First a big thanks for the outpouring of support and shared experiences after my post on The Loneliness Epidemic last week. It was so lovely to read all your comments both on the blog and sent to my email address.
The new Whats App group is launching this week; it's nothing heavy, just a group of like minded women who don't yet know each very well sharing thoughts on many random things - TV, recipes, favourite books, walks......and who knows where it might lead. If you want to join us, drop me a line at isthismutton96@gmail.com
Today's post is a big beauty special. First I'm going to share a couple of new products I'm trying (bought with my own money, following recommendations) and secondly I'm going to feature my "Five Times Emptied."
Using bronzer on pale skin - without it looking dirty
Now to a product that was recommended to me by the lovely @thenicethingsfairy on Instagram: Guerlain Terracotta powder in Nude. In the picture above, where I'm holding the box, I haven't applied any make-up.
I've tried many a bronzer over the years, starting with Ultra Glow, which was in the 70s. Anyone remember it? When you have pale skin they can make your skin look dirty, plus if you use too much, particularly on the neck, it can stain your clothes and sit in the lines.
The Guerlain compact describes the product as "The nude glow powder, bare-skin effect, long-lasting." Three ticks! I used a foundation brush to apply it: I brushed it all over my face, although you could use it only on areas where the sun would hit. It definitely warmed my complexion up a little but not so much you would think bronzer alert. The result was a soft, glowy look, with no nasty shimmer or iridescence, which is not the friend of the older complexion. Finished look below.
Facial self tanning when you need to avoid hazards
For the last couple of years I've been using a tanning water which is basically a self tan spray. It was very easy to spray the fine mist over the face and neck and then wait for it to develop. I did wonder though why my pigmentation marks were getting darker, even though I was using SPF50 every day.
I then realised it was because the self tan was making the brown marks darker. Duh! So I thought I would try to find a facial cream or gel that I could apply by hand, to avoid the two areas of pigmentation on each cheek. Worth a try I thought. There aren't many creams or gels around these days - most self tan products are waters or mousses. But I found Lancaster's Self-Tanning Gel Cream in golden tan for the face.
It's dispensed with a pump and the first blob of gel was a bit frightening - a dark brown - but this is a good guide to help you apply it evenly, and that dark colour soon disappears. There's a lovely fresh smell too, most unlike the biscuit smell of yore.
After one thin layer applied before bed, there was a very slight tan - if you want a deeper tan you'll need a couple more applications. It's very even and I was impressed with the complete lack of unpleasant smell. Plus it didn't come off on a towel.
The strange thing is: having embraced having pale skin and hair (for years I went brown in the sun, and had darker hair), I'm not even sure I want to be tanned anymore. It kind of looks....old hat. Fine on my legs and arms, but on my face it doesn't go with my new wardrobe of cool colours (cool in tone). What do you think about tanning? Is self tan on the face still essential for you?
Emptied Five Times or More
Something that's been doing the rounds on Instagram is "Emptied Five Times or More," where well-known beauty writers such as Sali Hughes and Nadine Baggott have been sharing the products they buy on repeat.
It's an interesting exercise because these products are our genuine must-have heroes. They're often not very glamorous, like my beloved foot cream, but they do the job and very well. Some of the products are in boxes and that's because I buy them in bulk so I never run out!
My selection:
Weleda Birch cellulite oil
I started using this in 2010 and am never without it. I find it leaves skin supple and invigorated, and I've used it on other parts of the body like my ankles and legs when they're swollen. I don't know if it gets rid of cellulite but it improves the condition of the skin so that it isn't so noticeable.
StriVectin R and R eye cream
I'm constantly fearful this will get discontinued. It's marvellous for moisturising the eye area and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It never "pills" like some eye creams and provides a perfect base for make-up.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SP50
Quite rightly, this is a hero product for many. It is invisible under make-up and protects like no other. They have a new variant now which has ingredients to improve problem areas caused by the sun, such as pigmentation. Win win!
Darphin Melaperfect Anti-Dark Spots Correcting Foundation, SPF15
On the subject of pigmentation, this is my secret discovery - Darphin's Melaperfect foundation for concealing brown spots on the face. It comes in two colours and the beige is perfect for me during the summer. It offers medium, natural coverage but doesn't look thick or obvious, and stays in place.
Clarins Eau Dynamisante Shower Gel and Moisturising Lotion
This was the smell of the women's changing rooms in gyms from the 80s onwards, and I still love it. The body lotion is extremely effective as a moisturiser. Layering the two products surrounds you in a light veil of peppery freshness all day.
Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift
This was out of stock recently and I was bereft. I tried two other products from different brands but they weren't as good. This is a clever product: it has a brow brush at one end and a pencil at the other, and if you unscrew the middle section, there's a pretty pale pink highlighter for the brow bone. The pencil is both hard and soft enough (if that makes sense) to enable you to draw on feather like brows, and for it to last. My colour is Granite.
Eye of Horus Goddess Eye Pencil
Tight lining is a must for older women. Even if you don't like wearing makeup, this step on its own will make all the difference. I can only find the pencil at Beauty and the Boutique. It's neither too soft or too hard like many eye pencils. I love the purple shade which is very flattering on brown, green or blue eyes, and less ageing than black. Tight lining is not drawing on a cat's eye look as you may have done when you were younger, but pushing the pencil into the lashes. It closes gaps between lashes and highlights the eye.
Boots Foot Cream
A cheap but effective product with a fresh peppermint scent. Soon gets rid of dry skin on the heels and soles. Don't venture out in sandals without it!
Colour Wow Dreamcoat
It's described as supernatural , magically transforming the texture of hair, and it certainly is. Spray it into the roots, it's activated by a hair dryer, and the effect lasts for a couple of washes. It gives my hair volume and holds the style until I next wash it.
Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer
I buy this at Cult Beauty. It's like a drink for the lips, immediately offering a luscious drenching and at the same time a pretty, shiny look that lasts a few hours.
Share a few of your Five Times Emptied products in the comments!
Nothingn was gifted for this post, and no affiliate links used.
Sharing this post with: Beauty by Miss L, Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style, Chic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #SpreadTheKindness at Shelbee on the Edge, #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Thursday Moda at Elegance and Mommyhood, Turning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Style with a Smile at Stylesplash, Style Six at Coast to Coast, TFF at Doused in Pink, Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style, #Iwillwearwhatilike at Not Dressed as Lamb, Lizzie in Lace Confident Twosday at IDoDeclaire,Rena at Fine Whatever, Fabulous Fridays at Lucy Bertoldi, #Neverendingstyle at The Grey Brunette #TheWednesdayLinkUp at Claire Justine
Last Week's Favourites
I always love to read what other women use. Very infomative, thanks Gail.
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