Juxtaposed; No Makeup, Make up

“Simply stated, juxtaposition means things side-by-side (www.slideshare.net). In art this is usually done with the intention of bringing out a specific quality or creating an effect, particularly when two contrasting or opposing elements are used.”

Beauty is all encompassing and incorporates our many senses. We mostly depend upon our sense of sight i.e. make-up, however skincare, supplements and beauty tools all aim to enhance our beauty while sitting comfortably side-by-side with make-up. As a Make-Up Artist I more often focus on the pigment angle of my work (make-up), but I initially trained as a Beauty Therapist so I never forget the importance of my models skin and her wellbeing. I want her to look her optimum with or without make-up…this applies to us also.

Buying tweezers can be a bit like Russian roulette but when you find ‘the one’ there is no turning back. I’ve had the same pair for over twenty-five years, they reside with a brow brush right next to my toothbrush. I prefer square or a slanted finish and Benefit, Tweezerman and Rubis Switzerland are some of the favourites on the market. I know women who walk around with a pair of Lash curlers in their handbags; if they feel their eyes look tired a quick squeeze and ‘hey presto!’ they’re wide eyed and ready to go, Mac Full Lash Curler give good curl! Also false lashes are big business right now and the ultra fine irregular length of Illamasqua’s ‘Elegant’ False Eyelashes are a good cheat when not wanting to wear mascara.

I started a bi-weekly exfoliate and nightly treatment seven years ago and I have to say my skin no longer feels or looks perpetually dull during the winter months. The Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules are exactly what they say on the tin; morning and night individual capsules of sheer bliss! They also work on our sense of smell, especially the night treatment the aroma is reminiscent of relaxing in a Spa. Strangely I never thought I would gain so much pleasure from washing my hands but the Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash also works on two senses. Firstly touch because of the finely milled Pumice to exfoliate and then the unorthodox aromatic blend of botanical extracts…simply breath taking. Both of these products leave you with a sense of wellbeing!

Working from the inside out using supplements is growing within the industry. These little power pills or sachets scientifically claim to boost surface appearance and well being. For hair Viviscal (not pictured) is one that I have time and again heard hairdressers swear by and Revive Active Beauty Complex works on three fronts, hair, nails and skin. **A word of caution if your also taking nutritional supplements be careful not to double or triple your RDA mineral or vitamin percentage.

A Sisley or Elemis facial is regarded as a treat, ninety minutes of switching off and losing yourself in peace and quiet, wouldn’t it be nice if they were a necessity instead? Facials effect four of our senses, sight; touch, smell and sound (peace and quiet). I think the beauty benefits of this enforced ‘time out’ can out-weigh anything we apply onto our surface. But if you’re like me and your finances don’t stretch to monthly treatments an Ark Triple Action Exfoliator , Sisley Espress Flower Gel mask and an Aromatherapy Associates Relax Bath & Shower Oil (not pictured) comes close. And for the moments I do want a little shine with all the benefits of skincare but no make-up (especially during the winter months) I stock up on Bobbi Browns Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, Marc Jacobs Under(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer, Invisible, Burt’s Bees Lip Balm and IZ Gel Effect Top Coat for my nails.

Illamasqua’s ‘Elegant’ False Eyelashes

The Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules

Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash

Viviscal

Revive Active Beauty Complex

Sisley facial

Elemis facial

Ark Triple Action Exfoliator