DIY spa treatments

Today I treated myself to some DYI spa treatments.  I started with a detox body clay - Himalaya Clay from Rituals.  You massage the clay into dry skin for five minutes and soak off in the bath.  It had a slightly cooling feeling which lasted long after the application, it smelled fantastic and really left my skin nice and soft afterwards.  

I then had a nice soak with Aromatherapy Associates Support Equilibrium Bath & Shower Oil, the whole range of bath oils are amazing my favourite is the muscle relax, as these are pure essential oils it really does what is says on the tin.

Sensible cautions: Not recommended during pregnancy. 

Publications

Just wanted to share the tear sheets from one of my favourite publications

Photographer: Luke Nugent

Makeup: Alicia Mew

Stylist: Jennivi Jordan

Models: Jordan @ Cosmic, Tora Francis @ D1

Feathers & Fur

Behind the scenes pics from the feathers and fur shoot I worked on today.  All pieces by amazing designer Hayley Menzies, look out for her website soon to be up and running.  I can't wait for my feather trimmed cashmere shawl.

A/W 11 Fashion Week

The makeup and hair highlights for me so far at LFW.....

Jean-Pierre Braganza

Maria Grachvogel

 Absolute favourite from the whole week in New York has to be the look created by Nars for Thakoon

Retro brights...

Some sneaky peaky's of the shoot I worked on yesterday with amazing photographer Ophelia Wynne, the set was a really cool retro flat and the styling was all clashing brights.

Photographer: Ophelia Wynn
Stylist: Stephanie @ The House of Neon Weather
Model:  Stacy @ Premier

Makeup, nails and sunshine.....

I had such a fabulous day today, I went makeup shopping in preparation for a few upcoming shoots and had my nails done at the nail bar at Topshop in Oxford str.  And all of this in glorious sunshine.

I would definitely recommend dropping by Wah Nails, for just over £30 I got a lovely mani and this really cool half moon design, and they do loads of funky designs.

My makeup haul for today, MAC Studio Sculpt foundations and concealers. And my favourite new foundation, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, this is magic in a bottle I love, love, love it!!  It's so light but really gives good coverage, completely evens out the skin with a lovely dewy finish.
I also got some lipstick from Chanel which I haven't tried before so I'll let you know how I like it.

Jason Wu autumn/winter 2011/12

I'm loving Jason Wu's fall collection,  (the man behind Michelle Obama's inauguration dress) and the make up was amazing.

Pictures courtesy of dollsfactory.com

Pictures courtesy of dollsfactory.com

Quick Sunday afternoon manicure

I can't stop staring at my shiny disco nails

My two favourite things to do on a Sunday afternoon is taking a power nap and painting my nails (not necessarily in that order) Today I opted to kill two spring/summer trends with one stroke; metallic and glittery nails with Models Own nail polish in Champagne.  I must say I'm loving this shade as well as the polish itself, it went on smoothly and I only needed one coat which is good as the keyword here is quick.  And the best thing is it's only a fiver from Boots or Superdrug, so I can have nails that are bang on trend without feeling the pinch.

TV save us.....

I had a fantastic day Tuesday and Friday last week shooting with brilliant photographer Asli Kolcu, and beautiful models Kirsty, Pixie, Francesca, Stephanie and Jen from Profile models. 

The makeup I designed for the shoot was quite muted, heavily contoured faces with dark browns and nudes on the  eyes. 

One of the models Kirsty, was a contestant on Britain's Next Top Model, so we all had a nice natter about all the 'behind the scenes' gossip from the show. 

I've added a few unedited preview shots from the day.  Watch this space for the final shots......

Malin+Goetz – Detox Face Mask

This is one of my weekly must-haves; a deep cleansing oxygenating mask that even removes make up.  You apply it instead of a cleanser once or twice a week (for really oily or congested skin it can be used in place of your daily cleanser), wait five minutes and remove with a warm face cloth.  The nifty thing about the product is the fizzing action which removes dirt and oil without leaving your skin feeling dried out.  What I like about it is that it simply does what it says on the tin, no ridiculous marketing spiel like similar product Dr Brandt’s Detoxygen Experience which judging from the product description; “Detoxifying molecules - detoxifies skin cells by binding together with skin scavengers (pollutants, heavy metals, UV rays & electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves, computers, artificial light, infrared rays) to produce taurine, neutralizing toxic effects and naturally releasing toxins.”  It seems that we not only have to worry about pollutants and UV rays damaging out skin but now also microwaves and computer rays....huhh??? 

It also contains green tea extract and vitamin e which works as antioxidants and vitamin c smoothes lines.  All in all I really like this product, a definite beauty essential for under £30

Aesop – Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream

I’ve recently come across an Australian brand called Aesop (pronounced e-sop).  The products are plant based but not completely natural as far as I can tell.  I tried the Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream with active ingredients like Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which is a derivative of vitamin C and Tocopherol or better known as vitamin E, it also contains Jojoba, Rosehip and Shea Butter.

This is a good moisturiser if you have normal to dehydrated skin, it absorbed quickly and didn’t feel heavy. It left a matte finish on my skin with no shine or oily feel.  And most importantly it is packed full of anti-oxidants (Vit C and E) which protects against environmental damage; the number one cause of premature ageing. 

The question is; does it work and is it worth the hefty price tag of £73?  Mmm, so far so good....

Hello beauty world....

This is my first post, and I hope that anyone reading this will enjoy my blog, it will be a mixture of my comings and goings as a freelance makeup artist as well as honest product reviews.  In my line of work I have the opportunity to test a lot of makeup and beauty products, and I must stress that I don't get paid for promoting any one product, I just try and test what I can and give my honest opinion.

So anyway I hope you enjoy.....