Current Make Up Favourites - Mac Soar Lip Pencil

I'd read online and in magazines that Soar lip pencil by Mac was notoriously difficult to get a hold of due to it apparently being Kylie Jenners lip pencil of choice - Kylie Jenner for those who of you who don't know is part of the Kardashian/Jenner clan and caused a worldwide fascination with her now infamous pout. Apparently Kylie used Soar and a combination of other products to plump up her pout when in actual fact she had had lip fillers to achieve her look and it wasn't due to a magic lip pencil but still I liked her look and wanted to try the pencil for myself. 

Imagine my surprise/delight when I saw it in stock online at Mac, I knew I had to make an order. I initially ordered it to have it as part of my professional makeup kit, but once I had swatched it, I knew it had to be mine and mine only!  

Soar is a matte cool toned pinky, mauve colour which is the kind of colour I tend to gravitate towards anyway. It's also got a bit of a brown undertone as well in certain lights (which you can see in the above photo)  It's a perfect colour for an every day lip, it is one of those colours that is 'your lips but better' thing and the more product you add the deeper the colour, creating the perfect pout for a night out! And yes, if you do want to slightly over line your lips without looking like a clown - you really can do that with this if that's the look you're after. 

All in all, I absolutely love this lip pencil. It's been a great addition to my makeup collection. 

Do you have a favourite lip pencil? Are you fans of Mac makeup? 

Sarah X 

Review - Hydraluron

Now where do I start with this little bundle of joy? It's totally transformed my skin and it's love! 

After being somewhat of a skincare floozie at the beginning of the year, my skin started to flare up due to the amount of different products I had incorporated into my skincare routine. Now I know that I'm a sensitive wee soul when it comes to life in general however especially when it comes to what I slap on my face, so to start using products clearly laden with fragrance and lots of additives (I'm looking at you Nip & Fab!) clearly was not going to suit me. My cheeks erupted with bumpy, red spots, dryness, open pores and was so unsightly it started to make me feel really down in the dumps.  

I had read various different reviews about Hydraluron, claiming it to be the best hydrating serum they have used, but I was always put off by the price (it currently retails at £24.99 in Boots) however Boots had a special offer on where it was down to £16 and with enough Boots Advantage points I promptly made the order and have never looked back! 

I have definitely noticed a vast improvement in the texture and tone of my skin since introducing Hydraluron into my skincare regime. Indeed Laboratories who produce Hydraluron state that Hydraluron contains one of the purest forms of hyaluronic acid which is an extremely hydrating ingredient and holds up to 1000 x's its weight in water. Basically it acts like a glue to anything you put on top of it - so you apply this, put your moisturiser on - and it stays there - the water in your moisturiser takes longer to evaporate off the surface of the skin. It's a simple yet very effective serum, no fragrance, no added extras just plain and simple skincare. 

I use it in the areas where I struggle most which for me is the cheek area. I squeeze a pea size amount, rub between my fingers then pat it on. I then wait a minute or so until it sinks in then I apply my trusty Nivea moisturiser on top. So far it seems to be working! My skin feels instantly hydrated and plump. I also use Hydraluron in the mornings before I apply my makeup, this is really where I've noticed a vast improvement. Those of you with dry/dehydrated skin will know you must prep your skin with moisture beforehand otherwise foundation etc tends to cling to those awful dry areas, never a good look! But adding in this extra step, my makeup blends better, it's got a healthy glow and best of all no unsightly dry patches. 

As much as I am raving about this product, I'm also using it in conjunction with my other skincare essentials- cream cleanser and moisturiser. It's just this is an extra step I've incorporated and it seems to be working well for me. 

Have you tried Hydraluron? Let me know your thoughts! 

Sarah X 

My Winter Skincare Wonders

Every year as we enter autumn/winter, without fail my skin seems to be sucked of any moisture it has and take on the appearance of a dried prune. Attractive. This has been something that's bothered me for the last few years, last year in particular, where I was left with very dry, sensitive skin, my cheeks would turn beetroot red with one look at a cleanser! After years of relying on my old faithful, Nivea moisturiser and not much else mainly due to the fact I was sensitive soul to EVERYTHING, I did my research and finally decided to introduce natural skincare oils and moisture boosting creams into my regime. 

My previous skincare routine, as I mentioned briefly earlier, consisted of a splash of cold water and lashings of Nivea. Tut, tut! I still love using Nivea but my skin desperately needed some extra moisture oomph, so read on to find out what products have put a smile back on my now well moisturised face :) 

Una Brennan Superfacialist Vitamin C Skin Renew Cleansing Oil. I can be very wary of cleansers, I've used them in the past and it looked like I'd gone AWOL with a bright red blusher! Not a good look! I have to say, I was slightly apprehensive about using an oil based cleanser as I thought my skin might clog and feel overloaded but I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised. My skin does look and feel smoother - intact, my complexion looked brighter after just one use. The cleanser does leave a slight residue afterwards but it certainly doesn't feel sticky or greasy,  and it has a lovely, orangey fragrance. I use this mainly in the evening, however if I feel my skin is in need of a little something something, I will also use it in the morning. The Una Brennan Superfacialist Vitamin C Skin Renew Cleansing Oil contains Rosehip Oil which leads me onto my next Winter Wonder Skincare item. 

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. Rosehip oil contains fatty acids, vitamin E and the antioxidant, lycopene, all known as healthy skin promoters. As well as improving skin moisture and softness, it is also touted as a wonder oil that can decrease the appearance of fine lines, scars and stretch marks. I've only been using it for a couple of months but I can safely say that I've noticed a marked improvement in the texture of my skin. It really is much smoother, soft to touch and not a dry patch in sight! I use the oil in the evening all over my face as a moisturiser and it really does seem to have rejuvenated my skin!

Clarins Moisture Quench Moisturiser. I’d been on the hunt for a decent moisturiser for a while but after receiving a sample of this Clarins moisturiser, I just knew I had to invest in a full pot. It’s the perfect moisturiser for me as it contains SPF15, it's hydrating enough to combat my dehydrated skin and sort out dry patches, it’s not overly greasy or sticky and sinks into the skin like a dream. I've actually been mixing a small quantity of the moisturiser with the Rosehip oil at night time for a double hydration boost. 

So there you have my Winter Skincare Wonder products. Have you tried any of these products? Or if you have any winter skincare product suggestions, let me know! Thanks for reading x

**Please excuse the very poor lighting in the photo. I took the photo at night and had to add a few filters to brighten it up! 

       

Eye, Eye

Eye, Eye

The trend for super groomed eyebrows is not slowing down anytime soon. One of the favourite models of the moment, Cara Delevingne, has the Power Brow down to a T. All natural, no over plucking (a crime many of us committed in our younger years!!) and kept in place with Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel, so I'm led to believe. Of course, not all of us are blessed with beautiful, natural, full brows like Cara, however there are a few tricks of the trade that I learnt on my eyebrow definition course that I can share with you so you too can have beautifully groomed eyebrows. 

*With a disposable mascara wand or spooly brush, brush the hairs upwards.

*With angled tweezers, pluck area below the brows, grabbing a couple at a time.

*With a pair of scissors and your spooly, brush hairs upwards again and trim any hairs that are longer than your brow shape. Don't trim too much, we're talking trimming the tiniest amount, just to neaten the eyebrow up. Some eyebrows may not even need a trim.

*To determine where your brow should start, hold a pencil or make-up brush upwards along the outer edge of your nose up to the inner corner of your brow, that's where your eyebrow should begin.

*Now angle the pencil across the iris; that's where the arch should begin.

*Angle it to the end of the outer corner of the eye; that's where the brow should end.

*With those angles and lengths in mind, fill in the brows using light, feathery strokes as if you were drawing individual hairs. Use either an eyebrow pencil or a similar colour eyeshadow to fill in your brows and then set with a clear mascara to keep those brows in place. 

There you go! Beautiful, groomed arches Cara would be jealous of ;) Hope you find these tips helpful! 

Of course if you fancy treating yourself, I am offering a full eyebrow definition for only £10. This includes an eyebrow tint, wax, tweeze and definition. Get in touch if you want to book an appointment! 

Thank You for reading! 

Sarah X 

How To - Get that Glow

Aaah, we all dream of glowy, supple, soft as a baby's bum skin. I for one, as I get older (eek!!!) have noticed a few fine lines creeping in there, laughter lines taking a few moments longer to fade, and days where no matter what you do to your face, that youthful glow is just not the same as what it once was when you were 21... Bit of a depressing intro there huh?! 

I'm always on the lookout for some new miracle lotion or potion to try out to get healthy looking skin and of course a great skin regime is key however, I've also come to realise that what you put in your body and how you use your body may matter more than what you put on it! 

I've been following these few simple steps for a while now and I have to say I'm starting to notice a bit of a difference in my skins appearance. I am by no means saying these steps are miracle workers and you'll have the skin of a 21 year old again but... Give them a try, you might be surprised! 

If you want a super quick fix.... Make Up Cheat! There are so many products out there to help achieve that face glow. Use a concealer with light reflecting particles, I also use a highlight on the tops of my cheekbones, try MAC or I found a lovely highlight by Soap & Glory. Warm colours will make your face look healthier so try a pink or peachy blush on the highest part of your face and sweep on some bronzer too. Fake tan! Always fake, no sunbeds! I've learnt my lesson!! However, these are quick fixes. To get that outer glow to stay, you must *cheese alert* get that inner glow from within! 

*Hydrate - research says that we should be aiming to drink at least 1 - 2 litres of water/fluids a day. Water helps keep our skin moisturised, plump and minimise those fine lines. If plain water doesn't tickle your taste buds add small pieces of fruit or veg, such as strawberries, cucumber or lemon. I try and start the day with hot water with a slice of lemon to flush out any toxins. I've also been trying Green Tea, which contains skin friendly anti-oxidents. The health benefits are also extensive. Check them out :) 

*Eat Healthily - Healthy Foods = Healthy, glowy skin! Vitamins A, B, C and E, contained in a range of fruit and veg, help keep your skin supple and protect it from age related damage. Try blueberries, asparagus, cashew nuts, almonds, walnuts, salmon, natural yogurt and porridge oats. 

*Exercise daily - Doesn't necessarily need to involve a marathon gym session every day! If you're stuck for time, even a quick 10 minutes throughout the day such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, getting off the bus a stop earlier, is enough to get the blood pumping and bring a natural glowy flush to the cheeks :) 

Although in saying that, I've felt amazing after a good old gym sesh to sweat it all out and get the blood pumping!  And with my fiancé being a personal trainer, I really have no excuses for not getting my bum to the gym!!  Yes, Stephen, you're right, exercise is gooood ;) 

What do you think of these simple steps? Will you be trying them out? 

Sarah X 

How To ... Nail Care

Starting my own business and attending various different beauty courses has enabled me to gather a few hints and tips along the way, so I thought (being the super kind person i am ;) I would start a 'How To' section on my blog and share with you guys a few how to tips... 

For my first how to, I'm going to chat about nail care and offer a few words of advice to get those nails into tip top condition! 

Hands up (geddit!?) ladies and gents, when was the last time you really paid any decent amount of pamper time to your hands? Our poor hands often get neglected, but follow these few simple steps and you too can have beautiful, healthy hands & nails in no time :) In fact I also know a fab nail technician who can pamper your hands in the comfort of your own home if you fancy someone else doing the hard work for you ;) 

* As much as a beautiful nail colour on the old talons can make an outfit, the occasional 'au natural' nail can do wonders for your nail health. Give your nails the odd breath now and then and they'll thank you for it! If you can't face going bare, you can always buff your nails with a nail buffer to add a natural shine. Buffing also encourages nail growth, hurrah! Just don't buff too vigorously or too often, as it can weaken your nails. 

* Only file your nails in one direction. See-sawing back and forth can cause your nails to weaken and split.. Not a good look :( 

* Rub a cuticle oil into your nails & cuticles once a week, more regularly if you have the time, to encourage healthy nail growth. You don't need a fancy, expensive cuticle oil, I've been known to use Carmex or olive oil on occasion and you can easily pick up something in Boots or Superdrug. It's not just the oil doing the job it's the massaging in of the oil that promotes circulation resulting in healthy nails. 

* Good nutrition will keep your nails flexible and strong and your cuticles well-conditioned.  Include plenty of the following in your diet: green leafy veg, almonds and poultry (iron); eggs, spinach and broccoli  (vitamin A); and Brazil nuts, steak and pumpkin seeds (zinc). 

* Exposure to water, chemicals, soaps and detergents will weaken your nails - so get those Marigolds on! 

 * Lastly, invest in a good hand cream and moisturise regularly for happy hands! 

If you would like to treat yourself to an at home manicure, I have appointments available. You can find more details on my Facebook page or website, Sarabelle Health & Beauty. Thanks for reading! 

Sarah X 

 

Summer Product Lovin'

Ah, here we are in August already,  Whoa... Where is this year going!? Only 4 months until we're watching out for that famous fizzy drinks advert and 'holidays are comin' .... I digress.... 

Seeing as we're still in the midst of summer and some gorgeous weather I thought I'd share with you some products I've been loving over the summer months.

MAC Fix+. £7.50. has pretty much been a staple for me in my make up bag the past few months. I use it as a make up primer, setting spray and a cooling down spray. In fact I just like spraying it in general, on myself, my mum, my fiancé... Not quite sure they appreciate the benefits of this wee gem as much as I do! It's packed full of vitamins & minerals, green tea, chamomile & cucumber and instantly feels refreshing. A must have in this hot weather! 

MAC Red Lipstick.  £12. Aaah I do love a red lip. As soon as I put this colour on I instantly feel much better about the day ahead! It's a gorgeous red (obviously, hence the name!) which if applied straight from the bullet can be built up to a beautiful, deep, rich red. Or if you're after a more subtle daytime look, it can be dabbed on then patted out with a finger for a more toned down look. Either is a winner in my eyes :) It's a satin finish, very creamy and smells amazing! 

Body Shop Macadamia Body Butter Duo. Who doesn't love a body butter?! I got this when it was on special offer, I think it was around £5. Inside the tub, it has two parts, one side is body butter for dry skin and the other side is moisturiser for normal skin. I've mainly been using the body butter, as it instantly sinks into your skin, leaving it silky smooth. The moisturiser takes a bit of rubbing in, but again is super hydrating. I tend to use the moisturiser at night, before bed, when there's more time for it to work it's magic! I would definitely repurchase this.

Nude ProGenius Treatment Oil. This was a sample from when I ordered Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey face mask (see next summer fav!) I can literally feel my skin sucking this oil in whenever I apply it. It sinks in immediately, doesn't feel greasy, and my skin is instantly hydrated. I believe a full sized bottle retails for around £50 (if not slightly more!) I'm not quite sure my purse can handle parting with that amount at the moment however,  it would be a great investment as you only need the tiniest amount and if I can easily spend £50 on a new pair of shoes without a second thought, why not invest in some awesome looking skin!  I think this product might get added onto my Santa List :) I normally use this when my skin is feeling super dry and tight. Mainly at night times and I sometimes use it after I've used my Manuka Honey Mask for a double hydration boost! 

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask. £21.50. I absolutely adore this product. I first found out about it when I read Kate's blog, Ghostparties. Her review 'made' me add it to my virtual shopping basket and before I knew it, I was slapping it all over my face and relaxing for 10 minutes whilst it did its job. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask originated in New Zealand with the Maori people using manuka honey as a traditional remedy. The mask has manuka honey as its 'super' ingredient, which is amazing at drawing moisture back to hydrate your parched skin. Other ingredients include vanilla pod fragrance & mandarin, which apparently are meant to bring 'peace and balance to your aura' Possibly true, I just like the opportunity to lie down for 10 relaxing minutes whilst I have the mask on! Any aura stuff going on is an added bonus?! You can also use the mask on specific areas as a spot/blemish treatment, again I can vouch that it really does bring all the yucky stuff to the surface, any dry bits are banished,  leaving my skin clear and so soft! I got my mask online from Feel Unique. 

What have been your summer products picks? 

Thanks for reading! 

Sarah X