BrowGal

BrowGal was created by makeup artists Tonya Crooks who had a desire to teach everyone how easy it can be to create the perfect brow, using high quality tools.
 We have a couple of her hero products to share with you and wanted to feature them on the blog because we are so excited by the brow pencils particularly.

If you have longer unruly brow hairs then it's a good idea to give them a little trim up. BrowGal has a pair of stainless steel scissors coated in a matte black finish. These scissors are very sharp and are shaped to lie flat against the brow to trim away excess hairs. The brow scissors are £15.50

We are eternally searching for a pencil sharpener and are always asking brands to include pencil sharpeners with their pencils. BrowGal's brow pencils have a spoolie on one end whilst the lid of the pencil end has a built in sharpener so every time you use it, you can give it a quick sharpen.

The brow pencils are available in 6 shades from blonde through to black. The pencils have a harder lead which allows precision application that emulates real hair. It's a really nice brow pencil to work with and gently build colour and shape. It's also waterproof and sweat resistant. The brow pencils are £18.00 each.

You can check out the other products BrowGal has to offer here.

Smashbox Photo Edit Shadow Glitter Trio

We all know glitter isn't just for December but also for covering your whole face in whilst attending a music festival!
 If you're attending a Summer festival this year and fancy a touch of glitter then take a look at the latest glitter trios from Smashbox.

Firstly, the packaging is the perfect size to slip into your festival rucksack. The super slim trio is in a nifty camera lens style packaging.
The shadows are all powder and include a matte base colour which tone in with the other two glitter shades.

There are three shade options including a jet black with gold and silver glitter, a matte vanilla with teal and cornflower blue glitter and finally, a blush pink with pink and damson toned glitter.

You can use these on their own however for extra staying power, use over the top of the 24 hour photo finish shadow primer. The primer is a nude base that isn't sticky but provides a silicone textured base which grips the glitter and increases the vibrancy.

Pigment is excellent and when used with the primer, the glitter doesn't travel. The shades blend really well but I have found the most effective way to apply is to blend over the primer followed by the matte shade from the palette. You can then pat on the glitter with a firm brush and build for extra sparkle.

The longevity is excellent and will last throughout the day and into the evening, even if you strike gold and get a sunny, humid day.

These are available now here and are £20.00 each.

Aaliyah x MAC

When I worked at MAC a million years ago, I used to love the collaborations. They were always a sell out and also it meant a new playlist for the shop music system!
 The latest MAC collaboration is with one of the all time greatest female R&B stars Aaliyah. She is someone I certainly grew up listening to and even now, 17 years after her untimely death, her music is still as fresh as it ever was.

Her collection for MAC has been championed by her Brother, Rashad and he has dedicated the collection to all of her worldwide fans.

So what's in the launch?

It's nice to see a 9 pan eyeshadow palette instead of the standard 4. Nobody ever gets to the bottom of the larger quads anyway!

 The palette is a mix of shimmer and matte powders in both warm and cool tones. I like the inclusion of good eye contour shades to make blending out a smokey eye very easy. Pops of silver and gold shimmers can be added to the higher points and create a fresh dewy finish rather than a all-out glitter.

For the face is the Baby Girl Bronzing powder which is softly golden with a hint of golden shimmers. As a bronzer it would only really be suitable for a fair skin oddly however it would add a nice radiance or highlight to a medium-deeper skin tone.
The lip line up had to include some mirror shine glosses, as that's what we remember about Aaliyah. For this collection there are two lipsticks in a soft muted beige and a Burgundy with a slight cool toned edge.

The glosses compliment the lipstick tones with a rich plum and a milk gold lipglass.

This collection is available now online and from selected stores.

Sunday Riley Tidal Cream

 

 In the summer months it’s nice to test out moisturisers that don’t feel so thick, often they leave your skin tacky with a trail of patchy foundation by lunchtime.

We’ve been testing out Sunday Riley Tidal cream.
It’s a brightening enzyme cream, which drenches the skin in an undetectable layer of hydration.
This cream contains two types of Hyaluronic acid, which as we all know is a massive moisture magnet. From the age of 25 our natural reserves of HA start to diminish so we all need a good shot of Hyaluronic acid to keep our skin supported and hydrated.

  Also within is Tamarin Seed extract which is another form of Hyaluronic acid that also acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, particularly useful during the summer months when the skin may be particularly allergic.

There is an exfoliating ingredient in the form of papain enzymes, derived from Papaya. Enzymes help to break down the bonds, which attach the skin cells, therefore allowing them to shed more easily.

This cream is great at hydrating a parched skin and giving a fresh plumpness that a dry or compromised skin often lacks. It’s a gel-cream so although it’s intensely nourishing, it doesn’t feel sticky on the skin. I absolutely love it for underneath makeup because it has an almost silicone texture that dries completely matte. It’s the best texture for immediate makeup application.

If your skin is particularly sensitive then the Papain may be a concern but if you are on the hunt for a lightweight but seriously hydrating cream then it’s a good one to check out.

Not cheap (obviously, it’s Sunday Riley) but you get a lot for your money. I don’t particular like the ‘open pot’ style jars for creams and think a small spatula within the box would be a good idea but just make sure your not dipping dirty fingers within and keep the lid tightly secured.

A 50g pot is £60 but you can also purchase a 15g pot here for £20 if you want to test it our before indulging.

Becca Be a light palette

Becca have just launched their complexion-enhancing palette, which comes in two shade options of light-medium and medium-deep.

 Each palette holds 4 shades. A brightening powder to boost radiance, a blush for a metallic finish, colour for the cheeks, a contour and a blur powder to even skin tones.

  Although the lighter option contains a pearl brightening powder, I still think this palette wouldn’t be suitable for a fair skin tone. The other 3 shades within this palette are still warm toned and would only really look natural on a medium toned skin.

In my opinion the contour shades are too orange to work well (if you like a natural contour), I would just use it on the high points of the face for a sun kissed tint that bounces the light.

 The medium to deep palette would work well on a medium to olive skin tone and would be good as a highlighting shade for a deeper skin tone.

I like the texture of the powders and the blurring shade in each palette provides a silky veil for the skin that really does even out minor uneven tones within the skin.

 I also prefer the blush on the eyes rather than the cheeks but it’s nice that it can double up on multiple features.

These palettes are £35.00 each and available here.

Louise Thomas-Minns @ You&Your Skin

Recently I was invited by Louise Thomas-Minns to experience one of her signature facials at her skin lounge in Norwich.

 You’d be forgiven for strolling past without spotting U&Your skin, nestled within Bridewell Alley in Norwich, but it really is a hidden gem.

Louise has over 20 years experience within the beauty industry and has a large client base here in Norwich whilst also offering a pop up skin clinic in London to cater for her loyal clients who struggle to get to Norfolk.

Over the years Louise has developed a 3D approach to skin treatment, which not only looks at the superficial signs of skin health but also the intrinsic factors such as nutrition and lifestyle as well as external aggressors such as the environment.

Firstly what you should know about Louise is that she listens and absorbs the information you give. If you are someone who feels they need to get to the bottom of their skins underlying problems rather than the standard relaxation facial with a one-size-fits-all approach then she and her team are the ones to go to. After a very considered consultation she will plot out your treatment before she has even laid a finger on you.

You may have seen Sam’s recent Instagram post after her treatment with Louise. She came out of there not only relaxed and rejuvenated but also with the most glowing skin, saying it was one of the best facials she had ever had.

Louise uses products mainly from the Medik8 range however she is currently developing her own skincare line, we will keep you posted on this once it launches later this year.

Louise uses deep cleansing methods, mask therapy along with facial massage, dedicated to awaken the skin and get a sluggish lymphatic back on track. Hot towels are used to remove product and she also uses an ultrasonic spatula to deliver a deeper absorption of your prescribed serums.

Afterwards, once you’ve peeled yourself from your heated cocoon, Louise will talk you through the treatment and also give you a zero sales pressure run down of products she believes will work for your skin.

Louise does currently have a waiting list but if you’re serious about skin health then it’s worth the wait.

 You can book a treatment with Louise or one of her team here.

The Ultimate Black Smokey Eye Tutorial

EVY Technology Facial SPF

Finding a good sunscreen that works well under your normal makeup is a tricky one to find, often they feel greasy or tacky and separate your makeup.

 We have recently been testing out the latest in sun protection from EVY Technology.

 EVY is a Swedish brand that has been developed especially for hypersensitive skin. Their range features up to SPF 50 and caters for body, face and also children’s skin in the sun.

 The product I enjoy the most is the Daily UV Face Mousse. A mousse is quite an interesting texture to use on the face, but actually it’s very pleasant. Initially it feels as though you’re rubbing shaving foam onto your face but it quickly massages away to nothing with a fast drying, completely matte texture.

 Give it a minute to absorb and you can apply any of your normal makeup directly on top without a greasy base for it to slide about on.

EVY is developed for sensitive skin and safe for those with vitiligo or eczema to use with a low risk to irritation (I don’t believe we are ever 100% safe from a reaction).

It has an SPF30 with UVA and UVB protection and counteracts sunspots and premature aging.  It’s enriched with Vitamin C and E, which is great for existing pigmentation issues and skin softening and also Hyaluronic acid and collagen to help with water retention and supporting the skin's structure.

The texture is pleasant in that it encourages you to slap it on without even feeling like you need to wash your hands afterwards.

The 75ml bottle fits nicely into your handbag or luggage and is also a great addition for makeup artists on shoots in hotter climates or using on summer brides.

The Daily UV Face mouse is £20.95 and available here. You can also purchase the other products in the EVY Technology line up from this link also.

Natural S Wave Hair Tutorial

Oh Sweetie Lip Colour by MAC

I enjoy anything sweet related so was instantly drawn to the latest Oh, Sweetie lip colour. I think I actually like the packaging more than the product!

This patisserie inspired collection has 15 shades of mousse textures lip colour. It applies via the standard doe-foot applicator and provides a solid cover of frosted/metallic finish.

Personally I’m not a huge fan of bold gloss but if it’s your thing then you will certainly love the finish of these.

 Each lip colour is scented to match the colour. Caramel, banana, gumdrops, cookies, coconut macaroon. They are sickly sweet and lip lickingly enticing but some may be put off by the strong fragrance.

All shades are slightly metallic but each seems to have a slightly different finish. Some have fine glitter, some have pearl reflects and some are more frosted.

These are pretty thick in texture and last really well. Super sticky and your hair will definitely get stuck in them but the shine is extreme and the colour intense so it’s worth it. These would be suitable for all but would look mega on a deeper skin tone.

We have 5 shades to share with you.

Oh Sweetie is available at Selfridges now and all Freestanding MAC stores from 15^th June 2018. These are £15.50 each.

JLo Makeup X Inglot

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Concealer

The new Beyond Perfecting concealer camouflage from Clinique is a great addition to your capsule makeup collection.

 The size will surprise you, it’s teeny at 8g but that’s because you need minimal amount. It’s perfect at pinpoint concealing areas that need serious cover but it’s also fluid enough to use (sparingly) under the eye.

It’s seriously long wearing and doesn’t crease or separate into fine lines. It’s not as rich as you imagine it will be, it's actually quite watery but blends do well. It doesn't cake and once blended it provides a veil of silky coverage.

Nice for knocking out the redness of blemishes or pigmentation and excellent around the under eye if you’re particularly dark there.

Nice shade options of 18 tones that cater for very fair skin through to much deeper skin tones. There is also an apricot corrector which works really well alongside the concealers to tone down blue/purple tones that are common under the eye, especially in medium skin tones. We have four of the shades plus the Apricot to share with you...

If you have particularly dark circles then team up the apricot with the concealer for double the cover. Dot a real small amount of the Apricot along the discolouration and buff with a soft brush or pat in with your ring finger. Next fluff over the super concealer and build as necessary. The Apricot brightens and tones down the blue really well. If you are particularly fair skinned then only use the bare minimum of this or blend a dot in with your concealer before application, otherwise you will find it too warm.

The Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer is available now here for £18.50.