The miracle Faith Lift mask is a non-surgical face lift system which affords dramatic results even after just one treatment and retails at £50.

Part of the Faith Lift range of products, which also includes Faith Lift eye, lip and cream products, the mask boasts a powerful cocktail of naturally derived ingredients which lift, tone and firm the skin and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The product gently stimulates circulation and increases blood supply, helping to restore tone and elasticity for instant, noticeably lifted, firmer skin as well as a youthful, radiant glow.

The Review…

I gave this mask a try, and even though I don’t necessarily need lifting in the face just yet, I am starting to get frown lines which I am very conscious of (a habit of frowning when I concentrate is starting to appear more permanently on my forehead). So I did notice a tightening and smoothness of my skin when the product had been washed off. The ultimate test for me was to frown in the mirror and honestly noticed that the lines weren’t as deep as normal. I even had agreement on that fact from the other half! I also suffer with breakouts and uneven skin tone, so am always trying new things to keep my skin happy. This was certainly something I’d want to use again and again. Especially for those special occasions where I might want to give my confidence that extra little boost where my skin is concerned.

Dried Faith Lift before washing off

It was so simple to apply (just using a face mask brush, or even a foundation brush) and sweep on a thin layer of the honey like substance in upwards motions. I could almost instantly feel the mask pulling and tightening around the skin where it began to dry. However, don’t be alarmed when you look in the mirror, you can visibly see where the mask is pulling at your skin.

After 30minutes of relaxation (or ironing in my case), you simply wash the mask off using a cloth and hey presto, your skin has been toned, lifted and smoothed out to perfection. I’m not sure of the long term results with this mask, however, for quick fixes, this is definitely worth it’s money.

Because I feel I need quite a lot of coverage I tend to go for a heavy foundation which I’m not too fond of.  I would love to be one of those girls who can put on a tinted moisturiser and a tiny bit of concealer and be good to go but I’m not that blessed.

I’d heard a lot about B.B creams – seen the advertisements on TV and read articles about what miracle workers they were but I must admit I was slightly skeptical.  BB creams or Blemish Balms were originally developed in the 1950s by a German dermatologist and became popular first in South Korea and later around Asia.  BB creams are a multi-purpose product combining skin care with makeup and Garnier (the one I’d been considering trying)  claims theirs  instantly perfects skin by giving sheer coverage, blurring imperfections, soften lines and provides 24 hour hydration and SPF 15.

I wandered into my local Boots, read the back of the box, tried the tester on the back of my hand (it covered a burn scar on my hand quite nicely) and then I backed away slowly.  This routine of me flirting with the idea of buying it carried on for quite some time.  Until a month ago when I finally gave in and purchased the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfecter.   I am very fair skinned so opted for the 02 – Light formulation.

The formulation is rather thick – thicker than my usual foundation – and I apply it as I would normally apply a foundation: with a brush but that’s just my personal preference as I find I don’t get an even coverage if I apply it with my fingers.

Pros:

- I did notice an improvement in my skin condition.

- Is great when I don’t want to wear too much makeup

Cons:

- The formulation isn’t as light-weight as I would like.

- The colour is slightly too dark for my skin colour.

Over all I would definitely recommend this product to a friennd.

Maria Aloia, Beauty Treatment Specialist
Beauty Salon, Bedford

I am so pleased that my wait is finally over and that Dermalogica’s long overdue UltraCalming range has arrived!

Unfortunately, I suffer from very sensitised skin. I don’t know why, and I don’t know how it got like this, but it is. I am usually red or blotchy for one reason or another, and although a Dermalogica devotee, and the fact that my skin has benefitted from other Dermalogica products; I have never had ‘great skin’.

It seems I’m not alone! At least 50% of women worldwide experience sensitivity in one form or another, be it genetic sensitivity, or sensitisation caused by pollution, stress or increased exposure to chemicals. Whichever it is, the causes share one common reaction – inflammation! Dermalogica’s new UltraCalming range is the first product range to take into account neurogenic and immunogenic inflammation as well as the breakdown of the skin’s protective lipid barrier. Those clever people in the lab at Dermalogica HQ, have developed a complex combining Oat Kernal, Ginger and Red Hogweed, which can control inflammation, and the signs of sensitivity, irritation and redness.

They have updated some existing products – UltraCalming Cleanser and Barrier Repair, by adding this new UltraCalming Complex. We also see the introduction of some new products – UltraCalming Mist; acts as a desensitiser and toner, UltraCalming Serum; helps to calm and restore skin, and UltraCalming Relief Masque; enriched with Colloidal Oatmeal to soothe enraged skin and provide lasting relief from skin flare ups and rosacea.

Finally, a way to control red, itching, burning skin! The new UltraCalming range calms, soothes and replenishes the most aggravated, inflamed and irritated of skins. By targeting the triggers behind redness and irritation, these products will also help to prevent future flare ups and provide long lasting relief.

I have been using these products for almost a month, and I can certainly notice the difference. My skin is calmer and less irritated and looks clearer too! I love the whole range and I also love how you can intertwine the different ranges to get your ultimate skincare regimen. I like to combine the new UltraCalming range with my favourite AgeSmart products, Dynamic Skin recovery with Age Reversal Eye Complex.

Thank you Dermalogica for another fantastic and well needed addition to an already fantastic range!

Below are 4 lovely multi-tasking hair masks, sprays and treatments that will keep your hair in peak condition and guarantee a happy hair day every day…

Aveda Style Prep Smoother

Aveda’s new Smooth Infusion range is the definitive product for all hair types whether you are Caucasian, afro- American or Asian. The Style Prep Smoother contains a plant infusion formulation that generates a smooth new surface on hair that is light but extremely resilient thus it defends your hair not just from the weather but also continuous heat styling. This results in frizzy free hair and a protection against clamminess for up to 14 hours.

Price £18.00 Available from House of Fraser nationwide or www.aveda.co.uk

Philip Kingsley Weather-proof Hairspray

Hairspray is seldom ever regarded as a way to protect your tresses, most are usually alcohol based and drain the life from your hair. This is in contrast to Philip Kingsley’s hairspray from his Weather-proof range. The admired hair trichologist certainly knows a few things about the art of hair so he has shrewdly produced a hairspray that provides long-lasting hold and at the same time protects and conditions the hair. The UV guard also helps extend the life of your hair colour. Perfect!

Price £15.00 Available from www.philipkingsley.com

ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud

This intensive hair and scalp treatment is one of ESPA’S most popular products. It combines red and white clay, watercress extract and apricot kernel to leave your hair looking amazing and more controllable. This is the perfect solution for dry, damaged or even chemically treated hair. Remarkably, it also doubles up as a superb skin conditioner that can not only be used on skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Price £30.00 Available from Liberty nationwide.

Frederic Fekkai Protein Rx Daily Protein Fortifier

Frederic Fekkai, the American hairstylist who is a much loved among the red carpet gang, continues to provide us with his impressive product range. To acquire shine and strength that no amount of bad weather can stifle, his Protein Rx Daily Protein

Fortifier is wonderful. This leave in conditioner is excellent for over-styled hair suffering from the after effects of the weather and heat styling. The main ingredients of soy and milk proteins will bolster and even out your hair leaving it healthy and ultra glossy.

Price £20.00 Available from John Lewis nationwide.

Lisa-Michelle Behan
Beauty Writer

The Christmas period is over, the New Year has begun and we are all well and truly feeling the after effects of a great Christmas. Drinking too much alcohol, eating too much junk and not getting enough sleep can all have a detrimental effect on our skin and it’s appearance. If you’re lacking your usual glow then you might be thinking…New Year, new skin but where on earth to begin.

There are lots of ways to give your skin an instant boost but if we understand what we can do to help our complexions, then we can start to make positive changes to improve the overall appearance of the skin long term.

Are you getting enough?

We all know it, hardly any of us do it but it is true that drinking enough water will help improve the condition of your skin. By keeping yourself properly hydrated you are supplying the skin cells with enough water to repair and regenerate.

Top Tip: Check if your getting enough water by gently pinching the skin on your forehead with you thumb and first finger. If you see an orange peel or dimple effect, then this is a sign that your skin is dehydrated and you need to try and drink more water.

Out with the old and in with the new …

A quick fix to instantly improve the appearance of your skin is to exfoliate. Our skin has a natural process for shedding dead skin cells to make way for new ones, it’s called desquamation. During this process new plump skin cells are pushed up through the layers of the skin to the surface. When you exfoliate, you are effectively speeding up this process. Once the dead skin cells are removed, the new skin underneath is revealed. Exfoliating once or twice a week will help to leave your skin clearer and brighter.

Top Tip: Be careful not to over exfoliate and try to use a gentle facial scrub containing grains. Some body scrubs can be too harsh for your face so bear this in mind when choosing one that’s right for you.

And relax…

Massaging the face, neck and décolletage can really benefit your skin. Through massage you are increasing the circulation to your face and this means improving the blood flow to your skin. It is this all important blood flow that brings the oxygen and vitamins your skins needs to function healthily.  By massaging regularly, you will improve the condition, tone and appearance of your skin.

Top Tip: Take the time to massage your cream around the face in a circular motion, use gentle pressure. Try to massage down towards the neck area so that you smooth out the skin as you go.

Night, night…

You may notice that when you have not had enough sleep your skin takes the punishment for it. To help condition and improve you skin at night try using a night cream. These creams are specifically designed for night time use and are often thicker in consistency than a day cream.  One of the real benefits of using a night product is that it allows our skin to take all the time it needs to deeply absorb the cream. Use it every night and you will start to see and feel the difference quite quickly.

Eyes so bright…

Lastly the eyes, these are the dead giveaway. If you are suffering from dark circles, puffiness or bags then it is worth investing in a good eye cream. I just love Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair eye cream and I use it every night without fail. You only need to use a tiny amount each night before bed and it really does leave the skin softer and brighter.

Top Tip: If your eyes are feeling tired and dreary then try Vital Eye Brightening drops from Boots, they help to soothe tired eyes. For an instant fix you can also use your fingertips to lightly tap all around the eye area, this will stimulate the skin and some people find it helps improve the look of dark circles.

Here are some of my favourite products to help you look and feel revitalized;

Liz Earle Hot Cleanse and Polish – Nourishes the skin beautifully, leaving it soft to the touch

Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro serum by Avon – Apply this serum at night and in just a few days you will notice that you skin is brighter

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye – Use a small amount around the eye area at night and wake up to smoother skin

1. Wash your tools

Your tools will pick up grease and dirt as they put make-up onto your face. If left unwashed for too long, you will be putting grime and germs back onto your skin.  Unwashed brushes do not work as well due to a build-up of make-up and oils.  Thus, once a week, rinse them in warm, foamy water and allow them to dry whilst lying horizontal.

2. Get the lipstick out

Instead of buying lip gloss why not opt for a fantastic new lipstick?  The latest new texture is more sheer than traditional lipstick, so there’s no chance you’re going to look like an Eighties pop star.  You achieve a colour that looks beautifully shiny.   To give your lips a bit more oomph, apply lip liner that matches your own lip colour, blend it over your whole lip and smooth the lipstick over the top.

3. Regularly exfoliate

Regular exfoliation helps the skin to recondition itself more easily. By getting rid of the dead surface skin cells, you are exposing the fresher, more radiant layer of skin that lies beneath.  Note: if you have irritable skin use a soft, enzyme based exfoliator.  Usually fruit based, think exotic fruits, these enzymes soften the glue that binds dead skin cells together.

4. Use SPF every day

Every dermatologist will tell you that the most efficient way to slow down the ageing process is to use a sunscreen.  So make sure your moisturiser contains at least SPF15.  Of course the sun is far weaker in the winter months, but its ageing UVA rays are present all through the year.  This is a simple beauty tip to forget particularly when the sky is grey and the icy winds are freezing your face and ears.

5. Less foundation more concealer

It’s all too easy to think that a liberal application of foundation, however flawlessly you apply it, will show your skin in its best light. As an alternative of relying on foundation, use concealer to even out the blemishes you want to disguise.  Purchase the best you can afford, the colour will look more natural and the texture will blend into your skin without looking over the top.

6. Put on blusher

Apricot blusher is as complimentary if not more so than pink.  It suits more skin tones, and gives the skin a gorgeous warm glow.  Apply it to the apples of your cheeks, working the colour upwards and outwards.  For a rosy flush, apply a pale, orangey blush along your cheekbones and add a touch of pink to the apples of your cheeks.

7. Try coloured eyeliner

I have been experimenting with metallic eye pencils lately.  They come in blackened versions of gold and turquoise.  Begin with a sharpened point and from the outer to the inner corners of your eyes.  At the outer corner, start a little way up to highlight the eye shape creating a point.  Blend the colour downward, you don’t want to see any gap between the lash root and the liner.

8. Curl those eyelashes

This is a make-up must do that is easily overlooked.  By curling your lashes upwards, you open them up and give a lift to your look.   Choose an eyelash curler that has a padded cushion.  For longer lasting power, heat the pad with your hairdryer, apply then hold for 30 seconds and release.  Finish with a coat or two of curling mascara.  The formula is designed to hold the curl for longer.

9. Massage the skin

Skin experts swear by facial massages and it is something you can easily fit into your beauty routine at home.   If you do it daily your skin will appear fresher and more refreshed.  It will also help shift tenderness around eyes and jaw line.  Start off with your neck and work upwards over your cheekbones, around your eyes and up to your forehead.

10. Use nail base and top coat

Painting your nails is one of the many things we do in a rush.  This coming year, plan ahead and follow some simple rules.  For the basecoat, go for a treatment, protein based formula.  This way you are helping to strengthen your nails as well as keep them from discoloration.  For the top coat, go for a rapid dry formula, and run the brush over the tips of your nails to reinforce the colour.

If you feel the time has come to find a more natural approach to your skincare routine this winter, why not try going organic?
Instead of relying on lavish miracle creams or synthetic potions full of petrochemicals and preservatives, why not give your skin a breather by switching to organic beauty products.

Bare Minerals Foundation SPF15

Keep skin flawless with a perfect foundation this winter, opt for the bare Minerals powder based foundation that is light and gentle on skin. Be safe in the knowledge that the formula is 100% mineral and that it has an SPF 15 to protect your skin. It is gentle, soft and leaves you with great coverage. Enjoy immaculate skin with this powder foundation that is kind to your skin and that lasts all day long.

What we’ve found has put most people off trying minerals is the mess with the powder. Fear not though, this is changing thanks to bare Mineral’s innovative packaging. Containing a new stylish container it means you don’t have to worry about mess and can easily tap out the precise amount. Ladies with sensitive, problem skin should definitely give minerals a try this festive season.

Bare Minerals Foundation SPF15 Available for £17.50 from Debenhams nationwide.

John Masters Organics Dry Hair Nourishment and Defrizzer

It is crucial to adapt our skin to the changing seasons and with wind and rain conspicuous in the winter; our hair can take a beating. This leave-in treatment is the ideal remedy for dry and frizz-prone locks. Condition, repair and soothe a sore scalp with this organic, nourishing hair oil. Use it as an overnight hair treatment, on dry split ends or rub it onto a sore itchy scalp. Cedar wood soothes and jojoba oil moisturises frizzy hair.

John Masters Organics Dry Hair Nourishment & Defrizzer, Available for £16.00 from www.johnmasters.co.uk

Tesco’s slice of nature

As you would expect from Tesco, it adopts the stance of great value, natural skincare. I adore the Organic Cream Cleanser and Organic Revitalising Toner which uses cucumber extracts to refresh and witch hazel to soothe. It’s a great way to kick-start your beauty routine every day particularly if you’re looking to change to the natural side of beauty on a budget. Create your own little winter oasis with this range that will leave skin silky smooth and your mind relaxed.

Tesco Be Natural Organic cream cleanser £3.69 and Organic Revitalizing Toner £3.70. Available from Tesco nationwide

Yes to Carrots

The Yes to Carrots name might be quite odd but there is more to them than initially meets the eye. A percentage of every sale of their products goes directly towards the fund to help communities and farmers. I love the Yes to Carrots Eye Can C Clearly Now Eye cream that uses organic natural ingredients sourced by local farmers. The mild, moisturising formulation won’t irritate and will you leave the eye area soft. It has a light, powdery fragrance and won’t sting even the most sensitive eyes.

Yes to Carrots Eye Can C Clearly Now Eye cream is available for £8.99 from Debenhams and select Boots stores nationwide

Maria Aloia, Beauty Treatment Specialist
Beauty Salon, Bedford

It’s that time of year when everything is changing. Not only are the seasons and weather changing, so is your skin. We all suffer in the winter…

Most of us have to deal with dry skin at this time of year. The heating goes on and it literally sucks the moisture out from our skin leaving us dry, dehydrated and irritated. Sometimes a little tweak in our skincare is all that’s needed. Dermalogica, for example have a good range of Concentrated Boosters which you can add to your skincare as necessary. In these winter months, it’d be a good idea to add their Hydration Booster to your routine. You can either apply it directly to your skin where you are suffering the most, or, you can mix a few drops into your normal moisturiser to boost hydration levels. Contained in this amazing product is Hyaluronic Acid which increases skin hydration and improves elasticity, Panthenol to aid skin repair and hydration, and Algae Extract to help restore moisture balance while softening skin.

Can’t get hold of Dermalogica’s Hydration Booster? What you eat also affects hydration levels; try to increase your intake of antioxidant -rich foods. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, dark chocolate, oily fish, avocados, wholegrain and probiotic yoghurt all help to nourish your skin. Look after your skin now to ensure it’s in tip top condition for when the summer comes round again.

Another skin tip for winter is to exfoliate! Don’t let those dead skin cells hang around longer than they need to; they will trap dirt under your skin causing dull skin, spots and irritation. Use a nice, gentle daily exfoliant or a stronger weekly one to keep your skin fresh and bright when everything else around you is dull and gloomy. Alternatively, go to the salon and take time out to relax while having a Microdermabrasion Facial. My favourite is by Crystal Clear; it’s gentle enough to not leave you red or sore, but strong enough to do its job perfectly.

Written by Emily Jane Williams, ESVIE Contributor

FINALY ITS HERE. A make-up brand oozing with creativity who really care about who you are and who you want to be, rather than just selling you a pretty pink lipstick that will ‘suit you’ like EVERY OTHER BRAND.

If you feel like your alter ego is screaming to get out then you need to start expressing yourself. Using make-up is the perfect way to do that and there is no better way than exploring the world of Illamasqua….

The Colour Intense, long lasting and truly professional brand has been hitting our high streets filling the public with a sense of creativity and excitement. Illamasqua’s mission is to provide professional, high performance make-up to anyone who wants to self express and accentuate their look beyond the norm.

Every piece from the range has its own enchanting characteristics and is packed full of pigment making it long lasting and rich in colour.

Pop in to your nearest Illamasqua counter and discover your alter ego. I promise you will be as mesmerized about the make-up as I am!

My top 5 Pieces I cannot be without:

Rich liquid foundation:

Med/Full coverage. Covers every blemish, gives an incredibly flawless finish yet does not look like you have a truck load of make-up on. Never cakes and stays ALL DAY!!!  I always use this in my make-up kit for Photoshoots!

Satin Prima:

I have tried a lot of primers in my time and have never found they make a huge difference. Until now. The Illamasqua satin primer is like an injection of youth. It helps the foundation to blend perfectly whilst making it longer lasting. You are left with beautiful, flawless glowing, dewy skin that makes you look as fresh as a daisy.

Pigment: Static

We all love a bit of sparkle! Illamasqua’s pigment in ‘Static’ is white in colour with teeny weeny sparkles of pink and purple. You have so see it to understand how beautiful it really is!

Powdered metal: Thalia

A big pot of perfection. This loose bronzing powder is so versatile and can be used ANYWHERE on the face or body. Dust all over your body to transform yourself into  bronzed goddess, use as a highlighter, eyeshadow, bronzer, shimmer…. The list goes on and on. You can even mix it with clear nail varnish to create beautiful shimmery golden nails.

Intense lipgloss: Petulant

All of the intense lipglosses are a cross between a high pigmented lipstick and the glossiest of gloss’s you will of ever come across! You get the intense colour that you would from a lipstick yet they are packed full of juicy gloss that lasts for hours!!! Petulant is a beautiful deep fruity pink shade which also makes your teeth look ultra white!!

Sabina Ventriglia, Editor & Professional Makeup Artist
www.sabinaventriglia.co.uk

It’s that time of year when sitting out in the sun at any given chance becomes a automatic habit… well after all, it’s not like we get much of it, so when we do, you just have to take advantage! There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look healthy and golden right? But we all know how the sun can dry out your skin…

Well I have discovered an AMAZING new range of moisturisers that will keep you skin supple and silky smooth after your shower and not forgetting refreshing after sitting in the heat! That’s right, Dr Bronners Organic Lotions are so beautiful that on first application, I was in love!

After being a lover of Cocoa Butter moisturisers, I didn’t think I’d ever find anything that would match up. But dare I say it, these hand and body lotions moisturise my skin so much better! I don’t think I can go back now!

My own experience is with the Peppermint lotion, so refreshing and smells so beautiful. They are all based on only pure organic oils, free of petrochemically modified ingredients and preservatives and have only the finest organic essential oils for the fragrance. Perfect if you’re into your organic natural beauty products! Not only that but all Dr Bronners products are certified to the USDA’s National Organic Programme and are all FREE from animal testing, carrying the Rabbit & Stars Logo for the CCIC (Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics)…

You’d think they’d break the bank with how well they work, but oh no… at only $9.99 (approx £6.80) you can afford to try out the whole range! Get yours NOW at Dr Bronners – you won’t be disappointed!