Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

On the plane home from Canada I restocked on a few essential cosmetics that I carry in my kit and Smashbox Photo Finish primer was one of them. This primer is highly rated in the industry and a must for any make-up artist wanting to achieve a perfect flawless canvas.

What does it do?

This product smoothes out your skin leaving it feeling really smooth and reduces the appearance of fine lines, pores and imperfections. The gel formula also mattifies your skin so is excellent if you suffer from an oily T zone.

Basically, using this primer will provide you with the perfect base for foundation application allowing your make-up to stay put a lot longer.

What's in it?

The colourless formula contains vitamins A & E, grapeseed extract and green tea which are all really great for your skin. One of my favourite things about this primer is that it is completely oil free leaving you with a great matte finish.

How much is it?

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is available at Debenhams for £28.00.

Smashbox website: http://www.smashbox.com/

The BEST One Step Face Base

If you're looking for a long lasting base that gives you an even, silky smooth complexion in a few seconds then the VIE One Step Face Base is perfect! This base covers like a foundation but gives the velvety matte finish of a powder. This compact costs just £15.00 for 12g and lasts such a long time.

Over the years I have tried loads of different powders from a whole range of different brands and none of them compare to this one, other powders I have tried tend to dry out the skin or sit in certain areas of the face.

The VIE face base can be worn alone for a quick and easy, beautiful complexion or applied on top of your favourite liquid foundation for a full coverage that lasts right through the day. To get the best finish, dust the VIE base all over your face using a large, soft powder brush after applying your liquid foundation. The result is flawless!

I really love how buildable this powder is without looking thick and cakey on the skin, it blends really well and stands the test of time. Its great because it covers dark circles, blemishes and controls shine yet still leaves the skin looking fresh, natural and glowing.

The VIE One Step Face Base comes in 6 shades - Alabaster, Caramel, Honey, Ivory, Sable and Soft Beige. I find that the Ivory shade is the most popular and the colour that compliments most people's skin tone.

Another really great thing to mention about this fantastic compact is that it comes with a really good quality, strong sponge that lasts. The One Step Face Base is VIE at home's best selling product and they claim that 'one is sold in the UK every 2 minutes'!

The One Step Face Base, refills, and sponge applicators are available to purchase from http://www.vieathome.com/

THE BEST MAKE-UP BRUSH FOR FLAWLESS RESULTS

I used to think my foundation looked good until I discovered this amazing brush from MAC. As this has been one of my 'must-have' brushes for some time I thought do a little write up...

M.A.C 187 Duo Fibre Brush £29.50

If you're looking for a face brush that will provide you with a flawless result that leaves you with an air-brushed appearance then look no further. The capabilities of this brush are fantastic, it can be used for applying liquid foundation, powder, cream products, highlighters, blush, bronzer and more.

This brush is a must for professional bridal make-up application as it is perfect for building the right amount of coverage but leaving the skin still looking fresh and natural with a light-weight result that lasts all day.

Unfortunately, it is quite an expensive at £29.50 but I can definitely say its worth it and a real investment. If cared for properly and cleansed regularly then this brush will last you years. The amazing flawless complexion you'll achieve by using this brush is something you'll definitely be willing to pay a lot for!

I find when applying my liquid foundation by stippling and buffing with this brush that my base actually stays on longer as you create a more even layer that blends into your skin. The great thing is that you can easily build your foundation by applying a layer at a time and concentrate on the areas that require more attention to get a great full coverage. If you use your fingers you don't have this kind of flexibility and you tend to apply a thicker layer all over your face. I have also noticed that I use a lot less foundation when using this brush as opposed to my fingers or other types of traditional foundation brushes.

This brush makes applying foundation so much easier, all you need to do is squidge two pumps of foundation onto the back of your hand then tap the brush into the foundation giving it a little swirl to ensure the brush is evenly covered then stipple/buff onto skin with circular movements. I start with the cheeks, nose, and then blend the excess into my forehead and chin. It may take a little bit of practise and getting used to but once you have the knack of it you'll be amazed at the results you'll achieve. Take a look at YouTube for some great videos for application techniques, here's one I recommend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrf8Or2ECEU

MAC describe this brush as "A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres." www.maccosmetics.co.uk/

I just want to finish by saying that there are others available.. but they simply do not compare to the 187! Please note that there are a lot of fakes out there to so make sure you purchase this brush from your local MAC counter or from www.maccosmetics.co.uk/.

EVERLASTING FOUNDATION

A few weeks ago I was looking for a new foundation to wear during the day that has great coverage, lasts all day and is light and fresh for spring....

After trying a whole range of different foundations I decided to go with the new Clarins Everlasting foundation in 104 (cream) and I'm so pleased I did! This foundation promises 15 hours of staying power with a non transfer formula and its does just that. I have combination skin so the non-oily, matte coverage is perfect for me and as its formulated with an SPF15 its great to wear everyday to help protect my skin from the elements. I really love the fresh scent and hydrating feeling of this foundation, with its light optimizing complex it gives a really great natural and flawless appearance.

If your looking for a creamy, blendable, moisturising and highly pigmented foundation that enhances your complexion, evens out your skin tone then Clarins everlasting foundation is perfect and I highly recommend it.

I was so pleased with this product that I decided to add it to my professional kit. Last weekend I did an amazing photo shoot with top photographer Ryan Cox (Ryan and Jo Photography - http://www.ryanandjophotography.co.uk/) and decided to put this foundation to the test on one of the models (Elise Bull) pictured right. I was really pleased with the flawless, fresh result and will be definitely using it again!

MAKE-UP BY GEM EXHIBITING AT LOCAL WEDDING FAYRES!

Following the success of the previous wedding fayres I have exhibited at this year, I've booked myself in for 2 more this month. I will be packing up my portfolio and heading off to Quex Park tomorrow (Sunday 7th March) for the fayre at the Powell-Cotton House and Gardens in Birchington. Open from 11am till 4pm, local suppliers will be exhibiting everything for that special day. To visit the Quex website click on the following link - www.quexmuseum.org/visitingus/special-events.htm

Also coming up in a few weeks is another fantastic fayre at Lympne Castle. If your looking to get married some time soon then head down to Lympne on Sunday 21st March between 11am and 4pm to view a whole host of the best wedding services in Kent. Ryan and Jo Photography (http://www.ryanandjophotography.co.uk/) and Just-A-Cake (http://www.justacake.co.uk/) are just a couple of highly recommended exhibitors to go and see! To view whats on offer click on the following link: www.lympnecastle.ukweddingevents.co.uk/index.html

Both of the wedding fayres listed above a free to members of the public, why not come down and spend a few hours at these beautiful venues having a chat to some great exhibitors.

I look forward to meeting you...

Wedding Fayre this Sunday - Ramada Hotel in Whitfield, Dover

I will be exhibiting at the Ramada Hotel in Whitfield, Dover this Sunday (28th February 2010). Its Free admission and open from 10:30 till 3:30pm.

I look forward to meeting local brides-to-be and meeting other suppliers within the industry.

For more information go to http://www.wedding-experience.co.uk/

THE PERFECT NUDE

I've been looking for a really good contemporary nude lipstick for a while and I've finally found one I love... MAC's 'High Tea'

High Tea is a sheer lip colour from the lustre range which gives the apperance of a gloss but with the smooth, moisturising formula of a quality lipstick. It stays on pretty well and the colour doesn't leave you looking washed out.

Most nude lipsticks I have come across are too peachy or pink but this one is just perfect. It's a sheer beige colour which has great buildable coverage. The pigment and formula is enough to give that glamourous Brigit Bardot look, yet both wearable and natural for every day.

MAC High Tea £12.50, is great on it's own or as a base colour for your favourite lip gloss.