Having grown up in Alabama in the 80s, I know a thing or two about big hair. It’s not as fashionable as it once was, but I’m still a fan. Even through the board-straight, flat-haired Rachel-from-Friends years, I loved big hair. There are a few ways to achieve big hair, but I’ve found the easiest and…
Read More
Cushion cosmetics have been around for years, but I’ve stayed away from them for a few reasons – the main one being they appear gimmicky and are not good value for money. So much investment goes into the packaging that the product inside is often a fraction of the amount you’d get if you bought the same formulation…
Read More
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,…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
It can be tricky to find makeup that works well with older skin. I’ve tried lots, and I’m sad to say that the older I get, the more money I have to spend. Drugstore foundations don’t work for me any more, and heaven forbid I try to use an inexpensive mascara. Of course, my view…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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.…
Read More
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…
Read More
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.…
Read More
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…
Read More
Fig and Pen 