Should I Work For Free?

Possibly one of the best things I've seen in a while:

Should I Work For Free?

Naked Bodycare send the Freebie Fairy!

Ok, so I don't actually know who the Freebie Fairy is, but whoever they are I'd like to thank them!
A little while before Christmas I received a parcel in the post, which turned out to be a hair product from Naked Bodycare, the Naked Style Extra Shiny Finishing Serum. I didn't order it, so thanks Freebie Fairy. 
After testing it out over the holiday here's what I think of it.
Naked Style Extra Shiny Finishing Serum


They say: Beautiful things come in small packages and this little gem brings instant shine and radiance, putting the sparkle back in your hair. Do it Naked style - our silicone-free formulations allow product junkies the freedom to style their hair without synthetic product build up, which can damage the hair causing weakness and loss of natural sheen. 

Moisturising botanical extracts with natural minerals add a glossy sheen. 

Veggie & Vegan friendly.

I say: This light weight anti-frizz serum has a lovely smell and when you pump it into your palm (very easy pump action on the bottle) out comes this shimmering glistening cream. It looks pearly and shiny, very pretty in fact, and it has this effect on your hair too! 
Having used this product over the holidays I always noticed a marked difference in my hair before and after application of this product. I'm often pretty lazy with my own hair styling and when it's looking a bit wild I just slick a bit of this finishing serum through the ends and stroke it though my hair and it feels sleek, does indeed look shinier and smells great.
At £4.99 it's a pretty great price for an all natural, ethically produced product that actually works!


So just a little more info on Naked Bodycare for those of you who haven't heard of them....

They make beauty products for body, hair and face, and don't use any harsh chemicals or nasties in their production - hence the '97% Natural'. (The other 3% are preservatives & emulsifiers to stop things going off and separating). 

These products are really pretty ethical, clean and skin & environmentally friendly. Here's why:

- They don't contain any parabens, petrochemicals, sodium laureth/lauryl  sulphate or phthalates, which can all be highly irritating, especially for dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

- All their bottles are made from 50%-100% recycled plastic, and all their postage materials for online purchases are environmentally friendly recyclables.

- All products are made in the UK using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible. Other international ingredients and materials are sourced responsibly from sustainable and community-based sources.

- None of their products, nor any of the ingredients have been tested on animals.

As if all that was not enough their products are very reasonably priced, with no products over £8 in their online shop and most hovering around £3.99. Plus if you are buying online there is free postage on orders over £20.

If you're like me and you care what you put on your body and what goes down the drain, then these products fit the bill and what's more, are kind to your pocket!

Bridal Shoot, The Grange at St. Pauls

Happy New Year!

Well, it's been a good while since my last post, but after an amazing Christmas and New Year holiday, which included getting engaged to my darling man, I have lots and lots to write about!

I was lucky enough to get some lovely goodies in my stocking (!) and some of them I just have to rave about!

But first I wanted to share some images from the last bridal shoot I did in December, with photographer the lovely Mortiz Leonard, at amazing location - The Grange Hotel which is directly in front of St. Pauls. I think you'll agree the location made for some beautiful pictures :)

Back To the Tips!

So it's been a while since I issued one of my many tips. 
Fear not dear reader, for here's another one. . . . . . 


For Luscious Lashes, Leave 'Til Last!


Whether you favour a volumising one, one that adds length, one that curls or one that does all three (or claims to at least!), ensure you get the best out of your mascara and leave it’s application until last. 


When you use powders on the eyes or face some will always fly loose and settle on your lashes. If you’ve already applied your mascara before powdering, the powder will fall on your lashes, stick and make them look dull and messy. 


If you apply your mascara last you’ll be covering up all the powder on your lashes which has the added benefit of making them look thicker! Add a couple of coats of mascara for extra volume, not forgetting to do both the upper and lower sides of the lashes. For added oomph, use lash curlers to open your eyes up even more. 


You should curl your lashes before applying mascara, not afterwards. If you do it afterwards, firstly you might crack the mascara coating your lashes and will get some drop down onto your face, and secondly you might actually damage your lashes and end up with shorter ones where they've broken!


So, when it comes to luscious lashes it's powder, curl, apply, apply!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot on a mascara to get great results. 

At the moment I'm using Maybelline Falsies on myself and, once I got used to the curved brush, am loving the effect it gives - really lifts and curls. 

I also love the Lash Stylist which comes with a comb-like applicator to smother on the product - it adds loads of volume and really lifts and separates!

    

Brilliant retro fashion films!

I have a new favourite channel on You Tube!
Just stumbled across  Glamourdaze, who has a whole bunch of films from the 20s, 30's, 40's and 50's.
These include fashion tips, hair styles, and beauty routines.
Check them out they're definitely worth a look!
Find the vids here: http://www.youtube.com/user/glamourdaze

My Work Station

I was working yesterday on a photo shoot and there was a little down time between the changes of looks for the model so I thought I'd take a few pictures of my work station.

It shows a small part of my makeup kit - I was only working on one model, but you can get an idea of some of the products I use and how I work. Thought some of you might like a peek!

Below are some of my fave products - I use Makeup Forever a lot as they are a quality pro brand, and I love my Ben Nye Lumiere palatte!

  

Young, High & Dead: Teaser Trailer!

Check it out, first rough cut of the trailer for Young, High & Dead!