Looking for a little bit of makeup inspiration? Then we have just the thing, check out this gorgeous Autumn makeup look that is perfect for the season!
Next up we’re going to be using the Guerlain Parure Gold Fluid Foundation to create an even and flawless base. It’s a really beautiful, glowy foundation.
To conceal under the eyes we’re going to be using the Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer, just dot under the yes to conceal dark circles and keep the delicate skin hydrated.
Moving onto the eyes we’re going to be using the gorgeous eyeshadow palette by Daniel Sandler, called Beyond Sunset. Blending the brown tones through the eye socket to create a soft and smokey look with a pop of gold in the centre. You can then add a glitter into the centre of the eye to really make it stand out, we love the Prima Diamond Metallic Copper Eyeshadow.
For months we’ve been getting excited about this autumn’s nail colours. The AW18 Fashion Week catwalks were awash with exciting new nail trends and spins on some of our favourite classics. Although some were a bit more “out there” there are some gorgeous tones to for us mere mortals to wear day-to-day, along with great party nails to try out just in time for the festive season. So, to find out what we’ll be wearing in the FD offices this autumn, read on!
Natural nudes
Nude nails are one of our all-time favourites. Done right, they look sophisticated and give your nails a slick, well-nourished sheen. They can also be teamed up with almost any look and won’t look out of place around the office or on a night out.
Dark, earthy tones were another feature on the catwalks this season. Easier to wear than the more gothic black and deep metallics, this is one trend worth checking out. Sophisticated and vampish, it’s simple to pull off and pair with different looks.
Bright reds are still in this season, and we can’t deny our love for a classic red nail. But, we’re also donning our burgundy and chocolatey red tones. These colours are chic and mysterious, but they still give you that power-dressing vibe a bright red would.
There’s something ultra-glam about a metallic nail. Perfect for nights out and special occasions, a few coats of your favourite metallic shade will add a glitzy finishing touch to anything you throw together.
Metallic nails earlier this year were pale and chic. For autumn, select a colour that’s darker and fit for the cosy, cold months. Bourjois’s 1 Seconde Gel Nail Polish in Kakidylilic is just one to check out, as well as OPI’s Nail Lacquer in Pineapples Have Peelings.
Nail art
Dressing up your nails has never been more fun. Every year more inventive products come on the market, and it can be a great way to elongate the wear of your current nail colour, or simply add a bit of pizzazz to a nude or a darker shade.
If all those nights out are taking their toll, it’s time to plan a night in to remember. Getting the girls over for a pamper evening is one of the best ways to unwind, catch up and destress. The real beauty of a girl’s night in is that it doesn’t have to cost the earth either. A few well-chosen pamper products and you’ll be in seventh heaven.
Sound like your cup of tea? Well, let’s see exactly how you can create the ultimate girl’s night pamper party from the comfort of your sofa. Netflix boxsets and ice cream, optional.
Set the tone
Want to create a spa-like feeling in your living room? Then scent the room with a luxe candle or two before you get the party started. Just make sure to have them well out of the way if you have a gaggle of guests coming to slather on creams and create cosy chaos. There’s nothing worse than trying to peel hot candlewax off your furniture!
With the right products, you can create your own salon experience at home. A facial is something that’s fun and easy to do, especially with the help of a friend or two. Just remember to take a step-by-step approach, and if you have any specific skin issues, check out the products before you use them.
For ease, try gifts sets that give you all products in one package, like the Kaeso Calming Kit, which is also suitable for sensitive skin. Or, stock up on face masks for every skin type, like Derma V10’s Anti Ageing Woven Face Mask Collagen. Just make sure everyone cleanses and tones before the treatment and moisturises afterwards.
Body buff
If you want to go all out, why not introduce some luscious body scrubs to the party? It’ll mean undressing and jumping in the shower, but it’ll leave you all feeling refreshed head to toe by the end of the evening.
Never forget those feet when it comes to scrubbing up head to toe. It’s easy to neglect your feet, but that will only lead to dry skin and rough patches. To combat this, spend some time buffing and moisturising. If your friends are happy to exchange foot massages in with the bargain, then even better!
Toenails and fingernails shouldn’t be excluded from a proper pamper party. If you have little stations set up around your room, people can even pick and choose what treatments they’d like to indulge in.
Nails are sure to be a big hit, and your mates can get involved, painting each other’s fingers and toes. Get hold of some caring manicure products like Nutra Nail’s Strengthener With A Touch Of Colour, along with your essential tools like nail files. And add some of this season’s trending colours, like L’Oreal’s Color Riche Nail Polish in Lame Crimson.
Fragrance Direct are here with all you need to know about your most essential beauty tool! Read about what makes a great make up brush, which brushes to use for what and how to clean them properly! The way that you apply your make up can have a huge impact on the final look, so don’t hesitate!
Foundation brushes
So, let’s start with the base… a foundation brush is so important. You need to get the basics right before you even begin to attempt the rest of your makeup. There are several different types of foundation brushes you can use depending on the finish you prefer and the type of foundation you use.
– Flat top foundation brush. A flat top foundation brush is usually quite small, and the bristles are flat (obvious right?!) and usually come to a pointed tip. These types of brushes are perfect for applying liquid foundation as they create a smooth and flawless base. They also offer good coverage as they don’t tend to buff the product into the skin, they layer it more. Our favourite flat top brushes are the Body Collection Foundation Brush and the So Eco Foundation Brush.
– Stippling brush. A stippling brush has more bristles, usually rounder and puffier, and has a flat top. A stippling brush is perfect for liquid or powder foundations as it buffs the product into the skin creating a more natural effect. Some of the best quality stippling brushes are the Real Techniques Stippling Brush and the Guerlain The Foundation Brush if you’re looking for something super luxe.
Cleaning tips: You need to clean your foundation brushes regularly as it’s so easy for product to build up. If you have excess product on your brush from previous uses it won’t give you the desired effect. The best way to clean your foundation brush is to use a cleaning mat that you can swirl your brush on to remove clogged up product. Try using the Derma V10 Makeup Brush Cleaner, this stuff really looks after your brushes.
Bronzer/Blusher Brushes
There’re a few different types of brushes you can use for bronzer, blusher and powder. It depends on what you feel more comfortable using. Once you have your foundation in place, it’s best to set it with a powder, then add your bronzer and blusher in layers.
– Kabuki brush. A Kabuki brush is a soft, fluffy, synthetic brush that can come in all different sizes. A kabuki brush can be used for both powder and bronzer. It will distribute the product evenly over your face to give a subtle dusting. For powder and bronzer, I would recommend a Kabuki that is quite large to make sure too much product doesn’t end up in one area. When applying bronzer, you want to it to look like you’ve been sun-kissed rather than any harsh lines. One of our favourite Kabuki brushes is the Sunkissed Bronzing Brush.
– Blush brush. Blusher brushers are also quite fluffy but tend to be a bit denser than a kabuki brush. They are also often angled, this makes it easier to sculpt out your cheeks and add a pop of colour onto the apples. But they’re still super easy to blend out the product too! Try the W7 Angled Professional Blusher Brush.
Cleaning tips: same as above!
Eyeshadow Brushes
Eyeshadow brushes can be a bit of a minefield because there’s literally so many different types. If you have a mild panic at the thought of doing your eyeshadow then you’re not alone! When it comes to eyeshadow brushes you just need a couple of basics in your collection.
– Fluffy brush. When it comes to nailing the perfect eyeshadow look it is all about blending! A perfectly defused shadow is what we all strive for and to create that you need a good fluffy brush. A fluffy brush will be rounded at the top and have quite a few bristles that aren’t densely packed. Use this to blend out your edges. We love the Artdeco Eyeshadow Blending Brush, it’s a gorgeous, soft brush made from goat hairs.
– Dense brush. To lay shadow down with more pigment you need a dense, flat brush. This will pick up more product and apply it more compactly to your eyelid. These are perfect for applying cream shadows, glitter or creating more dramatic eye looks. A handy tip: if you wet a damp brush and apply shadow you’ll get way more pigment. Try the Royal Cosmetics Prismatic Eyeshadow Brush.
– Liner brush. Liner brushes are really handy to have for when you want to apply liquid liner. They have tiny bristles that are densely packed to you can achieve a super sleek wing or line. You can also use them to apply darker shadows to the base of you lashes or lower lash line to achieve a smokier look. The Daniel Sandler Liner Brush is great and can also double up as a small concealer brush.
One of our favourite eyeshadow brush sets is the Real Techniques Eye Shade & Blend set. It has the perfect brushes for applying colour and blending it out.
Cleaning tip: to clean eyeshadow brushes you can do it the same way as your other face brushes but just make sure you’re super gentle with the bristles and don’t end up pulling any of them out. To dry, lay them flat on a piece of kitchen towel and leave them to air dry, preferably overnight.
Sponges
Makeup sponges can be used for lots of different areas of makeup but the main places tend to be for the base/concealer. Using a sponge has huge benefits when you’re applying foundation as the finish they give you is totally flawless. You can use them damp to achieve a more natural coverage or dry to get a full coverage base.
You can also get smaller spongers that are perfect for getting in the tiny areas like around the nose, under eyes and the chin.
Cleaning tips: Ok so sponges need cleaning all the time! They are a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt, definitely not something you want to be smearing all over your face! In an ideal world you need to be cleaning your sponge after every use, simple run under the tap and apply a brush cleaner or some antibacterial soap and rinse and repeat to keep them as hygienic as possible!
Your mum’s bought you your first ever set of pots and pans, you’ve finally sorted your student loan and you’ve had your last night out with your schoolmates – you’re officially on your way to university.
Your first week in university – or Freshers Week – will be filled with meeting new people, playing every single drinking game ever created and witnessing some of the most impressive feats of fancy dress you’ll see all year.
And while the most important thing is to have fun and make new friends, you should also remember to look after yourself (trust us, Freshers Flu is a real thing).
We’ve put together some of the best health and beauty tips and tricks, so that your skin can survive freshers week – from simple skincare to affordable beauty products that will have you looking gorgeous in no time at all, we’ll help you look and feel your best all week.
1. Design your party look
First things first – you’ll be going on a lot of nights out and will probably be attending lots of parties. This means cultivating a makeup look that’s as individual and exciting as you are. The Marco By Design Complete Palette contains gorgeous eyeshadows, several different highlighters and brow definer to take your look to the next level.
Add a playful colour pop to your look with this set of three pigment-rich, Matte lipsticks from NYX, made to make you stand out.
2. Sort your Hangover Makeup
9 am lectures and freshers week parties mix about as well as vodka and orange cordial (which you may have consumed the night before). If you have to be up bright and early but you’re not exactly feeling your best, the right kind of makeup is going to be your best friend.
This Sunkissed Beautiful Bronze Beauty On The Go! kit is perfect for those early mornings. The very affordable kit includes an award-winning Perfect Primer, Intense Colour lip crayon in Hot Coral and Big Lash mascara, along with 4 beautiful eye shades and a Kohl liner. You’ll look like you’ve had your full eight hours of sleep (even if you’ve only had 8 minutes).
3. Take your makeup off
Now that you have your makeup sorted, you need to remember to take it off each night (no matter how drunk you get), or you’ll be prone to breakouts and blemishes – never a good look.
Before you go out, leave a pack of Nuage Make-Up Removal Wipes With Aloe Vera on the side of your bed – they’re great for removing even the stubbornest of makeup if you’re not feeling 100%. If you have a little more time, use a gentle exfoliating wash like Witch Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash every morning and evening when you wash your face.
4. Brush Your Teeth!
If you want to lead with a smile then dental care is of the utmost importance. To make sure your smile is always looking tip-top, add a mouthwash to your routine such as the iWHITE Instant Teeth Whitening Mouthwash. The triple-action whitening technology will strengthen and remineralise your teeth, and leave them with a pearly shine. If you want to splash out then why not invest in the Cougar Ultimate Teeth Whitening Trio Set? The 30ml Post Treatment Rinse, 50ml Peppermint Extreme Whitening Gel & Bamboo Toothbrush will help to absorb plaque, reduce stains and leave your teeth with that thoroughly clean feeling.
5. Stay Hydrated
Your mum might not be around to tell you any more, but try to get your eight glasses of water every day. Bring a reusable bottle in your bag with you daily, and try and break up each alcoholic drink with a glass of water.
You should also remember to keep your skin hydrated, and some of the best moisturisers out there are the most affordable. Use Derma V10 Q10 Innovations Day Cream every morning to moisturise, tone and protect the skin against the damaging effects of everyday life. Each night, apply Simple Vital Vitamin Night Cream to help restore and replenish skin throughout the night (no matter what you’ve been up to!).
6. Eat right
Try to avoid the cliché freshers’ diet of pizzas, burgers and kebabs during your first week. Now that you’re cooking for yourself, stock up on cheap vegetables from supermarkets and try to avoid heavily processed food.
7. Smell good!
Freshers is all about making your mark and one of the best ways to do this is with the perfect perfume. During the daytime, choose a fresh and flirty scent like Nino Cerruti 1881 or Marc Jacobs Daisy Twinkle Eau de Toilette to brighten anyone’s day.
Liven things up a bit in the nighttime with exciting and daring scents. Agent Provocateur Eau de Parfum Purse Spray is an exotic blend of Saffron, Coriander, Moroccan Rose, Jasmine, French Magnolia, Amber and Musk – and the perfect size to pop into your bag on a night out.
So, whether you spend your Freshers week dressed in a dragon onesie or your hottest outfit, make sure you follow our top tips to look and feel amazing all week.
When it comes to packing for a weekend break, no matter how many times you write a list, start packing 3 days before and make many mental notes, you always end up forgetting something important. Whether you are heading off for a weekend in the country or jetting away for a city break trying to remember the contents of your beauty collection can be a nightmare. So, we’re here to help! We’ve worked out a failsafe packing list that will make sure you not neglecting your beauty regime for those days away.
1. SPF
Now I’m not going to bang on about how important SPF is because you already know, right?! If not, we have written many articles about it here and here. When you’re travelling and walking round all day you need to make sure you have a great long-lasting SPF that will see you through. The Piz Buin 1 Day Long Lotion is perfect as it gives you up to 6 hours of protection, it’s also 100ml so you can take it in your hand luggage! It’s also handy to have a SPF for your face that you can just keep in your hand bag for top ups, the Ambre Solaire Dry Mist works over makeup too, so you can mist away throughout the day!
2. Moisturiser
Moisturiser is essential for your skincare regime so don’t neglect it just because you’re away from home. Particularly if you’re flying, the air con on flights literally sucks any hydration out of your skin. Apply a thick layer of a super hydrating moisturiser or a night cream (they tend to be thicker in consistency) for throughout your flight. We love the Elemis Hydra-Nourish Night Cream.
3. Face Wash and Deodorant
You may be tempted to just stick to face wipes when you go away for the weekend, but they won’t do your skin any favours. Make sure you pack a good cleanser as well to keep your skin clear, clean and fresh. The REN Clean Skincare Rosa Centifolia 3-in-1 Cleansing Water is perfect for travelling as it acts as a toner and micellar water too! And deodorant just goes without saying…
4. Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a must for refreshing dirty or greasy hair during your break. You can pick up lots of travel sized bottles that won’t take up too much room in your hand luggage. The Charles Worthington Style Setter Dry Shampoo adds plenty of volume and texture too!
5. Travel Size Perfume
You don’t want to be lugging around your big bottle of perfume on a trip (or be in danger of losing or breaking an expensive bottle!). So, pack a small hand bag sized version of your favourite scent. 30ml bottles are perfect for hand luggage or why not try a Pacifica Solid Perfume for layering on, our favourite is the Tahitian Gardenia.
6. Self-Tan
If you like to have a bit of colour when you’re away then fake tan is a must. We all know how a genuine tan is damaging to the skin, so you’ll need a bit of something extra to give you that glow. A gradual tanner is a great option as it can double up as your body lotion too! The St Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion gives a gorgeous bronze colour.
7. On The Go Palettes
Trying to streamline your makeup collection can be no mean feat. When you’re heading away for a couple of nights having a couple of handy palettes will help you keep everything in one place. The Marco By Design Complete Palette contains eyeshadows, highlighters, face powder and eyebrow products so you just need to remember your brushes!
8. Hand Sanitiser
Having a hand gel or sanitiser in your handbag is always handy but when you head away on a city break they are an essential. Particularly when spending a lot of time in public places/ eating gelato by the bucket load! They’re usually super small so don’t take up hardly any precious space. Try the Anatomicals Hand Sanitiser, it’s a germ killing machine!
If you need some inspiration for amazing city breaks then check out our blog from last week… Top 8 Must See City Breaks!
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