Jan 18, 2019
As we head into 2019 it is only right, we start off with the January sales. This is a chance to pick up anything you wanted, and your partner didn’t quite get the hint. The good thing is it will now be massively discounted compared to when it first caught your eye so there’s no guilt factor. This year there has been a few favourites in the sale so here is a list of a few we have picked out for you to have a look through.
One brand you can never go wrong with is Elizabeth Arden and the Visible Difference Moisture Cream is now heavily discounted. This cream, if you haven’t tried it before, is a rich emollient moisturizing cream that penetrates deep into the skin. This product is ideal for dry skins and will reduce the appearance of fine lines dramatically improving your appearance.
The TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey Twin Set is one to try while the weather is still harsh on our hair. This formula with acacia honey, wheat protein and vitamin E, helps to smooth dry hair acting as a comfort food leaving your hair soft and silky. Perfect for restoring some health after all the heat styling over the festive period.
For men the American Crew hair products are one of the best, they have a shampoo and conditioner which would balance hair leaving it soft while washing away any excess build-up of any styling products from the day.
The Max Factor Miracle Foundation is a steal in this year’s sale transforming your skin with the perfect shade match giving you a healthy-looking finish, imperfection coverage and leaving you with a dewy complexion. A great opportunity to try something new.
If you are looking at gift sets for gents, the Prada Luna Black Rossa Black Gift Set including a spray and shower gel is the latest in the in the line of sophisticated fragrances. This Eau De Parfum is the combination of raw and refined, with top notes of bergamot and base notes of amber, musk, coumarin.
The Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Gift Set is fabulous for a lady. It is a feminine, intimate scent with heart notes of honey and gardenia and with its unique bottle and packaging it makes this set extremely desirable.
If you are thinking of spring and inspiration for your 2019 spring summer look there are some great lipsticks in the sale such as the Revlon Super Lustrous Colour Change Lipstick or the Lustrous Matter version both formulated with microfine pigments for long lasting high colour impact.
One last favourite would be the Marc Jacobs Daisy limited edition Eau De Toilette 100ml this classic pure fragrance is signature Marc Jacobs and charmingly simple. The top notes are infused with succulent wild berries and soft violets leaving you with a fresh and radiant scent on the skin. This is one not to be missed.
January can be a hard month post-Christmas but that is why we have put together some of the best reductions that won’t break the bank.
Jan 16, 2019
January, the first month of the new year, a time many of us try and make a change. Whether it is joining the gym or starting guitar lessons, the start of the year inspires us to try new things. Since 2014 people have been adopting Veganuary which is the practising of veganism the first month of the year. Whatever your motive is to do Veganuary, we have a huge range of products to make it easy for you. So here are some of our recommended skincare, makeup, hair products and body and body that are completely vegan friendly.
Skincare
Elemis Biotec Skin Energising Cleaners will prepare the skin for optimum performance removing dirt and impurities leaving your skin beautifully cleaned and energized.
Dermalogica’s active moist moisturiser is an easy to apply formula that will improve texture and combat dehydration for those who suffer with dry skin like many especially through winter.
Dr Paw Paw’s Shea Butter Balm is one of our favourite lip balms for healing cracked dry lips, especially while the weather is still harsh it is a great one to always have in your handbag.
Makeup
The Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Facial Primer is perfect for an effortless ‘makeup free’ look. It completely preps the skin giving it dewy glow, a must have product for any makeup enthusiasts.
The NYX full coverage concealer hides dark circles and blemishes that we all can suffer with. Especially if we are still recovering from the festive activities.
The Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Long Lash Mineral Mascara is 100% vegan and fabulous for your lashes. The nourishing formula will lengthen and strengthen your lashes while keeping them hydrated.
Hair
Balance Me Protect and Shine Shampoo and conditioner are super shine enhancing sulphate free products that will perfectly cleanse, smooth and protect the hair and scalp. In 2015 Red Magazine awarded it the best of beauty product.
Jason Normalizing Tea Tree Shampoo is designed to revitalise dry and brittle hair but also if you have been struggling with a flakiness then this will smooth irritated scalps. This product features aloe Vera gel and sea algae extracts to plump the hair fibre and protect it from heat styling.
Giovanni Direct Leave in Conditioner nourishes the hair with its weightless formula. Suitable for all hair types this leave in conditioner utilises botanicals to moisturize and detangle hair.
Body
REN Clean Skincare Anti-Fatigue Exfoliating Body Scrub is a balm designed to polish and smooth for a healthy glow. Formulated to replenish moisture and de-stress the mind, this scrub stimulates skins natural cell renewal process.
Elemental Herbology Fire Bath and Body Oil antibacterial formulations in the Oil control range will help purify and calm skin. Perfect to use in the bath or shower to hydrate dry areas.
Avalon Organics Hand and Body Lotion tackles environmental, dietary, stress, weather and lack of sleep effects on the skin. Their lotions restore natural moistures and support the skins overall well-being. All their products contain no synthetic colours or fragrances, harsh sulphates or preservatives, parabens, phthalates or animal testing.
All these products are 100% vegan so while it is Veganuary take the opportunity to try some new products without falling short of your target.
Jan 14, 2019
As we bid farewell to 2018, many of us set our new year’s resolutions… Every year most of us attempt to change our ways but often fail, sometimes even before the end of January. We all like to think we will earn more money or reach our goal weight and who’s guilty of setting the same resolutions every year? On a more positive note there are easier, everyday resolutions we can set and be more likely to achieve and carry on throughout the year! Keep reading for some inspiration and add them to your list…
Staying committed to a skin care routine – This is a biggy. If you read any skincare article their biggest advice is finding and sticking to a good skin care routine. We all know that feeling before bed when sometimes you use a makeup wipe instead of a proper cleanser or when you alternate your moisturizer as you use whatever is closest to hand. But if you want to improve your skin, you must give your skin time to properly adjust and benefit from the products. It takes a few extra minutes of your day to properly cleanse, tone and moisturize but in the long run is can slow down aging, improve health and appearance, giving you that extra confidence boost! We would recommend trying REN clean skincare products, such as their gentle foaming cleanser. This cleanser is designed to remove dirt and make up without stripping the good oils from your skin and will leave you feeling refreshed and revived when cleansing with it. Often people like a toner to give your skin that fresh finish, so try the Revlon Gentle Toner, it is a nice one to leave your skin silky soft.
To stop biting your nails – Most of us grow out of it but for a lot of people it is impossible to fully stop. Biting your nails can not only be painful as you can end up with redness and swelling, you also increase the risk of catching colds or other illnesses as you’re putting your unwashed hands in your mouth. For whatever reason you want to stop, whether appearance or health we have some tips to help you out. If you use a building coat this will deter you from biting them as it strengthens and doesn’t taste great. The results are visible quickly so give Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails a try.
Use the makeup you already own – Everyone can relate. Treating yourself to a recommended eye shadow palette and end up using three shades of the twelve. People stick to what they like for example the classic smokey eye and don’t experiment. Well this resolution is to experiment and use all the make up you have before buying more. Now we’re in the New Year why not push yourself out of your comfort zone!
Completing Dry January – This one for many is an annual thing but if you haven’t yet tried it here is a few reasons why you should give Dry Jan a go. Alcohol is metabolised into an acetaldehyde compound making your body’s blood vessels relax which causes dehydration. Dehydration causes the skin to appear duller with lines and wrinkles becoming more prominent. Adding to that the huge sugar levels that are in wine and cocktails cause insulin spikes which can result in breakouts. So, give yourself a break for a month and reap the rewards. One tip we would recommend for an extra boost is to look for products with hyaluronic acid, this gel-like water-holding molecule helps retain over 1,000 times its weight within the cells of the skin keeping your skin from drying out. The Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster is great and will work to the best of its ability if you are taking part in Dry January. This product is a fluid concentrated to help revitalise skin, restore moisture balance and hydrate tissues to smooth skin.
Jan 7, 2019
Now that we are heading into the new year after giving 2018 a mighty send off, it’s now time to attempt those new year resolutions. One for many people, is to get back in the gym and fulfil that happy healthy lifestyle we all strive for.
Going to the gym pre and post work is hard… You don’t want to go and sit in your office after a hard-core work out with the risk of being sweaty and with your makeup running down your face. And then you also don’t want to work out in full face of make up because it can clog up your pores and cause breakouts. So we’re going to recommend some amazing products that are suitable for the gym and wont make you feel like you’re in full glam while sweating it out on the treadmill.
First up we have primer, if you want to keep your makeup from slipping down your face then this is a must have, it will help your make up stay on evenly and give you an even base to work from. The Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Primer is a great option, when you apply it gives a gorgeous fresh and dewy glow.
Next up is the base. There are plenty of great tinted moisturisers and BB creams out there that will be super lightweight on your face that are perfect for when you’re working out. Neutrogena’s New Visibly Clear Correct and Perfect CC Cream is an oil free cream which will cover spots, scars and breakouts while correcting them. The formula and ingredients make sure it gives you a flawless finish, meaning no dreaded patchiness after leaving the gym.
A concealer will brighten up your eyes, (hide the pain) and cover any blemishes. CK One Mouse Concealer is a game changer, the air whipped mouse delivers full coverage for a natural look along with a seamless finish and comfortable long-wear.
If you tend you get a bit oily and like to use a translucent powder it will help give you the matte finish and high coverage throughout the day. It can even be applied over your favourite moisturiser if you want on minimal make up look. The Mayfair Feather Finish Pressed Powder is suitable for all skin types and dusted on with a large powder brush.
Adding a touch of bronze or blush will give you a subtle hint of colour in your cheeks (maybe skip this step if you plan on getting super hot and red faced!). This W7 Bronzer Diva Bronzing Powder is great to keep in your handbag, even if your joining someone for a drink after the gym just to touch up your glow.
Waterproof mascaras are helpful if to wear on gym day, because they help prevent any running or smudging. The last thing you want when your working out is to be worrying about if you look like a panda. The Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara is a great mascara whether you wear the waterproof or not. But if you want to maintain those fabulous lashes will working out this is highly recommended.
A heavy lipstick isn’t good if you are at the gym, but a tinted lip looks natural and healthy. The Rimmel’s Oh My Gloss Lip Oil Tint is a non-sticky, lightweight products which would be suitable for the gym. The Argan oil and vitamin E will nourish and protect your lips while it is still cold weather, and the colour is long lasting, so you can take on the day without having to top up.
Finally, add a setting spray to prolong the wear of your makeup and keep the skin hydrated. The Clarins Fix Make up Refreshing Mist provides instant freshness and well-being to your appearance.
So, there you go, there is nothing holding you back from making 2019 your year and keeping up those resolutions! Check out some of the FD employees New Year’s Resolutions here.
Dec 28, 2018
The party season is officially here, just in case we didn’t have enough reasons to get all glammed up. If you’re anything like us, you’ll have plenty of outfits already lined up and ready to go.
But, what about makeup? The festive season is a great opportunity to go big on the glamour and maybe even try something a little different. If you’re thinking about mixing it up, then we’ve got your back. Here are some ideas we’ve been mulling over – get ready to stun at your New Year’s celebration!
1. Glitter, Glitter and More Glitter!
New Year’s Eve is the perfect chance to make a dazzling impression, and if you want to be as sparkling as the fireworks when the bell rings midnight, glitter is the answer.
Whether you want to stun with sparkly eyes, courtesy of the Technic The Glitz Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow, or show off those luscious lips with the cream soda-scented Prima Makeup Cream Soda Glitter Buff Sparkling Lip Scrub, there’s plenty of amazing ways you can bring glitter into the party.
If you’re new to glitter, and you’re looking for the perfect way to add a little sparkle, then makeup glitter pastes are an instant win. The Prima Makeup Chameleon Collection Glitter Paste comes in a variety of colours and smells of prosecco and clementine – festive!
2. Up in Smoke
Planning on wearing your little black dress? Pair it with the ultimate smokey eyes and make an instant impression.
With a selection of 12 different shades, the W7 In The Night Up In Smoke Eye Colour Palette is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to create an easy smokey eye that will last all night. The Calvin Klein CK One Liquid Eyeliner is fantastic for precise, intense graphic lines, while the Rimmel Exaggerate Smoke N Shine Eye Pencil is designed specifically for the ultimate, easy-to-apply smokey eye look.
3. Highlight the Night
Yes, it’s winter, and we haven’t seen the sun for what feels like forever. If you want to give yourself a little extra glow this season, highlighter is the product for you.
From the Sunkissed Let It Glow Baked Highlighter Palette to the Sleek Brow Intensity Mascara & Highlighter, there’s plenty available to help you get your glow on. The Rimmel Brow This Way Highlighting Pencil promises to make your brows pop, while the W7 Strobe and Go! Strobing Stick is great for adding an instant flush and definition to your cheekbones.
Liquid highlighters have been popular this year; the W7 Taxi Highlight & Illuminate Drops are super-easy to apply and can even be blended into your foundation.
4. Long and Dramatic
Steal the show with long and dramatic eyelashes – they’re guaranteed to make a statement!
If you’re after false eyelashes to elevate your look, then the Ardell Faux Mink 811 Lashes will give you a definition like no other. Meanwhile, the Wispy Lashes – WL-16 will help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking, fuller lashes.
If you want to add emphasis without the falsies, Calvin Klein CK One Volumizing Mascara or Bourjois Push Up Volume Glamour Mascara will give you the irresistible volume you want without the hassle or maintenance.
5. Shiny and Bright Lips
The festive season is a great opportunity to mix things up and try something bolder or brighter than usual. Making a statement with your lips may feel like a small change, but it can have a big impact if done right.
The Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Guest List Red is festive and bold and can be used year-round, while the Clarins Rouge Shine offers nine different colours from cherry to red fuschia, all of which will give you an intense and sensual look that’s perfect for New Year’s Eve.
Looking for something a little glossier? The L’Oreal Infallible Lip Gloss offers a high level of shine and is available in a variety of colours, as does the W7 Velvet Secret Matte Lip Colour. If you’re after something that’s bold, the Calvin Klein CK One Lip Gloss Wand is a perfect choice.
You can discover more festive inspiration by reading about our Christmas Party Makeup Trends. If you want to prep yourself early, take a look at our 15 Minute Morning Skincare Routine and get the basics down.
Dec 27, 2018
We all like to look and feel good, but sometimes spending hours in front of the mirror in the morning can be a real drain on our time and energy.
However, if you apply a couple of beauty hacks to your skincare, makeup, and hair care routine, you can make sure you look and feel ready to take on the day without sacrificing hours of your time.
Take a look at our top beauty hacks for men and women that can save you both time and money.
1. Fixing Spray
We promise you, spending a few pounds on a fixing spray can save you so much time and money you’ll wonder why you’ve only just discovered this ‘best-kept secret’ product.
Fixing sprays keep your makeup in place for hours and hours, and are lightweight and comfortable. They work hard to combat weather, sweat and heat, so they’re perfect for outdoors people, or those of us who regularly find ourselves dancing into the small hours.
With sprays like W7 Fixer Make Up Face Spray and Technic Makeup Setting Spray both coming in at less than £2, a setting spray is a great value beauty hack, and can save you from having to touch-up your look throughout the day.
2. Go for brows
Getting ready in the morning can be a difficult process at the best of times, and it’s even more of a chore when you’ve missed your alarm and you’re running half an hour behind.
If you find you have no time for your makeup routine, simply style your eyebrows. The eyebrows are one of the most important features on your face, and if you style them properly they will frame your face, helping you look well rested and well put together (even if you don’t feel it!).
Marco By Design Complete Brow Kit is all you need when you’re in a rush. For an even easier morning, Colorsport Diva 30 Day Brow Tint Dark Brown will let you temporarily dye your eyebrows darker – you won’t even need to fill them in.
3. Dry shampoo is your best friend
Dry shampoo is a beauty hack that many beauty lovers know about already, but there are ways you can make it work even harder for you.
Make sure you only spray it onto your roots (where it’s needed most), whilst using a bristle brush to spread it through the rest of your hair. We also recommend letting it sit in your hair for 5-10 minutes before you touch or brush your hair to massage it in.
If you have a feeling that you’re going to wake up with greasy hair but simply don’t have time to wash it, you can apply some dry shampoo to your roots and leave it to absorb overnight. This will help it get rid of excess oils and sweat produced through the night.
If you have dark hair with grey or light roots, Schwarzkopf Got2b Fresh It Up Dry Shampoo Dark Brown is a great temporary solution to hide them, or if you have very dry hair, Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk will help both nourish and refresh your hair.
4. Use serum
We all know the importance of the three-step cleanse, tone and moisturise process as part of a daily skincare routine. But there’s another stage that you can add that can leave your skin looking and feeling better than ever: serum!
Applying serum to your skin is a great beauty hack because it can offer you a solution to a number of different skin issues. Balance Active Formula Dragons Blood Eye Serum is the perfect formula for those suffering from aged skin or dark bags around their eyes. Yves Rocher Botanical Native Cells Complete Anti-Aging Serum has a penetrating formula that leaves the skin looking younger and fights the signs of ageing. DECLÉOR Anti-Blemish Oil Serum suits those with oily, blemish-prone skin, while Elemis Hydra-Boost Serum helps rehydrate dry skin.
Whatever your skin problem, we have a serum to help!
For the boys
1. Always condition your beard in the shower
So, hopefully, you’re washing your beard each time you take a shower. But to keep it soft and reduce itchiness, you should be conditioning it too.
You can buy special two-in-one products specifically for your beard, like Woody’s Grooming Beard 2 In 1 Conditioner or Clinique For Men 2 in 1 Beard Conditioner.
Don’t forget your beard oil to top off your look!
2. Get a good moisturiser
Maybe you don’t wear makeup, and feel like the three-step cleanse, tone and moisturise process isn’t for you. Well, think again!
Impurities can get onto your skin in a number of different ways, not just from makeup, so you should always make the effort to cleanse your face and keep it looking fresh and healthy with the right kind of moisturiser (especially after shaving).
Investing in a good moisturiser now can save you so much time and money in the long run. Fade Out Brightening Moisturiser For Men has added SPF 25 to protect your skin from sun-damage with minimum effort, and targets discolouration and dark spots. Yves Rocher Energie Homme Anti-Aging Face Care has been designed to meet the specific needs of men’s skin, with fatigue fighting and anti-ageing actions.
Look after your skin now, and you’ll be thanking us later!
3. Don’t be afraid of a good face mask
The right face mask can nourish and help minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, under eye shadows and dryness, and promote a youthful appearance.
BARBER PRO Under Eye Mask With Activated Charcoal has been designed for men with tired, puffy eyes, so can help you look like you had eight hours sleep even if you rolled in at 5am the night before. What’s not to love?
For more time-saving hacks, discover how to create a 15-minute morning skincare routine, or treat yourself to some of the best products and trends of 2018 and get your routine nailed down.
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