April Favourites

This month I’ve been trying to use up some of the products that have been lurking in my make-up collection for a while before I treat myself to anything new.  Here are some of my new and rediscovered favourites...

NEW...

Chanel Pro Lumiere Professional Finish Makeup SPF15 £31

I’ve been using this foundation more and more... and I love it!  Perfect for brides, this foundation gives long-lasting coverage with a semi-matte, radiant finish for beautiful skin.  

REDISCOVERED...

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Mahogany  £15

Gel eyeliner is a great option when you want more definition than a pencil can give, but don’t want the stark, strong line of liquid eyeliner.  Bobbi Brown’s Gel eyeliner has a soft consistency and combined with the Ultra Fine brush is foolproof to apply.  It doesn’t dry instantly giving you change to adjust and blend for the perfect line.  Make sure you keep the lid on to prevent it drying out.  This particular colour has been discontinued but Sepia is a very close match and suits most complexions.  For dark skin tones, Black Plum ink is a great choice. 

Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Peony £23.50

I use this as a blusher, rather than an all-over face powder.  Using a large, fluffy brush I sweep across the palette and apply in the same direction on my cheek to give a pop of colour on the apple and a glimmer of highlighter above the cheekbone for a radiant flush.

Laura x

Choosing the right foundation

Finding that elusive perfect foundation for your skin can sometimes feel like an endless search!  Here are some pointers to help you...

Step 1: Skin type

There are three types of skin: oily, combination and dry.  Most foundations are custom make for these types.  A foundation for oily skin can look flat and powdery on dry skin, and a foundation made for dry skin will become shiny and patchy on oily skin.

Step 2: Skin condition

Foundation can only look as good as the condition of your skin.  Combat dehydration by drinking enough water, mosturising daily and avoid flakiness by exfoliating regularly.  Use primers underneath your founation to address any areas of unevenness and/or oiliness.

Step 3: Coverage

Very even skin only needs a sheer coverage product.  Skin with acne, that is prone to redness or is uneven in tone will require fuller coverage.  I prefer to use foundations that can be applied sheerly in areas where not a lot of coverage is required and can be built up where needed.  If you have freckles, I'd recommend concealing where necessary and using weither a very foundation or tinted moisturiser.

Step 4: Colour

Always, always test foundation to make sure it blends perfectly into your skin.  I check on the jawline and forehead.  You shouldn't be able to see any colour when you blend in.  Don't try to alter your skin tone with foundation - it will look fake and patchy.  
For darker skin with more than one time, use two shades of foundation with the lighter shade in a diamond shape in the centre of the dace and the darker shade around the outside to maintain the dimensions of the face.  Blend well!

Step 5: Finish

After foundation, conceal any blemishes and darness around the eyes.  As a cream/liquid product, foundation usually needs to be set with powder to make it last and control shine.  Apply with a powder puff or rbush concentrating on the t-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and blend.  Foundation and concealer form a blank canvas for your face.  Add colour and definition back using blusher, bronzer, eye make-up and lip colour for the finished look!

Some of my favourite foundations...  MAC Face and Body, Face Atelier Ultra Foundation, Make Up For Ever HD, Chanel Pro Lumiere, Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Foundation

Laura x

www.lauraharrisonmakeup.co.uk