BEAUTY BUZZ: January 2014
Brushes: Real Techniques
I find beauty products from experts are always going to be one of the best on the market. They’ve tried the good, the bad and the ugly so when they are creating their own product, they’re going to know what to go for and what to steer clear of. I recently started using brushes by Real Techniques, which have been created by Pro make up artist and Beauty Blogger, Samantha Chapman. There is a brush for everything to great travel kits (with brush cases) The quality is just insane, and the price points are great. I definitely recommend you check them out.
Real Techniques are distributed by Beautylicious.
Perfume: Dolce & Gabbana Eau de Parfum Pour Femme Intense
One of my favorite Dolce fragrances would have to be the maroon Dolce perfume. The brand have come out with a more intense version of the Eau de Parfum – intensified for those nights out. If you’re not familiar with the scent, it has high notes of White floral and citrus.
Range: Philosophy Total Matteness
If you have a problem with large pores and oily skin, this range by Philosophy is for you. It includes a pore-minimizing & mattifying cleanser + mask – which feels like a clay mask that deep cleans the face – whilst absorbing excess oil and minimizing shine and then applying the pore eraser after drying your cleansed skin for matte skin and less visible pores.
Brush: Chanel Pinceau Poudre brush
Brushes are investments, so make sure you find a good one when buying a new brush. I am currently loving the powder brush by Chanel – not only is the quality amazing, the brush is perfect for pressed & loose powders so you can have more control over blotting out where needed or as I love to use bronzers, I use it for my base blended bronzer on the face before adding my final swipe of bronzer.
Toner: L’Occitane Essential Water
I don’t really use toners, as I don’t feel like it makes an impact on my skincare routine. I have recently started using L’Occitane’s Essential water, which is an alcohol free toner, which consists of Floral water and green tea extracts. It really refreshes the face, and I like to apply it 10 minutes before starting with my make up.
Foundation: Bassam Fattouh basics foundation
I’ve become a huge fan of Bassam Fattouh make up. I’ve started using Bassam Fattouh’s Pret a Portea’s foundation for a night time coverage. It hydrates the skin, so it gives off a matte yet slightly dewy finish. I prefer to use it at night because it does feel quite heavy during the day, and got the foundation in the color BF04.
Illuminating powder: Dior Diorific Perfumed Illuminating powder
I love radiant skin, so I live for anything illuminating. I recently started using this brand new perfumed illuminating powder by Dior, which smells of J’adore and has bright pearl pigments all packed up into a luxurious gold box. Perfect to use this shimmering powder on the nose, brow bones and just above the lips.
Concealer: Sisley Paris Phyto Cernes Eclat eye concealer
If you’re one that doesn’t like applying anything heavy to the face or just looking for a light concealer for day to day – here it is… This Eclat eye concealer includes botanical extracts so it not only conceals – reduces puffiness, signs of fatigue and smoothes fine lines. The cooling metal tip is a great addition – helps puffiness and gives off a cooling pick me up effect.
Hair Spray: Show Premiere Finishing Spray
Let me be honest… I didn’t really expect much of Tamara Ecclestone’s beauty range except for luxe packaging but I must say I’m quite impressed. I’ve recently started using the Premiere Finishing spray which is a light yet buildable hair spray, it smells great, as well as has AC Kerazyme to protect the hair against thermal/heat, Pro-Vitamin B to repair the hair and Argan Oil to replenish and add moisture to the hair.
Available at Areej stores across the UAE
Eyeliner: Smashbox Always sharp
Self sharpened eyeliners are perfect for regular travellers (like me!), you don’t need to carry a sharpener and mess up your make up bag. When looking for an eyeliner, I like one that glides on easily, long lasting and gives a defined finish. I love this Waterproof kohl from Smashbox in their Raven shade (black). It also won an Allure award in 2013!
Prep spray: Urban Decay Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray
Something that I’ve learnt from make up artists over the past few years is the fact that the prep of the skin is more important than the actual make up. I’ve been using this one by Urban Decay – a vitamin infused spray to be used before the moisturiser and make up. The Vitamin B6 absorbs oil, reduced redness, and minimises pores allowing the skin to look it’s best and more radiant. Perfect to use before the make up or over the make up during the day to give the skin a refreshed boost.
Available at Sephora stores
Lipgloss: Bobbi Brown Pale Pink lipgloss
There are only a few lipgloss brands that I like using – Bobbi Brown is definitely one. I like the texture, the vanilla scent and the way it feels good on the lips due to the botanical extracts such as avocado and oils. It has the perfect amount of stickiness and gives a glossy finish. The Pale pink shade is the ultimate nude pink everyone should have in their beauty cupboard.
Eyeshadow Primer: Clinique All About Shadow Primer
I never knew how important an eyeshadow primer is… It’s not till you try it on your eyes for a few times and see what the difference it makes to your eye make up. Not only does it give you a better application, it also gives on a longer wear having that base to hold on to the eyeshadow. A few of the ones I’ve tried have a greasy finish, so this definitely gets extra points being a non greasy finish.
Sunscreen: Natura Bisse Intense Oil-free fluid
Don’t ever forget to wear sunscreen under your make up… your skin will thank you later. This month, I’ve been using this Intense Oil-free fluid from Barcelona based brand, Natura Bisse. The sunscreen which is light weight has an SPF of 30, is dry touch as well as being an anti-aging sunscreen. As it includes collagen and botanical extracts, it makes your skin look good too.
BB Cream: MAC Prep & Prime BB cream
Finding the right BB cream for you is just as important as finding the right foundation for you. I recently started using the MAC one from their Prep & Prime line. Light, feels good on the skin, moisturising with a decent amount of coverage. They just added a range of new shades, so this is definitely the one for you if you’re struggling to find your exact shade within BB creams.
CC Cream: Bourjois 123 Perfect CC cream
Moving on to the CC cream – colour correcting. I’ve been using this one by Bourjois under the foundation. The liquid, which has SPF 15 hydrates the skin and has 3 objectives for Anti Fatigue, Anti Redness and Anti Dark Spots. I felt like the formula made my skin look evenly, which required me to apply less foundation, and gave off a more even and dewy finish.