Do you remember your first foundation? I seem to recall mine was an M&S one that was way too pale but I was going through my red lip Parisian wannabe phase, so I quite fancied the contrast of pale face and scarlet lip (it was the tail end of the 80s). Later I discovered Prescriptives Real Skin foundation, which I faithfully wore for about ten years, applied with a latex wedge (the Beauty Blender of its day). (more…)
I’ve never bought into the hoopla of palettes. I think partly it’s because they’re so hyped you know another one will be along in a minute. And partly it’s because you only ever use half the shades. But there’s been a succession of very pretty ones lately that I think are worth investing in if you’re looking for something easy and enduring. (more…)
As we descend into the Christmas shopping season, the department stores are going full guns ablaze for your beauty dollars. If you want to bypass the chaos of tourists and overzealous scent-spritzers but want to shop in London, Fenwick is a pretty good place to start.
This year, Fenwick has overhauled its ground floor, giving the full entrance space over to its beauty offer. (more…)
Goodbye summer, hello autumn, with your not-very-appealing promise of cloud-heavy days and luminosity-free skin. I feel a bit cheated that August was such a damp squib; I’ve not felt nearly enough grass between my toes, or rays on my face. But the good news is that there are a number of new products on standby that can fake some semblance of a post-summer glow. Read on for the lowdown…
DECLEOR AURABSOLU INTENSE GLOW AWAKENING CREAM
This year’s big skincare trend seems to be all about remedying tired-all-the-time skin; aka the biggest beauty concern that emerged in Decleor‘s survey of 19,000 women. Blame our 24/7 lifestyles – computer radicals, work stress and overall exhaustion caused by burning the candle at both ends included – for the the dip in skin hydration that apparently happens around lunchtime.
Decleor’s excellent Intense Glow Awakening Cream (above) aims to combat those stresses with jasmine absolute, the most concentrated (ergo most expensive) form of jasmine which is known for its restorative, antioxidant properties. The essential oil component ‘drip feeds’ into the skin over the course of the day, meaning that skin should stay rested-looking and aglow right up until night-time. Another claim: it’s good for all skin types including sensitive, oily and rosacea sufferers, and all ages from 16-65. Impressive claims but does it work? I’ve been using it daily since early July (along with the Aromessence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum) and I love it. The texture of the cream is beautiful – non greasy, light and a little goes a long way. And yes, it does seem to keep the 4pm fatigue-face at bay. Buy it HERE.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY MINI MIRACLE EYE WAND
Charlotte Tilbury’s Mini Miracle Eye Wand (above) is one of those nifty duo products that saves time and space and can’t help garnering descriptions like ‘hero product’. “The whole world is tired – even my baby son has baggy eyes!” wailed Tilbury at her press demo. The dual-purpose clicky brush ‘pen’ has an eye cream on one end and a tinted light reflector on the other. Containing super-hydrating hyaluronic acid, the cream is for lifting, plumping and de-puffing tired eyes, while the light reflector comes in four shades to illumnate and conceal. I haven’t tried this properly as I don’t have my shade, but I love the concept. Buy it HERE.
BY TERRY LIGHT EXPERT CLICK BRUSH
Another feat of design wizardry, By Terry’s Light Expert Click Brush (above and below) works on so many levels. It’s the updated version of the famous Light-Expert Perfecting Foundation Brush, but so different is it, that we’re implored to see it as a whole new product. First, the brush is a round, short-bristled kabuki, not a flat brush as its predecessor. The reason for that is the second brilliant thing; you click the base once and out pumps four precise dots of foundation. Dot them on each cheek, nose, forehead and chin, then blend in circular movements with the brush. The result is perfect, natural coverage with an illuminating finish. Easy (if slightly bulky) to transport, you can also use this for post-work touch-ups; it goes on top of faded makeup without cakey buildup. There is one other terrific thing about this – it dismantles. So you can take it apart to clean the brush head and check how much product is left. Buy it HERE.
CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE IN BEIGE LUMIERE
Arriving on September 18th is a new limited edition radiance-boosting shade of Chanel’s ultra-fine loose powder that evens complexion. I have been using this a lot, with a big fat Chanel brush. You only need a bit, and it’s a little messy but great for setting makeup without killing it dead.
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WORDS AND IMAGES: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl/
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