Sssh… it’s a beauty secret!

We’re all guilty of it – eating chocolate behind closed doors or hiding expensive shoes from your boyfriend, but something not quite so obvious is throwing out old mascara because it’s become a bit dry or has come to the end of its life. Automatically we throw it away and replace it with a brand new one.

Stop right there young lady! Before you throw out your old mascara think again, because it could be your answer to long lashes. I know you’re probably thinking I've written this blog post high on drugs (I have not!) honestly it’s a beauty secret I swear by and believe it creates lengthy eyelashes.  

Alike a primer for your face, I consider the last of your mascara like a primer for your eyelashes. One coat of your old mascara preps and separates the lashes. It gives lashes a base coat before applying the thick stuff, this also gives the new mascara something to grab onto.

I promise you it works! When I've applied fresh/new mascara without my first coat of the old my lashes look wet and clumpy.   

Please note it’s recommended you change your mascara every 6 months, so just keep swapping.

Are you guilty of throwing out your old mascara? What’s your best kept beauty secret? I would love to know!

Flower Power

Finding an outfit for both dining out and a bar can be tricky, you don't want to feel overdressed for the restaurant or underdressed for the bar. A smart/casual dress is perfect for this type of occasion. 

I came across this gorgeous flower ensemble in a small boutique called Dizzy in Romford, Essex... pot luck! I teamed it with blue floral print shoes from River Island and a white clutch from Primark. Jewellery was minimal with a flower necklace from Oasis and earrings and a Bracelet Tresor Paris. 

I usually wear my hair big and bouncy for a night out, however I didn't want the pink to be overpowering. Putting it up in a bun took away some of the attention from my hair. 

What would you wear for this type of occasion? I would love to know.

Monday’s Miracle

Giorgio Armani Maestro Concealer

If the bags under your eyes this morning looked as if you’d done your weekly shop at Tesco, you could possibly benefit from using Armani’s Maestro Concealer.

A weekend of socialising and partying can leave eyes looking puffy and weary. This is the perfect pick me up on a Monday morning.  

Honestly it’s a god send!

Priced at £27.50 it’s not necessarily cheap, however I bought this in January and I use it every day, there are no signs of it running out. It’s definitely worth every penny in my opinion.

My eye before the Armani concealer is applied. Notice the blue/purple tone around my eye. 

Apply a small line under each eye (like above) and with a small brush or your finger, blend it in under your eye and over your eyelids. When blended the eye looks hydrated and brightened.

As you can see by the pictures, the concealer has corrected the purple tone and dark circle under my eye that can be seen in the first picture.  

The result - The under the eye area looks hydrated and revived. It moisturises tired eyes and fades any blue/purple tones. The longevity is it lasts all day.

The only problem I have with this product is the name. Although it has been labelled a concealer, I wouldn't necessarily call it this, rather a corrector, as it 'corrects' the eye. I also wouldn't recommend using this product anywhere else on the face other than under the eye, it wouldn't conceal a spot and would most probably cause breakouts because of the hydrating texture.

Hurrah - no more Monday morning baggage!

Have you tried this concealer? What's your Monday Miracle? I would love to know! 

Battle of the bases

Are you waking up an extra half an hour daily to apply your make up before work? (Admittedly I do, guys have it so much easier, right?) Only to get on the tube, bus or car and sweat like a P.I.G. By the time you've reached your destination, you're several tissues down (from mopping your top lip and forehead) and look like an ice cream that has been sitting in the sun all day.  

Help I'm melting...

You have two choices ladies. Stay in bed for an extra half an hour or purchase a primer. If you're reading this beauty blog I expect you'd choose the latter.

With so many primers available today, it's becoming all the more difficult to choose one. I've done the hard work for you and tested my fair share of primers - here's my edit of the best bases.

Oil-free

Smashbox are renowned for their fantastic range of primers. Photo Finish Light, £25.00, is an oil-free, 60% water based primer. This is a great choice for acne prone or oily skin, as it contains an oil absorbing formula to reduce shine and keep your face matte all day.

This is my favourite primer by far! I have an oily t-zone and regularly breakout, I have found this controls both and doesn't aggravate my skin like other primers have done. The texture is silky and glides on smoothly.

If in doubt about purchasing this primer? You can buy it in a travel size version, £12.50, test it before making a commitment.

Blemish control

                                                              Introducing Smashbox's latest edition. Photo Finish Blemish Control, £28.00, is a little more expensive than the average Smashbox primer. However this is justified by it's a multi-purpose benefits. Not only is it a primer, it's a breakout treatment too. It contains Saliciyc acid to treat acne and claims to give you clearer skin in two weeks.

I found this product was a little drying on my face, however I did notice my spots appeared reduced after using it for a little while - which in my opinion, makes it a worthy investment. 


Get the glow 

My primer virginity was popped by Mac Prep and Prime, £20.50, and honestly it was love at first sight. It's a silicone based primer and the texture is a little creamy. Everytime I apply this under my foundation, my face looks flawless. It contains light diffusing particles, great for hiding imperfections and works as a great base for normal, dry skin in need of a glow.

However if (like me) you have combination skin this primer is slightly shimmery and doesn't control the oil on the t-zone area, which is why I only opt for this one on a night out. 

Bargain buy 

On a budget? Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer, £11.99, is fab for creating a smooth base for your foundation to sit on. This primer is creamy and a thicker texture than the primers above. However I love how soft my skin feels after applying this. This is a purse-friendly option for creating the perfect canvas.

What are your favourite primers? Do you think the above are any good? Let me know your thoughts!