The November Lincoln Journal is out and my column for this month focuses on "morning after make-up"! Something which I know a lot about sadly! After abstaining from drinking alcohol for about 4 months I thought it was a good idea one night to drink quite a lot, which left me feeling, and looking, like something from The Walking dead.
Needless to say, I had to venture out, so I needed to apply a tad of make-up, just so I didn't scare people, (the photo I have attached obviously is not the day of the hangover, that is not for public viewing...I wouldn't subject anyone to that!)
The party season can certainly take its toll on us and it reflects not only on our waistlines but on our skin too. Skin can look very dehydrated, sallow and a build up of toxins can cause irritations and blemishes.
I always find Christmas and New Year difficult, as its such a indulgent time of the year, and I do like to look after myself during the rest of the year. I find it difficult not to get caught up with it all!
However, saying that, regardless of how much I drink or eat, or how I am dreadful I may be feeling, I always make sure I remove my make-up before I go to bed.
I have just discovered an excellent product by Paula’s choice, (Skin perfecting 2% BHA liquid exfoliant - £25.) You apply it after you have cleansed and toned your face and leave it on to work its magic. It removes dead skin on the surface and inside the pores. The magic ingredient is BHA, (salicylic acid) and has anti-inflammatory properties, so helps to reduce any blemishes and blackheads. The Resist Anti-aging cleanser is amazing too, to use beforehand, (£21.) I like to cleanse twice to ensure my skin is really clean, splash with very cold water and then apply the exfoliant. I also use the Resist Anti-aging 1% retinol booster, which you can mix with your usual moisturiser for a boost. I like to use Bobbi Brown Extra repair moisturising balm SPF25.
If, like me, you suffer with dark under eye circles or puffy eyes, make-up works a treat! But you can also try some cold cotton wool pads on them or cucumber. Anything cold will soothe and help with puffiness. You can also buy gel masks to apply, which you keep in the fridge. Eye gel is another way to de-puff the delicate under-eye area, and there are lots on the market to try, but make sure they are not too perfumed. Apply with your ring finger and apply in a light patting motion. My favourite eye cream is by Bobbi Brown, the Extra eye repair cream, which I use before make-up and before I go to bed.
If your lips tend to go dry, apply good old Vaseline or a lip balm before bed. Use an old toothbrush or cotton bud to remove any loose bits of skin.
Prior to make-up if I am feeling particularly ropey, I like to use City Life facial mist by Oskia, (£48), as it assists with rehydrating my dull face, prior to make-up. It adds luminosity and radiance, and lets face it, we don’t always feel like putting on a full face of make-up, especially if a hangover is in full effect!
With make-up, less is more, the last thing you feel like doing is applying lots of make-up. Its best to spend time prepping and perking up the skin.
Good bases that aid the alive look are - Bourjois healthy mix serum foundation and Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturiser. Both give a lovely dewy finish and radiance, when you may need it the most!
For under the eyes, after eye cream, if you are dark try BECCA under eye brightening corrector, then apply your usual concealer on the top. If you are very dark try the Laura Mercier secret camouflage concealers, (but mix them a bit with a little eye cream, as they are a bit dry.) Benefit also do a lilac, Instant eye bright stick, which you apply after eye cream and then conceal on the top. Its good to use peach or lilac to counteract any darkness under the eyes, it can disguise the heaviest of nights out!
Concealer wise, I like using the Bobbi Brown Instant Full cover concealer, as it doesn’t crease and it is great coverage. I still like to use the cult product by YSL, Touche eclait on most days, but only on the actual recessed parts of the eye socket. I use lots of light little layers to camouflage any tell tale signs of over indulgence! I don’t use any powder under the eye, but if it does look a little shiny, then a small amount of loose powder should be used here. For any blemishes try the Bobbi Brown foundation stick.
Brow gel is a quick and easy way to boost your brows, try Maybelline Brow drama, and then fill in with an eyeshadow if needed.
Obviously, the last thing you want to do is apply lots of eyeshadow, so choose something that is close to your natural skin tone. Groundwork by MAC in a cream eyeshadow does the trick, or just apply a mid-brown shade. This will cover any redness without being too heavy and you can use your fingers, so very easy! It also has a slight sheen for a bit of radiance. No7 Stay perfect smoothing eyeshadow in Nude is also lovely. Pop it in the corners of the eyes to brighten. Don’t use anything too dark.
Eye curlers are a must, these will open up your eyes prior to applying mascara. I like the Kevyn Aucoin or Shu Uemura ones. A little mascara goes a long way when you look and feel tired. I like Max Factor 2000 calorie mascara.
If your waterline is red apply a flesh toned eye pencil. Try Illamasqua’s eye colouring pencil in Vow.
To brighten and add radiance, use a cream blush on the apples of your cheeks, blended towards the hair line. Try Pink Lemonade by E.L.F, its very hydrating and soothing and gives a lovely healthy glow. You can even use this on your lips too or try Sisley Phyto-blush twist stick in Petal.
For lips, something quick and with a pop of colour to perk up your face. Try Benefit Ultra plush lipgloss in Dandelion or Delilah lip gloss in Modesty.
If you prefer lipstick, try Colour Intense cream lipstick by Delilah in Flirt.
Of course, failing all of this you could always crawl back to bed with a pot of Haagan Dazs ice cream! (a lot less hassle!)
I will be busy with weddings over Christmas and New Year. I travel all over the U.K and I can’t wait to be working in Liverpool and London on weddings in December. Next year looks to be another busy one too!
Please contact me as soon as you know your wedding date to avoid disappointment.
