Beauty Basic. LASH CURLING.

Which Lash Curler?

Curling your lashes opens up your eyes and makes your lashes look thicker and longer. To some, lash curlers look like instruments of torture, but to a make-up artist, they're an essential beauty tool - their favourite set of lash curlers is one of the first things out of the box when they're preparing models for photoshoots. That's because they can give even the straightest set of lashes a fantastic curl, making them look lusher and thicker - even without mascara - and giving the eyes and open youthful look.



Shopping For Curlers.

 You'll find the most basic clamp style of eyelash curler - as well as lash curling mascaras - on the beauty shelves of large high street pharmacies and department stores. Pricier heated lash curlers are also sold in some department stores and in specialist beauty shops - or try Internet suppliers.



Lash Curlers.

Curlers

What is does;

Scissor-style tool clamps lashes between curved metal bar and latex pad.

Pros & Cons;

+ Gives great lift and curl for small initial outlay.

- Can't be used after mascara, can end lashes if not used with care.

Best for Daily use before putting on make-up.



Mini Curlers

What it does;

Spring-operated plastic tool squeezes lashes between plastic bar and latex pad.

Pros & Cons;

+ Very compact, works over dry mascara.

- Awkward to use a flat shape, doesn't sit smoothly over eyelid.

Best for Boosting curl for a natural look when you're on the go.



Heated Curlers

What it does;

Lashes are squeezed into a curl between the curved plastic bar and heated latex pad.

Pros & Cons;

+ East to use, Gentle heat action gives longer lasting curl.

- Takes several minutes to warm up; batteries are pricey.

Best for Special occasions when you have plenty of time to get ready.



Heated Comb

What it does;

A plastic comb lifts and curls, while heated elements 'set' the lashes.

Pros & Cons;

+ Lifts and curls instantly, can be used after mascara.

- Can feel uncomfortably hot when places close to eye.

Best for Lifting sparse or very straight lashes after applying mascara.



Curling Mascara

What it does;

The formula contains polymers that stretch and curl the lashes.

Pros & Cons;

+ Combines curl with added length and volume.

- Lashes can clump together, less effective on very straight lashes than a standard curler.

Best for When you want to add glamour and thickness to sparse lashes with a little natural curl.



Lash Perm

What it does;

A beauty therapist uses perm solution and tiny rollers to curl the lashes.

Pros & Cons;

+ Lasts eight weeks and survives showers and swims.

- Can make lashes too curly; must be carried out by a qualified practitioner

Best for Maintenance-free lashes with round-the-clock curls for a special holiday.



Lash Curling.

Find out how to open up and flatter your eyes with the curliest-looking lashes you've ever had - and still look completely natural.



Even if your lashes are poker-straight, using a lash curler can open up your eyes and make your lashes look curly, whether or not you're wearing mascara. Lash curlers can look a bit scary, but they're easy to handle when you know what to do. You will find out in this post how to give your lashes cover girl curls; the secret is to squeeze them several times with your curler - just one squeeze can leave them looking bent and unnatural.



Lasting Curls.

An eyelash perm guarantees glamorous lashes for eight weeks - they'll stay curled even in the testing conditions of a beach holiday. It's a job for qualified professionals only; in an hour-long process, a trained beauty therapist glues your upper lashes, one by one to a tiny spongey roller, applies a perm solution and lets it act for 10 minutes. She then applies a neutraliser and peels newly curled lashes off the roller.

Rollers come in three sizes - the smaller the roller, the tighter the curl.

Before booking yourself for an eyelash perm, arrange for a patch test in case you're allergic to any of the products used. Ask for one-use only products - once opened, perm solution goes stale, with disappointing results.



For natural, smudge-free beauty, all you need is a set of beautiful curled lashes and a coat of clear mascara,



Lash Curling Step By Step.

You can apply eye liner and shadow before using your lash curler, but make sure your lashes are completely clean - mascara can glue them to the curler pads, with painful results.



Step 1: Start as close to the base of the lashes as you can. Lifting up your eyebrow, rest the curved metal bar on your eyelid and squeeze the curler pads together several times.



Step 2: Move halfway up your lashes and squeeze the curler again. Then move it near to the tips and repeat - several short crimps rather than one long squeeze give a more natural curl.



Step 3: For a natural look and to set the curl, brush on a coat of clear waterproof mascara or comb through with clear eyebrow gel. Or for a really lush look, use your usual mascara.



Do's And Don'ts

Do use curlers before applying your mascara to prevent sticking.

Don't pull on the curler - you could pull out your eyelashes.

Do pull up your eyelid with your finger to make curling easier.

Don't use just one long squeeze - your lashes will look bent.

Do change the latex pads regularly for effective curling.

Don't give up - wet your lashes, pat them try and try again.

L'wren Scott - Lancome Collection - Holiday 2010.

This November designer L'wren Scott collaboration with Lancome will launch.

The line is to include lipstick, nail polish, eyeshadow pallete, lipgloss and mascara.

Let me know if you guys are looking forward to this collection !

Naomi Sparkles In New Campaign.

Naomi Campbell is looking better than ever as she strikes some trademark poses for the Monrena Rosa Spring 2011 campaign. Print and maxi dresses appear to be sticking around for another year girls!

Channel I LOve Inner Chanel

The Chanel Autumn/Winter 2010 make-up collection is a tribu

te to the unique personal style of Coco Chanel. Known for her love of contrast, she frequently mixed masculine with feminine, black with white and classic with modern. Peter Phillips, Global Creative Director for Chanel make-up, has created a collection that brings this to life, with daring emphasis on the eyes contrasting with soft, barely there lips. I love his dramatic take on the classic smokey eye- it's a definite win for those glam nights out!
te to the unique personal style of Coco Chanel. Known for her love of contrast, she frequently mixed masculine with feminine, black with white and classic with modern. Peter Phillips, Global Creative Director for Chanel make-up, has created a collection that brings this to life, with daring emphasis on the eyes contrasting with soft, barely there lips. I love his dramatic take on the classic smokey eye- it's a definite win for those glam nights out!

Weekend Detox Beauty Basics

Intro ...

A good detox clears the body of harmful substances and nourishes it with nutritious foods.



On a daily basics, the body can be exposed to additives, preservatives, colourings, chemicals, sweeteners,

caffeine and nicotine. In combination these can leave you feeling bloated, stressed out, moody and lacking in energy. Worse still, it can make your skin prone to blemishes, your nails weak and flaky, your hair dry and dull and your body tired and aching.



Ban Beauty Enemies !

A good detox cuts out these beauty enemies by sticking to food that comes directly from nature - fresh off the tree's, out of the ground, straight off the farm or fished from the sea. If a ready-meal in batter or breadcrumbs, comes in sauce, ban it from your kitchen. A true detox nourishes the body with natural goodness, and cleanses it from the inside out.



Body Benefits.

- Helps you to keep your wight under control.

- Results in clearer, brighter skin that's less prone to blemishes, dullness, dryness and oiliness.

- Gives you a healthier digestive system and prevents problems like indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.

- Clears the head and improves concentration; also helps you to sleep more soundly.

- Cleans out your liver and kidneys, leaving you healthy from the inside out.

- Banishes energy dips and lethargy, and gives you more zest to life.



If it's not fresh from a tree, a farm, the ground or the sea, don't eat it.



Detox meal ideas.

A weekend detox gives your body a break from the not-so-good food and drink that it contends with during the week.

Here are some meal idea's for the weekend ;



Saturday

Breakfast;

- Fresh fruit salad using 3 different coloured fruits; green (apple, melon, kiwi), yellow or orange (banana,pineapple, mango), and red (strawberry, cherry, grape). & top it with a dollop of natural bio yogurt.



- One scrambled, poached or boiled egg on two slices of wholemeal toast or rye bread.



Lunch;

- Grilled chicken breast (with the skin removed) served with wholegrain rice and steamed broccoli.



- Two slices of wholemeal bread or three oatcakes with grated carrot and humus, and a side salad of tomatoes, red lettuce, black olives and red onion.



Dinner;

- Steamed salmon, served with new potatoes, green beans and baby carrots.



- Wholemeal spaghetti bolognese, made with low-fat turkey mince, mushrooms, fresh plum tomatoes and herbs.



- Kidney bean couscous, with chopped mixed peppers, chunks of aubergine and courgette, and a drizzle of olive oil.



Hunger pang; Snack on dried fruit and nuts - they're packed with nutrients and there chewy texture will help you fuller.



Sunday

Breakfast;

- Natural bio yogurt mixed with rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts and seeds - lightly toasted sesame seems give it real flavour.



- Grilled tomatoes and mushrooms, two slices of wholemeal toast or rye bread.



Lunch;

- Homemade tomato and chunky vegetable soup, using 3 different types of vegetables,

a root vegetable (carrot, potato,swede), a cruciferous vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower, kale), and a bean (green, broad, butterbean) - and a sprinkle of black pepper.



- Jacket potato with chunks of feta cheese and beetroot, with 3 of your favourite vegetables lightly steamed.



Dinner;

- Tofu (or chickpeas), baby sweetcorn and sugar snap pees stir-fried in a drizzle of sesame oil and served with egg or rice noodles.



- Grilled skinless chicken with lettuce, spring onions, carrots, peppers, tomatoes and cucumber, served with a wholemeal roll.



- Steamed white fish (cod, haddock, plaice) garnished with lemon, served with fresh peas, carrots and garlic mash.



Hunger pang; Top a rice cake with sliced banana - it' what athletes eat to boost their energy before competing.



Detox Drinks.

Caffeine and alcohol are off the menu, which means no tea, coffee or cola. You can get your liquid refreshment elsewhere:

Hot Water and a slice of lemon is a great kick start to the day.

Herbal teas are a healthy replacement for caffeine. Peppermint aids digestion, camomile is calming, fruit teas pep you up and rooibos tea is made from the south African bush that is naturally caffeine-free and full of antioxidant goodness.

Freshly squeezed fruit juice beats sugar cravings and give you loads of vitamins and fibre. Try satsuma, raspberry and pink grapefruit.

Home-made smoothies made with natural bio yogurt are a tasty way to aid your digestion.

Water is best of all - tap, bottled, filtered, it helps flush toxins away and keep you hydrated.



Good Detox Habits.

These weekend detox will give your body a quick health boost but for longer-lasting results, incorporate these good detox habits into your everyday life.



Choose Wholemeal;

White bread, pasta, rice are full of refined stodge and yeast, which can cause tummy problems and thrush.

Look for wholewheat, wholemeal and wholegrain on the label - this means that grains are still their husk and rich in filling fibre.



Go Organic;

Organic food is free from the pesticides, fertilisers and other chemicals that we ingest when we eat non-organic foods. Try it for a weekend and you wont just taste the difference, you body will feel the difference. If organic is too pricey, make sure you wash all fresh fruit and veg thoroughly.



Ditch Dairy;

Dairy food is a great source of calcium and vitamin D, but it can also clog up your digestion system with mucus. Give it a break - try calcium-enriched soya milk instead. If you don't like how it tastes, try it sweetened with a little apple juice.



Steam Not Fry;

Frying and roasting smother food in fat, which boosts the number of cell-damaging, skin-ageing free radicals in your body. Spend the weekend quick stir-frying, grilling and steaming instead.



Pamper Not Punish;

Detoxing isn't about deprivation and isn't just about food. Laze in the bath, listen to your favourite music, take a stroll in the fresh air, visit a sauna or treat yourself to a massage. Caring for yourself is an important part of the detox process.



Get A Juicer;

Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juice is packed with nutrients and none of the preservatives and additives you get from a carton. Plus making your own juice means you can mix yup tasty concoction that takes your fancy - just wash, chop and juice.



How To Boost Your Detox.

Cut out alcohol and nicotine. Avoid withdrawal symptoms by cutting down gradually in the week before your detox.

Don't go hungry. Starvation is not the solution - snack regularly on fruit, nuts, seeds and raw vegetables.

Be Prepared. Make a shopping list and buy everything you need in advance, so you can detox as soon as you get up.

Let everyone know. Tell family and friends what you're doing, so they don't unwittingly jeopardise your plans.

I Love Self Tanners

Hey ladies so I thought I would do a little post on some of the my favourite self tanners and some of my not so favourite self tanners :)

I never really go for expensive tanning products to be honest because wan if Ited a perfect tan I would go to the salon and have a spray tan done, but I mostly like to use moisturising self tanners that build up over some time I think they give a more natural look.

So lets get started with the self tanners that I like, I have so many different ones I limited it down to just a few I like.

(This is in no particular order , just the products I like to use the most & the ones I would reccomend to anybody)

So I like to use this Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion - now I haven't actually used this in awhile but it is definitely one of my favourites that I have came across yet !

This lotion isn't thick and is easy to apply , when I'm using this product I generally use it after I shower before bed , after one application I always see visible results of a tan starting to build up , I'd say after the third day of using this I see full results.

This tan builds up well Ive never found it to streak , and it has a fresh fruity scent unlike other self tanners that can smell absolutely gross !

I would say to wash your hands after applying this product because in the past my hands did turn slightly orange in between my fingers if I didn't wash my hands properly, but overall this is a good self tanner, reasonable price ... I'm not sure 100% on the price but I know that it's very in-expensive and I would recommend this product to anybody.

Another of my favourites again by Garnier .. is this Garnier Ambre Solaire Self-tanning 12hr moisturising milk.

I love love love this self tanner ! I bought this when I was on holidays in Australia for five weeks reason being I'm so pale and wanted to give my body a tad bit of colour , so I was looking around the shops and came across this , I never actually had seeing this product anywhere in Ireland but I'm sure you can buy it anywhere. I'm not sure how much it is here in Ireland but it cost me 12 Australian dollars which is a bit pricey for a self tanning moisturiser - but it was so worth it.

Again I used this after I showered and before bed and I was amazed when I woke up the colour I achieved from just one application - a very strong bronze colour but not orange !

I didn't use this everyday because of the colour I achieved in 1 application I thought it would be a bit too much so I used it every second day, it was great for holidays and when I came back from Ireland I still used it and still do now. It smells good - doesn't have a strong scent which is good and doesn't leave you streaky so I would recommend this product to anybody - one of my favourites I have tryed so far.

If you read my blog you may have noticed that Ive blogged about this St Moriz instant tanning mousse quite a bit , but I love it.

This is the tan I have found myself reaching for the most in the last couple of months.

I'm not going to go into too much detail about this because I already have a separate review on this product so go check that out if you want to know what I think about this - all I can say is love love love !

This is the same as Garnier Summerbody but for your face (Garnier Summerface 12hr moisturising cream) ... I don't really apply that much self tan to my face if I was doing my body , because I have sensitive skin and break out a lot so I'd prefer not to use these type of products on my face just in case it would result in me breaking out - I bought this when I bought the Garnier Summerbody I think there was a offer on or something and I love it ... if I was to put self tanner on my face this is the product I would use, It never has broken me out, it doesn't have that icky smell it has a very fruity smell and is very moisturising on the face. I have used different self tanners for your face in the past and found that some turn very orange and blotchy but when using this it never has occured.

Another one of my favourite self tanning moisturisers is this Dove Summer Glow. At one stage everybody ranted and raved about this product - I myself being one of them people :)

This smells great , it also gives wonderful moisture which is good because I have very dry skin.

This is very build-able and it gives a very natural looking tan which I love.

I haven't found this product to streak on me but I would say to apply a little amount to your knee's, elbows, ankles and feet because if you apply to much it leaves these area's orange (believe me it has happened to me)

but if you apply very little you'll be non-orange !

This leaves my skin feeling soft and looking like I have a healthy glowing tan.

Its also very affordable so I would recommend this to anybody !



Two products that are a noo noo for me . . .

This is disgusting ! That's how I can only describe this product , I actually don't know why I haven't binned this already because I binned the Johnsons Daily Body Moisturiser - both of these products are the same only this one is for your face.

This left my face blothcy and a colour didn't even really show up on my face ... but the smell ugh !

The smell is very strong and it lingers long after the product dries in ... maybe it's just me but I personally dislike this very much and would not reccomend this to anybody.

This is another product I cannot stand ! I bought this from Avon awhile back now ... and only ever tryed it once , but from the experience I had with this I won't be using it again.

It was the smell that turned me off this - it is so over powering I was actually choking on the smell !

The product itself is very watery , I only did my legs with this because the smell was too strong and I'm glad I didn't do the rest of my body because my poor legs were left patchy and orange. Dislike dislike dislike !

So that was suppose to just be a 'little post' on some of the self tanner's I like and some that I don't like , I also love the Rimmel Sunshimmer instant tan & also Sally Hanson Airbrush legs.

I'm always on the hunt for new 'affordable' self tanners and instant tanners so if you guys know of any other products that you would recommend be sure to let me know in the comments below :)

Modern Beauty Basic

Intro ...

Pale matte skin first became a beauty ideal for Elizabethan women who used poisonous and paralysing lead oxide to achieve a stark white finish. In the 40s and 50s the glamor queens of Hollywood brought powder and flawless skin back into fashion, but back then, the finish was caked-on heavy.

Modern formulas are carefully milled to ensure that they feel super-fine on the skin. They care for your complexion rather than coating and clogging it and most importantly, they look like they aren't there.



Essential Tools

Powder can be applied with brushes or puffs - or a combination of the two.

Brushes: A big, soft brush distributes powder evenly and quickly, and you can use it to achieve the lightest dusting or a fuller application, A smaller brush is useful for hard-to-reach areas around the nose and eyes.

Puffs: Velour or velvet puffs are perfect for powdering oily skin complexion or shiny problem area's.

Powder lasts longer when it's applied this way too. Try patting it on with a puff first, then use a brush to buff off the excess and blend. Puffs should be washed regularly.



Special Ingredients

The way different powders look and behave depend on there ingredients.

Kaolin is derived from a natural white clay. It absorbs moisture and is resistant to oil. A high concentration can be drying.

Talc diffuses light, creating a matte effect. The more finely milled the better.

Mica reflects light, giving a shimmery finish and soft luminous effect, but too much mica in powder can look a little too sparkly and girly.



DIFFERENT TYPES OF POWDER.



* Loose Powder

What is does: Mattifies and sets your base, and makes blending bronzer, blush and eye shadow easier.



Pros & Cons:

+ You can use a little or a lot. Comes in lots of colours.

- Too bulky and messy to carry around with you. Application can take a little practice.



Best for: Most skin types, when you want to powder your face before going out.



* Translucent

What is does: Invisibly mattifies and sets base make-up; absorbs oil.



Pros & Cons:

+ Suits most skin types, makes skin appear even and smooth.

- Can look too pale if you have a tan.



Best for: All skin types, at any time of the day.



* Luminising

What it does: Reflects light, brightens your complexion and 'dresses up' your face.



Pros & Cons:

+ Gives you a healthy glow and accentuates contours.

- Can make skin look shiny if the powder contains large particles of glitter.



Best for: All skin types, when you have a special occasion and what to highlight cheekbones, shoulders, collarbones or decolletage.



* Pressed

What it does: Absorbs oil and fixes foundation and concealer.



Pros & Cons:

+ Portable, very fine powder; can be used to target small or large areas.

- Can be too heavy and drying for dehydrated skins.



Best for: Normal to oily skin types, when targeting problem areas, setting concealer or providing quick touch-ups.



* Blotting Paper

What it does: Absorbs shine and leaves behind a layer of powder to freshen your face.



Pros & Cons:

+ Mess-free way to remove oil from the skin and prevent caked-on powder.

- Is difficult to blend and has limited colour options.



Best for: Oily skin types, when you're on the go and want to blot away unwanted shine. Especially good in summer.



* Cream to powder

What it does: Turns to powder, mattifying the skin; provides fuller coverage than other powders.



Pros & Cons:

+ Long-lasting and can be worn on a bare face.

- Can smudge foundation and concealer if worn over the top. Too heavy for dry skin.



Best for: Oily and combination skins, when you want to disguise shine without wearing full make-up.





Choosing right colour for you.

- When wearing powder on bare skin, go for a shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible and allow your moisturiser to sink in before application.



- Translucent powder works best over foundation and concealer because it seals in your base and won't alter your skin colour.



- Check translucent powder in natural daylight to make sure it really is colourless. If powder is too pale you will look chalky and ill.



- Use a slightly lighter shade around your eyes to make them look brighter. You need just a tiny amount of powder and a light touch, otherwise you may dry out delicate skin or draw attention to lines.



- Avoid powder that is darker than your natural skin tone. It can highlight uneven skin and make you look blotchy or grimy.



When it comes to powder less is more - a light dusting provides the invisible layer that finishes off a perfect base.



Powder step by step

Choose the right tools and application method for the finish you want, A brush gives a light but effective dusting, while a puff gives a velvety matte effect - great for oily skins.



Step 1: Tap excess powder off your brush, then gently sweep powder over your T-zone area, which is where shine occurs most. Lightly brush across your forehead, down the nose and along the chin.



Step 2: Without adding more powder to your brush, sweep from the center of your face across the cheeks, taking care not to powder the hair line. Buff over the area a few times for even finish.



Step 3: If needed, use a small brush to pat a touch more powder over oily areas like the sides of the nose, across the chin, between the brows and over any blemishes, blending carefully.



If you don't have shiny skin, try leaving cheeks powder-free for a more luminous finish.



Do's and Don'ts

Do sweep powder over eye shadow - to help last longer.

Don't re-apply powder until you have blotted excess oil away.

Do use a puff if your skin is oily - your powder will last longer.

Don't apply lots of powder to lined areas like under the eyes.

Do tone down heavy powder by spritzing water onto your face

Don't brush over concealed spots - pat it on instead.