Tag Archives: makeup

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Helene Red Lipstick & Nail Lacquer Review

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joancollinsmakeupreview

I have always thought that glamour was underrated. I don’t like that a lot of people don’t tend to make much of an effort when it comes to glamour anymore, or being well dressed. Men and women alike. In the spirit of full disclosure, I can count myself amongst them sometimes. Too often in fact. Joan Collins has always been glamourous and while leaving the house everyday with a full face of makeup is too much of an effort, she really does inspire me to try harder.

She has launched a new beauty range, Timeless Beauty. It is all very impressive. The range has a lot of gorgeous stuff in it. The PR person sent us Lipstick & Nail lacquer in Helene to review. This is what Joan says:

“Lipstick is, to me, the Queen of cosmetics. It brings a hit of distinctive colour that lifts the face even when wearing no other make up. Lip colour itself can be a statement, can say something about the wearer and how the world sees them. I named my lipsticks after characters I have played as they reflect some aspect of the character’s persona.”

The lipstick is gorgeous, great packaging which just screams glamour. The colour is a luscious red cream with a hint of blue undertones. I never usually wear red lipstick. My lips are too big and don’t need anymore attention drawn to them, but this is beautiful. It is long lasting and also hydrates. In fact, it was tested and shown to improve hydration levels in the lips after 30 days.

Joan’s Tip: Look perfectly groomed by matching up lip and nail colour.

Next up was the nail lacquer, also in Helene. A matching red. Joan said:

“I don’t feel dressed without nail lacquer. It’s as essential to me as lipstick. I love the style of this bottle, elegant and practical with a long tapered cap that’s easy to hold, and, helps balance the brush when applying. The ribbing improves grip and ease of opening and closing.The colours are my personal favourites and I wear them all switching one to the other to reflect my mood, the effect I want to make, or simply to compliment my outfit.”

This is the same beautiful colour. The packaging is just gloriously stunning and glamorous. The nail lacquer is easy to apply. It is a smooth, self levelling colour that covers imperfections and leaves nails looking sleek and chic.

I love these and Joan’s Timeless beauty range. It brings a rather wonderful touch of glamour to life. Which makes it worth making that extra effort for after all. I may become more like Joan yet.

 

 

Beauty Resolutions To Stick With

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The New Year always brings out the best of intentions for everyone whether or not these last is another thing, unlike those pesky Christmas pounds. Some resolutions are worth keeping however and these beauty resolutions will pay off in years to come.

Beauty review, Glowing skin, good beauty products.

Throw Out Your Old Makeup

Old makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria. See that little pot icon with a number and an ‘m’ inside on the back of your products? That is the expiry date in months from when they are opened. It will help if you keep a note of when the product was opened as it is easy to forget. Mascara should be replaced every six months and anything over a year old should probably be thrown out. Make sure you wash your makeup brushes too. Wash in warm, soapy water and then leave them to air dry. You can clean them with some mild shampoo or washing up liquid.

 

Give Your Hair a Break From Heat Damage

Blow drys and hair straighteners can cause significant damage to hair. Hair can end up drier than the Sahara and could even break off. The best way to prevent further damage is to stop using hair dryers and straighteners. Cutting down your use if you can’t quit will help but also use a heat protection spray and a weekly hair mask.

 

Have a Weekly Facial

You don’t need to go to a professional for a facial. You can do one at home yourself. Double cleanse your face, use a good scrub and then apply a face mask. Regular exfoliation helps skin renew itself as we age and a good face mask will give skin a good amount of moisture.

Do it weekly and your skin will thank you. A facial massage is under-rated and really makes a difference to your skin. It leaves you looking fresher and more toned. Use a face oil and gently massage your skin in circular movements. Work upwards and tap your eye socket starting from the outside.

 

Stop Sleeping in Your Makeup

This is a huge beauty no-no and not just for your pillow; your skin repairs itself at night but your skin needs to be able to breathe for this to happen. If it is covered in makeup your pores will be suffocated. Free radicals and dead skin cells also build up on the skin if you don’t wash your face. Wash your face as soon as you get in or keep some cleansing wipes handy. Keep the cleansing wipes to a minimum however as they are not as good as washing your face properly.

 

Always Wear Sunblock

Beauty decisions you make now will affect your looks for the rest of your life. Putting in effort now means looking good ten years down the line. The most important one you can make is to use an SPF everyday. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen which protects from UVA rays, which are ageing, and UVB rays, which burn. It is not just vanity. This will also protect you from skin cancer, something that should be taken more seriously than it is. Wear at least an SPF 15 everyday. You can buy good moisturisers which have an SPF in but wearing a foundation with one in is not enough, you won’t wear enough to get the benefit nor will it cover all of the needed areas. A foundation with an SPF is still a good idea, just make sure you also use a moisturiser or separate sunscreen.

 

What is your beauty resolution?

 

 

 

How To Keep Your Skin In Tip-Top Shape This Winter

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Winter can really leave your skin looking awful. It is not just the weather outside, central heating indoors can also take a toll. The differences in temperature and humidity can dry skin out and leave it looking red. Cell turnover can also slow down resulting in dry, flaky skin. So what to do? The best thing to do is winter-proof your skin from the inside out. Here are our tips.
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Stock up on omega fatty acids and plenty of water. Omega 3 supplements are great for those on the go.

Instead of using a light lotion use a heavy, thick moisturiser. If it feels too heavy on your skin then pat your face with a muslim cloth after you have applied.

Another top tip is to add a little face oil to your moisturiser. A good face oil can be expensive but you only have to use a few drops and it can make a huge difference to your skin.

A good under-eye concealer is an essential. Dark circles do no one any favours and you can also cheat your way to a healthy glow with blusher and bronzer.

A hydrating face mask makes all of the difference to winter skin.

A mild cleanser will stop harsh chemicals stripping your skin and making it more sensitive.

Go easy on the exfoliating. Skin is more sensitive in winter and over-exfoliating will lead to irritation.

Wear a good SPF. UVA rays are strong all-year round and they really age the skin.

A bowl of water near or on every radiator helps put moisture back in the air. Add some lavender oil for extra benefits and a lovely smell.

Use a good conditioner for your hair. Even fine hair can benefit from a good leave-in conditioner.

Follow makeup artist Bobbi Brown‘s tip to neutralise redness: ‘pick a tinted moisturiser or foundation with a slight yellow tone, which neutralises redness. Finish with a light dusting of bronzing powder- the brown tones will counteract any remaining redness.’

Skip perfume as the alcohol content can strip moisture further and also irritate skin.

Be careful about what you put on your skin. Harsh products full of chemicals will just dry it out more and increase sensitivity. Something that happens more in winter.

Don’t forget your hands, slather on a good hand cream and make sure it has an SPF. Just because it is winter doesn’t mean the sun isn’t out. Lips also dry out terribly in winter. So make sure you are carrying a good lip balm.

What are your winter skin tips?

 

 

Christmas Beauty Looks

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Christmas Beauty Looks 2015

christmasbeautylooks

Christmas Beauty, don’t you love it? When else do you get to be so glam and over-the-top? As long as no-one mistakes you for a Christmas tree, it is all good. However, Christmas can feel like a marathon of endless parties and family get-togethers. Your hair and make up has to look good and last so here are our top tips and ideas from Frost.

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Christmas is tiring so work on your skin first. A good base is all you need to stay looking fresh. A primer will help your make up last all day and make sure your skin is looking it’s best. Before you apply your primer use a good cleanser and then exfoliate as it gets rid of dead skin cells and leaves skin smooth and fresh. Using a weekly face mask before a big event will also make sure your skin is in it’s best condition. Making sure you drink enough water and cutting down on caffeine will keep skin looking healthy. Keep a concealer handy to freshen up underneath eyes and cover up any other flaws. Powder is very underrated but not much else sets make up like it. It will stop you looking shiny and keep make up in place.

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Now for some Christmas touches.

A glittery nail polish. Not only glam but also very hard-wearing. Should last a week at least.

A beautiful red lipstick or red nail polish. Endlessly glamorous with the added benefit of being a very Christmas colour.

A shimmering eyeshadow. Something that catches the light gives an extra pop of glamour.

For your hair, do an up-do like a fish tail plait or a loose bun. Add a glitzy clip or a hairband and you are good to go!

 

 

Christmas Beauty Gift List

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Christmas is here and decorations are up, it is a time for joy and happiness. To spread a little joy of your own we have put together a Christmas Beauty Gift List. If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet then buy one of these beauties for your nearest and dearest.

 

Chanel No 5 

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This is a classic perfume which tends to be a huge hit whether as a present for someone else or yourself. Add it to your list or buy it for someone who has been very good indeed.

Available hereand from boots.com and debenhams.com

Nails Inc Nail Set 

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This Winter Wonderland Collection is gorgeous. A limited edition trio of full size, special effect polishes from Nails Inc. Very Christmassy and cool. Includes: Trafalgar Square – full coverage red glitter polish, St George’s Square – white and silver shimmer polish and Buckingham Square – rose gold glitter polish

Available hereand from Selfridges.com, johnlewis.com and debenhams.com

Benefit Cutie Cravings Christmas Gift Set 

Cutie Cravings Christmas Gift Set - W

Benefit make amazing makeup, and this gift set is stunning. Full of classics.

Available from Selfridges.com, johnlewis.com and debenhams.com

Elizabeth Arden Lipstick Color Christmas Gift Set

Lipstick Color Christmas Gift Set

Ultra-conditioning and hydrating, this glamorous lipstick set is gorgeous with a good selection of colours.

Available from Selfridges.com, johnlewis.com and debenhams.com

Clarisonic

clarisonic

Loved by beauty editors the world over, a good high-end present for one of the amazing women in your life. This limited edition Clarisonic Aria is cute but you can also get the normal one.

Available from harrods.com, johnlewis.com and debenhams.com

 

 

Frost Summer Beauty Special

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Summer is a different beast when it comes to beauty. Hot, humid or just plain cold and freezing. The British summer throws everything at you. It is the time of year when Brits have to leave the house with sunglasses and an umbrella in their bag. You just never know. Winter beauty products don’t really work for summer, they are too thick, heavy and creamy usually. Makeup has to be revised so it doesn’t end up slipping off the face when the temperature goes up. So we have done a lot of reviewing to bring you some excellent summer beauty picks. Read on and let us know what you think, and add your own recommendations below.

goshforevereyeshadowstickreview

These Gosh Forever Metallic Eyeshadow Sticks are getting a review all of their own, but until then I will just have to recommend them here. They are waterproof, look amazing on and come in a variety of amazing colours. I love them beyond words. Available from Superdrug.

 

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cargoswimmablesshadowstick

These Swimmable products from Cargo are amazing. The above is a waterproof eye pencil and a waterproof eye shadow stick. Both work and both give great colour. Highly recommended.

 

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Yves Rocher Ultra Long-Lasting Cream Eyeshadow in Cuivre

This is amazing stuff, especially for a cream eyeshadow. It looks like a lip gloss but is actually a budge proof, crease-proof, waterproof eyeshadow that lasts and looks great on. Creamy and comfortable, it goes on in a uniform layer and blends easily. Flawless and long-lasting make-up.

2 shades, £14 at www.yves-rocher.co.uk

 

anovialovethetanlegspray

Anovia’s ‘Love the Tan’ Leg Spray. Amazing, perfecting, natural leg spray. Covers imperfections and is water resistant. Just washes off. It looks great on and covers well. Perfect for when you bring out the summer dresses. These are a brand new product to Anovia’s ‘Love the Tan’ range and launched at the end of last month. Get your hands on some.

 

therapibeautyreview

I love a facial spray in summer and this Rose Otto Hydrating Facial Toner from Therapi Honey Skincare smells amazing and is nourishing. It is made with 83% organic ingredients and 5% of profits go to support bee conservation. This tones and revitalises skin whilst leaving it feeling moisturised. It uses honey which they say is nature’s miracle moisturiser. Very good stuff and we loved the Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser and Orange Blossom Honey Moisturiser too. Both were excellent and left skin looking amazing. I am also obsessed with orange blossom at the moment, which obviously helps!

 

organicsurgereview

Organic Surge is perfect for summer. There products are fresh, smell amazing and are usually fruity and light. We reviewed three of their products starting with:

Organic Surge Moisturising Tropical Bergamot Shower Gel

I could sniff this all day long. It smells great and summery. It really cleanses skin and leaves it feeling soft. It is sweet orange and bergamot essential oils. Very refreshing and like all Organic Surge products is free from SLS, parabens, synthetic fragrances and colourants.

Organic Surge Gardeners Hand Cream With Lime, Basil & Rosemary

This (again) smells amazing. Just divine. It drys fast and is not sticky. Protects hands, soothes red skin and nut butter and seed oils work to resist ingrained dirt. Can use with or without gloves. Perfect for the green fingered.

Organic Surge Super-Intensive Daily Moisturiser

This great moisturiser leaves skin looking radiant and really hydrates. It also works on sensitive skin. Has cocoa butter, shea butter and glycerine with green tea and camomile. Love it.

 

From www.idealworld.tv

 

lilyloloblusherpinkreview lilyloloblusherreview lilyloloreviewI absolutely love this Lily Lolo Burst Your Bubble Pressed Blush. It is a gorgeous dark pink colour. It is velvety soft, kind to your skin and highly pigmented. It gives a sheer natural flush or a brighter pop of colour to your cheeks if you layer it on. Their blusher brush is amazingly soft and perfectly angled. I can’t live without it now. It is perfect for contouring.

It contains anti-ageing Sea Holly extract and Argan Oil, as well as moisturising Jojoba Oil, it also has a natural anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial protection. Fragrance and talc free. Packaged in a lovely mirrored compact perfect for on the go and travel. Available from the 27th June 2014. Blusher £9.99. Blusher Brush £7.99.

Available in 6 beautiful shades.

Shade names –

Coming Up Roses

Just Peachy

Tickled Pink

Tawnylicious

Burst Your Bubble

In The Pink

Available from www.lilylolo.co.uk

 

Last but not least…

faceb4beautyreview

FaceB4 Anti-Bacterial Face Wash and FaceB4 Anti-Bacterial Serum

FaceB4 joined Superdrug as a stockist for Superdrug’s 50th birthday, they even repackaged in celebration. Now that is a love-in. FaceB4 Anti-Bacterial Face Wash is the UK’s most effective face wash. FaceB4 is clinically proven to clear skin, reduce redness and prevent future blemishes. It says the antibacterial face wash clears skin in just four days and it isn’t lying. This stuff really works and used along with the vitamin enriched serum really calms skin. The serum gives a matte look and the face wash is a combined cleanser and toner. We’re impressed and will continue to use. Good stuff.

From Superdrug (obviously)

 

What are your summer picks?

 

 

 

Urban Decay Electric Palette

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Urban Decay have now added the Electric Palette to their collection of famous eye shadow palettes, and I have got my hands on one. I can never fault an Urban Decay palette and having many of them myself they are really great tools to work with. The intense pigments and the variety of colours, those who have invested in Urban Decay palettes will know what I mean. I truly love the electric palette, it is a burst of colour from Gonzo to Freak, a mixture of Chaos and Slowburn and the splash of Savage. These shades are WOW!

 

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After getting the chance to play with the Electric palette and trying different looks by using just the colours in the palette itself as well as getting out my Urban Decay Naked palette as a partner in crime, I have fell in love with the electric palette. The pigment is bright and intense, a real trademark of Urban Decay. I can’t even pick a favourite out the colours, as they are all so different. You may find yourself having to dig your brush in other eye shadow palette to bring out the colour of the shade but with this palette a little dab is all you need for the soft subtle looks as well as the bright daring ones.

 

What I love most about this palette is how it can complete any look by adding a dash of colour. We’ve all had those moments when we are all done up and just staring at ourselves in the mirror thinking something is missing, my face looks plain and you can’t just figure out why. Just add a touch of Electric.

 

Electric can be used not only for eye shadow, but can you it for eye lines with its double ended brush, and if your really feeling creative you can create those theatrical looks as you can use these pigments all over your face and body, don’t just limit it to your eyes! You may be worried about the strong pigments staining but they are easily washed off. I really cannot fault Electric!!

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Is the Electric palette a winner for you?

Boris Entrup 10-Minute Make-Up Book Review

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Boris Entrup 10-Minute Make-UpBoris Entrup is the resident make-up artist on Germany’s Next Top Model and is the exclusive make-up artist for Maybelline. It is fair to say that he knows his stuff.

This rather excellent book has 50 gorgeous looks that give you everything you need to transform your image in 10-minutes. There is a good variety of looks, from natural to glamourous, that are all easy to recreate as there is before and after pictures and an easy step-by-step guide.

If that wasn’t enough; there is also masses of insider tips, techniques and tricks that all help you reveal your natural beauty.

The book starts off with an introduction from Boris, then some advice on skincare, beauty tools and products. I have read a lot about beauty and review a lot of products but I found that I learned a lot. I also love that the book shows all 50 looks at a glance over two pages. Very handy and useful.

The book also goes through the basic techniques of applying different products and different facial features. It also gives advice on different face shapes and different tips for each decade of your life, along with S.O.S tips at the end.

This is a brilliant beauty book. It has great advice and pictures. I highly recommend it.

Boris Entrup 10-Minute Make-Up