Latest and greatest!

There are always lots of new products out there and I get to try most of them which is the major perk of my job and something I never get tired of! Not all products live up to their claims however but the ones that do make it to my latest and greatest list - read on to find out what they are.......

Nude Smoothing Body Refiner http://www.nudeskincare.com/  - This is a serum that smoothes out the skin and helps eliminate cellulite. I've been using it for a few weeks now and have definitely seen a difference. I also like the way it makes your skin feel firm immediately and gives it a healthy looking sheen.

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Facial Expression Line Serum http://www.peterthomasroth.com/  - This silky serum instantly tightens the skin and over time really diminishes deep wrinkles. It's also a perfect base for makeup.


StriVectin Instant Moisture Repair http://www.strivectin.com/   - A great daily moisturizer for skin that is dehydrated from the sun. It adds deep moisture and relieves fine dryness lines. Also good as a facial aftersun moisturizer.

The new Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Polish and the new Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Tint/Conditioner  both only available at Target stores) - These inexpensive lip products available at most drugstores are great! The lip polish is made of 100% natural ingredients including coconut and sugar and effectively removes dead dry flakes on the lips and leaves them soft and smooth. The Pure Lip Tint is also made of 100% natural products and gives a hint of color and shine and protects with an SPF 15.

St. Tropez Wash Off Instant Shimmer Stick http://www.sttropeztan.com/  - Is my new essential Summer product! It leaves a gorgeous bronze gloss on the skin, perfect for legs, arms and shoulders to enhance a tan or give you a light glow if you're pale.

Lancaster Deep Bronze Aqua Gel http://www.lancaster-beauty.com/   - This is what I'm using on my face for some color, it is a light gel self tan, great if you have oily skin like me and gives a believable sunkissed color within a couple of hours.

Liz Earle Sun Shade Botanical Aftersun Gel http://www.lizearle.com/  - If it wasn't for this on my recent trip to Vegas I don't know what I'd have done. It saved my skin after a day of overdoing it slightly, I'm usualy good about sunscreen but in the middle of the Rehab pool party at the Hard Rock Hotel I forgot to reapply. The gel not only soothes, cools and rehydrates the skin, it smells amazing too.

June Jacobs Intensive Age Defying Hydrating Masque http://www.junejacobs.com/  - A facial skin saver! Use this creamy hydrating masque to replenish lost moisture in the skin after a day in the sun.

Givenchy Printed Lips http://www.parfumsgivenchy.com/  - My lipstain stayed on though (see above) thanks to this beautiful lipstain pen from Gievnchy. Looks like your own lips but better!

Origins Youthtopia Skin Firming Foundation http://www.origins.com/  - The best foundation for Summer skin, it's lightweight formula leaves a radiant finish and it's ingredients firm and nourish the skin whilst providing SPF 15 protection.

Tarte Ten Natural Cheek Stain http://www.tartecosmetics.com/  - The product that started it all. A limited edition of the best blush for a natural long lasting flush.

Benefit Bad Gal Waterproof Eyeliner pencil http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/  - A must in the Summer to avaid raccoon eyes! It stays put without smudging no matter how hot it gets or what you're doing!

Covergirl Fusion Lash Blast Mascara http://www.covergirlcosmetics.com/  - A great mascara for a huge lash look that enables you to wear less eye makeup during the heat but still giving your eyes some drama.

Jouer Hydrating Powder Bronzer http://www.jouercosmetics.com/  - If you prefer a matte finish then try this pretty bronzer that looks so natural and has a high SPF. Dust lightly all over the face, neck and decollete for some color and sun protection.

(Some products I bought and some were provided to me)

Foundation 101

Here is my guide to getting a perfect base:

You must start with clean, smooth skin. I suggest cleansing thoroughly with an oil like Nude Skincare Cleansing Facial Oil http://www.nudeskincare.com/ to remove all traces of makeup and dirt. Then smooth your skin's texture and brighten at the same time with Liz Earle's Brightening Treatment http://www.lizearle.com/ which is a quick face mask that you remove with a hot muslin cloth that acts like a mild exfoliant and revives dull complexions. Next apply a non greasy moisturiser suited to your skin type - for aging and or dry skin I like Alpha Derma CE by Janson Beckett http://www.janson-beckett.com/ as it has tightening properties and leaves skin glowing. If you have oily/combination skin try Oil Control Mattifier by Murad http://www.murad.com/ which is honestly the only oil control lotion I have ever found that actually does the job (this is also good during the Summer months or in humid climates to control shine)!

Now you've prepped your complexion you can massage in a primer if you like to use them - my favorites are Face Forward Primers (both Age Response and Acne Response Formulas) by http://www.alisonraffaele.com/ . Let the primer settle for a minute and then take your preferred base, I use Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/ on all my clients, and put a little on the back of your hand. Using a wedge sponge (I prefer sponges to brushes as I think brushes just leave a mask like layer on top of the skin and it looks heavy and unnatural) dip into the foundation and blend well from the inner areas of your face out towards the edges. You usually need more foundation in the center of your face and less on the outer, as the skin is usually finer here. Blend thoroughly, making sure there are no tide marks under your chin and you have blended around the nose, an area people don't check and believe me I've seen it looking extremely crusty before - not a good look! Taking a good concealer especially formulated for the delicate skin under the eyes (Age Repairing Brightener by http://www.jouer.com/ is ideal) dot it straight from the tube or using a small brush apply it from the inner corners to the outer corners, not forgetting the little crease at the edge of the eye and gently blend with your ring finger. If you are using the right concealer it won't cake or accentuate lines and will make you look brighter and younger. Using a smaller brush conceal any pimples by dotting concealer on top and patting it in, being careful not to rub it off - Acne Treatment Concealer by http://www.murad.com/ is great for this. If you use cream blusher now is the time to add it to the apples of your cheeks and yes you guessed it blend, blend, blend! Dust a very fine layer of powder over your your whole face with a big fluffy brush to set your makeup, help it last and also give it an airbrushed quality - Hourglass Invisible Veil Powder is perfect as is Transparent Finish Powder by Alison Raffaele.

You now should look flawless and have a great canvas for the rest of your makeup!