One of the main reasons I started this blog was my desire to write about beauty. So it’s interesting that in fact, I have been working on this beauty feature for almost 3 months. I started out thinking it would be all glossy photos with our new softbox in the home studio and super flawless looks smoothed out by a hairstylist. The thing is I have had a Summer that kind of kicked my ass. We had 3 kids at home plus houseguests and holidays and the special kind of chaos that ensues when a baby becomes a toddler. In addition to that I have been on a journey of self-care attempting to learn to treat myself with the tenderness and dignity that I bestow on others. My beauty routine has been a big part of this ritual for me and I decided that rather than airbrushed perfection I’d show you some candid shots of me as the Summer unfolded leading us into Autumn. I was diligent at documenting this process on my Instagram feed as I went along and I hope you’ll feel the sincerity of it by seeing these images. You can click on all the product names to be taken to the stockists online 🙂
The foundation of any skincare regime begins with washing. I have been treating myself to one of the most luxurious and nourishing washes. In the shower I use Korres Olympus Tea Cleansing Cream Foam and gently exfoliate with Hydrea Olive Wood facial brush that I impulse bought at Liberty. In the evenings and mornings when I bathe I use Korres Olympus Tea 3 in 1 Emulsion Cleanser which I massage gently into my skin and sponge of with a warm damp flannel. These formulas are both anti-ageing, antioxidant and anti-pollution which is exactly what my skin needed. The next step is the Korres Castanea Arcadia Firming and Brightening Serum which is so enriching to the skin when used with the Korres Castanea Arcadia Day and Night creams that my skin literally glows. As someone who spent most of my late teens up until almost my 30s in smoky nightclubs, downing vodka sodas I can tell you this is nothing short of a miracle!
Speaking of the glow – no product has ever been so kind to my complexion as the Korres Wild Rose CC Cream. The texure is thicker than I imagined it would be but then spreads to a thin veil of illuminating coverage. The light seems to love this cream and I really do feel it takes years off the skin. This looks incredible combined with the Korres Raspberry Twist Lipsticks which are these perfect richly pigmented lippies that go on like a balm and the colour can be built up from sheer to deep. I have to say that when I pulled the cap off the first one my stomach did a little flip of excitement as it’s immediately obvious how amazing the quality of these lipsticks is and the pure symmetry of the finishing just made my heart sing. I love a well manufactured cosmetic, it just tickles me to see something so well thought out. I feel the same way about covered buttons too – details are so sexy. I keep 4 different shades in my handbag at all times and seriously don’t miss using anything else.
The real star of the show for me though have to be the eyes. I have been using a nude Stila palette since the spring and this combined with the Korres Volcanic Minerals Colour Eyeliners is just show stopping (but in like, a totally grown up way). These liners glide on like air, last all day and night and the colours are incredible. The Olive green one has the subtlest hint of gold iridescent shimmer while the blue one goes on a decadent navy velvet colour that works as well as black but has more drama. The crowning glory is the KorresVolcanic Minerals Volumising Mascara which is hands down the BEST MASCARA I HAVE EVER USED IN MY LIFE. This goes on easily, doesn’t clump, layers up for drama and doesn’t smudge. It stays put even when one may have fallen asleep without washing her face (scandal!) but comes of easily with a bit of cleanser. I’m never going back people, this mascara is here to stay.
Overall, I have just treasured this experience of doing my first make-up review. I know it took a long time but I got there in the end and I hope that this might have inspired you.
A x
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