The Secret Beauty Blogger

Wash and glow

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 09:07:00 +0000

When I saw the ads for the St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower (RRP £14.95), I couldn't WAIT to try it - and I have to say, I am definitely not disappointed.

Regular readers of my blog will know that I am a big fake tan fan, but as I'm quite pale, I find it hard to find something that works, so have always been a lover of the gradual tans. I use these as often as possible (Dove's being a fave) but sometimes they do feel slightly sticky, especially when using in the warmer weather which is when I tend to be using them most, and that's just one reason I love this amazing new product.

I have NO idea how the science behind it works, all I know is it does! Three minutes can feel like a strangely long time when you're just standing and waiting in the shower, so if I have time to do it in the mornings then I'll slather in on and brush my teeth - and if I'm washing my hair then I'll apply a hair mask too.

So, the results! I've been using this for a few days now and I have a lovely, streak free glow, with no fake tan smell and my skin feels so moisturised too! For those who prefer a darker tan then this may not be for you as it's definitely on the lighter side of any gradual I've used, but this would be perfect to keep tans topped up or in between fake tan appointments.

Secret Beauty Blogger verdict

Definitely worth the hype, love love love it! Although better for those of us English Roses out there...

Natural make up

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:14:00 +0000

I don't often do make-up posts with photos, but there are a few products I'm loving at the moment, and seeing as they all contribute to my current favourite make-up look, I thought I'd share and illustrate!

So, here's my natural look (still trying to slightly obscure my face due to the whole 'secret' beauty blogger thing - not a very flattering angle!)

Since using the amazing Clinique Even Better Make-up (RRP £25) I've had a lot of comments on how well and glowing I look, and I'm pretty sure it's down to this wonder product. I rarely do the no foundation look if I'm going out or to meetings, but having used La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ for a while now, I finally feel happy with my skin and confident to wear a tinted moisturiser rather than full on foundation. The texture of this is perfect, not too heavy but still feels like you get a good coverage, and the result is a healthy glow, without being too 'dewy' and verging on a sweaty/oily look - not sexy!

Next up is the gorgeous Watercolour Creme Blusher by Daniel Sandler in Sunset (RRP £15.50), a rich, golden peach - perfect for adding a summer glow. I was told years ago by A-list make up artist Dani Guinsberg to only pair like with like when it comes to the face. So cream blusher/bronzer if you've used cream/lotion foundation and powder if you've used powder. "But most foundations are cream and I love my powder blusher!" I hear you cry....well fear not, just make sure you put a face powder over your foundation (translucent is fine) for a smoother finish. Anyway, back to the blusher. A little goes a long long way with this gorgeous, highly pigmented little blush, you can build it up for a stronger colour and it lasts so well. I tend to use darker blush in the summer for a warmer look, but a pale pink always looks lovely and fresh too.

A mascara I'm absolutely loving at the moment is Le Volume de Chanel (RRP £25). Excuse the dodgy pic but I think the before and after speaks for itself, and this is just one coat!

And finally I'm wearing Hard Candy Lip Tattoo in Fantasy from the Lipgloss box I recently posted about here. This nifty little number features a light, delicate lip stain which you can layer on for a stronger look and a minty fresh gloss to finish. It honestly lasts all day and I really wasn't expecting it to. I love the colour for a summer look, a delicate pale link with a hint of shimmer for the day and a few more coats leaves you with a stronger colour and shine. i'm definitely going to be stocking up on a fee more shades!

So there you have it, my easy peasy summer face!

Lovely lips!

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 19:42:00 +0000

How great is this idea? For just $10 a month, Lipmonthly will send you a great range of lip products, from liners to glosses and everything in between. In my box I got:

Glamnatural Poco Loco Lipgloss

Stila Glaze Lip Liner

Hard Candy Lip Tattoo

Lipology Outrageuously Moist Wet Lip Gloss

And as a little mix up, Ultraflesh Panthera Mascara

I'll post as I try them, but to start off I thought I'd share the gorgeous Hard Candy Lip Tattoo in Fantasy. This gel based lip stain can be layered to create a colour as strong as you want, and then the minty fresh gloss is applied on top and lasts all day. Definitely will be purchasing these in as many shades as possible! I love the pink of this one though, one or two coats gives a sheer tint, and a few more looks great for a nude lip on a night out.

Anti pigmentation power product!

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 20:07:00 +0000

I have never used La Roche-Posay products before, but after trying the Effaclar DUO[+] anti-blemish cream (RRP £15.50), I am definitely converted!

As many of my followers will know, my aim used to be clearing my skin, but after the miracle Pantothen did for my spots, the issue I've had since is covering up my pigmentation marks. To be honest, I hadn't really tried anything for it religiously, as those products I did use didn't seem to do anything. I then was sent this when it launched and honestly noticed a difference within less than a week. After a couple of months of using this morning and night, my skin is completely clear and both blemish and mark free, meaning I can now wear tinted moisturisers rather than foundation - something I'd never dare to do before! And for that price point, I think it makes it even better!

Here's what the official blurb is:

La Roche-Posay introduces new Effaclar DUO[+] anti-blemish cream, specifically formulated to target the key signs of oily, blemish-prone skin. Clinically proven to correct the appearance of blemishes. Unclogs pores and refine the look of skin texture. This daily skincare solution is suitable even for sensitive skin.

Karlie Kloss for L'Oréal Paris

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 19:39:00 +0000

Wow, LOVE this collaboration!

Check out Karlie Kloss for L'Oréal Paris - love these images.

Silky, smooth skin

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 06:00:00 +0000

I love a hot cloth cleanser, and Liz Earle is definitely up there, but at the moment cannot get enough of the amazing Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It’s full of lovely products to help keep ageing at bay, but I just love how soft it leaves my skin, even when I wake up the next morning! It dissolves all make-up and dirt from the skin (although I still use make-up remover first to get a proper clean) and the buffing action of the cleansing cloth gently exfoliates at the same time. The texture is an oil-like balm that you massage onto the skin (you don't need much at all), then you wet your fingertips and carry on massaging, before you then wipe off completely with a hot cloth. You can leave it on for 10 minutes as a treatment mask too, although I haven't tried that yet.

My skin has a glow to it that I’ve never had before and it keeps the texture soft and supple. It also lasts such a long time, I’m about ¾ of the way through now but have been using it twice a day for about 9 months!

Barely there make-up

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 06:00:00 +0000

I don’t think there are many people who haven’t heard of the amazing results bareMinerals Original SPF Foundationprovides, but there still seem to be quite a few who haven’t actually tried it, myself included.

I think I’d always been slightly wary of using a powder foundation as my skin can be quite dry, and to be honest, I didn’t think I’d get the coverage from a mineral powder, but bareMinerals has completely changed all that! You also don't need to use a separate concealer as you simply apply the foundation with a concealer brush on any blemishes or dark circles and they disappear!

I absolutely love this product, the coverage is amazing, my skin looks so healthy and natural, and it really lasts all day. The buffing technique does take slightly longer than my usual liquid foundation application, but probably only an extra 30 seconds, and you can keep applying depending on how much coverage you want. I still tend to use my trusty Estee Lauder Double Wear for a night out, but this is such a great daytime foundation, and the fact that it’s good for my skin is a bonus! The foundation on its own is £25, and the buffing brush is £24, so it’s well worth popping to your nearest counter to get colour matched and pick up the starter kit for £50 which includes the foundation, buffer brush, blusher brush, concealer brush, bronzer, finishing powder and primer – bargain!

I’ve only been using a small amount each day, and a little really does go a long way, so it’ll last much longer than my usual day foundation and keeps my skin healthy to boot – what more could you ask for? Here is the video from bareMinerals to explain a little more...

Supersize volume

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 14:10:00 +0000

My hair is very typical for a Caucasian British girl, it’s quite a fine texture but I have a lot of it. Lots of people have a similar hair type but think their hair is thick, and this is where they can go wrong when choosing haircare and hair styling products.

Anyway, I digress slightly, but due to my hair type it loses volume VERY quickly, and day two after washing is completely flat. I’ve tried hair dusts to boost this volume at the roots, and they are great, but I find them slightly messy to use and can leave the hair very sticky, otherwise drying in a mousse always works, but what happens if you want to boost volume on dry hair?

This is where the fabulous L'Oréal Paris Studio Line #TXT Volume Supersizing Spray comes into its own. I LOVE this product and at £3.79 you can’t go wrong! Simply spray on for instant volume, and keep on spraying depending on how much texture and volume you want! It lasts until I wash it out without feeling dirty in my hair, and by massaging slightly whenever I feel it’s dropping, it instantly refreshes my look. This is definitely one of the easiest products I’ve ever used for such an instant and long lasting result, and the price is a bonus too!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 15:33:00 +0000

...Especially with advent calendars like this one in the shops! The Selfridges Christmas advent calendar (£84)

includes:

Lancôme Hypnose Classic mascara 2ml

Armani Code Femme eau de parfum 3ml

Lancôme Hypnose Star mascara 2ml

Flowerbomb miniature 7ml

Maison Martin Margiela Untitled 7ml

Lancôme Tresor Mini 7.5ml

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle 4ml

Lancôme Bi-facil 30ml

Yves Saint Laurent Opium 75ml

Lancôme Galatéis Doucheur cleansing fluid 50ml

Lancôme Absolu Nu lipstick in 302

Kiehl's Creme de Corps deluxe sample 30ml

Kiehl's Ultimate Strength hand salve deluxe sample

Yves Saint Laurent Khol eye pencil

Lancôme Renergie day cream 15ml

Lancôme Hydrazen Neurocalm moisturising cream 15ml

Lancôme Advanced Genefique 7ml

Lancôme mini Juicy Tube in 17

Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Serum 7ml

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate deluxe sample

Lancôme Visionnaire serum 7ml

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream 7ml in 385

Absolue Precious Cells Yeux deluxe sample

Autumn Beauty Report

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 12:54:00 +0000

With cooler temperatures now here, it’s time we start to bring out the autumn wardrobe. Bursting with vibrant, eye-catching colours, including rich shades of blues and greens and lip colours in bold reds and crimson hues, autumn’s beauty looks complement the bold colours seen on the catwalk, while on the beauty side. In addition, beauty professionals are also emphasizing natural make-up looks utilizing simple neutral colours on the lips, a natural face, lengthy lashes or prominent eyebrows, and retro eye makeup.

While brazen trends in eye and lip wear will be big this season, we’ll also see mellow hues and cool colours that boost your best facial features. Add a touch of colour by emphasising lips in a bright pop of lipstick or gloss for a head turning look. Whether you choose to don a bit of blush in a bright shade, lipstick in a gutsy cherry shade, or thick eyebrows, highlighting one feature provides a cool style statement.

Edgy Eyes

Although we've been rocking the cat-eye look for decades now, it is still a major trend and will be a predominant look for this season. Mastering this retro look is actually quite easy — just line the lids with dark liner and flick up at the ends , and add a a contrasting colour such as platinum or pale gold eye shadow across the lids to really make your eyes pop. Swap the dark liner for a lighter colour with some shimmer for more of an evening look, and up the ante by infusing your look with spunky, tribal-inspired jewellry pieces from Made or a scarf in a dainty floral print. You can still make your eyes the focal point of your look without even touching them by following this season’s bold eyebrow trend. If your brows refuse to grow, simply colour them in with an eyebrow pencil in a matching shade.

Lush Lips

This past spring, I got into the bright lip colour craze after attending a wedding where the bride and her bridesmaids wore varying shades of red lipstick to match their M&S floral bouquets. After seeing the array of red hues in crimson, scarlet, and magenta, I knew this was a beauty trend that I’d have to get in on. While these rich colours are suitable for just about everyone, those with thin lips get an extra lift boost from brighter lip hues as slim lips appear larger and more sumptuous when they are painted with darker shades. Begin by outlining your lips with a lip pencil in a matching shade that accentuates the shape of your mouth, making it look more prominent, then colour your pout with the crimson shade of choosing. From vivid reds to dark cherry, a range of crimson shades will be hot this autumn and a favorite among the trendsetters.

Cocoa Brown Tan review

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:57:00 +0000

You may have heard about this new 'one hour tan' tan and wondered what all the fuss is about? Well wonder no more, it really is that good!

I'll be honest, when I first tried it I wasn't completely convinced; the mousse spurts out a bit which splatters where you don't want it, it expands like hair mousse which means you use more than you want to, and the mitt is scratchy so I'd use a different one if I were you, BUT, don't let that put you off, the results are amazing.

It's called the One Hour Tan because that's all it takes for a natural, light colour, although for those after a darker tan, it does carry on developing for three hours. Due to my pale skin tone and only having an hour to spare, I left it to develop for the shortest time, as you never know how dark they'll go, and I was left with a gorgeous hint of a tan, just enough to take the 'edge' off my skin colour, and probably perfect for those with very very pale skin tones, but it didn't really look like a tan (which isn't a bad thing for me!), so I think I'll leave it on for longer next time.

It left my skin feeling really soft after washing it off, and I was left with a smooth, streak-free golden tan, I'll just use a different mitt next time! And at £7.99 it blows some of the more expensive brands out of the water.

Festival chic

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 15:04:00 +0000

Just a quick one, but how cool is this Festival Beauty Box from Selfridges (£25 - bargain price too!)?

Love that idea!

In your box you will get:

Topshop lip crayon in Powder Room

Sol de Janeiro Coconut Water Cooling Mist 150ml

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Navy

Coloursmash Hair Shadow

Violent Lips Lip Appliques in Warm Rainbow

Illamasqua Liquid Metal metallic cream

Bare Minerals Pretty Amazing Moxie lip gloss

Azature nail polish in Champagne

Cowshed anti-bacterial hand gel 50ml

NPW mini scented hand & face wet wipes

NPW chubby glitter stick

Illamasqua complimentary eye colour consultation

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 21:05:00 +0000

Pink = CND in Scorch

Green = Ciate Ditch The Heels

Gotta love a feature ring finger!

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 21:43:00 +0000

I love this gorgeous, summery bright coral - Shanghai by Nailtiques. If you haven't tried this brand then you really need to - much better for the nails than other polishes and a fab range of colours too!

Lashtastic!

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:06:00 +0000

I hadn’t heard of this brand before, but I’m glad I have now! If you’re a regular reader of my blog then you’ll know I am a bit of a lash addict, and have tried so many mascaras I’ve lost count!

The Lashem Double Trouble mascara ($19.99) has two different brushes depending on the look you want to go for. One end is for volume, and one for length. The ‘length’ wand is lovely for a natural daytime look, while volume provides more drama. I use them together for evening make-up and the results are amazing! Excuse the strange picture of my eyes looking crossed, but you can see the before and after shot using both wands!

Another great mascara that uses the same ‘technology’ is Rimmel’s Day 2 Night (£7.99) – very similar results but with this one the ‘daytime’ wand on this one gives a bit more length. Lashem feels slightly more ‘luxury’ when applying – but I’d definitely recommend either!

Spring/summer 2013 trends: Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:01:00 +0000

A little round up of my favourite beauty trends for this season:

Perfect pouts

The statement lip is stronger than ever this season, and in a myriad of colours. From neon coral shades at Missoni, to tangerine vinyl-shine lips at Moschino and matte orange at Paul Smith, this is one colour I just LOVE for summer. Try Lord & Berry Vogue lipstick in Mandarino (£9.95) for a long wearing, matte finish.

Moschino

Lord & Berry Mandarino

Another of my personal favourite brights to wear is a hot fuchsia - this is a colour I always go for when I want to brighten up an outfit in more of a 'fun' way than a classic red lip. Giles showed this look off beautifully with models wearing nothing else but a slick of mascara to keep the lips the focus. As I've mentioned before, Sisley's Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick is the best I've tried colour wise, and I love how long-lasting it is too.

Giles

Sisley

For those of you who like to stick with the classic red pout, fear not - this was another strong lip seen across the catwalks, most notably Prada and Jason Wu who offered up pillar-box red pouts in a matte finish. The best lippy for this look is Mac's Ruby Woo (£12.50) - every girl who loves a red lip should have this in their make-up bag, it really does last without extra application, and the retro matte finish is so different to anything else out there. Because of this finish I find it works really well as a red to wear in the day, somehow the matte just seems slightly more casual than a glossy, slick pout. One watch out though - the formula is VERY dry to achieve the look, so some may find it uncomfortable to apply. A slight dab of Carmex on the lips is all you need to aid application though.

Prada

Mac Ruby Woo

Blue beauty

First thought when talking about blue eye make-up is either Barbie, or experimenting as a teenager, and both of these aren't something I'd like to repeat! Three of the hottest blue looks I saw were Jean-Pierre Braganza's take on the cat eye, Michael Kors floating aqua liner, and Dior's amazing peacock-hue studded with Schwarovski crystals.

Jean-Pierre Braganza

Michael Kors

Dior

Perhaps not the easiest trend to pull off, and to be honest I haven't tried many blue products to be able to recommend, but these are all interesting ways to work this trend and keep the rest of the make-up simple.

Nude and natural

Although bright colours always work beautifully for summer, one trend that cropped up a lot on the SS13 catwalks was nude nails. Don't think of nude as just one colour though, there's a whole variety of shades to choose from!

Pinky pastel shades were seen at Fendi and Derek Lam, and my favourite polish in this hue has to be OPI My Very First Knockwurst, a gorgeous pink nude which isn't too 'girly' and delicate.

Fendi

OPI My Very First Knockwurst

Over at Todd Lynn and Zac Posen, nail technicians mixed and matched beige shades to models' skin tones - be careful with beiges though as these can be tricky to wear; paler skins should go for light beiges while darker tones can wear a deeper beige shade and a matte top coat adds a cool twist to beige. Models Own have a great range of beige shades, a fab all-rounder is Nude Beige (£5) and suits all.

Todd Lynn

Models Own Nude Beige

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:27:00 +0000

The weather has taken a turn for the worst so I've gone back to winter nails! I do love a grey nail, and it doesn't get much better than Nails Inc in shade The Thames.

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:37:00 +0000

Apologies for the dodgy photo but this is the fab and funky Ciate in Ditch the Heels. I LOVE it! Usually wear it on my toes but thought I'd switch it up a bit!

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:27:00 +0000

I ADORE this colour - the amazing neon Notting Hill Gate from Nails Inc. Neon is a huge trend this season and I'm looking forward to embracing it!

Silky smooth skin

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:36:00 +0000

This is one of the biggest brands in Italy although not as well known over here. I got to know PUPA when I was sent the toning products, and was especially interested in the bust enhancing cream! I know a lot of people who did actually get results with the bust cream as it produces more water within the fat cells so can make them look up to a cup size bigger! Anyway, with the results and kudos behind PUPA, I was interested to try the Ultra Elastizing and Toning Oil (RRP £38)...

This is a product that isn't going to be able to make the same claims as the bust and bottom creams as it doesn't have the same technology, but this is definitely the best oil I've ever used. I always feel oils give better results than creams when it comes to hydrating the skin, but most of them feel quite slick, and, as you'd expect, ermmm, oily!

Although this doesn't sink in as quickly as a cream, it is nowhere near as oily as sitar products, and leaves the skin looking beautiful and healthy immediately. You also only need such a small amount so although it isn't the cheapest, it definitely lasts a long time.

This is perfect for any time of year, throughout winter to keep skin protected from harsh weather and heating, to summer to rehydrate after the sun and leave a gorgeous glow on the skin.

Secret Beauty Verdict: if you're a fan of oils as opposed to lotions, the this is definitely for you. Leaves the skin beautifully moisturised and looking gorgeously healthy.

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 21:38:00 +0000

Love this gorgeous pink - Essie Funny Face...

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 22:13:00 +0000

OPI My Very First Knockwurst from the Germany Collection, with 3 layers on top of the feature nail in Orly Embrace from the Pretty in Pink Collection.

The OPI is one of my fave colours, a nudey pink shade and is soooo flattering!

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 22:13:00 +0000

OPI's fab new Mariah Carey range in Can't Let Go - an exciting new 'Liquid Sand' technology which is a matte, sandy texture with a bit of sparkle. Love it!

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 22:18:00 +0000

China Glaze For Audrey with CND Effects in Perfectly Bare Shimmer as a top coat.

NOTD

noreply@blogger.com (The Secret Beauty Blogger) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 20:39:00 +0000

Today I'm wearing Nails Inc in The Thames, a gorgeous slate grey, with Nails Inc Sloane Square as a feature nail on top. This one is soooo gorgeous, absolutely love the 3D effect and would work so well as a top coat on any colour, or could do about 4 layers for a really lovely glitter. The 3D effect comes from the different sized glitter pieces in it and is the best I've tried...definitely a must have!