Skin Prep
After over indulging more than a little the past week, my skin was in need of some serious tlc before I began my makeup…
Dr Jart+ Most Moist Water Max Sleeping Mask has been a godsend to me over the holiday period… I’ve been using it every couple of nights and as the name suggests, it literally feels like a drink for the skin, allowing me to wake up looking much more well rested than I deserve and without that greasy layer that I get with dehydrated skin. [edit: I’ve just noticed Dr Jart is on 3 for 2 at Boots… maybe time for me to try the Premium BB Cream!]
Filorga Hyal Defence complete protective hyaluronic acid serum® is a beautifully light gel which has been locking in a serious dose of moisture by day with generous quantities of my favourite ingredient, hyaluronic acid. Not only does it contain lots of the good stuff, it also prevents its breakdown and plumps up the skin.
Multi award winning Temple Spa Skin Truffle is so much more than a moisturiser with a host of gleaming NYE worthy ingredients! Illuminating diamond powder, gold and silk sit alongside black truffles, grape seed champagne, strawberries and cocoa butter. The texture is rich and silky; it feels expensive (it is!) and my skin loves it!
I’ve also fallen for Eysilix Instant Eye Rescue by Indeed Labs. I must admit I was sceptical, but this little number most definitely softens the shadows and fine lines around my eyes. Its instant effects are brilliant both before a night out and the morning after. I haven’t been using it long enough to assess the longterm results, but am really happy with it so far!
Face
I chose products that I find the most skin flattering and know go the distance: Laura Mercier Crème Smooth foundation in Warm Ivory (full review) and my current perfecting duo of choice: Liz Earle concealer and highlighting pen - both fabulous. I’ll swatch these when I have more time to give you an idea of colour and texture, but both are great for pale skins (I used the lightest tones).
I dusted a little Laura Mercier Stardust powder on cheek and brow bones as a final touch, for a gentle shimmering glow that catches the light. A little goes a long way with this product; I’ve had mine for several years and it still looks almost full.
I like to keep my blusher quite soft and natural when I go for a strong lip, for which Green People in Rose is perfect. This has a very gentle sheen and is difficult to overdo - great for pale skins and an absolute bargain as it’s very generously sized.
Eyes
I’ve been reaching for Laura Mercier’s Colour to Go Warm Palette almost every day lately… the colours are so wearable, flattering, soft and easily buildable for day to evening use. Plus they last really well, especially the cake liner in Espresso - a really cool brown (zero red undertone), which I find much more flattering than black.
I used the bronze all over the lid, the pale pinky nude on my brow bone and the darker brown in the crease and around the liner for a gently smokey effect.
I then skimmed over the top with the gold shade from Clarins Odyssey Eye Quartet for a touch of sparkle and finished with Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara, the best I’ve tried for full on lashes in a long time! This has consoled me no end after the horror of having my lash extensions removed before Christmas!
Lips
I’ve already talked about my NYE lips in yesterday’s post, but had to include a gratuitous shot of the gorgeous Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in Gracey - love it!
Hair
I had a few surface highlights just before Christmas and have been showing my locks some tlc with Schwarzkopf Professional’s BC Gold Shimmer Treatment. Worked into freshly washed hair as a 5 minute mask, this deliciously scented pot of liquid gold provides deep nourishment and shine to help my highlights stand out. (currently reduced at Escentual - I’ve linked it from the product name)
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year everyone… wherever you are, whoever you’re with and whatever you’re doing, thank you for stopping by - it truly humbles me that you do. I wish you much happiness, hope and peace in 2013.
Nic xxx
