So, on Saturday, I worked with Andrew Appleton and his wife Helen, who was our make-up artist for the day. It was a really awesome day, and I will blog the results soon. I have seen the out of camera shots, and they look awesome!!! Watch this space!
Whilst I was having my hair and make-up tended to, it got me thinking about cosmetic products. I thought I could use my blog as an opportunity to write a kind of little cosmetic review. No tutorials or anything like that, just a kind of, what I use, how, and why. I am going to do this across a series of blogs; it will be too long winded for one post. I am going to start with facial skin care, and then go on to make-up and other stuff in later blogs.
So, the questions I get asked the most as a model is how I keep my skin spot-free and unblemished, and how I maintain my figure. Let's start with the first question. The first and most important point is that I only wear make-up for photo shoots, and very little else. This is pretty key.
Obviously, when I do a shoot, I can wear anything from a tiny bit of mascara, to a full face of make-up that goes beyond the realm of your standard every day wear. So how do I stay so spot free? On my face, I use the Bodyshop Seaweed range every day - specifically the Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial wash. It's £7 for 100ml, but hands down is the best face wash I've ever used. It smells gorgeous, and clears greasy skin, whilst moisturising dry patches. I have "combination" skin, so I have oily patches as well as little dry bits in places. This works wonders. I use in the shower, and follow it with their Seaweed range Cleanser (£7), Toner (£7), and then Moisturiser (£9). I do this in its entirety about once a week anyway, but always after a shoot. About once a fortnight, I also use the Ionic Clay mask (£12), before I get in the shower. This process makes for clear skin all the time. I do the whole regime every time I wear any make up at all.
Now then, this is not to say spots never happen. I do from time to time, get spots (I blame the hormones). I keep them in check by not slathering them in foundation and hiding them under a ton of concealer. This never ever works. First off, it never completely hides the issue. Second, it makes the blemish worse, and third, it generally makes the infection spread to other pores. Like an awful catch 22 of bad skin. The best way I have found to treat spots is to use Witch Hazel gel on them after a shower, in the morning, and before bed. Try not to touch them with dirty hands. If you really can't help yourself, pop them when they are ready, with clean hands and a tissue, Witch Hazel at the ready. If you absolutely must cover them up, use a medicated concealer - Witch Hazel do one (most large chemists) and so do The Body Shop - part of their Tea Tree Range. I am not an advocate for The Body Shop by the way - I just love their products and use them a lot!
Tying in with good skin, and my figure, I also maintain a fairly healthy, very varied diet. Everyone has a different idea of this. In short, I eat a lot of fresh steamed veg, grilled or baked meat or fish. I like fattening and unhealthy food as much as your next person, but it's all in moderation. Mostly I eat healthily, but I love a fast food treat from time to time - don't we all!? There is almost nothing I do to excess. I don't drink at all (yes, really!), or smoke. I have been a member of a gym for the last 7 years, but tend to go in fits and bursts. When I am in full on gym mode, I go four times a week, usually three exercise sessions, and one session of Pilates. My gym habit is another blogs worth of writing, so I'll leave that for today.
So anyway, that's my facial skin care regime picked apart. Sometime in the future I'll write about my five favourite products, the make-up I use, and what I do at the gym, when I go!
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have enjoyed the latest instalment.
Byee! XxX.
