#74 Inlight Organic Skin Care Review

I was recently sent some skincare products from Inlight Organic Skincare which I have been using for the last month or so to see how they work. The skincare line was developed by Dr Mariano Spiezia a medical doctor, homeopath and herbalist with over 30 years of scientific research to his name. The brand is certified by the Soil Association and is 100% organic and wholly plant based.

First up is the Inlight Organic Face Cleanser which they describe as a deep skin cleanser with a mild exfoliant action which removes the outer layer of dirt and dead cells.
I was quite keen to try it as I have discovered I have a new love for oil based cleansers especially at night time when I feel like I have some spare time and really want to remove all my makeup and give my based a good massage. It looks like a cross between a balm/oil and is packed full of highly nourishing oils such as Coconut, Jojoba, Evening Primrose, Shea Butter and Olive oil as well as a particular blend of essentially oils such as lemon, green tea, ginger and lavender. I found that it deeply cleansed my face but unlike some other deep cleansers I have used in the past it didn’t leave it feeling dry or irritated. A good thing to note with this cleanser is that unlike a lot of other oil cleansers it doesn’t emulsify with water so after you have massaged it into your skin you need to remove it either using a muslin cloth or damp cotton wool. I initially wasn’t too pleased that it didn’t emulsify but after a few days I found that my skin seemed to prefer this method, It might just be that it loves the extra layer of nourishment that it leaves behind. Another thing I found is that because of some of the essential oils that it contains, I think it’s slightly more astringent than other oil cleansers I have used in the past, but I really liked this about it, as it worked perfectly for my combination skin leaving it feeling moisturised but clean. It retails at £24

I also tried out the Floral Face Tonic which is a blend of fragrant floral waters such as rose, lavender, grapefruit and chamomile. It has a very interesting smell and to me it smells more herbal than floral but I love that it is alcohol free and it helped to freshen and tone my skin without drying it out. It retails at £18

For further information or to purchase any products check out their website at www.inlight-online.co.uk

Pride comes before the flu! Cough, Sniff, Croak

Hey lovelies

I am so so sorry about going awol last week, but I have a good reason…. I have been ill and still am. You see, first up I got a stomach bug and now I have the flu! sob, sniff and cough! I tried pushing through it for a couple of days and that only made it worse – which is why I am now under strict bed and rest orders…..

The reason for the title is that only a couple of weeks ago I was happily boasting that I had missed out on the whole flu bug this winter and then what happens – I get it!!! Seriously pride comes before the flu…..

Positives from not feeling too great are

1) I get to lounge around in my favouritest (yes I know its not a word but my head is fuzzy so I think I'm allowed) Gap jumper that is like 5 years old and watch TV all day, without feeling guilty and thinking “hmmm, I should really be doing something more productive shouldn’t I?”
2) I sound like a bullfrog on crack when I speak – but Mr Lotions & Potions has convinced me that my voice actually sounds quite sexy – so I’m attempting to use my new found husky voice to convince him that ice cream would actually be quite beneficial right now
3) Everyone is being so sympathetic and making a fuss…yay!!

On a completely different topic – do you remember my styling post a little while ago? Check it out here meet me the stylist Well an online magazine has only gone and featured it! and one of the images is on the front cover! I feel so chuffed!!!! Check it out at remedymag and see pages 42-47 under the title Cirque de Minuit, also check out pages 48-49, it’s a feature on Mr Lotions & Potions himself and his photography….I feel so proud.

I promise to write again as soon as I feel much better.

Xoxo

#72 Bag Spy: What's in your bag? Zara from Kiss And Makeup

Today’s bag spy comes courtesy of the lovely Zara from KissandMakeup.tv kissandmakeuptv , I met her at the NARS press event and we just clicked and immediately got chatting about beauty products et al. After Zara had suggested a number of fantastic tips and products for me to try out, I just knew I had to get her to share a bag spy…


Bag Spy: Zara Rabinowicz from Kiss And Makeup

Hi, I’m Zara from KissandMakeup.tv and I’m excited to be sharing the contents of my makeup bag with you. I’ve been involved in beauty ever since I was a little girl, smearing pieces of paper with kisses from 17 lippies to pinpoint my favourite shades. I’ve worked on various magazines, websites and papers in all sorts of fields, but beauty has been my one recurring love. Whether it has been finding the perfect lip balm to combat chapped lips, or the latest facial that plumps and refines lines, I’m at the forefront of testing and trialling and enjoying every minute. I love working online as feedback is so immediate and I find that having people respond to your work is the best way to refine and improve it, as well as sharing details and getting tips on news products. It’s hard to narrow down what are the most essential products in my makeup bag as I try so many things on a daily basis, but the below ten are the most recent staples that I couldn’t live without.

1. Givenchy Phenomen’eyes

This mascara has been a total godsend to me, as it separates and defines my lashes like nothing I've ever seen. Once you overcome your initial distrust of the oddly shaped brush, you'll find it a product you never leave the house without. They’ve just released details of a plum waterproof version for summer, and that’s next on my must-have list!

2. MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink

I get really dry chapped lips, and though I love using lip balm, sometimes I want something with little bit more colour. This lip conditioner from MAC is the loveliest shades of baby pink and gives you a really rosy looking glow. The texture sinks onto the lips, giving them soft sheer coverage and it really softens your wind battered pout. My Hello Kitty version never fails to get admiring looks either- they should bring this colour back permanently!

3. Clinique Dewy Smooth Anti-Aging foundation.

The idea of anti-aging foundation is something I was originally resistant too, as I feel that your skincare rather than your cosmetics should be the ones targeting lines. However the simply amazing, Photoshop like coverage speaks for itself as it smooth’s out the whole complexion, flattering you face from every angle and evening out any lines or blemishes. It makes you look absolutely amazing in photos and the dewy finish is flattering for everyone, regardless of their age

4. Stargazer Liquid Eyeliner

Stargazer is a brand I use to associate with goth-like wanders around Camden market, but though they retain their youthful associations with an array of ultra-bright and pigmented colours, they have moved onto slightly more impressive formulations. I’m currently loving their eyeliner as it provides a firm black line that can be fine-tuned or thickened as needed allowing me to create both feline flicks and Winehouse style eyes with ease. It dries extremely quickly and is really long lasting- a cult must have!



5. Collection 2000 Illuminating Concealer

Collection 2000 nowadays can be considered a premium brand with a surprisingly low price point. This creamy concealer works just as well as Touché Éclat, easily hiding circles and bags with a simple flick of the pen. The creamy consistency blends extremely easily and it’s magical on circles.

6. The Beauty Blender (get it at cult beauty)

This egg shaped pink tool has revolutionizes the way I apply my foundation as I’d generally choose this above both brushes and fingers. If you use a stippling effect when you apply this to the skin you get a really even finish with your makeup and the design means it’s extremely kind to your product, making sure you don’t use more than necessary.



7. Clarisonic

Whilst strictly not a cosmetic this skin cleaning brush device provides the skin with such a smooth texture and clean surface that it can almost be considered a makeup tool. Originally a sceptic about this product, once I’d used it for over a month I was converted as I never go a day without using this brush. Compatible with all cleansers and exfoliators the sonic powered device whizzes away grime and dirt and leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean- a great base for all products.

8. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

5 shimmering shades provide you with a great all over glow, and they can be used individual as eyeshadows as well. The palette is flattering on any skintone, and incredibly long lasting, as I’ve had mine for over three years (probably time for a new one). It’s a great way to create a subtle glow on the hairline and cheeks and the shimmery nature of the powders mean that you can really make your cheekbones pop. It has a nicely sized mirror as well, so it’s great for touching up on the go.

9. L’occitane hand cream

L’occitane hand creams are ultra-rich due to having 20% Shea butter in their formulation and they sink in really quickly. I love the fragrance of the limited edition honey and lemon version (out every Christmas and think the fact they’re handbag sized is a major plus point.




10. Urban Decay eyeshadows

I love the texture and pigmentation of Urban Decay shadows, as they can be used as sheer washes or built up for a stronger look. They’re extremely long lasting and they manage to combine glitter with shine without flaking all over your cheeks. My favourite colours would be Polyester Bride (a great white, fab as a brow bone highlighter) and Midnight Cowboy (a universally flattering brown shimmer). They feel really silky on the eyelids and make the eyes sparkle.

See, I told you she was fab didn't I? Drop by her blog for more tips and info ...I'm already eyeing the beauty blender and the clarisonic .....Thank you so much for taking part Zara.

#71 Sam Fine: The Basics of Beauty

Oh my goodness! I’m so excited I can barely write!!! A friend of mine just cane back from the States and brought back a makeup DVD for me and it’s not just any DVD…it’s, wait for it – Fine: The Basics of Beauty by celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine!!! Now for anyone who might not know who he is, I will try to contain my excitement and explain for a minute. Sam Fine is the legend that is behind the makeup of many major WOC e.g. Iman, Beyonce, Halle Berry, Tyra, Naomi Campbell, Mary J Blige, Jennifer Hudson…I could go on….. he began his career by working at cosmetics counters and then worked his way up into becoming one of the most famous and sought after makeup artists (especially as he specialises in makeup for WOC)

I am yet to see the DVD – I need to watch it all in one go with tea and cupcakes and then rewatch it with all my makeup in front of me…all I know, is if I can pick up a thing or two, then as they say I should be looking fierce!!…will keep you all posted on how it goes. In the meantime here is his site if you want to check him out http://www.samfine.com

Xoxo

#70 Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener

You might remember my recent post about Bobbi Brown's new collection called Makeup Facelift. The collection was designed to give women all the tools to look well-rested and bright eyed – in five minutes flat!

Well I was recently sent the Tinted Eye Brightener in Dark Bisque from the collection to try out and I am so in love with it! I tried it out yesterday morning after a late night out on Saturday and it instantly made me look well rested and more awake. I also have it on today and have been told I am looking “decidedly perky” It has also helped to brighten up any shadows and smoothed out the area under my eyes.

The colour of the Dark Bisque is a pink/peachy colour that works well with my skin tone. I love that it comes in a pen format rather than in a pot as this makes it easier to apply since the consistency is quite fluid. I also love that it instantly brightens without looking heavy or caked on and it dries really nicely and doesn’t settle into your lines afterwards like concealer can.

I don’t really have any circles or lines under my eyes just a few fine ones which are more dehydration lines than anything else so I can’t say how it would work on heavier lines, however on my fine lines it worked perfectly and really helped to smooth out the whole area. I would think though that if you have heavier lines or very dark circles you probably need something with more concealing power as this is meant to brighten rather than conceal

Word of warning though, you need to use it very sparingly and I would say just apply it around the inner corner, close to your lashes and lightly on any dark shadows under your eyes. Otherwise if you go in there all guns blazing with a heavy hand you could end up emphasising the areas you are actually trying to hide.

It retails at £22 so it’s not exactly cheap, however a little goes a long way so it should last you quite a while. It also comes in 8 different shades so you should be able to find a suitable colour for your skin tone. I will definitely be repurchasing this once I run out as I love how it brightens up my whole face.

Xoxo

#69 Still in a Nars beauty state of mind

Other looks I love from the SS2010 trend report are

Derek Lam

This was very colourful with a tribal and carnival rainbow of colours. The focus was very much on the eyes and I just love the playful use of colour in greens, purples and pinks.

To recreate the look

Face:

· Blend NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
· Apply NARS Nico Blush to highlight
· Dust NARS Desire Blush onto the apples of the cheeks
· Layer NARS Taj Mahal Blush on top and up towards the temples

Eyes:

· Draw the emerald green from NARS Misfit Duo Eyeshadow along the lower lash line straight across until just past the outer corner
· Dust NARS Jolie Poupée Duo Eyeshadow on the eyelids and fade into the temple joining the green
· Highlight the inner corners of the eyes with NARS Bains Douche Glitter Pencil (NEW for Spring 2010)
· Curl lashes
· Lightly stroke NARS Méditerranée Duo Eyeshadow along the brow bone
· Apply three coats of NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara on the top and bottom lashes
Lips:

· Dot lips with NARS Red Square Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
· Outline the lips with NARS Easy Lover Lip Gloss (NEW for Spring 2010)


Marc Jacobs

I thought this was just so theatrical and creative (although not one I personally will attempt to recreate). Created by Francois NARS himself the inspiration was contemporary dancer, Martha Graham and the look was Left-over stage makeup. “The models weren’t meant to have perfect makeup- rather, they were meant to encompass a “just came off-stage” effect. “Dancers in theatre and opera always have white faces, pointed lips and an eye that is drawn outward,” said François NARS. He stressed the importance of the eye for this look, noting that “the slashes of white is something they used to do in the 70s to bring a 3-dimensional feeling to the makeup

#68 A NARS beauty state of mind : The Orgasm Illuminator

So last week I attended a press event with NARS Cosmetics to launch their SS 2010 collection and the much awaited Orgasm Illuminator. It was hosted by NARS international makeup artist Jane Richardson and lets just say I was in NARS heaven! I also knew I wasn’t the only one in a NARS heaven state of mind, as when the Orgasm Illuminator was introduced, a collective Ooooh literally went round the room. I can now completely understand why so many of these little tubes disappeared at Fashion week and why the beauty world is already buzzing about it.

A new product category for NARS, it joins the cult-followed collection of NARS Orgasm-hued products, loved by makeup artists and women worldwide.

I was lucky enough to get one of these tubes and it definitely lives up to its buzz! It’s extremely WOC friendly and flattering, gliding on nicely to give my skin a beautiful luminous glow with hints of gold. A multipurpose product, you can use it all over your face for a barely-there, healthy glow or wear it on the neck, shoulders or décolleté for a subtle eye-catching sheen. I personally found that I really liked it either mixed with my foundation for overall luminosity or as a highlighter for a glimmering accent on my cheekbones. The lovely Jane taught me a little trick with the illuminator - she suggested that using circular motions I should try to feel under my cheekbones to really contour and add a subtle definition to my face. I tried it out and it worked and looked great! All in all each time I have tried it, I literally look like I have just had the best sleep ever.

It retails at £21 and will be available exclusively at Space NK from the 18th of February and then will roll out nationwide from the 1st of March,

Here it is in use at the Thakoon show where the look was Samurai warrior meets Surfer girl

To recreate the look:

Face:
· Apply NARS Sheer Matte Foundation to conceal imperfections
· Use NARS Orgasm Illuminator (NEW for Spring 2010) on cheeks, nose, forehead and chin
· Contour and sculpt cheeks with NARS Malaysia Multiple Bronzer
· Highlight cheekbones with NARS Hungry Heart Blush Duo

Eyes:
· Apply NARS Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow on the entire eyelid up to the brows
· Blend NARS D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2010) with NARS Kuala Lumpur
Duo Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2010) into the crease and around the eye
· Apply NARS Bali Single Eyeshadow to the upper and lower lash lines
· Dust NARS Night Snow Single Eyeshadow on the inner corners of the eyes

Lips:
· Mute lips by using NARS Concealer
· With finger, dab NARS Ophelia Lip Gloss (NEW for Spring 2010) to center of lips

#67 Pose for a Purpose: Help the children in Haiti

Hey everyone,

If you combine Contemporary Photography + Superb Makeup Artistry = Amazing Images of you whilst supporting HAITI

Just wanted to let you know about a fantastic event that is taking place on February 6th 2010 from 9am-5pm in North West London called Pose for Purpose: Haiti. A group of creatives including makeup artists, photographers and hairstylists have all gotten together to offer their services for free allowing you to have a professional photo shoot with all donations going to support the children in Haiti.

I will be helping out on the day and it would be great if any of you could make it. Here are the details below as well as links to the websites of some of the creatives involved. If you have wanted to get any pictures taken of you now is the perfect time to do it, and the best bit is that what you donate will be going forward to save and help a child. Hope to see you there.

The Event: A pre-booked professional photo shoot with fabulous makeup and superb photography for individuals and families. Each session will last a maximum of 1 hour. This is an entirely charitable event, with every artist volunteering their expertise to work together in creating beautiful images in order to raise funds for Haiti.

ALL donations received will go directly to support the children in Haiti via Compassion - http://www.compassionuk.org/, (charity registration no 1077216).

Exceptional Photographers include Ade Okelarin (http://www.asiko.net/), Trey Mujakporue (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pr0file/) and Jide Alakija (http://www.jidealakija.com/).

Makeup Artistry and Headties from fabulous makeup artists including Becks Buki (http://www.becksbuki.com/), Bolanle Okusanya Feyita (http://makeupproonline.com/), Queen A, Gbemi Gee Balo, Juliet Esiri and Kemi Kings.

Your Donation: It's not about the money but about raising the awareness of the need to aid those in Haiti. Many of us can give a lot more than just money. We appreciate anything that you can give to show your support for this cause.

Your Images: A selection of your best images captured will be sent to you as electronic high resolution images that you can print and enlarge as you desire.

So whether you are updating your family records, putting together a special valentine’s day present or organising pre-wedding or post-baby albums, let us help you create gorgeous enduring memories whilst you help the children devastated by the tragedy resulting from the earthquake in Haiti.

Location: The Regency Banqueting Suite (http://www.regentbanqueting.co.uk/)

BOOK NOW! Contact 07870 668 238 or poseforhaiti@gmail.com