Beauty - Tips From The Pros, John Christopher

I've had the pleasure of knowing make up artist John Christopher since I first started out as a freelance stylist. It always cheers me up when I find out I'm working with John as he's incredibly fun to be around, has great taste in music (which is very important on a photo shoot!) and is brilliant at his job. So I just had to get his expert opinion on all things beauty for the blog. Over to you John!

I became a makeup artist by accident if truth be told. I studied design and dropped out after finding it wasn't for me. I had my eureka moment at a fancy dress party and decided there and then I was going to be a makeup artist. Since that moment I've been lucky enough to work for titles such as Harpers Bazaar, Vogue and ID, and celebrities including Adele, Eva Herzigova, Yasmin Le Bon and Jamie Dornan to name a few.

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing Make Up £38 BUY HERE

 At the moment I'm in love with Estée Lauder's Perfectionist Youth Infusing Make Up. I love the texture of this foundation as it's not greasy and leaves the skin with a satin sheen. Plus it comes in a great variety of colours.

Garnier Skin Neutrals BB Skin Perfector Eye Roll On £9.99 BUY HERE

This concealor is cheap and cheerful.... but it WORKS! Garnier Roll On. It's a great all round product. A must buy!!

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush £31 BUY HERE

Chanel's Joues Contraste Powder Blush is a wonderful blush that leaves skin with a healthy glow. It also works well as an eyeshadow.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Anti-Oxidant Face Oil £38 BUY HERE

My favourite product for the face is Jurlique Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil.

This oil is magic; it works on all skin types and leaves skin glowing... and has saved me on many jobs with tired overworked models!

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour £18 BUY HERE

Chanel Le Vernis nail polishes are just the best for colour... Hands down, no pun intended!

Bumble and Bumble Pret A Powder £21.50 BUY HERE

When it comes to hair I'm loving Bumble and Bumble Pret a Powder. It's a mix of dry shampoo and texturiser so if you want that Kate Moss just-got-out-of-bed hair this is the product you need.

Jurlique Rose Body Oil £38 BUY HERE

What can I say about Jurlique Rose Body Oil? It smells divine and leaves skin soft with a beautiful sheen. It's especially amazing after a long haul flight. 

Melvita Shea Butter £17 BUY HERE

A brilliant treatment for lips is Melvita's Shea Butter. Great for any dry skin problems as well.

Bourjois Volumizer Mascara £10.99 BUY HERE

Bourjois Volumizer Mascara is one of the best I've used. It can be built up to give you a really heavy false lash look and has a double brush making it easy to apply to the bottom lashes.

Jai Spa Terry Bath Mitt £6 BUY HERE

The one product I recommend everyone own are a pair of exfoliating gloves. They're a cheap basic and a great starting pointing for healthy skin. 

Thank you JC!

To view John Christopher's work and make a booking please visit: www.carolhayesmanagement.co.uk/artist/john-christopher/mens

Beauty: The Beauty Review

Here's a round up of the beauty products I've been using recently.

Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum £39 From Clinique BUY HERE

Sadly I still suffer with spots and problem skin, I had hoped my skin would clear up with age, alas I'm still dealing with pimples, blackheads and greasiness. So when I saw this serum claiming to reduce the appearance of pores by 30% I was filled with hope. The blend contains an exclusive Pore Resurfacing Complex to clear the skins' surface of a multitude of problems including flakiness, dirt and dullness. It's a very light solution that glides on easily, leaving the skin velvety smooth. Did I notice a reduction in the size of my pores, no. However my skin was smoother and the serum had a mattifying effect that lasted throughout the day. 

Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara £24 from Estee Lauder BUY HERE

Having a baby has made me a bit of an emotional wreck. I'm blaming it on my hormones, sleep deprivation and all the images of happy people having a lovely time on holiday on Instagram. Over the last 2 months I've cried my fair share of tears. Thankfully I've been using this wonderful mascara from Estee Lauder which means I haven't ended up looking like a crazy mess when the water works start. Not only is the formulation extremely waterproof, it doesn't flake or cause panda eyes, plus it creates super thick 60s style lashes thanks to an exclusive multiplying fibre formulation that adds volume without clumping. The only downside for me is that it takes a bit of work to get all the mascara off at the end of the day.

Polynesian Monoi Radiance Oil Radiant Body & Hair Oil £16 from The Body Shop BUY HERE

This multi-tasking hair and body oil smells like a heady tropical island (oh how I'd love to be on a tropical island with sand beneath my toes and a flower in my hair at the moment rather than sitting on my sofa wearing a cashmere sweater with the heating on). It contains the intoxicating scent of monoi oil; a blend of coconut oil and tiare flowers that hydrate the skin. I like to rub it into my body post shower to leave my skin soft and hydrated. It also works wonders on dry hair. Apply it to the end of your hair no less than 30 minutes before washing, then shampoo it out, to leave you with soft and fragrant tresses.

Beauty: The Beauty Review

Here's a little round up of the beauty products I've been using recently.

Percy & Reed Totally TLC Hydrating Mask £20 BUY HERE

I have dry fuzzy hair which I make worse by my daily endeavour to iron out the kinks, so my hair needs the TLC that this mask promises. It's a rich and creamy formula that I use once a week. I rub it through the entire length of my hair, then pop on the included shower cap for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. It doesn't leave any heavy residue, my hair simply feels soft and thicker and looks healthy and shiny. It contains marshmallow to nourish and strengthen and coconut and mango oils to condition and moisturise. The smell, specially created by the brand, is fresh and pleasant with hints of apple, citrus and rose. A must buy if your tresses are in need of some TLC.

L'Occitane Angelica Exfoliating Gel £19 BUY HERE

I love exfoliating my skin, be it with scrubs, muslin cloths, brushes, gels, creams...you name it and I'll try buffing my skin with it. This formulation from French brand L'Occitane, is incredibly gentle making it ideal for sensitive skins and regular use. It has a grainy, creamy texture that contains natural gum micro-beads to tease away dead skin cells and massage the skin. It also contains organic angelica extract to hydrate. You only need a broad bean size amount to do the face and neck. It left my skin feeling fresh, clean and smooth with no sign of redness or irritation.

Cowshed Moody Cow Balancing Bath & Shower Gel £18 BUY HERE

A traumatic birth, a newborn to care for, sleep deprivation (the list goes on), have all contributed to me feeling out of sorts lately, definitely a bit of a moody cow. While using this gel doesn't help clean my home or soothe a crying baby, it does perk me up a little during my evening shower. The luxurious gel contains essential oils of rose geranium to regulate emotions and hormones, frankincense to calm and soothe and linden blossom to help relieve tension. I've almost finished this bottle and I think for the sake of my sanity I will be buying another toot sweet. 

Beauty: Tips From The Pros - Alice Theobald

Alice Theobald is one of the loveliest hair and make up artists I've had the pleasure of working with. Plus she has the most infectious laugh ever! After graduating from The London College of Fashion Alice has enjoyed a meteoric rise within the industry working with super models, celebrities and royalty. Her impressive client list includes Princess Beatrice of York, Jodie Kidd and Lindsay Lohan to name a few. She has worked for titles including Vogue China, The Sunday Times Style and Red. Alice also regularly works on a number of well loved TV shows including Strictly Come Dancing, Lorraine and The Graham Norton Show. Alice has kindly agreed to share her industry insider top tips with Sunshine & Stripes. Take it away Alice!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation £36.50 BUY HERE

My must have foundation is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I love its versatility!  Sometimes I mix it with ARK Maintain Replenishing Moisturiser for a sheer natural finish, or I simply apply it straight from the pump to the face.  There is a wide colour range which is perfect for my clientele. 

MAC Studio Finish SPF35 Concealor £15.50 BUY HERE

I have lots of concealors in my kit, however I always go back to MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealor. You can build it up for total coverage or blend it out for a more subtle finish. 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish £24 BUY HERE

I love a sheen to my powders and MAC do a great Mineralize range which provides this. I need the skin to look fresh not caked and this delivers! 

Clinique Contouring Palette £28 BUY HERE

When it comes to blusher I am loving Clinique's contouring palette in defining nudes. I use the lightest tone to highlight the cheek bone, the darkest shade to sculpt and the peachy tone on the apple of the cheek for a summery glow.

ARK Skin Protector SPF30 Primer £36 BUY HERE

I love ARK Skin Protector SPF30 primer. It is suitable for all skin types and ages. It lightly moisturises the skin, protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays to prevent premature ageing and creates a good base for makeup.

Essie Nail Polish £7.99 BUY HERE

For colour choice and salon quality, I always choose Essie for nails. I especially rate the all-in-one 3 way, which acts as a primer, top coat and strengthener.

Kiehl's Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak £25 BUY HERE

For hair to look it's best I believe it has to be nourished with great shampoo and conditioner specific to your hair type. I use Kerastase Bain Oleo Relax and Kiehl's Sunflower Deep Recovery Pak to revitalise my locks. When your hair is in great shape the styling is much easier.

ARK Nourishing Body Lotion £19.50 BUY HERE

Body product wise the ARK Nourishing Body Lotion is my hands down favourite, I couldn’t live without it. It contains shea butter, coconut oil, sea oak and silk proteins to soothe dry or sensitive skin. I use it on photo shoots to give skin a beautiful sheen.

ARK Plumping Lip Balm £19.50 BUY HERE

I love ARK plumping lip balm. It's a great base for any lip makeup and great for guys as it doesn't leave a shiny finish. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara £19.50 BUY HERE

Benefit's They're Real Mascara, is my current favourite as it lengthens, separates and adds volume due to the specially designed wand.

Lalique White £69 BUY HERE

As a makeup artist smelling fresh is essential so I couldn't live without perfume. I have a small collection which I use to enhance my mood. I'm currently spritzing Lalique White which is fresh, floral but with a hint of musk. 

For any hair and make-up lessons, bookings for events or wedding packages please go to www.wonderlandhairandmake-up.co.uk or email atwonderland@icloud.com joy@joygoodman.com @Alice_Theobald

Images: John Lewis, Boots, Liberty, ARK

Beauty Review: Avoiding Stretch Marks

As soon as I found out I was pregnant on that cold winter day back in December I decided to slather myself in oils and creams in the hope of preventing stretch marks. From that day forward I applied different potions religiously twice a day. My diligence seems to have paid off, there's not a stretch mark in sight despite my boobs doubling in size within the first 2 weeks and my belly, butt and thighs growing steadily for the duration of my pregnancy. Admittedly giving birth to my little lady prematurely meant the skin didn't have to accommodate a massive bump, but I'd like to give some credit to the products I used as well. 

Bio Oil 60ml £5.99 BUY HERE

 When I knew I had a bun in the oven I immediately added Bio Oil to my shopping list, well if it's good enough for Kim Kardashian! Plus it's won 242 skincare awards and all my pregnant girlfriends recommended it. It contains calendula, lavender and rosemary along with vitamin A and E to moisturise and rejuvenate the skin. It's a light oil that glides on easily meaning I didn't have to use much to cover my expanding figure. It didn't sink into the skin easily though so I'd use it at night for fear of damaging my daytime outfits. Unfortunately the smell is quite synthetic and in the early days of pregnancy I just couldn't stomach it.

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter £13.95 BUY HERE

This was the only cream I used on the bump during pregnancy. It's a rich and thick formula that needs a bit of effort to rub in, but it's non-greasy and my skin absorbed it easily so I used this in the morning before getting dressed. It contains hydrating shea butter, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil to keep the skin supple and toned. It has the delicious and subtle scent of honey, has no artificial fragrances and contains 99% natural ingredients. Post pregnancy this has become important to me as when I'm breast feeding or doing skin to skin with my little lady I don't want anything riddled with chemicals to come into contact with her skin. Therefore I've happily been applying this cream to my arms, chest and belly post pregnancy safe in the knowledge that she won't react to it.

Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil £40 BUY HERE

This product is Clarins' best selling body oil and it's easy to see why. Slathering it on was like having a spa treatment at home as it's a deliciously rich oil with a fabulous botanical scent that I found instantly relaxing. It contains 100% pure plant extracts of rosemary, geranium and mint paired with moisturising hazelnut oil. Clarins claim the oil tones and improves skin suppleness while preventing stretch marks. It can also be used post pregnancy to tone and firm the skin. As it is rather pricey I've been mixing the oil with another body lotion since giving birth. The only con with this fantastic oil is the packaging. I wish it had a pump dispenser or a smaller pouring hole. I always end up pouring out too much or dribbling some down the side of the glass bottle and it's too expensive to waste like that! 

Dr Hauschka Blackthorn Body Oil £20.50 BUY HERE

This oil isn't specifically made for stretch marks, however the blend of blackthorn blossom and birch leaves extract coupled with jojoba oil and sunflower oil keeps the skin incredibly supple and hydrated. The formula is luxuriously thick but it absorbs easily leaving behind a fresh woody, herby scent that lingers on the skin. However the smell isn't offensive and didn't increase my nausea, I actually found it quite refreshing. It's free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives and is vegan. This oil is a little pricey but is incredibly luscious and when pregnant was a much appreciated indulgence to apply to my skin after wallowing in the bath after a long day.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil £6.66 BUY HERE

I started using this oil towards the end of my pregnancy when the anti-sickness drugs I was taking kicked in, so the pungent chocolate smell didn't make me want to put my head down the toilet. But if smelling like a bar of Dairy Milk is appealing (and it is to me post pregnancy) then you'll love this. This multi-tasking oil tackles scars, dry skin and ageing along with stretch marks. It contains rosehip and sesame oil to rejuvenate and moisturise along with vitamin E and cocoa butter to help maintain skin elasticity. The pump dispenser made application non-messy and the oil absorbed easily without leaving my skin feeling too greasy. I used it after a shower when my skin was a little damp to lock in more moisture. Post pregnancy I'm using it on my legs when I'm wearing a skirt or shorts as it adds a lovely sheen to my skin. A great bargain buy, but smell it before you buy.

Beauty Buys

Here's a round up of the beauty products I have been applying, wiping and slathering recently.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme £50 BUY HERE

This refreshing gel formula face moisturiser is ideal for summer when you don't want to apply a heavy cream every day. However it has no SPF protection so I layer sun protection cream on before application. For a cream that's so expensive you'd expect an SPF as standard so it's a little disappointing it doesn't come with. The lightness of the formula would make this ideal for combination skins, but if you have sensitive skin I'd avoid as it's strongly scented with a clean, fresh fragrance that may aggravate. It contains camelia extract to help the skin retain moisture and plump up and the antioxidant blue ginger to protect the skin. As you'd expect from Chanel, the super slick monochrome packaging makes you want to keep it out on display rather than putting it away inside the bathroom cupboard. However the screw top lid means the ingredients are exposed and compromised from the first use, plus dipping your fingers into the pot isn't very hygenic, no matter how clean they are! This is one of the most expensive creams I've used on my face and for the financial investment I'd like to see more noticeable results. Unfortunately they haven't been forthcoming and so I won't be purchasing it again.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads £12.99 BUY HERE

As my pregnancy progresses and my fatigue increases, convenience becomes of more importance. I spotted these little pads on the shelves of Boots on a recent visit and snapped them up hoping the ease of wiping them across my face would make me use them regularly and they'd perk up my malnourished and exhausted complexion. I haven't been disappointed. The pads are soaked in glycolic acid which exfoliates the skin's surface to remove dead skin cells so the skin is left brighter, along with hyaluronic acid to moisturise, witch hazel to tone and blue daisy to soothe and calm. I take one pad and wipe across my face and neck every night after cleansing and before moisturising. The pads don't sting, like others I've tried before, but they leave a slightly sticky residue that I let soak in for a few minutes before applying my night moisturiser. I noticed my skin was smoother and softer within a week. These are so quick and easy to use with visible results and great value to boot, that it would be wrong not to tell you to go and buy them immediately.

Nivea Q10 Firming Body Moisturiser £2.63 BUY HERE

I'm applying body moisturiser like it's going out of fashion now that I'm pregnant, in the hope of my skin staying supple enough to avoid the dreaded stretch marks. I saw this cream was half price and because it promised firming I thought it would be perfect to slather on my ever expanding butt and thighs. I'm under no illusion that a cream can firm up body parts, yes it can create smoother skin and temporary tightening, but only exercise and a clean diet will firm up the body. However when your body is growing daily and your hormones are dictating that you only eat beige carbohydrates, you seek the hope of toned thighs in bottles of cream. This is a super light formulation that contains moisturising macadamia nut oil and Nivea's patented Q10 formula that helps skin stay supple and toned. It has an talcum powdery inoffensive smell, glides onto and into the skin with complete ease but the best part is it really moisturises. After only a couple of days my skin felt incredibly soft and smoother and even when I've been too busy/tired to apply it my skin is much more moisturised than before. I'm onto my third bottle now, a testament to just how impressed I am with this product.

Time To Tan

I am very excited to announce that I have a new contributor for the blog, the lovely Abbi! Not only is Abbi a major beauty fanatic, she also balances being a fashion PR, with a personal training business while raising her adorable son. Phew! Abbi will be joining me in testing and trialling all things beauty for the blog....so Abbi over to you!

Image Pinterest

The 70s tan suede trend is huge and everywhere. While I am loving it, it raises a little predicament when it comes to outfit styling. The only thing worse than tan tights with brown suede shorts is pasty white legs. If, like me, your legs have spent the past few months in layers and termals then you might not be too keen to get them out for all to see. I have however, found a godsend in a can (or pump dispenser depending on your preference) in the shape of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturiser. It's a doddle to apply, I slather it on after a shower when I'm freshly exfoliated, and you end up with an even, natural, healthy glow that doesn't look fake and lasts days. Plus it smells like yummy treats and isn't pricey!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturiser Lotion £5.59 & Spray £7.99 BUY HERE

Until Palmer's develops a gradual face tan, I'll be staying faithful to Elemis' Total Glow Bronzing Moisturiser for Face. The lightweight formulation doesn't dry out my already dehydrated skin, it simply delivers just enough natural looking colour to take my complexion from pallid to healthy glow. Use it at night under your usual moisturiser and your morning will get off to a great start when your bleary eyes catch sight of your radiant complexion.

Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Moisturiser For Face £29.50 BUY HERE

Armed with gorgeous bronzed limbs I think I'm ready for those Zara suede shorts now...I just need to get my toes sorted next!

Tips From The Pros: Sara Clark

Make up artist and men's groomer Sara Clark has been in the business for almost a decade. After originally working in TV production Sara decided it wasn't for her and went on to study hair, make up and special effects at the infamous Greasepaint. Sara's CV is impressive and varied working across TV, music, film junkets, editorial and red carpet events, while the faces she's worked on include Sheridan Smith, Ne-Yo, Kelly Brook, Lewis Hamilton, Jason Statham, Kanye West...the list goes on!

Behind the scenes with Sara Clark

Here Sara shares the tricks of her trade with me.

Make Up Forever HD Foundation

I have two favourite foundations that are always in my kit. 

Firstly Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation as it gives a flawless and natural finish, which when working in these days of HD cameras is incredibly important.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation £36.50 BUY HERE

Secondly Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is light and silky and gives skin a gorgeous glow.

Laura Mercier Secret Concealor Pot £19.50 BUY HERE

My all time favourite concealors are Laura Mercier's Secret Concealor Pots. They are super moisturising and easily conceal dark eye circles without settling into fine lines.

MAC Blot Powder Pressed £20.50 BUY HERE

MAC Blot is a fabulous pressed powder that eliminates shine and sets make up, without adding too much colour. It comes in 5 shades and is always in my kit.

NARS Blush in Orgasm £23 BUY HERE

It's a classic and my favourite blusher, NARS Orgasm. It suits most skin tones, adding a healthy glow and natural flush to the skin.

Weleda Skin Food £9.95 BUY HERE

Unfortunately I can't just recommend one favourite face product, so I'm naming my top three! 

First up is Weleda Skin Food. I really can't do without this cream; it's in my kit, my handbag and my bathroom cabinet! It's incredibly hydrating and nourishing but doesn't leave your skin looking like an oil slick. Plus it's inexpensive. 

Dermalogica Active Moist £44.60 BUY HERE

Dermalogica products suit 99.9% of my clients' skin so I always keep a selection in my kit. My favs are Active Moist as it's light-weight and oil free, making it perfect for normal to oily skin. 

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream £47.70 BUY HERE

The Skin Smoothing Cream is perfect for relieving dry and tight skin. 

Dermalogica Barrier Repair £36.90 BUY HERE

Finally the Ultra Calming Barrier Repair has a velvety texture and really calms sensitive skin.

Clarins Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream £25 BUY HERE

Lastly Clarins Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream is a very gentle facial exfoliator that leaves skin silky soft and smooth. I cannot praise this product enough.

Essie Nail Polishes BUY HERE

In my opinion Essie do the most incredible nail polishes with too many fantastic colours to count!

Kerastase Products BUY HERE

I've used Kerastase shampoo and conditioner for as long as I can remember. The smell is divine and leaves hair looking healthy and gorgeous. 

Bumble & Bumble Products BUY HERE

When styling hair I favour Bumble & Bumble, so many gorgeous products to choose from and they all work to create beautiful hair styles. Combine them both and you'll have perfect hair!

Johnson's 24 Hour Moisture Radiance Body Butter £3.05 BUY HERE

I've tried oodles of body products but the one I return to time and again is Johnson's 24 Hour Moisture Radiance Body Butter. It's inexpensive, enriched with shea and cocoa butter and the scent (which admittedly is fairly strong) reminds me of chocolate and holidays...what's not to like!?!

Original Lucas Papaw Ointment £7.89 BUY HERE

I'm a firm believer in ensuring you prep your lips before applying lipstick, so a blob of Original Lucas Papaw Ointment is the first thing I apply. Plus I always have a tube in my handbag as it's such a versatile product.

Lancome Definicils Mascara £23 BUY HERE

The mascara I have loved for years is Lancome's Definicils. It lengthens and defines the lashes, while the brush ensures an even application.

DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara £14.50 BUY HERE

Recently though I have strayed and fallen for DHC's Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara. It has a slim brush (great for lower lash application), and makes lashes appear thicker and longer.

Optrex Eyedew Dazzling Blue Eye Drops £3.99 BUY HERE

The one product in my kit I couldn't be without is a bottle of Optrex Eyedew 'Dazzling Blue' eye drops. A little drop of this counteracts any redness, revitalises and gives you super white eyes in an instant!

Thank you so much for all your expert advice and top tips Sara!

Sara's work can be viewed here www.sara-clark.co.uk and don't forget to follow her on twitter @SaraMakeup2014 for lots of insider info.

Images: Sephora, Selfridges, John Lewis, MAC, Nars, Weleda, Dermalogica, Clarins, Kerastase, Bumble & Bumble, Johnson's Beauty, Boots, Amazon, DHC, Optrex