Why is it that my grandmother has never done anything to her skin other than a blob of Aqueous cream to cleanse with and another blob to moisturise with and her skin is stunning? While I use everything on offer and mine is, well, rubbish? Totally unfair!
Love this question! First and foremost, she has been lucky. Also, when our grandmothers were younger they stayed out of the sun completely. It was perceived to be "common" to have a tan, which has done worlds to protect that entire age group.
Plus, look at the external elements our skin has to deal with that were not a factor when they were growing up, such as pollution, stress and diet. Plus it could be that we have just done too much. We use "everything on offer" (as you put it) when we don't actually need it. We have allowed our skins to become lazy.
Then there is the matter of genetics. She may just have one of those skins which age well. What you need to do is evaluate your skincare and cut yourself down to what is needed to maintain your skin's appearance and condition. And cut yourself some slack...I am sure it is not as rubbish as you think.
I am a makeup fanatic but can't seem to find a good mascara that does not make my eyelashes look like spears. I have tried almost every kind but my lashes just look so hard as if they could break at any moment. Any suggestions on application and also what mascara you recommend and use?
I see you are searching for the Holy Grail! But let me be perfectly clear...are mascaras making you look like Britney Spears or making your lashes look like spears? Just thought I had better check!
My current favourite is the Chanel Inimitable Mascara. A little bit more expensive but to be truthful, if you keep buying mascara and throwing them away you will have spent that much anyway! The reason this one doesn't clump together is that is doesn't have a traditional brush. Instead, it is moulded from a single piece of rubber. That way they can engineer where each little spike falls in relation to the one before it. No matter how many times you brush through your lashes you can't stick them together.
If that is out of your reach financially, the brush had been licensed from Max Factor. Max Factor uses a similar brush on the Masterpiece Mascara. Do I think it is as good? No. But it is still better than most others out there. Otherwise, try to work fairly quickly so the mascara stays flexible and make sure they get replaced every 3 months. Hope that helps and thanks for your question!
I am getting married in the summer and am desperate to find someone that can help me with makeup on the day. I am not sure whether I want someone to do it or to just teach me. Any suggestions?
Congratulations! Well you will be happy to know that on our next big shooting day for Handbag TV one of the things we plan to film is wedding makeup tips. You will also find quite a lot of features in the archive that will help. But if you need some independent advice, I will be honest...it is thin on the ground.
Your best bet would be to go to the counter of a range that is more makeup artist oriented: MAC, Bobbi Brown, Becca, Laura Mercier, etc. They hire people that work in the industry as well as traditional beauty advisors. Most are complimentary, but a few you will have to pay a minimal fee. They can go through your colours with you and advise the best things for your entire wedding party. You will get a lesson in application and, if you like what they do, you can always enquire about having them help you on the big day.
There are also independent people like myself and a woman named Frey-Ja Barker in Fenwick of Bond Street. We both do special bridal consultations and both go out on the day. And believe it or not it is not nearly as expensive as you might think! A bride normally runs about £250 and then an additional £50-£75 for anyone else you would like done. You also have to factor in where your wedding is and travel involved - but it is worth the peace of mind that your photos turn out stunningly.
If you are going to book someone you need to get going though. You are getting married at a very busy time of year and the best people get booked up pretty far in advance. (I have three booked already for NEXT year, including one that is not until September 2009!) I hope that steers you in the right direction and gives you a little bit of insight as to prices to expect. And keep your eyes peeled for the bridal segment on Handbag TV!
Got a beauty question? ASK JOHN
