Ageing Gracefully

I always start the new year with the best intentions. January - drink less, eat less and exercise more. So far so good, but with no alcohol or chocolate and hellish body conditioning classes, I am fully consumed by the January blues. It doesn't help that my skin is white and pasty and post Christmas bulges are stubbornly sitting on my hips and thighs, reminding me that now I am 30, a  'moment on the lips really is a lifetime on the hips....'

As I begin to deteriorate with age, I'd like nothing more than beautiful skin to accompany me on my way. I realise this is no mean feat, with the laws of science against me. It is from now on, 'only going to get worse', as my mother so kindly put it; but one should always make the most of a bad situation and there is so much on the market to help delay the dreaded ageing process. First week of January I booked myself in for a free skin consultation at balance clinic http   I had a number of scans, showing bad UV damage, some blocked pores and just one wrinkle (that cheered me up no end. Bottom - bad, wrinkles not so bad, Hurrah!!). The amount of sun damage is really quite shocking and in response I have been given a new skin regime to follow. I have started using an holistic brand called Skin Therapy by Julia D Hunter http://www.skinfitnessplus.com/whyskinfitnessplus.htm which includes a Vitamin C powder and a Maximal strength Hydrating gel. ://www.balancetheclinic.com

For anti ageing products always look out for Vitamin C, Retinol (vitamin A), and Hyaluronic acid. These three ingredients are strong anti oxidants. They fight the free radicals produced from the sun and pollutants which cause cell damage, and they help to renew collagen and keep the skin hydrated. A sunscreen is also a paramount ingredient in anti ageing products and should be used daily. However, blocking the sun will decrease your vitamin D intake, so be sure to take supplements. You want vitamin D3 1000 i.u. Doctors have seen a big increase in vitamin D deficiency recently, due to people increasing their usage of sunscreens.

Julia D Hunter is a dermatologist with a practice in Beverly Hills. Her brand is new to the UK and looks to be a big hit. I especially like her holistic approach, emphasising that the skin is just a window to what is going on inside. You will never cure the skin pathology unless you cure the internal cause. She promotes a healthy diet and lifestyle. So whilst I forbid myself from every bad ingredient this January and apply my new creams, I am looking forward to youthful glowing skin come February. Only one problem, it may not last; life's too short not to enjoy a bottle of wine, a bar of chocolate and a bathe on a beach. Everything in moderation I guess? And there we have it, a much more sensible new years resolution!!!

Screenface

What I love most about my job is the variety. Last week I was in a massive studio, filming Great Britain's team of gymnasts and this week I'm selling T-Shirts. A new label called Maison Twenty has launched, showcasing the work of twenty emerging artists. I was honoured to be asked to design three t-shirts for them. http://www.maisontwenty.com/

My Lip T-Shirts were inspired by a recent beauty story I shot. Shooting green, yellow and black lips is slightly more challenging than regular red or pink, so it was a professional make-up shop that provided the goods.

Screenface is a shop known by many make-up artists but probably not visited by regular shoppers.  However, it is well worth a visit, even if you're not a professional. http://www.screenface.co.uk/ It sells a fabulous brand called Embryolisse (previously only available in France). Their face moisturiser is a cult product backstage at shows, as is the body moisturiser. http://www.screenface.co.uk/beauty/cleansers-toners/embryolisse-lait-cr-me-concentre.htm

Fardel, is another great brand they sell. My favourite products are the amazing iridescent loose powders, great for dusting on cheekbones. If you like the Bobbi Brown shimmer bricks then you'll love these powders. http://www.screenface.co.uk/face-body-paint/glitter-shimmer/fardel-loose-iridescent-powder-5g.htm

Screenface have two shops; one in Covent Garden and another in Westbourne Grove but you can also order online.

KORRES LIP BUTTER

I always find as winter approaches people start wearing more make-up. That summer glow has long gone and with Christmas celebrations beginning, black kohl eyeliner and red lipstick are in high demand.
The cold winter temperatures cause havoc to our lips.  Previously, luscious red summer smiles become chapped, bluey/purple pouts. A red lipstick is a good way to to create a chic evening look whilst disguising your freezing lips. However, if like me you prefer something more subtle, a tinted lip balm is a good alternative. It will add a good amount of colour whilst moisturising.

These tinted lip butters are my favourite. I have the full range and love using them on my cheeks as well. A perfect little stocking filler http://www.zuneta.com/shop-by-brand/korres/lip-butter.html/
My favourite is Quince.

Quince, Pomegranate, Mango, Guava

Liz Earle Sheer Skin

I'm not easily impressed when it comes to foundations and tinted moisturisers. Many of them I find too heavy, chalky or odd shades. I always recommend Mac face and Body http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/158/393/templatesproductsproductslandingtmpl/templatesproductscategorytmpl/templatesproductsmptmpl/Face-And-Body-Foundation/index.tmpl
Chanel Vitalumiere http://www.boots.com/en/CHANEL-VITALUMIERE-Satin-Smoothing-Fluid-Makeup-SPF-15_6543/
and Armani http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty.co.uk/_en/_gb/catalogue/MAKE_UP/product.aspx?prdcode=AP10101&tpcode=MAKE_UP_FACE_FOUNDATION for foundation and until recently the only tinted moisturisers I recommended were Laura Mercier and Becca. However, now Liz Earle (one of my favourite brands) has created a Sheer skin tint which I absolutely love. It contains the right amount of coverage for a natural finish and gives a glowing boost to the skin. There are presently only three shades but I'm sure they'll add to the collection eventually. Reasonably priced at £21 and also with a mineral UV protection I suggest you try one out...... http://uk.lizearle.com/make-up/sheer-skin-tint-spf15.html

London, Paris, Milan.....and Morocco!

I am currently relaxing in a five star hotel in sunny Paris after a manic two weeks of work. Shows in London and Milan, a 5am eurostar to Paris and two long days shooting the beautiful Lara Stone (supermodel and wife of David Walliams) has taken it's toll. I am tired but not complaining. It's been really fun and today I have time to relax in my white bath robe, chat to my make up pal and roomie and play with my new I pad!! As far as jobs go this is pretty good!
There have been countless make up discoveries along the way. Illuminating sticks from Madina (an amazing shop in Milan http://www.madina.it/ ); wonderful waxy lip pencils from Make up Store (a great make up haven on carnaby street); macs new matt mixing medium (allowing you to create your own cheek and eye creams); but above all else, the wondrous healing qualities of a well known classic, Sudocrem has to get a mention.
Roomie has had allergies over the past week and bumps have developed under her skin. To my horror she had been sleeping with Sudocrem lathered all over her chin. Amazingly the little bumps have started to disappear and she has seen a big improvement in her skin.
During shows and shoots it's not just make up tips I collect; working with amazing hair stylists you pick up a few hair secrets too. The Just Cavalli show was sponsored by Moroccan Oil  ( http://www.moroccanoil.com/ ) and a few of us were lucky enough to walk off with the collection of serums, sprays, and oil. Not having time to blow dry my hair at the moment, the de frizz spray has been a life saver and the oil is amazing for adding shine to dry or dull hair.
Off to a show trial later today at 5pm so better get moving....a trip to Sephora, a stroll along the Seine and a cafe noir awaits me.

Sunrise from Eurostar at 6am

Vintage tins

Having completely rejected my blog for the past month, I'm now back from holidays and returning to work. After my first meeting up in town this morning, I made a trip to my favourite shopping haunt, Libertys.
I love wondering around this haven of sweet smelling aromas and amazing beauty products, always finding something new and exciting to add to my kit.
I'm not one for being enticed by the packaging of a product, always valuing quality above all else. However, today, some vintage tins and whimsically illustrated jars caught my attention straight away. Andrea Garland is an Aromatherapist who has decided to package her handmade natural balms in little pill boxes, old compacts and rustic tins. Totally natural and organic, the balm can be refilled once it's been used up, allowing you to keep hold of your pretty packet and at the same time be friendly to the environment. Whilst the packaging is really lovely, the products themselves are great too. I love to use natural balms and her Rosy facial balm felt delightful on my skin. With an array of different vintage packets, not a single one the same, they make for a perfect unique beauty gift.


http://www.andreagarland.co.uk/

Paris trip

Last week in a studio on the outskirts of Paris, a treasure trove of amazing couture gowns were being unwrapped and carefully handled by men in white gloves. Jewellery, within the region of a million pounds, was locked in suitcases with personal bodyguards at their side and small little me was unpacking copious amounts of make-up, in preparation for an amazing shoot with some particularly beautiful models (not sure I can say who!!)

Haute Couture is an exclusive market with less than 300 people worldwide purchasing these amazing creations. The expense is insane, with dresses costing in the region of £50,000 and above. At these prices you would think the fashion houses would be raking it in, but apparently not. The commercial success of a fashion house is now based around the sales of accessorise and perfumes. Haute Couture is a platform for the designers to express themselves artistically. Flamboyant creations and masterpiece designs, that (let’s face it) are often unwearable, are used as a marketing tool to create headlines.
Some say Haute Couture is slowly dying, so I was so excited to take part in a shoot that really was a one-off. Despite the late night (or should I say early morning) finishes and a lot of waiting around for everything to be perfected, it was a pleasure to be part of such a creative team. It was a theatrical experience watching the amazing hair stylist at work with his seven assistants. Hair extensions of all different colours were piled high on the heads of the models and formed creations that resembled something you might see in the window of Patisserie Valerie. The make-up was less crazy with beautiful skin and perfectly arched eyebrows being one of the briefs.

Brows are a feature most often forgotten about when people do their own make-up. Whenever I bring out a brow pencil in front of friends, their initial reaction is always one of fear, but after a little tweak with the right tools they're always pleasantly surprised. Your brows frame your face, so it's essential to have them well groomed and not over plucked. You can use a shadow or pencils to fill in any gaps and lengthen, but it's really important to get the right shade - I find a lot of them are too red.
I think the Clinique Brow Pen in Soft Brown and Soft Blonde are the best out there colour wise. They're not hard pencils so give a more subtle finish. They won’t be right for everyone but I tend to use them a lot on various different models.
http://www.clinique.co.uk/product/1595/8417/Makeup/Brows/NEW-Instant-Lift-for-Brows/index.tmpl
I also really like lingering and stud brow pens by Mac. http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/149/263/Eye-Brows/index.tmpl
If you prefer a shadow then sometimes you can find an eye shadow out there that will be a perfect match to your brows. I really like to use Laura Mercier brow shadows and Mac also do good ones.  http://www.spacenk.co.uk/product/makeup/eyebrows/200002012+brow+definer.do
I always finish with a brow gel to keep them in place. A clear one is best but I also really like Indian Chocolate brow gel by blink http://www.blinkbrowbar.com/products-page/eyebrows/eyebrow-grooming-gel/

As soon as the pictures from the Couture story get published I will post them on my blog. Can’t wait to see them.....

Festival Feeling

This year I am venturing to my first ever festival. They have never appealed to me, personally always opting for a spa break in place of camping and communal cleaning! However, with one last summer before the big three zero, my checklist is in need of some attention. I have chosen well I am told; a small festival in a beautiful setting and not too far from home if I chose to escape.
I will be kitting myself out with some beauty essentials. A festival survival kit which will include quick fixes to feeling fresher.
1. Baby Wipes - There is no point in spending lots of money on face wipes, baby wipes are just as good and half the price. My favourite are Simple baby moisturising wipes with soothing chamomile. http://www.boots.com/en/Simple-Baby-Moisturising-Wipes-4x-80Packs_1103616/?CAWELAID=506423809&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Engines-_-Google%20Base-_---_-Simple%20Baby%20Moisturising%20Wipes%20%204x%2080Packs
2. Caudalie Beauty Elixir - Inspired by the "elixir of youth" used by Queen Isabelle of Hungry, a spritz of this refreshing aroma and I instantaneously feel revived.
http://www.spacenk.co.uk/product/shop+by+brand/caudalie/beauty+elixir+100ml.do
3. Sun cream - I always invest in a good sunscreen for my face with a high factor. Sun damage is the main cause of premature ageing. Beware when face creams say they are anti ageing. Don't be fooled into thinking there is some amazing new chemical ingredient which will get rid of those wrinkles, sometimes it is simply a sunscreen. I love Origins A perfect world SPF 35 - I know this is high but I can vouch after three days in the sun I got a great tan without burning.
http://www.origins.co.uk/products/3871/Skincare/Range/A-Perfect-World/index.tmpl?cm_sp=Gnav-_-Skincare-_-APerfectWorld™
4. Batiste Dry Shampoo - This is an age old favourite with many hair stylists and is an essential for boosting some life into dirty, age old hair http://www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/batiste.html?affiliateid=81866680101062&gclid=CJu4rM6P7KkCFQJO4Qod1hwGYQ
5. Clarins beauty flash balm - I have probably already mentioned this on my blog. It is my all time favourite and a life saver for tired and dull looking skin.
http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Clarins+Beauty+Flash+Balm/818002103,default,pd.html?cgid=102
6. Blue - There is a blue theme at this festival so my favourite blue nail polish may need to make an appearance http://www.justbeautifully.co.uk/essie-nails-mesmerize-blue-nail-varnish-polish-679.php

I have a week to prepare before the festival and I'm sure two nights without my Egyptian cotton sheets can be done. It can't be worse than my cow milking experience last weekend!!! But that's a whole other story!

Top Tips for Tanning

These are obvious steps to applying fake tan, but each step must be done to perfection to ensure a streak free glow.
1. Exfoliate - Use a body buffing brush or glove and an exfoliator with granules to scrub away the dead skin cells.
2. Make sure your skin is well moisturised, but also that the moisture has been fully absorbed by the skin before you apply your tan. Don't use oils as they sit on the skin for too long.
3. The reason you get streaks is either due to lack of exfoliation, or that you have not applied enough tanning product. My favourite is St tropez bronzing mousse.I pump out about four or five pumps for just one calf. http://www.feelunique.com/p/St-Tropez-Self-Tan-Bronzing-Mousse-120ml 
4. If you are using a tanning product on your face, a spray works best as it avoids streaks and finger marks. For darker skin I love ModelCo spray tan. I use it to top up my tan at the end of the summer.
http://www.spacenk.co.uk/product/shop+by+brand/model+co/200006962+tan+airbrush+in+a+can+jet+set.do
 5. On shoots when models need to be instantly tanned I like to use Laura Mercier bronzing gel for the face with thier cult bronzer Laguna. http://www.spacenk.co.uk/product/shop+by+brand/laura+mercier/200006960+body+bronzing+makeup.
For the body Rimmels sun shimmer is also great for an instant glow.
6. Be careful not to over do it!!!! ( a very commom mistake!!!) On the face it's best to have a flawless application of foundation with a touch of bronzer; unless of course you're auditioning for the next series of The only way is Essex!!!!

Becca and Blush

 Becca (one of my favourite brands of make-up) has some amazing new products. The Halcyon collection, an assortment of subtle coral pink and bronzing products are a must in your make-up bag for the summer.

 I prefer to use cream blushers to powder blushers. Powder on the skin is ageing and can sometimes look chalky and unnatural. However, there are always exceptions, and Becca’s mineral blushers are it.  Flowerchild, a pinky blush with golden highlights is my new favourite. http://www.beccacosmetics.com/uk/store/complexion/blushes/mineral-blush/
 A tip for applying powder blusher is to make sure that your foundation is not too wet, make sure it has dried propely; apply a light dusting of powder or bronzer and then apply the blush. A matt surface will ensure the blusher blends well and doesn't look patchy. If you are using cream blushers the reverse is true. Don’t apply on powdered skin and make sure you have a well moisturised surface. I always use my finger to blend.
If you prefer to use creams and are looking for a long wearing blusher then I suggest Becca’s amazing waterproof beach tints; a cult product that I always use on Brides. Try grapefruit for a punchy coral or the fig for a muted natural pink. http://www.beccacosmetics.com/uk/store/complexion/blushes/beach-tint/

 Another little tip for blusher - Lipstick on the cheeks can work wonders. Sheer lipsticks are really great - Try peace by No17 http://www.boots.com/en/17-Mirror-Shine-On-Lipstick_1055081/ 
If you're looking for beauty on a budget then No.17 is a good option. They have some great nail polishs for summer - a fabulous grey and bright pink and the sheer lipsticks are another treat worth purchasing.