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Make-Up Blog

Lovely feedback from a lovely client

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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.

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

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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?

10 Tips for Ageing Skin

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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). If you want to view Lynne’s website, it’s: https://www.naturalskinbylynne.co.uk.
  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.

If you want any other specific advice, please get in touch.

Fiona

Your Colour & Style Consultant

07469 246722

Top Ten Tips To Clinch That Job

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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

WHY USE MAKE-UP?

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Why Use Make-Up?

Wearing make-up can make a huge difference to your look and confidence. Just like clothes, your make-up also needs to be in your complementary colours to enhance your look. I always loved wearing make-up but, before I knew what the right colours were for me, I was making myself look ill and older unwittingly! Here’s my “before” photo, so you can see what I mean!

Fiona's "before" picture (before colour analysis)
Picture of Fiona wearing "winter" colour clothes (bright blue, black, white) and matching make-up.

Make-Up Can Enhance Your Look (despite your clothes)

During my colour-analysis (many years ago) I realised that make-up could make a big difference, even if the clothes aren't the best. So make-up was where I started to change my look, as it was cheaper than changing my whole wardrobe. I had an amazing reaction from a bloke I didn’t know that well, so that confirmed the importance of changing to the right colours - even just with make-up - and I’ve had many compliments since!

My credentials

When I trained as a personal stylist in 2008, I was trained in make-up application but in 2013 I had more, specific, make-up training to become a professional make-up artist, so I can apply make-up for you for a special occasion or teach you how to do your own.

I love inspiring people to use make-up that is right for them (whether that’s a little or a lot), so that you can look and feel fabulous every day, and get the compliments you deserve.

I am happy to do this individually, or in a group setting. An ideal group size would be four to six.

Make-up Classes

I can teach you how to apply make-up in your colours for your eye, face-shape and “clothing personality”. In other words applying the right amount and in the best way for you.

I can run a personal class, just for you, or I can run small group classes.  These are great for a fun and different hen-party (and great preparation for the big day), or team bonding session, or just chill time with your girl-friends. Whatever your idea, talk to me if you would like to discuss how this could work for you.

From time to time, I run 'pamper parties' or open events where you can come along to see me in action, so - if you haven't already - why not subscribe to my monthly newsletter so you'll hear about any events I am planning?  Click here to go through to the sign-up page.

Please call me if you have any questions.