Image courtesy of thesavvyshopper.ie

Frequently when I do Make-Overs I find women are wearing the wrong products for their skin or colouring. Asking them why, has turned up some very interesting answers. One of the biggest issues is that people are too intimidated to approach the cosmetics counters. Even more alarmingly is the fact that some people have gotten advise from the counters, but the wrong advise!

So I have decided to do a series called “Counter Spotlight” where I go into a counter in Dublin or wherever else I might be and give you a review of the service, the advice given and the general atmosphere. That way you will know what counters you can head to and trust.

So my first counter review is for Make-Up Forever in Arnotts on Henry Street.

It was a relatively busy Saturday as was Valentine’s Day the next day. I was browsing having a look at foundation. I wasn’t approached straight away rather left to my own devices, which I like. I turned and asked a girl for some advice on the foundation. She was very friendly and approachable. I thought that her Make-up was lovely, she had a quite a dramatic look with love hearts on the side of her face which was nice touch seeing as it was Valentines.

Image courtesy of Sephora.com

I said that I was currently using the Make-Up Forever HD Foundation, which I loved when I applied it, but after a couple of hours I was left with a greasy film all over my skin. I was promptly invited to sit in a nice furry high chair and she proceeded to try on my colour in Make-Up Forever’s Matt Finish Foundation. She also asked if I would like to try some concealer for under the eyes and my spots. Of course I said yes, not liking being “naked”(of make-up) in public. While she was applying the Make-up I mentioned that I had a voucher. As it turns out, in the Arnotts store you cannot use the Make-Up Forever Voucher. She then asked me if she should continue.

Image courtesy of Sephora.com

Now this I found a bit of a strange question…because why would I want her to stop applying the foundation half way through just because I couldn’t use my voucher in that store. That would mean walking around with half a face of foundation. I was only asking for advice on foundation, I didn’t say I was going to buy something there and then. So this means that she was only applying the foundation because she thought she was going to make a sale. In other words what she was asking me was: “Now that you can’t use your voucher, are you going to pay for this? Will I continue?” I let her continue and afterwards I said that I would like to see how the Make-up lasts.

She was very friendly and understanding, but I definitely felt like I was expected to buy it. I know that alot of people probably would have bought the foundation to save face.

The foundation itself was an exact match for both my needs and my skin tone. She also used the correct concealers for my problem areas. However the application was by no means perfect, it was really way to heavy and was not blended properly. Over some spots I had tons of product that was clearly visible and not blended.

So in summary:

Counter Atmosphere: 8/10
Consultant Friendliness: 9/10
Make-Up Application: 6/10
Product Suitability: 8/10
Pressure to buy: 90%

This is just some of the goodies that I got in MAC at the IMATS recently in London.

MAC Cosmetics

I think that too often we see what the finished product of a Make-Up Application is without seeing the before pictures. I thought that I would share a recent Make-up that I did for the University College Dublin Veterinary Ball that took place in the Shelbourne. I met the girls at a Workshop that I did recently for the UCD Woman’s week in partnership with the Student Union. they booked me for the ball because they wanted to make it a special night and have the treat of someone else doing their make-up.

We went for a very pretty, classic look, just focusing on the eyes by using dramatic false eyelashes:

Here is the before picture:

And After:

Products Used:

Make-Up Forever HD Foundation, MAC Blot Powder, MAC Blusher in Fleur Power, MAC Contour Powder in Taupe, MAC Highlight Powder in Emphasize, Estee Lauder Doublewear Lipstick, “Sarah” Girl’s Aloud Lashes from Eyelure, Clinique Curl Mascara, Skin Colour Eyeliner, Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Duo, MAC Eye Definer on Brows.

I have decided to go on a little shopping trip to London…for of course…MAKE-UP! Armed with my M.A.C Pro Card I am going to stock up on cosmetics for my kit.

With this in mind I had to try and resist the lure of the Duty Free Cosmetics in the Airport. They make it sooo hard. Wrapping everything up in handy miniatures and travel compacts.

I particularly liked this try me kit from Smashbox. It includes some of my favourite products from Smashbox. The Photo Finish Primer, is brilliant for making your skin silky smooth and ready for your foundation. It also includes loads of their cream liners, which I like to use as a liner of course, but if I am going for a really dramatic look, I use it as an eyeshadow. Other products included in the kit are: photo op under eye brightener, brow tech, double-ended eyeliner&brow brush, lip enhancing gloss and an instructional DVD.

Anyway I managed to avoid the temptation and save the spondulas for London Baby! So we will wait and see what bounty I come back with teheehee!

Photograph by Lili Forberg

Good Skin

The best foundation to any bridal make-up is fresh healthy skin. Beauty takes time and preparation. At the very least six months before your big day you should adopt a skin plan to get yourself in order for the big day. A monthly facial from a reputable beauty salon is advisable. However leave at least four weeks before the wedding for the final visit to ensure that you have no post facial breakouts that linger around for the wedding day. If you are on a budget then why not have your own facial routine. This can be done easily using products from your local store. Click here for some recipes. A good facial routine should include cleansing, toning, exfoliation and rehydration. I love nothing more than relaxing in a nice bubble bath with a home made facial and cucumbers on my eyes.

Avoid too much sun as dry flaky skin is a definite no no. If you do want to have that healthy glow, opt rather for a skin friendly fake tan. Make sure that you try the fake tan out at least once before the big day as you don’t want to walk down the aisle looking tangoed. You should get it applied around 24 hours before hand so that you can have a shower and let it fade to a more natural colour, also you don’t want to have any accidental staining of the big white dress! Don’t wax or shave before getting it done, I have had many brides that have done this and ended up with lots of fake tan trapped in their hair follicles. It has been a rather funny situation to be putting more make-up and bronzer on peoples legs than their face!

Hair

There are two types of hair that concern us on our wedding day, there is the type we want to be nice, glossy and styled and then there is the hair that we don’t want to see or feel! For the hair on your head, make sure to condition it well, trim, touch up any roots and grow it to the desired length. Its definitely best to have a hair trial before hand…you don’t want any surprises! Then for the underarms, legs and bikini line, waxing is best. The last thing that you want to be caring about on your wedding day/honeymoon is unwanted hair. Make sure to wax a few months before hand, this will make the hair lighter and also ensure that you don’t have any allergic reactions to the product.

Body

There are many things that we can do to get the dream body for our wedding. A healthy diet and a good exercise regime are the best options. Hire a personal trainer if you find it hard to get motivated or join a group like weight watchers..I have found it easy to lose some of my “extra insulation” with them as you are still allowed the naughty treats. You can also aid this with body treatments in your local spa eg wraps and anti-cellulite treatments. Avoid alcohol and bread a couple of days before, so that you aren’t bloated for the wedding day. Surgery is an extreme measure and not one that we would advise, afterall, your hubby to be is marrying you for YOU just the way you are!

Nails

Your hands and nails will receive tons of attention with guests and photographers alike wanting to have a close inspection. Get a good nailcare routine going well in advance of the big day. Use a hand cream daily and a home weekly manicure will keep them in good nick. Artificial nails can be a great option for nail biters, but they require regular maintenance. I quite like the gel nails that are cured with a UV lamp, they are quite pretty and not as harsh as the old acrylics on your natural nail. I feel a simple french polish is a beautiful option for the day of the wedding.

Foot Care

Be sure to not forget about those tootsies! A pedicure a couple of days before the wedding is a must, especially if you are wearing open toe shoes. You will be on your feet for most of the day, so make sure that your shoes fit comfortably. Try breaking them in, by wearing them around the house a few days leading up to the wedding. Don’t forget your gel insoles!! Also consider bringing a back up pair of soft flat shoes which you can leave in your hotel room for later when you just cant take the heals any longer!

Teeth

Consider teeth whitening if it is something that concerns you. There are plenty of good home kits on the market. Or I have found the new Whitening Mouth Washes to be superb at getting them a couple of shades lighter if that’s all you need. Just ensure that you avoid red wine, coffee and smoking afterwards as teeth that have been bleached are more prone to staining.

Scent

I have been told that you never forget the perfume you wear for your wedding day. It is essential that you get the choice right because that smell will always bring you straight back to your special day…and you want it to be for all the right reasons. Make sure that you have worn it before the day, so that you know it definitely suits you, fragrances change with time on the skin. Don’t go for anything that is too strong or really different from what you usually where. Make it last on the day by using the ancillary products that come in the perfume range, these could be shower gels or body lotions.

NB: Don’t Panic, the main thing is that you pamper yourself and don’t get too worked up before the wedding. It is supposed to be the best day of your life.