The Importance of: Moisturising

Why do we moisturise our skin? Do we need to moisturise our skin? Should we moisturise our skin? Do YOU moisture your skin??

We all know were meant to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate but to what extent?

 'Clinique-cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate'

For a healthy skin to function it needs to have an equal balance of oil and water, consistant moisture barrier, an even cell turnover and a strong support structure.

In a drier skin, the moisture barrier of the skin is broken and can lead to the skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. With a lack of moisture in the skin, it can start to look dull and become flakey due to the cell turnover slowing down and dead skin cells build up but by using a richer moisturiser that can restore the moisture barrier will leave the skin feeling healthier and comforted.

A dehydrated skin can also feel tight and uncomfortable but in this case it is due to a lack of oil and water in the skin. The skin is less likely to feel rough or flakey but can look dull. A moisturiser that reblances the oil and water will hydrate the skin and maintain the balance.

Its not just dry and dehydrated skins that need moisturising though, Oilier skins can also benefit from a daily moisturiser. Sebum (oil) is produced in the Sebaceous Glands (oil glands) to lubricate the skin.

' Sebaceous Gland'

  In oilier skins, The Sebaceous Gland can get a bit over active and produce too much oil which can block pores resulting in spots. So, although the skin can feel comfortable without moistursing, A light, oil-free moisturiser that controls oil can keep an oil skin feeling fresh and clean.

So there really is no excuse...theres a moisturiser for everyone!

Chubby Stick...INTENSE

Chubby Sticks just got INTENSE!! The crayon style, moisturising, lip colour balm has been re-interpreted in 8 new stronger shades. As you can expect, from my previous display of affection for the original chubby sticks,  I'm estatic!

 'Chubby Stick INTENSE'

 

 

The pumped up colour sticks arrive at Clinique counters on November 16th (uk), A bit of a wait, but expect the launch to be huge! I would definately suggest getting on your local counters waiting list to see these. The launch for the original Chubby Stick moisturising colour lip balm saw most colours selling out in the first week, so if you want in, get in quick!

The new INTENSE chubsters have 2-3 times the pigment of the originals but all the benefits remain the same in the formula. They are incredibly moisturising and stay balmy on the lips for hours- as well as long wearing colour stay! 

With the colours being so strong, I found that the colour I tried (Plushest Punch-sorry no picture!), they seem to leave a slight tint to the lip as they wear off- and they wear off very evenly, avoiding that dodgy line you normally get around the lips when your lippy starts to disappear!

 

So, The colours?

 

 '8 plumped up colours'

 

Apologies for the lack of numerical order,but, from left to right;

06 Roomiest Rose, 04 Hefliest Hibiscus, 02 Chunkiest Chili, 01 Curviest Caramel, 07 Broadest Berry, 03 Mightiest Maraschino, 05 Plushest Punch and 08 Grandest Grape.

 

Grandest Grape is bang on trend this season- a deep plummy shade- wear it alone with mascara during the day and add some deeper eyeshadow to take it from day to evening! Sorted!

Owl Shaped Lipbalm- Twit Twooooo!

Get a Twit Twoo pout with this moisturising, owl shaped lipbalm.

Who thought that, whilst stationary shopping, i would find this funky lipbalm in... Paperchase??!

'Owl Shaped Lipbalm'

At £6, it's a bit of a pricey lipbalm- but it IS owl shaped!! It feels soft and balmy on the lips and has a hint of tint, this one is 'Cherry Dusk' It's quite pinky with a light pearlescent finish and also has a fruity cherry scent but there is a strawberry version which is a deeper red shade and, obviously, has a strawberry scent.

'Owl Pout'

So, that's my lips kept soft for the Autumn! 

MAC: Superslick Liquid Eye Liner/ Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara

Superslick Liquid Eye Liner- M.A.C's slickest liner! This Water based, Water resistant, Liquid liner sweeps on in an easy, precise application- its hard to go wrong really! 

The formula is very watery (due to it being water based I guess!) ,so be careful not to tip the tube like I did..cue black liquid liner everywhere, and the applicator is a long spongey tip which is really helpful for creating that sweeping eyeliner look. 

'Superslick Liquid Eye Liner'

 Available in 9 colours, this liner is perfect all year round because if your splashing in the pool in the summer or stuck out in the rain in winter...IT WONT BUDGE!!

I tested it's power yesterday on a trip to my local pool and after being splashed a few times by fellow lane swimmers the liner was still as perfect as when I had applied it.

'Here's the proof!'

So theres the proof- at last, I have discovered a totally budge proof LIQUID eye liner!

Now, you cant wear liner without dressing your lashes can you? 

I'd like to introduce you to...Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara.

A bold volume mascara that lifts, lengthens and has lash plumping fibres to thicken the lashes. Unlike other waterproof mascaras that tend to be quite dry and limp, this gives you fluttering lashes without the smudging, flaking and smearing.

I've been using this mascara for swimming, holidays and snowboarding ever since my favorite Estee Lauder consultant, Leanne, reccommended it. It's never let me down and does well in humid conditions too- it doesn't melt or go clumpy like previous mascaras I've tried and because it's fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested, It doesn't irritate my eyes when they are feeling sensitive.

All i have left to say is.. BRING IT ON!!!

Boi-ing! Concealer from Benefit Cosmetics

 Boi-ing! The industrial strength concealer is now available in five shades so now we can all cover our dark shadows and imperfections!

'Boi-ing! Concealer'

I find this concealer goes a very long way so at £16.50 it’s a bargain. As it’s quite thick I’d recommend using an eye cream before applying around your eyes so it doesnt sit in any lines or go cakey in dry areas. Its also best to use your fingers to apply this creamy concealer as the warmth of your fingers will help to blend the product in.

 

 'Five shades of Boi-ing!'

Boi-ing is perfect for a quick, effective cover up but its also really good as a lip liner… use a small amount smeared over your lips to hold your lipstick and use a small brush to define around your lips,particularly if you are wearing a dark lipstick, it will tidy up your pout! Its good for quick touch ups and on nights out, just dont over do it or you'll end up looking like a china doll- its that powerful!!

Visit your local Benefit counter and get a Benebabe to match you up to the right colour or you can order yours at  www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk.

Boots Botanics Cleansing Wipes- 'All Bright'

So with Reading festival coming up, I went on a search for beauty supplies. First on the list was wipes! After browsing through what seemed like a million shelves of assorted facial wipes, I came across these bad boys!!

'Botanicals Cleansing Facial wipes'

 Boots own brand-  'Botanicals' cleansing facial wipes. THEY ARE AMAZING.

They can remove anything! From dirt to facepaints to waterproof makeup and leave you feeling sparkling fresh and clean. They containing brightening Hibiscus which is a great antioxidant and a natural emollient so it really helps to soften and brighten the skin- I've seen a big improvement after cleansing since I've switched to these magic wipes!

They feel refreshing on the skin when your cleansing, they aren't too dry,  they dont drag on the skin like some  cleansing wipes do and, even better, they dont cost a fortune either!

Every bathroom cabinet should have a packet of these...im stocking up!!

Shake Your Tail Feathers On Your Nails!!

Feathered nails..not the most practical nail art but it got me in a flap!

'Feather Nails- Full Set'

So ,after my dear friend Becca told me she'd seen it on E!, I was keen to give feathered nails a go. Although she made it sound simple- it was very messy! Basically, you paint your nails with a base colour (I used a nude varnish from Dior), then stick a feather on, trim to fit the nail and then seal with a clear topcoat. 

Sounds dead easy but it was actually pretty tricky! The painting and sticking bit was a doddle but when I came to trim the feather, it kinda went a bit sloppy so I think i'll need another go to perfect this! Once I'd finished, I had an unusual set of nails but not all of the feathers stayed flush to my nails and started to peel which was very impractical and I ended up just peeling them off!

 'The only one that came out perfect!'

 As far as nail art goes I'd give it a 6/10 for ease but a 10/10 for uniqueness..its the thought that counts right?