All articles filed in Reviews

Good makeup brushes are expensive, so it’s important to take good care of them.  This means regular cleaning, which can be a bit of a pain.  I used to dread the task until I discovered a cheap, easy, and very quick way to gently get my makeup brushes squeaky clean with minimal fuss. For this method,…

I’ve mentioned before that I can’t be bothered faffing about with a double cleanse.  To me, it seems a waste of time and product, and it doesn’t work well with my sensitive skin.  Over cleansing leaves my face tight, dry and very unhappy, so I like to use one effective cleanser to remove makeup and…

We all have them – those days when we discover something’s gone wrong.  For me, this usually takes place before a big event like a wedding or party.  Horribly dry skin, blemishes, or severely chapped lips?  There’s a fix for that. You’ve come home after a long day, cleansed your face, and are shocked to…

I am not one of those ladies who refuse to admit when they need a little help, and am all for having my life made a little easier.  Here are three beauty gadgets I cannot do without. Facial hair.  Ugh.  I seem to be sprouting new ones daily.  I used to tweeze, but honestly, there…

Most eyeshadows leave my eyelids in a terrible state after just one use.  I can’t count the times I’ve removed my makeup to find a sort of ‘tattoo’ of redness and irritation left behind by even the tiniest amount of shadow.  My lids are super-sensitive and become even more so in winter.  I can occasionally get away…

I spent most of 2015 battling terrible sensitive skin issues.  It was my sixth case of conjunctivitis  from dry eyelids that sent me on a journey to find skincare that my skin could tolerate, and I’d nearly sorted it when my lips became so chapped that I ended up with cheilitis.  It took months to recover…

Ah, winter.  You are pretty, but you are harsh – especially on my poor hands.  But I will defeat you whilst smelling lovely. If you love the scent of roses and the feel of soft hands, may I suggest Balance Me Rose Otto Hand Cream, £14.50?  With its gorgeous blend of rose otto, palma rosa, and…

Have you noticed that your foundation doesn’t look as nice as it once did?  Perhaps it’s going a bit patchy by midday, or accentuating the fine lines around your eyes.  Maybe it wears away before you’ve even left work for the day.  Or worse, settles into pores and wrinkles and does more to age than to…

With winter in full swing, my skin is suffering the effects of cold air and central heating.  In a nutshell, it’s dehydrated and, without constant attention, could easily become chapped and inflamed – which can lead to broken skin and a long healing time.  Best to fight the dryness and keep skin healthy and supple.…

It’s the time of year when I have to give up a lot of makeup I enjoy.  Cold winter air coupled with central heating makes my skin super-sensitive, and it becomes intolerant to just about everything.  My lips can become so chapped that it leads to cheilitus – a painful inflammation that can last for…

Upon observing my maturing skin in a magnifying mirror, I’m always surprised by the small age spots, enlarged pores, fine lines, and general crepiness, especially around my eyes.  My instinct is to cover it all up with the thickest foundation possible, but that’s not always a good idea with mature skin.  Heavy foundation doesn’t hide time.…

Now that Bonfire night has come and gone, I don’t feel quite so guilty talking about Christmas gifts.  If there is a beauty addict on your list this year, here are some great ideas – all for under £30. For the lipstick fanatic, look no further than Charlotte Tilbury’s Mini Lipstick Charms, £29.  You get…

Lately I’ve noticed my eyelashes getting a bit sparse.  They’re not as long as they once were, and certainly not as thick.  I’ve often thought about trying lash growth serums, but the side effects put me off.  Some of them can actually change the colour of the iris, and others can cause allergic reactions –…

I’ll come right out and say it: Bronzer scares me.  I’m quite pale, and every bronzer I’ve tried has been either too dark, too shimmery or too orange.   At my age, I have to be quite careful with powders of any sort as they tend to leave me looking a bit chalky and dull.  Chalky, dull,…