LVL Lashes

LVL lashes will add length, volume and lift to your natural lashes – without lash extensions. A completely natural, low maintenance treatment. Treatments take just 1 hour and lasts up to 6 weeks. A patch test is required 24hrs prior to LVL lashes.

I hope I am not being slightly premature, but the sun seems to be shining brightly in the sky a little more often these last few weeks, could it mean that spring is finally in the air? So with that, we need to make sure our skin and indeed makeup regime is ready for the (fingers crossed) hotter days ahead! After all, let’s be honest, looking in the mirror halfway through the day only to find your makeup running down your face is not a good look by any stretch of the imagination!

It may be that you are preparing for one of the many amazing festivals taking place this spring/summer season, or maybe you’re lucky enough to be jetting off abroad. Whatever you’re up to, it’s important that once the temperature starts to rise, you adjust your beauty routine. Even on the hottest of days and as the humidity rises, there are still a number of steps you can take to ensure that your makeup won’t cake and your mascara won’t run.

Want some melt-proof tips on how to keep your makeup in place? Well ladies you’ve come to the right place!

1. Prep with primer.

First things first, it’s important to use primer before applying foundation. This will give you a fresh and dewy complexion that lasts all day and helps to hold your makeup in place, all day long. The best primers are the ones that include silicone (the key ingredient in most long-wearing formulas), which will help to provide a barrier between your skin and the humidity.

2. Silicone-based foundation is best.

Just like with primers, silicone-based foundations are the very best option when met with moisture and will truly last the longest.

3. Creamy not cakey please.

My advice would be to try and steer clear of powder versions of eyeshadows in the warmer months as these can appear cakey, especially when they mix with moisture on your face. Instead, use a cream shadow and cream-based blush which will give you a nice, natural looking glow. For added insurance, go for the long-wear versions.

4. Bet you didn’t know there was such a thing as waterproof concealer!?

Is mascara the only type of waterproof makeup in your cosmetics’ bag? Then girl, it’s time to go shopping!! Waterproof concealer which is densely pigmented, will hide blemishes and dark circles, even in the intense heat.

5. Luscious not lanky lashes.

If you’re lusting after liner and lashes that will stay put and not run down your face, then it’s best to use both waterproof mascara and liquid liner.

6. Spring clean your skin with microdermabrasion.

Normally skin renews itself approximately every 28 days. The SkinBase Facial™ speeds up the rate at which the skin would normally renew itself by removing dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. As a result, tired and dull patches are removed and new, fresh and radiant skin is revealed. With skin this radiant, you may feel more confident to go makeup free as the weather heats up and not need to worry about sweaty or cakey skin – bonus!

Worried about going makeup free?

Bonus tip: With sunlight getting warmer and more intense in the summer, whatever you do, don’t forget sun protection. And blotting papers are better than piling on the powder when your skin starts to sweat, as powder will make your skin look cakey. 

We love the natural look but some of us can feel a little shy when it comes to going bare. It might be that we don’t feel as pretty, or worry about our imperfections. How nice would it be not to worry and revel in revealing our true beauty? Well now’s the time to go au naturel with our top tips, and here’s how:

1) Top up your Vitamin C levels

Vitamin C, in any form, is perfect for providing the body with powerful antioxidants which protect skin from damaging free-radicals. Drinking Vitamin C loaded drinks such as a tall glass of orange juice or a warm water with fresh lemon will certainly do you good, you can also benefit from applying vitamin C directly to the skin. Vitamin C enriched facial creams can help boost collagen levels, reduce the appearance of spots and inflammation and fade post-breakout red marks.

2) No touchy touchy!

We’ve all been there… that big spot which is just too tempting to leave alone – am I right? But picking at blemishes, or touching your skin, moves bacteria around the face which is not good for healthy skin! Also, because the skin on your face is so delicate skin, pulling and tugging at your face causes it to be less elastic, which could lead to wrinkles. So, what we are trying to say is don’t touch your face except when absolutely necessary!

3) Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a brilliant way to keep skin looking fresh and glowing. It works by removing dirt, dead skin and can help to reduce clogged pores. If we don’t exfoliate, it can lead to skin looking dull and tired because all of that dead skin on the surface prevents light from reflecting. But please don’t be too rough on your skin! Instead choose a gentle exfoliating product. Spread the substance you’re your face, and gently massage the skin for a few minutes and then rinse clean with cool water to close the pores. You should aim to exfoliate your skin about twice a week.

4) Use toner

Toner should definitely be in your cleansing routine on a daily basis. Using toner can help to balance the pH levels, which helps to even out your complexion. Choose an alcohol-free toner will ensure you don’t dry out your skin. Having a nice, even skin tone reduces the need to cake on makeup to try to hide uneven colouring.

5) Say no to cigarettes

It goes without saying that smoking is bad for you. Not only the serious health implications but it also happens to contribute to dry skin and premature wrinkles. Smoking deprives the skin of oxygen and damages precious collagen and elastin, two fibres that create elasticity in the skin. It’s difficult to quit smoking, so don’t be afraid to get help if you need it; you skin and your lungs will be grateful.

Did you know that microdermabrasion is also a brilliant solution for ensuring skin to be proud of, with or without makeup? Read more in our previous blog

http://www.beautydefine.co.uk/beauty-blog

Have you recently looked in the mirror and seen someone older after you have done your makeup? The chances are you might be committing one of these critical makeup mistakes that age you! To nip this in the bud immediately, we’ve pulled together a list of all of the top makeup mistakes that age you below. It’s time to step away from the runny mascara and caked on concealer ladies!

OTT on the powder

I think we’ve all experienced that heavy and ‘super cakey’ feeling when it comes to makeup. It is more than likely because you have used too much powder on your face. So what is the solution? Simply lighten up on the powder and go with something mineral, it could really make your face seem more youthful and brighten up your entire demeanor. Score!

Once we enter our thirties, it's likely our skincare routine will need a little more effort to keep skin in tip top condition.

Runny mascara

You can’t always control your runny mascara, especially if it is a case of it mascara getting wet somehow. I know I am guilty, as are a lot women, of not always checking mascara before I leave the house so sometimes I have some smudges and little black lines. Girls, you always want to make sure that you are checking every single bit of your face before you leave, that way you can make sure that your mascara is in the right place! Also, waterproof mascara can work wonders! And avoid the runny mascara look.

Sunken in cheeks

With blush and bronzer tricks, it can be super easy for you to actually make your cheeks appear sunken in. This isn’t a look that you want ladies! Instead, make sure that you know exactly how to get rid of that sunken in look. There are tons of different blush tips out there that can make your skin appear youthful instead of ageing you.

Caked on concealer

One of the most common makeup mistakes that age you, can come from putting on too much concealer. If your concealer looks totally cakey on your skin and makes your skin appear not natural, than that’s a total makeup mistake – (which actually refers to any age)! A solution to this is making sure that your concealer is light and airy, instead of thick and cakey!

Skinny brows

Plucking your brows too thin and creating that ‘surprised’ look can be really ageing. The best way to handle this one I feel is to leave waxing and plucking to the professionals and just make sure you know what ‘too’ thin is for your face!

A foundation shade that doesn’t flatter

One common makeup mistake that ages you can be just picking the wrong shade of foundation. The foundation shade that you choose should completely match your skin colour. It should really be all natural and should never show through. If you neck is a different color than your face, there is a problem ladies!

Did you know that if applied correctly, red lipstick can help take the years off and make you look radiant?

Skincare for women in their 30s can differ largely to that in their twenties and we’ve done our research to share some top tips with you to have great skin and stay looking young and radiant.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating at night is important because your skin does the large portion of its renewal at night while you sleep. By exfoliating at night, you give your body the perfect opportunity to regenerate so you always look young.

Use a cleanser that is PH balanced

You should consider using a pH cleanser in your 30s because it helps maintain the barrier on your skin, which in turn means you don’t lose out on precious moisture. Make sure you cleanse your skin at least once a day to remove dirt, debris and make-up.

Dose up on Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a big role in your skin health. It boosts collagen production and fights the signs of ageing by staving off free radical damage. Try strawberries, citrus fruits, bell peppers and kiwis, which are some of the foods with the highest content.

Wear moisturiser on serum with sunscreen

Obviously you should be wearing sunscreen every day, but try choosing a daytime serum or cream with SPF in it to double up on the skin benefits. You can block harmful UVA and UVB rays with the sunscreen and fight wrinkles, lines and age spots with the ingredients in the cream or serum.

Microdermabrasion

The SkinBase Facial™ is perfect to help keep skin looking young as it removes the top layer of dead (ageing) skin cells using a fine jet of abrasive crystals. This promotes collagen production in the skin, resulting in fresher, younger looking skin.

No amount of make up can beat that natural gorgeous glow. When your skin is glowing, you look instantly and effortlessly beautiful and radiant, more alive and ready to face the day. I am not saying you have to be dripping in sweat or bright red, but we all want that certain glow that makes them look healthy, well rested, and youthful. And guess what – there are quite a few ways you can get that glow without a lot of effort. You are not alone in wanting that glow and these tips can help do it for you. Let’s go!

1) Aim to eat more soy

You might be thinking how the hell do I incorporate soy into my diet? You may also be nervous to try soy because you’ve heard reports that some say it could be linked to breast cancer. The conclusion is that most people can enjoy moderate amounts of soy without worry. And this is good news for all of us on the hunt for that natural glow because soy boosts collagen production, vital for helping to keep your face healthy looking and glowing. Substitute, where possible, your usual milk for soymilk, try tasty tofu or moreish edamame beans.

Did you know that raw food is also really beneficial for your skin? Read more in our blog 'The benefits of a raw food diet'.

2) Use cool rather than hot water

Ooooh there is nothing I love more than a hot and steamy shower but do you know what, I bet my skin would beg to differ! It’s probably no surprise and you’re likely to have heard before that a hot shower isn’t a good idea. Reason being, hot water strips the skin of all of its natural oils, the very ones that give us that dewy look and instead leaves you dried out and dull. If you really crave that inner and outer glow ladies, it’s time to take a trip over to lukewarm.

3) Don’t forget your neck

Why is it we always forget about our neck? I mean it’s there on show, just like our face and isn’t the easiest to cover up unless you’re a fan of the polo neck… The truth is it has the same thin, delicate skin that your face does so therefore we should aim to care for it the same way we do our face. If you give your neck the attention it deserves, your face will stand out with even more of a glow. It’s easy enough to look after your neck, just make sure you apply the facial products you use on your face, to your neck as well.

4) Try oils

Oils are the next ‘big thing’ as skincare experts continue to sing their praises. Why are they so fabulous? Well, when applied, they absorb into your skin, leaving it amazingly hydrated. And time for the brucey bonus - some oils are loaded with nutrients that give your skin an amazing dose of all the good stuff it needs to be healthy. We’d recommend coconut or olive oil for great results and that oh so dewy glow you’re after.

5) Get moving!

So you’ve just finished a spin class or a big walk with the dog. Fair enough you may look a little hot and sweaty but you can’t deny the glow and radiance it leaves your skin with afterwards. Your body eliminates toxins through your sweat when you exercise and not only that but it also gets your blood flowing and boosts your circulation. Undoubtedly the most natural way to get your glow going. 

Just as important as moving more is ensuring you get enough rest. Sleep can work wonders for the skin.