Cleansing water, the new makeup remover

I am a firm believer in removing all traces of makeup before I go to bed, even after a night out, at 3am, I am there in my bathroom looking in the blurred mirror scrubbing my face clean.  If I don't, I pay for it the following day.  That being said, this process can at times be time consuming, with most working women wanting this part of their day to be as quick and painless as possible.

So with that in mind, I would like to introduce you to a product that in my opinion is far better for your skin than face wipes and that actually removes all traces of your makeup.  It is called 'Cleansing Water' and is targeted at people with sensitive skin.  There are many cleansing water's on the market however, I am only going to talk about two that I have tried, tested and love.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O £10.00

Available on Amazon 

This is a cult classic, used by most makeup artists, it is so gentle on skin and therefore perfect to use on models on fashion shoots.  It gently cleanses the face and eyes and removes water resistant makeup.  It is fragrance and alcohol free meaning that your skin will not feel irritated nor tight in the way that some face wipes can leave it.  All you do is soak the formula in a cotton pad and sweep over your face, repeating the process until the cotton pad remains clean. Job done.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water £4.99
Available in Boots and Superdrug

This does exactly the same thing as Bioderma.  It is great for sensitive skin and does not leave an oily residue.  Again, it contains no perfume and so it fine to use all over the face including eyes.  The same process applies as above in that all you need is a cotton pad.  I have recently switched to this as it is more accessible than Bioderma, being available in most retail stores such as Boots and Superdrug.  It is also half the price.

Garnier Express 2 in 1 £3.49
 Available in Boots and Superdrug

 I also use Garnier 'Express 2 in 1 eye makeup remover' as I feel the cleansing water doesn't quite get all my eye makeup off.  This is ultra gentle on eyes and extremely effective.  The best eye makeup remover I have tired in a while.

These products are great for anyone that is busy, on the go and likes to remove their makeup in one clean sweep.

Alice xox

40's Makeup look

Natural beauties were the ideal of the forties with makeup being minimal, classic and elegant.  Eyes were kept simple using taupe and muted browns through the socket, finished with black liner.  Lips were to look full and soft with red lip liner and lipstick making sure they were fuller at the bow.  Brows were well defined, arched and accented by use of a dark brown pencil.

Here is my version of a 40's look and what I used.

Eyes

Step 1. Prime the eyes using Rimmel 'exaggerate' eye primer.

Step 2. Apply mac's cream eye shadow base in 'bare canvas' all over the eyelid using your fingers.

Step 3. From the Smashbox palette apply the 4th colour from the left over the eyelid, blending towards the brow bone.

Step 4. From the smash box palette, apply the 2nd colour from the left through the eye socket, blending from the outer to inner corner of the eye.  This will create depth and definition.

Step 5. Finish with mascara, making sure you apply plenty of coats and don't forget the bottom lashes.

Step 5. Apply your lashes, I used Eyelure's 'volume' lashes in No. 083.

Step 6. Apply your liquid liner creating a feline flick, I used Tom Ford's eye defining pen.

Lips

Step 1. Fill in the full lip using a red lip liner, I used mac's liner in 'redd'.

Step 2. Apply your lipstick, I used Tom Ford's lipstick in 'True Coral'.

Tip

Apply a little bit of highlighter to your cupids bow.  This gives the illusion of fuller lips

 I really like this look, it is easy, simple and great for a night out.  I definitely need to practice more on the hair however, barrel rolls aren't quite as easy as I thought.  If anyone has any tips on how to create this hair style please let me know.

Alice xox

Liz Earl Skincare

Skincare is something that more and more people are taking an interest in and for anyone new to it, it can be hard to know what to buy.  There are so many different brands offering different results and all at varying prices.  I have tried numerous brands over the years and am always on the look out for something new.  Like many, I take an interest in looking after my skin but don't want to spend a fortune doing so.  

I discovered Liz Earl about a year ago and have recently re purchased a few of their products.  Using all natural ingredients, Liz Earl is affordable, simple and more importantly actually works.  My skin type is oily, so upon recommendation by an extremely helpful and knowledgeable rep in John Lewis I was able to tailor the products to my skin type.  

Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14.50 100ml

If you are trying Liz Earl for the first time, this is a must have.  Suitable for all skin types, this award winning cleanser is a  rich creamy formula that you massage into the face.  This is then removed with a muslin cloth (your receive two with your purchase) that has been soaked in hot water.  I absolutely love this cleanser, it leaves my skin feeling soft and thoroughly cleansed. 

Skin Repair Light Moisturiser £19.25 50ml

This moisturiser is suitable for combination, oily or problem skin.  It is light and gentle and doesn't leave an oily residue on the skin.  I never skip moisturising my skin, even if you have oily skin I would recommend always doing this step.

Gentle Face Exfoliator £14 70ml

I use a face scrub at least twice a week however in the past I've found that most scrubs are either too harsh or too gentle.  This scrub is the perfect balance.  The exfoliator contains fine jojoba beads that gently buff away dead skin cells.  It also contains eucalyptus oil, almond oil and cocoa butter to keep skin moisturised at the same time.

Deep Cleansing Mask £14.50 75ml

This clay mask contains naturally ingredients that help to draw out impurities.  I use this at least twice a week after my face scrub.  It contains green clay, manuka honey and rose scented geranium and comes with two sponges.

http://uk.lizearle.com/about-us

If you try any of these products go for the Hot Cloth Cleanser.

Head to the Liz Earl website to find out what products will work for you.

Alice xox

Tom Ford eyeshadow pallet Cognac Sable

Cognac Sable Tom Ford

My product of the month has to be the Tom Ford eyeshadow pallet in 'Cognac Sable'.  This product is one of Tom Ford's best selling eyeshadow pallets and I can see why.  To start with, it comes in the most beautiful, luxurious packaging that includes a mirror, mini brushes and suede pouch.  The actual product itself consists or 4 eye shadows, two of which have a lovely satin finish, one a shimmer and the final being a gorgeous celestial glitter. 

This product is definitely versatile and can easily achieve that day to nighttime look that many love. 

Being a luxury brand Tom Ford is more expensive than most however is you feel like treating yourself I promise you won't be disappointed.

I think these colours will look great for Autumn/ Winter paired with a burgundy or dark plum lip.  For summer I would wear this with a coral or peachy nude lip.

Alice xox