There is Beauty in Simplicity

I learnt how to do my makeup properly by watching the professional makeup artists, who would do my makeup for photoshoots and TV. They would give great advice and tips for my particular skin type and complexion. On-set I am often wearing a more heavier foundation to give good coverage and sustain the lighting and flash.

I think the noticeable difference between an affordable cosmetic brand versus a luxury brand is the coverage, it tends to be lighter in texture and has a more shinier finish when applied and may need to be reapplied later on.

Multinational companies like Estée Lauder and L’Oréal own a significant amount of the beauty industry, they founded and acquired many of the brands we love today.

Did you know Estée Lauder own Bobbi Brown, Clinique, MAC Cosmetics, Too Faced, Smashbox, Tom Ford Beauty, Bumble & Bumble, Jo Malone London fragrance and Aveda to name a few.

And L’Oréal own Maybelline, Lancôme, Urban Decay, Garnier, NYX Cosmetics, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Beauté and many more.

I have recently discovered that Burberry have a makeup line, which of course is well designed with the classic print and traditional English feel. The powder and blush palettes are fun and fresh.

A new! brand coming soon, that I am excited to try is the Victoria Beckham Beauty Line. If it is anything like her clothing collection, it will be targeting the sophisticated woman who prefers the more natural look.

I do adore the popular and forever trending on social media brands KKW Beauty and Kylie Cosmetics who are extremely successful because they target the younger woman who rocks that bold, statement look. I love the wow factor they use in marketing their brands; it separates them from the crowd.

In such an oversaturated industry you have to find your niche, otherwise you’ll just be another makeup brand on the shelf.

Natural products are the most popular, the less chemicals, the better.

Hair products that contain the key ingredients like; moroccan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera are perfect for your scalp and creating healthier looking hair.

Using wigs and certain hair extensions can give your hair a break from day to day styling and heat damage. Selecting the best hair quality that matches perfectly with your own texture and colour is essential. Sleek Hair have a fantastic selection of Brazilian Virgin Hair extensions and heat-resistant synthetic wigs.

I am constantly asked what is it I do and could recommend for a good skin routine.

Taking care of your skin will make a huge difference to how you look with makeup. As blemishes is highlighted more when makeup is applied, especially in natural sunlight. Have you ever noticed a blemish on the skin without makeup looks fine and not as noticeable but far worse when makeup is applied, like a small mountain on your face. This is because the pores absorb the makeup and the more you apply, the more the spot will appear to look bigger than it really is.

I recommend a daily face scrub that exfoliates and reduces oil, shine and breakouts and a cleansing serum or liquid lotion that contains Salicylic Acid, which tightens your pores and fights breakouts.

Using cooling patches can help significantly; Skyn Iceland – Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, can help firm, reduce puffiness and premature wrinkling under the eyes. Use makeup wipes like Simple cleansing wipes, to remove all your makeup before you go to sleep. 

For an affordable liquid foundation, I recommend No7 Stay Perfect Foundation it is light on the skin, blends well and will last throughout the day with a touch-up of translucent finishing powder.

Try using Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter palette on your cheekbones, forehead, nose and chin it can make all the difference to achieve that tanned glow, blending it correctly will create that perfect look.

I think the best version of you, is with no makeup at all. But when you do decide to mix things up and add a pop of lip and eye colour, make sure you select the right products for you and keep in mind healthy skin is the best look.

by PRECIOUS MUIR

Photo Credit ARGIN