanted shape and densely packed artificial bristles help cover all areas. Could be used for applying concealer too. Use small tap-tapping (stippling) action. A word of warning- it takes twice as long to apply foundation, however the end result is worth the effort.

Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge

The idea here is to bounce foundation on you face rather than rub it in. Run under water for couple of seconds and squeeze excess out before applying foundation. Great for all types of foundation, its shape is great for blending around tricky areas. Use the pointy tip for applying concealer under the eyes. Achieves perfect, natural finish. Clean with warm soapy water regularly.

For Powders

EcoTools Recycled Retractable Kabuki Brush

This synthetic cruelty free brush is perfect for applying loose or pressed powder foundations. It's super soft and picks up just the right amount of powder every time. It's housed in a retractable metal casing which is very handy for carrying in your handbag. Use circular motion to achieve soft airbrushed finish. Great for applying bronzer and blusher too. Washes well and does not shed.

Healthy Skin in a Bottle

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 07:53:00 -0700

When YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation came out last year it caused big splash across across the cosmetics industry and rightly so. It is one of the best foundations currently available on the market. At £29 for 30ml , it is beautifully formulated and offers great naturally radiant coverage for all skins types apart the really oily ones, which will most likely find it too radiant. It is smooth and lightweight in texture, easy to blend and offers luminous satin finish that looks good in all lighting conditions. Great at covering small imperfections and redness. Only a small amount is required to cover the whole face. Comes is a extensive variety of shades.

Recently Bourjois came up with a great alternative to the YSL foundation. Available at £7.99 for 30 ml (currently on offer , general RRP is £11.99), Bourjois Paris Happy Light foundation is a total steal. It is every bit as good at the Touche Eclat Foundation, offering a similar finish, coverage and ease of use. The foundation is only slightly thicker in texture and a shade less luminous. Happy Light is an excellent choice for anyone with normal to oily skin. People with dry skin might want to use an good moisturiser below it to make it work for them.

Both foundations include fragrance, which people with extremely sensitive skins may find disturbing. The YSL foundation smells faintly of cucumber and the Bourjois has a sweet flowery smell. I find that both foundations last well on me, though I would recommend using a primer or finishing powder over any oily areas if you need to.

Lip Crayons

mila.dear@gmail.com (Mila) — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 07:41:00 -0700

I absolutely love lip crayons. As someone who has always found lipsticks high maintenance and a faff to put on and reapply, lip crayons have been a total revelation and lots of fun. I carry several shades in my bag at all times as they are so easy to apply on the go. Since Clinique introduced the iconic Chubby Sticks, most make up brands have produced their own versions of lip crayons. Most come as twisty pencils that don't require sharpening. Personally I avoid the ones which require sharpening. Here are my top picks :

Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon

They come in 6 flattering shades and offer a great colour pay off and glossy finish. They are long lasting and moisturising on the lips. An added bonus is that they offer an SPF15 protection. I love Peach on the Beach which is a soft pinky nude shade that goes with most make up looks, and Fuscia Libre as a vibrant, wake-me-up colour which looks amazing on minimal make up days.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

These crayons offer a more opaque finish and are incredibly long lasting.The pigment in them is densely packed and the shades are modern and very flattering. I adore Crush Beguin for winter berry lips and Honey Douce for lips that looks like my natural colour but better. People with sensitive lips may find that the peppermint in them is a bit drying on the lips.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturising Lip Colour Balm

I feel that the Intense version of the original Chubby Sticks is an improvement on their predecessor. They offer better colour pay off, travel less on the lips and stay put for longer. Like other Clinique lip products, they work great at keeping lips moisturised. My favourite shade of the range is Mightiest Maraschino which is a gorgeous cherry red colour.

Rimmel London Colour Rush Balm

Gorgeous shades, lovely weightless feel on the lips and amazing staying power. These lip crayons have a faint vanilla smell and keep lips soft and comfortable. I have been wearing Not an Illusion a lot- it's a lovely browny nude shade that looks great with stronger eye make up.