Makeup for mature women

A friend of mine was very curious to see what makeup she could buy for her mam who doesn't wear alot so I decided to turn it in to a blog post and share my views on this subject with you all.

-The main issue that women face as they get older is that their skin begins to age. Some get wrinkles, sagging skin and also their skin looses the glow that it once had. The main way we identify if someone looks older is by their skin and so it's essential that when applying makeup that you keep your skin looking fresh and glowing. It is also important to ensure that the skin is well hydrated by applying moisturisers both day and night and also drinking plenty of water

-Starting with the base I would recommend a BB Cream for a fresh faced look. It will come of no surprise that I would recommend the Dr Jart+ range of BB Creams. If you would prefer something with a little more coverage then I would suggest something like the Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation which gives a beautiful glow to the skin without looking too heavy.

-Dark under eye bags and circles can be a big telltale sign of older eyes so applying a peachy based concealer will correct any dullness and brighten this area. You will not believe the difference this step makes. Bobbi Brown have amazing peach toned concealers but I am a big fan of the Corrector Wheels and a great one to try is the Sonya Colour Corrector wheel which is available from a Forever Living representative (contact me for details on your nearest stockist).

-As skin ages it may develop pigmentation and broken capillaries etc. The Sonya Concealer palette is great as it contains 5 different concealer colours which will help correct all of these issues. Be sure to use the green, purple and yellow under your foundation. And this little kit comes with instructions so its very handy indeed.

-Strong blush is a big no no for women of age at it will add years on to you before you know it. Peach tones suit most skintones so I would suggest using a cream blush like Boujours Cream Blush in 01 or 02 depending on how strong you would like the blush to be. Also applying it right onto the top part of the apples of the cheeks will make the cheeks appear more lifted and youthful.

-If you want to add bronzer I would suggest adding a cream or liquid bronzer in very small amounts. Again Boujour's Bronzing Primer would be my choice for all ages. My review is here.

-To set the makeup apply a small amount of loose or mineral makeup only on the t-zone area (forehead, nose and chin) as we want to try keep the skin looking as fresh and glowing as possible so caking it with powder products really isn't a good idea.

-Filling in eyebrows is a must for everyone but especially for older women. Lightly fill in your eyebrows with an angeled brush and a brow powder remembering to keep it looking as natural as possible. If you are unsure of what colour to choose start with the lightest shade and add more as you go along. The MUA Pro Brow kit is an excellent kit as it contains 3 eyebrow colours, a brow wax and a mini tweezers and brush. Well maintained brows is also essential so ensure you keep them trimmed and even tinted if you wish.

-Now on to the eyes. I do not like to see older women with alot of eye makeup. I think it ages the person considerably. As you get older the main focus should be on creating beautiful youthful skin. However to make up the eyes I would suggest using an eyeshadow base (or a lightweight concealer) all over the lids to correct any discolouration on the eyelids. I adore Mac's Painterly paint pot as an eyebase. Then for the eyeshadow itself I would always opt for a neutral toned eyeshadow all over the lid. A peach, light brown or taupe colour is very flattering for older eyes. Also applying a matte slightly darker brown eyeshadow on the outer corners of the eyes and in the eye sockets will help lift the eye and make them appear more youthful. In the MUA brow kit their are some really nice matte brown colours which could be used to blend into the crease.

-Lining the waterline with a nude toned eyeliner is an amazing way to brighten up the eyes. I would recommend Rimmels scandaleyes waterproof kohl in the shade nude.

-A great tip to make the lashes appear thicker is to line the eyes with a brown (less harsh than black) eyeliner  and really work this in between the lashes to give the eyes some definition.

-Curling the eyelashes will help make the eyes appear wide awake and then apply a decent coat of your favourite mascara. I tend to like the Max Factor mascaras for older women as they always have extra vitamins added in to help nourish lashes.

-Keep the lips very subtle buy ensure that the products used are very moisturising. I love Revon Lip butters or Cliniques chubby sticks to add a little colour and at the same time moisturise the lips.Again peach tones will be most natural and flattering looking on most skintones.

Well thats all for this blog post. I really hope you find this useful and please pass it on to anyone who you think might find it useful. It really is less is more when applying makeup to a woman who has age on her side. Caking makeup is not a good look on anyone but especially not on older skin as it will add years on to the person.

Take Care xxxx

June 2013 Favourites

I bought ALOT of new products in June because I was lucky enough to go to London for IMATS. However,as that was towards the end of June I didn't have time to test alot of the products yet so I cannot give my honest opinion on them yet. However, I did fall in love with one or two of them instantly so I think I will have to give them a mention below.

So lets get going.

My skin is misbehaving alot lately. One minute its dry and next I am full of zits, YUK!! The two masks I have  reached for time and time again in June (and in every other month since I purchased them a while back) is the Una Brennan's Superfacialist Rose Hydrate and Tea Flower Deep Clean Masks. Read my full review on these here. These really are amazing masks and are very reasonably priced. When I use these I feel I am using professional quality products but without the steep price tag.

Picture from www.michaeltoddtrueorganics.com

Keeping with skincare again. I am nothing less than obsessed with the Michael Todd Intense Organic Eyecream. I have searched long and hard for a great eyecream that I can wear both night and day and that actually makes a difference to my dehydrated eyes. Oh boy have I found it!!!! This eyecream has a very light texture so it can be worn during the day and doesn't cake your under-eye concealers but at the same time it is so hydrating and the minute I put this on I can see the fine lines (yes I have some) reduce significantly. I will definitely be sticking with this for the foreseeable future. Michael Todd is an american brand I discovered in the last few months and I cannot get over the quality of the skincare for the price they charge. You should take a look if you are in the market for a new skincare regime. I will do a blogpost in the future about this brand and my favs from the range.

Pic from www.stila.co.uk

Moving on to makeup....... I only bought this palette in London but I am seriously in love. I dare to say it but for me its the nicest neutral palette I have ever owned, and boy do I own a few! The Stila in the lights palette consists of (for me) the perfect mix of shimmery and matte shades that allow you to create endless eye looks.  Need I say more.....maybe I will in an upcoming blog post.

Another favourite of mine this month is the eyeliner that comes with the Stila in the lights palette. Its called Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in the shade Damsel and it is the perfect deep brown colour that really compliments the palette well but the most important thing is it stays put for a long time, even on the waterline. Two favourites in one....loving this palette.

I wrote about the Boujour Bronzing Primer in my Summer Lovin' blogpost in mid June. I am crazy about this product. I use it over my foundation as a cream bronzer. It in no way makes my skin look orange or cakey but instead really just makes my skin look radiant and healthy. I will use this even in the winter!!! I am sure of it. Because my skin is breaking out a good bit I am avoiding using fake tan on my face at the moment just incase it irritates it and so I find this is great to help even out the colour of my face to my body.

Pic from www.feelunique.com 

Some days I get oily skin (even though I wouldn't have oily skin...I know skin drama). Soooo to keep this at bay I am loving the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Shade 001 Translucent. This seriously is one of the best oil control powders on the market and it costs like €5.99 (I actually found this here for €4.99, BARGAIN). I would say Rimmel powders in general are a definite must have for every makeup bag. They are great quality for a teeny tiny price.

Pic from www.maccosmetics.com

Mac's Cultured Lipglass has been a fav of mine for a while now but I seem to have become obsessed with it in June. Its the "perfect" pink shade of gloss that just adds sex appeal to your pout without being OTT and dramatic looking.

Pic from www.cocoabrown.ie

I am not into the overly bronzed look lately. I really love having a tan but I hate the "you've been tangoed" look that some girls adore. Instead I love to look naturally golden. I think it suits me (and most people) better and the fake tan seems to wear off better if its not layered too much. To achieve this look I am using the Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan which I reviewed here. This is such an easy tan to use but gives a lovely tan without looking overly fake and unnatural.

Pic from www.theperfumeshop.com

My favourite scent of the month is Roberto Cavalli Eau de Parfum. What can I say??? You need to smell this to experience it's beauty. The only way I can describe this scent is that it's an oriental floral type scent that to me screams strong sexy woman. And the packaging keeps with the strong sexy team, I just adore the lid, it reminds me of a crown.....

Ok so that's it for my monthly favourites. I just want to mention quickly that I am still loving and using the below products which I have mentioned in previous monthly favourites. This is a true testament to these products because I try ALOT of new products so to continue using something is a big deal and really means that it really works well for me.
I still love all the products mentioned in my April Favourites aswell as the MUA pro brow kit, the Sigma Mrs Bunny Collection (full review here) and Avon's supershock gel liner pencil from my February Favourites. I do still like the other products mentioned in my favourites but I have either found a better alternative or am currently testing another product of this type...stay tuned for updates in the future!

Well I think I have done enough rambling for one day. I hope you all enjoyed the post and be sure to let me know your favourites for this month. Have a beautiful day no matter what you get up to xxxx

Una Brennan's Super Facialist Must Have Face Masks

My skin at the moment is going through a bit of a nightmare phase. One minute it is dry and dehydrated and the next my skin is covered in acne breakouts. So I decided to buy a mask that would help to calm the dryness and also one that would clear out the toxins from my skin and help keep acne under control.

So on a whim I headed to Boots (as you do) and came across the Una Brennan skincare line. I bought (without giving it much thought to be honest) the Rose Hydrate Intense Moisture Mask and the Tea Flower Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask. Since I got these I haven't looked back. I feel that no matter what my skin concern is I can apply either of these masks and my skin will reap the benefits.

So....what do the products claim to do?

Well the Rose Hydrate Mask claims to "Boost skin moisture levels and radiance". This it does. I love using this when my skin is dehydrated but I also love to use it on special occasions when I want my skin to have a glow because it really does freshen and lift the skin. 

This mask can be used on all skin types including sensitive so you don't have to worry about irritation after using it. The ingreadients include White Willow extracts (increases cell turnover), Vitamin E, Urea and Soothing Marhsmallow all of which will hydrate and replenish the skin. 

It states on the tube to apply this one or twice a week but I tend to go between this and the Tea Flower Mask depending on my skin concerns.  I find if you apply this a few minutes before you apply your makeup, rinse, moisturise and then apply your foundation your skin will be subtle and plumped and your makeup will look amazing. Give it a go!!!

The consistency of this mask is almost like a lotion but it is seriously hydrating.

Both masks only cost €10.99 each for a 125ml tube. They are are currently on offer in Boots. The range is exclusive to boots and can be purchased in stores or online at www.boots.ie.

The Tea Flower Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask is one of the best detoxing face masks I have ever tried. It claims to "Clear your skin of dirt, excess oils and toxins which lead to breakouts". Does it stand up to it's claims? Hell yeah!!!! This mask will draw out all your impurities but it doesn't strip the skin of oils like other masks do. I often breakout after using this but its not because my skin is irritated by the product but because this gets rid of all the nasties from your skin, better out than in I say!! I also LOVE this mask for when I have active breakouts because I feel it calms the spots and reduces the ugly redness. My spots don't seem to last as long as they used to because I think this kills them quicker or something like that...

It contains Salicylic Acid which is a skin savior in my eyes as it really aids in unclogging pores and healing acne breakouts. It also contains "oil-absorbing Dead Sea Mud" which is amazing for calming and detoxing the skin and Avacado oil which is great for rebalancing the skin. An all round marvel mix for acne prone skin. 

The consistency of this mask is thick and mud like. When applied to the skin it is wet but as it sets on the face it dries. To remove this I suggest using a hot face cloth as it can be tough to get off sometimes. Hold the hot cloth over your face for a few seconds before removing the mask which will help loosen the product. 

Again this mask can be used one to twice a week for 5 minutes but as I said I rotate depending on my skins condition. Unfortunately I use this one more often as I have acne breakouts alot.

Consistency: Left:Rose Hydrate Right:Tea Flower

Overall these masks are amazing value for money as they really work wonders on the skin. They don't feel over-perfumed or synthetic in any way and I have not had an reaction to them at all (I have very sensitive skin). I adore the smell of them both as you can really smell the ingredients of each one, which usually means that there is a high content of the ingredients in the product and not overly packed with nasty additives. 

I am excited to try other offerings from Una Brennan's range as these two masks have made me a very happy girl. I feel like for every skin disaster there is an Una Brennan Mask to fix it!! 

The Summer Edition Part One : Makeup must haves for Summer 2013

We all love to look our best at all times but the good weather can bring some makeup mishaps!! To avoid unsightly panda eyes and oily faces check out my below makeup essentials to keep your face in place and looking good all summer long

My first essential is the infamous primer by Smashbox in the light version. This is a great base for summer makeup as its not greasy and is very light so it will not cause breakouts or excess oil.

If you don't want to wear heavy makeup I would recommend trying a BB Cream. These are great as they provide a light coverage while at the same time cut out having to use loads of products on the skin as they will also moisturise the skin aswell as providing you with an SPF . My favourite is Dr Jart+ water fuse BB Cream which contains a whooping SPF 25.

If you prefer to wear something with a little more coverage my favouite liquid foundation at the moment is Mac's Studio Fix fluid. This foundation stays in place all day so won't leave you looking like a grease monkey.

I am loving Boujour's summer collection. They have amazing cream products which are great for the Summer weather. My two favourite's are:

Cream Blush. They are great for giving a beautiful flush to your cheeks without looking too cakey and powdery. These little beauties come in 4 different shades so there is one to suit everyone skin tone.

I am a big fan of cream bronzers and this one is definitely a must have. Boujour's bronzing primer is amazing to use to add colour to the face. I use this either as a cream contour or as a bronzer for a beautiful sunkissed look. Check out my full review here

To set all your cream products an amazing product to use without looking too made up is Mac's Mineralised Skin Finish Natural. This gives such a beautiful finish to the skin and keeps your cream products in place all day long. 

A great finishing step is a makeup setting spray. My favourite is Urban Decays All Nighter setting spray. Urban Decay also have other setting sprays in their line for different skin types so there will be one to suit all skin types. 

I don't like to wear too much products on the eyes during the summer but below are a few of my essentials for making summer eyes pop!

Cream shadows are great for summer and Makeup Forever do an amazing range of waterproof cream products in their Aqua line. Their cream shadows are amazing and will not budge during the day. The range of colours are absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the money. 

Colour Mascara is a fantastic way to brighten up eyes. Again Boujour have a great range this summer. These really add something special to the eyes.

And last but not least we need to add a hint of colour to the lips. I am really into the chubby sticks this year and Clinique do an amazing range. At first I thought they wouldn't add any colour but they really do and are also moisturising. These are great for popping in your handbag as they are easy to apply on the go and don' get sticky in the heat.

Well that's it for my summer essential makeup products. If you would like to see a post on my summer skincare, fake tan, body or haircare routines please let me know via facebook!! I hope you found this little post helpful and enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts. 

Big Kisses

xxxxx

My everyday Mac Essentials

Over the last few months I have really started to love Mac again. As a teen I was obsessed with this brand but then as I got more interested in makeup and learnt more about it I started to try new brands. However, as I am a self confessed Youtube addict I watch so many different makeup "gurus" and some of them are Mac makeup artists and so use alot of the products in their videos which made me want to  try them out again. When I use Mac I always feel like you can rely on the products because they always seem to deliver great long lasting results(well except for one or two of them).

My everyday makeup routine consists of five Mac products, amongst other brands of course!!! So if you would like to know which products I use the most from Mac then keep reading:

I am loving Studio Fix Fluid Foundation (I am shade NC20 at the moment). This foundation is very light on the skin but has amazing coverage and lasts all day. This doesn't cause me to break out either which is fantatsic, I am such a fan of this. It has an SPF of 15 in it which is very handy indeed. 

To set the foundation I adore Mineralized Skin Finish Natural (shade Medium). This just gives a beautiful veil to the skin that looks "natural" but holds makeup in place all day. If you are oily I would recommend using a blotting powder under this to eliminate oil production during the day. This is also great buffed onto bare skin for a light coverage on days when you don't fancy wearing a full face of makeup.

Melba Blush Powder has to be my all time favourite blush. It is a matte peachy rosy colour that looks well on all skintones and is great for all seasons. I love it in the summer to add a peachy fresh glow to the skin but then its great in the winter with a dark lip and pale skin. A definite must have for all occasions. 

I love Mac's paint pots as eye primers.My favourite one is Painterly. This is a flesh coloured cream eyeshadow that evens out the skintone on your eyelids and preps the lid for eyeshadow. It also makes your eyeshadow go on effortless and last, crease-free all day.

To add a nice tint to the lips for everyday without looking OTT I love to use Cultured Lipglass. This is a beautiful pearly pink colour that goes so well with alot of makeup looks. Its an easy colour to use as you don't need to think about if its going to work with your look because its sure to !!

Melba Blush,Cultured Lipglass and Painterly paint pot

Well that's the five Mac products that I use in my everyday makeup routine. What Mac products do you like best?? I will be adding to my Mac collection soon I am sure so would love if you could all recommend your fav products so I can check them out. Have a great day my beauties. xxxxx

Summer Lovin'- My new addiction

I am a massive fan of cream face products and also bronzing products so when I came across the new Boujour Bronzing Primer I was intrigued. I have used the Soleil Tan De Chanel for a long time and am a big fan but this new beauty wins hands down in the bronzing battle.

The Boujour Bronzing Primer is marketed as a primer but I much prefer it as a cream bronzer. I use this to add a light sun-kissed glow to the areas of my face that get the sun most (temples, cheeks, nose, chin etc) or I use it to contour the hollows of my cheeks, it all depends really on the look I am going for.

Beautiful mousse like texture. Not oily at all but yet feels moisturizing

The texture of this product is like none I have seen before. It a whipped mousse texture which is so easy to blend. The colour is perfect on all skin-tones (except dark) and doesn't add a cakey, muddy look to the skin but instead add a simply stunning glow that just makes the face look radiant....ah I am in love!!

Before- I only used a tiny amount...oh look how pale I am !!!

After the product is blended into the skin using my fingers-the glow is beautiful

Oh and the smell....what can I say. The scent is a mix of sweet orange blossom and cocoa so it smells like you could eat it (probably not the best idea)!

I also love the fact that it is moisturizing to the skin but doesn't make the face oily in anyway. This would be a great product to wear alone instead of foundation on holidays (be sure to wear an SPF if you are in the sun as this doesn't contain one) or on days that you just don't want to wear makeup but want a "glow". To apply this I use a Real Techniques buffing brush and gently buff the product into the areas I want to add the colour to. You could also use your fingers but be sure to work the product in well to avoid product build up.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection

I got the bronzer on special in Boots for €8.99 but I think the usual price is around €13. Compared to the Chanel one which costs almost 4 times this it is a definite bargain buy that will be a summer staple in my makeup bag this year and hopefully for many years to come.

Let me know if you have tried this and what you think of it, I would love to hear your views.

Love and kisses xxxx