So as bloggers ourselves and avid readers of other beauty blogs morning, noon and night, we have learnt a lot! We're going to share a number of things with you today and pass on our acquired knowledge!
The Mega Multi-tasker
Now, we all know about Vaseline. It used to be available (I think it still is?) in big, plastic pots? I know my dad kept one in the shed. Now most of us girls have an original little tin one hanging around in the bottom of our handbag which has had a trip or two through the washing machine and has melted and re-solidified probably one too many times. Is that just me? Well, this beauty not only moisturises and gives that shine to your lips, but can be used on any skin to re-hydrate it and will sink in as quick as you can say dry skin, disappear! I also use this on my face occasionally, especially at this time of year when I'm having an especially dry day. One of my more recent discoveries using this magical product is removing hard-to-budge waterproof eye makeup. Take a cotton pad, fold it in half and 'swipe' the folded edge over the Vaseline and then gently massage it over the mascara/eyeliner. I find it easier to remove the majority of my makeup with my usual cleanser and then remove the bits that won't budge with the Vaseline.
Now, we all know about Vaseline. It used to be available (I think it still is?) in big, plastic pots? I know my dad kept one in the shed. Now most of us girls have an original little tin one hanging around in the bottom of our handbag which has had a trip or two through the washing machine and has melted and re-solidified probably one too many times. Is that just me? Well, this beauty not only moisturises and gives that shine to your lips, but can be used on any skin to re-hydrate it and will sink in as quick as you can say dry skin, disappear! I also use this on my face occasionally, especially at this time of year when I'm having an especially dry day. One of my more recent discoveries using this magical product is removing hard-to-budge waterproof eye makeup. Take a cotton pad, fold it in half and 'swipe' the folded edge over the Vaseline and then gently massage it over the mascara/eyeliner. I find it easier to remove the majority of my makeup with my usual cleanser and then remove the bits that won't budge with the Vaseline.
Less is more
When it comes skincare, it's best to stick the products you know and trust. Although, now and again you might test out a product for a month or so and that's fine, but if you're going to do this, stick to the product! You're not going to see any difference in your skin (whether it's for the better or not) if you keep switching back to your usual product every couple of days. It's a given - of course - that if you break out to this product after a couple of days of using it, stop using it and be kind to your skin for a while. But this doesn't meant that you can never try this product again. Give it rest for a while but if you're willing to risk a possible breakout, give another go because sometimes after using the same product for a while, your skin will react to a new product and might be fine the second time around. If not, pass it on to a friend for them to try out, especially if they have a different skin type to you.
When it comes skincare, it's best to stick the products you know and trust. Although, now and again you might test out a product for a month or so and that's fine, but if you're going to do this, stick to the product! You're not going to see any difference in your skin (whether it's for the better or not) if you keep switching back to your usual product every couple of days. It's a given - of course - that if you break out to this product after a couple of days of using it, stop using it and be kind to your skin for a while. But this doesn't meant that you can never try this product again. Give it rest for a while but if you're willing to risk a possible breakout, give another go because sometimes after using the same product for a while, your skin will react to a new product and might be fine the second time around. If not, pass it on to a friend for them to try out, especially if they have a different skin type to you.
Right for you...?
When it comes to makeup, not every product is right for everyone. Firstly, with your base - you need to educate yourself on your skin, see how it changes with the seasons/weather and how it reacts to different things. Personally, I prefer to use a dewy foundation rather than a matte as I can get quite dry patches on my skin, but when my skin is a oily, I find a matte, or even just a tinted moisturiser does the trick (also powder is my best friend on these days!). As for concealer, liquid and light-reflecting for covering my dark circles but I would probably say that a thicker, higher-coverage formula is best for covering those blasted spots (if they ever had the right shade in stock). Also, things like blush can compliment your skin tone (or not in some cases) so don't just pick up the 'pretty' shade - look closer and compare it to your skin tone. Now eye makeup. This is where the fun starts because really, you have endless options of products and styles to chose from. With mascara you can go with length, volume, curl-holding, waterproof (read our top waterproof picks here) or all of the above! Eyeliner is even more open ended with pencil, felt-tip, gel, liquid and you have an option for just about any colour you wish for and then there's the style... cat flicks, tight-lined, bold and out there?! And eye-shadows. Now I don't gravitate towards these on a daily basis myself but I can see how they really give a look 'the edge' on the days when you have the time and patience to pack on the colour or blend to infinity and beyond (if you're going for the eye-shadow look, I would definitely recommend the Rimmel Exaggerate eye-shadow primer).
When it comes to makeup, not every product is right for everyone. Firstly, with your base - you need to educate yourself on your skin, see how it changes with the seasons/weather and how it reacts to different things. Personally, I prefer to use a dewy foundation rather than a matte as I can get quite dry patches on my skin, but when my skin is a oily, I find a matte, or even just a tinted moisturiser does the trick (also powder is my best friend on these days!). As for concealer, liquid and light-reflecting for covering my dark circles but I would probably say that a thicker, higher-coverage formula is best for covering those blasted spots (if they ever had the right shade in stock). Also, things like blush can compliment your skin tone (or not in some cases) so don't just pick up the 'pretty' shade - look closer and compare it to your skin tone. Now eye makeup. This is where the fun starts because really, you have endless options of products and styles to chose from. With mascara you can go with length, volume, curl-holding, waterproof (read our top waterproof picks here) or all of the above! Eyeliner is even more open ended with pencil, felt-tip, gel, liquid and you have an option for just about any colour you wish for and then there's the style... cat flicks, tight-lined, bold and out there?! And eye-shadows. Now I don't gravitate towards these on a daily basis myself but I can see how they really give a look 'the edge' on the days when you have the time and patience to pack on the colour or blend to infinity and beyond (if you're going for the eye-shadow look, I would definitely recommend the Rimmel Exaggerate eye-shadow primer).
Your makeup forte
I think we can all agree that it wouldn't be fair for one person to instantly be able master all the tricks of the trade from the word go. But it's certain that we all have our forte. Between us, I think it's safe to say we can manage the even, matching eyeliner and the eye-shadow department but everyone will have their own strength and also their inability. So don't take it to heart if you can't get matching cat flicks and your friend can. Do the 'pre makeup removal practice'. Play around with it. Try out different techniques. If you would have asked me to wear a smokey eye a year ago, I would have probably would have Googled what it was and then replied 'umm no'. See, we're not all perfect. We just learn on the job (or dream job but still) and take things a step at a time.
I think we can all agree that it wouldn't be fair for one person to instantly be able master all the tricks of the trade from the word go. But it's certain that we all have our forte. Between us, I think it's safe to say we can manage the even, matching eyeliner and the eye-shadow department but everyone will have their own strength and also their inability. So don't take it to heart if you can't get matching cat flicks and your friend can. Do the 'pre makeup removal practice'. Play around with it. Try out different techniques. If you would have asked me to wear a smokey eye a year ago, I would have probably would have Googled what it was and then replied 'umm no'. See, we're not all perfect. We just learn on the job (or dream job but still) and take things a step at a time.
Now here are a few quick and easy tips we have picked up along the way;
Lacking the 'umph' in your routine? Dust powder over your lashes and let it set for a minute or so before applying mascara - this will give you even more volume.
Have you got a pencil eyeliner that just tugs your eyelid a little too much? Blast the lead with a hairdryer for 2 or 3 seconds before applying (any longer and the lead will melt - I speak from experience!). This will soften the lead, increasing pigment and ease of application.
No lip balm to be seen? Don't panic. Grab your regular moisturiser and work into your lips. It was made for the same purpose after all!
Excess eye cream after applying it? If you use a hydrating or moisturising eye cream you can use it on particularly dry patches on your face or even your hands to add some more much need moisture during these winter months.
Dull looking eyes and no time for an eye-shadow fuss? Swipe your favourite brightening concealer across your lids and under your eyes (we like Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer in shade 010 ivory) and lightly dust on your powder of choice.
Those stubborn dark circles just too dark? Stipple a thin layer of your favourite powder over the top of your concealer with a small, soft brush to add extra cover and staying power.
Lacking the 'umph' in your routine? Dust powder over your lashes and let it set for a minute or so before applying mascara - this will give you even more volume.
Have you got a pencil eyeliner that just tugs your eyelid a little too much? Blast the lead with a hairdryer for 2 or 3 seconds before applying (any longer and the lead will melt - I speak from experience!). This will soften the lead, increasing pigment and ease of application.
No lip balm to be seen? Don't panic. Grab your regular moisturiser and work into your lips. It was made for the same purpose after all!
Excess eye cream after applying it? If you use a hydrating or moisturising eye cream you can use it on particularly dry patches on your face or even your hands to add some more much need moisture during these winter months.
Dull looking eyes and no time for an eye-shadow fuss? Swipe your favourite brightening concealer across your lids and under your eyes (we like Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer in shade 010 ivory) and lightly dust on your powder of choice.
Those stubborn dark circles just too dark? Stipple a thin layer of your favourite powder over the top of your concealer with a small, soft brush to add extra cover and staying power.
Do you have any clever tips or tricks?
Stay beautiful x
Stay beautiful x