Back To Basics

So lately I just haven't been impressed by my skin. Yes I may have an array of stunning blushers, bronzers and highlighters to try out every day, however with my dry(!) skin breaking into an oily T-zone only several hours after I had applied my makeup I just knew that a whole 'base' overhaul was required.

Maybe a month or so ago, the lovely Caroline Hirons (of beautymouth.com and founder of Give and Makeup) was good enough to take a look at my current skincare routine and help me understand where I was going wrong. Some of the noted problems were the lack of a good cleanser and moisturiser, amongst other brands 'La Roche Posay' was one that she recommended. When payday rolled around, off I went to Boots to buy myself a whole new facial routine!

Physiological Cleansing milk, Physiological soothing toner, Nutric moisturiser.

There was a little offer on in Boots at the time in which if you purchased a moisturiser, you got a cleanser for half price. In all the three products cost me about €40, an amount I really don't mind as there's no point in putting good foundation over bad skin, which brings me to my next 'basic'...

I popped into MAC that day too as the Studio Fix Fluid in NW35 that I was matched to in London just wasn't right for me. It was far too dark- unless I had on fully developed fake tan, which I don't always as sometimes it's developing, fading etc. Thankfully the MUA wasn't one of those that I had experienced that gave the old 'you shouldn't be wearing fake tan, it's impossible to match blah' lecture, and she was happy to sit me down and try out several foundations on me.

NC42, NC41

We decided that the NC's looked much better next to my false tan, and she gave me two samples. She was so lovely, especially since she spent at least 20 minutes with me and I didn't make a purchase! 

L-R NC42, NC41, NW35

I am sure you will agree that the NW35 is so not a good match. Today when I swatched these my tan was developing and as you can see the NC41 looks great next to it!

I aim to wear the NC41 and 42 in the next few days to test them out, so I will post a FOTD so you can tell me what you think.

Do you take care of your basics?

xxxx

The Most Important thing about Make-Up? Taking it off!!

I never really intended to write about skincare on my blog as I am not a beautician and I have no idea about what different skin products will do for different skin types. However I wish to share the cleansing system I have been using for over 6 months. My skin type is dry and sensitive, if you are similar this could work for you!

The line up: Simply essentials cleansing wipes, Simply essentials 2-in-1 make up remover, Fresh essentials eye makeup remover, Soft essentials cleansing milk & Fresh essentials toner.

Fresh essentials is geared toward Normal/Combination skin

Soft essentials is for Dry Skin

Simply essentials is for Sensitive Skin

I did not intend to mix these up, I have just purchased these over time and they work for me!

Simply Essentials Wipes: These textured wipes are very thick and full of moisture. These are great for throwing in your handbag if you are staying over somewhere.

Simply Essentials 2-in-1 Make Up Remover: This product is relatively new to me so I cannot comment on the long term effects. It is made up of a blue oil and cleansing water. The idea is that you shake it up and pour it out onto a cotton wool pad. I do like this however it is a bit of a pain that if you do not act fast the oil floats to the top and you are left with that, ugh!

Fresh Essentials Eye Make Up remover: This is not my HG eye make up remover as it does still leave traces sometimes. However if you lay a cotton wool pad soaked in this on your eye for a few seconds, it does do quite a thorough job!

Soft Essentials Cleansing Milk: This was the first product I ever bought from this line and I have repurchased countless times. It is a very gentle, moisturising prouduct that literally ploughs through any remaining make up. I usually cleanse once to remove traces of make up and once more to cleanse my skin.

Fresh Essentials Toner: This is the final step of my makeup removal routine, I have tried harsh toners in the past however this one has never made my skin sting, so I like it!

What do you think about the Garnier line of skincare?

Do you own or have you tried any of these?

H xoxo

Products I'm Using Right Now...

I spotted this post on LilyLipstick and thought I would give it a go! :o) Another of my guilty blog reading pleasures...

Face
Cleanser: Garnier Skin Naturals Clean Soft Cleansing Milk (For Dry and Sensitive skin- rose extract)
Toner: Garnier Skin Naturals Toner
Cream moisturizer: Garnier's Skin Naturals Essentials Day Moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin (previouly raved about here)
Exfoliator: Garnier Fresh Essentials Scrub
Eye Make up remover: Garnier Skin Naturals Eye Make Up remover.

**You may have noticed a pattern in my skin care routine, I am a huge fan of Garnier Skin Naturals Line. A full review of each product will be posted this week.**

Body
Shower gel: Original source Tea Tree and Lemon shower gel (I love anything "fresh" feeling!)
Body lotion/cream: Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula (the scent is unbeatable, if you put this on before you go to sleep, you will wake up with chocolate-scented pyjamas!)
Hand cream: Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream (Thanks to my mum, I am a convert)
Lip Balm: Top Shop balm (mentioned here). Honorable mention to my long term love, Carmex.
Perfume: Difficult question, toss up between Marc Jacobs Daisy and Miss Dior Cherie.

Hair
Shampoo/conditioner: Osmo Silverising Purple Shampoo (Toner) once per week to maintain brightness, Aussie "Take the Heat" shampoo and conditioner.
Protection: Tresseme Heat protection spray
Hair mask: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Colour Deep Treatment, smells like peaches! Yum.

Hair Spray/Mousse: Both Tresseme Salon Finish (pink label)

Electronics: GHD straightener and Babyliss Thermo Ceramic hot rollers.

Make-Up
Primer: Yet to believe in this product as a whole, I need some recommendations. Maybe you could help? Comment away!
Foundation: No7 Intelligent Balance Mousse Foundation
Concealer: No need for it at the moment. I usually double up my foundation if required.
Powder: Just bronzer at the moment, MAC Bronzing powder in Matte Bronze.
Blush/Bronzer: MAC powder blush in Fleur Power or Benefit Posie Tint.
Lipstick: All time favourite has to be Angel by MAC.
Lipgloss: Lancome Juicy Tubes in Fraise.
Eyeshadow: Barry M trio in Golden Goddess- a great every day product.
Eyeliner: Collection 2000 Kohl liner in Black (cheap and cheerful!)
Eyeshadow Primer: See "primer" :o)
Eye lash curler: No idea of the brand! Just a drugstore one, work just fine!
Mascara: L'Oreal Telescopic

Image courtesy of WeHeartIt.com

**Many products here are mentioned in this post, with pictures!**

Just a Note: I have made the decision to change the name of this blog to "Hello Beautiful". I believe it applies more to the type of blog this is. The URL was unavailable so I have added 61 to the end. This coincides with the YouTube user name I have reserved in the event that I decide to start making videos! I hope you like the change as much as I do, however I would love to hear your opinion!

Contact me:

Twitter: @hannahbanana661

Blog: http://hellobeautiful61.blogspot.com

E-Mail: hellobeautiful.gmail.com

Formspring: HelloBeautiful6

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:o)

The Goodies and Baddies of Winter 2010

As the harsh winter of 2010 is finally lifting and the Spring/Summer collections are gradually appearing, it's finally time to contemplate the products- skincare, clothing, footwear, haircare and make up, that have been my highlights and lowlights of the season :o)

The "Goodies"

The first product is Garnier's Skin Naturals Essentials Day Moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin. Due to the sub-zero temperatures (it hit minus 17 here!), my faithful Olay Beauty Fluid just wasn't enough. As a long time lover of Garnier skincare I am happy to report that this product didn't disappoint! It is rich in texture but light on application with a pleasant, fresh scent. Not bad for a mere £5/€7.50, product available here.

Next, is my footwear staple for the season. As pumps were out of the question due to the weather, and my dislike of ugg boots, these became my go-to footwear for every occasion. They aren't leather, but do not look cheap in the slightest, and after excessive wear (and i mean excessive), the fur detail is still intact, as is the heel tip. A bargain from New Look, £26.99/€35. Similar available here.

I could not make this guide without some recognition to the coat in which I have lived in this winter (hence the rushed picture!). It is a dark tan colour with cute toggle detail in all perfect match to my favorite boots! It came with a fur trim on the hood which I removed. Quite inexpensive at a mere £44.99/€55, again from New Look, available here.

Next is my hair styling must-have, Umberto Giannini's Backcomb in a Bottle. This product is quickly establishing cult status and its not difficult to see why. It is a spray that when applied directly to the roots and "jujjed" (Umberto G's words, not mine!), gives a backcombed effect without the damage resulting from usual the comb and hairspray attack! It is not heavy or greasy and is really a star for those days when a little volume is required. Avaliable from Boots for £5.61, here.

The "Baddies"

I have been mostly sensible with my purchases this season so big mistakes have been few and far between. However this product turned out to be a major dissapointment. It is a Calvin Klein cosmetics Fully Delicious plumping Lip Gloss in Enchanted. It ticked all the boxes, light, glittery, sheer, PINK! Until this major fail...

The gloss came without any funnel type insert to wipe away the excess, and it is unusable (trust me- I've tried!).

Finally, my biggest disaster of the season...

Yup, like many others before me I fell for the "see, grab, buy" philosophy of Primark clothing and footwear, and I was stung, badly. See, I have been looking for simple suede boots with a small heel since last winter, but to no avail until a trip to Primark where I snapped up these boots in tan (pictured here), black and grey. I know that £15/€17 isn't expensive for boots this cute, however it turns into a pretty expensive mistake when this happens...

This happened to my grey pair after just one ten minute walk to college. Like any sane person I took them off and brought them straight to a cobbler who told me that the material is too poor to attach a new tip to. I had been wearing the tan and black pairs that week already with no problems so I just returned the grey. By the end of that fortnight though, the others had a similar fate (as above) but as the return deadline had expired, I wasn't offered a refund or even credit note- although they are quite obviously faulty! Also, it's not just my pair or a faulty batch, many of my friends have had similar problems. Previously complained about here.

Also, just to let you know, I've joined Blog Lovin' !

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Happy New Year everyone!

Loves, H xoxox