Make-up Artist Victoria Davies shares her favourite serum in her pro kit.

When I buy a new product I am all about the way it is packaged. Presentation is the key to success I believe.

Think you had a challenging Fall?

Beauty marks can sometimes result in people suffering from low self-esteem, as they may feel quite self-conscious about a mole or dark patch on the skin. If you have a beauty mark you would like removed, it might be a comfort to learn you’re not alone.

According to the BBC, the number of people requesting mole removals roses by an incredible 127% in 2015 in the UK alone. In fact, some of the world’s most beautiful celebrities have also embarked with mole removals, including Madonna and Enrique Iglesias.

However, instead of embarking on invasive cosmetic surgeries, we are here to show you how to remove beauty marks using natural remedies.

A Natural Removal

While it is not backed up by scientific evidence, it is believed that the acid in apple cider vinegar can prove successful in the removal of a variety of beauty marks, such as age spots, moles, warts and birthmarks.

If you would like to try the apple cider vinegar removal, simply soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and then place this on the mark. For an effective result, you could always secure the cotton ball using a bandage, which will allow the vinegar to go to work on the birthmark overnight.

Once you wake from sleep, simply remove the bandage and cotton ball and repeat the process later that night with a fresh cotton ball and bandage.

You may find the birthmark starts to scab; however, it is recommended to protect the skin with petroleum jellies, such as Vaseline, or almond or coconut oil. Never pick a scab or you could end up with an unsightly scar.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice could also prove effective in lightening a beauty mark. The acid in lemon juice has lightening properties that could help reduce a birthmark’s shade.

It is unlikely the lemon juice could remove the birthmark altogether, but it could make the blemish less noticeable on your body – which will most likely be a comfort to those who are self-conscious about their beauty marks.

If you would like to try the natural method, simply squeeze the juice of a lemon and rub it onto the beauty mark twice per day. Do not expect to see immediate results, as it will take time for the lightening properties to take effect, but the skin could lighten gradually if you perform the routine daily.

Lemon, Baking Soda and Sugar Face Scrub

So, we have told you all about the benefits of lemon juice, but did you know sugar and baking soda could also help you successfully reduce darker spots or skin blemishes?

By making a lemon, baking soda and sugar face scrub, not only will you have beautifully exfoliated skin, but your face will be free from bacteria and dust that can become trapped inside your pores. Plus, thanks to the lemon, you can lighten up any beauty marks denting your confidence.

A Coconut Oil and Olive Oil Massage

It seems the whole world and her husband have fallen in love with the many benefits of coconut oil, and it appears it is a gift that keeps on giving. That’s because both coconut oil and olive oil are jam-packed full with vitamin E and K, which can remove sun spots and dark patches, as well as improving your skin’s elasticity and tone.

For the ultimate massage oil, simply mix equal parts of coconut oil and olive oil, before applying to the skin and massaging it onto your desired area. Perform this massage for between 4 to 5 minutes, rubbing the oils into the skin in a circular motion.

Tomato and Honey Facial Cleanser

It might be a little unusual to add tomato and honey onto your face, but it could be the very thing you need to do to say goodbye to those beauty spots affecting your daily life. The cleanser is thought to not just lighten dark patches, but to remove pigmentation marks and clear your pores.

To create the facial cleanser, simply grind a tomato in a mixer, before draining the juice into a bowl and adding two teaspoons of honey. Stir the ingredients well and your facial cleanser is ready and waiting for you to use – and it’s perfect for your everyday skincare regime.

Toothpaste

You might have heard about toothpaste having the power to remove pimples, but did you know it can lighten dark patches on your skin, too? That’s because it contains bleaching and antibacterial agents that can reduce spots and make darker areas of the skin much lighter.

If you would like to try this method for yourself, simply apply the toothpaste to your desired area using a q-tip. The toothpaste should remain on your skin for up to 30 minutes and then simple wash it away with cold water. If you perform the toothpaste trick twice per week, you may soon notice a difference.

Cumin Seeds and Rice Water

If you thought lemon juice and toothpaste were strange ways to lighten up dark spots on the skin, you must hear about cumin seeds and rice water. This effective natural remedy could be all it takes to remove a beauty mark from your face.

So how does it work? Well, cumin seeds and rice water contain skin cleansing and lightening properties, which not only helps to remove dark patches, but can banish acne marks and pimples – so it’s great as part of a skincare regime, too.

Simply boil two tablespoons of cumin seeds in two cups of water. Once you have done that, drain the cumin seeds’ water into a bowl and add one cup of rice water, stirring thoroughly. All that’s left to do is pour the water into ice cube trays, freeze and then rub an ice cube on the area for just three minutes.

Sandalwood, Turmeric and Milk Face Mask

What woman doesn’t love a face mask to feel beautiful? Well, if a mole-like mark is making you feel less than beautiful, you should consider creating the sandalwood, turmeric and milk face mask.

Sandalwood has anti-ageing and anti-blemish properties, which is ideal for those wanting to say goodbye to pimples or age spots; whilst turmeric is one of the most natural products that can be used to lighten skin. Also, those who want to prevent skin pigmentation should consider adding milk onto their skin, too.

If you would like to create this effective facial mask, add two tablespoons of Sandalwood powder and a pinch of turmeric to 3 tablespoons of fresh, thick milk. Apply the paste onto your face and allow it to dry naturally for approximately 20 minutes. To remove the face mask, wash your face with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

BIO: Ella Allan is a blogger at Beauty Blog - Allbeautytoday.com

CHUNKY CHRISTMAS GLITTER GIFT SET from The  Gypsyshrine

With Christmas, just a few sleeps away, it is time to, really get into the joyful spirit with the colour of the festive season Red. So, let’s go bright and bold and spread some holiday cheer.

Feel sassy, confident and just a little naughty in this Bardot style figure-hugging pencil LRD

When slipping into a LRD keep the rest of your look neutral with modest gold and or complementing black-and-white pieces in simple silhouettes to keep it understated but classy.

www.oliverbonas.com

For just a touch of red, add a red necklace, like the red Martha rubber coated ridge necklace from Oliver Bonas. To make it pop wear it with something blue, like a polo neck jumper, like the Serena polo neck jumper from Oliver Bonas. Just a side note; when mixing bold colours together, keep the lines simple to add to the elegance.

Kick up a storm in the office with a pair of red wide leg trousers, love this cut and style from Topshop, well-tailored and waist cinching all those wonderful things to make you look just as attractive as a really good bottle of red wine.

www.topshop.com 

A well-fitted double breasted blazer adds a certain panache to any day or night look giving off an air of confidence. Literally saying, “I am in control of this Baby!!

Pair that blazer with a pencil skirt and a pair of timeless fiery stiletto’s, like these wrap-around red ones from Very and you will have them all staring for days.

www.very.co.uk 

It might be cold outside but you will be so hot in a sexy lacey halter neck bra and briefs from Coco De Mar at House of Fraser.

www.houseoffraser.co.uk 

www.prettylittlething.com

Bring the festive cheer on your next big night out in this red lace-up satin maxi dress from Pretty Little Thing, definitely my choice for a OMG LRD

www.topshop.com 

Keep it festively retro in this red leather jacket from Topshop, perfect for a casual date when you need to bring the heat.

· Book Your Lifestyle are hosting one of the beauty industries sort after beauty advent calendars, that will turn your Christmas into a very happy #GLITZMAS.

· Behind every door to the run up to Christmas there will be 24 prizes ranging from spa days, waxes to urban retreats in luxury salons.

· Doors to the Book Your Lifestyles’ GLITZMAS calendar will open on the 1st December, so make sure you visit www.bookyourlifestyle.com and you may be a lucky winner.

· Each entry to the GLITZMAS calendar will receive 20% off their next order on any Book Your Lifestyle participating salons.

How much do you love your skin?

The Gold One, because we are worth it!! Now your lips can be literally kissed in Gold, thanks to L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Gold Obsession lipsticks. Available in 5 iconic shades with each one wrapped in 24-Carat Gold pigments for a bold metallic look.

The Color Riche formula provides the richest colour and the best lip care. It is not only rich in color but also full off Omega-3 oils and Vitamin E to prevent lips from drying.

#GOLDOBSESSION there is a shade for every occasion and every mood.

Gold Nude for an easy to wear everyday gold shine

For a girly touch, Pink Gold

Warm up your winter with Plum Gold

High Impact for an unadulterated statement with Pure Gold

Feisty, warm and sexy with a touch of gold, bold and fearless, Rouge Gold

Work the #metalliclip trend this season by using your Pure Gold shade as either a standalone colour for a statement metallic look, or as a topcoat for a subtle metallic finish over any one of the other shades.

If you are daring and want to make a high impact statement, Pure Gold on its own will be #puregoldmetal

For a subtle #metalliclook apply Pure Gold as your base coat and Rouge Gold as your top coat for all day metallic shine.

For a fun #ombremetal look, use any of your fav Gold Obsession colour shade, combine it with the Pure Gold shade, applying it only in the inner centre of the top and bottom lip, for a killer 3-dimensional #boldmetal look.

#GOLDOBSESSION because you are worth it !!

St. Tropez has never let me down, it's one of the most popular tanning products and celebrates being established for 20 years this year.

Their new Luxe Dry Oil is their most advanced formula in self tanning yet giving an instant luxurious glow which then develops into a long-lasting tan after 4-6 hours and lasts for up to 10 days.

Infused and approved with natural tanning agent technology that is fused with a luxe Brazilian-inspired dry oil, this self tanner has multiple skincare benefits and gives a streak-free and entirely natural looking tan.





Benefits:

- Non-greasy formula
- Easy to apply
- Leaves skin feeling supple, nourished and perfectly conditioned for up to a week
- Gives an instant shimmering glow for those occasions when you need a bit of colour straight away
- Long lasting
- Contains100% natural tanning agents neroli, lemongrass and grapefruit
- Paraben, sulphate and phthalate free

Directions for use:

- Exfoliate skin and apply tan with mitts.

- Once it has fully developed, wash off the subtle shimmer that acts as a guide colour to reveal a golden tan.

St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Oil £25/St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe Facial Oil £23

Enjoy 3 for 2 across the St. Tropez now www.lookfantastic.com