Applying a primer, a foundation, concealer, and for a huge amount of people, resorting to a technique called baking has become the norm in the face makeup department, and we haven’t even included contouring, bronzing and highlighting. Then we proceed to apply the rest of our makeup, and only once everything is sealed with a foolproof setting spray, are we ready to take that perfect selfie. It goes without saying that our go-to filters are an integral part of the process, and some people go as far as to actually adjust and change their features and erase blemishes and other imperfections. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong about playing with makeup. It should be used as a fun tool with which we express our personality, mood and creativity.

However, the one thing makeup should not be is a shield behind which to hide. The emphasis is, and always should be on nourishing your skin to perfection, so even when you’re bare-faced, you have the confidence not only to trust around town, but actually let the virtual world see you in your full makeupless glory. And how does one achieve that photo-ready skin? It takes dedication and just the right steps, but trust us, there is nothing difficult about it.

The Glow Prerequisite



Many women out there are still not convinced of the important role exfoliation plays in the process of getting that perfect complexion. Dead skin cells that stay on top of your skin don’t only prevent your skin from breathing, but also clog the pores and the result is lifeless, dull skin. This is particularly visible when using a camera, as you will notice that your skin has become opaque and doesn’t reflect light. In order to shed those dead cells and reveal the radiance that lies beneath, exfoliate two to three times a week. Everything more than that can actually cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, as overzealous exfoliation can actually strip your skin of the natural oils since the dead cells haven’t had time to surface.

All The Right Foods



The connection between the gut and skin is one that cannot be denied, and a dehydrated body can be spotted from a mile away as when you’re dehydrated on the inside, it reflects on your appearance as well. Insufficient water intake definitely takes a toll on your skin, makes it dull and dry-looking, so it’s vital to maintain your water intake, and if plain water is ‘boring’ there are tons of water-rich foods that are delicious and that will, in the long run, pay off big time, so choose your favorites and don’t hold back.

Pick Your Tools Wisely



One of the most common mistakes we make is choosing the wrong skincare for our concerns, skin type as well as our age. Therefore it is paramount to rectify this mistake and how does one go about it? First, you need to establish what your skin type is. Then, you go and look for the best skincare products for your type, and if you’re dealing with acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation and other issues, choosing wisely is all the more important. Arm your bathroom cabinet with everything from the right cleanser and toner, makeup remover, serum, moisturizer, all custom-picked and personalized to cater to your specific needs.

Be Diligent



Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was great skin. It takes good products and plenty of diligence to get your skin where it needs to be. This is why, rain or shine, you should never skip on your skincare rituals and proper steps, both evening and morning ones. The evening calls for a double cleanse, toning, overnight serum, moisturizer, and mornings are a tad breezier as you can get away with a quick wash, daytime serum and an SPF rich moisturizer, and you’re almost ready to go.

The reason nighttime routine is more extensive is because we usually have makeup that needs to be thoroughly removed at the end of the day, and let’s not even get started on the external pollutants that attack our skin constantly. In addition to that, it’s vital not to give up on your products if they don’t work magically within the timespan of two minutes – think of great skin as a marathon, not a sprint; do your best, take it slow and trust in your products as they will deliver. Everything good takes time.

Camera Up!



Ok, once you’re skin is in spick and span shape, you can add a touch of makeup for that perfect no-makeup makeup look before snapping that perfect selfie, although when the time comes, you will be confident enough to go truly makeup-free. Sheer foundations and radiance-boosting tinted moisturizers are all the rage this season – the season of healthy glow, so snag one of those lightweight products and add an extra smidge of radiance to the skin. Apply some stick or liquid highlighter to the high points of the face, add a few coats of mascara and plump those lips with a touch of lip gloss and you are more than camera-ready.

Find that perfect light, hold the camera above you and point it slightly downward – this way you’ll capture your best angle perfectly, and snap away. Of course, feel free to adjust that pic to fit in with the rest of your Instagram feed in terms of saturation and exposure, but you will be pleasantly surprised with the fact that you don’t have to make any other adjustments. Happy snapping!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you’re just physically tired and sleep deprived?

I have been following this product for many years as my skin was prone to spots as a teenager and young adult and latterly due to hormonal breakouts so i jumped at the opportunity to try it out.

Before I even tried out the products I noticed the packaging and branding and loved that I was so nice and clean and easy to use.

Proactiv+ Skin smooth exfoliator, Pore targeting treatment, Complexion perfecting hydrator & Skin purifying mask.

Suitable for all skin types and effective for those with spot-prone skin as well as those who suffer from occasional blemishes, Proactiv+ is a revolutionary dual-therapy anti-blemish and skincare system designed to promote a healthy complexion.

As required with any skincare regiment, it is advice to use the products in the order recommended. Starting at 1) The Skin smoothing exfoliator, then number 2) The Pore targeting treatment and lastly following with number 3) The Complexion hydrator and only using the Purifying mask as needed.

Following the order I found that the products really worked for my skin.

I do advice that the skin be damp before applying the skin exfoliator and to only use a small amount in the palm of the hand and then to work it into a lather on the face and then rinse it off. Following that move onto step number two and three. For me personally the process left my face feeling cleansed and extremely hydrated nd blemish free.

After using the Proactive + 3 step program I would highly recommend it to any one suffering from spot-prone skin and occasional hormonal breakouts.

Proactiv+ 3-Step Core System £19.99 available from www.proactiv.co.uk

Instant Fix Concealer

The Instant Fix Concealer by Proactiv+ another one of those products that I have always wanted to try.

What does it say on the cover? Instant Fix Concealer by Proactive+

1. Helps clear blemishes while hiding imperfections with the Proactiv+ Instant Fix Concealer. Four shades allow for quick customisation to ensure a skin tone match. It’s natural-looking coverage for flaws, redness, unexpected pimple pop ups and even dark circles. Skin is left looking smooth and flawless with a beautiful complexion!

2. Formulated with spot fighting Salicylic Acid

3. Formulated with soothing and moisturising ingredients

4. Four customizable shades

5. Won’t clog pores

How to use:

Dab onto blemishes, dark spots, dark under eye circles and other imperfections by using a concealer brush or fingertip. Layer and blend as required.

It was great that it came in a small compact case perfect for popping into my handbag for touch ups during the day. The concealer comes in 3 shades of which I used the darkest one, which I found okay and did work for my skin-tone.
But I do think as with most makeup companies they could go a little darker to accommodate darker skin-tones.

The coverage was brilliant and eliminated my dark under eye area as well as other darker areas on my skin instantly. It went on smoothly and did not leave my skin feeling caked as some concealers do.

I would recommend and purchase this product myself again, especially if they do go a shade darker, so it can be mixed as the other three shades found in the compact I was unable to use because it was to light for my complexion and so a bit of a waste. Or maybe just do 2 shades in a pack.

RRP £23.99 available from www.proactiv.co.uk

By Deborah St. Louis

If you are a Penny’s (Primark) fan and a make-up lover, then say howdy to their new PS- Pro range. A 42-piece collection focusing on the preparation and perfecting stages of your make-up routine. It is also a mix between high-end and high-street cosmetics, offering you amazing products at an even better price.

Each and every product is designed to be long-lasting and made from premium ingredients and superior formulations, delivering a long lasting and professional finish.

Here is just some of my favorites from the collection

The PS Pro Primers

Take your pick, mattifying, illuminating or miracle, which aims to prep and correct. Love the Miracle and Illuminating Primers as they can be worn under or applied over make-up as a liquid highlighter. Or can be mixed with your foundation for a dewy finish for a dewy finish.

Then there is the PS Pro Longwear Mineralized Foundation. It provides a medium, buildable coverage with a satin finish enriched with all of the benefits of a mineral powder. It is also packed with vitamins A and E to hydrate the skin and contains SPF 15 for protection against the sun. Suitable for normal to combination skin and is available in five shades Porcelain, Ivory, Warm Beige, Rich Beige and Chestnut.

Chestnut

Then there is the CC Concealer palette, the Pro Longwear Finishing Powder, and a range of lip, brow and eye pen products. Prices start at €3 and the collection will be available to shop from May.

PS Pro Concealer Palette



PS Pro Long Wear Concealer

PS Pro Finishing Powder

The new collection definitely ticks all my “need to have in make-up” boxes but don’t take my word for it check out the PS Pro Range online or instore.

So we are not all top notch make-up artist and if you like me, you are always buying new make -up products and before you realise it, your make-up bag is over flowing. So let's make things easier, here are your 8 basic essential to always carry in your make-up bag.

Many women often buy products that;
• where sold to them by an over enthusiastic make-up counter assistant, they buy it and then do not use it
• because they were drawn in by the advertisement on television, because the model looked so good wearing it
We then end up not using any of these products because we do not know how to use correctly
It is time ladies, to go back to the basic, because everything else in our lives are already complicated the last thing we need is to complicate our make- up routine
Carrying these basic essentials with you can make things so much easier and will give you a flawless look for day and night.

1.Concealer

Concealer is used to hide your dark under eye circles and the spots on your face

2. Foundation

Even out your skin complexion by applying your foundation all over the face, this will balance out your complexion and give you a clear canvas to apply the rest of your make-up

3. Neutral eye shadow

Neutral shades like beige, is easy to use and suits every skin tone and are great for an everyday look

4. Eye liner

A black or brown eye liner is essential or you can also use dark eye shadow along your lash line to enhance your eyes

Mascara

Defines your eyes by applying it over your lashes to enhance the length of your lashes

Blush

As foundation evens out your skin tone, blush ads colour, apply it to your cheeks. Blush comes in a variety of shades so choose the right shade for your skin tone.

Remember;
• Select a colour that will accent your facial features and will not make you look like a red check clown
• Bright red colours may not look that good if you have a very pale skin. Pale skin try a soft pink colour.
• So depending on your skin tone you will need a lighter or darker colour
When applying it, make a fish face then apply blush to the centre blending it along the cheekbone

Lipstick

We do not all like popping colours so try a nude colour to enhance your natural lip colour

Lipstick like blush adds colour to your face.

Translucent powder

Apply to skin to set make-up and for a matte effect, dust lightly using a fluffy powder brush

Declutter your make up bag and let's get back to basic !!