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Make-Up Blog

Let’s glow this winter!

29th September 2024 by Fiona Mobbs 2 Comments

Colder weather means one thing: winter is coming

Now the colder weather’s approaching, should we do anything different when it comes to skincare? Do you think you can look “grey around the gills” when it comes to these colder months, never mind if you also pick up some germs!

Be kind to your skin

Well, perhaps we need to be kinder to our skin at this time of year. We seem to experience more extremes of cold and heat daily as we move from indoors to outdoors. As the daylight hours fade, central heating is turned on, and we wear more clothing and layers, it only means one thing: winter is approaching.

Where our skin is covered up more and there may be less of the sun’s rays about, it makes it more difficult to keep our skin in optimum condition. Yet, there are still UV rays around

What can you do?

So, my belief is that we need to:

  • Moisturise with a richer moisturiser;
  • Use facial skin creams and makeup with an SPF (sun protection factor); and
  • Exfoliate once a week if you previously were doing this twice a week, or use a slightly less harsh exfoliator product.

Don’t forget other body parts: hands, neck, elbows and heels

We also need to think about our hands, neck, elbows and heels. I find my hands get very dry in these colder days, especially if you wash often, and sometimes the water is hot or very hot (and you cannot necessarily alter the temperature). Factor in a blow hand drier, which seems to dry the skin out as well as drying the water off, and they soon crack and become itchy and painful. Does this happen to you too? Do you carry your own moisturiser around? (I do, but often forget to use it, doh!)

Our necks (and hands) can sometimes give our age away more than other features. When you wear higher neck garments, or scarves, they can sometimes rub (or pull) around the neck area. Another reason to remember to extend your facial cream down to the neck and bust area.

Two other areas we neglect are our elbows and heels. In the summer months, when sandals or mules/flip flops are worn I notice a lot of people with cracked heels. It looks painful. The time to prepare for next summer’s reveal is now. Adding a bit of handcream or body lotion daily to your elbows and heels can soften them considerably and improve their appearance. If this does not improve after a couple of weeks, you may need to think about visiting your Pharmacist or Podiatrist to discuss your options.

And, if you get a sore nose from blowing it, or chapped lips, I recommend using Vaseline

What is your biological age?

Another consideration is your biological age. Our skin changes as we age. The elasticity of it reduces, meaning it doesn’t bounce back as much after it has been stretched. We therefore need to be kinder to it to help it bounce back. Some products are designed particularly for older skins. Take “Look Fabulous Forever”, for example. The owner, Tricia Cusden, has worn makeup all her life and looks amazing for her age. She has worked with chemists to create these products particularly for ladies over age 50

Hydrate also in winter

And, don’t forget, we still need to keep hydrated from within too. Keep drinking water to help give your body the best chance to weather this time of year.

 

The better you feel, the better you will look.

Best wishes

Fiona x

Dress Without Stress, with my help.
Call 07469 246722 to find out more.

Filed Under: Blog, Make-Up Blog Tagged With: Ageing skin, cold weather, winter

Choosing to go cruising?

28th October 2023 by Fiona Mobbs 2 Comments

The adverts on are TV already: book your 2024 summer holiday now!  Not that I mind watching images of sun-soaked beaches or glorious European castles, of course, and the change in weather has me dreaming of warmer climes and holidays, too.

Increasingly, cruise holidays are becoming a popular choice and for an ever-widening cross-section of people.  Disney Cruises from Southampton, for example, are specifically designed to appeal to families with young children, not a demographic who would traditionally have considered a cruise.  And the list of popular destinations is interesting.  I spotted this article in Good Housekeeping which listed our top ten cruise destination searches during 2023: Norway topped the list, followed closely by Italy and Spain.

If you’re thinking of booking a cruise, I have a few tips for you.  Not all cruise lines or cruise holidays are the same and a little advanced planning will help ensure you don’t spend your whole holiday worrying about whether you’ve packed the right things!

 

What to pack for your cruise holiday?

Dress-codes, in-cabin facilities and activities all vary between ships and cruise lines.  Take something as simple as ironing or laundry services: some ships have self-service launderettes on board, some only have the (paid) housekeeping laundry service.  Many seem to have banned irons (including travel irons) as they are a fire hazard (where they are available, make sure you take a cotton tea towel to iron through to protect your clothes from whatever the last person left stuck to the iron!).

Then there’s the baggage-limit presented by flying to join your ship. If you’re leaving from a UK port, you will be able to exploit the (almost) unlimited baggage allowance that cruising offers.  However, if you’re flying to your departure port, you will be limited to whatever your airline’s luggage limit is.  That can bring a whole new dimension to your packing.

Making the most of your carry-on bag is another great tip.  When boarding your ship, you will usually leave your baggage in the terminal and walk on with just your bag – and it could be a few hours before your cases are brought up to your cabin for you.  Most cruise ships seem to operate an informal dress code for dinner on the first day out, so you may not need to squeeze an evening dress into your handbag.  However, planning the contents of your carry-on bag to get you through your first day without your other cases can be a real asset.

 

My essential cruise tips

The packing essentials for any cruise should include:

  • Something to change into that meets your ship’s dress code for dinner
  • A simple first aid kit, and your own medications
  • A light jacket, cardigan or pashmina that can get you through unexpected weather
  • A waterproof jacket in case excursions encounter rain
  • Comfortable shoes (whether you’re spending your time on- or off-board!)
  • Sun and insect protection
  • Chargers for your devices; check if you will need adaptor plugs on board

Of course, this list is also a useful prompt to ask your cruise line what their onboard conditions are.  For example, many check electrical items (like multi-plug extensions and adaptors) for surge protection, as this can be a hazard on board.  Anything that is confiscated will be returned when you disembark but better to know the limits in advance!

 

Help in planning your cruise wardrobe

If the idea of packing for a cruise is putting you off, the good news is that I can help!  Typically, I offer help and advice on:

  • Shopping for your cruise: help with covering your ship’s dress-code and the activities you’ll be enjoying.
  • Utilising your existing wardrobe: you may already have your cruise outfits; I can help you plan them.
  • Capsule wardrobe planning: how to get multiple looks from the least combination of clothes.
  • Tips on packing and storing your clothes so that you and your wardrobe arrive looking your best.
  • Make the most of your carry-on bag so your first day on board is smooth sailing.
  • Planning for the weather: from departing in English weather to arriving in Alaska or the Caribbean, I can help make sure your wardrobe will cope.
  • Colour and style consultation: if you’ve never been colour- or style-analysed, this essential service can help get all your wardrobe planning off on the right foot.

 

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, planning your first fly-cruise trip, or are a seasoned traveller departing from a home port, my advice can help make your holiday. 
Find out more about my cruise wardrobe planning services here.

Filed Under: Blog, Colour Analysis Blog, Make-Up Blog, Shopping Blog, Wardrobe Blog Tagged With: planning your cruise wardrobe, tips on planning your cruise wardrobe, what to pack for a cruise, what to wear on a cruise

Lovely feedback from a lovely client

22nd April 2021 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

Jennifer asked Fiona to help her choose her outfit from two she had bought, so she could attend a friend’s “lockdown” wedding. Jennifer’s friend found her this red dress (well done!!), and Jennifer wanted to wear a jacket. The other jacket she bought was navy, and would have hidden the advantages that red dress gave her, so Fiona suggested the pink jacket she had bought (which was also a better shape for her anyway). Jennifer said she would not have thought of that. Jennifer did bring out the navy in the dress, however, with bag and shoes: perfect.

Then, as it was a wedding, and Fiona knew Jennifer wasn’t used to wearing much make-up, she offered to help her brush up her routine, and added in a couple of newer colours (blusher and lipstick).

Jenny was very happy with the result, and that’s how Fiona likes her clients: very happy! So pleased to help.

Filed Under: Blog, Client Stories, Make-Up Blog Tagged With: Make-up, wedding outfit considerations

Why I’m going to be looking after my face better (and three simple ways how to)

2nd January 2021 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

We all learned something from the lockdowns and challenges of 2020.  For many, one lesson was self care (as well as looking after those we love). Some of us had time to create some new habits around looking after our own well-being, so that we are better able to look after others. The saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty jug. And they do tell us to put our own oxygen mask on first before attending to others if you need to on a plane!

1. Exfoliation

I have been working with the lovely Lynne Henderson of Natural Skin again and she was emphasising the importance of looking after your skin. One of the things she most advocates is exfoliating (taking away the natural layer of “dead” skin cells, as our body is constantly renewing them).

So I’m going to exfoliate more regularly. It's a Sunday task, as I usually have some me-time then, but I have to confess I don’t do it every week. Having spoken to Lynne, and seen how lovely her skin is, I am going to prioritise this and ensure that I do it every Sunday without fail. Let’s be honest, it’s only a five minute task, so if I can’t prioritise that once a week, you have to wonder what else you think is more important!

2. Throwing out old make-up

The second, important thing I’m going to be doing is throwing out old make-up. Up to now I have been lucky not to have any issues and am merrily using mascaras that I have had for years, not just months! When Lynne mentioned Lash Lice, that I’d not even heard of, I thought it was time to change! Apparently once you get them it's really difficult to deal with them! Here's a worrying read.

Of course I’ve known that you should only use mascara for three months after you’ve opened it and used it  but now I know why! There are lots of bacteria naturally living in our bodily fluid (that's eyes as well) so I’m not going to be chancing it any more for the sake of the cost of a new mascara.

No one wants a problem with their eyes, especially just by being a bit careless. Ignorance is no defence! We’ve all learned the importance of better hand hygiene in 2020, but what about our eyes? In conversation with Lynne, I didn’t realise what a high percentage of skin issues she advises on are, frankly, self-made. I have to confess that sometimes I have been known to crawl into bed so tired that I haven’t properly taken off my make-up. No more! Having learned what problems I could be causing myself, and not looking after my face as well as I should, it’s time to change.

3. Hydration

The third thing I need to resolve to do better is hydrating myself with water. I have moved to decaf tea and coffee but I think most people could drink more water to help their body function better. Lynne told me that our body is made up of 60% water or fluid, so, I think I need to give it a hand to refresh the supply, where I am lucky enough to be able to.

Don’t take your (facial) health for granted, like me. Get into some better habits before it is too late. How difficult will my three changes be?
What changes are you going to make to help your body look and feel its best?

Filed Under: Blog, Make-Up Blog Tagged With: exfoliation, hydration, Make-up, self-care

10 Tips for Ageing Skin

20th December 2020 by Fiona Mobbs 2 Comments

If you’re over 40 it’s time to review your potions and practices when it comes to skincare and makeup! If you’re not yet 40 you may want to take heed to prevent some of the pitfalls before you get there!

We all know to use upward movements when gently rubbing in face creams or putting on foundation. Skin doesn’t need help with gravity!

  1. It is important to keep hydrated (from within = water) and from without (moisturisers). Don’t forget your neck and décolletage area. At this time of year I like to drink hot water and Ribena as a change from tea and coffee. I also gave up caffeine a few years ago and it hasn’t done me any harm. I remember the process of weaning off caffeine wasn’t pleasant for a few days though. Find out what you like and what works for you if you want to make a change.
  2. I’ve just recently worked with Lynne Henderson (of Natural Skin By Lynne) again, and she’s reminded me of her top tip to exfoliate regularly. I try to spend Sundays giving my face a better facial as I seem to have a bit more time then, and include an exfoliation. I have to confess I’m not entirely religious about it, but that will be one thing I’m improving next year (look out for my next blog).
  3. As we age, we do need to review the products we are using. Sadly, we need richer creams, as we lose the ability to maintain that youthful appearance naturally.
  4. Also as we age, it is better to use a cream foundation rather than just powder. I use a bit of both at the moment and am happy with that. My tinted moisturiser works better on pores that aren’t naturally tight now, then put a dusting of powder on top, to stop the shimmer.
  5. When it comes to make-up, less is definitely more for a day look. Also, don’t use a thick underline just under the eye on it’s own, as this draws attention to any dark circles or lines under the eye.
  6. My next tip is not to use shiny make-up/eye colour in the area directly below your brow, as this draws attention there and can make you look a bit older. Find a nice matt base colour to use.
  7. When it comes to eyebrows and lashes, they can seem to thin as you age. So, I use a lash primer to help thicken my eyelashes, and enhance my brows with a natural-looking colour brow powder. Of course you can enhance these semi-permanently, but I prefer not to just yet. (Well, in truth, I was loving semi-permanent eyelashes until I became allergic to the glue.)
  8. I did read somewhere about not using mascara on your lower lashes as you age, again as that can draw the eye down. I think you need to just try for yourself and see what you think. Sometimes you need to transition gradually to something new, so don’t dismiss it on the first attempt!
  9. Certainly, I would advocate wearing colour (tones) of make-up that work with your skin. If you need warm tones and you go for cool, (or vice versa) you can instantly add years, just like wearing the wrong shades of clothes. If you want to know what suits you on that front, please consult me.
  10. Finally, my tenth tip is about how to make your lips look fuller as you age (as these seem to look thinner too). Oh, ageing isn’t fun but it’s the exchange for wisdom! So, use lighter colours – obviously in your colour scheme. You can use a lip pencil to outline the lips, and then I colour in the whole lip with the pencil, then blot, before turning to a lighter lip shade all over (or a gloss).

I hope you like these tips and give them a try. Do let me know if you get any compliments from trying something new.

Read about one client and her hair colour/aging journey here.

If you want any other specific advice, please get in touch.
Fiona
Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

Filed Under: Blog, Make-Up Blog Tagged With: Ageing skin, Make-up, Skincare

Top Ten Tips To Clinch That Job

16th May 2020 by Fiona Mobbs Leave a Comment

When it comes to job interviews, you absolutely have to be at your best to clinch your desired job. This means:

  • knowing you’ve prepared as much as you can about the organisation you are trying to join;
  • being confident in yourself, which will include being sure about your knowledge, experience and ability;
  • being clear about why you want the job and how you see the next few years if you get it;
  • looking your absolute visual best. This will help you present the best possible version of you, and ensure you feel worthy of the job.

[Read more…] about Top Ten Tips To Clinch That Job

Filed Under: Blog, Colour Analysis Blog, Make-Up Blog, Shopping Blog, Wardrobe Blog Tagged With: Job Interview, Look Your Best, Top Ten Tips

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