Friday, March 4, 2011

Eye Concealer - The Essential Beauty Secret

I have the worst dark shadows under my eyes... properly blue and purple! I put it down to the 18 months of sleepless nights with Lulu which thankfully are more or less over as she approaches her 2nd birthday next month! I've renewed my concealer quest in order to try to improve this area on my face which I feel constantly lets me down. So here are the latest three that I have tried and liked...
I was excited to try this new concealer by Bobbi Brown as she has really paid attention to improving it. As you are well aware, it is quite hard to deal with the dual issues under the eyes which are de-hydration and darkness. I apply eye cream and drink water but this area is never totally hydrated for me so I need something that doesn't stick and look obvious and I think Bobbi has truly dealt with this. The new Corrector & Creamy Concealer is in a new palette which is easy to use and dip your brush into to blend your shade. Bobbi's idea is that you use the peach tone first to neutralise blue tones and the yellow tone to brighten and blend with the rest of the face. My favourite improvement though is the texture - there are added emollients, vitamins C & E and lecithin to condition the skin and it feels great. As soon as I applied it my fine lines became less obvious and the entire area looked fresher and more hydrated. It comes in 14 shades so you will get an exact match for your skin. This is on counter soon and is well worth the €23 in my opinion.

If that is too much of a spend for you, I was also very happy with these two options from the budget brands. Rimmel's Match Perfection is a two in one concealer and highlighter which I found to be very good. It wasn't quite moisturising enough for my dry eyes but I have been using it on clients and on shoots to great effect. The Ivory shade is good for pale skins and it is applied by squeezing the concealer down the tube into the attached brush so you don't need a separate applicator. A great one for the handbag. I would say it is half highlighter and half concealer so if you really want the full benefits of both elements you should perhaps use two specifically designed products, but this is fantastic for those with regular shadows and normal skin.


This is the AMC Corrective Illuminator by one of my favourite brands, INGLOT. It is in the now ubiquitous pen applicator that we are all familiar with and it is a lovely illuminator whereby it lightens up the shadows by bouncing the light away from them. It does not have a huge amount of concealing power, probably 4/10 but I use it on top of other concealers and it is particularly nice on top of the Bobbi one for added light. I have also been using it as a skin toned highlight on the brow bone and cheek bone for those not wanting an obvious look, just a hint of brightness.

Have you found an excellent eye concealer?
Let me know...

New Blush Recruit

This week I have been testing out some bits from the High Definition range from Makeup Forever and so far I'm pretty impressed. I really like the Blush which, as you can see, comes in a bottle which has a pump applicator. I'm always interested in cream blushers and this one is the latest recruit to my makeup kit. Once on the skin it is not dewy, more semi-matte, so is fantastic for those with combination/oily skin who feel they can't wear cream blush as it slides off (those with dry skin - step away!). It can be applied with fingers by patting it lightly over the apple of the cheeks or you can contour with it if used with a flat foundation brush (a bigger, looser brush will soak all the product into the bristles and you won't get the desired effect).
One key point to note is that a lot of product is pumped out per depression, so just press it lightly as a little goes a very long way and remember your cheeks are small areas! You want a hint of delicate blush not an over the top flush!
My favourite shades are #8 - a natural rose tone and #14 - a vibrant pretty peach which is perfect for brightening up those spring cheeks.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Beautiful Buns

I spotted this gorgeous bun tutorial over at one of my favourite ever blogs by the wonderful New York based writer Joanna Goddard and simply had to share it with you. I'm such a fan of undone, messy buns...

...and those who know me can vouch for the fact that a Breton striped top and red lipstick is one of my personal key looks. I dare say it's my 'signature' look, if I can be so naff!

Here's the tutorial shots, simply divide day old hair into three sections at the nape of the neck. Twist each one around into a circle and secure with clips, leaving some of the ends out to create the messy, nonchalant finish.

Isn't it pretty! Go forth and tie yourself in knots my friends!

(thanks to Joanna and apologies for ripping off her post)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Zara Pick

This silk kimono jacket and navy stiff leather messenger bag please.
That is all!
(zara.com)

Trouser Trio

Following one of my regular browsing sprees over at J Crew, I am now coveting these three trousers...

I think they could form a great base to a Spring wardrobe- time to show some ankle and cute shoes without freezing!

I'd wear them with breton stripes as well as boldly coloured silk shirts and loose tees in fuchsias and lemon. The muted tones are fine for demure days but I'm looking forward to getting my bright on once the cold weather lifts!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Mustard & Teal

I just love these colour combinations as seen on the streets at various fashion weeks...

Tan boots, yellow bag and teal coat. Such a great change to the ubiquitous black...

How lovely these tones are when mixed with navy...something new to try, I think!

(pics from the sartorialist )

Delavigne Divine

I have a major girl crush on Cara Delavigne at the moment! She is the gorgeous Poppy's younger sister...

Here she is wearing Burberry, whom she models for. What a great orange bag slung over her body and those brows, oh how I love those brows...

Looking low key and chic...

These retro styled shots were from the AWear Winter campaign, doesn't she wear it well!

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