Makeup To Ice Skate In - with Poppy Loves

Last Saturday my dear friend Popsicle (that's not really her name) and I went ice skating at the Natural History Museum. I was telling her I'd been to Somerset House the week before and we'd gotten to talking about what makeup one should wear for such an outing. Rather than tell her the who, what and why we decided it would be a good idea if I showed her!

Popsicle, aka Poppy, is the author of poppyloves.co.uk - a brilliantly entertaining London lifestyle blog. Poppy writes about all kinds of things from places to go, to things to see, do and eat (she's always eating scrumptious cakes and drinking tea). 

You can read about the makeup look I did for Poppy here but in short here's how I decided what to go for and what to use:

• Ice rinks are like giant mirrors so even on a cloudy day it's a good idea to wear a high-ish SPF (e.g. SPF 30)
• It's fun and not to mention scary if you're a relative newbie to the ice like me so go easy on the foundation. You don't want it dripping down your face half way through the skate! (everybody gets hot, even the ones that seem to be related to Jayne Torvill).
• Poppy has amazing almond shaped eyes and fantastic brows (soooo not jealous) so I opted for a classic eyeliner flick (gel pot liner like this one) and slightly bolder, groomed brows.
• Lastly, her bright hat was just calling out for a bright lip so we opted for her new MAC lippie in 'Chili' which complimented her bobble hat perfectly (TIP: it's always a good idea with reds not to go too matchy-matchy).

You can read the full article here (and there might just be another one coming soon... Watch this space :)

Photo credit: poppyloves.co.uk

Pro Interview Series: Thicker, healthier hair with William Hunt

Will & I decided to co-ordinate outfits

Ahh, salon blow dry. You elusive, volumising treat you. There's nothing quite like that feeling when you walk out of the salon, your hair bouncing behind you...thicker, fuller, healthier looking hair. But how can we fake it on a normal day? And is it even worth the bother?

The Pros Know
To launch my Pro Interview Series I decided to interview the gorgeous and super talented William Hunt. Will is a professional stylist at Gielly Green in Marylebone as well as a regular session stylist on the fashion circuit. He is tall, utterly gorgeous and sometimes models (although he'd never admit it).

A personal hair story
I met Will early last year when I began noticing my hair had started to fall out. (In fact, by November of last year I'd lost about 50% of my hair :( I know now what caused it...not eating enough, anxiety and the break down of a long term relationship, but at the time it really shook me. You think your hair, like your teeth, are infallible. Never take them for granted. Our bodies our so precious).

Will was great and gave me a number of suggestions to help minimise further hair loss including not towel drying hair when it's wet (wet hair breaks more easily), taking kelp supplements and opting for a thickening shampoo.

Will and I have since worked together as a hair and makeup team for clients including Rigby and Peller and Kurt Geiger, as a number of private bridal clients. He is always a dream to work with and is a genius when it comes to blow drying (seriously, don't take my word for it. GO.)

I wanted to ask Will what products he recommends for thin hair like mine and to get his opinion on a few common hair care questions. Here's what he had to say....

Will's been raving to me about this dry shampoo

1. Is it better for the health of my hair to use dry shampoo every second or third day or to wash it every two days?

Will recommends washing hair three times a week if you're able to stretch to a third day sans wash (I personally struggle on the third day and inevitably resort to washing my hair every 48 hours but I can see why eeking it out to 3 days would be a good thing).

He says it's absolutely fine to use dry shampoo every couple of days. Phew. Has anyone tried Ruth Crilly's new range Colab? I'm dying to try but there were no testers in Boots the other day so I couldn't smell the different options (surely a key factor when purchasing dry shampoo?).

Whilst we're on the subject of dry shampoos I adore the dust* product Will recommended to me a month or two ago:  L'Oréal's Super Dust (£11.45 from feelunique.com). When my hair starts to feel a bit flat I simply puff some of this straight from the hole in the top of the product (directly into the roots) and rub it in. It gives fantastic volume to thin hair and the closet to 'bed hair' I can get.

* 'dust' products such as the L'Oréal one above and the cult Schwarzkopf OSIS Dust It (£12.95) are more like intense mattifiers. They don't necessarily feel that great when you rub them in but they add bulk at the root giving the appearance of thicker hair. Will says to be careful not to brush your hair when wearing a dust product as it can cause breakage.

Nectar for dry/thick hair, Keratine for curly hair and Ciment for thin hair

2. Is it better to use a heat protecting cream or spray?

Will is a fan of the Thermique range by luxe hair brand Kérastase (see above) and says creams will protect hair better than a spray (you can comb a cream through whereas a spray will be a bit more hit'n'miss in its application). Apply your protector cream before your other styling products. A little goes a long way. Be careful not to overload the hair.

3. Do hair supplements really work?
Will reckons they do (he specifically mentioned kelp tablets) but said it's pointless taking supplements unless you're going to compliment them with a healthy diet. I speak from personal experience when I say that eating properly can really help thinning hair. The moment I started putting weight back on my hair stopped falling out.

The volumising spray Will applied to my mids to ends.

Mousses really do help! Apply mids to ends and comb through.

The matte smoothing cream Will applied to finish the look

Will used a total of four products in my hair when he blow dried it:
- Kérastase Ciment Thermique (heat protecting cream for thin hair)
- Unite Boosta Spray (£16.60, to aid root lift)
- Unite Expanda Volume (£16.60, mousse. Will said John Frieda's Luxurious Volume £5.89 is a great alternative, see photo below).
- Unite Second Day Finishing Cream (£15.50)

After smoothing on the heat protecting cream and combing it through he then applied the root lift spray directly to the roots by lifting my hair section by section. After a 2-3 minute blast with the hair dryer (randomly all over), blowing the hair upwards to encourage root lift he then proceed with the traditional barrel brush blow dry.

Is it worth the effort?
Earlier this year I opted for a short bob which I love and keep going back to. Blunt bobs suit thinner hair as they give the appearance of thickness. I can leave my hair to dry naturally but love the volume a quick blow dry with a barrel brush gives. I taught myself how to do it (I'm right handed but prefer to hold the hair dryer in my left hand and the brush in my right so I can twist it around).

Here's how I do it (takes me 10 mins max):
I begin by roughly blow dry my hair until it's 50% dry. I then separate my hair into two halves (top and bottom) twisting the top half and securing it with a grip. I barrel blow dry the lower half, section by section and then once this is dry and curling out and under I move onto the top section. I finish by blasting my hair with cold air (this adds shine).

Moroccan Oil large ceramic barrel brush, 55m (£17 approx)

Follow Will:
@WilliamHuntHair (Twitter)
@williamhunthair (Instagram)

Book an appointment with Will:
Gielly Green

020 7034 3060

Unite Products:
I hadn't heard of Unite before I met Will and am increasingly intrigued by his love of their products. In writing this post I've found it tricky to find UK stockists who currently stock the range so I'll be contacting the Unite team in the next few days to confirm where to purchase their products here in London.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Do you have a specific hair routine and what are your go to styling products?

Beauty Saviours: Five Products That Have Changed My Life This Year

I was thinking this week about five beauty items that have had the biggest impact on my appearance this year and wanted to share them with you.

All are equally as useful and brilliant as each other.

1. Brow Mascara

Unless you've been living on Mars you'll have noticed that brows are a big thing in beauty. I've never wanted perfectly shaped brows and quite like the idea of a slightly unkempt but reasonably tidy brow. I'm also very fair so anything I put in my brows needs to be subtle.

It wasn't so long ago that I blogged about a particular life-changing brow mascara (click here to read my review). I never thought I'd be able to use a brow mascara (for fear of it being too dark) let alone enjoy wearing one so much.

More Brows by Model Co (£9) is the perfect shade for blonde/red heads like me. Not too grey, not too dark and the fibres really do give my brows substance.

If I'm going out and sporting a bold lip I'll apply several coats of the taupe-coloured mascara, teasing my brows as I go into a stronger shape. On days when I want to frame my face a little (particularly when I've got my spex on) then a quick brush through with the mascara is all they need. What can I say, I'm totally hooked and can definitely see brow mascara featuring in my beauty routine for a long while to come.

2. Original Nivea Creme

Lots of people have nervous ticks. Some people bite their nails or pick their cuticles. When I'm stressed I pick at my lips (unladylike I know).

A little pot of Nivea Creme has sat on my bedside table (incidentally, next to a little pot of Sudocrem), for...well, forever. But I don't use it on my face. I only ever use it on my lips.

Nivea Creme (from £1.49 at Boots) is about the only thing which heals my lips fast. If I've been unconsciously attacking them throughout the day I'll apply a thick layer of Nivea creme to clean lips just before bed and the next morning my lips are so much better. Works a treat in winter too if your lips are severely chapped. Remember to massage any remaining cream into cuticles or onto the back of your hand (waste not want not).

3. Tinted Moisturiser

My love of tinted moisturiser has definitely peaked in 2014. Partly owing to the huge number of BB, CC and EE launches over the past couple of years and my fascination with the differences between them, but also because tinted moisturiser is simply a makeup lifesaver. Great for everyday, quick to apply with fingers (especially when half asleep), lightweight enough to allow freckles to show through and with built in sun protection.

I have about 5 tinted moisturisers on the go at home depending on how sunny it is, where I'm going, whether I want a slight 'tint' to my skin etc. My faves are pictured above and explained below:

1. Chantecaille Just Skin (SPF 15, £58)
Quite simply the most luxurious and effective tinted moisturiser there is. Subtle enough to conceal yet you will look like you're not wearing anything. Trust me on this one.

2. Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation (SPF 30, £48)
I won this in a  Liberty raffle a couple of years ago and love the texture it gives my skin. Glowing but not shiny. Slightly tinted but not too dark. And with a high SPF too. Another one to look out for if you don't like the idea of wearing 'a base' everyday.

3. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (SPF 30, £29)
The closest thing to the Chantecaille that I've found and half the price. Brilliant.

4. Tom Ford Traceless Foundation (SPF 15, £62) 
Not strictly a tinted moisturiser but boasts a similar texture and is just heavenly. Pricey yes but a little goes a long way. With a perfect colour match this would make a real investment piece. Be prepared to receive compliments.

4. Nail Oil

A couple of years ago I had a Gelish French manicure for my sister's wedding and three weeks later decided to remove the gel polish myself (big mistake). Most of my nails were fine afterwards but my wedding ring finger (left hand) really suffered and quickly developed a recurring nail split.

It's been three years since my sister got married and it's only since I've started using a rich nail oil that the recurring split has disappeared.

The bottle you see in the photo above - Essential Nail Oil by cult British nail brand Rococo Nail Apparel (£12.50) - has been on my bedside table for well over a year. I generally remember to use it most nights, massaging it in quickly into my cuticles and nails before falling asleep. Not only has it stopped my damaged nail from splitting but my nails are noticeably stronger, healthier and whiter.

5. H₂0

This might seem like an odd one to include but in terms of seeing actual visible results, it's one of the most powerful beauty tools at our disposal. And it's FREE! (well, for lots of us and my goodness, how lucky we are).

Simply not drinking enough water will visibly effect our skin for the worse, no matter how many expensive creams and serums we use.

After a big night out on the sauce (generally wine-flavoured) I'll look at my skin the next day and will really notice the lines on my forehead, my laughter lines and the general lacklustre texture of my skin. Now, I'm all for ageing gracefully but it never ceases to amaze me just how much older I look when I simply haven't drunk enough water that day, compared to days when I have.

Too much sugar (and wine's a b*tch for this) can also cause skin to break out. Drinking lots of water will certainly help to reduce toxins, as will a quick facial massage (click here to see this stunning facial massage tutorial by Lisa Eldridge. Definitely worth 20 minutes of your day some time).

What's your beauty saviour? Please let me know in the comment box below!


Image credits:
Nivea - intothegloss.com
Water shot - uniteforclimate.org
All other images Natalie James Makeup

Sali Hughes is 'Pretty Honest' about beauty (and that's why we love her)

A great Christmas pressie for sisters/mothers/aunties/friends who are beauty mad or beauty confused

Last Wednesday eve I tootled off to Space NK Bishopsgate on the off-chance I might be able to sneak into hear Sali Hughes' talk about her new book "Pretty Honest" (£11 on Amazon).

I'd rung two weeks prior to book myself a ticket but they'd already sold out (the very morning it was advertised!). Not letting that deter me I decided to go anyway as people cancel at the last minute and luckily for me that's exactly what happened. So with book and glass of champagne in hand I settled into the store to await Sali's entrance.

I've been following Sali's beauty page in the Guardian Magazine for donkeys years and she is one of my favourite beauty writers. Her honest, no nonsense approach is both endearing and trustworthy. I like the fact she will often recommend a cheaper product over a more expensive one if it does a better job. The way it should be.

Sali channels the sexy librarian look

After taking a seat at the front of the store Sali thanked everyone for coming (about 25 of us) and proceeded to read from a chapter in her book entitled 'Beauty and the careerwoman' (well, we were in The City after all). I particularly enjoyed hearing her list of 11 'Deskside Essentials' including mini hairspray, dippy nail polish remover pot* and mints.
* click here to see which one I blogged about recently

Sali ponders a question from the floor

Following the reading the floor was then opened up for questions. Being terribly British tumbleweed and shifting feet seemed to be the general response. Thankfully Sali's friend and fellow Guardian writer, Lucy Mangan (@LucyMangan), decided to volunteer a first question - what makeup was Sali wearing that day (ooh, great question). Having disclosed her warpaint (see some of Sali's go-to makeup staples below) the questions then just seemed to flurry forth.

The gems were coming out of Sali's mouth thick and fast so I decided to open up 'Notes' in my iPhone and jot a few down. Here are some of the things Sali had to say that I found particularly interesting which I thought you might too:

Sali's General Tips:
- Avoid skincare and cosmetics containing mineral oil if you have acne prone skin (e.g. Eve Lom Cleanser)

- Don't be afraid to try over-the-counter chemical pads or liquid exfoliators, for example those containing BHA's (Beta Hydroxy Acids such as salicylic acid) or AHA'S (Alpha Hydroxy Acids such as glycol and citric) as these will have concentrations well beneath those applied in a specialist clinic. Sali says BHA's can be very effective on spot-prone skin.

- If your skin is flaring up swap your flannel for a muslin cloth as it's far gentler.
- Cleanse regularly with a balm or oil and every now and then with a foaming face wash (foaming cleansers can strip the skin of moisture. Interestingly, Sali says she uses a foaming cleanser twice a week with her Clarisonic and an oil or balm the rest of the week).
- If your skin can tolerate a chemical SPF then wear that under your makeup. Otherwise stick to topical SPF's such as those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Topical SPF's, or what used to be referred to as 'sunblocks', tend to be quite thick and white which makes makeup application over the top of them all the more tricky. Sali says that in the Auutmn and Winter months she's more likely to get her SPF from her makeup products e.g. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (SPF 30, £29).

"Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes..." (Gosh, I hope not!) 

Some of Sali's favourite products:
- NARS Cream Blush in 'Penny Lane' (£21.50, see above)

Weightless and translucent

- Chantecaille Loose Powder (£48)

Haven't tried this yet but it's on my list if Sali says it's good!

- Clarins Instant Concealer (£21, for use under the eyes)

A great range which should match most skin tones

- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (£21, for use everywhere else on the face)

Signed copy of 'Pretty Honest' (Sali Hughes at the top, Lucy Mangan at the bottom)

The lippy I was wearing when I met Sali 

I was first in line to get my book signed and happened to be wearing NARS' new Audacious lipstick in 'Vera' (£24). Sali said it really suited me (she could have just been being kind but I liked it!). Might have to treat myself this week. Plus, I've just discovered there's one in the range called 'Natalie'!(whoop!).

Have you read Sali's new book? What did you think? Any favourite chapters? The one on perfume has got me itching to go out perfume shopping...

Follow Sali:
salihughesbeauty.com
@salihughes (Twitter)
@salihughesbeauty (Instagram)

Makeup: Is it really OK to wear what we want?

Now here's an interesting question. Do we really think it's OK to wear whatever we want makeup-wise, all of the time? Where are the boundaries? Are there or should there be any boundaries?

In this month's Glamour magazine (pg. 159, Keira Knightley front cover) the fabulous Sali Hughes - Guardian beauty journalist extraordinaire - tackles one of my all-time favourite subjects; makeup and feminism.

So where does makeup currently sit on the feminist scale?

Sali argues she's sick of people telling her she can't possibly be a feminist AND love makeup. The assumption that women who love makeup (wearing it, shopping for it, talking about it, writing about it) are somehow lacking in brain cells is a particularly ancient and not to mention unsubstantiated stereotype. I can personally attest to knowing a handful of very successful women (lawyers, investment bankers, senior suite executives) who have gone completely gaga when I've shown them the latest in foundation technology or a vibrant matte red lip shade. Does this mean they're stupid because they relish the joy and playfulness that makeup brings out in them? Does it b*llocks.

A time and a place
It's a fabulous piece of writing and if you get a chance to read it, do, however, there was one line towards the end of Sali's article which jarred with me slightly. She concludes:

'The freedom to look however you choose is feminism'.

I'd agree, yes, but only up to a point.

Take a woman's place of work for example. Should she feel free to express her love of all things punk or goth in the office? That's clearly at one extreme end of the spectrum, but how about slightly less artistic preferences? Are absurdly long eyelash extensions an acceptable form of grooming? What about bright red lips?

Conversely, should a women be free to wear no makeup at all?

For me it's not a question of freedom - we all have the freedom to do what we want - but rather it's about being strategic. 

I believe a woman's makeup has to be fitting for the role. Women are missing a trick if they think being entirely themselves in the makeup and wardrobe department is the secret to success. Of course, a healthy dose of self-esteem and confidence is essential to winning the respect of both your peers and clients but there is a fine line and often I think the nuance of striking the right balance is missed.

When it comes to your makeup for work there are several factors to consider:

• Does my look best represent the company I work for? (i.e. does it reflect its culture, values and areas of expertise)
• Does my makeup represent me in the best light?
• Does my makeup reflect my ambition?
• How have I adapted my makeup to account for my age? (is it ageing to be wearing certain shades? answer: YES!)

Where to start?
A good starting point is to look at the industry or sector you work in. A woman working in sales for example will need a more polished (and arguably brighter) look than someone who works in medicine or HR.

And what about the size of your company? A larger firm is likely to have a standardised approach to appearance, setting the benchmark high.  More creative industries such as PR and advertising will expect a more individual and characterful dress code, one which allows for personality but without compromising on polish.

Ultimately makeup is there to be used and should not be underestimated in its ability to imbue health and vitality as well as inwardly bolstering our confidence.

The day I test drove the matte nail

Call me old fashioned but a matte top coat feels quite new age. I know the concept of a matte nail has been around for a while but I hadn't really dabbled in it. That was, until yesterday.

I'm a big fan of shaking things up and experimenting and quite like being taken out of my comfort zone. Much of what I love about makeup stems from an instinctive playfulness, a desire to touch and feel textures and observe the way certain colours make me feel. So you can imagine my delight when Nails Inc's Matte Top Coat (£12) appeared in my Glossybox a few weeks ago. I couldn't wait to take it for a test drive.

My interest was doubly piqued when Ciaté's 'Ditch the heels', £9 (grrrrreat name), an Emerald City Green with glorious shine, also turned up. Green nails? Well don't mind it I do! Could they become my new go-to Autumnal bright?

Application:
- goes on glossy and in about 30 seconds has 'turned' matte

Observations about going Matte:
- feels instantly modern
- works equally on short and long nails (but I imagine looks amazing on long squoval or round shaped nails)
- not as 'dull' as I thought it would be. Colour still looks vibrant.
- is not the same as when your glossy nail starts to lose its lustre. This is matte all over.

Colours I can see it working well on:
- white
- nude
- black
- burgundy
- deep purple
- navy
- royal blue

Fancy having a go?
- Premium buy:
Nails Inc Westminster Bridge Matte Top Coat, £12
- Budget buy:
Barry M Matte Top Coat £2.99

The green certainly has felt different and contemporary. I can see it working well teamed with a floral shirt or a cream lace top. I'd like to try the matte top coat over one of my classic deep burgundies. Now that would be chic.

Brow-maze!

Great things come in small packages

OK. Worst title yet....but hear me out. I LOVE this product.

It arrived a couple of months ago, nestled in the ridiculous packaging that comes with my monthly Glossybox (guys, seriously...can you make the box smaller or something? Or better still, deliver the surprise samples in a silicone food bag like this one?! OK. Maybe not silicone. Something biodegradable).

Where was I...

Yes! Little did I know this unassuming product would change my life irrevocably (I do not offer up those words lightly). One minute I'm happy as Larry, taking care to apply an oh-so-subtle layer of MAC's 'Omega' eye shadow (£13, perfect for blondes), using my all-time favourite brow brush (Illamasqua shhh)...and the next I've ditched them both* in favour of my GoFaster brow mascara!

*not really ditched forever. That would be stupid. They've simply been reassigned to the Evening Makeup Box.

With my browsings on. Pretty subtle hey?

Why it works:
- small brush applicator (about half the size of a mascara wand)
- just the right shade (not too dark and the right side of 'greige'. Comes in Light to Med and Dark)
- quick drying gel formula makes my brows appear fuller (hurray!)

Who are ModelCo?
Australian company, founded by former model booking agent, Shelley Barrett.

Where can I buy?
Hmm, that's a tricky one. It's currently unavailable on Amazon and Glossybox don't sell directly. You can order it from Australia for £9 (cost of the full size product) plus £5 shipping. That's about the same as Benefit's Gimme Brow (£17.50) which looks suspiciously similar (I wonder if they the same?)

Either way, having previously been sceptical of brow mascaras, particularly as I have very light brows, I'm newly converted to the concept and am enjoying making it part of my daily makeup routine.

Do you have a favourite brow product? Are you a pencil, powder or a gel gal? I'd love to know.

Does makeup = confidence?

Are the red specs too much?

The Makeup = Confidence debate has long fascinated me.

Partly because, as a working makeup artist I get to witness first hand the ways in which makeup can spark confidence in women (oh it can, yes it can). But partly too because, as a woman, I've personally experienced the spring in my step and the smile on my face that comes from walking into a room knowing my makeup looks great.

(I should add too that I've experienced the flip side... where my skin is not looking good. At all. And that knowing and feeling that has affected everything, from my posture to my ability to make conversation).

But back to the debate...

For as positive a tool as makeup can be....should it ever be used as a substitute for confidence?

Sali Hughes interviewing Charlotte Tilbury (in Charlotte's bathroom!)

Two things have prompted this post. One was discovering last week that one of my makeup heroes, the permanently feline-flicked celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, reapplies her makeup before bed.

I'll say that again.

She removes her makeup (using her Clarisonic and her own Miracle Glow Cleanser) and then reapplies primer, concealer, liner and mascara (*GASP*).

Whilst Charlotte is a wonderful ambassador for the confidence-boosting aspects of makeup (I simply adore how easy she has made it for everyday women to copy their favourite Hollywood heroine) what BLEW MY MIND is that she insists that no-one should ever have to see her without makeup. Not even her husband.

I have to say this saddens me. I would hate to feel I couldn't go barefaced in front of my best friend or a man I liked. Perhaps Charlotte would go bare-faced but actively chooses not to? Regardless of the reason I still find it unsettling and at odds with the way I feel about makeup and when it should be used.

Btw, I highly recommend watching the whole video which is the second of a Two Part interview by the wonderful Sali Hughes, Beauty Guru for The Guardian. But if you simply want to skip to Charlotte's bedtime makeup routine start watching from 4:50. (If your reaction is anything like mine it will leave your jaw on the floor).

The second thing to prompt this post was a bbc.co.uk news article which posed the rather controversial (but highly topical) question "Could a makeover save your career?" (Link to full article).

Personal brand is something we're probably all pretty familiar with. The notion that it's not just what you say or how brilliant you are at your job. Whether we like it or not people make sub-conscious judgements based on appearance.

Research recently conducted by the University of Hertfordshire confirmed this:

'What a person wears has a big impact on others' impressions of them and on their subsequent career opportunities.' 

It even goes on to say:

'Women whose work-wear is "slightly provocative" are judged to be less competent.'  

                                      - Excerpt from an interview with Karen Pine, a psychology professor at the  
                                        University of Hertfordshire.

Trust me, I'm a salesperson
Whenever I struggle with this debate I seem to always revert to the sales analogy.

Imagine you're being sold something by the best salesman or saleswoman in the world. What would you want, or expect them to look like? Would their scruffy shoes distract you from their eloquent sales tactics? Or how about their visible (and therefore highly distracting) cleavage? Would it make you think twice about your purchase?

The fact of the matter is people want to see health and confidence reflected back at them, regardless of the context. You might forgive a friend for having slightly lack-lustre or frizzy hair but how would that person fare in a business context? Can you imagine them going for a promotion?

Who can forget the relaxed confidence of Katie Holmes, photographed for
Bobbi Brown's 'Confidence is everything. But a little makeup can't hurt.' campaign.

As a makeup artist and someone who extols the benefits of strategic use of makeup in the workplace I'm conscious my appearance needs to consistently reflect the values I am promoting. This has its challenges! Especially after a British Military Fitness class (lol) or on a 'lazy' day. But I know how I feel on days when I haven't got my business face* on and for as much as I'm confident about my subject matter, I can't help but feel like I'm under-selling myself in the knowledge my appearance is under-par.

Whilst we can acknowledge that makeup should never be a mask I think it's also important to acknowledge that real confidence simply has to come from within. By all means use makeup and 'mazing haircuts and gorgeously fitting shoes and clothes to help boost your inner confidence...but don't forget too to reflect that mirror back at yourself and do the work on the inside. This is no quick fix. As someone who has had periods of sustained low self-esteem I can tell you I'm several years in and still delving, but finding I am building a solid foundation slowly but surely :)

And imagine just for a second how much more powerful makeup and heels and haircuts would be, knowing all the while, that should they be taken away, our inner confidence will still be there....standing tall and shiny.

* To clarify, my business face is not wearing a tonne of makeup. It's about using very thin layers of product to imbue health, vitality and professionalism. I want the people I talk to to think 'She looks great' not 'Wow she's wearing a lot of makeup for a Tuesday'.


Images:
Guess Accessories (Kate Upton)
Charlotte Tilbury
Bobbi Brown (Katie Holmes)

Super handy

I may be small but I pack a mean punch

I don't know about you but, my god, removing nail polish can be boring. BoooooORING!! Even the thought of having to do it makes me yawn.

So imagine my DELIGHT when I discovered Pretty Quik Instant Nail Polish Remover.

It was the day before I was traveling to Spain on holiday and I was in Beauty Travel Prep mode. I knew I didn't want to take my full size nail varnish remover with me but couldn't be bothered to decant it into a smaller bottle (although this is a great thing to do. The smaller the bottle the better. You know those teeny bottles of shampoo and shower gel you get at hotels? Keep em! They come in super handy when traveling).

I'd always been sceptical of 'Quickies' and pots of sponge-soaked nail varnish remover thinking they would just dry out leaving me having to resort to my nail varnish remover after all. But this little pot does exactly what it says on the outside and I'm even continuing to use it several weeks after my holiday.

How it works:
- simply dip your finger into wet pink sponge and twist (be careful not to tip the pot upside-down as its quite liquid at the bottom. I discovered this whilst twisting rather animatedly).

Why it works:
- its principle ingredient is acetone (acetone nail varnishes being the most effective at removing nail varnish. You can buy non-acetone removers but I find they take longer to work). Warning: Acetone will strip your nails of their natural moisture if left on the nail so be sure to wash your hands immediately after using and apply a generous splurge of hand cream or nail oil.
- the sponge saturates the entire nail dissolving nail varnish quickly and easily, even when wearing multiple layers e.g. base coat, 2x coats of colour and top coat.

Where to buy:
Boots (£2.79) and Superdrug (£2.99)

Not for toes:
Clever ol' me thought I would try removing the nail varnish on my toes(!) with the pot. Hahahahhahahaha. Don't do it. Unless you've got super long toes (you weirdo) you won't be able to dip them low enough to wet them.

Do you have a favourite nail product? A nail oil or cuticle cream? I'd love to know.

Do You Get What You Pay For?

On Saturday I had an *big neon lights* ABSOLUTE BEAUTY DISASTER.

Yes, it happens to the best of us and yes I've been left reeling from my faux pas.

I was down in Bournemouth, the day after a friend's wedding when I happened upon a threading pop-up in the local shopping centre. The pop up was offering brow threading for just £4 (an absolute bargain compared to the £17 I usually pay at Blink) and top lip for an equally bargainous £5. Naturally, I thought 'why the hell not?' (why the hell indeed?!)

(I should point out that thankfully the mishap happened after the wedding and not before. Lol.)

You see, choosing to get my brows/top lip threaded at this particular pop up wasn't the problem. The therapists seemed well trained and had clearly been doing it for years. The problem lay in the fact I didn't say anything pre-treatment. Big mistake. Huge!

If I look scared it's because I am. Where the hell are my brows?!

'Too thin!' exclaimed the rabbit. (Well he didn't really but very well could have).

So what exactly happened?
The first sign of trouble was that the lady who threaded my brows, lovely as she was, threaded them in absolute record time (we're talking 2 mins max). The second sign of trouble was that she seemed to be taking a heck of a lot off, from both the top and the bottom. (Of course, as I'm lying there I'm thinking 'Hmmm, she seems to be doing this awfully quickly??' but because she was mid-flow I didn't want to say anything. Damn English politeness!). She then gets the scissors out and starts trimming the top.

My. Worst. Nightmare.

Brows 'done' (I'll say!) she then moves onto my upper lip and again, haphazardly works her way across. Closer inspection reveals she didn't do a great job as two days later I can still see patches of downy hair. I have also developed way more spots than I usually get along the area above my top lip which has left me looking rather like someone with a sizeable sugar addiction.

The irony
I could laugh (or cry) because just last week I submitted an article for BOE Magazine (you can check it out here) in which I proposed that well-groomed, fuller brows are fast defining an era in beauty.  Haha. And to top it all off, pre-brow disaster, I reckon I'd finally got to a stage where I was quite proud of my brows. I liked the fact they were bigger than I'd ever let them grow and that I'd finally embraced brow mascara (sniff).

Hindsight's a great thing a b*tch
Here's what I should have said to the threading technician in the pop-up:

"Hi there lovely threading lady! Before you begin working your magic on my brows can I please ask that you do not touch the top? Only the downy, blonde hairs underneath and in between my brows. That would be great. I quite like the shape/thickness they are and would love it if you could just remove the lighter hairs I find difficult to see. Thanks so much!"

It's sad really. I find myself replaying this request in my head on the bus.

Thank God for Sal
Bless my housemate Sal. About a month ago she'd rather excitedly announced that castor oil had been highly recommended to her by her local beauty place for boosting brow and lash growth. She's got a huge bottle of the stuff (organic brand: Pukka, £8.95 for 250ml from feelunique.co.uk) in our bathroom so I've been ceremoniously putting some on morning and night in the hope it will help my brows to grow back at lightning speed (any slower simply won't be quick enough).

Instances where it's possible to enjoy a bargain
Now I'm fully aware there will be ladies and gents out there who have enjoyed expert beauty and grooming services for not much money. In fact, I too have had unbelievably brilliant manicures for just £15. I've also had unbelievably terrible pedicures for obscene amounts! One pedicure sticks in my mind as it was just shy of £50 (i.e. above average for a standard pedi) and within an iconic department store with an almost impeccable reputation. My pedicure was so shoddy I felt compelled to complain the next day. The staff were very apologetic and offered me a deluxe pedi in return which I discovered a month later was just as bad, if not worse than the first! Paying more doesn't always guarantee a better outcome or service but one would hope it would excel that of its high street/market stall counterpart? Otherwise, why bother parting with the extra cash?

A bargain is possible I believe....but only in instances when:
- you know the therapist/makeup artist/hair stylist/barber/beautician personally and trust their work
- the treatment you're having is fool proof (e.g. leg wax). Hair cuts and eye brow waxing/threading is going to be highly visible so you can't afford to 'go cheap' on the off chance.

Is it worth the risk?
If you are thinking of testing out a cheaper service, my top tips are:
- Be prepared to walk away not entirely thrilled with the result (you are paying peanuts after all)
- Do your research. If recommended to you find out the name of the person who performs the treatment.
- Decide ahead of time what you're going to ask for. Be specific, even if you think you're spelling out the obvious, and trust your gut (if you don't think they've listened to you now's your chance to get out!)

First had this chop back in Feb 2014 and I absolutely love it.

Hair
Here is a case in point where it's ALL about the stylist.

I've been having my hair cut by a lady called Sally at the Aveda Institute, Covent Garden since mid-last year. Haircuts at Aveda are now an eye-watering £76 (they've just gone up by £2) for a cut and blow dry with a Senior Stylist. Having tried elsewhere for cheaper and been far less impressed with the results, I'd much rather pay an extra £20-25 and be absolutely delighted with my cut. A haircut is something you wear everyday and for me it can really set the gauge on how I feel. Bad haircut, bad mood. It's as simple as that.

But I'm not paying for the Aveda brand here (although I must admit the head massage at the beginning and the salon itself are both pretty wonderful). If Sally (hairstylist Sally, not housemate Sal) worked at a cheaper salon around the corner I'd follow her there. I'm paying Aveda prices because that's where she works and that's what they charge.

Same too can be said of makeup artists. An artist with a more expensive rate card doesn't necessarily guarantee a better quality of service or skill set.

Do you think you get what you pay for when it comes to beauty and grooming services? Have you had a beauty disaster when you've paid either through the nose or on the cheap? What was it and how did you cope with the aftermath? I'd love to know!

Image credits: 
NARS for Philip Lim 3.1 SS15
Spasalon.com
Pukka
All other images Natalie James Makeup