My Fringe Makeover

Picture Courtesy of Fox

As you will probably guess from the picture above, I'm referring to Fringe the TV show and not the hair above my eyebrows. With my terrible hair history, fringe cutting is a very, VERY bad idea. Anyway, getting back to the point, I've had a virtual Olivia/Fauxlivia makeover courtesy of Into The Palette. If you'd like to see the the placement breakdown and end results, you can find the post here. You can also see what I would look like with a fringe (and red hair) in my Fauxlivia look. Enjoy!

BECCA Bridal Event

I thought this might be of interest to any of you involved in planning a wedding in the near future. BECCA are holding a special Bridal Event in their South Kensington Boutique this coming Saturday from 10am - 6pm. You can book yourself in for a free wedding makeup trial, they normally cost £70, but you will need to call and book in advance. It sounds like there will be other exhibitors there on the day too, offering discounts and offers on wedding related services. There are more details including the telephone number of the Boutique on the invite below.

Le Métier de Beauté Makeover

As I was in London on Friday, I couldn't miss the opportunity to go and meet the Le Métier de Beauté team and have a makeover. This is actually a really big deal for me as I've previously admitted on here that I get THE FEAR at counters. The Le Métier team are so lovely though I felt in very safe hands.

They started by applying Peau Vierge anti-age complexe (light to medium) all over the face. I was really excited about this. You know me, I'm a complete geek and the technology behind this product really fascinates me.

*Lab coat moment* Peau Vierge uses the inovative Syntoc Actif delivery system. The delivery system acts as a capsule for the Retinol allowing it penetrate the epidermis and travel to the dermis where it has greatest benefit. The issue with many topical treatments is that the actives sit on the skin and very little passes through the Stratum corneum. In the case of Retinols this can cause problems as it can irritate and sensitise the skin. The encapsulation of Retinol in the delivery system reduces the exposure at the skin surface meaning less dryness, irritation and peeling. A reduced concentration of Retinol for the same benefit is also made possible because of the improved penetration. Apparently Syntoc Actif ensures localised delivery so that the Retinol does not pass in to the blood stream. The bottom line is, you get more impact with significantly less side effects.

On the skin this felt lovely, it's moisturising and for me the tint provided enough coverage so that I didn't need foundation. Just a bit of the Peau Vierge concealer and Loose Translucent powder was enough for a natural base. It can be mixed with foundation though if you prefer more coverage.

On my cheeks the make up artist used Blushing Bronzed Duet in Romeo & Juliet. As a base, Dualistic eye pencil in Champagne was applied and smudged on the mobile lid. For the eyeshadows, I opted for a lesson in how to use the Le Cirque Kalidescope which I recently purchased. The Couches de Couleur system for applying these eyeshadows is different to most eyeshadow application. So that I don't ramble on for too long, I shall talk about this in another post! For this look, the eyeshadows were applied from bottom to top (i.e. darkest colour first) but it is also possible to apply top to bottom for a softer look.

I was shown how to use their precision liquid liner to tight line. I need more practice to perfect this technique but I'm determined to crack it as it really adds definition. For my lashes she chose Aubergine rather than black. The colour isn't at all obvious but it does a lovely job of bringing out the colour of my eyes. I really like the fact that you can see how much is left too as the tube is clear.

Last of all, the make up artist used the Lip Kaleidoscope. The colours can be used alone of layered like the eyeshadows. She applied bottom to top, the colours are all quite different but the effect with each one layered is beautiful. It felt so moisturising too (I was smacking my lips all the way home). At this point Mikey Castillo came over for a chat. Mikey is Director of Make Up for Le Métier and also designer of the lip palette. He explained to me that they were careful to choose just the right ingredients for the lip products as so much is ingested. This attention to detail really shows across all of their products. What also shows is how much these people care about the brand they're representing which is so refreshing.

So, this is the end result. I wished I'd taken pictures before I left Selfridges as these were taken in bad lighting after traveling home on a packed and sweaty train! Although they don't do the make up justice I think you can still get an idea for the effect.

I have to confess that I cracked and bought the Champagne pencil despite my spending ban. I couldn't resist, it's a gorgeous taupe colour which looks good smudged on it's own. I'd bought Le Cirque already so I will be posting swatches and looks with both of these very soon. I'm also making a special plea to Santa for some Peau Vierge this Christmas (along with my request for a Tom Ford lipstick of course). This stuff is not cheap at £90 but it felt so nice and I actually believe the science behind it.

The team are still there today and tomorrow (see my post here for details), if you're near to Selfridges I'd encourage you to pop along for a look. Please say hello from me if you do!




*I feel so terrible as I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the lady that did my make up. She was a very beautiful lady, originally from Texas and if anyone knows her name please let me know! I do remember Mel of course, one of the UK team. She's another girl from the area formally known as North Humberside. You know what it's like when two Yorkshire lasses get together.....

My Afternoon with Oxford Jasmine

If you follow me on twitter you probably already know that I was lucky enough to spend some of Sunday afternoon with the very lovely Oxford Jasmine. After a conversation which started on twitter, Jasmine invited me round for a makeover and of course I jumped at the chance. I'd seen the video of her studio so was more than happy to have opportunity for a nosy in those draws, as well as get a lesson from a makeup expert.

Jasmine asked in advance if I had any particular make up concerns or issues. Top of the list was the worry that with my new school run routine, I'd be going out bare faced unless I could learn a quick and easy face! On the day we looked at some images for inspiration and I picked out a photo that was a very subtle, almost nude make up look. Probably a little boring of me but the words of my Mother from my own school days still ring in my ears "It's school, not a fashion parade"! It also gave Jasmine opportunity to show me some placement tips and tricks to make the most of my features.

Here is the photo of the quick day look. I was really pleased with how it looked and I loved how Jasmine had done my eyes. She used a matte light brown/beige from the UD Naked palette as a natural crease colour. The colour was concentrated on the outer part of the crease and the inner corner to give more dimension to my eyes. As I was able to compare the difference with and without the crease colour, I was amazed at the effect. I've also taken away the trick of applying concealer in a V on the outer corner to sharpen up the outer edge of my eye. I was really pleased with how it lifted up my eyes which are a little hooded. I have my eye on an ELF pen liner after Jasmine used this to apply liner just at the lash line.

I was instantly taken with The Body Shop lipstick Jasmine picked for this look. It's a beautiful dark peachy nude. It's not a colour I would have typically chosen but I love how it looked. So much so that I went out and bought it today, I have it on as I type. For reference it's number 42. I really like the blusher too, from memory it was a mixture of a cream blush from a palette and a smidge of E.L.F. Natural Radiance blusher in Bronze.

Along with the defined brows this is a great "My Face but Better" look for me. It's been great for the school run too.

In complete contrast to the day look, Jasmine created a stunning smoky eye as an evening look. I really loved this. I can't give exact shade details as it was an amazing blend of three shadows from two different palettes. The basis of it was MAC Teddy eye kohl (one of my favourite liners) and this was applied to my lower lash line and crease and smudged out. I was really pleased with this as it's always great to find new ways with old favourites!

For a bit of fun, I added some false lashes later on. It is entirely normal to be be wearing false lashes at 5pm on a Sunday isn't it? My photos aren't great and please excuse the visible blob of glue but I thought it would be fun to share the pictures with you.

I had such a great time with Jasmine. I learned so much, I have a list as long as my arm of E.L.F. products and brushes I want to get after my rummaging and as well as all that, I enjoyed fabulous conversation and scrummy homemade cake! So, huge thanks to the talented and very stunning Oxford Jasmine for such a lovely afternoon. Believe me, her studio is make up nirvana!

You can read Oxford Jasmine's post about our get together here.

Beauty counters give me THE FEAR!

I have a confession to make. I have a secret fear of beauty counters and the people that work at them. Well, I guess it's not so secret anymore. I've always had THE FEAR but these days I've developed strategies to stop me scuttling away the minute someone makes eye contact! This mostly involves a prepared list and spending even longer than normal putting my make up on, much to my husbands amusement.

I've had this 'issue' for as long as I can remember. Only now as my love for cosmetics grows I'd dearly love to grow a pair get over it. I'd love to pour over the make up without worrying that I'm going to be approached. I'd even like to accept a makeover if offered. I'm not absolutely sure what I'm scared of. I think the fear is that they are looking at me thinking she shouldn't be here, her make up is awful/she's too fat/not beautiful enough to buy this, delete as appropriate. It's totally ridiculous as make up is for everyone, not just the beautiful and it should be about enhancing what you've got. Believe me, I've given myself a talking to many time but to no avail!

I suppose it doesn't help that I've had a few bad experiences at counters. The bruised eye look at a Lancôme concession and the Benefit sales assistant arguing that the foundation was a perfect colour match (I'm sure it would have been, if only I was an Oompa Loompa)! The internet has revolutionised make up buying for me. I first found Specktra when I discovered what a make up swatch was and I've not looked back since! I love that you can peruse a collection or look at hundreds of shades without even leaving the house. It makes it so much easier knowing what I want to look at before I even approach a counter, or buy online and avoid THE FEAR altogether.



The only trouble is, now I really do want to brave a make over. I'm also planning a trip to London in the not too distant future and I want to look at a few lines which aren't available or have limited availability online. It will be a bit of a washout if I can't get near the make up for fear that someone will talk to me!

So, tell me, what is your approach to make up counters? Do you go with a plan or do like to just pop along to see what's new? Do you have a particular sales assistant that you trust and do you enjoy make overs? I'd also love to know if anyone else if counter challenged like me!

Jane x