When Launches Go Right - Eco Tools 2017

As the beauty industry has taken off launches are now happening all the time. It's always lovely to be invited and most of the time I don't review or mention them because, well how interesting is it to hear about an event that you didn't attend?

But every now and then a launch will be really well organised and set-up and the one I went to on 30th March in London for Eco Tools was just that. The event itself and the products we were given to try inspired to do this vlog when I got home.

Sorry for the breathlessness and the dark lighting. So nice to feel like a brand is genuinely interested in you finding out as much as possible and wanting you to fall in love with their products. It worked - I'm totally inspired, enthused and have started testing them already. Reviews to follow.

Thanks so much to Eco Tools and 3 Monkeys | Zeno for the invitation and for the fab time.

If you haven't already then do subscribe to this channel, check out my blog www.londonmakeupblog.com and come and say hi on social media where I am @corinnaharrod

You can check out the full range of Eco Tools brushes here - http://bit.ly/2nicck2

Art and Makeup Seminar

You may remember that last year when Art and Makeup came out I completely fell in love with not only the book but the creative force behind it, Lan Nguyen-Grealis. A genuine make-up maverick who has spent the last 14 years working her way up, completely self-taught and doing things her way. Any opportunity I have to see her work I take so I was thrilled to be invited to the Art & Makeup Seminar which was organised by Lan to showcase how she does some of her most iconic looks but she invited some incredible artists along to show their work too. It was really like an event planned for me - Daniel Sandler and Phyllis Cohen were two of the other artists and I love their work and the products that they create (and love how different they are). The third artist was Ruby Hammer who I have longed to see in action since discovering her as one half of Ruby & Milly the fantastic cosmetics line that is sadly no longer being made.

I've made a vlog about it - it's easier for me to explain by talking and you get to see a tiny bit of what we were able to see on the day and then a sneak peak at the amazing goody bag we were given, not including the haribo which I ate...

 

United Makeup Artist Expo 2015

This weekend I spent as much time as possible at the 2015 United Makeup Artist Expo in the Business Design Centre, Angel, London. I've always raved about this event and this year will be no exception. It wasn't all good news - though I felt the event itself had been really stepped up a notch in terms of exhibitors, classes, talks and demonstrations I felt it was incredibly under publicised. As a previous attendee, a blogger who is a big fan of the event, and a make-up artist I have never been sent a scrap of info about the UMA Expo. No email, no annoying mail in the post, nothing. I am constantly sent details of an event in Birmingham I have never been to and can't see myself being able to go to and yet they somehow manage to get all the bumf to me every year. I can't understand why the PR for the UMA Expo isn't better - the event itself is fantastic and a favourite amongst a lot of pro artists so why not make more of it?

Dowal Walker Christmas

When I first met my husband I was at university and he was a restaurant review for a what's-on-in-London website and I thought he was incredibly glamorous and he used to complain that he was always having to do Valentine's Day reviews at Christmas and Christmas in July and I thought he was a moaning miny. Now he's a consultant and I am a blogger and so it's me that spent quite a lot of a very hot July going to Christmas events and trying to take endless notes and photo's so I don't forget all the festive wonder before it all comes out in July.

Some of the gorgeous palette's from Paul & Joe

Limited edition Lipstick compacts from Paul & Joe

I don't usually write about events that I've been to as I think it's a bit weird but Dowal Walker PR did such a fun Christmas preview last week that I thought it was worth a mention. A major perk of this job is you do occassionally get your hands on some fabulous samples to try out and this Christmas event was no different - we were given empty bags when we arrived and told to take anything we wanted from the huge glass bowls dotted around the rooms. Sadly I was on 'mum-time' so only managed to arrive half an hour before the end when there was hardly anything left (I have suggested goody bags be made up for those who have to do bath time before they are able to get out). However I still came away with some amazing things to try out and was blown away by their amazing client list and the products I tried out on the night.

I am a huge fan of Paul & Joe Beaute, not just for the show-stopping packaging every product I've tried has been fantastic quality and worth the money I paid for it - it's rare to find a brand that does both so well. We got really cute kitten make-up bags to take away with us and a sneak peak at the up-and-coming products they have on offer this Christmas including new limited edition lipsticks and cases, lip concealer pencils (a must have) and Lip Liner duo's.

Nails Inc have collaborated with It Girl Alexa Chung to bring out a range of incredible nail colours for Christmas. I tend not to focus on nails so I probably wouldn't have noticed these had I not gone to the event but the sparkle colours are absolutely gorgeous, fun and sophisticated. Sadly I missed all the samples though did manage to get some Gel Effect Top Coat which I'm hoping will be a more reasonably priced dupe for the Dior one which was huge last year.

HealGel is taking the makeup and skincare world by storm and this was the first chance I'd had to actually try some out. For those who don't know HealGel is an aqueous gel with active ingredients created by plastic surgeons and dermatological biochemists who wanted to create a range of skincare that actually worked to soothe, repair and protect the skin. They have just bought out HealGel Body and I tried their world-renowned HealGel face which seemed lovely (though applied to the back of my hand). Can't wait to try more of this.

Fell in love with this Japonesque palette

Percy & Reed are by far and away my favourite company for haircare products - if it was easier to get hold of I would never use any dry shampoo but theirs. One of the samples I did manage to pick up was the Shine & Fragrance spray and this smells divine. Perfect for the morning after the night before,  giving your hair a spritz when you are going out straight from work or as a present for a pregnant friend - I hated my hair smelling of cooking smells when I was pregnant so this spray would have been a godsend.

So those were my favourite picks of the night from brands I do know. I was also introduced to Grown Alchemist - a new organic skincare range and their Vanilla and Orange Peel hand cream is to die for. Free from artificial chemicals their products focus on a whole range of needs from anti-aging, anti-blemish and dryness to redness, oily skin and uneven skin tone. Definitely a brand to try out.

Debenhams Beauty Buzz

It's that time of year where there are a lot of Christmas launches going on. I know that if you work in journalism you are so over Christmas by now and probably just past Valentines Day but for us bloggers we're basically Christmas from July to 24th December with a little bit of Spring thrown in for good measure.

This week we were given a little insight into Debenhams Christmas 2013 with lovely giftsets, new ranges and exclusives.

One of the new ranges going into Debenhams is Emma Hardie who regular readers will know I LOVE... more on that in another post (I got a mini facial from the lady herself) and Arch Angelz are expanding their fantastic walk-in brow treatments.

Benefit are offering this huge advent calendar available in Debenhams from November. Yes it's expensive at £50 but it has so many treats it is more than worth it. Mini's of their classics along with other little accessories this is Christmas come early. 

 There will be loads of perfumes on offer and some are in exclusive limited edition bottles just for Debenhams including the most beautiful bottle (pictured center) of Opium, a true classic.

Cargo are an American brand that is expanding in Debenhams with these lovely face palettes and  wearable eye colours this is a range worth checking out for all skin tones.

Nails Inc.,are doing some lovely gift sets as are Benefit (A Whole Lotta Lovin' £25), Elemis and Astalift.

A gorgeous exclusive palette from Bare Minerals - An Affair to Remember is £35, eight shadows in a beautiful gold case.

Daniel Sandler at The Peak Health Club and Spa

I had the pleasure of being invited to the launch of a really exciting venture a few nights ago - Daniel Sandler, award-winning make-up artist and creator of his own amazing make-up range has decided to make his products available at the Peak Health Club and Spa where you can not only buy from the range but get make overs and even book a bridal appointment with the man himself.

Anyone who has tried Daniel's products will know what an oppertunity this is to be able to purchase them in person (rather than online) but to have a make over from a professional at the club that Daniel will have trained himself. His incredibly innovative watercolour blush has been a complete game changer in a world where a good, lasting cream blusher is still a relatively new thing. What I personally love about the Daniel Sandler range is that they are made with women in mind, normal women as well as celebrities, it is easy to use make-up with a professional finish in useable, wearable colours.

As for the Peak it's central London location means if you are at work and going out afterwards and want your day time make-up ramped up a little you can just get the 'finishing touches' facial, or if you go to the gym before you go out you can have an hour long makeover. It is a real breath of fresh air to have a health club and spa that sells good make-up rather than affordable products that just aren't that good.

For the high powered but make-up challenged London workers this will be a revelation for those  meetings and dinners where you need to look your best. And for those of you who haven't tried out any Daniel Sandler products do it - they are fantastic.

IMATS

Here's a little vlog about my experience of the IMATS. I really love going to the IMATS but as with everything there's always someone that has to spoil it a little. I don't mean to single out MAC here they weren't the only ones at fault but I had to reshoot this video 100 times...

Also people being a bit bitchy is nothing on have an expensive make-up case stolen which is what happened to one stand on the Sunday. Still completely outraged by that behaviour.

Make-up Courses

Yet another post that's been a long time in the making*. I didn't want to write a flat boring review of the courses I've done just after I'd done them - you can see what the course contains from the website. But I was amazed by the complete contrast in the two make-up courses I've taken so I thought I should say something about them.

When I was looking at university and what to study it never crossed my mind to do make-up. I'm about to be 30 and I think maybe mine is the last generation where the more creative jobs like this just didn't seem to be an option. Unless you showed natural flair in that direction non-academic options weren't really looked into - as a mother I like to think that this has changed somewhat. At a school in Wiltshire my sister was a trailblazer for only applying to London art schools.

Marie Reynolds at Selfridges - 21st March 2013

As you know I'm a huge fan of Origins but if you've never tried their products or are not convinced by my continuous ravings then you now have the opportunity to not only try out some of the products but have a bespoke skin assessment and consultation followed by a mini-facial with Marie Reynolds, one of the leading celebrity facialists in the UK. You will be able to ask Marie any questions you have about your skin care needs you will be able to try the Origins Plantscription range.

You do need to book a place (appointments are available from 10-4) and pay £25 but that money is redeemable against any skincare products bought on the day.

The Cosmopolitan Beauty and Fragrance Awards 2012

For entirely self-absorbed reasons I was slightly dreading the Cosmo beauty and Fragrance awards. When you are only able to fit into skinny maternity jeans and t-shirts going anywhere remotely fashionable can be incredibly daunting. The chic venue (One Marylebone) and early start (8.30am) didn't help but it was definitely the most fun I've had at an event for a long time.

Emma Scott, Garnier and Inge van Lotringen Cosmo Beauty Director

One Marylebone is a gorgeous venue and with huge vases of beautiful flowers everywhere, soft lighting and incredibly delicious food and drinks (soft!) on offer. It created the perfect atmosphere for an event that could have been full of bitchy fashionistas but was instead buzzing with friendly people, excited chatter and expectation. As a blogger these parties can sometimes be a bit tricky when you don't know anyone but the lovely Cosmo ladies would swoop in for a chat if they saw you standing alone (I was often edging my way towards another mini smoked salmon bagel). My only complaint would be that the winners were allowed to take their awards straight after the speeches, which is fine, but it meant the products were left with no markers for what they had won.

As for the awards themselves I was impressed with the incredible variety of brands that were included which really shows the dedication of the beauty team and the 13 judges (who included makeup artist Liz Purgh, perfume expert James Craven and beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis). It would be easy to hand out awards to the more high-end products but there's a great range in these awards which is something I've always thought Cosmopolitan does very well.  Now of course you can't be expected to agree with all of them but, for the most part, I think the awards were pretty accurate and there are definitely some products that I'm going to try out - leave a comment and let me know what you think.

The Beauty Awards:

The Cosmo Beauty Director's Breakthrough product:
Garnier Skin naturals Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One BB Cream

The Cosmo Beauty Directors Cosmo classic award:
Dior 5 Couleurs


Lips:
Best budget lipstick - Max Factor Colour Elizir lipstick
Best premium lipstick - Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour
Best lip balm - Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick
Best lip stain - Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres Glossy Stain
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Lipstick - MAC lipstick

Eyes:
Best mascara - Dior Diorshow New Look Mascara
Best eyeshadow - Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow
Best eye-colour palette - Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couteurs Eyeshadows
Best eyeliner - Maybelline New York Master Drama Kohl Liner
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Mascara - Maybelline The Falsies mascara

Cleansing:
Best cleanser - Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Best facial refresher - L'Occitane Angelica Hydration Face Mist
Best eye-makeup remover - Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent
Best face scrub - Olay Regenerist Daily Thermal Skin Polisher
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Cleansing Wipes - Simple Kind to Skin Facial Wipes

Face:
Best budget foundation - Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation
Best premium foundation - Lancome teint Idole Ultra 24hr
Best blemish concealer - Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer
Best tinted moisturiser - Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser SPF15
Best face powder - Bare Minerals Ready SPF15 Touch Up Veil
Best blusher - Estee Lauder Pure Color Blush
Best bronzer - Clarins Bronzing Duo SPF15 Mineral Powder Compact
Best under-eye brightener - Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate foundation - Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr Foundation
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate blusher - Benefit Cosmetics Sugarbomb

Skincare:
Best budget everyday moisturiser - Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Skin-Brightening Moisturiser
Best premium everyday moisturiser - Clarins Hyrdraquench Cream
Best face mask - Philosophy Keep the Peace Super Soothing Instant Relief Mask
Best blemish buster - Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Moisturiser - Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser

Anti-Ageing
Best anti-ageing moisturiser - Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Relaxing Complex
Best age-busting night cream - Dior Capture XP Nuit Night Creame
Best age-defying serum - Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex
Best line-fading eye cream - Origins Plantscription Anti-ageing Eye Treatment
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Anti-Ageing Moisturiser - Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser

Body:
Best body cleanser - Elemis Skin Nourishing Shower Cream
Best body scrub - Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub
Best bath treat - Aveda Stress Fix Bath Salts
Best body-firming potion - Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift & Sculpt Body Butter
Best body moisturiser - La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Body Balm
Best hair removal product - Veet Easywax Electrical Roll-on Kit
Best deodorant - Garnier Invisi Mineral 48hr Double Action Deoderant
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Body Lotion - The Body Shop Mango Body Butter
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate hair-removal product - Gilette Venus Spa Breeze

Hair:
Best hairspray - L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Normal Hold Hairspray
Best volumiser - Mark Hill Love Big Hair! Big Blow! Thicker Fuller Volume Spray
Best frizz controller - Pantene 24hr Frizz Fighter Anti Frizz Smooth Cream
Best home colourant - John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Salon Blends Collection
Best shampoo - L'Oreal Everpure Colour Care & Colume Shampoo
Best conditioner - V05 Gloss Me Smoothly Conditioner
Best leave-in treatment - Moroccanoil Treatment Oil
Best hair mask - Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Treatment
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hair Colourant - L'Oreal Paris Casting Creme Gloss
Readers' Kiss of Approval  Ultimate Shampoo and Conditioner - Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner

Tool Kit:
Best hairbrush - Shu Uemura Art of Hair Paddle Brush
Best makeup brushes - Suqqu
Best heat styler - Babyliss Big Hair
Best beauty gadget - Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Hairstyling Gadget - GHD Gold Classic Styler

Suncare:
Best budget facial sun protection - Vichy Capital Soleil Anti-Shine Dry Touch SPF50
Best premium facial sun protection - Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Sunscreen Sun Indulgence Lotion for Face SPF15
Best all-over sun protection - Nivea Sun Pure & Sensitive Sun Spray SPF30
Best aftersun - Garnier Ambre Solaire Golden Touch After Sun
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Sun Lotion - Nivea Sun Invisible Protection Spray SPF30

Self-Tanning and Bronzing:
Best facial self-tan - Lancome Flash Bronzer Self-Tanning Face Gel
Best body self-tan - St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse
Best gradual self-tan - Dove Summer Glow Beauty Body Lotion
Best wash-off body tanner - L'OReal Paris Sublime Bronze One Day
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Self-Tanner - St Tropez Selt Tan Bronzing Mousse

Men:
Best men's hair product - Wella Shockwaves Re-Create Styling Putty
Best men's face cream - Lab Series Skin Care for Men Age-Less Face Cream
Best men's shaving product - Clinique Skin Supplies For Men M Shave Aloe Gel
Best men's eye cream - Lancome Genific HD Eye Cream
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Aftershave - Boss by Hugo Boss Aftershave Lotion

Hands and Feet:
Best nail polish - Revlon Nail Enamel
Best hand cream - Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Best foot treat - Scholl Dry Skin Instant Recovery Cream
Best nail rescuer - Dr Lewinn's Renunail Nail Strengthener
Best Nail Art Innovation - Ciate Caviar Manicure
Readers' Kiss of Approval Ultimate Nail Polish - Barry M Nail Paint

Fragrance Awards:

The Cosmo Beauty Director's Special Award Most Cosmo Fragrance of the Year - Roberto Cavalli

Best bottle design for women - Valentino Valentina
Best celebrity fragrance for women - Kim Kardashian
Most romantic fragrance for women - Thierry Mugler Angel Eau de Toilette
Sexiest fragrance for women - Estee Lauder Sensuous Nude
Most delicious fragrance bath and body line - Elie Saab Le Parfum
Freshest fragrance for women - Chanel No19 Poudre
Best classic fragrance for women - Yves Saint Laurent La Collection Nu
Best bottle design for men - Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb
Sexiest fragrance for men - Paco rabanne Black XS L'Exces
Best classic fragrance for men - Yves Saint Laurent La Collection M7
Best niche fragrance for women - Miller Harris La Pluie
Best bottle design for women Readers' Award -  Marc Jacobs Daisy
Best celebrity fragrance for women Readers' Award - Britney Spears Fantasy
Sexiest fragrance for women Readers' Award - Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Freshest fragrance for women - DKNY Be Delicious
Freshest fragrance for men Readers' Award - Davidoff Cool Water
Sexiest fragrance for men Readers' Award - Boss Hugo Boss
Best bottle design for men Readers' Award - Diesel Only the Brave

Best celebrity fragrance for men Readers' Award - David Beckham Instinct

Liz Earle Evening

Tomorrow, Thursday 24th November, between 6.30 and 8pm the Liz Earle team are hosting an evening of fragrance at their London store on the Kings Road. Anyone who reads this blog regularly will know what a fan I am of her products and I can't recommend them enough as fantastic Christmas presents. I know what I'm getting for my sister and I may well top up on the hot cloth cleanser for myself while I'm there.

The evening will feature Lorna McKay, the Liz Earle fragrance expert, who will be sharing her stories from the world of perfume. There will also be a complimentary personalised engraving service for anyone buying a bottle of the Botanical Essence No 1  and there will be delicious refreshments provided to help with your browsing!

I'm really excited - I've never had the chance to try out any of the Liz Earle fragrances before so I am shifting stuff around in my diary to make sure I can be there. All guests take home a little goody bag of treats to try out and there is a chance to win the Liz Earle Ultimate Hamper with a personalised bottle of Botanical Essence No. 1.

Tickets are £10 and redeemable against any purchase on the night . To reserve a place call 01983 813 562 between 9am and 5.30pm. Do it quickly to reserve your place xx

A Bit of Culture

If you are that way inclined or indeed, feel that you should be more that way inclined my sibling's work is in an exhibition opening this weekend at the Transition Gallery in Hackney. It is called Gilding the Lily and you should go because all the cool kids are doing it and it will make you a better person.

The Lesson is Fallout Shelter is Needed Everywhere by Jessica Holmes

Under Pressure

Its valentine’s day soon and even though I’m spoken for and therefore can’t join the ranks of single woman who boycott this romantic occasion me and Mr J have never really marked it. However, I like to celebrate it myself with a bit of pampering. This year I didn’t even have to think about it, the choice was obvious. Daily Candy were doing a deal with Clinique at Harrods and celebrity make-up artist Alex Babsky. For £10 you had an hour long session with Alex and one of the Clinique make-up artists and your money back against any purchases. I booked myself in after work yesterday as an end of the week pre-valentine’s treat, fully aware that as soon as saw the products I would hand over money I couldn’t spare. But I was sure it would be worth it.

And it was. It’s pretty intimidating to sit in the middle of probably the busiest shop in London and have all your make-up removed before trusting a stranger to re-apply it (although Kylie had been in the day before – now that would be competition!). Harrods is a glam environment and as I sat down I realised I wasn’t quite mentally prepared for what could be public humiliation. Would Alex take one look at my bare face and laugh until he had to be removed from the premises, would I react to one of the products and explode in a mass of redness? However, the Clinique make-up artist who was looking after me was so lovely she immediately made me feel so at ease that I didn’t mind her getting her trowel out to remove my war paint.

Whilst removing all my make-up Sam told me more about Clinique. All products are fragrance free and are often recommended by doctors for people with dry or difficult skin. Their products are tested and re-tested and if any of the tests cause a reaction then the product is not produced. I was further re-assured when looking at their website later to find a section where you can ask their lab questions and they will tell you the best treatments for all types of skin. The Clinique CX range is a great range of products for more unusual but common problems offering solutions for stretch marks (Stretch Mark Cream), redness (Redness Relief Cream) and discoloured and damaged skin (New Colour Corrector) among other things. Clinique’s most popular range is their 3-step care routine: Cleansing with non-drying facial soap, exfoliating clarifying lotion, and moisturising with lotion or gel (the website will tell you which products are best for your skin type).

Sam used Liquid Facial Soap to remove my foundation and the top layer of dirt. There is no point in using the clarifying lotion without getting your make-up off properly first otherwise you will never get all the dust and grime off your skin that can build up during the day. I rarely use soap on my face. As someone with naturally dry skin when I think of soap I can feel the skin on my face tightening and dehydrating but the Clinique Facial Soap feels more like proper make-up remover.

Next was the Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2. This works better the more you use it. It gently exfoliates without being abrasive on the skin. The third step is to moisturise which is not an unusual way to end a beauty routine but rather than slapping on a thick moisturising cream we used their Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion which doesn’t just pump in moisture but corrects the balance of moisture in your skin – so this is a great purchase even for those who, like me, are dedicated to one or two makes of moisturiser. This one is not like all the others.

My skin care complete, it was time to meet Alex and discuss what make-up we should do. While we waited Sam applied some Turnaround 15-minute Facial to the back of my hand. Apparently I would see the difference; even on my hand (I was dubious). Then Alex appeared and was totally different to how I expected. He was calm and friendly, really interested in what you wanted from your make-up and keen to find something slightly different to show you rather than playing safe and going with something not dissimilar to your usual look. For someone who has done such famous faces as the Beckhams and Naomi Campbell he didn’t seem at all appalled when presented with my naked face. I’m pretty stuck in my ways with regard to my daily make-up and I won’t deny that this involves black eyeliner (complete with flicks) and the most volumising black mascara I can get my hands on. I think Alex had noted this on my arrival and when told I also had trouble creating the perfect smoky eye look, he very calmly decided that he’d like to try reds. I have to say I was not sure. I imagined my washed out face with pillar box streaks round my piggy eyes but reminded myself that I had yet to see this look feature on Victoria (or David) Beckham so I was probably going to be alright.

So we got to it. Sam got to work with Gentle Light Make Up (04 Nude Glow) which was applied with a great brush (Foundation Brush £20). I had been naughty and after my foundation brush broke I resorted to sponges which are not at all hygienic but I could tell the difference in the application with this brush. I recommend getting one. Although this is a great foundation I still found it a bit un-smooth on the dry patch in between my eyebrows so I don’t think I would apply it there. It does illuminate your skin nicely giving a change from the usual matte look. Next came my one regret of the hour. I didn’t buy the Airbrush Concealer. I’m running out of Bo-oing and this light concealer really works well under the eyes covering dark circles and fine lines. A loose dusting of powder meant I was ready for the red!!

Sam worked with Colour Surge Eyeshadow Soft Shimmer in Cider building up with the layers around the eye and going further up onto the eye socket than I’ve ever had the guts to do. She also built up fine layers of cider along my lower eyelashes using a thin shadow brush. Rather than my usual black we chose Quickliner in Roast Coffee which was is really easy to apply and smudgy so you don’t get to severe a line. Rather than eyeliner or mascara on the lower lashes Sam built up the colour using the Cider eyeshadow on a fine brush right under the lashes. She continued to build up the smoky look with shadow and liner adding a small application of black liner right next to the top lashes and then Alex came to curl my eyelashes. I can never do this without taking half the skin off my nose – having someone else do it for you is fantastic. Then one application of mascara which looked so subtle against the browny red of the cider but added some great definition. Alex chose Blushing Blush powder in Innocent Peach a colour I would never have chosen myself. I don’t think I’d even considered using blusher that wasn’t a light pink but this peachier colour suited my skin tone so much better.

Throughout the makeover Alex and Sam just seemed so calm that even though I had no idea what I looked like I really wasn’t dreading looking at myself at all. I was reassured when Alex decided the first choice of lip gloss made the overall look too ‘natural’ and so chose another. He wasn’t afraid to change his mind. We went for Colour Surge Impossibly Glossy in Beach Bunny. I had to shove my hands in my pocket when I left to stop me adding it to my ever growing list of purchases. For the grand finale Sam removed the Turnaround Cream from my hand and I really could see the difference. The skin looked clearer, less red and dry and felt so smooth and moisturised.

When I looked in the mirror I was really surprised. It was completely different to what I expected and what I usually go for. The eyes were defined but subtle and really effective. The colours made my eyes look properly blue green and my skin looked bright and healthy and the further application of the eyeshadow really looked great. Nothing looked too over-the-top but I felt ‘glammed’. I was really pleased and very impressed. I hadn’t expected the people to be so friendly and genuinely interested in me and Alex and Sam both talked me through what they were doing while they were doing it. The products were really good and I had to stop myself spending my entire monthly wage. But will I be able to re-create the effect? I’ll have to let you know but I’m quietly confident.

I would recommend anyone to go online and find when the next celebrity make-up artist is coming to town. If you want to pamper yourself this is a really good way to do it. It was a real treat. Beware £10 seems like a great deal but if the make-over is good this will turn into a pretty expensive outing.

So what could I not leave without?

• Turnaround 15-minute Facial £25 (the pot will last you a while – remember you only need to use this once a week)
• Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2
• Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Innocent Peach £18
• Quickliner in Roast Coffee £11

N.B. I've been using Clarifying Lotion for 5 days now and it is amazing. Worth getting when you are feeling a little flush! xx