#NailUpdate

Just a quick post to show you all my fresh claws!

I'm wearing MAC's Cream Nail Lacquer in 'Girl About Town'.. naturally ;-). Lovely bright shade that bridges the gap between those grey shimmery winter colours and the bright corals we have to look forward to in the summer! 

What's your fave colour that bridges the gap between winter and summer shades? Let me know at @makeupmanual! 

Mwah x

My daily skincare routine

Hi dolls! 

Today's post is centred around skincare, and how you can keep yours looking nice and young by taking action NOW. It's very important to look after your skin and invest in your skincare. I've never understood people who will spend £50+ on a foundation and take it off at night with a pack of £2.99 'cleansing' wipes. Bonkers. Ditch the expensive make up and invest in some proper cleansing products. You'll thank me in 30 years time when you've still got soft young skin!

So, what do I do? Well, my skincare regime starts in the evening when I wash away the day. As I wear quite heavy make up, I like to double cleanse. Cleansing is an essential part of your daily routine and keeps your skin radiant by removing any impurities or make-up that clogs the pores. 'What is double cleansing?' I hear you ask. Well, double cleansing is, basically, just cleansing your skin twice. The first step removes make-up while allowing the second step to get a deeper clean and purify the skin. 

• The fist cleanser I like to use is Peaches & Clean by Soap and Glory. This product is a wash-off cleansing milk, and glides on your skin making this first step quick and easy. Plus it smells great, bonus! 
• The second step to my skin routine is round two of cleansing. This step is just to ensure that every last bit of make up is off, and to purify the skin underneath. I like to use Eau Micellaire Douceur by Lancôme, which is a water based cleanser. Wipe on, wipe off. Simple.
• I then remove any eye make up using Clinique's 'Take The Day Off Make Up Remover - Lids Lashes Lips'. I find that this is the only eye make up remover oily enough to remove every last bit of gel liner, lash glue and waterproof mascara. Very gentle on the eyes too. A comparable product would be Clarins Instant Eye Make Up Remover. Similarly to the Clinique product, it works on a 'shake to activate' basis. Or 'bio-phase', if you wanna be fancy. 
• Next - toning. Toning is an important step that completes the cleansing process, yet many people choose to leave this step out. But really, toning should be considered an essential part of the cleansing process. Years ago, toner was used to wipe away any residue of cleanser left on the skin, but long gone are the days that our cleansers contain nasty harsh ingredients that were harmful to leave on the skin. Nowadays, the main part that toner plays is rebalancing the skin's natural pH level. So, the toner I use is Lancôme's Tonique Douceur. This toner has a lovely rose scent to it.

With my face now nicely cleansed and toned, what's next? Moisturiser! I like to moisturise in two steps. The first, using a serum. A serum should be tailored to your skin condition. Whereas your moisturiser should accommodate for your skin type. What's the difference? I find this page a very helpful explanatory link. Check it out. http://www.renaissanceskincarebeauty.co.uk/skin-problems-solved/whats-the-difference-between-skin-types-and-conditions/

• So, first I use my serum. I only use this in the morning, in the evenings I'd skip this step and go straight onto the next. I use 'Make Yourself Youthful' by Soap and Glory. I simply use one pump and warm it in my hands, and then massage onto the face staring at the centre and spreading outwards to increase circulation. 
• And finally I apply MAC's Studio Moisture Cream to my skin to lock in hydration. If you find you have extremely dry skin, try out MAC's Water Moisture Gel. This is tailored to dryer skin types and over time increases hydration in the skin. Voilà! 

So, that's my daily skincare routine. Skincare is a very complex thing and is completely different for everyone. Different skin types require different care. What's yours? What are your holy grail cleansers, toners and moisturisers? Let me know! Tweet me at @makeupmanual or email missmakeupmanual@gmail.com 

Mwah x

@makeupmanual

Review: MAC's Lightful Cleanser

Hello dolls! I hope everyone had a fun filled weekend! I know I certainly did. 

I kicked my weekend off with a fresh set of acrylics (score!), followed by a full body exfoliation and tan, and topped it all off with spending too much money in Cambridge on products that I could probably do without. Ooops. Nevertheless, I believe a girl can never have to many cleansers/lipsticks/nail varnishes/shoes/...(insert item you bought but probably shouldn't have here)

So, following spending too much money in MAC, the lady clearly felt very sorry for my boyfriend's bank account and proceeded to chuck in lots of free samples to make the whole experience worth it. Wicked. 

One of the samples I received was MAC's Lightful Cleanser. Which is new to many MAC stores and counters in the UK. 

Following the amazing reviews and the way that beauty geeks raved about it, I was very excited to try it. So, what did I think? Well, I must say, I was disappointed. Overall it wasn't a bad product, however my skin did not like it. Admittedly the wash-off cleanser I'm currently using is a mild cleansing milk, but I found that this foaming cleanser felt very harsh on my skin. Comparable to washing your face with a bar of soap. Naaaaaaat Nice.

I don't like to end on a negative so I will confess that I can understand the appeal of the cleanser that people rave about, with the lovely scent and texture, using the cleaner was a pampering experience. 

What did you think of the product? Leave a comment or tweet me at @makeupmanual

Mwah x

@makeupmanual

Shine On Award

Good morning lovelies! I have been nominated for the Shine On Award by the gorgeous Jess, check out her blog here. 

Here are the rules:

• You must display The Shine On Award logo in your blog post.

• You must acknowledge the blogger who nominated you within your post and include a link to their blog.

• You must share 7 random and interesting facts about yourself.

• You must nominate 15 bloggers that you adore and think deserve the award, linking their blog in your post.

• You must contact your chosen bloggers to let them know that they have been nominated.

Here are my 7 facts:

1. I've met Aston from JLS, twice! (I was a complete 'fangirl' back in year 7...cringe!)

2. I am utterly obsessed with the Kardashians and stalk their social networks religiously.

3. My weakness is pic n mix... bring me pic n mix and I'll be your best friend for evermore!

4. I love love love 90's hip hop & rap. Die hard Biggie Smalls fan over here.  

5. My dream is to work on a cruise ship as a beauty therapist. Travel the world and get paid to do what you love, suits me!

6. My favourite film is 7 Pounds, it never fails to make me cry though. 

7. I LOVE baking cakes! (And eating them, of course)

So there are my facts, and here are my nominations:

http://www.daisydaisyxxo.blogspot.co.uk/

http://alexandraelizabethbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

http://makeupbycandlelight.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.erensaygiliermakeup.blogspot.co.uk/

http://cornbreadorvelvet.blogspot.co.uk/

http://butfirstcoffeeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.student-stylexo.co.uk/

http://beautyxpress0.blogspot.ca/

http://zoea2812.blogspot.co.uk/

http://katarinamalikova.wordpress.com/

http://www.birdfacecollection.com/

http://lolly-grace.tumblr.com/

http://www.coleyyyful.com/

http://www.littlemisskme.com/

http://enzaessentials.wordpress.com/

Good luck girlies!

Mwah x

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW)

Hello Dolls! Today's post is a little off-topic and not very cosmetics related (oops!) but it is something that is very close to my heart.

As some of you may know, last week was Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Eating disorders (be it Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, or EDNOS) are something that are rarely spoken about, and widely misunderstood. There's a certain stigma that comes with saying 'I have an eating disorder.' So the idea of EDAW is to raise awareness, and wipe out stigma. 

So, what is an eating disorder? 

An eating disorder is a mental illness and can affect anybody. No, it is not a 'rich little white girl' disease. Male, female, black, white, fat, thin, whatever. Anyone can suffer. A common misconception is that you have to be thin to have an eating disorder. Rubbish. 'Anorexia Nervosa' is the name of a mental illness. Not a weight range. 

Eating disorders affect not only the sufferer, but also everyone close around them. It takes a strong bond between a mother and daughter, girlfriend and boyfriend, son and father to fight the eating disorder. But it is possible. And for those who suffer in silence, thinking 'Why me? What have I done?', know that you are not suffering alone. The NHS suggests that 1.6 million people in the UK alone suffer from an eating disorder. And that's just those that have spoken out about it. 

So, as a sufferer, 'what can I do?' . It's not just the doctor you can speak to about eating disorders. There are many helplines, websites and forums that give more detailed explanations and guidance for those that suffer. At least a little more than you might find on The Make - up Manual. 

As a friend, family member or loved one, all you can do is support them. Under no circumstances should you force them to eat, comment on body image or try to play psychologist with them. You are their loved one, leave it at that. All you can do is hold their hand throughout the good times and especially the dark times, and promise them that there is hope. 

Eating disorders are a nasty, evil set of diseases that will try and take over the vulnerable. But it is possible to fight. Keep fighting, dolls.  

Mwah x

twitter: @makeupmanual

Helplines and useful webpages:

B-eat: 0845 634 7650 (http://www.b-eat.co.uk/)

NHS: (http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Eating-disorders/Pages/Introduction.aspx)

NEDA: 1-800-931-2237 (USA) (http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/)

ChildLine: 0800 1111 (https://www.childline.org.uk/explore/mentalhealth/pages/eating-problems.aspx)

How to: no make-up make-up look!

You know those women that just look so 'naturally' flawless? That seem to just get out of bed and look/smell/be fabulous all round the clock? FEAR NOT - these women are not naturally flawless. No one is, dolls. So there is hope for us all!

Their secret is the no make-up make-up look, keeping products to a bare minimum and keeping the look natural. Now, many people confuse 'neutral' with 'natural'. No, your matte brown eye shadow and nude lipstick serves no purpose in this natural look. Learn the difference. 

If, like myself, you find yourself thinking 'no make-up make-up look? But what purpose would this serve in my dramatic and extravagant make-up ritual?' Well, there are certain situations in life where a more natural look is appropriate. Be it for work, school or an interview, a flawless natural make-up look gives a woman the power to conquer the world. Or at least have pretty skin for the day. 

So, how do they do it? Well, looking after your skin is key however you do not need a perfectly flawless complexion to achieve this look. You'll want nice, clean skin. Start by using your regular cleanser and use a cloth to GENTLY exfoliate your face. This will make products easier to blend, and sit nicely on your baby soft skin. Continue with your regular skin routine by applying your moisturiser or serum, IDEALLY this should contain an SPF as this will help keep a barrier between your skin and the damaging sun, keeping your skin naturally gorgeous. 

Now for a base. 'But how will I stop my base from caking and leaving tell-tale signs that I'm wearing make-up?!' I hear you ask. Well, a dewy base is key to avoid caking. Our skin also naturally produces a protective oily barrier, and we want to imitate that with our make-up (yes dolls, deadly oil.). What with BB/CC/DD/EE creams... (too far?) taking over the market, with their enhancing minerals and ingredients, this would be an obvious choice of base. My personal favourite BB cream would be Garnier's Oil Free BB Skin Perfector, its super lightweight and easy to apply. However, if, like myself, you prefer a heavier coverage and find BB creams don't quite hit the spot, my holy grail product is MAC's Pro Longwear Foundation. Again, it is super easy to apply and very lightweight but just gives you that little bit more coverage. It also contains an SPF, bonus!

Now for concealer. My holy grail concealer is MAC's Studio Finish Concealer (which contains an SPF of 35); However a comparable product at a more desirable price would be something like MUA's Conceal and Brighten Kit which can be found at most Superdrug stores for a measly £3.50. Bargain! When creating a natural look its important to not confuse concealer with highlighter, and use our concealer the old fashioned way. To conceal. Apply just to the inner corner of the eyes and over any blemishes, voilà! Now put the concealer down. 

It's important to not get carried away at this point and continue to highlight and contour, as this will take the limelight away from our perfectly 'natural' selves. Alas, if you INSIST on using a bronzer, apply it lightly over where the sun would naturally bronze your face. Bridge of the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin. 

To set your base, simply add a dusting of loose powder. My fave is MAC's Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. 

Now, whilst it is important to not stray from our 'no make-up' look, it is still our goal to enhance our features. So next - eyes! For the eyes I'd recommend a matte colour slightly darker than your skin, just feathered in the crease and outer corner of the eye. I like to use 'Truffle' in my Smashbox Softbox Palette with a dome blending brush. One coat of mascara is optional - if you were blessed with lovely lengthy eyelashes (I hate you) it is not necessary to apply mascara - however if you do feel your lashes need a helping hand opt for a waterproof mascara. This is to avoid smudges that will reveal our make-up secret. Nooooooo! Anyway, brows. Framing your eyes is an essential part of natural beauty, since we cant do it with eye-liner and excessive lashes. A soft feathering of a powder slightly lighter than your natural brow is all you need to frame your eyes and enhance your brows. 

And to finish off, a pop of Vaseline. Voilà. I hope this helps and sheds light on this on trend look, try it out and let me know what you think! 

Mwah x

twitter: @makeupmanual