The Secret Beauty Blogger

Lashtastic!

2013-06-10T11:06:00.001+01:00

I hadn’t heard of this brand before, but I’m glad I have now! If you’re a regular reader of my blog then you’ll know I am a bit of a lash addict, and have tried so many mascaras I’ve lost count!

The Lashem Double Trouble mascara ($19.99) has two different brushes depending on the look you want to go for. One end is for volume, and one for length. The ‘length’ wand is lovely for a natural daytime look, while volume provides more drama. I use them together for evening make-up and the results are amazing! Excuse the strange picture of my eyes looking crossed, but you can see the before and after shot using both wands!

Another great mascara that uses the same ‘technology’ is Rimmel’s Day 2 Night (£7.99) – very similar results but with this one the ‘daytime’ wand on this one gives a bit more length. Lashem feels slightly more ‘luxury’ when applying – but I’d definitely recommend either!

Spring/summer 2013 trends: Beauty

2013-06-06T13:01:00.000+01:00

A little round up of my favourite beauty trends for this season:

Perfect pouts

The statement lip is stronger than ever this season, and in a myriad of colours. From neon coral shades at Missoni, to tangerine vinyl-shine lips at Moschino and matte orange at Paul Smith, this is one colour I just LOVE for summer. Try Lord & Berry Vogue lipstick in Mandarino (£9.95) for a long wearing, matte finish.

Moschino

Lord & Berry Mandarino

Another of my personal favourite brights to wear is a hot fuchsia - this is a colour I always go for when I want to brighten up an outfit in more of a 'fun' way than a classic red lip. Giles showed this look off beautifully with models wearing nothing else but a slick of mascara to keep the lips the focus. As I've mentioned before, Sisley's Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick is the best I've tried colour wise, and I love how long-lasting it is too.

Giles

Sisley

For those of you who like to stick with the classic red pout, fear not - this was another strong lip seen across the catwalks, most notably Prada and Jason Wu who offered up pillar-box red pouts in a matte finish. The best lippy for this look is Mac's Ruby Woo (£12.50) - every girl who loves a red lip should have this in their make-up bag, it really does last without extra application, and the retro matte finish is so different to anything else out there. Because of this finish I find it works really well as a red to wear in the day, somehow the matte just seems slightly more casual than a glossy, slick pout. One watch out though - the formula is VERY dry to achieve the look, so some may find it uncomfortable to apply. A slight dab of Carmex on the lips is all you need to aid application though.

Prada

Mac Ruby Woo

Blue beauty

First thought when talking about blue eye make-up is either Barbie, or experimenting as a teenager, and both of these aren't something I'd like to repeat! Three of the hottest blue looks I saw were Jean-Pierre Braganza's take on the cat eye, Michael Kors floating aqua liner, and Dior's amazing peacock-hue studded with Schwarovski crystals.

Jean-Pierre Braganza

Michael Kors

Dior

Perhaps not the easiest trend to pull off, and to be honest I haven't tried many blue products to be able to recommend, but these are all interesting ways to work this trend and keep the rest of the make-up simple.

Nude and natural

Although bright colours always work beautifully for summer, one trend that cropped up a lot on the SS13 catwalks was nude nails. Don't think of nude as just one colour though, there's a whole variety of shades to choose from!

Pinky pastel shades were seen at Fendi and Derek Lam, and my favourite polish in this hue has to be OPI My Very First Knockwurst, a gorgeous pink nude which isn't too 'girly' and delicate.

Fendi

OPI My Very First Knockwurst

Over at Todd Lynn and Zac Posen, nail technicians mixed and matched beige shades to models' skin tones - be careful with beiges though as these can be tricky to wear; paler skins should go for light beiges while darker tones can wear a deeper beige shade and a matte top coat adds a cool twist to beige. Models Own have a great range of beige shades, a fab all-rounder is Nude Beige (£5) and suits all.

Todd Lynn

Models Own Nude Beige

NOTD

2013-04-28T21:27:00.001+01:00

The weather has taken a turn for the worst so I've gone back to winter nails! I do love a grey nail, and it doesn't get much better than Nails Inc in shade The Thames.

NOTD

2013-04-26T22:37:00.001+01:00

Apologies for the dodgy photo but this is the fab and funky Ciate in Ditch the Heels. I LOVE it! Usually wear it on my toes but thought I'd switch it up a bit!

NOTD

2013-04-07T20:27:00.001+01:00

I ADORE this colour - the amazing neon Notting Hill Gate from Nails Inc. Neon is a huge trend this season and I'm looking forward to embracing it!

Silky smooth skin

2013-03-24T19:36:00.001Z

This is one of the biggest brands in Italy although not as well known over here. I got to know PUPA when I was sent the toning products, and was especially interested in the bust enhancing cream! I know a lot of people who did actually get results with the bust cream as it produces more water within the fat cells so can make them look up to a cup size bigger! Anyway, with the results and kudos behind PUPA, I was interested to try the Ultra Elastizing and Toning Oil (RRP £38)...

This is a product that isn't going to be able to make the same claims as the bust and bottom creams as it doesn't have the same technology, but this is definitely the best oil I've ever used. I always feel oils give better results than creams when it comes to hydrating the skin, but most of them feel quite slick, and, as you'd expect, ermmm, oily!

Although this doesn't sink in as quickly as a cream, it is nowhere near as oily as sitar products, and leaves the skin looking beautiful and healthy immediately. You also only need such a small amount so although it isn't the cheapest, it definitely lasts a long time.

This is perfect for any time of year, throughout winter to keep skin protected from harsh weather and heating, to summer to rehydrate after the sun and leave a gorgeous glow on the skin.

Secret Beauty Verdict: if you're a fan of oils as opposed to lotions, the this is definitely for you. Leaves the skin beautifully moisturised and looking gorgeously healthy.

NOTD

2013-03-23T21:38:00.001Z

Love this gorgeous pink - Essie Funny Face...

NOTD

2013-01-13T22:13:00.003Z

OPI My Very First Knockwurst from the Germany Collection, with 3 layers on top of the feature nail in Orly Embrace from the Pretty in Pink Collection.

The OPI is one of my fave colours, a nudey pink shade and is soooo flattering!

NOTD

2013-01-13T22:13:00.001Z

OPI's fab new Mariah Carey range in Can't Let Go - an exciting new 'Liquid Sand' technology which is a matte, sandy texture with a bit of sparkle. Love it!

NOTD

2012-12-15T22:18:00.001Z

China Glaze For Audrey with CND Effects in Perfectly Bare Shimmer as a top coat.

NOTD

2012-12-08T20:39:00.001Z

Today I'm wearing Nails Inc in The Thames, a gorgeous slate grey, with Nails Inc Sloane Square as a feature nail on top. This one is soooo gorgeous, absolutely love the 3D effect and would work so well as a top coat on any colour, or could do about 4 layers for a really lovely glitter. The 3D effect comes from the different sized glitter pieces in it and is the best I've tried...definitely a must have!

Advent Calendar - Day 8

2012-12-08T20:33:00.001Z

I LOVE Philosophy products and today I opened the door to the one-step facial cleanser. Obviously hard to tell just using once but it felt lovely on the skin and left it really clean without any tightness, will report back once I know more!

Advent Calendar - Day 7

2012-12-07T21:51:00.001Z

I cannot WAIT to try this one: Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation. Have heard so much about it so will be blogging as soon as I've tested it!

Advent Calendar - Day 6

2012-12-07T21:49:00.001Z

Today the fabulous calendar gave me ESPA Super Active Lift & Firm Intensive Eye Serum and Lift & Firm Moisturiser, perfect little pocket sizes!

Advent Calendar - Day 5

2012-12-07T21:45:00.001Z

Today I received the Richard Ward Volumiser Root Booster!

Advent Calendar - Day 4

2012-12-04T13:27:00.000Z

This morning I got the gorgeous L'Occitane Shea Butter hand cream in a little travel size. This cream is amazing, smells lovely (not too overpowering), sinks in beautiful and leaves hands soft and protected. Plus, the handy little tube is perfect size for my handbag, so many travel sized products are actually quite big, but this would even fit in a pocket comfortably.

Advent Calendar - Day 3

2012-12-03T17:39:00.000Z

Cannot WAIT to try out my Benefit They're Real Mascara, have heard so many good things about this!

***UPDATE***

So I tried the mascara this morning and I can see why there have been so many amazing reviews on this wonder product. Excuse the slightly boss-eyes appearance (am pretty sure my eyes aren't usually crossed!) but think you can see the incredible difference after just one coat!

Advent Calendar - Day 2

2012-12-03T17:35:00.001Z

Wow! Look at these amazing Vintage Cosmetic Company eyelash curlers - love love love!

Advent Calendar - Day 1

2012-12-01T23:18:00.001Z

Day 1 of my beautiful Latest In Beauty/You Magazine advent calendar and I got a gorgeous Mavala Ruby Red nail polish - already looking forward to opening tomorrow's!

Have taken a badly painted pic but wanted to show you the actual colour!

NOTD

2012-11-24T16:16:00.001Z

I don't do Nail of the Day posts, but today's nails definitely deserve one! Today I'm wearing All That Glitters by IBD Just Gel - a beautiful, almost 3D effect gold glitter gel polish.

I've tried most of the gel polish systems (Shellac, Geleration, Gelish to name just a few) and to be honest, they're all fab and pretty much the same; long lasting, beautifully shiny, easy to maintain nails. So when I tried Just Gel, I didn't really think it would be any different, and I suppose it isn't miles above the others as they're all so good, but this one definitely just beats them. The colours are beautiful (I've tried All That Glitters, All Heart and Slate), but the thing that makes me prefer this system is the amazing gloss you get from it, and it really does last until you take it off. The others might not chip, but they do start to look slightly worn at the tips, the only way you can tell this one isn't freshly applied it because you can see where the nail has grown by the gap at the base!

This is a professional service, so check if there's anywhere near you that offers it as its quite a recent launch, but honestly, it's worth hunting down!

Secret Beauty Verdict: I'll find it hard to go back to any other brand now, cannot fault this at all!

Feeling lucky?

2012-11-14T14:07:00.000Z

A few days ago I received my gorgeous Selfridges Beauty Worskhop Lucky Bag which are available to buy TODAY! Pick yours up before they sell out or go to the website today!

Just in time for Christmas, the Lucky Bag features a lucky dip of at least five beauty brands from the most exciting make-up, hair, skin and body brands, hand-picked within The Beauty Workshop at Selfridges. A very lucky few bags contain a Beauty Workshop service gift card for the ultimate pampering experience worth £150.

The bag I received featured:

James Read Wash Off Fake Tan - Travel Size 30ml - (price for full size £18.50)

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash - Travel Size 50ml - (price for full size - £17)

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - Travel Size 13g - (price for full size - £26)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Demure FULL SIZE (£10)

Disco Duck Creme Brulee Lip Balm FULL SIZE (£3.99)

Nails Inc Nail Polish in Notting Hill Gate - Mini Size 4ml - (price for full size £11)

Anatomicals Snog Me Senseless Mints FULL SIZE (£1.55)

As you can see, I ripped it open pretty quickly but I LOVE the little Disco Duck lip balm!

Sensitive subject

2012-11-12T16:02:00.000Z

I’ve recently been told I have sensitive skin. This isn’t something I’ve always had so was a bit confused about where it came from and what I should do about it, so I spoke to Annett King, Director of Global Education for The International Dermal Institute to help explain. Here’s a summary of what she had to say about the difference between sensitive and sensitised skin…

If you have tight, red, stinging, itchy, reactive, flushing, blushing or hot skin, you may describe your skin as ‘sensitive’. So do around 50% of women around the globe, and many could be wrong.

Sensitive skin is inherited. Sensitised skin is acquired. The behaviours of the two conditions are often similar, and treatments may be similar as well. But here’s the crucial difference: if you have truly genetically-inherited sensitive skin, then it cannot be fully erased but it can be treated. It’s in your DNA!

Sensitisation is a response to an external or introduced factor (or a combination) and is not driven by genetics. Generally, it is triggered by lifestyle choices (stress being a major factor) or exposure to environmental chemicals. So it is possible that sensitisation may be arrested, moderated and fully reversed with changes in environment, habits, etc.

What does sensitisation look and feel like?

The primary signs of sensitisation indicate that the barrier protecting the skin has been damaged.

Examine your skin through sight and touch for:

· Thinned texture, translucent appearance 

· Dehydration on the cheek and forehead area 

· Excessive dryness, uneven texture and rough patches  

· Tightness after washing, and stinging on product application – or even simply when  rinsing with water

· Broken capillaries across cheeks and nose 

· Redness on cheeks, décolleté and neck, or all over 

· Hot spots’, especially on the décolleté, neck and cheeks 

· Blushing and itching, burning sensations 

· Small, rash-like bumps or breakouts

People tend to view their skin concerns as ‘aesthetic’, but skin is a living shield which protects our tissues and organs from infection. A damaged lipid barrier can no longer offer this level of needed protection which means that sensitised skin should be treated, rather than being put up with.

What causes sensitisation?

Now for the science bit…there are two primary processes that contribute to sensitive skin. While visibly red, irritated skin may be the end result of two different types of inflammation, immunogenic (caused by a substance) and neurogenic (caused by the body), you can also have these types of inflammation without visible signs associated with it. The inflammatory process is still occurring but it is invisible to the eye and may only result in stinging, burning or itching. In this case the skin is sensitive and if not controlled it may lead to visible inflammation associated with redness and the typical symptoms.

• IMMUNOGENIC INFLAMMATION is defined as the body, in this case, the skin, responding to an introduced irritant (pollen, bacteria and artificial fragrances are common triggers) with an immune-system response. In other words, the skin attacks the intruding force, much the way your body would fight off a virus, although in the case of sensitisation, pain, redness and swelling are common responses.

• NEUROGENIC INFLAMMATION originates in the nerves, and nervous system. Chemicals and pollutants in the environment stimulate receptors in the skin to trigger inflammation resulting in the release of substances called neuropeptides that trigger the inflammatory response. Under normal conditions, these substances play a highly useful role in tissue repair, but neuropeptides also are active in triggering and aggravating sensitisation as well as a variety of painful inflammatory conditions such as itching, psoriasis, dermatitis and rosacea.

Combine either or both of these factors with a compromised barrier lipid layer and you have the perfect conditions to have inflamed, overly reactive skin that triggers either or both of these two complex processes. There may be a number of triggers but the simplest answer is ‘stress’—defined any number of ways:

• Mental/emotional ‘life’ stress

• Sheer physical stress including fatigue, dehydration or malnutrition, or overexertion from extended travel, rigorous activity or athletic training, or recovery from illness.

• Stress of an environmental variety, such as the immune system being challenged by toxins in the air, water, or other physical conditions.

These environmental and lifestyle factors contribute greatly to sensitisation, so it’s vital to think about:

• Extremes of climate, both interior and exterior, natural/manmade

• Smoking, which dehydrates the skin by depleting barrier lipids and affects collagen synthesis and cell metabolism

• Exposure to pollution – not just smog, but think in terms of ‘sick building syndrome’, chemicals encountered in the workplace, etc. Even the fumes from a new carpet, new furniture (which often is stabilised with formaldehyde) may trigger sensitisation.

• Excessive exfoliation leading to over-processed skin, especially combinations of common procedures and products such as microdermabrasion, glycolic peels, retinoids, etc

• Laser resurfacing or other trauma to the skin

• Excessive washing, especially with alkaline products like conventional bar-soap, and especially showering/bathing in too-hot water.

• Topical products and make-up containing artificial fragrances, colourants and alcohol

• Alcohol and caffeine consumption can dehydrate the tissues and dilate capillaries, resulting in flushing and redness

• Inadequate UV protection; often chemical sunscreens (non-titanium dioxide or zinc oxide sunscreens) can trigger sensitisation

• Nutritional choices: low-fat diets which may deplete lipid strength and eating spicy foods has been linked to increased skin sensitivity, possibly due to nerve activity in the skin

• Stress and sleep-deprivation

So, how to treat?

The first step in breaking the cycle of sensitisation is removing as many triggers from the contact-sphere as possible. Lifestyle choices which are under your control are an obvious place to start, such as smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption. Likewise, stress may be managed to some degree through other lifestyle choices, such as the decision to exercise, pursue meditation, receive alternative therapies and massages, etc.

• Cleansing the skin properly is the first step in strategic care. As mentioned, alkaline soaps and hot water set sensitisation into motion so you need to use an extremely gentle, sulphate-free, non-stripping gel or cream cleanser which will fortify the protective barrier function without leaving a residue. If your skin is sensitive to water, the product may also be removed with damp cotton or a soft cloth. Ingredients to look for in this type of cleanser, which also is appropriate for newly resurfaced skin, include Raspberry, soothing Cucumber and Panthenol (provitamin B5) that helps to regenerate tissues.

• A spritz of calming spray is a recommended next step. Look for a soothing, hydrating mist to immediately relieve irritation.

• Masques are especially helpful to sensitive skin, since the prolonged contact of a calming relief masque delivers lasting effects.

• Serum concentrates speed the healing process at times of severe inflammation and ease the discomfort of long-term sensitisation.

• Appropriate moisturiser and UV protection are also essential to managing sensitisation, since dehydration, excess heat and free radical damage often are syndrome triggers. If you like exfoliating then make sure you use an ultra-gentle exfoliant, only on the condition that the lipid barrier is not damaged. In this case, use an ultrafine product which delicately polishes fragile skin with microparticles of rice bran and rice enzymes. Also note that even conventional washcloths and towels can irritate sensitive skin; use a high-tech microfibre sponge cloth for cleanser and masque removal instead.

• In terms of moisturisers, often a rich, medium-to-heavyweight product works best, to form a substantial layer of lipid barrier protections and humectant hydration around tenderised areas such as cheeks, nostrils, cuticles, or any other hot spots. UV daylight defence products should be a physical block rather than a chemical sunscreen. Monitor this usage carefully, as sun-protection often is a trigger for inflammation on sensitive skin.

Two of the best ranges I’ve found to really help with sensitive skin are:

Dermalogica’s UltraCalming range. I’d say the hero products here are the UltraCalming Mist to provide immediate relief (I even use this after waxing and it calms it down immediately) and the UltraCalming Serum Concentrate feels so lovely on the skin. Although I don’t suffer from sensitive skin all the time, I use facial hair removal cream on my face which seems to make it flare up and go bright red, so once I use these products on it, the redness disappears almost instantly! The Concentrate is so calming to apply as well and I use it as a moisturiser the day after hair removal.

Pai Skincare’s range. This is a beautiful, organic range of products which have been formulated after the founder, Sarah Brown, suffered herself and couldn’t find anything that worked. The fab thing about this range is that it’s been developed for all different skin types to treat all kinds of sensitivity. I love the products anyway, but a beauty therapist I know who suffered from eczema everywhere, started using Pai products and her skin completely transformed – definitely worth a go if this is something you suffer from!

A VERY merry Christmas

2012-11-09T10:06:00.000Z

I'm loving all the amazing beauty advent calendars around at the moment, and Latest In Beauty's is one of the best I've seen. 10,000 have been created to celebrate the first anniversary of our their partnership with YOU Magazine.

Latest In Beauty offers the chance to try free samples based on your skintype and preferences, and these calenders are a extension of that, worth over £210 each but are available for £59.95, although if you enter the code LIBSHH at the checkout at Latest In Beauty's website then you can get free delivery too.

The Discovery Calender features 24 prestige brands hidden behind the doors and I'll be blogging about each one as I try them!

Jo Hansford Intensive Masque (40ml)
Nicky Clarke Instant Calmer (30ml)
Bioeffect EGF Serum (3ml)
Balm Balm Organic Lip Balm (7ml)
Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation (7.5ml)
Philosophy 3-in-1 Cleanser (30ml) or Daily Facial Wash (30ml)
The Vintage Cosmetic Company Eyelash Curler
STEAMCREAM Moisturiser (75g; designs vary),
Aromatheraphy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil (3ml)
EVE LOM Rescue Mask (15ml)
Balance Me Radiance Face Oil (10ml)
St.Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion (50ml)
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ (2.5ml)
ESPA Lift & Firm Moisturiser (7ml) and Lift & Firm Intensive Eye Serum (3ml)
Yardley Refreshing Body Spray (75ml – fragrances vary)
MAVALA Rouge Rubis Nail Varnish (5ml)
Benefit They’re Real! Mascara (3g)
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (10ml)
Richard Ward Volumiser Root Booster (50ml)
Dermalogica Favourites Pack (7ml,7ml,sachet, 5ml)
Bellápierre Eye Shadow (2.35g)
Mirenesse Lip Lift Moisture Shine (1.5g)
Mont Bleu Crystal Nail File (90mm)
AS London Candle

It's a cracker

2012-10-22T15:43:00.000+01:00

Apologies for yet another Christmas post but LOOK AT THESE CRACKERS! If you're happy to fork out £50 for your Christmas Crackers then the treats inside of these are definitely better than mini screwdrivers or a crappy magic trick.

Lancôme's Christmas Crackers gift set are full of their best selling products in mini sizes: Hypnôse Mascara 2ml; Bi-Facil 30ml; Mini Juicy Tube - Fraise 17and Visionnaire 7ml; Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate 7ml and Mini L'Absolu Rouge ßx Lipstick 06.

So start saving and impress your guests at your Christmas dinner this year!

Creative collaboration

2012-10-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

There’s only one thing I love more than beautiful make-up, and that’s beautiful make-up in beautiful packaging – especially if it’s limited edition!

Two of the loveliest make-up brands have collaborated with some of the most creative names in history to come up with fab new collections.

The NARS Andy Warhol collection has been inspired by pop art and Andy Warhol's muses. The limited edition line-up includes five capsule offerings with a different Warhol theme: Photo Booth (£26) has four mini Nail Polishes (Silver Factory, Chelsea Girls, Back Room and Soup Can); there is a set of Warhol Self Portrait Eyeshadow Palettes (£39.50) featuring Warhol's pop art face in three colourways; and Edie (£54), a set which includes Film Star Pure Matt Lipstick, Edie Eyeshadow, Carpates Eyeliner Stylo and Amour Mini Blush Duo.

Karl Lagerfeld’s Mon Shu Uemura range has been designed and photographed by Lagerfeld himself, and features sketches of his Mon Shu Girl muse wearing his signature white shirt and black tie. The comprehensive range features everything from cleansers and eye shadow palettes to Lagerfeld's own version of those signature Shu Uemura lash curlers and a gorgeous make-up brush set (Shu brushes are my fave.)

Love them both, but think the Nars collection just pips it for me!