London Make-up Blog

Favourite Products - First half of 2025

2025-07-14T17:13:00.001+01:00

Halfway through the year seems like a good time to reflect on what my favourite products have been for the past 6 months. This will of course include some new products, both new to the world and just new to me, and some old favourites.

When the world feels like it's going, quite quickly, to hell in a handcart, nice beauty products really feels like the least we deserve. So here we go:

Planted Oil Cleanser - I'm just about to purchase my second pot. Was sent the first one to review but absolutely fell in love with it. Suits all skin types, has worked really well with my rosacea.

Mixsoon Glacier Water - Bought on a whim and I absolutely love it. A little goes a long way, it hydrates the skin. My first toe-dip into korean skincare and I'm loving it.

Naturium Plant Ceremide Moisturiser - there seems to be a lack of straight up, uncomplicated moisturisers that work for all skin types but I feel like I've finally found one. Works well for my dry skin, and my rosacea but there's no reason it wouldn't suit all skin types and work for everyone. Lovely ingredients and is cruelty-free

Tropic Gel Liner - I have been using this for years but I absolutely adore it. Goes not, stays on, if you get to it in the first couple of minutes you can buff and smudge it. After that it doesn't budge. And it goes on the waterline.

Eye of Horus Universal Duo - sometimes a makeup product just calls to me and this palette has sung its siren song for at least a year and so I finally caved in and bought it. I like cream blushers and bronzers so I didn't have high hopes for this but it's beautiful. It's the first time I've had continuous comments about my blusher and a little goes a long way so the amount of use you will get out of this palette will definitely make it worth the price.

Love Katie Mascara - God I was underwhelmed by this when I first tried it. 'Takes too much effort' I thought. The brush is tiny so you have to work through your lashes but I have grown to absolutely love it. Old-school bristle brush but long and thin which makes this ideal for anyone who feels they have sparse lashes. I will happily rebuy this when it runs out.

Narcissus Eye Shadow Sticks - I love an eye shadow stick and I love a woman-owned UK brand and this sticks are the best I've tried. They stay put and the colours are stunning and suit all skin types. My friend has worn these in 30C heat at a PTA summer fete and they did not budge. Use code CORINNA30 for 30% off.

Tropic Tinted Skin Shade - I've been using this for years and it's still the one I reach for every single day. Great light/medium coverage, good sun protection and a lovely finish. If you are paler than me this might be too dark. They need more shades of this.

Tropic Skin Shade - the suncream I use all over the bodies of my family. I rebuy it every year. I think in the 13 years of having children this is the one that I've found that works for everyone and meets my requirements of having no problematic ingredients

Doterra Face & Body Stick - for those who have people in their lives who don't like creams on their face or if you want something to go over makeup this is the one. I have them all over the house as my neurospicy littles will allow this to be put on them.

Solskin Tanning Mousse - wow I have been mostly indifferent to tanning products but this is absolutely incredible. A great deep tan colour, no strange smell, no streaks and it doesn't feel drying at all. I have dry skin on my legs, prone to itching and this is just the best I've used in over 20 years. I'm a pasty girl and I use.

This Works Perfect Skin Miracle - I feel I'm late to the party with this but it's a game-changer. I fake tan rather than real tan and this wash-off tinted skin serum reinvigorates dull tan (real or fake) hydrates the skin and gives the most beautiful healthy glow. Suits all skin types an skin tones. Use code CHIPPY at checkout for 10% off site-wide.

Planted Oil Cleanser with Black Cumin and Raw Honey – A New Favourite for Sensitive Skin

2025-05-28T22:18:00.003+01:00

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that I have dry skin with rosacea – a combination that demands a very selective and gentle skincare routine. Over the years, I’ve tested countless products, and it’s rare for something new to immediately earn a spot on my re-buy list. But the Planted Oil Cleanser from Planted Bioavailable Skincare? It's absolutely made the cut.

There’s something particularly reassuring about skincare created out of necessity – especially when it's born from personal experience. That’s exactly how Melissa Chartan developed Planted. Having battled eczema, psoriasis, and persistently dry skin, she sought solutions that worked where conventional products hadn’t. After finding relief through the use of plant oils, she created Planted – a brand rooted in efficacy, simplicity, and skin-kind ingredients.

First Impressions: Texture and Performance

The texture was the first thing that won me over – a dreamy blend that sits somewhere between an oil, a balm, and a gel. It’s officially described as a gel-to-milk hydrophilic cleanser, and that’s exactly right. Applied to dry skin, it glides on beautifully, melting away dirt, makeup, and the day’s residue. Add a little water, and it emulsifies into a light milk – not too thin, just enough to rinse away cleanly without leaving a film.

It removes every trace of makeup effortlessly, making it ideal as the first step in a double cleanse, if that’s your thing. But honestly? It performs so well, it works well solo which is how I use it. My skin feels thoroughly cleansed – something I can confidently say, as my LumiSpa never picks up any leftover residue or base in the morning. There’s no tightness, no dryness, and crucially, no irritation or dragging – a huge win if you’ve got sensitive or rosacea-prone skin like mine.The brand claims it works for all skin types, and I don’t see why that wouldn’t be the case. I haven’t tested it on oily skin yet, but in my experience, oilier skin types often respond well to oil-based cleansers. As always, it's worth checking the ingredients list in case something doesn’t agree with your skin.

Results

Since incorporating this cleanser into my routine, I’ve noticed a genuine improvement in my skin’s softness and comfort. I wasn’t expecting visible results from a cleanser, but this one has surprised me – in the best way.

Skin Type Suitability

The brand says it’s suitable for all skin types, and from what I’ve seen, I’d agree. While I haven’t tested it on oily skin personally, oil-based cleansers are often well tolerated by oilier complexions – they can actually help regulate sebum production. As always, it's worth checking the full ingredients list if your skin is reactive or acne-prone.

Ingredient Highlights

Now, onto the formulation – which is thoughtfully crafted and genuinely impressive. While I adore essential oils in daily life, I approach them with caution in skincare due to my sensitivity. That said, I’ve had no issues with this blend. Here’s a closer look at the standout ingredients:

Raw Honey – A natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture. It also gently exfoliates, offers antimicrobial benefits, and helps protect against transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Macadamia Seed Oil – Rich in oleic and linoleic acids, this oil supports barrier repair, softens skin, and reduces inflammation.
Black Cumin Seed Oil – Known for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps balance the skin and improve tone and texture.
Apricot Kernel Oil – Soothing and vitamin-rich, it calms inflammation while deeply nourishing the skin.

Together, these ingredients create a formula that supports a healthy skin barrier, locks in moisture, and offers gentle but effective cleansing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cleanser that’s both effective and gentle – particularly if you struggle with dryness, sensitivity, or reactive skin – I wholeheartedly recommend giving Planted Oil Cleanser a try. It’s nourishing, thoughtfully formulated, and – most importantly – it works.

I was sent this and other Planted products to test but the choice to review them was mine and all opinions shared are true and I would happily buy this product myself

How to Identify Your Face Shape: A Step-by-Step Guide

2025-01-20T18:18:00.001+00:00

When it comes to enhancing your natural beauty, knowing your face shape is a total game-changer. Whether you’re choosing a hairstyle, trying out new makeup techniques, or picking the perfect pair of glasses, understanding your face shape can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered how to figure out yours, this simple guide has you covered.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Start by grabbing the essentials:

A mirror
A measuring tape or ruler
Good lighting
Tie your hair back so your face is completely visible.

Step 2: Take These Measurements

To determine your face shape, you’ll need to measure four key areas:

Forehead
Measure across the widest part of your forehead, usually halfway between your brows and your hairline.
Cheekbones
Measure from the outer corner of one eye across the top of your cheekbones to the outer corner of the other eye.
Jawline
Measure from the tip of your chin to just below your ear at the corner of your jaw. Multiply this number by two to get the full jawline measurement.
Face Length
Measure from the centre of your hairline to the very tip of your chin.

Step 3: Compare Your Measurements

Now that you have your numbers, compare them to identify your face shape. Here are the most common shapes and their characteristics:

Oval

Face length > cheekbones
Forehead slightly wider than jawline
Softly rounded features

Round

Face length and cheekbone width are similar
Jawline is soft and rounded

Square

All measurements are similar
Strong, angular jawline

Heart

Forehead is the widest part
Face tapers to a narrow, pointed chin

Diamond

Cheekbones are the widest part
Narrow forehead and jawline

Once you know you know your face shape it can help you choose what hairstyles to go with, how to contour and choose makeup to suit you

Acids in Skincare: How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin Type

2024-11-10T14:18:00.005+00:00

Acids have become some of the most sought-after ingredients in skincare. They’re known for addressing a variety of skin issues, from fine lines and dullness to acne and uneven texture. But with so many options—glycolic, lactic, hyaluronic, salicylic, and more—it’s not always easy to know which is best suited for your skin type. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular acids, their unique benefits, and how to use them for glowing, healthy skin.

1. Glycolic Acid

Best for: Normal to oily skin, uneven texture, scarring and hyperpigmentation

Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) derived from sugarcane. It has the smallest molecular size of the AHAs, allowing it to penetrate deeply for effective exfoliation. Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells, brightens the complexion, and promotes cell turnover, which helps reduce hyperpigmentation and smooth skin texture. However, due to its potency, those with sensitive skin should start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage as tolerated.

My Favourites: The Ordinary Glycolic Toner, Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Toner

2. Lactic Acid

Best for: Sensitive and dry skin

Lactic acid is a gentler AHA derived from milk. It’s an excellent choice for sensitive or dry skin types because it provides hydration in addition to exfoliation. It helps improve skin texture and fade mild discoloration without the irritation often associated with stronger AHAs. Lactic acid is a great starting acid for beginners and works well in a nighttime routine to soften and brighten the skin.

My Favourites: Garden of Wisdom Lactic Acid

3. Mandelic Acid

Best for: Sensitive and acne-prone skin

Mandelic acid, another AHA, has a larger molecular size, making it one of the gentlest exfoliating acids. Derived from bitter almonds, it works more slowly than other AHAs, which reduces the risk of irritation while still helping to smooth skin and reduce acne. It’s particularly suitable for sensitive skin types and those who find glycolic or lactic acid too harsh. Mandelic acid is often recommended for acne-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Salicylic Acid

Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin

Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that’s oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into the pores to dissolve excess sebum and clear out dead skin cells. It’s particularly effective for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. By exfoliating inside the pores, it helps to prevent and treat breakouts. Because salicylic acid can be drying, it’s best used on oily or acne-prone skin and should be balanced with hydrating products to prevent over-drying.

My Favourites: DoSe Salicylic Acid,

5. Azelaic Acid

Best for: Rosacea, acne, and hyperpigmentation

Azelaic acid is naturally occurring in grains and known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It’s particularly beneficial for people with rosacea, as it calms redness and reduces inflammation. Azelaic acid is also effective in treating mild acne and reducing hyperpigmentation, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types dealing with multiple skin concerns.

My Favourites: DoSe Azelaic Acid

6. Hyaluronic Acid

Best for: All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin

While technically not an exfoliating acid, hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse hydrator. It’s a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin, helping to plump and smooth fine lines. Suitable for all skin types, it works particularly well when layered under moisturiser to lock in hydration. Using hyaluronic acid can help combat any dryness that may result from using other exfoliating acids.

My Favourites: DoSe Hyaluronic Acid,

7. Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)

Best for: Extremely sensitive skin and those new to acids

Polyhydroxy acids, including gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, are a newer class of acids that work similarly to AHAs but with a larger molecular size. This makes them less likely to cause irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin. PHAs provide mild exfoliation and have hydrating properties, making them a gentle alternative for those who can’t tolerate traditional AHAs or BHAs.

My Favourites: DoSe PHA Exfoliating Serum

8. Ferulic Acid

Best for: Antioxidant protection and sun damage

Ferulic acid is an antioxidant often found in combination with vitamins C and E. Unlike exfoliating acids, ferulic acid helps protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage. It stabilises other antioxidants, enhancing their effects, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone over time. Including ferulic acid in a morning routine can boost skin’s resilience against daily stressors, making it an excellent addition to anti-aging routines.

My Favourites: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic,

How to Choose the Right Acid for Your Skin

Identify Your Skin Type: Understanding whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, or combination will help narrow down the acids best suited for your needs.
Consider Your Skin Concerns: From hydration and fine lines to acne and pigmentation, each acid has specific benefits that address different concerns.
Start Slowly: Introduce one acid at a time to see how your skin responds. Overuse can lead to irritation, so begin with a lower concentration and gradually increase frequency.
Don’t Forget SPF: Acids can increase sun sensitivity, so it’s essential to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage.

Choosing the right acid can transform your skincare routine and deliver results tailored to your skin’s needs. Whether you’re looking for deeper hydration, gentle exfoliation, or targeted acne treatment, there’s likely an acid that’s a perfect fit. And remember, always patch-test new products and consult a skincare professional if you have any concerns about starting with acids.

Tune in to our latest podcast episode to learn more about each of these acids, including usage tips, layering, and real-life examples of how they can enhance your skincare journey!

The Beauty Bite

2024-10-03T15:16:00.001+01:00

Ever wish you had a makeup artist helping you in the mornings? Or a skincare expert talking you through your skincare routine before bed? A coach to get you up and ready first thing, or talk you through a meditation to release anxiety? Well now you can have all three in your ears whenever you choose. Come and join The Beauty Bite

Retinol and the Vitamin A Pathway

2024-04-22T20:19:00.003+01:00

What are Retinoids?
Retinoids is a blanket term for a class of Vitamin A which is commonly used in skincare. Retinoic acid is the ingredient with the most scientific evidence for anti-aging benefits. By increasing collagen production, this ingredient helps thicken the dermis (the middle layer of skin) and therefore smooths out wrinkles.

When to use
You can use these products day or night but be aware of protecting your skin if using in sunlight. As well as thickening the dermis, retinoic acid thins our outer layer of skin by roughly 1/3 which means our natural sun protection is a little less which is why, when using Retinoids by day it is very important to use a good suncream - which you should be doing all the time anyway. Retinoids applied at night help normalise the skin structure by increasing cellular mitosis which in turn stimulates collagen production.

Benefits
As well as boosting collagen production and reducing the appearance of aging, Retinoic acid is an effective skin communicating ingredient. This means that it instructs cells how to behave and can boost skin health and appearance at any age. Although it is thought of as an ingredient to use to prevent signs of aging, you can start using this from your mid-20s when your cell turnover starts to slow.

Retinoids have a number of additional benefits alongside their anti-aging properties. For instance they are great for reducing hyperpigmentation as they inhibit melatonin production.

Overclaims
Retinyl palmitate is included in many suncreams which allows manufacturers to claim that they are anti-aging. However this compound is the least effective retinoid, and is often used in such small amounts that it cannot have any affect. Some studies even show it has been associated with skin cancer.

Retinol or Retinal?
Vitamin A travels through several stages known as the 'Vitamin A Pathway'. (See graphic.) Retinoic acid is 'active' on the skin and all retinoid products must convert to retinoic acid to be effective. Retinol converts to retinal which in turn converts to retinoic acid.

Retinol is the most commonly found form of Vitamin A, the most stable and therefore the most easy to manufacture. It is the first stage in the Vitamin A pathway so it needs two conversions to become retinoic acid.
Retinal is much less stable so it is harder to find. It is the next step along the pathway so only needs to make one conversion to retinoic acid meaning it is often gentler on sensitive skins
Retinoic acid in its converted form is only available via prescription and is often known by tretinoin or a brand name such as Retin-A.

Using some form of retanoid in your skincare is an excellent way to troubleshoot a whole host of problems and achieve the skin you want. I've listed some of my favourites below

Retinol - The Ordinary Retinol - usually I don't like this brand very much but I've heard great things about their retinol

Retinal - Tropic Youth Potion (search Youth Potion) - this is new and, having used tretinoin for years I didn't expect this to make any visible difference but I saw it almost immediately. Skin texture was improved, my skin was glowing and I think I can see a big improvement in my dark cirles.

Retinoic Acid (Tretanoin) - Skin + Me - I have used this for nearly 2 years and I really love it. Fill out the online consultation and get your own prescription.

Chemical vs Physical Suncream

2024-03-29T07:30:00.005+00:00

Understanding suncare is something I feel very passionate about as there is a lot of misinformation out there. Sun damage and photo-ageing are often the reason people want to improve their skin routine, as with most things it's much easier to prevent than cure. A good suncream, proper skin routine and use of antioxidants in your skincare can really help the youthful appearance of your skin and is better for your overall health.

A major problem caused by sun damage is that the collagen that holds the dermis and epidermis together is one of the first to be broken down by UV resulting in skin movement and flaccidity as we age. This is nearly impossible to repair but pretty easy to prevent. Use a good suncream.

So what is the difference between a chemical and physical suncream?

Chemical Suncream:

This makes up the majority of sunscreens. These penetrate the epidermis to work in and on the skin to absorb the sun's rays before they can penetrate the dermis and cause damage. The chemicals absorb the UV, convert to heat which is then released from the body.
A single chemical often can't do both UVA and UVB protection so they will make a compound of a couple of chemicals. These chemicals are harmful to sea-life and coral - in fact some are banned in certain parts of North America and Australia.
Chemical sunscreens have been shown to cause more free-radical damage (it's not just UV damage that causes free-radical damage but it can be the chemicals themselves), hyperpigmentation and they are more likely to causes sensitivity and prickly head in children.

Physical Suncream:

Designed to stay on the surface of the skin and act like a shield, these individual ingredients work effectively against both forms of UV.
Look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, ideally non-nano (coral and marine safe).
Nano or non-nano refer to the size of the particles - nano is smaller and therefore more is absorbed in through the skin. Absorption of these two is fine, we have zinc in our bodies anyway but you want to maintain safe levels which is why it's good to go for non-nano.
These are ideal for those with sensitive skin and children. Think about nappy rash creams, they often contain zinc as a healer of the skin.
Also it's not going to leave yellow stains on your clothes which is an added bonus

My favourite suncreams are:

DoTerra Face + Body Stick - for on the go this is the one that won't leak, works on all the family and even goes on well over makeup
DoTerra Face + Body - the cream version of the stick. More expensive so I have this in my bathroom for my own use (and my husband if he ever remembers) to use on my body during the summer
Tropic Skin Shade - I use this ever single day, a lovely tinted physical suncream the gives a warm healthy glow to the skin
Tropic Skin Shade - this is what I have in the kitchen for the whole family to use

All of these recommendations contain zinc which won't be suitable for those allergic to zinc. If you are allergic to zinc then this is the suncream I recommend from Green People.

Makeup & Skincare Empties - February 2024

2024-02-03T09:13:00.005+00:00

This has been a long time coming - lots of favourites in here but also some I never want to see again!

Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Cream
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream
Sam McNight Lazy Girl
Urban Veda Radiance Day Cream
Babo Botanical Sheer Tint
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel
Nu Skin Toothpaste
Garden of Wisdom Hyaluronic Acid
Stila Glitter & Glow
Elvive Dream Lengths
Elf Camo Concealer
Tropic Smoothing Cleanser
Vapour Mascara
Lush Sleep Time Soap
Lush Honey I Washed My Hair
Nu Skin Activating Cleanser for sensitive skin
Pai The Impossible Glow in Champagne
Tropic Elixir
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi
Oskia Super C Beauty Capsules
Kjaer Weis Suntouched Blusher
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Upcircle Cleansing Face Balm
Tropic Sunglazed Illuminating Shimmer Drops

Naturismo

Jones Road Miracle Balm

2023-11-17T11:51:00.003+00:00

One of the most requested reviews, Jones Road Miracle Balm. I do like it but I'm not sure I love it. Lots of people do but some people have struggled. Could this be the marmite of the beauty world?

Christmas Gift Ideas

2023-11-12T10:50:00.000+00:00

Some ideas for christmas presents, stocking fillers and things you may want to add to your Christmas list

Eye Masks - these look lovely and go well in a stocking, tucked into a Christmas card and aren't expensive to post!

Blue Bowl - I love this place to get presents and Florence is doing advent calendars too

Hourglass Palettes - I love Hourglass Palettes and the new ones look absolutely divine. They are worth the money for the amount of use you can get and their longevity but it helps that John Lewis currently have them 20% off

Nail Collection - All nail buffers are the same. Not true, for some reason this one is better than others. You could get this kit, split it up and use them in stockings

Ian Snow - another nice website to look for unusual presents

Oskia Super C - I'm very dubious about which Vitamin C products actually work but these do and I love them. You'd be surprised at how many messages I get from husbands asking me for skincare recommendations for their wives 'something expensive they'd never get themselves', this is one of those things I'd recommend and it's currently on sale

Barry M Drop & Dry - help your nail varnish to dry

Barry M Cheek & Lip Tint - these look like fun colours

Hydrogel Eyemasks - these are fantastic for all skin types and they come in a pack of five so great to split up if you have multiple stockings to fill

Illamasqua Lip Pencils - these are lovely and some reallly wearable colours

Illamasqua Lip Polish - these are amazingly discounted and have some lovely colours & they do these as mini's

These Natural Collection Nail polishes are pretty much the longest lasting ones I have ever used

Rare Beauty Sincerely Me Eye Kit - this looks really sweet and a nice selection of colours in the palette. This beautiful palette also looks stunning.

Sunday Riley Multivitamins Kit - great for anyone who's been wanting to try Sunday Riley but put off by the price tag

Scalp Massager - using one of these was a complete game changer for my hair. It removes any product build up from the scalp and encourages thicker, healthier hair

Sephora Lip Balms and Lip Scrubs - these look really fun and a nice choice of colours for the balms and I always love having a lips scrub to hand

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - I'm not a fan of Dermalogica but I love this

Beauty Baubles - choose to suit skin type or goals if in doubt, go hydrate.

Makeup & Skincare Empties March 2023

2023-03-17T13:45:00.001+00:00

I have not done and empties video in a long time - here's my most recent bag of empties

Products mentioned: Farmacy Cream Clean Cleanser Honest Beauty Hydrogel Garden of Wisdom Hyaluronic Acid VO5 Volume Boost Gel Spray Doterra toothpaste Doterra Conditioner NuSkin Stain Removing Toothpaste NuSkin Activating Cleanser for Sensitive Skin (to be used with the LumiSpa) Tropic Skin Shade (I wear Light/Medium) Clarins Eau Dynamisante Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Nourish London Illuminating Face Shimmer Naturismo Recycle Your Empties

Clean Your Makeup

2023-01-28T07:30:00.001+00:00

Take this as your kick up the bum to go and sort your makeup out. Most of use have a ton of makeup that we don't use, have forgotten we own or is in the bottom of a really gross makeup container and we'd rather pretend it wasn't there. We're going to fix that

What You'll Need:

Kitchen roll or a couple of old tea towels
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) - a good thing to come out of covid is that this is more readily available and cheaper too. I use this to clean every thing in my pro kit and to clean my pro-brushes because it gets them really clean and dries almost instantly. You do not need to clean your makeup brushes with this unless you really want to, using this wrong can damage brushes so a soap is often better. Keep the lid on this - it evaporates so if you leave the lid off it will disappear. This spray one looks good
Solid Brush Cleaner - they have, of course, discontinued my favourite Japonesque one but next time I need to restock I will probably get this. You don't need to spend a lot of money and the reviews are excellent
Sellotape
Pencil sharpener

You will also need three bags, receptacles or just three clear piles on you floor will do - Keep, bin, give away

Keep - try to be ruthless though the more often you do this the easier it will be because you will realise what you are using and what you aren't. Keep products you use or you think you will use. I tend to keep concealers that are the wrong colour to use as eye primer
Bin - anything that is gross, past it's sell by date, smells funny or you are never going to use and isn't ok to give to someone else
Donate - maybe you have a mother/daughter/son/friend who would love the makeup you are just not using. Anything that is unopened can go to Give & Makeup (address below)

And then it's time to start. Have a quick glance through and anything you see that can straight in the bin, bin it.

Then get everything out and onto a clean surface and clean out whatever you keep your makeup in.

Now you are going through product by products, open things, smell them think about how long you've had them. Be ruthless.

Clean anything that needs cleaning, see my video below, you can spray everything with isopropyl alcohol - it evaporates in air so you need to keep the lid on if you have a non-spray bottle and, once you've sprayed makeup, leave it open for a few minutes.

Make a pile of things to donate, have a box ready to post of things to Give & Makeup or to give to a friend who might want things. There is no point holding onto something that you are never going to use

Concealer

2023-01-18T14:48:00.001+00:00

When I first started wearing make-up concealers came in a lipstick-style bullet. Chalky in texture and very limited in colour they were ok for covering a spot if you had a whopper. They were pretty pigmented and unblendable.

Now a lot of clients I work with, especially those over 35, have not kept up to date with how concealers have evolved, often using a heavier coverage foundation and skipping the concealer altogether which makes it hard to get a natural finish.

I often get asked how to get dewy skin without losing coverage and I always recommend a lighter, dewier foundation and a good concealer. They've come on a long way since the 80s/90s bullet, now you can get the coverage you need, where you need it whilst still keeping a light finish everywhere else.

Concealers come in a huge range of colours, finishes and consistencies. This is great if you are in to make-up or have pretty good skin, but for those who aren't and don't it can be too daunting. Add to that the new craze for correct and conceal palettes and it's hard for most people to know where to start. As with everything, there are some great ones and some terrible ones. The good news is there are great ones to suit all budgets. It doesn't have to be complicated.

I'm should mention correctors. For years make-up artists have been mixing colours to correct pigmentation, dark circles, scarring etc but correctors have now become incredibly popular in the consumer make-up market. This is good for those who need more than a concealer but confusing for those who don't. I'm going to list a few below. My personal belief is that unless you have a specific problem, are going to be photographed or filmed, there is no need to be correcting, highlighting and contouring the skin every day. The best looking skin in real life is that with a natural looking finish. A bit of foundation or tinted moisturiser with concealer where you need it and some blush should do the trick.

If your skin isn't great an all-over heavy foundation is going to make it look worse. You want to focus on making the good bits look great and getting subtle but effective coverage where you need it. A nice light foundation on the skin and the right concealer, applied with thought where you need more coverage will have a better overall effect.
For dark circles you are going to want to cancel out the blue/black colour (which is where correctors come in). For spots you are going to want something yellow-toned to cover the redness. Quite often high street/drugstore concealers are more yellow toned and therefore aren't great under the eyes. If you have eye bags then either colour is fine it's more about where you apply it.
If you are apply concealer (and/or corrector) to cover dark circles then try and just keep it to where the discolouration is. We all have fine smile lines at the outer corners and concealer will just sit in those and accentuate them (especially if you are a fan of a more highlighting concealer). If you are using concealer for puffy eyes then apply it in the crease under the puff of the eye bag. You want to cancel out the shadow rather than put highlighter over the entire bag.
I always set concealer whether you are using it to cover blemishes, pigmentation or dark circles. Use a fine, non-illuminating translucent powder (brightening is fine for the under eyes) and a soft brush to gently apply it. Caked on powder is another thing that is going to draw attention to imperfections. If you are using concealer more to brighten or highlight then you don't need to powder.
Touche Eclat is not a concealer. It's a highlighter. Don't get the two confused. If you want to cover dark circles or blemishes this, and other like it, are not the products to go for. They will highlight eye bags, make any wrinkles look worse and not be enough to cancel out the blue/purple of a dark circle. If you want to brighten your under-eyes then as you were with the Touche Eclat.
There are lots of different applicators and this is totally down to what you prefer. Some have a doe's foot, bullet (Hourglass Hidden Corrective - see below), brushes with a twist or button dispenser (Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher) or in a palette. Some have a sort of foam roller ball but it's not my cup of tea - how can you ever clean it? You can use fingers, brushes and beauty blenders... again, see below. I use all three depending on mood, what I'm covering, what product I'm using.
If you are using a concealer with a brush applicator you can (and should) clean it as you would clean a make-up brush.

Below I've listed my favourite products and why I love them, and my top tools for the job. I tend to use my fingers to apply correctors and concealers as I find the warmth from my body helps them blend in. If you have a lot of blemishes it is better to use a brush and to clean that brush after every use. I have tried a lot of concealers - too many to list here. These are the ones that I come back to again and again and recommend to clients.

As I want this to be a sort of cheat sheet I'm not going to go into too much detail. I try and keep the My Top Make-up Products page up-to-date so there will be my favourite concealers on there too. I will link to products I have reviewed individually, and I'm happy to answer any questions or go into more detail in another post if that's helpful - let me know. Leave me a comment letting me know your favourite concealers!

Correctors

Pixi Correction Concentrate - my absolute favourite. A genuinely brightening and correcting colour and great consistency. Works well on it's own and under make-up. Perfect for dark circles. I apply with my fingers. Read my review and watch my quick review.

Bobbi Brown Corrector - one of the first proper correctors on the market and still one of the best. This has great coverage and an unbeatable range of colours but can be hard to blend on dryer or more mature skins. I apply with my fingers. Read my review here.

The Face Pencil from Jones Road - really quick and easy to use though best blended with a finger to soften the product. I use No. 6 the peach neutraliser though they have an excellent colour range to choose from

Concealers

Tropic Undercover Cream Concealer - sometimes I just want a cream concealer that I can blend in with my fingers, often they give a more flawless coverage than their liquid cousins and this one is my favourite. I have two colours, one to correct slightly and a lighter one to conceal and brighten. These are also really well priced at £16 you get a lot of bang for your buck

Elf 16hr Camo Concealer - it took me a while to find a new high street concealer I liked but I really like this one. A great range of colours for a high street brand and a little of this goes a long way. Does oxidise slightly with time so choose lighter instead of darker if necessary.

Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer - in a stick and by far my favourite for covering blemishes. Not drying and a nice finish with great coverage that you won't have to build-up. Less good for the under-eyes though if you are using a corrector this would be fine. This is a bullet, so I apply straight from that and blend the edges with my fingers or a brush. Read my review here and watch my short review.

Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher - for me this doesn't give enough coverage for my dark circles but it is great for blemishes and really does seem to help them rather than making them worse. This has a button applicator where you click it into a brush.

Tools

Bdellium - make my go-to concealer brushes I use in my pro kit. Precision concealer #934, and concealer #936 are great but the 938 is my ride or die and, typically, like hens teeth. If you see one, get it.

Beauty blender - or indeed the Real Techniques or Eco Tools sponges. They are all much of a much and most brands that do blenders are bringing out smaller ones which are perfect if you only want them for concealing. I'm a fan of the original Beauty Blender and tend to use the big size for foundation and concealer.

Louise Young LY26 - is a great concealer brush as it does precision work for blemishes or round the nose but is big enough to do under the eyes too.

Real Techniques - the deluxe crease brush from the starter set for blending out under the eyes, the detailer brush from the core collection for more precise application and great for getting a clean edge around the lip. The pixel pointed liner brush from the starter set is great for blemishes too.

What to Avoid in Skincare

2022-12-16T12:02:00.002+00:00

It can be difficult to remember what you want to be avoiding in your beauty product ingredients when you are making a purchase so I've created this downloadable for you

You can download the PDF here

Black Friday Deals

2022-11-26T11:16:00.000+00:00

There are lots of offers on at the moment but here are some of my favourites

A Beautiful World - they have 20% off everything using code BLKFRI22 https://abeautifulworld.co.uk/

The Body Shop - have 25% off everything using the code BLACK FRIDAY https://go.magik.ly/ml/1og60/

Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes - my favourite eye cream currently 25% off at Space NK - https://go.magik.ly/ml/1odff/

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - my favourite https://go.magik.ly/ml/1ofup/

Hourglass - they make hands down the best powders and these palettes are stunning https://go.magik.ly/ml/1odfn/ and https://go.magik.ly/ml/1odfq/

Naturismo - my favourite place to get ethical beauty brands. They have 20% off all orders http://rwrd.io/tbp30jj?p

Origins - may have stopped doing my favourite moisturiser but they have got nearly £10 off this tinted moisturiser that i love https://go.magik.ly/ml/1og64/

MAC Retro Matte Lipsticks - not cruelty free but All Fired Up and Dangerous are my absolute favourites... that I no longer buy https://tidd.ly/3GKtQEG

Sephora - was Feel Unique https://tidd.ly/3i7gmc1

Space NK - up to 25% off lots of great brands and products https://go.magik.ly/ml/1odfj/

Tropic - 25% off all makeup - the gel eye liners and lip liners are absolutely fantastic https://www.tropicskincare.co.uk/.../party/W4689054...

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray - keeps your makeup on your face but also great if, like me, you use eye shadows as liner https://tidd.ly/3Xi0hjE

Christmas Beauty Calendars 2022

2022-10-05T07:30:00.003+01:00

I have a couple of friends who get a beauty advent calendar every year and they can be a bit of a gamble. The biggest names are not cheap and if, as I would, you like it to be a surprise then it can be disappointing if it's filled with goodies that aren't your jam.

I won't be giving away any spoilers (you can find them all on the various websites) but I thought it would be helpful to have a little overview of some of the big name calendars so if you don't want to know exactly what is in there you have a little bit more info to help you make your decision. For example I don't want perfumes really so the Selfridges calendar is not for me this year.

For each calendar I will let you know the cost of the calendar, the worth of the calendar and how many products per category. I will also give my personal opinion but as the word personal implies this is just down to my preferences. If you are big into your hair products then the Cult Beauty one is for you.

LIBERTY

The original and for many years, the best this calendar is the envy of many but over the past couple of years I think it's not been as great as it once was and this year... I still agree. It's definitely my second choice of calendars for this year

Costs £245 worth £1065

30 products, 20 full size

Product breakdown:
4 hair
15 facial skincare
2 body
5 makeup
3 perfume
2 candles
1 bath

SPACE NK

I think this would be the one to go for this year, it was my choice for last year too, though it has the least exciting packaging. It just has more of what I want. It doesn't have as many full-size products as the Liberty calendar (Liberty wins in terms of full size products) but I'd rather try more things that I want than have full-size of those I don't. It also explains how the value is much lower than the Liberty option despite it only being £30 cheaper.

Costs £215 worth £770

30 products, 15 full size

Product breakdown:
3 hair
19 facial skincare
1 body
5 makeup
1 candle
1 bath

CULT BEAUTY

This one also looks very good this year, though for me it's a bit hair heavy.

Costs £235 worth over £1000

37 products, 13 full size

Product breakdown:
9 hair
17 facial skincare
1 body
7 makeup
1 perfume
1 candle

LOOK FANTASTIC

This is definitely a good budget option, I looked at the Boots one as well but that's limited to about 3 brands which isn't enough variety for me. I love the design for this though

Costs £95 worth over £500

26 products, not sure how many are full size

Product breakdown:
4 hair
11 facial skincare
2 body
6 makeup
1 candle
1 household

SELFRIDGES

This one is biggest on perfume so lowest on my list especially as for £5 more you get the Space NK one

Costs £210 worth £800

25 products, 12 full size

Product breakdown:
3 hair
8 facial skincare
7 makeup
5 perfume
1 candle
1 household
1 Selfridges based product

Some links are affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you click through and buy from them. There is no extra cost to you and if you are not comfortable with that then do feel free to open a separate window and google the product for yourself. If it is an affiliate link it usually means I've taken the time to find the best price available at the time of posting.

Naturismo Starter Kits

2022-07-21T15:45:00.001+01:00

Naturismo is one of my favourite places to shop for beauty products. Not necessarily for saving money but because they've taken the hard work out of choosing ethical products - they have really great brands, articles and ideas to help you choose which products will work best for you and their monthly discovery box is the best of the monthly 'subscription' boxes available.

And now they've put together these starter kits which are a fantastic way to start

They target a specific skin topic - hydrate, glow, purify - there's even one to help you sleep and to support new mums.

Each kit is £18 (worth lots more) and is a great way to try out products that you may not want to spend the full whack on without trying first. They would also make lovely gifts for friends.

UVB

2022-05-24T10:30:00.001+01:00

Everything you need to know on UVB... in 3 minutes

UVA

2022-05-21T09:30:00.001+01:00

A quick 3 minutes of everything you need to know about UVA

Sun 101

2022-04-13T07:30:00.001+01:00

A bit of information on the sun to help you be safe, reduce the signs of aging and choose the right sunscreen for you

Empties (1/2022)

2022-04-07T08:30:00.001+01:00

My first empties for the year and there are a lot of products I buy over and over again and a really great new way to recycle your old beauty products.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (double size)
Skin + Me
Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream
Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes
Byron & Co Soothing Magnesium Bath Salts
VO5 Volume Boost Gel Spray
Lumi Spa Cleansing Tool (choose the one for your skin type, the tool is the same, the cleanser is different)
Garden of Wisdom Hyaluronic Acid
Origins Make a Difference Plus +
Roen Cake Mascara
This Works Pillow Spray
Percy & Reed No Fuss Fabulous Dry Shampoo
Jason Lavender Shampoo
Drunk Elephant Slaai Cleanser
Naturismo Recycling Bag

Rosacea Favourites

2022-04-05T11:17:00.001+01:00

Having rosacea is one of the main reasons I wanted to learn about skin science and skincare. These products are ones I recommend to my clients, consistently use myself and rebuy when they run out.

You can find all these products in my rosacea favourites list

Blue Eye tips

2022-03-23T08:30:00.001+00:00

A few suggestions for those of you with blue eyes

Too Faced Let's Play Doll Sized Palette

2022-03-16T07:30:00.001+00:00

I love these 'doll sized' palettes. I thought I wouldn't but I bloody do. I chose this one as its got colours I don't have similar too and would suit my green eyes but I think I'd happily get the set.

Yes I feel about 20 years older than whoever this palette was designed for but I don't care there's so much I really like about it.

Firstly, it's small and the tin means it's droppable, probably, but travels well and they have a good sized mirror in them i.e. a mirror that takes up most of the lid and is useable.

When it comes to the colours I really like that it has an even mix of mattes and shimmers, the textures are great and though you get some kick up in the pan this does not translate into drop down. The colour pay off is great and I really like the textures of these shadows.

I find this palette really wearable - would suit green and blue eyes and the colours blend well together. There's a lot you can do with a small palette. They call it doll-sized but it's not teeny tiny - I went to stay in London overnight and popped this in my handbag with a mascara and my base products and it didn't take up space or weigh much.

If you want to see this palette in action then I'm on Instagram, YouTube & TikTok sharing videos regularly. You can also come and ask questions and request tutorials in my Facebook group.

You can check out the Too Faced Let's Play Doll Sized Palette here

Purple

2022-03-09T13:14:00.002+00:00

I used to hate this colour but now it's one of my most-used. It brings out the green in my eyes and can look bold and fun with minimal effort.

Some of my favourite purple products are:

Too Faced Food Court from the Cinnamon Swirl Palette - as shown in the picture below, it's bright and metallic and would suit every eye colour
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencils - I love these, I have the more muted matte colour of RockStar but for those who prefer something bright and metallic Psychadelic Sister
Charlotte Tilbury Rock N Kohl in Velvet Violet - also works beautifully blended all over the lid
Mac Prunella - a classic and really sophisticated. If you want a very subtle pop of colour, softer than a black but still giving that definition, this is the one to go for
Danessa Myricks 24 Hour Cream Fix Creams - these are long lasting and can be used anywhere on the face. Journey and Wild Orchid are different ends of the metallic purple spectrum while Chosen is a good matte option.
Lily Lo Lo Deep Purple - a great ethical traditional powder option