Anyway, I was thrilled when Clare agreed to share her skin and makeup essentials with me and it makes for a lovely weekend read. You can read more of Clare’s musings on her blog or Instagram account. Enjoy!

“I’ve always been a bit of a skincare junkie. I guess working in beauty for years does that to you! I luckily have pretty well-behaved skin that is generally clear, but since becoming a mum I need extra hydration and to take extra care of my XXL eye bags. Eva is now 10-months old and we’re starting to get to grips with this whole parenting thing”.

“My morning skincare routine begins in the shower where I use a Fresh cleanser with my Foreo, I use the Foreo to massage in the cleanser for around 30 seconds to wake up my skin. I then use micellar water to cleanse any remaining bits of make up/baby food from my face, I’ve started using reusable cotton pads a couple of months ago and they’ve been great so far. I then use La Roche Posay eye cream followed by a Cetaphil moisturiser, it’s SPF 50 which is so good for this time of year and lets me skip a step of sun cream! I use a jade roller to massage my face after this step too which I find helps massage in the product as well as relaxing the muscles in my face which is 100% necessary these days, I have wrinkles appearing all over the shop”.

“I try to keep my night time routine the same every day, but if Eva’s bed time goes pear shaped, then I do it in approx 12 seconds flat and pass out. But if it all goes to plan then I start by taking my make-up off with micellar water, then use a Jurlique oil cleanser and warm water to cleanse. I nicked a couple of Eva’s Cheeky Wipes (reusable wipes) to use for this step and they work a treat. I then use the same La Roche Posay eye cream as in my morning routine and massage in a Bobbi Brown face oil with my jade roller. I finish with La Roche Posay moisturiser and a bit of Glossier balmdotcom on my lips, I just got their new mango one and it smells amazing. I also slather my hands in hand cream before I go to sleep”

“Putting make up on is when I have a bit of ‘me time’ in the morning, it’s usually during Eva’s nap so I have a bit of precious time to myself. It just makes me feel a bit more like me. After I’ve done my skincare routine, I use the Smashbox Primeriser, then start with my base. I use the Glossier Stretch Concealer (I used to use Medium but now I’ve switched to G9 in the new shade range) on my mega eye bags. I use the Bobbi Brown foundation stick in Warm Sand on my nose and forehead and a little bit of Bobbi Brown Weightless Foundation”.

“I blend it with a beauty blender until I look almost like a human. I’m really into cream products at the moment, I love how they blend in and they’re a buildable colour. I use the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Powder Pink on the apples of my cheeks (can you tell I quite like Bobbi Brown yet). I set everything with pressed powder and my base is sorted”.

“I usually keep my eyes pretty simple with a NYX cream eyeshadow as a base, then a quick flick of Benefit Roller Liner in Brown and Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye mascara. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a bit of black eyeshadow too. My eyebrows are naturally really dark so I don’t do too much with them, I use the Bobbi Brown eyebrow pencil and Glossier Boy Brow to keep them in place. I can do this in about 3 minutes now if Eva’s stirring but most of the time I take my time and enjoy it!”

Read more from Clare on her blog and Instagram account.

The post Clare Potts from The Life Lately talks motherhood, skincare & bag-concealing makeup appeared first on Cat Hufton.

Su-Man is a legendary facialist responsible for keeping the faces of the world’s most beautiful women – including Juliette Binoche – looking amazing. So, when I was asked to go and try her internationally acclaimed Skin Reborn Sculpting Facial I obviously jumped at the chance. A baby, a house move, and a year of sleep deprivation meant I needed one more than ever.

Su-Man has a treatment room on the sixth floor of the W Hotel in London where she makes women feel 10 years younger on the daily. Su-Man is a former dancer so is as petite and graceful as you’d imagine, not to mention completely ageless. The nosy journalist in me obviously had to ask her age (60 by the way) which, when you see how smooth and supple her skin is, is a selling tactic in itself.

She started the treatment with a bespoke analysis where I was asked about my skin concerns and what I was hoping to achieve from the facial. She then started with a deep cleanse before impurities were extracted (my favourite part of any facial) and the skin was exfoliated, toned and moisturised. All of this was done using Su-Man’s carefully designed massage techniques.

Once my skin was prepped, Su-Man used a skin scraping technique called Gua Sha that’s based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine healing art form: a method that aims to bring conditions and illnesses up to the skin’s surface so that they disappear. While it may sound a little scary, it really isn’t and Su-Man has adapted it to ensure it doesn’t cause any inflammation or redness.

Using various strokes, pressure and friction techniques, Su-Man explained that this technique balances the flow of Chi through meridians, enhancing circulation, nourishing tissues and removing waste substance.  I store a lot of tension in my face and jaw, so I loved how physical this facial was and the way it actively softened all the stress away. Not only does it feel great but is designed to reveal a calmer, balanced and glowing complexion. So far, so magical.

Su-Man ended the facial with a chocolate face mask that smelt delightful and felt gratifyingly thick and sumptuous on my face. While it dried, Su-Man massaged my shoulders and arms leaving me in a totally marshmallow-like state. The worst part of the entire 60 minutes was when she announced it was over.

My skin immediately felt soft and smooth and it looked visibly smoother and brighter. I did get a bit of sensitivity a couple of days after but if I go back, I’ll mention this to Su-Man and I’m sure she can tweak the treatment accordingly. The best results came after the sensitivity had gone. My face looked really, really smooth and my skin texture was visibly improved. I really noticed it when I looked in the mirror of the car (an unforgiving reflector) and was amazed at how flawless my face looked.

The results lasted for a couple of weeks and I really enjoyed how nicely my makeup went on. You know when everything just sits right and there are no dry patches or spotty bits to cover up? The ultimate sign of a good facial. This treatment is best for those looking to smooth lines and perk their complexion up as it does give a really fantastic lifting effect. Perhaps why Su-Man is best known for her ‘face lifts in an hour’.

I also asked Su-Man a little bit more about the facial post-treatment so I could fully take it all in. Here goes…

What are the main aims of your Skin Reborn facial? What is it designed to do?

“The main aim of my Skin Reborn Facial is to revitalise the skin from inside out. For example, you can have good quality skin, but the face can still look closed, tense and stagnated as there is a lack movement and fluidity in the muscles. That’s why, I work to open the energy channels of the face by working on the pressure points around the head and ears and releasing tension in the muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper chest. The end result is not only a face that looks wonderfully conditioned, healthy and radiant but is also open, expressive and happy”.

Could you explain the massage techniques you used across the head, scalp, ears and face and the little tool you used?

“My Su-Man Skin Reborn Sculpting Facial helps to purify, energise and nourish your skin. It’s Shiatsu inspired but as it works out the skin it’s also inspired by my former dance training. By activating the muscles and pressure points around the facial structure not only keep your skin supple and glowing but also makes you feel more alert and alive.

My facial has been described as a ‘facelift in an hour’ or the ‘natural alternative to Botox’ as it’s very unique, invigorating and works wonder in the skin.

It took me about ten years to develop. It’s not a beauty therapy and is more like a craft. The benefits of a face brought back to life brings both emotional and physical enhancement and lasts for days. The little tool is a hair crapper which I use to stimulate the circulation. Normally it isn’t about the tool, but the strokes and movements do you implement to activate the deeper layers of the skin”.

What products did you use to complement the facial?

“I used my own range, Su-Man skincare. Each inventively crafted product marries the best of Eastern and Western skincare philosophies, providing ideal balance of prevention and correction for the ultimate skin health and radiance. The full range combines a selection of lightweight dewy emulsions to revitalise the skin from inside out”.

How long should I expect the results to last for? 

“The results normally last for two weeks but you can make them last for longer if you use my range as well. The good thing is that you can see results immediately”.

For bookings and queries about Su-Man’s Skin Reborn Facial contact awayspalondon.com.

My facial was complimentary but it usually costs £220 for 60 minutes.

The post Tried and Tested: Su-Man’s legendary ‘Face Lift In An Hour’ Facial appeared first on Cat Hufton.

This hard-set oil is designed to be applied to dry skin and transforms into a milk once water is added. As always, the packaging is beautiful and the large round tub comes with a clever little spatula so you can remove product without introducing lots of water (which often changes the texture). It’s also magnetic so can be stored inside the lid.

You don’t need much to really coat your face and it feels really luxurious and comforting on the skin. I found that it melted away dirt, makeup and sunscreen with ease when used with a flannel. It even managed to remove my eye makeup – which no cleanser ever really does – without the need for harsh rubbing or scrubbing which i hate. (I usually take mascara and eye liner off separately with micellar water).

It has no fragrance at all (so good if you’re pregnant and can’t stomach strong scents as I experienced) and can be used morning and evening if you so desire. The formula is free from essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes and SLSs but is full of lots of lovely other intensely moisturising ingredients such as African Marula oil, antioxidant rich fruit extracts and baobab. Additionally, if you like the feeling of a physical exfoliant you’ll love the accompanying Bamboo Booster that comes in a tiny little tube. Made from ultra-fine bamboo and charcoal spheres, it can be added to the butter cleanser once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and encourage a dewy complexion. I really liked this addition and it doesn’t feel too harsh on the skin either – more like a pimped up version of a usual cleanse.

I have been loyal to DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil for quite some time, but Slaai has managed to knock it off the top spot. Sorry DHC. I really, really love this product and have noticed a visible difference in hydration levels since using it. I’d recommend it to anyone but especially those with drier skin types as it’s super nourishing and it’s safe for use during pregnancy. It’s also £29 so a lovely way to try an amazing Drunk Elephant product without forking out big bucks for the serums. The only downside is that if you cleanse twice a day, it won’t last too long. I’ve had mine two weeks and already made quite a big dent in it. oh, and don’t forget it’s cruelty free. You can buy and try it here.

The post Drunk Elephant’s New Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser appeared first on Cat Hufton.

Until now, I’d always seen acupuncture as a way of treating common everyday health issues such as anxiety, my reproductive cycle and trapped nerves. But I recently was asked to try it out for aesthetic purposes at Niroshini’s Cosmetic Acupuncture in London’s South Molton Street.

Melissa is the founder of Niroshini and takes a holistic and spiritual approach in everything that she does and has a passion for the natural beauty of women. Her key philosophy is that women are all individuals, each being an original work of art, so her treatments are tailored to every client.

Melissa started creating her own treatment when she wanted to find a completely natural alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery, all while addressing common health concerns. Using inspiration from her Sri Lankan heritage and her years of experience in the industry, The Niroshini Cosmetic Acupuncture Ritual was created, achieving what Melissa describes as “rejuvenation from the inside out”.

From the moment I stepped into the treatment room (that sits just off London’s buzzing South Molton Street), Melissa immediately put me at ease by talking through my skincare concerns and expectations of the treatment. I didn’t realise that acupuncture can be extremely effective at improving the overall quality of the skin, including sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, dryness and even acne. Acupuncture improves the look of the facial contour by using lifting and muscle toning techniques, invigorating Qi and blood circulation.

Melissa began by thoroughly cleansing my skin with a gentle cleanser, ensuring it was beautifully prepped for the acupuncture. I’m used to the sensation of acupuncture so I wasn’t uncomfortable when Melissa started placing the needles at my forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. But, if you’ve never tried it before you might find the first few a bit strange. It’s quite an intense feeling initially, but then dies off in a number of seconds.

Melissa was careful, however, to make sure I was comfortable throughout and explained clearly what she was doing. Once all of the needles were in, she massaged my arms and hands which helped me completely relax while the needles worked their magic.

I was already feeling pretty blissed out, but then Melissa asked if I’d like her to do some Reiki on me while I relaxed. If you aren’t familiar with it, Reiki is the practice of laying on of hands; it is a powerful, long established and effective form of natural healing.

I generally find it very hard to completely tune out during any kind of treatment, no matter how blissful, but once Melissa started I practically fell asleep. She started by placing her hands gently on the body, cupping the eyes, the side of the head and then the back of the head before slowly move down the body, ending at the feet. During Reiki, you may experience mild tingling, warmth or coolness, and even an emotional release straight after or a few hours after the treatment. I simply felt like I’d had a whole day at a spa, rather than two hours in a treatment room in central London.

While feeling amazing, Melissa then removed all of the needles, applied a light moisturiser, and ended the Ritual with a facial massage and lymphatic drainage treatment. She then showed me the results of the acupuncture in a vanity mirror. My skin, although a tiny bit sensitive at the cheeks, was glowing and luminous – a result I didn’t expect from acupuncture alone. You can see the results in the photos below, as well as a few of the acupuncture treatment.

The results continued in the days and weeks after, and my skin appeared smooth, even and rested. I did feel quite tired when I got home, but Melissa assured me that this was completely normal as I’d had a double dose of healing. She also advised that I drank up to 1.6 litres of water a day to maximise results, and sent me some aftercare information including how to sleep better – a problem I’d mentioned in my consultation.

If you fancy trying the treatment out for yourself, here’s all you need to know.

Treatment price: Ritual £200 in Suffolk & £240 in London| |Treatment Plan £45 in Suffolk & £65 in London || niroshini-acupuncture.com |

For further information please contact Melissa Day on:

E: info@niroshini.com

T: +44 (0)1473 430026

The post Treatment Review: Niroshini Acupuncture appeared first on Cat Hufton.

I like foundations that you can’t really see sitting on the skin, but keep my face looking bright and dewy for most of the day as well as covering up marks and imperfections. So, when I read some fantastic reviews from beauty stalwarts Caroline Hirons and Sali Hughes, I felt obliged to try Armani’s new Power Fabric foundation. It’s a full-coverage product with SPF 25, and the first thing I noticed about it was how easily it went on and how uncakey it felt on the skin. When you think high coverage, you think of those girls in Mac (no offense girls) who you see makeup first and human second, and sludgy textures that leave the skin feeling suffocated. But, the Power Fabric covers the skin with ease in just one layer without making your face look all one tone, or overly made up. You can also build it up if you want more coverage and staying power, and still the skin feels light.

I was a little bit scared when the sales assistant at Armani told me that it had a matte effect (as I like my skin to look a bit glowy and dewy). But I was pleased to see that it doesn’t flatten the skin, but leaves it looking super healthy. If you need any more convincing, I popped a small amount on my face last Sunday morning with a touch of blusher and mascara, and went to visit my husband’s Italian nonna. She immediately remarked on how beautiful my skin and makeup looked – and I was genuinely surprised as I hadn’t looked in the mirror for a couple of hours. I usually expect my makeup to have slid off a bit, and I really hadn’t put much on, but she was right. My skin did look great, and healthy too. In short, Power Fabric is pretty incredible. It costs £40 and can be bought from Selfridges, John Lewis and alike, as well as the Armani Beauty website.

The post Is Armani Beauty’s Power Fabric the Best High-Coverage Foundation? appeared first on Cat Hufton.

Emma Coleman’s Red Carpet Facial is a one-hour treatment that combines antioxidants with a glycolic peel and Mesotherapy. (I’ll explain more about what that means a little later on). Her therapy room is based within her beautiful home in Orpington (about a 30 minute drive from South-East London) and offers a range of treatments that help to nourish and balance the skin. As soon as I was welcomed inside, I felt immediately comfortable with Emma and was given time to make myself comfortable while we chatted and I filled out some forms. I think when going for a treatment for the first time in someone’s home, it’s really important that you a) feel comfortable and b) are going to be able to completely relax. Thankfully, Emma’s warm persona made both possible.

After an initial consultation and explanation about the process of my facial, Emma began gently cleansing my face with soft cotton pads before the glycolic peel was applied with a brush. Emma warned me that this would create quite a powerful tingle (which it did) and I panicked a little as my face can be really quite sensitive. Other than containing 50% glycolic, the peel features cranberry and mulberry to provide a deep cleanse and exfoliation, which creates a blank canvas for the next step of the facial.  Emma then explained that she would apply an alkaline substance that balances the PH levels of the peel before removing and moving on to the Mesotherapy: a process that uses a simple syringe and 30 gauge needle to impregnate the epidermis with a cocktail of natural ingredients. Emma used rose hip, spilanthes acmella flower, rose de mai and rose absolute in my cocktail, as well as moisture-packed hyaluronic acid and amino acids.  This powerful mix of antioxidants aims to protect the skin from sensitivity and ageing, while providing nourishment. You can also choose your preference of essential oil too for a truly bespoke feel – I went for rose which always makes me feel really calm and pampered. I should also add that by this point any sense of stinging or tingling had disappeared and my skin was feeling really comforted and nourished.

I knew that Mesotherapy is used by some as a natural alternative to Botox (due to its ability to replenish naturally-occurring substances required by the skin to rehydrate and repair imperfections such as fine lines) but I wasn’t expecting such instant results. As I looked into the mirror after the facial, I was genuinely surprised to see no trace of redness (which I usually get after a results-driven facial) along with super smooth and dewy skin. The next day my skin felt and looked pretty amazing – I was so shocked to see that the facial (with all of tingling and stinging) had left my usually sensitive skin unbelievably calm and soft.

I’d recommend this facial to anyone wanting to look their best at an event as it really does give immediate but long-lasting results. Just bear in mind though that any kind of peel will make your skin extra sensitive to the sun, so don’t book in before a sunny holiday and always ensure you wear high factor, broad-spectrum sun protection afterwards.

The post Treatment Review: Emma Coleman Facial appeared first on Cat Hufton.

As I type this, i’m holed up in the parents’ room of my son’s nursery where he has been settling in (crying a lot) this week. It’s not been the most fun but mamma needs to have a couple of days to get on with work, so I’m hoping he starts to find it easier soon. Thank you to all the lovely mums offering words of kindness of support and love on my personal account – it really does help to know i’m not the only one going through it.

In more beauty-related news, this week’s Inside My Beauty Bag comes from Amy Sessions, Head of Content and Strategy at The List – a luxury ecommerce website in the Middle East. Amy has flawless skin and was one of the chicest women at Net-a-Porter when we both worked there together many years ago. Now at the top of her game career wise and leading a very fabulous life in Dubai, it was great to hear all about her regime and how she works from the inside out, considering all areas of her health in regard to her skin. Grab a cuppa or a glass of wine (it is Friday after all) and enjoy. Ciao for now.

“For me skincare starts with what you put inside. I’m a firm believer you can’t get good things out if you don’t put good things in, so I avoid things which aggravate my skin such as sugar and dairy and processed foods.  Other than that, I’m fairly low maintenance when it comes to beauty – my focus is always to optimise what you have and look after your skin so you can keep make-up to a minimum”.

“I start each day with an exfoliator in the shower, this has for years been Johnson & Johnson Clean & Clear exfoliating daily wash, but I have recently also discovered Aesop’s Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste which has fine quartz and rosemary leaf in to remove impurities and refresh the skin. I use this only once or twice per week as the gains are slightly larger and so a little more abrasive on skin”.

“My daily moisturiser is always Olay’s Double Action day Cream & Primer, which I’ve used for years and am never without. In recent years when my skin feels like it needs a moisture injection, I add a few drops of Aesop’s Fabulous Face Oil to turbo-charge my moisturiser without the shine of oil for day.  As I’m currently based in the Middle East, after a day in the sun I add only this oil to my face for an hour before showering – it seems to help battle any dehydration my skin might have after 45-degree heat”.

“My daily make up is very simple. I use MAC’s Tinted Cream from their amazing Lightful range which gives a radiance boost and the illusion of sleep even if you haven’t had any. I buy shades Medium and Medium Plus in bulk when I find them as they sell out quickly and depending on the time of year, both suit my skin”.

“For cheeks it’s Nars Orgasm, although I recently tested and have just purchased Charlotte Tilbury’s Glowgasm – the texture and sheen look beautifully natural. I keep lips pared back and usually use Nivea’s original lip balm. If I need more polish, I finish with a Tom Ford or Chanel matte lipstick. (Ford’s ‘Katherine’ shade is a great nude). I rarely wear lipstick though and prefer to focus on eyes and brows. My Mascara is the famed Lancôme Hypnose in Doll Eyes- it’s perfect for long lashes that still look light”.

“The most recent addition to my make-up routine had been a great eyebrow pencil. Over the years I’ve worn less and less eye make-up and prefer to get the basics that frame your face. Having said this, I probably spend less than 5 mins on my make-up daily and always use my hands as I prefer the warmth of skin to help any make-up settle in”.

“For after hours, I add a little shadow from Mac’s smoky shadow palette x 9. I only ever use the dark brown mixed with gold and always with my fingers as I think the heat helps to soften the look. I always finish with scent. I prefer masculine scents with warm notes of Amber, Wood, leather and tobacco, so at the moment it’s Tom Ford Extreme Noir”.

“For evening skincare, I take time to look at my skin and see what it needs. If my skin feels congested from pollution, I use Aesop’ s Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque which has anti-oxidants for deep cleansing. I first discovered this brand working at Net-A-Porter in London when everyone had their Resurrection Hand Balm on their desk. This remains in my handbag, on my desk and next to my bed at all times – it’s the only one I’ve found which does the job, isn’t greasy and smells great”.

“One of my other favourite skincare brands is Shiffa, founded by a good friend and inspiration of mine. She was kind enough to give me some products to try a year or so ago and I haven’t looked back, they are game changers. I now use the Aromatic Facial cleanser evening and if my skin needs rescuing or is having an outbreak, I cover it in the Healing Balm which is no less short of a miracle”.

“To keep fine lines and ageing at bay I use this, combined with Bio Oil when I feel I need to a few times a week before bed. I’m also a disciple of Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night repair, a mentor of mine Beauty Director Newby hands swears by this and I’ve also seen great results so that is a staple in my bathroom. I always wear scent in bed to sleep – for me it’s part of a nightly ritual that helps me feel at peace and this vital for good skin. I struggle with sleeping deeply as I work in a fast-paced environment but the less I do digitally I do before I sleep the better.  I never sleep without a scented candle and carry one with me when I travel. Diptique Ambre is a favourite”.

“Grooming wise, I always make sure I have a great manicure and pedicure, Essie does great nude shades such as Sugar Daddy, Spin the Bottle and Mademoiselle. I like to look as natural as possible, but with polish”.

The post How Do You Keep Skin Healthy and Hydrated? appeared first on Cat Hufton.

Hattie always looks amazing so i loved speaking to her about her makeup and skincare routine. It also reminded me that you don’t always need to buy the premium makeup brands either – there are so many drugstore versions that are just as good for a snippet of the price.

“My first memories of makeup are discovering mascara around the age of seven. I thought it was a miracle. Living magic. My fine blonde lashes were transformed into Disney princess proportions and I was hooked. So, yeah, I stared wearing mascara every day from around the age of nine and thus began a life-long dedication to makeup and the art of self care”.

“Throughout my whole professional life I’ve always dressed up for work and been in offices where everyone else does too. I love stepping into a work character with heels, lipstick and a nice dress, and always earrings”.

SKIN

“Since I was about 18 I’ve struggled with breakouts especially around my period. When I had my son and started breastfeeding it completely changed my complexion – I had crystal-clear skin. Weirdly, it didn’t make me happy. Maybe because I was up all night with a baby clamped to my breast and alone a lot in the day for the first time in years. My clear skin was also somewhat diminished by my thinning hair! Anyway, now my baby is a year old and my skin has kind of normalised- it will never be perfect but it’s ok, and that’s ok”.

“I am dedicated to Paula’s Choice products – they’re fragrance free and just include the vital ingredients. My skin is pretty greasy so I need a good chemical exfoliant every day – salicylic acid is best. Then from PC I also use a light oil-free invisible moisturiser in factor 50. My guilty secret is a fake tan face spray that I mist liberally each night. It gives a nice natural glow – Garnier do a good one. If I do get a horrible spot which happens fairly frequently I try and control it with Origins on the spot. Pre-baby I used to mask a lot then two things happened: I had no time and my skin became much more sensitive, but Dermatologica’s gentle cream exfoliant is still great if I leave it on for about 1 second”.

MAKE UP

“I’ve got to the point where I do pretty much the same thing every day. I am absolutely not a make-up on the train girl. Not that I object to that; I kind of wish I was that person but my routine is a bit too involved. I absolutely swear by Bourjois foundation and the Healthy Mix Serum Gel is the bomb. It just makes you glossy straight away. There’s no shimmer or anything like that and it doesn’t sit in your pores or eyebrows. I subscribe to the Lisa Eldridge school of skin makeup that says where your skin is clear, you should embellish very lightly and where you have breakouts you should pinpoint spots with very high coverage concealer”.

“I use Double Wear Stay In Place Flawless Wear Concealer by Estée Lauder. It is incredible. Those on a budget should also try Collection 2000’s version. Because of my greasy skin, powder is a ride or die for me. I love Chanel but also enjoy Urban Decay’s loose ‘Velvetiser’. It really does vanish pores and make your skin look velvety. My tip is to apply with a round cotton pad- it’s more hygienic if you change it frequently and allows for more targeted application where you don’t want a fully matte face. I’m all about adding highlights where appropriate – at the temples, down the nose and I even use the same highlighter as an eyeshadow base. MUA does the best and it’s super cheap – Champagne Shimmer is the perfect gold/beige”.

“I love blush but tend to use a lipstick on my cheeks and then use the same colour on my lips as it brings everything together. I am absolutely obsessed with Mac’s Cream Sheen Lickable lipstick which is a sheeny, Barbie 80’s pink – my favourite but sadly discontinued. I wear eyeshadow everyday but don’t want a greasy old creased-up eye. For this I swear by Urban Decay’s eyeshadow primer; it’s insane and you won’t get one crease all day, even in 30 degrees”.

“I love a deep brown eyeshadow in the socket. I have quite deep-set eyes so it suits me I guess. For mascara I’m all about L’Oréal. So Couture is thick and clumpy just how I like it but I’m seriously thinking about jumping onto the extension wagon. My eyebrows are crap so I’m considering microblading but in the meantime I’m ok with a Collection 2000 Clear Lash Mascara and Mac’s Brow Pomade in Dirty Blonde”.

“For special occasions I’m obsessed with adding a really high pigment glitter, just on the lid, again Urban Decay does the best gel-based glitters that last and are crazy bright”.

HAIR

“You could say my hair is my thing which is ironic as it’s so low maintenance. I don’t blow dry or style it. Just wash with anything I can get my hands on and then I put in Paul Mitchell super sculpt or Moroccan Oil Curling Cream. I’m considering cutting it off just below the ears in a kind of blunt messy bob like Paris/Texas style but the baby hairs are growing at a weird rate post pregnancy so I think that’ll have to wait. I’ve never been anything other than bright blonde and that won’t change”.

FRAGRANCE

“Frederick Malle makes the best perfume in the world, no question. If you’re ever in Paris I would strongly suggest a visit to the store, but Liberty stocks well in London. I wear Lipstick Rose all year round. It’s a violet-y, sugar-y, powdery cloud of pink and I love it. Each of FM’s perfumes have really strong identities. I wish I was cool enough to wear Portrait of a Lady but it’s just too overpowering. It has a masculinity that just doesn’t sit with me but I absolutely love it”.

NAILS

“I’m ashamed to say I’m a nail biter so getting my nails done makes me feel amazing. I get extensions and I love them. I know they destroy your actual nails but mine are rubbish anyway. I love a trashy French manicure which is what I had for my wedding day or a really bright neon pink or orange red in summer or a pastel pink. My toes have to match and in winter I go for a Rouge Noir”.

You can follow Hattie on Instagram here.

The post Harriet Hawksworth Reveals her Skin & Makeup Must-Haves appeared first on Cat Hufton.

With such discerning taste, I wanted to find out more about their skincare and makeup habits and how they stay looking so fresh and flawless while raising small children. Read on to find out more about the beauty essentials they’re loving right now. You may be surprised.

[Lianne]

“I’ve never really been a girly, girl when it comes to makeup and skincare, but now I’m in my thirties I sadly don’t have that luxury anymore (thanks dark circles and crow’s feet). So, over the years I’ve had to invest in more and more products – the irony being I now have less and less time to use them with a toddler in tow! My normal morning routine usually involves a hand-held mirror in the kitchen, so I have to rely on great products that can work their magic quickly and last all day”.

“I don’t wear foundation (a shocking confession, I know) as I always find it too heavy and hate looking like I’m wearing too much makeup, so I start with MAC’s Strobe Cream in Peachlite to moisturise and create a nice light base for the rest of my makeup. I love how it can make me look awake even after little to no sleep and leaves my skin with a lovely natural glow. For the pesky dark circles, I apply a light layer or two of No 7 Instant Radiance Concealer (number 20), which I personally think works just as well as the YSL equivalent and is a fraction of the price. Then I’ll go for a quick sweep of my favourite MAC Bronzing Powder (in Bronze) and a dab of Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge (in Pale Pink) on my cheekbones for a pop of pink blush – I also use this on my lips if I’m going out for dinner or drinks. I’ve been using the same mascara – Maybelline’s The Rocket Volume Express – since I was about fifteen and haven’t found anything that makes my lashes look as naturally full or long without clumps. It’s so good I often get asked if I’m wearing false lashes or extensions! After my lashes, I finish with Benefit’s Gimme Brow no.3. Thanks to the 90s and some serious over-plucking my brows aren’t what they used to be!”

“If I have a little more time to get ready (once in a blue moon), I also love to wear liquid eyeliner on my lids and, again, always go back to my classic Rimmel London Exaggerate Black Eye Liner over the more expensive alternatives. I’ll also go to town a bit more with highlighter and love Smashbox’s L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color stick on my eyebrow arches and cheekbones. If I’m going out (out) I might also go for a bright red or pink lip – MAC’s Satin MAC Red or Bobbi Brown’s Mod Pink”.

“My night-time routine is embarrassingly short: Simple’s Kind to Skin Cleansing Face Wipes, a splash of water and Clinique’s Moisture Surge. Gem’s always been really good at cleansing and toning though, so I should really take a leaf out of her book!”

[Gemma]

“I’ve struggled with hormonal acne since I was sixteen, so skincare has always been extremely important to me. Whilst, personally, I’ve never found that ‘miracle’ product to banish the blemishes, I’ve tried hard to find products that fulfil my skincare needs whilst not aggravating the problem”.

“There is one brand I swear by that does just this: Dermalogica. It was recommended to me by a make-up artist friend about 15 years ago when my acne was really getting me down and I’ve never looked back!”

“My favourite Dermalogica product would have to be the Pre-Cleanse. It effectively removes all of my make-up, but at the same time is gentle on my skin – I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it! As a bonus, it makes removing make-up super quick and with two young children, time is precious! Another of their products I wouldn’t be without is their Skin Smoothing Cream, which I use twice-a-day. It leaves my skin feeling nice and hydrated throughout the day, whilst not being greasy. It’s also a fantastic base for make-up”.

“So, my love affair with Dermalogica is still going strong but as I’m getting older and my skin is changing, I’ve been branching out in search of products to help achieve the elusive ‘dewy’ glow. A friend of mine recently recommended Beauty Pie to me and so far, I’ve been really impressed! I’m currently using their Plantastic Micropeeling Drops in the mornings after cleansing and they leave my skin feeling exfoliated and bright. I’ve been following that with their Super Retinol Face Serum, which is just giving me that extra bit of hydration I feel I’ve been needing more recently. It also absorbs well and sits nicely underneath my moisturiser”.

“In terms of make-up, like Lianne I prefer a more natural look, however, this isn’t always easy to achieve when you have spots to cover! For foundation I use Illuminare’s Moisturising Mineral Foundation in Sienna Sun. It’s not heavy at all, doesn’t sit in my fine lines (like so many foundations), but has pretty good coverage. Unfortunately, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get hold of it here in the UK but I’m still happy to order it from the States because for me, even luxury brand foundations don’t come close!”

“Lianne and I both use Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge in pale pink on our cheeks, but I also like it in the fresh melon shade when going for a more bronzed look. I’m also with my sister when it comes to lashes and love Maybelline mascaras. I’m currently using their Faux Cils Push Up Angel and think it’s my favourite yet.”

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The post Why Style Pairing’s Lianne & Gemma Favour No-Fuss Beauty Regime appeared first on Cat Hufton.

What’s most striking about Alice is her totally unique style – from her super short bob, to her signature bright lipstick and incredible tatoos – so I was really keen to find out more about the beauty products she loves and how she uses them. I loved reading her thoughts on all things skincare, makeup and wellness so I hope you do too.

“I don’t have a beauty routine and my make-up bag is as chaotic as my life. I lose lids, I spill eyeshadows and I have about four different mascaras on the go at any one time. Plus my make-up bag is filthy!”

“My days are never the same and I often only find out about a job or a commission the day before it’s due. I am freelance, so sometimes I work at home, sometimes I am in an office or off for a day of meetings. On days when I am at home, I don’t wear any make-up at all. I simply shove my hair up in a bull dog clip and wear as close to PJs as possible (without actually wearing my PJs): think jogging bottoms and a tee. Yep, total glamour. Although, I always shower, wash my face and cover my entire body in moisturiser – that is a must”.

“When I actually venture out into public, I love doing my make-up. I sit at my desk (one day I want an actual dressing table #dreamy), and really enjoy making myself up, either listening to a podcast or a playlist on Spotify (FYI curret fave is Covered in Punk, think songs like Frozen’s Let it Go but with a pink twist!). I find it fascinating how mascara, a sweep of blusher and a bit of lippie can bring your features to life”.

“I have blonde eyelashes and although I used to really hate that about my face, I am learning to love it. But when I go out, I like to enhance my eyes with mascara (currently using Urban Decay’s Troublemaker). And I adore lipstick. I have no loyalty to a colour or brand. I like red, pink, dark colours… I have a box full of different shades and so many brands: Mac, Lush, Ainsel, Urban Decay, Kat Von D… Popping on some lippie and a pair of hoop earrings just elevates any outfit and makes me feel more “done”. I guess hoops and lippie have become my signature look”.

“Some items also remind me of my mum. I love how some of her habits have filtered into my own without me really stopping to take notice. Mum wears red lipstick every day, the tip bends into a weird peak and I apply mine in exactly the same way. She also uses hairspray to give her hair volume – which I now do too. Although I use Elnett and my mum hates the smell of it. I love it, why is it so distinctive? Like Marmite, it’s love or hate”.

“I have to give a shout out to my menstrual cup too. I currently use the Intimina cup which folds up so small it can fit into my purse. I started using a cup around ten years ago, as my body used to reject tampons. I love that they are becoming more popular as people see the environmental benefit too (you only need to buy one every two years)”.

“My shelf is lined with a number of different scents and perfumes. I like something light and refreshing for daytime, for evenings it has to be headier and bold. I have enjoyed discovering sustainable perfumers, such as Sana Jardin (Celestial Patchouli is divine) and Experimental Perfume Club (you can mix your own using three different layers). I spritz under my chin, on my wrists, in my cleavage and on my ankles – my grandma always told me to do that, she said the scent rises up”.

“When it comes to relaxation, nothing beats reading a book in the bath surrounded by candles. I put on a facemask, like Yes To’s Mud Mask and when I get out I smother myself in Lush Sleep body lotion, the mix of oatmeal, lavender flower and sweet tonka smells unbelievable. I also always have handcream on my bedside table, which I use before I go to sleep (Nursem give a month’s worth of free handcream to a nurse or midwife for every product you buy!). I love my sleep and ideally I need my eight hours every night…as who know’s what the next day will bring.”

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