MY WEEK IN BEAUTY

1. So goth I have a claw. I feel like this is my awakening.


2. Bobbi Brown cuppycakes. If any beauty PR's read this, please only ever send me fruit, because I will eat everything edible you send me.


3. An Ice version of the BodyShop launch White Musk Libertine, out later this year. I spent 10 FULL minutes try not to lick this.


4. My first time at the Last Tuesday Society shop in Hackney. It's a place of JOY and taxidermy.

TEST:Bobbi Brown's SPF 15 Tinted moisturizer Oil Free

Beauty confession: I've never ever worn tinted moisturizer. Ever.

I've seen women slather it on like foundation and have always wondered 'what's the point?' In my mind, if you want sheer coverage you use MAC Face and Body (or MUFE's version which is incredible) or you simply go without.

Having very oily skin means that anything that goes on my skin has to be carefully vetted for staying power - and as such - tinted moisturizer never makes the cut. Whilst I still don't entirely grasp with the idea of it as a product that gives coverage, so many friends swear by the stuff that I thought it was worth trying.

So this week I've been wearing Bobbi Brown's SPF 15 Tinted moisturizer Oil Free (£27) in Dark Tint, the darkest shade they make. Here it is and where I've rubbed it into my skin to the right of the blob.



This amount could probably do almost two faces, a little seems to go a very long way.
And the next surprise? It's genuinely oil free, that's almost entirely unheard of with any SPF product I've tried.

But what sold me is that it comes in 7 shades - if only every brand did the same. My one small point is that if you're between shades, I'd advise going for the lighter one.
This shade actually oxidised throughout the day and darkened a little, but that can happen with any product. Legendary make-up artist Eve Pearl once told me that darker foundations can mix with oils in the skin and the air and darken a little during the day. Unfortunately I added to the problem by using face powder rather than blot powder (MAC's Blot Powder is a godsend for oily skins) which created that dull ashy appearance on darker skins.

Above all though, it's an incredible glow giving product and is a brilliant swap for summer if you're a foundation junkie with pretty good skin. However, if you're worried about acne scars, pigmentation or open pores, I'd still stick with a sheer foundation!

PEEK: Forties make-up, updated technique

I've done a tutorial on this before, so this is just a brief technique update. It's such a simple, timeless look but - for the first time in forever - I got it almost perfect yesterday so thought I’d share.



BASE: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer around eyes, followed by a 5-pence sized application of Make Up Forever HD foundation. My way of updating this vintage look is to keep skin glowy and translucent. Add Illamasqua Gleam Cream (benefit high/low beam or Givenchy Mister Bright will do good job) to cheek bones and arch of brows to add sheen and catch the light.

CHEEKS: Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush on apples of cheeks only and slight contouring of cheeks using either a bronzer or an appropriate powder. I use MAC’s Contouring Powder, but think it could be a pro product (in which case buy from Carnaby Street store or Sleek do a similar product.) Keep the cheeks really simple to avoid looking like a Victorian doll.

EYES: MAC Paint is my favourite base for eyes; choose a neutral colour slightly lighter than your skin tone to catch the light and widen eyes. Leave the eye shadow, but do add a little contouring in the sockets with the contour powder. (Tip: if you can’t find your sockets, just lift the arch of your brow upwards and it should magically appear!) Curl lashes and apply Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner to the lash line with small brush. My eyes are almond shaped, so drop slightly towards the ends, so to counteract this thicken the line towards the outer half of the eye. When you’re extending the flick make sure you pull the line straight across and not downwards with creates too much of a ‘dip.’ Finish with two coats of Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells mascara, top and bottom.

BROWS: Use a small angled brush with appropriate eye shadow colour to fill and define brows, keeping them thick.

LIPS: Use a dark red lip liner to make the cupids bow really rounded. I over-lined my lips here to make them fuller and also coloured in my lips to even out the tone. Apply MAC Ruby Woo lipstick straight from the tube. Et Voila!

TEST: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer kit

A quick review of the new Bobbi Brown concealer kit (look at post below for actual product.) It's not a new product as such, (BB are famous for their concealer/powder duo) it's just repackaged and had a few formulation tweaks, so now it contains:

- Vitamin C and E (guess they can't hurt!)
- Silica to soften lines (it's the main ingredient in most primers/hd prducts)
- Kaolin - a natural mineral to keep the concealer in place

VERDICT? I think it's brilliant and has made a huge difference to the pigmentation under my eyes. I apply it without the brush, patted on very gently with the ring finger. It's a heavy concealer, so definitely go easy on it, or like any product around the eyes it will settle into fine lines. I personally prefer it without the setting powder. My friend Sally tried it too, we both agreed that it does make your eyes look smaller but if you're conscious of under-eye pigmentation, it's a small price to pay to have them erased!

REVIEW: My week in beauty

ONE
My favourite beauty moment of the week was my 'make-under' by Bobbi Brown! Got to sample their new creamy concealer and corrector, and some of the lovely new lipsticks. Just look at that pink, how brilliant is that? Being BB it's also really moisturising! (Excuse my mental flyaway hair)



TWO
Loving Jennifer A's new grown out bob.Takes years off her and it's so much more relaxed!


THREE
Illamasqua unveiled their new Toxic Nature line...



FOUR
The new Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Collection, with lots of lovely bath goodies. I HEART TF, Black Orchid is one of my scents and I just love the pacakaging - totally luxe. Selfridges from 28 March. Pic and info from Telegraph beauty.

PEEK: Bobbi Brown Brights Palette

Having mentioned this is not one, not even two, but three previous posts I was a woman obsessed with owning this beautiful palette. It's almost too lovely to use and although the colours aren't as bright as I would have hoped (put it this way, they're not MAC bright) it's still all kinds of cute!

2010: My year in beauty....

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GIFTGUIDE: part une...

1- Laura Mercier travel brush set £65
It's so rare to get all the brushes you'd really need in miniature size. I was swayed by the blending brush for socket work, a duofibre brush (for powder/blending...I use mine for foundation) a brilliant eye shadow brush and comb and a nice concealer (or mini foundation) brush for flawless skin.


2- Bobbi Brown brights eye palette £45
This has been on my wish list since the press show in July. If you're a colour novice, this would be a great place to start.

3- Diptique Oliban candle £45
I wish I could say that it's because it contains blah blah note and it reminds me of XYZ - I just think this is very pretty. Almost too pretty to use!

MASS TESTY: Mac, Bobbi Brown, Paul and Joe

MAC Viva Glam gloss Cyndi: A really pretty bright pinky red that works especially well for brunettes. It’s perfect for those who want bold colour that is still natural looking.

MAC Viva Glam Gloss Gaga: This bubblegum pink shade is effortlessly wearable and works beautifully with dark green, black or blue eye shadow.

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow Black Chocolate: For those with black or very dark hair, this matte shadow is ideal for filing in your brows (use a small angled brush.)

Paul & Joe Blot papers: Easily the best papers I've used to clear up excess oil across the t-zone. Oily skin can look a bit cakey between layers of powder, so team this with a dusting of MAC blot powder and you'll still look fresh-faced!

MASS TESTY: Mac, Models Own, Bobbi Brown and Lancome

Models Own shadow, Navy and Gold Sparkle: A lovely matte navy shadow, shot through with gold glitter, making it ideal for a smoky eye with some bling!

MAC Dazzle lipstick in troublemaker: It can look patchy worn alone, but use a darker lipstick as a base and paint this ultra glittery lipstick onto the centre of your pout for lips with serious impact.

Lancome Ombre Magnetique in 03G Black macadam: If it's drama, sophistication and total luxe you're after look no further. Use this around your eyes and channel your inner Taylor Momsen. ;)

Bobbi Brown Metallic eye shadow in Black Charcoal 78: It’s a grown up version of the above shadow, but a really chic way to use metallic’s, especially on mature skin. Team with a peachy-toned opaque gloss to mix up the textures.

PRODUCT ROUND UP: Here's what I'm loving

I had a bit of a manic month where I was testing like a million products. I’ve calmed down now, and here’s what I’m using this month and how I rate it:

MORNING
HAIR: Bumble and Bumble Mending Shampoo (£21), Bumble and Bumble Conditioner (£23) and Bumble and Bumble Complex (£23). Best hair products I've ever used...can't rate them highly enough. They’ve actually changed my life and make a good blow dry a total breeze.
BODY: Dr Bronners Peppermint Castile Liquid Soap (£9.65). Wakes me right up in the morning, works well as a shaving oil too and is gentle and moisturising for eczema prone skin.
FACE: I was using Rodial A-list cleanser (£48) but it’s headed to the ‘urgh’ pile along with Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser (£31.95) and Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Cleanser (£5.00). I’ve tried most of the cleansing balms around and really only rate the Eve Lom Cleanser (£28) and Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse (£38). I’m now using Shu Uemera cleansing beauty oil premium (£55), which is a little too rich for me, but still a lovely product.
Then on to Chanel Beaute Initiale spray serum (£56). Absolute genius! Seriously, if your skin is quite oily and you’re a bit on the lazy side, this is a fab way to moisturise. One light spray in the morning and you’re good to go. At the moment a light day cream and a rich night cream is totally working for me.

DAY
MAKE UP: My usual kit, with Lancôme Hypnose precious cells mascara (£22), ByTerry Baume de Rose SPF 15 (£32), Chanel Le Crayon Kohl (£16) , MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 (£12.50) and Shu Uemera Glow-on Blush (£19).
HANDS: Guerlain Super Aqua Hands hand-cream (£34). I don’t know why but I just love this cream and it smells like roses!

NIGHT
HAIR: Bumble and Bumble Mending Masque (£27)- Used overnight every few days, beautifully soft hair in a tube!
FACE:Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells (£83) and Lancôme Absolue Yeux Precious Cells (£73.)I want to say they’re not worth the cash, but they are. My skin is really soft and plum, it feels just like cashmere. My forehead gets a little dehydrated and it’s so smooth now I look like I’ve had botox. Really lovely products. Sorry, I want to say there is a cheap version, but I just don’t think there is.
BODY: I have really dry skin so use almond oil (£3.00), from Indian food stores. I tried using extra virgin olive oil once, but ended up smelling like an Insalata caprese. GROSS. Almond oil doesn’t have a smell, it’s packed with Vitamin E and if you like add a few drops of essential oil to it like rose otto or lavender. It’s cheap too and clearly I’m bankrupt from night cream, so have to save a few pennies here and there. Such is the price of beauty!

HAUL: Shu-RBR-Givenchy-BB

I’m working through some serious haul.
A whole bag's worth. Some of it is a tad old, but it’s not really about having the newest products or the shiniest beauty things. Its about what ACTUALLY works, that's why we blog right? I'm not going to post pages and pages about each product, just a quick run-down and whether I'd actually recommend it to a friend so you're in and out in time for ONE TREE HILL (minus Lucas which I didn’t think would work, but, like, totally does. Man I love Nathan, he gets hotter and hotter, plus Dan Scott is a DILF.) Ahem…er… BEHOLD. make up!!

TOP TO BOTTOM! (naughty word-heehee)




Rouge Bunny Rouge Blush Wand in Goya 016 £28
It’s the wrong colour for me sadly, a weeny bit too pale. The texture is smooth, no shimmer at all and just a hint of that greasy texture you get with cream blush. It would suit a lovely olive skinned lady perfectly. Many of the RBR products I'd pay full whack for but this - for me - isn't worth the hefty old price! 3/5

Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip and Cheek Balm £19.50
So this didn't do anything on my skin tone at all which was underwhelming letmetellyou. Have dutifully passed onto my friend Giselle who loves anything like this that changes colour on your skin. Crazy girl. 1/5

Shu Uemera Painting Liner in Citrine £19.50
COLOURCOLOURCOLOURCOLOUR. What more can I say, HEART this. Strong pigment, mad colour and a lovely little pot. CHAMPION. I overuse caps don't I? 5/5

Bobbi Brown Metallic LongWear Cream Shadow Opal 13 £16
I'm a big BB fan. Great brand and lovely products. This unequivocally sucks though. It’s grainy, has a bizarre texture and a funny pinky colour. Epic fail. 2/5

BOOK LOVE SERIES No1: Bobbi Brown MakeUp Manual

I'm all for the crazy make up, believe me.

Having just joined a fancy dress club (lots of crazy like-minded folks dressing up for comedy value) I'm no shrinking violet when it comes to make-up. And yet, this is one of my favourite beauty books of all time.

Fact is, Bobbi Brown rocks. What she does is classic, elegant and timeless without going for that whole 'I'm not wearing make up, yet I clearly am' look, which is dullsville as everyone can see through it anyway. She's a real inspiration in terms of her career (she started on a counter and progressed) and her products are amazing quality and really work with skin, not against it. My desert island, morning-after-a-heavy-one palette is this Cabana Corals set. It's not cheap, but it is compact and the colours are exquisite and would work with most, if not all, skin tones. Crap, I digress massively, sorry.



The book is perfect for natural make-up looks and great skincare tips, and it's especially great for mature and darker skins. By far the best section is at the back where she takes you through her professional kit for general shoots and for more dramatic ones.

You're not going to find any Morticia Adams meets Lady Gaga looks in here, no siree. The most dramatic you'll get is a slightly smokey taupe eye. But, chances are, you'll go back to it time and time again for reference and when you need some trusted help with the basics. She's a legend...Go Bobbi, Go Bobbi etc.

Bobbi Brown MakeUp Manual, published by Headline Springboard is £10.48 on Amazon. I bought mine second hand because I hate the feel of new books (they're so crisp and clinical) give me a battered old copy any day! Will shut up now, clearly have verbal diarrhoea today.

WHAT'S IN THE: Washbag!

We all have our own little face care ways that work for us, from a quick wash in the shower, to monthly scientifically designed prescriptive facials (pah, I wish!) Daddy Gosh is a dermatologist and always preaches the less is more approach, which I try, kinda, to follow. So, here is my wash bag, is this loads or about normal? Does it even matter as long as your skin looks good? Hmm… you decide!



L-R Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil, Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Mask, Dermalogica Skin Refining Mask, Dermalogica Chroma Pure White, Dermalogica Chromawhite Pure Night, Aromatherapy Associates Fine Line Face Oil, Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse, Jo Malone Ginseng Day Moisturising Cream, Dermalogica Multivitamin Power firm.

I don't use all of these everyday or I’d have no face left! I use the BB cleansing oil in the shower, then every other night use the BB balm with a muslin cloth to exfoliate (nice alternative to Eve Lom!). I used either pure light or ginseng cream depending on how dry my skin is. Then one night I use pure night, one night face oil, one night nothing to give it a rest! Sundays I use both the refining and sebum masks. Seems to work alright for me at the mo, but if I go without the exfoliating balm for too many days, it all goes tits up.

What was my point? I'm not sure, I guess I just wanna know if I'm normal?

Am I God? Am I!?!