Lets talk acne: My favourite foundation!

*Sorry for the messy eyebrows guys.. growing-out-my-eyebrows-to reshape-them problems*

Why Estee Lauder?

I’ve always had a thing for Estee Lauder. I don’t know whether it’s because I’ve seen my mum use the products religiously since I was a dot, or because Kendall Jenner is the face of the brand - either way, it’s a brand I’ve dabbled in here and there. I even worked on counter for some weeks before my hectic university timetable wouldn’t allow me to carry on. So, it’s fair to say I’ve got a little soft spot for the products that I spent much of my time learning about.

My skin

I have oily to combination skin, which at times can be a little unruly. It goes through stages – mainly for hormonal reasons – and sometimes it’s clear whilst other times I have crazy breakouts. I wish I was one of those people who only gets a spot or two but no, when I break out, I really break out. And it was on one of those bad skin days that I decided to go on the hunt for a foundation that doesn’t feel like an oily layer on my skin or clog pores, whilst lasting a long time.

The down low on Double Wear Light

Double Wear Light is pretty self-explanatory for already avid users of the original Double Wear. It’s a much lighter formula for people looking for sheer-to-medium coverage; it still carries elements of the original formula that so many women love, and it lasts all day!

I’ve used Double Wear before, but full cover in a foundation isn’t a desirable quality for me anymore. A lot of the time my face feels cakey and uncomfortable – I hate it! However, Double Wear Light allows me to start off with sheer everyday coverage that can be built up without feeling thick and oily on the skin; it’s perfect for those looking for a fuss-free foundation that gives a beautiful finish.

But most importantly, for those who suffer with acne like myself this lightweight foundation is non-acnegenic (products that are formulated to not clog the pores) and oil-free just like the original Double Wear, which is so useful for oily skin types that are prone to breakouts.

The lightweight formula is perfect for summer, and along with SPF 10, it really takes care of your skin all year round.

Why have I chosen Double Wear Light instead of the original?

I’ve recently taken a different approach to my skincare and makeup and I think this is important for all acne sufferers who are conscious of their skin. It’s so important to be patient with yourself and your skin during a breakout and I’ve come to realise that no amount of makeup caked on my face will make me feel any more comfortable with my spots. So instead, I think it’s time we embrace the lumps and bumps. Our skin goes through so many changes throughout our lives and the naturally ‘airbrushed’ look is almost impossible without Photoshop.

Instead, I’ve been using lighter products to cover up redness and just accepting that today, this is how my skin has decided to be and I think we all should. After all, I can guarantee that the only person looking at your spots is you – give people a pretty smile to look at instead!

What makeup or skincare products are you loving for acne-prone skin this Summer? : - )

Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation

Hello girls! This is just a quick post to share with you my holy grail foundation which is just flawless! Since coming back from holiday my skin has been a little oily, spot prone and all round temperamental; finding a foundation that fits my skin type can be quite the challenge. My Mum has always sworn by 

Estée Lauder's best seller Double Wear foundation.

It's suitable for any skin type, because although it's oil-free for those with oily skin, I find it quite moisturising, not drying my skin but maintaining and balancing the essential oils.  

Dress to impress your Valentines date!

‘The look of love’…

Whether you love it or loath it, Valentines Day is looming and the oh so famous ‘look of love’ has never been so desired; the romantic movies that promise love at first sight, fireworks and butterflies- realistically, everybody has to embrace their inner Bridget Jones… minus the big knickers.

From makeup, hairstyles and innumerable ensembles waiting to be worn, every woman wants to look their best to impress their lucky date!

Of course, confidence is the key, but a little makeup here and illusion there never hurts- shhh nobody has to know!

Dressing gowns and hair rollers at the ready, the first step is makeup.

Predominately for a romantic date, either with your boyfriend or a blind date, a makeup look can either go two ways: a natural glow or glamorous and sexy. Glam will always get those heads turning but if you want to achieve that flawless finish and show the true you, my natural look is ideal.

This look is all about creating a natural glow, the perfect way to create a beautiful shimmer over a romantic, candlelit dinner.

Simply apply your ol’ loyal, high coverage skin products from foundations to concealers to provide a base for your glowing look, and then onto highlighter- my favourite as you can probably tell.

I created my look using the Sleek-contouring pallet; the highlighter is perfect and isn’t too overpowering. Simply sweep it over your cheeks, cupids bow and brow bone to create that illuminating, romantic look.

Tie the look together with a natural lip and eye pallet. I went for the beautiful shimmery, earthy tones in particular because they create definition, making the eyes pop whilst not overpowering your natural look.

With a cute curl in your hair or a sleek up do, this look will give you the confidence to ace any date-whether the date meets your standards or not… oh well, you look fab! 

Confidence is sexy

Now, for all of you that like to make a statement, how about trying my sexy, smoky eye look?

Red. It screams confidence and can empower any woman. You know what they used to say, when times are tough, lather on the red lipstick and you’re ready to conquer the day; you will be sure to smash the sexy look with a loyal stick of red lippy in your purse.

Pink makes the boys wink, but red will go straight to their heads- confidence is the seasons best accessory and will never let you down.

There are so many beautiful shades of rouge for you to try; from rosy reds to deep burgundy, there is a shade for every skin tone. Get testing girls and sport the red lips to complete your sultry look!

It’s time to swap the earthy tones for smoky shades that will compliment any eye shape or colour. Start with the outer section of the eye and blend the shades from dark to light towards the inner corner, adding a shimmery silver to create a glamorous finish.  Add your favourite mascara and black liner to emphasize the length of your lashes- now you can flutter those lashes and flirt all night with my sexy, glam look!

To achieve these looks I used:

·       Urban decay eye shadow pallet- Vice 2

·       Sleek face Contour Kit

·       Estee Lauder (48A33) Hot Kiss Shimmer lipstick

·       (The natural lip shade) Rimmel- Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in shade 16

The ultimate slimming dress!

This Missguided, zip detailed, bodycon dress is perfect for a romantic date and so slimming for those who want to show off their curves. The front zip and V-neck detailing, elongates the body and creates the illusion of extra height- brilliant for somebody like me who isn’t gifted in the height department, but girls with long legs, you can still effortlessly rock this dress! The zip is also perfect for Valentines, enabling you to control the amount of cleavage on show; unzip if you’re feeling daring or modestly keep it up to leave a little to the imagination!

The extra zip band pulls in the waist and instantly slims, creating the illusion of the oh so desired hour glass figure- whether you have been blessed with curves or a straight up and down figure, this dress will create curves that you never knew you had!

Team with your favourite nude heels and pastel clutch or go bold with some monochrome accessories!

I love this wrap styled, River Island number, a brighter alternative to the nude Missguided dress.

The wrap style creates the illusion of a sexy, slimmer waist whilst the added black belt with rose gold detailing compliments the style of the dress. The detailing also creates an optical illusion, drawing the eyes attention to the belt, complimenting the waist further- who wouldn’t want a slimmer waist?

The plunging neckline is perfect for those who want to show off their assets and the peachy, rose colour is perfect for a date- the sexy shade of love and a potential blossoming romance!

Now you have read my guide to achieving a look that will leave you feeling glamorous and sexy, you can meet your lucky date with confidence, knowing that your new look will make his jaw drop!