Facial sceptic? Meet Decléor heaven.

Like lots of women I know, I can count the number of facials I’ve had on one hand. It’s the cost that’s put me off having them more regularly in the past. That, and an inbuilt scepticism that they actually make a real difference to my skin. But I find as I get older - and particularly since becoming a makeup artist – I can really see the effect they can have.

I was recently invited to try out the 75 minute Harmonie Extreme Facial (£50) at The Orchid Retreat in Barnet. Admittedly not a hugely convenient location - unless you happen to live in zone 5 of North London, which I don’t - but I’ve been working hard in recent weeks and decided it was most definitely time to treat myself! 

And what a treat it was! I was placed in the care of Seri for the duration of the treatment. Her manner was professional and friendly throughout and I liked the fact that she humoured my desire to chat for the first ten or so minutes until I was able to relax.

The best thing about the Harmonie Extreme Facial (designed for sensitive skins) is that it begins with a wonderful back, shoulder and neck massage. Seri was careful to adjust the pressure whenever I said it was too much and by the time I rolled over for the facial part I was almost falling asleep I was so relaxed (no mean feat!)

The facial itself involves targeted massage, together with the use of Decléor cleansers, oils and exfoliators. It ends with a 10 minute mask which was freezing cold when applied but didn't stop me drifting off when Seri left the room.

The setting overall was comfortable, with background music the right side of plinky-plonky and at the right level. My only gripe was that the treatment room was noticeably cold when I went in and it was a job to keep warm an hour or so into the treatment, particularly when the mask went on. 

Walking out of the salon I felt quite hazy and could have done with a glass of water (which was never offered) and although I was half expecting it, my hair was very oily which made my shopping trip to Waitrose on the way home a tad embarrassing ;)

Best thing about facials at The Orchid Retreat? Why that'll be the price! £50 for 75 minutes (or £60 for 90 minutes) is pretty bargainous in my opinion and although it's not the most convenient of locations to get to, I'll definitely be going back.

Rating: 9/10
Summary: A fabulously pampery 75 minutes at a recession-friendly price. Book yours today!

The Orchid Retreat website

Harmonie Extreme Facial (£50, 75 Minutes)

See also: Orchid Facial (£60, 90 minutes)

All images courtesy of Decléor.

What's wrong with ageing gracefully?

Fiona Bruce. You know her from the telly (BBC TV presenter for our overseas chums).

She's a looker, right? Well, Fiona sparked quite the debate recently by admitting she dyes her hair. This is principally to avoid falling prey to the ageism which she openly acknowledges is rife within the media and particularly within TV.

Several journalists have praised her for doing this, with some of the more populist papers (cough Daily Mail cough) relishing the opportunity to show what female presenters would look like if they let their grey reign free. A fairly comical and unrealistic portrayal at best.

But the problem I have is not the fact Fiona dyes her hair - we all need a little help every now and then. It's the fact she feels she has to.  Is that the kind of message we want to give the younger generation? That (looking) young is best when we get older? Rather than healthy or vital or energised or empowered?

Helen Mirren doesn't hide her age, but still manages to
look radiant and beautiful (image courtesy of IMDB)

You see, I buy into the whole 'feeling good' raison d'être behind beauty and makeup, not its ability to shave off 10 years. For me the power of makeup stems from the way it makes us feel - its ability to hide signs of tiredness, freshen the skin, make the eyes pop or the lips sing. I'm sure most women will agree when I say that the majority of the time, we wear it because of the effect it has on us, not on others. 

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a world where women can still enjoy makeup but also have the freedom of choice to grow old gracefully if they so wish. After all, Gary Lineker does and he went grey years ago.

Your Skin, Only Better

Chantecaille's advertising promotion from 2010, featuring the founder's daughter Olivia (Les Macarons Palette)

Now it would be shameful of me, would it not, to plug certain products pertaining to the brand that has recently hired me as a mobile makeup artist. <Ahem> But I'm going to do it anyway because quite simply, you need to know about this brand and two of its products in particular.

CHANTECAILLE
Chantecaille (pronounced 'Shon-te-cay') is a luxury skincare and cosmetics company founded by Sylvie Chantecaille who was the mastermind behind Estée Lauder's iconic Prescriptives line (who remembers Prescriptive's Custom Blend Foundation?! R.I.P.). 

Chantecaille's mission is to address the causes of skin inflammation which is  "scientifically recognised as the main cause of ageing". As such, is well-known for products containing a "uniquely high concentration of botanicals" (many as high as 90%. Now that's impressive).

Chantecaille's unique fusion of aromatherapy and technology has earned the brand an impressive following and I am proud to declare myself its most recent convert *shakes pom-poms*

Image courtesy of chantecaille.com

Your Skin, Only Better
Back to the two products you need to know about.

Both are foundations. One is a tinted moisturiser called Just Skin. The other is an oil-free, medium to full coverage foundation called Future Skin. Both will leave you with skin you never knew you could possess.

JUST SKIN
Word on the grape-vine is that Chantecaille's Just Skin is David Beckham's go-to tinted moisturiser (presumably for whenever he has TV appearances). I have nothing by way of substantiation for this. I just like to think it's true, because if a guy can wear a tinted moisturiser and get away with it, it must be good (translation: 'invisible').

Just Skin has an SPF of 15 and is made with sodium hyaluronate which helps to seal in the skin's moisture, making it an ideal base in warmer climates. It also boasts ingredients such as honeysuckle (anti-irritant), green tea (antioxidant) and edelweiss (anti-pollution). What's most unusual about Just Skin, however, is that it has a semi-matte finish which is unheard of in a tinted moisturiser.

Just Skin comes in a slick silver and purple striped tube which not only fits brilliantly into your handbag (or 'man bag' if you're Mr. Beckham) but will most definitely earn you some serious stripes amongst your fellow tinted moisturiser buddies! RRP £57.

Image courtesy of chantecaille.com

FUTURE SKIN
This really is the future. Oil-free and made with 60% charged water*, Future Skin is an innovative, light weight gel foundation which feels like nothing you've tried before. It's also something of a paradox. Even though it's oil-free, it leaves a dewy finish?! *applause*

Clever ingredients such as seaweed (to regulate oil production in the skin), arnica (to brighten) and aloe and chamomile (to calm and soothe) can be found in this wonder pot. It is also made with a light-reflective circular pigment which makes it an ideal High Definition foundation (translation: you look amazing close-up!)

I've been wearing Future Skin (shade: Alabaster) on a daily basis for about 3 weeks. What I love most about it is that I find I don't need to touch up my foundation at all during the day (now that is marvellous). RRP £58. 

PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING
Of course it's all very well me telling you all of this....you need to go try them for yourself! 

Chantecaille is available at Space NK, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Liberty and Fenwick.

For a personal introduction to the range, contact me here: natalie@nataliejamesmakeup.com
...I'd be delighted to introduce you to a brand which is continually raising the bar when it comes to skincare and cosmetics.

* There is a sciency bit here about how the charged water reacts with the ions in your skin to help keep the skin hydrated. I'd tell you but I'd have to kill you, sorry.

Disclaimer: 
The opinions expressed in this post are the author's and have not been endorsed by Chantecaille. All images courtesy of Chantecaille's website. This is not a promotion but merely a celebration of a great brand and innovative cosmetics line.

The Liquid Line-up

Ah, liquid liner. You scary product you. So black(!) and so easy to get wrong.

But, do not fret ladies. Tis' but a matter of finding the right liner for you, together with a little bit of practice (in my opinion, three go's).

Liquid liner is currently available in three different forms:

•  a pen (with a felt-tip end)
•  an inkwell pen (with a thin 'brush' end)
•  a pot (usually requiring the purchase of a separate eye liner brush)

Introducing some of my faves...

For the newbie

1) Rimmel's Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner (£5.49)
A bridal client of mine recently confessed to pulling out some of the fibres from the Glam Eyes brush so that she can apply the thinnest of lines (a girl after my own heart). This is a great value liner that lasts all day.

For the Techie

2) Shu Uemura's Liquid Eyeliner Pen (£23 with 1x cartridge)
The best thing about this deft little pen - aside from having a nimble pen that provides buildable thickness - is the fact that it comes with a refillable cartridge (waaaaay cool). I know a Norwegian waitress who swears by this liner (and she is always wearing the best eye flick so it must be good. Extra thin and precise). Refillable cartridge: £11.50.

For the Pro

3) MAC Blacktrack Fluidline (£14.50) has long been a makeup artist staple and long may it continue to be. It never dries out like other gel liners (Bobbi Brown being the worst offender! You have been warned). It has a lovely creamy consistency and is best applied with Bobbi Brown's Ultra Fine Point Eyeliner brush (£22). Best for those who are enamoured with the feline beauty of the classic eye flick and who want to master the technique once and for all (it's the thing I most get requested to teach).

TIP:
To avoid your liquid liner transferring onto the upper part of your lids during the day, be sure to prep the eye area first using either an eye primer or a cream eye shadow:

Recommended:
- Makeup Forever Eye Prime £15.95
- NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eye Shadow Base £18 (pricey but works. Apply a thin veil of eye shadow on top)
- MAC Paint Pots £14.50 - these come in a range of 'nude', skin-toned colours that are the perfect matte base whilst cancelling out redness.
- Shu Uemura Cream Eye Shadow £19 - not cheap but will last you ages plus they come with a subtle shimmer. Favourite shades: 'Pearl Beige' and 'Pearl Ivory'.

Do you have a favourite liquid liner? Let me know in the comment box below!

Happy lining x

LIQUID FOUNDATION. HELP!

The other day an old uni friend emailed me to say...

"Nat! Need urgent foundation advice as mine has run out and just realised Prescriptives stopped selling in the UK in 2010??!!!! My foundation is obviously over 2 years old! Eeek."

RIP. Custom blend was a genius concept.

Her question got me thinking - not about which ones I would recommend (I knew instantly) - but about what a minefield foundation shopping can be. And today, more so than ever.


According to The Beauty Economy report recently published by Raconteur, there has been an "80% increase in UK foundation sales"*. 


I remember a time when I didn't bother with liquid foundation....now it's my go-to makeup staple. What's changed? 

I would hazard a guess that factors contributing to this meteoric rise in sales of liquid foundation might include:

•  The introduction of BB creams to the UK market 
• BB creams have got us reappraising liquid foundation and thinking more about what we put on our faces. It's interesting to see the more established makeup brands react to this with new and improved formulas as well as their own versions of BB creams.
• Shades for darker skin tones
• This has been a long time coming but premium brands such as Lancôme, Chanel and YSL have finally caught up with forerunners MAC, Iman and Sleek. 
• Airbrushing
• Ironically, a heightened awareness of Photoshopped/airbrushed images over recent years has arguably contributed to a desire to learn how to achieve flawless skin 'naturally'. Whilst we all need a little help, thankfully the technology and innovation behind many of today's foundations, means a flawless face is possible.

Suits you Madam. image courtesy of http://thejournalista.wordpress.com

WHY CHOOSING A FOUNDATION IS A BIT LIKE CHOOSING A CAR (bear with me)...


1. First question to ask is 'what is my skin type?' (what petrol do I run on?)
OILY / DRY / COMBINATION / SENSITIVE

• Unsurprisingly, oily skins perform best under a matte finish (e.g. Clinique Stay Matte foundation, NARS Sheer Matte)
• Conversely, dry skins (including more mature skins) are better suited to more hydrating (oilier) foundations (e.g. NARS Sheer Glow, Bobbi Brown Extra-Repair Foundation)
• Combination skin can get away with both types - depends on which texture you prefer the look/feel of? Just watch that T-zone :)
• Sensitive skins will need to do patch tests / check for ingredients and go with foundations they know to be dermatologically sound

Ah yes, but what about COVERAGE?
Once you know your skin type you can quickly determine whether you would prefer a foundation with sheer / medium / full coverage. Unless you're a dancer in the Cirque du Soleil, I'd say most people are suited to a light to medium coverage. If you have severe acne and feel more comfortable with a fuller coverage it's often best to use a medium coverage foundation first, and then go in and conceal any redness/blemishes using a concealer such as Laura Mercier's cult product Secret Camouflage or Bobbi Brown's Creamy Concealer Kit.

2. Next question is 'how do I want my foundation to perform?' (what extra features would I like my car to have?) E.g. Anti-ageing? Firming? Long lasting? Built-in SPF? Built in moisturiser/primer? 


There are soooo many options to choose from. The thing to remember is that once you know your basic foundation need (matte/hydrating etc) you can build from there. 

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk (left) and Fluid Sheer (right)

3. And finally, 'how do I want my skin to look?' (am I a matte black Ferrari girl or a metallic blue Lamborghini girl?)


Illuminating foundations such as Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Illuminator can be mixed with your regular foundation to give you more of a dewy glow (see also YSL's *NEW* Touche Éclat Foundation). 


If you like a matte finish but want a touch of the 'dewy skin', work with illuminator creams such as MAC Strobe or NARS Orgasm Illuminator. Using your fingertips, press a little of your chosen illuminator cream onto cheekbones and blend well. Illuminators go on top of your foundation and the golden rule is Less is Always More. 


Which foundation have you bought and loved?


* I have emailed NPD - the body responsible for this statistic - to clarify which period the 80% increase refers to

Shellac Nails

This week, I had the pleasure of being given a complimentary Shellac* manicure with Perfect 10 Mobile Beauty.

Founded by award-winning beautician and entrepreneur Claire Aggarwal, Perfect 10 Mobile Beauty brings salon-quality beauty treatments - massage, waxing, nails - into the home (click here for their treatment list and prices).

Claire carried out the treatment herself and was quick, precise and professional. I chose a sophisticated, pale-pink colour, knowing I would probably tire of something too dark or too bright.

During the treatment, Claire explained "Shellac isn't as abrasive as Gelish, which is another type of UV nail gel. The main difference is that Gelish manicures can last 3-4 weeks, whereas Shellac manicures will only last up to 14 days." 

I had a Gelish manicure for my sister's wedding last September and whilst I was completely wowed by the results (a stunning French manicure which remained chip-free for a whole 3 1/2 weeks!) my nails were definitely weaker and more prone to breakages once the manicure had been removed (this could be because the nails have to be buffed prior to Gelish application - whereas they don't with Shellac - or perhaps because I removed the Gelish myself using an acetone nail varnish remover and a file. Always best to pay for removal to limit damage to your nails).

A Shellac manicure with Perfect 10 Mobile Beauty costs £38.50. I had mine done in my office in Covent Garden (a nice way to break up the working day!) but will definitely be booking a home Shellac manicure and pedicure from Perfect 10 before my next holiday!

Playing around with OPI Shatter - looks fab over gold

As a makeup artist, I love experimenting with nail colours and effects. Here are a few of my own manicures from recent months...

The iconic Illamasqua nail

Candy Pink French - a more youthful version of the classic French

Whichever colour you choose, be sure to apply a coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat**. You will not be disappointed.

* A Shellac manicure 'uses a UV light and specially developed polish technology to stay on your nails for at least 14 days. The polish/gel does not chip, scratch, or smudge.' - source: Shellac Nails CND
** See my previous blog post: "5 Beauty Products I would find it very hard to live without"

My top 3 beauty picks for Summer

If you wear liquid foundation, you gotta try this stuff

Hi guys, hope you're all enjoying the lovely warm weather today? (And if you're anything like me, you'll be simultaneously suppressing the very British tendency to complain about it...what's with that?).

Here are 3 products I am loving this Summer...

1. Ginvera's BB Cream (see pic above). If you wear liquid foundation or tinted moisturiser, you simply have to try this product.

I was sent some Ginvera BB cream to try by the lovely people at Janiro.co.uk after they saw me discussing summer foundations on twitter and, in spite of being a BB cream sceptic (how can one product do ALL that), I decided to give it a whirl.  I'm now 3 days in and am quite blown away.

The Ginvera BB cream is part of the Singaporean Ginvera Green Tea skin care range (Harvey Nicks have recently started stocking it which is always a good sign).

I'm naturally quite pale and the cream comes out fairly warm so I was convinced it would look too dark on me, but, after blending it in, the cream seemed to adapt to my skin tone?? I probably wouldn't use it in winter because it does leave my skin ever-so-slightly tanned, but with built-in SPF 30 it's perfect for summer.

You only need the teeniest amount (about the size of a 5p piece). I blend it in with my MAC 188 Small Duo Fibre brush (a dream of a brush if you've never tried it).

Why's Ginvera BB cream so good?
- provides flawless coverage, minimising scaring and fine lines
- oil control properties provide a natural matte finish
- revitalises the skin with essential nutrients
- SPF 30 PA++
- long lasting

Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think! RRP £20.
NB: not for lovers of an über-matte finish and I'd be hesitant to recommend it for brides, but as an everyday base it certainly gets my vote.

2. Next up is St. Tropez's Everyday Gradual Tan for Face (Light/Medium)

I bought this aaaages ago and recently came across it during a bathroom clear out. It's also Wedding Season at the moment and a number of my clients have mentioned they've been using it in the run-up to their wedding.

What's it got going for it? It's cheap-ish (£12.15 if you buy from feelunique.com) and great if the idea of using fake tan on your face fills you with absolute dread. The moisturising gradual tan infused with aloe vera, vitamin E and St. Tropez's innovative Aromaguard™ (which claims to 'eliminate the tell-tale self tan aroma by a minimum of 70%). 

My only bug-bear with it is that it can feel quite greasy on the skin after application (and for as much as the smell is masked, it's not completely hidden Mr. St. Tropez!). I've taken to wearing it at night (so it doesn't annoy me during the day) and the results are stunning: a subtle yet convincing tan.

TIP: If using at night, apply after gentle exfoliation when the skin is squeaky clean. Don't forget to take it down the neck line.

3. Last but by no means least... Shu Uemura's Cream Eye Shadow (Pearl Beige)

Hands up those who avoid wearing eye shadow during the day - and particularly during the summer months - because of the inevitable crease which comes after just 2 hours wear? (I know, such a bore). Well let me introduce you to Shu Uemura's range of cream eye shadows. Makeup artists the world over have been raving about these little beauties for a while now and I can see why. Long-wearing and highly pigmented, these shimmery eye colours provide a wash of colour which will not crease. Perfect when you're in a hurry in the morning and fancy a little something on the eyes instead of the usual mascara-only look.

Available at Space NK, Harvey Nicks, Liberty's, Selfridges and at the Shu Uemura store on Neal Street (Covent Garden). RRP: £19

Are there any products you just can't get enough of this Summer?

Matte Lip meet Über-Balm

Keeping up with the latest makeup trends and product launches is a must when you're a makeup artist, and is, I'm delighted to say, one of the things I love about my job. 

On the one hand I'm fascinated with the way trends begin, the way they trickle down slowly into the mainstream, only to reappear again 20 years later (yes, I'm talking about you, 'Heather Shimmer' by Rimmel).

And then there's the product launches. There must be a statistic out there somewhere that says a new makeup/beauty product launches every 2 seconds (at least that's what it feels like!). But you know what, materialism aside (who actually needs 17 lipsticks?), the proliferation of new makeup and beauty products can only be a good thing. For one thing, it means products have to keep competing with each other in order to survive. And competition, as we know, drives quality.

One trend that has recently been ringing loudly in my ear (and burning my eyes, cos it's EVERYWHERE) is the rise of the über-balm. An obvious retaliation against the super-bright, über-matte lip of recent years. And they're all doing it...

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm
in 'Crystal Coral' (RRP £16.50)

Revlon Lip Butter 
in 'Tutti Frutti' (currently on offer at Boots for £5.99)

Shu Uemura's Rouge Unlimited lipstick in 'CR330' (RRP £19)
Click here for a great review of the range

The Shu Uemura range is more pigmented than the other 'balms' but extremely moisturising:
"...containing jojoba seed oil, shea butter, ceramides and a moisture-lock cream (a ‘vegetal origin paste’ that keep the active ingredients close to the lips)".  - Makeup Stash (Singaporean blogger)

Do my lips look chubby in this?

And presenting, this trend's principle offender... *deep breath*:  Clinique's Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm RRP £16 (to give it its full, Bingley-Pottersly-Smythe title...I mean, seriously). 

I used to work in advertising so am able to envisage the type of media planning that must have gone into the launch of this little wonder stick but my, my, open any magazine this month (including last month) and there they are, placed rather ingeniously alongside cubes of 'wibbly-wobbly' jelly (the very sight of which instantly make my mouth water). But I'm sold! And clearly it's only a matter of time before I buy...

Personally, I think sheer washes of colour are great. Here's 4 reasons why:

- you don't need a mirror to apply them

- they come in a variety of spankingly hot, Pantone-inspired brights (The gods at Pantone have decreed Tangerine Orange Colour Of The Year don't cha know!)

- they keep your lips moisturised so you don't have to cart around lippie and balm in your handbag

- great for all work, date, mid dinner-party top-up scenarios

Has the sheer-wash trend washed with you yet? 

A little grooming goes a long way

I recently had the tough job of grooming three gorgeous male models for an Olympic-inspired menswear shoot for Phoenix Magazine. It got me thinking about the kinds of grooming tips I'd recommend for real guys. 

Did you know, the UK male grooming market was worth £711m by the end of 2011? (that's some serious moolah!). Gone are the 'metrosexual' days of slapping on a bit of moisturiser after a shower. In 2012, the male grooming market has completely exploded with product launches spanning cleansers, eye creams, exfoliators and masques - all designed with male skin in mind.

So what is male grooming anyway? And does it involve make-up?! <holds breath>

Chaps, let me break it down for you; there are 4 key areas you need to think about when it comes to personal grooming:

SKIN

HAIR

TEETH

NAILS

Let's start with SKIN. For as much as you might like to think you are, you're no more protected from the elements (weather, the environment, ageing) than we are. So as a basic care regime, looking after your skin is a great place to start. For one, hydrated and cared-for skin can take years off you (I've seen this first hand, particularly on older gentlemen).

Like your female counterparts, your skin will fall into 4 categories: normal / dry / combination (oily T-zone) / oily. You should know instinctively which one you are. If you're unsure, ask.

For an overview of moisturisers for DRY SKIN, check out this handy review from Ape to Gentleman from 2011. For more GENERAL MOISTURISERS - including ones with built in SPF - see Mankind. Also worth checking out are Kiehl's and Cowshed Bullock (my man uses this and he says it's 'good').

Another great tip is to exfoliate once a week (click here for the low down on what it is/how it works/why it's good). Exfoliating gently sloughs away dead skin, to reveal younger, 'cleaner' skin. Alongside moisturising, it will be the single best thing you can do (providing you remember to do it).

Next up, HAIR. If you've still got it, flaunt it! And if you don't see above and keep that head moisturised.

Two things you need to do:
1. (an obvious one) keep your hair clean and smelling good (there are so many male shampoos to choose from I can't tell you! I like the look of Redken)
2: never underestimate the power of a little styling (clay, wax, gel).

Killer smile but low on wattage (image courtesy of Starpulse.com)

TEETH: <cha-ching!>

A killer smile can work wonders but even if you're not particularly blessed with pearly whites, daily flossing and teeth whitening are a good place to start. Basically, the rule with teeth is be sensible. Keep up appearances at the dentist (I've been going to private dentist Doug Jarvis for years and cannot recommend him enough); watch out for bleeding gums and keep that breath minty-fresh (coffee breath can kill a woman at 20 paces!).

And finally, NAILS. May seem like an odd one to include but I'm the kind of gal who notices a man's hands. I'm not suggesting for a moment you have a weekly manicure (to each his own) but:
- keep nails short (unless you're a guitarist, and even then....)
- watch out for dirt under the fingernails (easily removed with soapy water and a pair of tweezers)
- don't shy away from a bit of hand cream once in a while (go on, it won't kill you)

For those who want to dip their toe a little further into the world of male grooming, check out these bad boys:

Anthony Logistics (available at Space NK and online)
LAB Series for Men (old kid on the block but looks reassuringly premium/manly <grrrrrr>)
Clinique Skin Supplies (possibly my favourite packaging of all the ranges, gun-metal grey and clearly 'not for girls')
Liz Earle Men's Skincare (don't knock it til you've tried it. British-born Liz has won countless awards for her Cleanse and Polish™ - having been a fan of Liz's products for years, I reckon her Men's Skincare range is worth a gander).

Do you have any faves in your wash bag?
_______
For those wondering what I used on the Phoenix shoot:
- Kiehl's Facial Fuel (oil-free moisturiser with built in SPF)
- Bobbi Brown hydrating eye cream
- a little concealer* (Bobbi Brown)
- Lucas Paw-Paw (cult Aussie lip balm)
- MAC blot powder (a staple on shoots to combat shine)
* not necessary for every day but hey, it's fashion daaaarling...

All images courtesy of Phoenix Magazine
Photography: © Cecilie Harris 
Styling: Rebekah Roy
Grooming: Natalie James

Oh Happy Day

My first ever palette (bless)

Indulge me, if you will, and allow me to take you on a journey...

It's 2001 and I'm working at Bloomberg (one of several pre-make-up past lives!). A colleague of mine is going on a business trip to 'Noo Yoik' and has offered to bring me back some make-up. The most covetable item among my girlfriends is a palette from Urban Decay called 'First Date to Pin Up'. It's completely sold out in the UK so I don't hesitate in asking her to get me one!

United with my new palette it quickly becomes my go-to party tool what with its shimmery emerald green eye shadow ('Urb') and super spangly 'Midnight Cowboy' (still one of Urban Decay's best selling eye shadows). The 'lip gunks' are great too. I'm a bit scared of the darker eye shadows - haven't quite embraced the smokey eye yet.

'Urb' is by far my favourite... until one disastrous day, it runs out! (cue sad face). I search high and low over several years (I'm not even kidding) to find a replacement but am continually met with 'Oh, sorry luvvie, I think it's been discontinued'. ("Noooooooo!!!")

That was until last weekend....

Meet THE perfect olive green eye-shadow, if ever there was

So it's March 2012 and I'm in Debenhams, Oxford town centre, waiting for a friend who's getting her brows done. I decide to casually meander over to the Urban Decay counter and am almost instantly accosted (do they ever let us shop in peace?!). The beauty assistant is enthusiastically explaining the benefits of the 'Invisible Eye Primer' to me when a row of eye shadows catches my eye.... (can it be?!)

"Is that..... Urb?" I ask, hesitantly and with eyes as wide as planets.

"Yes. Would you like to try it?" she responds.

(cue Nat's happy dance which involves lots of high pitched squealing).

Yes, dear reader. My all-time favourite eye green shadow, the eye shadow of my youth, the one I thought lost forever, hath returneth'd to me ELEVEN years after I first laid eyes on it. Dreams really do come true.

If you're not so familiar with Urban Decay (sorry, cult US cosmetics brand - should've said), here are two more of their best-selling products:

1. Invisible Eye Primer (RRP £14.50; The Guardian's resident beauty columist, Sali Hughes swears by it)

2. Naked 2 Eye Shadow Palette (RRP £36; a fantastic follow-up to the Naked 1)

Do you have a favourite beauty product or colour that's been discontinued and come back to life?!

3 brushes I use on a daily basis

Kabuki-in-my-life

Darlings, on this super-sunny Friday I want to introduce you to 3 of my favourite make-up brushes.

Whether I'm doing a simple make-up for day, a considered make-up for a business meeting or a full-on glamour puss look in preparation for night out, these three brushes form an integral part of the process.

First up is my Kabuki brush (see image above).

Compact and with soft but densely packed fibres, this is simply a fantastic brush for applying pressed or loose powder. It sits teeny-tiny in my make-up bag and enables me to deftly apply a little powder to my t-zone in seconds. I also use it buff in the rest of my make-up around the sides of my face and working from the top of my neck down.

I bought this little beauty in Australia (Sportsgirl nonetheless!) but there are a number of different kabuki brushes available in the UK. Here are my top 3:

- Buy now: Real Techniques Kabuki Brush (RRP £11.99 from Boots, angled for contouring and retractable for powder! Invented by the lovely ladies @Pixiwoo)
- Save: Lancôme Kabuki Brush 010 (RRP £31 from Boots)
- In your dreams: NARS Botan Brush / N°20, part of the Kabuki Artisan range (RRP £55)

Brighton to the Bahamas in seconds

Next up is 'The brush I couldn't live without', my MAC Large Angled Contour Brush (No. 168, RRP £26).

I first learnt to contour when I trained at the London College of Fashion. For those of you who are unfamiliar with contouring, it is the name given to the technique of applying a matte bronzer (shimmery in the summer) to the areas of the face you want to sculpt / give the appearance of shadow. For example, just beneath your cheek bones, along the hairline, down the nose and a little on the chin. Contouring is by far and away my favourite beauty tip. It's also my go-to pick me up whenever I'm feeling a little washed out.

Illamasqua's not-so-secret weapon!

Last but definitely not least, Illamasqua's (best selling) Eye Brow Brush (RRP: £18.50, currently out of stock due to insane demand! Yep folks, it's that good).

Boyish brows are so on trend right now so there's no excuse not to dip your toe in this cult beauty technique. Defined brows frame your face and draw attention to your eyes. The secret's in the way you do them:

- eye shadow/brow powder works best (rather than pencil). Make-up artist favourites for brows include the following MAC eye shadows: Omega for blondes/red heads, Copperplate for brunettes and Concrete for black skin.

- choose a shade which is 1 shade lighter than your natural hair colour (e.g. black hair = brown eye shadow)

- work the colour in bit by bit, moving up through and in between the brow hairs

- taper at the edges

What's your favourite brush? I'd love to know!