#winning

again for all your likes and shares!

To show my appreciation I am giving away 3 gloMinerals Ultra Brushes.

The lucky winners are:

Jennifer Syder

Shonagh Bourke

Cristin Ni Gearailt

Ladies, please private mail me your addresses on facebook and I will get them out to you ASAP!

Enjoy xx

How to Properly Apply Eyeliner

Applying eyeliner is an art form. Ask anyone who doesn’t know how to apply eyeliner properly. The trick is recognizing that not everything works for everyone. Eyes are different shapes, sizes and colors and in order to properly apply your eyeliner you need to understand how to apply eyeliner that is best for your eyes. 
Hopefully this quick guide to applying eyeliner will help.

Different Types of Eyeliner

When I first started using eyeliner, I had no idea there were different kinds of eyeliner. Over the years I’ve learned that different types of eyeliner work for different looks and each one of them has its own place. Sometimes they can even be combined to create a spectacular look. Let’s talk about the most common types of eyeliner and what they can do for you.

Gel Eyeliner (or Cream Eyeliner)
Use it for: Base for eye shadow, looks that call for smudged eyeliner, smoky eyes
Advantages: Easy to smudge, fairly easy to apply
Disadvantages: Not as portable as typical eyeliner pencils or wands
I prefer gel eyeliner over any other type of liner for day to day wear and most special events. It offers a nice clean look, is versatile and is fairly easy to apply. This kind of liner most often comes in a small pot with an eyeliner brush or pencil that can be dipped into the pot to apply the liner. You will need a steady hand but not much more than you would for any other type of liner.  
Liquid Eyeliner
Use it for: Arabic inspired looks, cat eyes, dramatic eyes
Advantages: Clean, crisp, bold and dramatic (when applied properly)
Disadvantages: Hard to apply properly
Nothing creates a bold, dramatic look quite like liquid eyeliner but it’s extremely difficult to apply properly. We’re going to talk through that in a few moments but for now, let’s just say I refused to touch this stuff for many years. It wasn’t until I got some great advice from a stylist friend of mine a short time ago that I started using it.  
Pencil Eyeliner
Use it for: Most every day makeup looks, quick and easy touch of liner for going out, nude look eyes
Advantages: Easy to use, plenty of colors, generally less expensive than other types of liner, convenient to carry
Disadvantages: Needs to be sharpened and needs to be sharpened well is a crisp line is desired.
I have never been a big fan of pencil liners that have to be sharpened because they don’t offer the kind of look I personally like. They are great for a nude eye but it’s just not a look I often go for. With that said, it may be just what you’re looking for.

 How to Apply Eyeliner

How to Properly Apply Gel/Cream Eyeliner
This one is pretty easy. You’re just going to take your brush, dip it into the cream or gel pot and drag the brush across your upper or lower lash line. One word of warning, you need to have a steady hand for this stuff or you’ll make a mess. Make sure you take your time. Once it’s on, you can choose to smudge it if you like. A smudged line makes your eyes look a little less “made up”. Because this type of liner takes a little while to dry, you have a little time to smudge it. You need to be careful when applying shadow over it for the same reason though.

How to Properly Apply Liquid Eyeliner
Liquid eyeliner is fantastic for a dramatic look but it’s also fantastic for making a giant mess. You need to really know what you’re doing to apply this stuff right. Here are some quick tips to help you apply liquid eyeliner.
 

 

 

Apply your eyeliner in short, careful strokes. 

Apply your eyeliner as close to the lash line as you can get it. 

Start by applying your eyeliner to the middle of your lid. Move over to the corner of your eye (whichever one you feel comfortable working on in fine) and slowly paint your way back toward the center of the eye again where you started. Once the line from the corner meets the line in the center, repeat the process starting at the other corner. Again, short careful strokes are needed here. 

Concentrate on making sure you apply an even amount to both eyes. It’s tempting to rush on the second eye. Don’t. You may wind up using too much or too little product. 

Take. Your. Time. I’m so serious here. Until you’re really sure you know what you’re doing, it’s best to allow yourself a little extra time to get ready if you’ll be using this stuff. This not only ensures you’re able to take your time but it also allows you time to fix any mistakes you might make. 

Practice. Again, very serious here. Don’t decide to wear liquid liner for the first time moments before you’re getting ready to leave. You might do just fine but you might not and then you’ll have a mess to fix. If you’re new to the art of eyeliner, I would definitely, definitely recommend starting out with another type of eyeliner first. Liquid eyeliner is tough to get the hang of. It’s not impossible though so don’t get discouraged.

How to Properly Use Eyeliner Pencils
Despite my earlier objections, eyeliner pencils definitely have their place in the makeup kit. They can be used in combination with other little tips and tricks to achieve certain looks or they can be used on their own for a more muted look. To use eyeliner pencils, you just need to sharpen your pencil and draw a line along your last line. If you have trouble getting your pencil sharp enough for a crisp line, pop it in the fridge for a short time before sharpening.

How to Use Eye Shadow as Eyeliner
There are a lot of advantages to using shadow as liner. You really open up your color choices for starters and it’s also a quick and easy fix if you run out of eyeliner unexpectedly. All you need to do is take an eyeliner brush or even a clean eyes shadow wand, dip it in the color you want to use and apply it to your lash line. I would recommend adding a touch of water to the wand or brush before you apply your shadow though. This keeps the shadow in place and makes it last longer. It also helps it go on a bit more smoothly. It’s important to remember that you cannot apply eye shadow to your waterline. Not only will it just not work but you’ll end up irritating your eye. This one is 
for lash lines only.

I hope this has helped you better understand what different eyeliners offer and how you can use them to compliment your eyes. 

#fahv.com

Nail Painting, A basic guide to better nail paints.

Achieving salon perfect nails at home is not easy.

And unfortunately not everyone has the time or can afford to visit their local salons weekly to get their nails done.

This is a simple guide on how to achieve the best nail polish for yourself at home.

Allow yourself plenty of time for the application and time for the nails to fully dry afterwards.

The polish will be touch dry 10 to 15 minutes after application but any pressure on the nail bed for up to an hour afterwards will mark the polish.

I recommend painting your nails before sitting down to watch your favourite t.v show or last thing at night before bed allowing time for the nails to become touch dry.

Have fun with your polish and don't be afraid to try new colours. 

Add stencils and stickers to plain colours for a different look.

You can even add a layer of glitter polish under your color for a subtle shimmer or over the color for a stronger sparkle.

The CORRECT way to apply concealer!

Concealer is the one product in a woman's beauty routine that can dramatically change your appearance. Used correctly, concealer can brighten tired skin, cover up blemishes and conceal dark under-eye circles. Recently one of my friends admitted they are afraid of concealers because they don't know how to apply it properly.  Once you know the basics, you'll find concealer will be your best beauty purchase to date.

Picking the right concealer is the most important step. There are so many types of concealers on the market, choosing one can be confusing. Keep in mind concealer is not a beauty product to scrimp on. The correct one can completely change your look.

Choose a concealer that's yellow-based and a shade or 2 lighter than your skin tone.  If your skin is darker in summer, you should choose a darker shade for summer months and a lighter one for other months. To test shades, try them out at beauty counters or in salon.

I decided to write a post on concealers as many of you have wrote to me asking different questions related to the specific use of this great beauty product.

 The most common question I am asked by friends and clients is ; 

Should You Apply Concealer Before or After Foundation?

This depends on where you're using the concealer. 

For dark under-eye circles, apply concealer first, then foundation.

It's best not to use your basic concealer to try to disguise dark under-eye circles. Instead, choose an under-eye concealer, specially formulated to cover up dark spots. These work by brightening the dark areas under the eyes and are not to be used to camouflage redness or blemishes.

My favourite under-eye concealer is from Glo Minerals.

It retails at 28.97Euro

Check out my post on GloMinerals:

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/glominerals-make-up.html

 Concealer looks most natural when you work in layers and build it up gradually. Apply several dots of concealer under the eyes close to the lashes. Apply a dot to the inside corners of the eyes. You can use your finger or, for the best result, try a concealer brush (small-headed brush with firm bristles).

 For blemishes and pimple coverage, apply foundation first or the concealer will be rubbed away in the foundation application.

Using the pad of your middle finger, tap in the concealer (always tap, never rub). Make sure to blend it well. Apply concealer on other uneven spots on the face including the chin, and around the nose and mouth. Apply an extra layer if you need more coverage. The last step to perfect concealer is to dust a fine, loose powder over your face to set your concealer. 

What is the best way to cover up a pimple? 

Use a stiff brush with a pointy, fine tip to dab on a concealer that matches your skin tone. It's important to apply only to the red areas, not necessarily to the raised area. Let the concealer dry. Apply a second layer. Set the concealer with a dusting of translucent powder. If you find you overdid the concealer, use a tissue to gently buff the concealer away. If that doesn't work, moisten a cotton tip with makeup remover and gently apply to the pimple. Then re-cover the pimple with concealer.

To heal pimples faster, see my post on Eve Lom’s Dynaspot.

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/eve-lom-dynaspot.html

What is the best way to disguise pockmarks and deep scars?

 You can disguise a concave scar by using an angled brush dipped in a concealer that's a shade lighter than your skin tone. Fill in the center of the pockmark without going over the edges and then dust skin with translucent powder. 

If the scar is raised, use a concealer that matches your skin tone and pat the scar with the concealer, setting the concealer with powder.

Does concealer work on under-eye bags?

Concealer is actually not the best product for downplaying under eye bags. Instead, I would recommend a pearl highlighter, which acts as an optical illusion, making you look more awake. Dot the highlighter on the inner corner of eyes, under the lower lids and on the outer corner of the brow.

I love Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat.

Retails at 40Euro 

I hope this helps resolve any issues you may have had with the use of concealers. 

I know you will see a great improvement in the overall finish of your desired look once you master the concealer underneath.

If you already have a concealer but have been afraid of using it, start practising. If not, this is the perfect oppertunity to hit the shops and start sampling whats out there and what suits you best.

Happy Shopping :) x

Make up tips! Fighting Bacteria.

Cleaning your makeup brushes is something that most people do not do on a regular basis. 

This is a big mistake!!! 

Mascara should be discarded after three months of use to prevent bacteria. Mascara tubes are an ideal environment for bacteria to grow as it is dark and moist. Changing them regularly will help prevent nasty eye infections, a similar rule should apply to your makeup brushes. 

It’s recommended you clean your makeup brushes every two weeks! This sounds like a lot of hard work but believe me, it’s worth it. 

There are two main reasons for this:

1) To prevent Skin Problems - Makeup brushes can hold a lot of bacteria and it grows and reproduces at a very alarming rate. Putting bacteria filled brushes into your makeup and then onto your face not only contaminates your makeup but it can also lead to skin problems and acne break-outs.  It’s really important to keep your makeup brushes free from bacteria in order to maintain healthy skin!

2) Prolong The Life of Your Makeup – This falls into the same category as above.  Bacteria filled brushes dipped into your makeup products quickly lead to contaminated products. The more bacteria growing in your makeup products, the shorter the life span those makeup products are going to have. 

Now that you understand why it is important to clean your makeup brushes regularly, it is important to learn how to properly clean them as easily as possible and in as little time as possible.

Your brushes will need drying time so clean your makeup brushes at night before you go to bed so that they are dry in the morning. 

  Here’s What You Need:

Makeup Brushes

Hair Shampoo 

Hand Towel

Directions:

Rinse your makeup brushes under warm running water.

Apply a dab of shampoo onto each brush and lather the shampoo.

  

I use the palm of my hand to clean my makeup brushes turning the brush bristles in circular motions against my palm.

Rinse.

Remove excess water gently with the towel and then lay the brushes flat to dry overnight.

So, once every two weeks, take the time and get washing!

Your brushes and your skin will thank you!!

Cellulite!

Cellulite has to be every woman's worst enemy!!

Whether your a size 8 or a size 18, cellulite affects us all.

Everyone wants that perfectly toned, cellulite-free, pert bum..

Unfortunately, the reality for most women is this..

In order to begin our fight against cellulite it is important to understand what it is and how it is formed.

So.. What exactly is cellulite?

Cellulite is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests as skin dimpling, most often on the buttocks, lower limbs, and abdomen.Cellulite is thought to occur in 80-90% of females. It is rarely seen in males, but is common in male patients receiving oestrogen therapy for prostate cancer. The cellulite becomes more severe as the androgen deficiency worsens in these males.

The causes of cellulite include changes in metabolism, physiology, dieting too hard or too much, alteration of connective tissue structure, hormonal factors, genetic factors, and subtle inflammatory alterations.

Hormones play a dominant role in the formation of cellulite. Oestrogen has been thought to be the hormone to initiate and aggravate cellulite. However, there has been no reliable clinical evidence to support such a claim. Other hormones, including insulin, adrenaline and noradrenaline, and thyroid hormones, are all believed to participate in the development of cellulite.

Even slim celebrities cannot escape it!

This is due to the fact that no matter what we do, there is a genetic element in individual susceptibility to cellulite. Several factors have been shown to affect the development of cellulite. Sex, race, distribution of subcutaneous fat, and predisposition to lymphatic and circulatory insufficiency have all been shown to contribute to cellulite. A high-stress lifestyle will cause an increase in the level of catecholamines, which have also been associated with the evolution of cellulite. Certain dieting practices can also diminish the level of these chemicals, and decreasing body fat typically results in the reduction in appearance of cellulite.

There are a number of things we can do at home to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, regular body brushing being the most effective.

Click here to view my post on Body Brushing:

http://loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/05/body-brushing.html

Regular exercise, drinking plenty of water; 2 litres daily, avoiding caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee and also eating less saturated fats and more un-saturated fats.

Foods high in Saturated fats:

Croissants

Donuts

Muffins

French fries

Potatoes 

Milk

Cheese

Ice cream

Sausage

Duck with skin

Poultry with skin

Fried chicken

Pate

Bacon

Noodles

Oils/Fats

Butter

Cocoa Butter

Fast food sandwiches

Cheese sauce

Cookies

Cheesecake

Milk chocolate

Foods high in Un- saturated fats:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is full of healthy unsaturated fats. 1 Tbsp. of oil has almost 12 grams of unsaturated fat and only 2 grams of the saturated stuff. In addition, olive oil provides a heart-friendly dose of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids..

Salmon

Salmon and other cold water fish, like mackerel, are fatty fish that are full of heart healthy unsaturated fats and low in heart clogging saturated types. Salmon is also an excellent source of protein, and unlike some other fish, has low levels of mercury.

Almonds

Almonds are a tasty snack full of beneficial unsaturated fats. Not only are they a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, they also provide Vitamin E, which is great for our hair, nails and skin. 

Natural Peanut Butter

Pick 'all natural' peanut butter, and make sure there is nothing in the ingredient list that includes the word ‘hydrogenated.’ Peanuts and peanut butter are an excellent source of unsaturated fat, but reading labels is crucial. Avoid any jars with trans-fat on the nutrition label, as these are the most harmful to the body. 

Avocados

Avocados are full of unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat. Their creamy texture makes them a great sandwich replacement for mayonnaise or cheese. 

There are also a number of professional treatments available to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Endermologie

Endermologie is used to promote inch loss and reduce unsightly cellulite. For women wanting fast, significant results even on stubborn areas that diet, exercise and invasive procedures don’t treat. Lipomassage by Endermologie is a new technique that focuses on specific areas like the saddlebags, tummy and love handles. It is also ideal to help get new mum’s back into shape after pregnancy. Lipomassage has been scientifically proven to stimulate Lipolysis, which causes the breakdown of fatty acids.

Clink on the link below to view a treatment:
w.youtube.com/watch?v=VTpE6--dHzY

8 sessions of Endomologie can cost anything 

from €360- €500 depending on the clinic.

Before and After pictures:

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a non-surgical, cosmetic medicine treatment. Mesotherapy employs multiple injections of pharmaceutical and homeopathic medications, plant extracts, vitamins, and other ingredients into the subcutaneous fat. Mesotherapy injections target adipose fat cells, by inducing lipolysis causing rupture and cell death among adipocytes (cells that store fat). 
Once injected the area is stimulated to allow a quicker healing time. Skin messengers stimulate skin to produce new skin cells and new fibroblasts. The medications break down fatty deposits and firm the skin.

Here is a link to view a treatment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCeeHT_-lFY

Normally a course of treatments are needed to achieve optimal results. Treatments are usually a course of 1-2 for fat and cellulite reduction and minimum of 6 for skin rejuvenation, given once a week.
The effect of a course of Mesotherapy is long lasting. Once you have completed a course of treatments you can go back every 6-8 months for top ups to maintain the results. 

You can expect to pay from 250Euro per treatment with most clinics offering discounts on course prices.

Products

Two products I have found great to help reduce the appearance of cellulite are Image Skincares;

Body Spa Rejuvenating Body Lotion

An ultra hydrating body lotion with a high content of glycolic acid, retinol, anti-oxidants and peptides to exfoliate and rejuvenate skin.
It should be applied to the entire body after body brushing. Allow it to penetrate for a few minutes before getting dressed.
It can be used by all skin types but very sensitive skins should use it less often. It is great for rough, dull, aging skin as it exfoliates and rejuvenates skin while also hydrating. It is also Paraben free. I use it morning and evening.

Retails at 36Euro

Body Spa Cell.u.lift Body Firming Lotion

This product really is a revolutionary body firming creme. It is formulated to fight skin laxity on a cellular level. It strengthens collagen fibers and reduces the volume of lipid cells and underlying tissue. Clinical studies by Plastic surgeons have showed tighter and firmer looking skin and I myself noticed a difference even after a couple of weeks. I apply body firming creme by massaging it morning and evening to thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated skin. This product should never be used on the face.
It is great for lots of different skin problems such as;
Skin Laxity
Pre/Post Operative liposuction
Pregnancy and cellulite deformities
Dry/ Dehydrated Skin

Retails at 85Euro

Good luck with your fight against Cellulite..
Bikini season is fast approaching!! :)

Before and After

I received a number of messages regarding the treatment of broken capillaries. After posting the information on treatment options, I had a lady email me to book an appointment with me at our clinic in Dublin. 

http://www.loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/broken-capillaries-thread-veins.html

Our treatment plan consisted of a course of four IPL Thread vein removal sessions, using the Image Vital C range at home to maintain the skin in-between sessions.

http://www.loveprotectreflecttheskinyourein.blogspot.ie/2013/04/image-vital-c-hydrating-anti-aging-serum.html

Here are her before and after pictures.

Before:

After: 

This is the immediate result after only one treatment! 

The next treatment is scheduled for 3 weeks time.

Wedding Season!!

Wedding season is most defiantly among us.

This means new dresses, bags, shoes not to mention having to get hair and make up done professionally.

Here are some hair inspirations for wedding upstyles!