A bit of designer chic...

A bit of designer chic...
I recently went to Italy on a quick weekend break. I always save my foundation samples from magazines for these short trips where my baggage allowance is so small, and use it as a perfect opportunity to try out some new brands. So, while rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, and staring lovingly into the Chanel, Prada and Gucci shops (although never brave enough to enter!) I decided to try some of the 'designer' brands foundations.

First up was Dior skin nude, fond de teint fluide, 030 med beige.

Much darker than any one would ever sell to me in a shop, I thought I would give it a go anyway. Very creamy application, seemed like it would be more appropriate for mature skin. It sat quite heavily in my wrinkles and creases, and all day I felt like I was wearing foundation, which is not a good thing in my book!

As the day wore on, it settled down, I loved the sun kissed colour, but as stated before, it would never match my skin, and did result in a bit of an unsightly line around the neck. At the end of the day it came off easily and was non drying. I also very much enjoyed staring at the window display of Dior in Florence, in the great knowledge I was wearing Dior foundation on my skin! 6/10

Second, Chanel Vitaluminere, fluide de teint eclat.

The colour was lighter for a start, the coverage was not great, and I still had to apply concealer on blemishes. It did feel very silky and I did not feel like I was wearing make up. It gave me a natural glow, almost like I had been running (and no that was not the wine!). It came off very easily. 8/10

Third, staying with Chanel, Mat Lumiere.

This is undoubtedly my favourite. Complete coverage, no feel of foundation on my skin and a gorgeous luminescent colour. Easy to take off and also leaves skin feeling silky smooth. Photos of the day I wore this made my skin look incredible! I am almost swayed between giving up my trusty foundation and moving onto something altogether more classy and chic...almost!!! 9/10

Keep those little samples you get in women's magazines cos you never know when they might come in handy!

Stay Beautiful!

Stace x

29th May 2010

Visible Brilliance - Elemis

Is it actually visible?

As you may well know from my previous blog, I’m testing which brand of micellaire solution works best. I’m still on the case and now testing the Nuxe brand. However, meantime I thought I will share with you my recent findings about the Elemis face serum – Visible Brilliance.

Its light and luminous texture glides evenly on the face. This serum works great under my daily moisturiser, my skin looks smoother, radiant and prepared for my make-up application. According to the Elemis spokeswoman, this is not a treatment product but one that makes your skin look radiant. Is it just me or it seems a bit too expensive (£40 RRP) for something we all could easily do with a make-up trick.

I’ve used almost a whole bottle of that serum and noticed not much difference to my skin. It makes my skin glow when it’s on but notice no difference that I would expect after using a serum. To be honest, I’m not really impressed with that product. It’s a great idea to use it as a boost when you need it (special occasions like wedding day – need to tell Stace about it!); however, if your skin does not lack lustre don’t bother. It smells nice and has lovely texture but considering the price the results are not that impressive. Instead, I would definitely recommend Decleor’s Aromessence Neroli oil, which is fantastic, especially when used as a boost under your night treatment.

Nevertheless, make your own judgements when choosing skincare. Remember what suits one, won't suit another… and stay beautiful!

Mags x
17^th May, 2010

My beauty secret - micellaire solution

My beauty secret - micellaire solution

I love spring… maybe with less rain and more sunshine but still I love this time of the year! It’s that time when my house and my facial routine needs spring clean action!

Last year I fell ill in May and the skin on my face went off track after a number of medications I was taking. My beautician said that it may take as long as a year for my skin to fully recover and she was right! I look (and feel) much better now… and it’s just about a year later!

During that year I have not rested on my laurels, though. I kept researching and trying ever so new products until I found what I think works best for my skin – micellaire solution! It’s a calming cleansing solution that works perfect for sensitive skin. It soothes irritated and fragile skin, cleanses face, eyes and lips perfectly without rubbing, and rinsing is not required.

Purete Thermale Solution Micellaire from Vichy is one of the ‘wonder’ products that I use at present. It’s available on high street for less than a tenner. You can find different brands selling this cleansing solution; however, not all of them are available in the UK. Hence, during my recent trip to Europe I purchased several different products of micellaire solution and my task now is to keep you posted of which one is the best of them all. As for now, I can tell you that Purete Thermale cleared my skin so much that my friend, whom I haven't seen since Christmas, said that I look like I've never had skin problems before. It was great to hear such a complement.

If you have any questions or comments, please tweet us @beautyu or email at info@beautyu.co.uk.

And remember, stay beautiful!

Mags x

10 May 2010