So what exactly makes me qualified to write about makeup, well, nothing! Apart from, I've been wearing it almost daily for the last 17 years and I've spent enough money over this time on makeup and cosmetics to pay for a 5* holiday and more than my first car cost me! I've tried everything from £1 products to well the ridiculous. I've picked up a few hints and tips over the years and formed my own opinions - like mascara DOES only last 3 months and be careful with shimmer, application under the influence can result in a shiny mess. I have a staple look day to day and unfortunately time doesn't allow for playing and trickery much on a morning but I still like to experiment when I get the chance.
My obsession with the beauty world started young, I worked in a salon as soon as I could and listened intently for hints and tips. I'd grill my Mum's beautician friends and spend hours practicing new looks. Magazines like, Just 17, were my bible back then - they had handy columns like, "how to create 5 new looks with 5 items for 5 pounds" or "Bag your boy with a slick of mascara and gloss" - it was always a slick!?!
After Mum finally gave into my hounding and let me buy some makeup I was all set, armed with a kit bag of No17 tinted moisturiser, Rimmel mascara and a "slick of gloss" - well how else was I going to "bag my boy." The first time I applied my make-up I had a life changing realisation. Rightly or wrongly I thought, "why do people chose not to wear make-up when it can make you look instantly better!" I appreciate that some amongst us would completely disagree with wearing makeup and it shouldn't be encouraged, especially to young girls. I like make-up, although I do fully agree that confidence and happiness is only found within and makeup should only ever be used to enhance your natural beauty, not to create a mask or a new face. Sorry to break it but if you don't look like Kim Kardashian first thing, it doesn't matter how many layers of slap later, you still won't.
During my career I've worked on a lot of tv shoots & photo shoots (for the most behind the camera but very occasionally I've been in the makeup seat (very very occasionally about twice actually!) - I'm not in the makeup and costume area but it's still always a great opportunity to find out new trends and techniques, just by paying attention.
(Above left) My one work experience with the make-up department. Shooting a WW1 film 'Wilfred.' It was my job to carefully apply fake blood and mud to the background artistes. (Above Right) studio - look at how dark it is and then there are so many bright lights!
These two early shots - sporting a "slick of lip gloss" as all good, girl next door looks suggest. In fact the photo on the right looks like it should be in one of those teenage magazine problem columns - "I've fallen out with my friend" or "I fancy my ….." - mega cheese! cringe!
Anyway enough of the credentials (if any) and more about the now. My staple look at the moment is pretty simple actually, a bright lipstick. My must have items are listed below:
- Face makeup, I'm very pale and prone to Anemia if I get run down which can leave you looking dark eyed and pasty, so I like a bit of something to give my complexion a boost. Currently using MAC, medium Pro Longwear. It lasts all day and is great for combination skin. It hydrates but stays matte.
- Bronzer or blusher for a bit of colour. In summer I like a bronzer (currently using Bourjois dual palette which has a bronzer and shimmer) and in winter I like a pink.
- Mascara - black - I swap every 3 months irrelevant of price, cheap or pricey in my opinion they all go weird after 3 months.
- Eyeliner - I flit between liquid and Kohl eyeliner.
- Lipstick - I like a bright colour, as I said I'm pale so I think it livens up my face. Currently I'm using Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick.
It was the Bourjois Rouge Edition that I actually wanted to talk about. It has to be my favourite find of the moment. Firstly the packaging is beautiful and looks really eye catching and premium - well Bourjois are owned by Channel don't you know! But, the price is a bargain, £8.99.
The range has 8 vibrant shades but I love the red 03.Hot Pepper, it's a red but with an orange tone. It goes on like a lipgloss but has a matte finish and also staying power! When you apply it you can build it up, so you can either have a more natural look or a full bold lip smacking colour. The colour also lasts longer than your first cup of tea! I hate it when lip glosses come off after one brew. Once applied this colour lasts! In fact is doesn't even come off around your cup and most surprisingly, for such a strong lasting power it does't leave your lips dry and parched looking - nothing very kissable about that. It leaves your lips feeling moisturised and lovely. The finish is matte but if you want something more glossy you can always apply a little, or a "slick" of gloss over the top ;)
