I have blogged about moisturiser and foundation now and given tips on application, but, after talking to some people yesterday there are still somethings people are unaware of!
This will be a short post, an APPLICATION 101 so to say,
Moisturiser
When applying moisturiser always apply in circular motions moving UP the face! Smooth the product upwards. This upward lift will encourage blood flow to the skin in the face, which in turn will increase cellular production in the face meaning fresh skin cells will be produced more frequently, which therefore means skin will appear younger, fuller, with fewer lines. It may not look, at first, as though it is doing anything but if you are rigorous and keep moisturising upwards you will notice your skin is soft, hydrated and youthful.
Remember - moisturise UP!!!
Foundation
I have already posted a lot on foundation application and my biggest tip is always use some sort of applicator for foundation. Using your fingers will ultimately make your base streaky and unblended!
As an opposite to moisturiser you should always apply foundation in DOWNWARD strokes. The fine hairs on your face (yes, we all have them) lie downwards and so you need to follow this when applying make-up. If not you will lift the hairs on the face making them visible for all to see, which I know nobody wants. To make sure you've done this properly always apply foundation in a good light, not only to make sure you've covered and blended well but also to make sure you've not caught any pesky hairs!!
That's all I had to say! and, I hope it proves useful.
Please leave any comments below!
R x
Wednesday 4 December 2013
Monday 2 December 2013
smart shaving
Shaving, for me, is one of my most daunted tasks. I hate it. So, anything that can make my shaving experience quicker and more pleasurable is always a bonus. This post will share some shaving tips I've picked up along with some products I have used and found useful.
Shaving Tips 101 (hopefully these will be helpful)
1. Prep: always shave after a hot shower/bath. The steam will open up pores and allow for a smooth shave. If pores are closed hairs can be pulled which will lead to skin irritation.
2. Prep 2.0: exfoliate with a good face scrub. This will force the hairs to stand in the right place. If the hairs aren't in the right place for shaving it can cause a pulling which can irritate the skin. Also, if the hairs are pulled in the wrong way when shaving they can 'spring' back under the pores and therefore cause ingrown hairs. So... EXFOLIATE.
3. Use a sharp razor: a sharp razor will ensure a quick, smooth shape with less irritation.
4. Lubricate: choose a good lubricant (yes lubricant) before shaving whether it be shaving foam, cream, gel or oil. Choose the right one for your skin too. I will break this down below!
5: Follow the hair growth: shave in the direction in which your hair grows. If you don't you are prone to ingrown hairs as well as irritation.
6: After shave wash: always remove any shaving cream, gel, foam or oil after shaving. If you don't these products can sit in pores and cause breakouts!
7. Dry properly: Pat your skin dry post shave. DON'T RUB! Rubbing will cause skin to becoming irritated.
The Products
There are so many products to choose from now-a-days so which one do you go for? I suggest choose the product best suited for your skin. There are four types; cream, gel, foam and oil.
1. Cream
Cream based products tend to be formulated with glycerine which prevents them drying out the skin. This means they are great for guys with dry skin.
Apply with fingers to create a lather, however, when used with a shaving brush these really lather, whilst also making the hair lift for a clean shave.
Taylor of Old Bond Street Coconut Shaving Cream comes in at £8.95 which I thought was relatively well priced. The coconut fragrance makes this product stand out as it smells much nicer than other shaving products out their. It lathers well, brilliantly in-fact when used with a brush. It rinses easily and leaves skin feeling smooth.
2. Gel
I use gel as my main shaving method as they combine all the pro's of creams and foams. They are formulated to keep skin hydrated as you shave so are great for men in a hurry or young guys who are new to shaving.
Apply with fingertips in circular motions.
Coming in at RRP of £14 it is an expensive choice but Clinique's M Shave Aloe Gel is my favourite shaving product. Once lathered the product prevents razor drag so your blade will glide smoothly across the skin whilst holding in moisture and lifting hairs. Enriched with skin healing and protecting Aloe Vera, M Shave Aloe Gel soothes during and after shaving and helps reduce nicks and cuts. For a smooth, comfortable and close shave.
3. Foam
Foam is great for people in a rush as you don't have to spend time lathering it up yourself! However foams can have a drying affect on the skin so if you have sensitive skin choose one which is suited to this (I'd say even if you don't have sensitive skin go for a sensitive option).
My favourite foam is by Gillette this can be picked up so cheaply at the supermarket, coming in at £1.70 at TESCO but it really is a steal, perfect for any students out there!!
4. Oil
I hadn't really heard of shaving oils until very recently and I was sceptical, but, they are great. The oil in the product means it won't dry out your skin and the oiliness of it will give tremendous razor glide for a superiorly clean, close shave!
I came across King of Shaves shaving oil when I was doing my grocery shopping! It was on offer in TESCO for £2.65 and retails at an RRP of about £4 so it is cheap in comparison to its premium brothers! The directions say 2 or 3 drops for your whole beard. Now anyone who knows me will know I don't suffer from huge facial hair growth but I would suggest using more than 2-3 drops as that small a quantity wasn't sufficient even for me!
You can use this product on its own or underneath a cream, foam or gel. I have used it both ways and have had brilliant shaves both times.
After use I'd suggest washing it off with a cleansing face wash, even though it says you needn't bother. Oil getting left on your skin can cause breakouts so was off just to be safe! I'd say try this if you want a super close shave, you won't be disappointed!
Let me know what you think, if you have any favourites yourselves! Comment below!
Much love
R x
Shaving Tips 101 (hopefully these will be helpful)
1. Prep: always shave after a hot shower/bath. The steam will open up pores and allow for a smooth shave. If pores are closed hairs can be pulled which will lead to skin irritation.
2. Prep 2.0: exfoliate with a good face scrub. This will force the hairs to stand in the right place. If the hairs aren't in the right place for shaving it can cause a pulling which can irritate the skin. Also, if the hairs are pulled in the wrong way when shaving they can 'spring' back under the pores and therefore cause ingrown hairs. So... EXFOLIATE.
3. Use a sharp razor: a sharp razor will ensure a quick, smooth shape with less irritation.
4. Lubricate: choose a good lubricant (yes lubricant) before shaving whether it be shaving foam, cream, gel or oil. Choose the right one for your skin too. I will break this down below!
5: Follow the hair growth: shave in the direction in which your hair grows. If you don't you are prone to ingrown hairs as well as irritation.
6: After shave wash: always remove any shaving cream, gel, foam or oil after shaving. If you don't these products can sit in pores and cause breakouts!
7. Dry properly: Pat your skin dry post shave. DON'T RUB! Rubbing will cause skin to becoming irritated.
The Products
There are so many products to choose from now-a-days so which one do you go for? I suggest choose the product best suited for your skin. There are four types; cream, gel, foam and oil.
1. Cream
Cream based products tend to be formulated with glycerine which prevents them drying out the skin. This means they are great for guys with dry skin.
Apply with fingers to create a lather, however, when used with a shaving brush these really lather, whilst also making the hair lift for a clean shave.
 |
| Taylor of Old Bond Street Coconut Shaving Cream |
2. Gel
I use gel as my main shaving method as they combine all the pro's of creams and foams. They are formulated to keep skin hydrated as you shave so are great for men in a hurry or young guys who are new to shaving.
Apply with fingertips in circular motions.
 |
| Clinique M Shave Aloe Gel |
Coming in at RRP of £14 it is an expensive choice but Clinique's M Shave Aloe Gel is my favourite shaving product. Once lathered the product prevents razor drag so your blade will glide smoothly across the skin whilst holding in moisture and lifting hairs. Enriched with skin healing and protecting Aloe Vera, M Shave Aloe Gel soothes during and after shaving and helps reduce nicks and cuts. For a smooth, comfortable and close shave.
3. Foam
Foam is great for people in a rush as you don't have to spend time lathering it up yourself! However foams can have a drying affect on the skin so if you have sensitive skin choose one which is suited to this (I'd say even if you don't have sensitive skin go for a sensitive option).
 |
| Gillette Shaving Foam - Sensitive Skin |
My favourite foam is by Gillette this can be picked up so cheaply at the supermarket, coming in at £1.70 at TESCO but it really is a steal, perfect for any students out there!!
4. Oil
I hadn't really heard of shaving oils until very recently and I was sceptical, but, they are great. The oil in the product means it won't dry out your skin and the oiliness of it will give tremendous razor glide for a superiorly clean, close shave!
 |
| King of Shaves Shaving Oil |
I came across King of Shaves shaving oil when I was doing my grocery shopping! It was on offer in TESCO for £2.65 and retails at an RRP of about £4 so it is cheap in comparison to its premium brothers! The directions say 2 or 3 drops for your whole beard. Now anyone who knows me will know I don't suffer from huge facial hair growth but I would suggest using more than 2-3 drops as that small a quantity wasn't sufficient even for me!
You can use this product on its own or underneath a cream, foam or gel. I have used it both ways and have had brilliant shaves both times.
After use I'd suggest washing it off with a cleansing face wash, even though it says you needn't bother. Oil getting left on your skin can cause breakouts so was off just to be safe! I'd say try this if you want a super close shave, you won't be disappointed!
Let me know what you think, if you have any favourites yourselves! Comment below!
Much love
R x
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