Skin & Makeup Blog

How to look your best and be confident!

joyce — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:21 +0000

How to be look your best and be confident!

A good haircut that’s manageable at home

A basic make up kit to enhance your natural beauty (foundation/ tinted moisturiser, mascara, lip-gloss/lipstick, blusher)

Wearing colours that suit you (clothing and make up)

Taking good care of your skin, cleansing, regular facials

Hands are always on display so manicures or neatly filed nails are essential

Good posture – Sit up straight and walk tall.

Have a facial to brighten your complexion, the change of weather can make the skin look dull and sallow. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate the skin after spending long amounts of time in a centrally heated room, hot water with a slice of fresh lemon is very refreshing.

Try not to have the bath water too hot because it has a very drying effect on the skin. Do a full body exfoliation while you soak in the bath and then pat skin dry and use a good body moisturiser to make your skin glow.

In the winter months an everyday body tanning product can be used to give the skin a bit of colour, but you can just do the parts of you’re your body that are on show, take care to exfoliate feet, elbows and knees regularly to remove excess tan build up.

Shape your eyebrows, if you can’t do it yourself then get them done professionally. Eyebrows give the eyes definition.

Treat yourself to a new foundation if you’ve had the old one for a while. Skin tones change with the seasons, if your skin is flawless you can get away with just using a tinted moisturiser. Go to the make up counters and test 2/3 different colours closest to your skin tone on your jaw line, the colour that disappears into your skin is the right shade. Take a small mirror with you and always check it in daylight before you purchase it.

Now you’re all set for the new season ahead!!

Joyce xx

Memories of 2011

joyce — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:00:55 +0000

I was very lucky to be involved in some really great photoshoots in 2011. We did the hair and make up for all of them. Here are some of my favourite images from them!

Hair accessories Photoshoot for Love the Burglars Photography by Carey Sheffield

Cottingley Faeries Inspired Photoshoot. Photography by Clare West also featured on Love My Dress Blog

London Bride Magazine Launch photoshoot. Photography by Fiona Kelly

A photoshoot written by me and inspired by Hammer house movies. As featured on The Good Food Channel with ChoccyWoccyDooDah and on The Boho Wedding Blog Photography by Tino and Pip

Hair accessories photoshoot for Tiararama Photography by Hannah Duffy

Getting Married Abroad

joyce — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:42:26 +0000

With winter upon us many of you will be thinking sunshine thoughts. Weddings abroad are increasing because of guaranteed sunshine. There are a few things to think about before jetting off to the sunshine though.

Image Source - Tropicalsky.co.uk

If you burn easily in the sun avoid stripping off as soon as you get to your destination. The last thing you want is sunburn on your wedding day! Invest in a really good suncream with a minimum SPF15. Build up your sun exposure in short bursts.

Image Source - Deb Coates via pinterest

Think about strap marks! Having a lovely strapless dress with tan lines in your wedding photos isn’t the best look.

Image Source - Bellasugar.com

Give your face and body an all over exfoliation before you leave the UK. Skin looks better when its hydrated. There are lots of face and body products on the market.

Image source - Wholeliving.com

If you opt for a fake tan before you arrive. Remember that the chlorine in the swimming pool will make it go streaky and having a fake tan doesn’t mean you have protection against the sun’s rays. Always do a test fake tan you don’t want it to go wrong!

Image source justjared.buzznet.com

Take care of your hair. Have it trimmed regularly and use a deep conditioning masque before going away. The sun can be so drying on hair.

Image source - Shape.com

Here are some Top Tips from weddingsabroad.com they are specialists in international weddings!

Weddings Abroad – Consider the following:

Dress – It’s best to use a wedding dress that does not have too many layers or artificial fabric if your chosen destination is hot! Choose your shoes carefully too.

Budget – Always check and double check the small print to ensure all essential services are covered including legal fees and document charges – you don’t want any last minute surprises for additional costs.

Guests – Choose your guest list carefully. Decide who you want at your ceremony, remember these people will also be on your holiday!

Climate – Check out the weather carefully for your wedding destination, especially hurricane season! Beware of getting married in the midday sun, instead opt for a later ceremony.

Glowing – Beware if sunbathing prior to your wedding, you don’t want strap marks if you are wearing a strapless gown. Also don’t forget the sunscreen on your nose, the Rudolph look is not good on the wedding photos.

Written by Karen Thornton-Brown, International Wedding Planner, WeddingsAbroad.com Ltd

www.weddingsabroad.com

info@weddingsabroad.com

Enjoy reading and let me know your stories in the comments below!

Joyce x

My Favourite Beauty Finds of 2011

joyce — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:44:42 +0000

I love all things make up and beauty. Here are some of things that i will be using for a long time to come. They are not only amazing but they are part of my daily routine or make up kit!

In no particular order:

Model in A Bottle – I absolutely love this product. Its the best setting spray ever. If you want your make up to last all day then this is for you. I use it on myself and its part of my kit:

www.victorialovesbeauty.com

Zaggora – Back in the summer i came across a new company called Zaggora on Twitter. They had a products called Hotpants that claimed to make you lose 2 jean sizes in 2 weeks. I thought i would enter their competiton and see if i could win a pair. When they arrived i wore them everyday for 2 weeks and to my amazement i lost 7lbs in 2 weeks! Its stayed off too! I was over the moon to be part of their advertising campaign as well:

www.zaggora.com

Niki’s Organic Balm – I have had a bad neck and back for years which comes with my chosen profession. I don’t complain, but i have discovered an instant cure for it. It comes in the form of a balm so i can take it with me everywhere. Within minutes of using this balm i could turn my head which i hadn’t been able to do for 2 weeks.

www.nikisbalms.co.uk

M2 Beaute - When i started using M2 Beaute eyelash activating serum my eyelashes grew so much that people noticed the difference. I have to say despite the price tag this is the best eyelash growth product i have used. As a contact lense wearer it is the only lash growth product that didn’t sting my eyes when i used it. Its a must have!!

www.harrods.com

Sephora Jumbo Liners – These are like eyeshadow in the form of a pencil. They are sold as jumbo eyeliners but can be used for eyeshadow too. These are great for speed and quick touch ups. Its such a shame we don’t have a store here in the UK! I have used these when i’m in a hurry and love them for that. They fit easily in your handbag too.

www.sephora.com

Glossy Box – This is a great way to trial new products without paying out for something you might not like. You pay £10 per month plus P&P and you get a gorgeous gift wrapped box of delights. I haven’t had anything i don’t like so far in mine. The Christmas box was red they are normally pink ones.

www.glossybox.co.uk

Make Up Atelier Waterproof foundation - I have tried out so many foundations and love them all but i have to say i really do love this one. It really is waterproof and stays on. It still has a really dewy look to it when its on too.

www.love-makeup.co.uk

If you have a beauty find for 2011. Please leave a comment so i can check it out!

Happy reading!

Joyce x

Autumn/Winter 2011 Lip Colours

joyce — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:55:24 +0000

I love lipstick and this season has some hot colours! My favourites for this autumn/winter are:

Intensely color saturated coverage with no shine. A collection of classic and dramatic matte pigments that are long-wearing and non-drying, so that each gorgeous, feminine shade glides on and stays put.

Face Stockholm Matte Rouge Lipstick £16.50 from Victoria Loves Beauty

A creamy and luxurious berry lipstick. Its semi gloss and very film noir!

Man’s Ruin Lipstick £14.00 from Rockalily

What further differentiates this lip pencil from others on the market is a built-in, patent-pending, lip plumping agent that immediately adds depth and fullness to the lips. Plus, with ingredients including Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E, COLORDUO delivers deep, long-lasting moisture and hydration.

Rouge Colourduo lip pencil £18.50 from Susan Posnick

The 3 colours swatched side by side. L-R Matte Rouge, Man’s Ruin, Rouge colour duo.

Very impressed by the long lasting colour of all 3. They stayed on after drinking and eating. They are matte but you could add a clear gloss over the top to give your pout that little bit extra!

Youngblood Make Up – Giveaway!

joyce — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:54:31 +0000

*******THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED*****

I love Youngblood make up and I want you all to love it too. As a celebration of my 5th business birthday and Xmas this year I am giving away an ‘Artiste Palette’ in Romanticism. The limited edition kit contains:

2 x Blush: Sherbet, Blossom

Blossom blusher

3 x Eyeshadow: Alabaster, Golden Beryl, Penny

Alabaster eyeshadow

3 x Lip Shine: Brilliance, Glorious, Mesmerize

Lip colour mesmerize

1. Tweet to your followers “I entered to win the @BridesandBeauty Xmas prize draw! You can too at www.skinandmakeupblog.com”

2. Leave a comment why you should win with your twitter name.

3. Follow the blog and follow on twitter and facebook.

4. Important! You may only enter once per day, please don’t spam your followers it will not help your chances.

1 (One) Prize Winner Will Win: The Romanticism Make Up Palette.

RULES: Entrants must be at least 18 years of age or older as of date of entry. Prize draw ends Monday, 5th December, 2011.

Good LUCK!!!!!

Image Skincare – A reviewers diary – Ageing Skin

joyce — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0000

A while ago i asked for testers to help me test a new skincare range i was thinking about investing in. I would like to thank her for volunteering to be a tester for this blog post. I asked Denise to keep a daily diary for me and take a before and after photo and note any changes to her skin.

The diary below is in Denise’s own words and I haven’t edited it at all.

Here’s the daily diary of Denise

Before

Tuesday – pm – I have no make up on and am taking a picture of my skin ekk! The Vital C smells wonderful – all warm oranges. After washing off the cleanser face feels seems much brighter. I’ve used the hydrating repair creme and it sinks into my skin – big tick.

Wednesday am – Face feels very moisturized, I have a wrinkle starting by my nose, I am watching this week to see if the anti aging creme will have any effect. I also get really spotty if I am stressed, I am really spotting at the mo.

Wednesday pm – Tried cleaning my face with my makeup on, am surprised that the cleanser actually removes my makeup and my face is clean – covering my spots does require a lot of makeup!!

Thursday am – After cleaning and mosturising my face I have applied the sunscreen today. I usually wait around 15 minutes between mousturising and putting my makeup on. The sunscreen is still sitting on my face so I need to wipe it off before I can get my foundation on.

Thursday pm – Am trying the masque tonight. After cleaning my face I pop the masque on, its really really creamy and also smells yummy. It says it is exfoliating – not sure about this – will see when I rinse off.

Not exfoliating at all. But skin is very very hydrated.

Friday am – Urgh, my skin is feeling really clogged up and I can feel new bumps under my skin. I usually use a toner to get a deep clean feel and I am missing it. Stick with the program though and cleanse and moisturizse.

Friday pm – OK I am climbing the bathroom walls now and have given in to the toner. My face feels really congested so a bit of a quick swipe with my toner (sorry).

Saturday am – Put the masque on and sit and watch junk TV to make up for using the toner! My face is feeling really soft. Checking the wrinkle and there is absolutely no change. The masque washes off really easily and I opt just for the anti aging cream as both creams are too heavy for me.

Saturday pm – I have a new spot and I am getting a bit grumpy with the cleanser being more of a cold cream than a cleanser,

Sunday am – cleanse and exfoliate, not happy. Skin is definitely brighter and softer so moisture is going in but I am sooo clogged up I want to go to a sauna.

Sunday pm – had no makeup on today so a really quick cleanse and moisturise.

Monday am – I am so happy today is the last day. I am going to scrub my face the minute I get in from work.

Monday pm – my face is cleaned within an inch of its life. I have probably over done it. But I have used the hydrating repair creme after a scrub and toner and my face feels soo much better now.

After

Overall – this product is not for me. It smells wonderful and is really rich and creamy, I would use for adding moisture to my face but the cleansing process was missing actually cleaning beyond the surface of my face. The cleanser removed the makeup no problem but my face never felt clean. Adding more and more product to my face just clogged my skin up more and with the congestion I already get this was horrible. The exfoliator didn’t exfoliate – it was creamy but had no grain in it to remove anything. The sunscreen was too heavy for my skin and sat on top making my skin feel really greasy. Following the instructions of putting the sunscreen over the moisturiser was too much for my face.

I liked the repair cream that went into my face well and did make my skin softer and feel less dry.

There was absolutely no change what so ever to my wrinkle or the un-eveness of my complexion.

9 out of 10 for the hydrating repair cream as a moisturiser only.

can’t even rate the rest of the products as I didn’t like them at all.

Denise

I would like to thank Denise for her honesty and for persisting with the skincare routine even though it was tough of her!!

Make Up Monday – Moodboard

joyce — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:00:30 +0000

Today’s post is a moodboard of images that have inspired me in make up. I absolutely love those images and they are simply polished and creative in my eyes!!

The photography is what makes these images so amazingly beautiful

Wedding Wednesday – Photoshoot!

joyce — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:00:01 +0000

Today I would like to share with you a Hair accessory photo shoot that we did the hair and make up for – All designs are by the amazing Suzanne Laughlin from Tiararama

The photography is by the fabulous Hannah Duffy

Here are some of my favourite images

Brides and Beauty is 5 years old Today!

joyce — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:30:50 +0000

I have been in the beauty business for 15 years now but only set up Brides and Beauty in 2006. Its now 5 years old today and when I think what I started with its gone from strength to strength and I’ve loved every moment!

Over the years I have had some great experiences and here are some of my highlights over the last 5 years!

A wedding in Whistler

Joining the charity Look Good Feel Better

All My new friends on Twitter

Discovering 3 amazing make up brands!!

I love make up and cosmetics and if i have too much I give it away. I like to make other people happy and i’d rather it went to a good home than just sit on a shelf in my bathroom. I will be doing a giveaway on here so keep checking back for news!

Brides and beauty evolved because I wanted to offer a service using my skills and knowledge for everyone – Brides, and all women in general. Last year i started this blog and this year I launched the pamper parties and there is more news to come!

I am always open to suggestions of posts and if anyone needs tips or advice you can find out more on my website my Facebook and Twitter

Thank you all for your support. I wouldn’t have made it without you all xx