How to Conceal and Correct Uneven Skin

Spots! The Bain of my life for the last three or so years and something that at times can really affect my self esteem.  Nobody wants them however most girls at some point in their life will unfortunately experience them.  For me, I developed acne later in life and although it isn't half as bad as it once was I still suffer from it daily.  Diet,skin care and at times antibiotics have played a key role in controlling my breakouts however  makeup has been my saviour and is something that I rely on to help me feel more 'me'.  This might sound silly or even contradictory considering I am 'covering ' my features but I don't wear a lot.  I cover what I need to and enhance what I want to.  Believe it or not I don't wear a lot of foundation, I only apply it in the areas that I feel need it.  If I'm dramatising anything it will be my eyes and lips.  I love makeup and believe that it can not only be fun to experiment with but also really help women suffering from low self esteem.  So I thought I would share a little before and after picture and some 'how to' in terms of covering spots. Enjoy!     

Products

Primer

I use Laura Mercier oil free primer but also love Smash Box Photo Finish Light and Estée Lauder Matte Perfecting primer.

Foundation

On days that I feel I need a little extra coverage I use Estée Lauder Double Wear.  For me, this has been my holy grail in terms of long lasting high coverage foundations.  Believe me I have tried many!   I can't rave about this foundation enough.  Although it has high coverage it is definitely buildable and doesn't feel heavy or sticky on your skin.  An alternative would be Revlon Colour Stay, this is also really good and a less expensive option.

Under eye concealer 

There are lots of fantastic concealers on the market.  I like to use a creamy concealer under my eyes as I think they are more moisturising and less likely to look dry and 'cakey'.  For me, my go to under eye concealer is Rimmel's  Wake me up.  It is designed to reawaken and illuminate the under eye area and is available in four shades. Others I like are Touch éclat by YSL and Moisture Cover by MAC.

Spot concealer 

 I am currently using Mac Pro Conceal and Correct pallet in light.  However, Laura Mercier's Secret 

Camouflage concealer pallet is also fantastic and comes in eight shades.  Others that I've tried and love are Estée Lauder Double Wear, available in eight shades and also Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection available in two shades. 

Powder

Again, there are many excellent powders.  My favourite is Shu Uemura Translucent Powder and is one that is used by many makeup artists.  A good alternative is Rimmel's Stay Matte powder.

How to

Foundation

There is no right or wrong way to apply foundation, as long as you ensure everything is blended and you are wearing the correct colour.  Don't forget the ears!  Check the colour on the side of the neck and/ or the back of your hand, the colour should disappear.  To apply, some people like to use a brush, some a sponge and others just prefer to use their fingers.  Use whatever you are more comfortable with.  For me, because I tend to use liquid foundation I use a stippling brush.  My favourite is the Sigma stippling brush but Real Techniques also do a great one (available in boots). 

  

Under eye concealer 

For this I use my fingers and dab the product into my skin.   Choose a concealer that's a shade lighter than your foundation, or two shades depending on how dark your under eye circles are.  Yellow and peachy toned concealers help to counteract dark circles.

Spot concealer

I use a little synthetic buffing brush by Real Techniques and buff the product onto my spots, ensuring it is blended with the surrounding area. A little goes a long way, don't feel you have to use a lot. If after buffing the product in you feel you need a little more, dot a tiny amount directly onto the spot or redness and blend again If needed.  When concealing spots, use a shade as close to your natural skin tone as possible. 

Powder

For this you can use a brush or a powder puff.  I prefer to use a powder puff and press the product into my skin. I use this only in the areas I feel need it most, mainly my T Zone.  

Remember, only apply cover where you need it, too much everywhere highlights problematic skin rather then making it look better.

"who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle."

-Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Alice xox

Laura Mercier Primer and Tinted Moisturiser Review

Laura Mercier Primer and Tinted Moisturiser Review

For many years I believed that if you had spots or bad skin that the only solution was to smother your face in a delightfully thick layer of foundation (unblended of course).  As a result the majority of my early teens was spent being marched to the toilet by a disapproving teacher loaded with facewipes. Thankfully I now have a better understanding of makeup and how to apply it.  I am a strong believer in less is more!  This leads me on to two products that I believe can help achieve the 'no makeup makeup look'.

Laura Mercier Primer-oil free £28

I've used this primer before and have recently re purchased it thanks to InStyle's 'Best Beauty Buys 2014'.  There are two primers in this range , 'radiance' and 'oil free'.  I have the oil free version. Having oily skin I am forever searching for the holy grail in oil free long lasting products.  The Laura Mercier oil free primer is definitely one of these!  It has a nice creamy texture that helps smooth the skin and erase pores.  More importantly however it is long lasting, lightweight and is the perfect base for underneath your foundation.  The Laura Mercier oil free primer is definitely worth investing in.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser-oil free £33

This is great on days where you just can't be bothered applying foundation and want a nice breathable  natural finish.  I use this even on days when my skin is being problematic, possibly more so.  This product is lightweight yet buildable and allows my skin to show through.  I don't bother with brushes to apply this, instead using my fingers.  If I have breakouts I then spend time concealing in the areas that need it, finishing with a little powder if necessary.  I really love this tinted moisturiser and find along with the primer lasts throughout the day.

Both these products are staples in my makeup kit.

 

Alice xox

Recommended Dermalogica Products

Skin Care- Dermalogica Review

About two years ago I suddenly went from having clear, manageable skin which very rarely caused me any problems to really bad acne.  To this day I still don't know why this is and it seemed to happen overnight.  As a result I have become much more aware of what I am using on my skin and have literally tried everything and anything that might help.  I have been prescribed antibiotics by my doctor which seemed to help in the short term but as soon as I stopped taking them my skin flared up again.  Although my skin isn't as bad as it was initially I still suffer from bad breakouts.  However now I'm able to keep it under control through diet, exercise and skin care.

Like I said I have tried many different products and potions in the blind faith that they would somehow work miracles and rid me of bad skin.  In reality if you suffer from acne all the cleansers, toners, moisturizers and skin care products out there wont cure you of the problem.  For most people dealing with acne an antibiotic called Racutane is the best solution.  This is an antibiotic prescribed by a doctor and is very strong.  I've heard from people taking it that it definitely works but can have bad side affects so for me it will be a last resort.

I do believe however that there are certain products out there that will help you manage and control bad skin and for me that product is Dermalogica.  I discovered Dermalogica about a year ago and absolutely love it.

Dermalogica doesn't contain any irritants or ingredients that cause breakouts such as lanolin, SD alcohol, mineral oil, artificial colors and fragrances.  I have tried and tested many of their products and have found a select few that work perfectly for my skin which I would describe as combination/oily.  Here are a few recommendations of mine.

Dermal Clay Cleanser £27

This cleanser is a clay like formula, almost like a face mask and helps absorb excess oils. It helps calm irritated skin and has a lovely cooling sensation.  I use this in the morning and at night and even sometimes as a face mask.

Daily Microfoliant £40.30
This is a rice based exfoliant that activates when in contact with water. It is very gentle and can be used everyday.  I use this on the days I am not using the skin prep scrub which is slightly heavier.  It leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Sebum Clearing Masque £39.80
This is a clay based masque which helps clear and prevent breakouts while detoxifying skin. It has a nice cooling sensation on the skin.  Although this product is expensive I definitely think it is worth investing in. I use it twice a week either all over my face or just on my T Zone.

Overnight Clearing Gel £42.30
This is an overnight treatment that helps clear skin, calm inflammation and prevent future breakouts.  Like many spot treatments it doesn't dry out your skin.  It can also be used under makeup which is always handy.

Active Moist  £43
For a long time I have struggled to find a moisturizer that doesn't clog my skin and make it even more oily than it already is.  This moisturizer is perfect for oily skin.  It is lightweight and leaves skin feeling hydrated and can be worn under makeup.  I love this moisturizer.

I understand most of these products are at the high end of the price range but they are 100% worth the money.  For anyone wanting to try out a couple of products but not go all out and buy everything I would recommend the Dermal Clay cleanser and Active Moist Moisturizer to start.

For any makeup artists out there Dermalogica is a great addition to your kit and for preparing your clients skin before hand. I would recommend the Ultra Calming Cleanser, Multi Active Toner and Active Moist Moisturizer.

If after reading this you still aren't too sure, the Demalogica website is also incredibly useful and worth having a look at. It has a skin mapping section where it will tell you what products will work with your type of skin whether that be acne, oiliness, ageing, sensitivity or dryness.  Their products also feature in InStyle's 'Best Beauty Buys 2014'.  This issue is still in store and would be worth picking up as they have some great recommendations.

http://www.dermalogica.co.uk/uk/index.html

“How puzzling all these changes are! I'm never sure what I'm going to be, from one minute to another.” 
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Alice xox