Lipstick

Anyone who knows me, knows I very rarely go out for the evening without anything on my lips. Even if I’m going for the dramatic eye effect (which every make-up girl worth her salt knows is THE reason to not overdo the lips) I like to have a nude lip-finish to compliment the look (my personal favourite is Bobbi Brown’s Rich Lip Color SPF 12 - £18.00, ‘Bare Pink’ shade  - for a creamy and intense finish).

Lately, I’ve been holding true to the classic red lipstick (I find the cheap and cheerful Collection 2000 Lasting Colour Lipstick - £2.99, ‘Cherry Bomb’ shade usually does the trick) for a classic pout with clout. But, being a lady eager for change, I’ve recently fancied something new. Over the summer months, I was wearing coral, dark pink and orange lip colour like it was going out of style, but of late I’ve been wondering - what is THE shade for this spring period?

Photo: www.alittleobsessed.co.uk

The answer ladies, is matte Hot Pink. With this statement colour flooding the catwalks this season, it only seems natural to plaster it all over our lips too. It’s a colour that suits everyone; from a porcelain-toned Mademoiselle, to a bronzed or dark-skinned beauty – it looks amazing. In my opinion it’s a colour best worn with darker clothes and accessories, and preferably other pink-coloured items for maximum impact.

After reading a selection of this month’s fashion mags, I was so excited by this daring lip colour that I decided to try it. I chose NARS Pure Matte Lipstick - £18.50, ‘Carthage’ shade, which has a brilliant quality finish. It’s smooth, easy to apply and long lasting, leaving your lips moisturised for hours.

I would recommend this lipstick to any regular lippy-wearer, who enjoys possessing an eye-catching yet classic pout!     

Moisturisers

As I sit here, typing away whilst partially watching ITV’s ‘May The Best House Win’ (a definite day-time favourite of mine) I can’t help but notice how dry my hands feel. Before I know it I’ve already sort out the nearest tube or tub of moisturiser and plastered my mitts with lashings of silky cream. It’s totally instinctive, much like the way my lips are never without a glossy shine – I DON’T DO DRY!

For me, having dry looking skin, lips or hair just isn’t on. It doesn’t take much to take care of your body, and to see obvious signs of dehydration or neglect is simply unsightly. Anyone who has seen my bedroom (a very select few, naturally) knows that my cosmetics ‘section’ is no section at all, and tends to take up a large portion of my space.

As you can see, during a sporadic decorating weekend, I decided to make my very own dressing table. This provided me with enough room to store as many beauty products as possible, and not have to worry about draw space. Now, if you were to rummage around you would be sure to find copious amounts of moisturiser. Whether it’s hand creams, foot soufflés or body butters, I have them all.

  

The beauty product EVERYONE should have at their disposal is Johnson’ Baby Oil Gel - £2.85. It relieves dry patches quickly, smells nice and leaves skin ‘baby soft’, especially when used straight after showering. It’s a product that can be used not only for moisturizing, but also for removing make-up and easing the irritation of eczema.

Another necessity is a nourishing hand cream. I recently opted for Burt’s Bees Hand Salve - £9.99. Although a little on the pricey side, this tinned item fits perfectly into any handbag and offers not only an intensive treat for your hands, but is 100% natural to boot. I also swear by Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - £3.69, which offers a very similar relief to your chapped and dry lips.

Now, no girl’s cosmetic collection is complete without The Body Shop’s Body Butter - £12.50. Famous for it’s silky-soft finish and irresistible scent, this moisturiser is quickly absorbed and leaves skin looking and feeling like a million dollars.                     

And finally, for those who are looking for a truly intense moisturizing experience and aren’t afraid to spend those pennies, I give you… Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant. I was first introduced to this product during a trip to New York a few years ago. A lady working behind a make-up counter in Macy’s swore by it, and now, so do I. Described by some as the “eighth wonder of the world” (… eaaasy on) this item soothes even the driest skin, and offers reliable protection against the coldest of weather. It’s versatile; not only used as a hydrating moisturizer, but also a lip protectant and an aid for applying eye make-up. Coming in at a steep £25.00 it’s undeniably expensive, although in my opinion well worth the money as it’s an essential I rarely leave home without.  I’d recommend this product to ladies looking for a luxury item, which can be used in a variety of ways.

  

Concealer

There’s one thing I won’t ever leave the house without. Whether I’m nipping to the shop after a heavy night, or going for a session at the gym, I always have it on. It rescues even the most tired looking face and minimizes the impact of any unwanted spot or blemish; it is of course, CONCEALER.


My love affair with this particular product began at the tender age of 14. After suffering with the inconvenience of dark circles my whole life (with the only advice offered my way being to “sleep more darling”), the possibility of a short-term fix seemed rather appealing to say the least. The first morning I surrounded my eyes with concealer I was hooked. Brightening up the area and evening out my skin tone, it’s something I apply everyday and continuously search for the next best product.

My concealer collection would beat that of even the most make-up-driven shopper. Spots, dark circles, blemishes, veins, whatever… I’ve got them covered!

I must start with the product I’ve been using the longest. Benefit ‘Boi-ing’ - £16.50 was my first piece of ‘grown-up’ make-up and I’m still a faithful user. Especially effective on dark circles, this product doesn’t crease and is available in three shades to suit any skin tone. It can be used as a base before foundation, but also to touch up problematic areas (e.g. around the nose).

If you’re looking for something heavier then this, I would also recommend from Benefit, Erase Paste - £19.50. One of the thickest concealers I own, it totally covers any imperfections or discolourations you might have with one simple sweep. It also comes in an array of shades, and is teamed with a little spatula for easy application.

For everyday use, I like a product that leaves an illuminated yet subtle finish. L’Oreal Paris True Match Tou Magi Conceal - £8.19 is a favourite of mine, and a definite purse-pleaser. Improving the appearance of blemishes and fine lines, it leaves your skin looking smooth and flawless without feeling too thick. With its brush applicator, it helps to achieve a precise finish and lasts throughout the day. Simply radiant.

Although I’m a fan of all the concealers above, I can’t deny that I’ve left my favourite for last. Any passionate make-up wearer will most certainly have heard of Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat - £20.82 (on sale NOW at www.debenhams.com), and trust me, it’s every bit as luxurious as they say. Now available in seven different shades, it offers a weightless feel as well an effortlessly smooth look. Admittedly a little on the pricey side, it can be used before, mixed in with, or after foundation, and really is a versatile product that does exactly what is says on the tin. Whether you prefer either a made-up, or a more natural-looking face, this product is a must-have for any lady looking for that healthy and highlighting glow, whilst on the go.   

"Help! I'm a Cosmetic-oholic!"

As an avid current affairs junky and a self-confessed worrywart I’m fully aware of the shocking state of our economy. However, while most seem to be smartly saving those extra pennies and cutting back on ‘unnecessary expenses’, I’m finding this increasingly difficult to do. Throughout any difficult period – whether it’s a bad break-up, boredom or being broke-as-a-joke – treating myself to something naughty seems to be the only remedy that gets me back on my feet.

So here it is - I'm a 'Cosmetic-oholic'! Hair products, facial treatments, moisturisers and makeup... I want it all. I'll try anything, especially if it's offering a quick fix to a long-standing problem. My beauty articles will explore any item/s I've purchased and an overall opinion on the product.