Dry Skin Solutions

Solutions for Dry Facial Skin |

I suffer with dry skin on the best of days, so now that Winter is approaching, I wanted to share my top tips and products to help suffering skin.

1. Exfoliate 

This is the first step in achieving smoother skin. For years I knew I was supposed to exfoliate, but I just didn't. I figured that my face wipe was doing it all for me ....WRONG! Invest in a weekly scrub such as  NARS Double Refining Exfoliator.
You only need to exfoliate once a week otherwise you can make your skin drier - I learnt this the hard way!

Best Essential Makeup Must-Haves

TOP 6 MAKE-UP ESSENTIALS |

For my first ever post I wanted to share some of my favourite make-up best-buys from over the years. Yes 'drug-store' hauling is fun fun fun, but it's far more cost effective to buy a few trusty staples that are reliable and will last a long time. 

Here are my top 6 basics that I can't live without: 

1. FOUNDATION : +Revlon Colorstay 

This foundation comes in two formulas; Normal/Dry and Combination/Oily so it really does suit most skin types. I'm often tempted to try out new foundations but I ALWAYS come back to this one. It covers well, blends easily and doesn't feel heavy or sticky. I also find it to be long lasting and it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, hurray! It's usually compared to far more expensive foundations it's that good! ....but it's a fraction of the cost at £12.49. 

2. EYESHADOW : +Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash (in colour Champagne)

I don't tend to use my more expensive items on a daily basis but this is the exception. I use this eyeshadow pretty much every single day (at £17.50 it's not cheap but it lasts aaaages!). I use it daily as it looks great on it's own applied with the tip of my finger, no fuss needed!

I also use it as a base when applying other colours, and sometimes as a subtle highlight on my browbone. Great all-rounder. If there was one eyeshadow that I had to use forever, it would be this! 

3. EYELINER : Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel

After using every eyeliner under the sun, from pencils, pens, liquid... I have settled on a gel for these reasons: it is long lasting, easy to build up, easy to use. No one wants a smudged cat-eye, and the liner lasts all day. To be completely honest it did take me a couple of attempts to get it right when I first bought it BUT now I apply with quickness and ease. When it goes wrong (which lets admit it, does happen from time to time) it is much easier to fix than other types of liner.

4. MASCARA : L'Oreal Telescopic

I have fallen in and out of love with many mascaras over the years and this is my trusty go to make-up essential. It is one of the only mascaras that doesn't end up speckled all over my face by the end of the day and it's a reasonable price. It does take a few strokes to apply as the wand is very thin, but I can totally live with that as the mascara is the best I've used for the £10.99 price-tag.

5. CONCEALER : YSL Touche Eclat Radiant

I wanted to try this concealer for years after hearing rave reviews but could never bring myself to part with my well earned cash. The thought of spending £20.00+ on a concealer seemed ludicrous. Then one day my mum called me to say that she had purchased this concealer by mistake and asked if I wanted it and I have never looked back. With dry skin, concealer was never a good friend to me, however the YSL is light, smooth and very easy to use. It is by far a million times better than any cheaper concealers I have ever used and therefore worth the price.  

6. BRUSHES / TOOLS: Beauty Blender 

I have quite a few brushes in my collection including many Mac and Bobbi Brown. But the very best way to apply foundation, concealers and cream highlighters in my opinion is with the Beauty Blender. For anyone with dry and or / spotty skin, this will really help you to achieve a more flawless application. You 'dab' the product on to the skin which creates a lovely end result. For me it is now the only way to apply face make-up, however please note that with everyday use, you will need to replace the blender much sooner than a brush. Purchased from Amazon.

To conclude:

Don't get me wrong, I'll definitely continue to buy way too much make-up - that could probably last someone a life time!! But now I prefer to haul and experiment with 'colours', and spend that bit more on a good base and some reliable items.

Favourite Mac Lipsticks

 My Top MAC Lipsticks (with a bobbi brown thrown in)

I always find lipstick the most exciting thing to buy over any other makeup item, but if like me, there are just too many to choose from, here are my top +MAC picks:

1. MAC, Syrup

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I LOVE this lipstick. It has a lustre finish which means it creates a gorgeous sheen on the lips. I'd describe this colour as having a slight violet hue which makes it super stunning ...and perfect for pale skin!

2. MAC, See Sheer

Again, a lustre finish (which I forgot to mention, is perfect for people are aren't confident with bright, bold colour on their lips). Now surprisingly I wouldn't normally go for this colour as it is slightly 'orangey', however, it seems to work?! Love! 

3. MAC, Peach Blossom

This is my classic, go to, soft pink ....and the one I throw on quickly when in a rush. It's a cremesheen, which as you guessed it, has a creamy texture with a glossy finish. If you're looking for your own lip colour but better, buy this!

4. MAC, Creme Cup

This is my most recent purchase. I bought it after having my make-up done professionally for a wedding. I asked for a nude lip to go with my smokey eyes, and instantly loved this shade when she applied it. I'd describe it as the true nude version of the Peach Blossom; they come from the same family but aren't twins ....maybe sisters lol.

5. Bobbi Brown, Razzberry

Haha ok, so this isn't MAC, but I had to mention it, as it's my new favourite lipstick right now and perfect for Autumn / Winter. It actually has a matte finish but the flash on my camera has made it look more shiny than it really is. 

Perfect for someone who is new to bolder colours, or just wants something a little different from the usual pinks and nudes. +Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

(L-R) Syrup, See Sheer, Peach Blossom, Creme Cup, Razzberry

To Conclude

As with any lipstick, it's always a good idea to try before you buy. If you aren't able to get to a store selling these products then I hope I've helped in some way. I'm sure I'll continue to buy many more lipsticks to come, and will probably be raving about my NEW 5 favourites in the near future! 

Love Jemma x