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.

Tips From The Pros: Carrie Jones

I've had the pleasure to work with Carrie on many jobs both in the UK and abroad. She is a beautiful person inside and out and I've never seen her without a red lip! Carrie has been a make up artist for almost a decade working for clients including Reiss, Tatler, Clinique, Stylist Magazine and with celebrities including Gok Wan and Ollie Murs. 

Here Carrie shares with me her top make up tips including how to get the perfect red lip.

Nars Sheer Glow £31 BUY HERE

My favourite foundation is Nars Sheer Glow. I use it on myself and my clients. It gives fantastic coverage yet allows the natural glow of your skin to come through.

Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick £21 BUY HERE

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat £22.50 BUY HERE

The best concealor for covering blemishes has to be Bobbi Brown. However I find it a little too heavy for under the eyes so use the iconic Touche Eclat by YSL. It's an icon for a reason, containing light reflecting particles so dark circles vanish.

Lancome Hypnose £22.50 BUY HERE

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes £10.99 BUY HERE

Lancome's Hypnose mascara is my favourite but at £22 is a little pricey so I've found L'Oreal's Volume Million Lash also does a great job on the lashes.

Mac Cremeblend Blush £18 BUY HERE

Without a doubt the best blushers are MAC's Cremeblend Blushers. They blend into the skin effortlessly and last all day. I like to apply them with a flat stipple brush (Mac also does a great one). My top tip would be to invest in some good quality brushes. The initial expense is well worth it as you'll be surprised by the difference they make to your make up routine and if you look after them they should last a lifetime.

Mac Studio Fix Powder £21.50 BUY HERE

I always have Mac's Studio Fix Powder in my make up kit. It's a multi-tasking product so can be used as a foundation, making it great for after work touch ups as it takes the shine away and provides good even coverage. Again, I recommend using this product with a brush and not the sponge provided as applying with the sponge can make the powder look a little heavy.

Dermalogica BUY HERE

As for moisturisers I swear by Dermalogica (a Sunshine & Stripes favourite too!) The products are effective whatever your skin type and I've never known anyone to react badly to them.

Maybelline Super Stay 24 Colour Lipstick £8.99 BUY HERE

I wear red lip stick every single day and the best one I've come across (and believe me I have tried a beauty counters worth of them!) is by Maybelline. Their Super Stay 24 Hour Colour Lipsticks do exactly as they promise. I swear, I put it on in the morning and it is still perfect when I take it off at night. If I'm working at a red carpet event I always use them because I know I won't have to worry about the colour smudging or coming off.

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil £16 BUY HERE

The best body product that I use on every single model I work with is Honey Bronze from The Body Shop. It's a dry oil that makes limbs glisten and glow.

Mac Nail Lacquer £11 BUY HERE

When it comes to nail varnish I use Mac. Their colours paint on beautifully and last longer than any brand I've tried; I always wear them myself. I just wish they'd do a wider variety of colours to choose from!

HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette £25 BUY HERE

The one product that I can't live without has to be my HD Brows Eyebrow Palette. The colour range suits everyone and they last all day. I've even used them on underwater shoots and believe me the  brow stays put! People often overlook the brows when doing their make up but they are so important to helping define the face.

Thank you so much Carrie, I'm off to buy the Maybelline lipstick now!

Carrie's work can be viewed here.

Images: Carol Hayes Management, ASOS, Bobbi Brown, John Lewis, Amazon, L'Oreal, Allure.com, House of Fraser, Dermalogica, Maybelline, The Body Shop, Mac, HD Brows