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The looks and top selections:

 

Power lips -

 

 

 

Grey Lids -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

 source purely cosmetics

The market for cosmetics continues to grow at an exponential rate, yet the specialist Vegan sector, is one in which it is increasingly difficult to find suitable products.

 

The explosion of the mineral make-up market, transpired to be a false dawn as many of these contain carmine, or similar animal based colourants and additives not meeting the Vegan profile. Common ingredients which are added to enhance gloss and luminosity, which are problem areas include beeswax and silk. Even assuming a product to contain, what appears to be appropriate products, requires a further confirmation, as although beauty without cruelty has become extremely widespread, there are still a myriad of brands and suppliers who do test products on animals.

 

However, by more carefully exploring the market place, particularly with smaller, specialist creators, it is possible to identify some real gems, which not only meet the standard, but as importantly actually work.

 

One such source, Purely Cosmetics, who are specialists in the Mineral make-up arena, are also fastidious about their mineral ingredients, insisting they are natural earth minerals, rather than quasi minerals, such as Bismuth, which is a by-product of iron and copper processing and does irritate some peoples skin - defeating the key point of mineral make-up.

The Blushes, bronzers and illuminizers at Purely Cosmetics are all completely vegan and highly effective products. Robyn Bloom the founder of the business, is committed to creating a cosmetic line which has the highest ethical standards. For queries regarding the ingredients in the other lines in the shop, many of which also meet Vegan standards, she maintains an open communication line with her customers and can be contacted directly.

 

Robyn adds, 'Synthetic brushes have historically been poor make up brushes; the good ones have traditionally been made of animal hair.  It's only been in recent times (the last 12-24 months) that technology has developed high quality, soft, lasting application brushes.  Not only are they vegan, but they're also great for those with any type of skin allergies or sensitivities.'

 

 

 

 

The summer in the UK has been disappointing, but we still want to have a summer glow, the trend now is for a bronzed summer look. 

 

The look needs to be natural looking, or else the effect is completely lost. The eyes and lips are a critical focus in making a bronzed face appear natural.

 

 

A source for a wide selection of MAC products

 

 

 

Late off the block, but very much in vogue with the autumn colour trends, Nars have unveiled their autumn collection for 2008.

 

Staying on trend, gold, copper and warm red and brown, Nars have created a great colour combination for autumn.

 

 The face make-up blends, chocolates, gold, copper and rose, to finish an elegant, warm definition to the appearance.

 

François Nars comments...

 

I love all the different shades of gold…They give the face and skin an amazing glow and transparency. It looks very sophisticated and glamorous but still very fresh. And, the dark shades for the eyes; they are wonderful and give a more dramatic look that is very sexy and sensual. I also love the sheerness of the lipstick shades – they are full of pigment, but very lightweight.

 

While we are still in the summer, Nars make-up is absolutely on trend for this summer Colour artist palette 8 colours

 

 

Retinols and anti-oxidants are being added to make-up foundations, with some excellent results.

 

Retinols, which are Vitamin A derivatives, are useful in reducing fine lines, improving skin tone and improving skin texture. As the effects of sun damage become increasing topical, these foundations increasingly add an SPF protection, to provide an additional application benefit. L'oreal Visible Lift Firming Line Minimizing plus Firming Makeup is a liquid foundation, containing Pro-Retinol A and SPF 17 protection.

Anti-oxidants, which are found in a range of vitamin complexes, help promote skin cell growth, aid in UVA exposure, promoting a smoother skin.   Clinique Repairwear Anti Aging Makeup SPF15 contains both mimosa bark extract and vitamin C anti-oxidants while combining an SPF 15 protection.

 

 

 

 

Hot for the summer season make-up are sheer styles. Perfect sense for warmer days, sheer make-up lets the skin breathe more easily and keeps you feeling fresher.

 

The hot colour is a natural bronze look, giving a slight, but not over done, tanned look to your face.

 

The secret of the sheer look, is lightness of touch, the objective is to create a natural look, enhancing your best features and adding a healthy colour to your face.

 

Choose one focal point to work on, your best feature.

 

In preparing your skin, choose products appropriate to your skin type.

 

Because sheer make-up is so light, you need to ensure your face is looking its best, see home facials for some tips. 

 

While it is warm there are some useful steps to take, to ensure your looks don't fade over the day.

 

Use waterproof mascara and eye-liner.

 

Apply a stain, as opposed to a powder foundation, to the apple of the cheeks, to keep a longer lasting look.

 

Finish your look with a bronzer.

 

Try to use a foundation or moisturizer with SPF protection, failing that, ensure you apply a sunscreen. A great SPF protection, tinted moisturizer is Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisture SPF 15 Light

 

Use a lip balm, with spf protection for your lips, they need protection in the summer, as they are prone to high moisture loss. Laura Mercier Lip Balm SPF 15 can be worn under lipstick or alone.