The Avocado Face Mask

As the weather is rather wild outside, adding extra moisture to your skin is a complete must! This is where a DIY avocado face mask comes in... it will hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and soft.

 All you need a half of an avocado, a teaspoon of honey and another teaspoon of natural yogurt.

Simply add the contents into a bowl and mix well, until you get a paste like consistency, apply this all over the face and the neck with a brush or fingers. Once this is applied all over, leave on for around 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Finish off by applying a moisturiser, and you skin will appear healthy, soft and glowing!

This is the perfect way to achieve smooth skin at home!

Christmas Time

It's time to fake it

As we get older, our eyelashes begin to break easily and can leave your lash line looking rather sparse... and as the festive season is upon is, full, voluminous looking lashes are a must!

Eyelash extensions are a great way to achieve this look at the salon. This will involve individual false lashes being bonded onto your own, to create longer and fuller lashes that look natural. The lashes will last up to six weeks depending in the quality of them, but your beautician will tell you all this before hand.

For a quick way to give your lashes a boost, try using false eyelashes. These can be quite fiddly and difficult to start with... but practice does make perfect. When purchasing the lashes make sure you get a style that will suit the look you are going for, starting with a more natural pair of lashes if the great way to make your natural lashes look fuller, without an over-the-top look.

Have you ever tried fake eyelashes? What do you think?

Last booklets to be returned!

We are still waiting for some booklets to be returned... please could the following return the Skin Trials booklets back to us as soon as possible, or get in touch with the Face Matters team regarding the issue.

Rachael Kerr
Nicky Gates
Louise Gleeson
Danielle Jones
Jackie Johnston
Jessican Newman
Lynne Griffin
Michelle Whittle
Amy Foster
Lynette Fuber
Helen Porter
Jessica Edmunds
Stella Melia
Kristina Miciute
Gillian Gemmell

Plus the other 5 who we have been dealing with via private message!

Send back those booklets!

We still have around 20 booklets missing... we would be grateful if these women could get these back to us, and let us know whether these have been sent out or just forgotten about. 

We have sent numerous emails out, so please remember to check your spam folders just in case. If you don't return the booklets then we will have to ask for the products back. 

Detox your skin

Image Credit: mindbodygreen.org

When life gives you lemons what do you do? Add a slice into your glass of water of course!

Lemons are packed with nutrients and vitamins that the body needs, this is why adding a slice to your water in the morning can give you all the things you need to kick start the day!

Not only does this help to freshen your breath and lose weight, it also gives your body and skin a cleanse by flushing toxins out of the body. This helps the liver detox your organs... even including your skin - lemon juice gives you a quick shot of vitamin C, which helps increase collagen productions, leading to fewer wrinkles, blotches and spots!

So next time you grab a glass of water... why not add a small lemon slice to it!

Product range review...

Helen from Tea in the Tub, has written a review on our product range...

She has written a detailed product review on all of the 5 products in our range, giving her opinions and thoughts. Why not head over to her blog now and what see what she has said for yourself!

VeggieVision Review

A great review about our products over on veggievision.tv ... have you seen it? If not, then head over and take a look at what they have had to say about our brand new range.

P.s, did you know that two of our products are suitable for Vegans?

Skin trial booklets

First of all, I would like to say a huge thank-you to all the women who were selected to take part in the Face Matters skin trials, who have returned their booklets! This means a lot to the team and I. 

It's a shame to say we have only received 66 out of 100. This means we can't post comments about the brand and products, until we receive the missing ones. I know this is starting to irritate some of the girls on the trial who returned the booklets at the start of November, but we need to analyse all the booklets and results before posting the facts on social media, etc. 

The team and I have posted plenty of times about getting in touch with us, if you have had, or are having any problems with delivery or delays in the trial... we just want to know then we know when we should be expecting your booklet back. Again with this, we have also sent out emails to all those who are missing - a huge thank-you to all those that replied and got it in the post - some women haven't got in touch with us, which is a shame as we don't want to hassle you over a booklet, but this is important to us all here at Face Matters, and it should be to you also, as all your thoughts/feedback do help! 

If you need to get in touch with us please either email us, on the address given on your information letter, tweet @FaceMatters or send us a message on Facebook. 

Thank-you.

The Hair Wonder

Keeping your skin healthy and youthful is one thing, but your hair is another.

Not looking after your hair can lead to it looking dull and lifeless... but it can also age you, which is something no-one wants! I have a homemade hair treatment that is perfect for all hair types, and uses only one ingredient.

The 'must-have' ingredients is... eggs! This may sound rather horrible as raw eggs are slimy and gooey, but it really does work wonders. The yolk is great for moisturising, while the white, removes unwanted oils.

For normal hair, use the whole egg to condition the hair; use only the egg whites to treat oily hair and egg yolks are fabulous to moisturise dry, brittle hair. Apply to your hair and leave on for 20 minutes, rinse with cool water as you don't want the egg to cook, plus this helps add shine back to your hair.

Doing this once a month while help revitalise your hair, leaving it feeling soft and smooth!

DIY Ice Cube Facial

Image: Chennaionline.com

Ice cubes... are not only to be used to help keep you cool on a hot summers day, they can also be used as a facial!

It may sound weird, but... using ice can help rejuvenate your skin. All you have to do is take an ice cube, wrap in a paper towel and glide this gently over your face and neck. You can use the ice directly on your face, but the extreme cold might break capillaries.

This quick and easy facial, helps to tighten the skin therefore helping slow down the effects of ageing... it can also soothe redness, tighten pores and promote blood circulation.

Have you ever tried the Ice Cube facial?

Last Chance!

Don't forget you can get our fabulous multi-purpose balm for just £30, (normally £45). Be quick though as this really is your last chance on this fantastic offer. 

Simply head to the Face Matters website and enter code BALM30 at the checkout.

Skincare made simple!

Some people love spending time on their skincare/beauty routines, but for those ladies who feel like time is not on their side, I have some tips to help make those routines simple and keep your skin in top condition!

• Cleanse twice a day. Doing this will help to remove dirts and oils that get trapped in the pores... do this first thing in the morning, to remove access oils produced overnight, and in the evening to remove pollution and dirt your skin has had to tackle throughout the day.

• Moisturise twice a day. Ideally, do this after cleansing to help hydrate your skin. Choosing one with anti-ageing ingredients and properties, will help reduce fine lines.

• Remember to take your skincare down to your neck. It's the area that everyone forgets about, but it's also the area that is usually exposed to sunlight, resulting in the area becoming delicate to ageing. Take your cleanser and moisturiser down your neck to help fight signs of ageing.

Skin Trials

If you are one of the lucky ladies who got a take part in our skin trials, please remember to send back your booklets completed fully. 

We are still waiting for around half of them to be returned to the address provided... if you do have any problems/queries please feel free to get in touch with the team! 

A Fabulous Offer

If you love our Balm, you are going to love this offer because, for a limited time only, we are reducing the price on our gorgeous multi-purpose Balm.

Use it as a makeup cleanser, or an overnight mask for wonderfully soft skin; or massage into cuticles or heels to soften stubborn hard skin. And just a quick slick makes lips kissable soft.

Normal price is £45, but just because your face matters to us, we are offering it at £30 for a 50g pot.

But you had better be quick because the offer is only available in November... while stocks last.

Head over to our website not facematters-skincare.com and enter BALM30 at the checkout!

Don't say we don't spoil you!

Oil Rush

Oil isn't just for your body and hair... it's for your face too! You might instantly think that using an oil will create a shiny complexion and may even cause spots to surface, but trust me, face oils are everywhere at the moment. Choosing the right one can help revitalise your skin and play a part in keeping it looking youthful. These can help tackle ageing, hydrate the skin and brighten up a dull complexion - it really is great skincare product to have in your routine.  

Many people are worried that these oils can be quite heavy and cause spots - think again! Most oils now are very lightweight meaning they absorb quickly into the skin and don't clog up pores. You can still use a facial oil with your skin is oily, many people tend to turn away from them but don't, using an oil based cleansing product on this skin type is perfect as oil attracts oil, meaning all the pore-blocking excess sebum produced will be picked up like a magnet. 

Don't just save your facial oil as an overnight treatment, although this is a fab way to use it, you can apply a small amount to the skin for an instant dewy glow, which is something that we all want! 

TOP TIP: Warm a few drops of oil into the palms of your hand, apply to your face sweeping outwards and upwards, and don't forget your neck and chest. Gently massage into the skin, being delicate and gentle around the eyes, leave this to sink in fully for 20 minutes and your skin will feel hydrated and leave you with a glow. 

Beauty Sleep

It's a little known fact that we all need our beauty sleep! Having a good nights sleep not only effects our mood and the way we may act, but is also has an impact in the way we look.

While you are sleeping your skin and body goes into repair mode, this is when new skin cells grow and replace the older ones, it's all about restoring, repairing and rebalancing! Lack of sleep will disrupt these processes, as well as leaving an effect on your skin such as dark circles around your eyes and a dull complexion.

Ideally, around seven to nine hours sleep a night is needed... of course this varies depending on your age. Getting the right amount will leave you feeling more alert and ready for the day, your skin will also appear healthier and more refreshed!

Dealing with face redness

Facial redness is not a great look for anyone and can knock your confidence, leaving you feeling down. Well, I can help... here are a few tips and tricks on how to help cover and heal the redness in your skin.

1. Instant Fix
If you are looking for a quick and easy fix then using a green tinted concealer or primer base will help hide and cover up any redness. The reason behind using a green based make-up product is that it will help to cover and cancel out the redness that is on your skin, use a foundation on top of this to achieve a healthy, flawless finish.

2. Splash of Cold Water
Splashing your face with ice cold water is a quick way to constrict the blood vessels, as well as tightening the pores.

3. Don't Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliating too much can contribute towards skin redness. Choose a scrub that has small beads or use a cleanser/balm with a muslin cloth.

4. Test It
Skin-care and beauty products can contain many products, some which may irritate sensitive skin. I suggest doing a small patch test on your wrist, this will allow you to see if the product is right for you.

Our 24/7 Balm

Our Anti-Ageing Collagen Boosting 24/7 Balm, is a multifunctional balm which includes our powerful collagen boost to give a super restorative treatment.

This luxury balm can be left on overnight as a treatment mask or used to exfoliate the skin, (simply massage onto dry skin and leave for a couple of minutes, remove with a warm, damp muslin cloth), it will leave your skin feeling incredibly soft and radiant. It can also be used on the lips to leave them kissable soft and also on stubborn, dry skin to help leave it feeling smooth.

We would love to know how else do you use the 24/7 balm? 

Face Oils!

Face oils are everywhere this Autumn - seen in stores, magazines and online, they surely are taking over.

You may ask yourself, 'what is so special about them?', well we can tell you why! 

As the cooler weather has approached it's time to amp up your skincare regime, as your skin can be left dry and that extra nourishment is needed, and it works for every skin type - not just dry! Many people will associate oil with a greasy feeling, but applying a small amount to the skin will leave it feeling soft, without any unpleasant residue. It really is the best way to add moisture back into the skin as sometimes even the richest moisturisers may not be good enough. 

So next time why not give face oils a go... 

TOP TIP: Massage the oil into your skin to reduce puffiness.

It's not just about the beauty products!

To keep your skin looking healthy, it's not just about the products you are putting on your body and face, it is also what you put into it. Leading a healthy lifestyle will not only leave you feeling great but it can also help your skin look healthier and younger, which is what all women want! 

Not only is smoking unhealthy, it also makes your skin look older and can contribute to some of those unwanted wrinkles! It's time to kick the bad habit and give up smoking - it can be hard but it is worth while in the long run as not only will your body become more healthy, your skin will appear more fresh and clear. 

Eating a healthy diet is something we all known helps the skin, as they say 'you are what you eat' - so eating fatty foods will only leave you skin looking oily and could clog up those pores! Eating plenty of foods rich in Vitamin C and processed or refined carbohydrates may help promote healthier and younger looking skin, while leaving your body healthier and full of goodness.

There are plenty of beauty supplements on the market at the moment, some of these can target certain problem areas. If you do decide to take these supplements then research the product before hand, make sure you understand what the ingredients are and what they are supposed to do! 

It's up to you how to achieve healthier, younger looking skin but these are a few options to keep in mind.

Fight those spots!

Spots are formed because the pores in your skin are blocked with dirt or excess oils that are over produced! To stop your skin from breaking out you need to switch up your skincare routine to help fight against these horrible things. 

When looking for products you should look for these key ingredients;

• Glycolic Acid.

This helps break down the dead skin cells that block pores.

• Salicylic Acid.

Helps to dry out the affected area and reduces redness. 

Products with these ingredients can help you fight back against those unwanted spots, but remember to moisturise afterwards as these can be quite drying on the skin! 

TOP TIP: Don't pick your spots! Leave them be as picking or squeezing them will only spread the germs elsewhere on you skin resulting in more spots forming.

Cleansing your skin

When it comes to cleansing, the important thing is to really get the product into you skin! Massaging the product can help do this.

Using circular movements help work the product into the pores. You need to remember to work all the way up to your hairline and don't forget to the neck too! Cleansing helps to remove all the dirt and excess oils in your skin which can make you look dull and tired - cleansing in the morning and evening will help add a touch of radiance to your skin making you appear healthier as well as leaving your skin clean and fresh.

Anytime Cleanser - £30 / Available here.

Skin Care For Autumn

Seasons change and so does our skin care routines.

Transitioning your summer skin care routine to make it fit for autumn may seem like a chore but to keep your skin in top condition, no matter the weather, is something that needs to be done. We give you some easy tips and tricks on how to do this...

• Exfoliate with an oil-based scrub. The summer sun may have left you skin feeling dry. Simply switch your scrubs to oil-based ones as these will exfoliate and hydrate you skin. 

• Switch the lotions to creams. As it becomes cooler, the air also gets drier meaning your skin needs a thicker moisturiser. Creams provide a barrier to reduce water loss from the outer later of the skin but also provides hydration at the same time.

• Protect your lips. Investing in a lip balm is a must - as no-one wants dry, cracked lips.

• Goodbye soap. Soapy scrubs do feel and smell wonderful but can leave your skin rather dry. Switch to a soap-free hydrating cleanser. Say good-bye to those shower gels and ring out the creamy body wash. 

Our Bottle of Youth

Our Anti-Ageing Collagen Elixir, has been featured over on carmarthenjournal.co.uk!

The lovely Emma Bryant refers to our elixir as a bottle of youth! Why not go check out what else she has had to said over on the blog here.

Want to try our fabulous products?

Flawless skin... it's what we all want and to achieve it we need collagen. 

Collagen is responsible for the skin's elasticity and youthfulness, as we age our collagen levels decline resulting in wrinkles and imperfections.

Why not let Face Matters help? 

All of our products contain organic silicon to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin - this is what makes Face Matters brilliant!

And not only does your face matter, your opinion does too.

That's why we are looking for 100 ladies to take part in our Skin Trials as we want to hear what you think of our brand new products and our brand new look! 

If you want to test our terrific new skincare regime then send us a message on Facebook or Twitter, or an email to info@facematters-skincare.com, with your name, age, location and the reason as to why you want to take part.

You will then receive a confirmation email and be sent a goody box of our new products and information to guide you through the process. 

Dry skin - go away!

Everyone wants to have perfect skin - but this can be quite hard especially when your skin is quite dry!

If you find your skin is dry then you simply need to add moisture back into it. Moisturising your skin is what you need to do - finding a moisturiser that suits your skin type is the first step, even if you have oily skin just find one that is oil free. Applying a thin layer of moisturiser every day will help your skin to regain all those oils lost and leave your skin smooth and soft.

When you go for a shower or a dip in the swimming pool moisturising afterwards is a must! The water washes away the skin's natural oils and by applying a cream/oil will help prevent the skin from chapping! 

So remember, to keep your skin looking beautiful, smooth and soft simply moisturise!

Problematic Pores!

Having open pores isn't great for your skin. They will eventually become clogged with dirt, dead skin cells, oil and make up - all causing spots and even making your skin look uneven! The best way to clear up those pores at home is a steam facial!

Simply remove all your make-up and cleanse your face as you usually would, this will start to remove all the dirt and make-up. Then gently exfoliate your skin concentrating on those areas that are more greasy, usually around the T-zone area.
Now we move onto the steam facial. Run hot water (or boil a kettle) into a bowl, when you see/feel the steam simply hover your head over the bowl and place a towel over your head (by covering you head with a towel this will trap the steam so it goes directly to your face and neck. Stay like this for 2-3 minutes and the pores will open which will remove all the oils and dirt which have been blocking them. Finally give your face a quick rinse with cold water to close your pores, that way no more dirt can get stuck in them.

If this seems a bit of a task then why not do the steam facial whilst in the shower. Just make sure the water is hot enough so there is steam and stay in there for a good 5 minutes for this to work effectively!

Do this at least once a week and you will see a vast improvement in your skin. It's time to say goodbye to those problematic pores.

Our amazing Elixir

If your skin is feeling dull, tired and down then don't worry we have the perfect product to give you that radiant glow!

Our Anti-Ageing Collagen Elixir is a unique and potent formula of botanical oils and pure mineral collagen. Every ingredient in this product has been chosen with precision to the needs of ageing skin. It will help to stimulate the natural production of collagen in the skin and also soothe any irritations.

This is perfect for those with ageing skin and want to prevent any further ageing signs, it will leave your skin soft, smooth, nourished and appear more radiant, while having that youthful glow.

All About Collagen

Collagen and elastin is important to give the skin strength and that youthful look. It's the glue that holds our muscle tissue together.

Collagen accounts for around 30 - 45% of the body's protein, it's the essential structural component of all connective tissue and it makes up approximately 75% of the body's skin tissue. As a result, the depletion of collagen can lead to wrinkles and the appearance of ageing. Research does suggest that the collagen levels in our skin start to deplete at the age of 25 and by the time we reach the age of 40 we have lost a third of our collagen.

This is why adding collagen back into your skin is vital to slow down the process of ageing. Using Face Matters products can help as the organic silicon in each of our products has been modified to allow deep absorption which stimulates the production of collagen and elsatin naturally.

Want to read more about how Face Matters works? Well why not head here to find out how.

A Model Recommends...

The lovely and gorgeous Ruth Crilly, who blogs over at amodelrocommends has featured our Collagen Spritz in her recent post.

Have you seen what she had to say? If not then you can read the post here.

Baby Soft Skin!

Everyone wants their skin to be soft and smooth like a baby's - well here are my secrets!

After every shower, apply a nourishing cream or oil but not too much as you don't want to feel greasy. Let the product soak in and your skin will feel silky leaving you feeling gorgeous! Doing this after every shower may seem like a pain but trust me it is definitely worth it.

For your face why not try the Face Matters Elixir and on your body try Johnson & Johnson baby lotion.

Goodbye stress!

We all hate feeling stressed, as it can make you feel run down and even result in you becoming ill - banish that stress away with our top tips!

1) Candles.

Yes, lighting candles can help relax you. 

So if you come home one evening and feel stressed - instead of switching on the lights why not burn some candles! Try scented ones to help calm you down more.

2) Facial Spray.

Being stressed can sometimes cause you to feel all hot and bothered. Take away the heat with a simple facial spay, why not try our Collagen Spritz, it will help to cool you down whilst taking care of your skin! 

3)  Try Yoga.

Doing gentle exercise can actually take your mind away from things, de-stress you and it's a way to keep fit. How great! 

Why not take a class in yoga, a great way to calm down and also meet new people. If you don't have time then simply do a short yoga session in the comfort of your own home. 

4) Sleep.

Over-thinking and stress can cause problems with sleep! 

Burning lavender and chamomile scents can actually help reduce stress and help you sleep better, resulting in a better nights rest. But all those restless nights can cause dark circles and puffiness around the eye area. Using a product with viatmin C or/and E can help tackle these problems - something to remember when buying your next skincare products! 

How It Works?

All Face Matters products share one essential ingredient - pure organic silicon.

This helps stimulate production of Collagen... a protein in our skin, which is mainly made of silicon. What is silicon? Well it's the 'glue' that holds us together and it is the answer to healthier, younger looking skin. If our body has enough silicon, the collagen will make us look younger! As we age, the source of silica becomes exhausted resulting in wrinkles and dry skin - so building up on those silicon levels and stimulating collagen production is the key to maintaining a healthy youthful complexion.

But how do you actually stimulate collagen? Well every beauty expert will know that unfortunately you can't just apply some collagen cream and expect it to magically work! This is because it doesn't go deep enough into your skin due to the molecule itself being too big.

The reason that Face Matters is successful is that the liquid (Spritz) and gel (Balm and Elixir) organic silicon in each of the three hero products has been modified, (the hydroxide group of molecules is replaced by a methyl group and this provides the silicon molecule with properties that allow it to be absorbed into cells) and it is this deep absorption which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin naturally.

5 Secrets to Flawless Skin

Having flawless, radiant skin is a standard for celebrities both on and off the red carpet. While most celebrities have the use of photoshop and editing to give them that wonderful complexion, there are a select few when pictured candidly who look just as great without any make-up or air brushing.

Here are our 5 top tips to achieve that flawless look at home.

1) Sunscreen.
Wearing a sunscreen everyday of course protects you from skin cancer and prevents you from burning. An extra benefit is that it helps against aging too, and there's even research to back it up!
Whilst choosing a new sunscreen it is recommended that you should wear one with a minimum SPF factor of 30.

2) Diet and exercise.
This one is pretty simple. Eating junk foods will lead to your body being full of toxins and loaded with extra calories resulting in you and your skin becoming unhealthy. Drinking plenty of water and choosing healthier foods will result in your skin looking more fresh and radiant and also leave you feeling more energized.
Taking part in regular exercise increases blood flow with helps deliver important nutrients to you skin, also a good sweat will eliminate skin=sabotaging toxins from your system.

3) Cleansing.
Great skin care is easy as long as your skin care routine includes cleansing. Cleansing the face twice a day is essential to remove all that unwanted dirt and make-up leaving you with a natural glow.

4) Moisturize.
Having a good moisturizer that suits your skin type is essential, even if you have oily skin you need to add moisture to your skin just choose a moisturizer that is oil free. This can leave your skin appearing luminous and bright.

5) Add shimmer.
Finish off that beautiful skin look by adding a touch of shimmer or bronzer. This will brighten up your skins appearance and make you appear more healthier. Bronzing you skin can also conceal blemishes and spider viens, as well as create the illusion of a more toned appearance!

Flawless like Beyonce

Singer Beyonce bravely posted a photo of herself without any makeup on, on her personal Tumblr account and all we can say is wow! Doesn't her skin look flawless?

Her skin looks youthful and radiant, enviable to all women. Having naturally flawless skin doesn't come naturally, unless you are extremely lucky, which means using the right products is essential. A product we love to use is our Anti-Ageing Collagen Elixir, it's perfect for skin that's feeling dry and tired. It leaves your skin feeling soft and deeply nourished as well as smoothing out those unwanted wrinkles. It's definitely something to invest in!

Summer Refreshments

Whether you are on holiday or at home it can be quite a struggle to stay cool and refreshed during the summer's sun. When the day's are hot turning to facial spritzers are the perfect way to cool you down in an instant! 

Here are a few that are on the market now:

Face Matters Collagen Spritz - £39

Thalgo Reviving Marina Mist - £19

The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Mist - £8

Top Tip: Keep in your handbag or beach bag throughout the day for a quick and easy way to beat the heat.

Sixties Girl

The influence of the Swinging Sixties on spring/summer 2013's catwalk beauty was apparent everywhere from Louis Vuitton to Chanel, with graphic liner, pale lips and strong brows complementing the boxy silhouettes and short hemlines in the collections.

But this was a youthful and girlish take on Sixties beauty, with pouting nude lips paired with liner in the crease of the eye lids at Marc Jacobs, and silver eyes at Chanel looking like they came straight out of Andy Warhol's Factory. Glossy peach eyes at Louis Vuitton modernised the look, whilst the bold swoops of eye liner at Michael Kors were updated in aquamarine and acid green. And, for full-on Sixties style, the Moschino models wore their lips dripping with orange gloss and their eyes framed by Bambi lashes - an undeniable homage to that heady decade.

Keep the look classic, with a simple pale pink lip, lined eyes and lashings of mascara. Remember to set the look with a spritz of the Face Matters Collagen Spritz!

Heavy-browed beauty

Chanel Haute Couture autumn/winter 2013 Photo: Isadore Montag

Last year's boy brow becomes this year's man brow at Chanel's Haute Couture autumn/winter 2013 show. Longer, thicker, darker, heavier - Chanel introduces the power brow.

Sheer size and width aside, these brows dictate a new shape. Straight (there was little or no arch) and angular (pulling the eyes up and out) is, say Chanel, how we'll be wearing them next season.

To get the high brow look our advice is to start using a lash boosting gel now; try RapidBrow Eyebrow Enhancing Serum , £37 or good old fashioned almond oil nightly. And get your eye in for some real brow grooming (after all, these models had them drawn on too).

Finish off the look with minimal eye-makeup, as the real statement are the brows. Go for rose cheek bones and finish off with a Face Matters Collagen Spritz , £39, to set the look. (you can now win one on Twitter too!)

Chanel's super brow at the Haute Couture autumn/winter 2013 show. 

Softly defined eyes

Alexander Wang's Autumn/Winter 2013 collection Photo: GO RUNWAY

Alexander Wang may be a fan of 1990s grunge, but the make-up at his autumn/winter show was oh-so modern, a brilliant example of a subtly defined eye as reported by Telegraph's Beauty Editor, Sonia Juttla .

To achieve the look, the first thing to do is to even out the eye area with a brightening concealer, such as By Terry's Touch-Expert Advanced (£29, spacenk.co.uk). Blend the light, luminous liquid under the eyes and on the lid a little to soften dark circles and brighten the area. 

Then for easy-peasy eyeshadow, apply and blend Clinique's Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Lots o' Latte (£16, clinique.co.uk) on the lid and in the contour. It provides a soft, pretty sheen, nothing more than a gentle focus on the eyes. 

Then, to give your eyes defined focus, try Dior's Style Liner Intense Liquid Eyeliner (£22.50, houseoffraser.co.uk). Rest it on the lash-line and, staying as close to the bed of your eyelashes as possible, draw a thin line from the inner corner of the lid to the outer edge. 

Finally, set the effortless with our lightweight Collagen Spritz (£39, facematters-skincare.com). It's refreshing touch will bring you instant cool in a hot day like today and it will keep that beautiful makeup of yours intact throughout the day (Psst! - we're also giving one away on Twitter ).

There's no need to flick: the beauty of this look is in its subtlety.

Image: Telegraph

Get Supermodel Cheekbones

Cara Delevingne, Candice Swanepoel and Jourdan Dunn may all have incredible hair, enviable figures and skin to die for, but it’s those killer supermodel cheekbones we’re lusting after.

Knowing how to contour your face with a stroke of bronzer, a touch of highlighter and a sweep of blusher can make a massive difference to your make-up. If, like us, you haven't been blessed with a bone structure to boast about, worry not!

Check out Look's weekly Friday Night Beauty how-to video, where LOOK's Acting Beauty Editor, Sam Freedman, will show you how to cheat those amazing, catwalk-ready cheekbones.

For a really luminous look use the Face Matters Elixir all over the face to create a glowing look. Then once the makeup is completed set with the Collagen Spritz to make sure your make up doesn't budge throughout the day.

Pop of Neon - What's yo' fave?

This summer brings punchy, vibrant shades that really make an impact. Make your own sunshine with fruity, colour pop shades. L'Oréal Parisí new Color Riche nail collection is perfs whatever the weather, style it up and clash your jolly neons with a pattern mix. Absolutely love this feature, these L'Oréal nails are the epitome of summertime! (via ASOS.com)

What's yo' fave?

Anything but girly, this season pink packs a punch with vibrant, all-over colour. Flamingoes, Miami Beach houses and cheesy sunsets capture the fun and vibrance of this pink shade. Wear it.

These quirky and absolutely lovely designs go hand-in-hand (pun intended) with beautiful and smooth skin so I would recommend spraying some of our Collagen Spritz shortly after you have finished with the intricate design. Its light texture will help set the nail varnish quicker and make your skin appear visibly softer and moisturised.

This clean shade will keep you on your tic-tac-toes.

So, are you giving these designs a try? I know I am... I'll let you know how it goes.

What To Do When… You Have A Sunburn

Sunburns are the wet blanket of island vacations, three-day weekends, and pool parties everywhere. And becoming a red-hot tamale can happen to even the most SPF-equipped among us after extended exposure to the great outdoors. So what to do when your skin adopts the searing hue of Elmo (minus the whole TickleGate)? With help from Into The Gloss, here's my round up of the best over-the-counter and homeopathic remedies to target peeling, redness, inflammation, and to soothe the burn of that mean, blaring sun.

Creams & Moisturisers:

Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe Aloe is the most oft-recommended reliever for the sting of your new skin tone, but it can be drying and sticky in a way that’s almost as unpleasant as the burn itself. This balm offers the same benefits as aloe, with an added moisturizer to simultaneously reduce inflammation, calm skin, and diminish the chances and/or severity of peeling.

Face Matters Collagen Spritz Once the intensity of your burn has subsided, a moisturising spritz with botanical oils and collagen can help prevent peeling and cool off the skin. For those with aversions to the heavy and slightly gooey consistency of creams on sensitive burnt skin, a lighter product, like our Collagen Spritz, with a quicker absorption rate is the way to go.

Merle Norman Anti Redness Cream Believe us when we say this product works. Many therapies that claim to reduce redness still leave your skin noticeably rosy. But Merle Norman’s cream dramatically delivers on its name—wear it for the course of one night’s sleep to return fuchsia skin to a normal shade.

Natural/At-Home Remedies:

Cold Bath
Submerging your body in just-cooler-than-lukewarm water will help ease pain and reduce irritation. If you don’t have access to a bath or don’t relish the opportunity to “soak in a basin of your own filth” (as some may say), a gentle-stream cold shower will serve the same purpose. Avoid using soap when you're still newly burnt, as the detergent will only exacerbate your burn by further drying and irritating your skin.

Cold Milk Compress
Combine cold milk and ice cubes in a bowl. Dampen a washcloth in the mixture and hold against your burn. Rinse after to avoid a 'I live on a farm' smell. Added bonus: milk fat is anti-inflammatory and moisturising, and the cold temperature soothes the heat.

Green Tea Compress
A word-of-mouth fix: boil water and pour over one teaspoon of loose green-tea leaves. Cover and let sit until it cools. Then, soak a cloth and place on skin for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and sting.

Thin Potato Slices
In one of the lesser-known, perhaps stranger at-home remedies, some sources suggest blending raw potatoes until spreadable and applying to your skin to draw out the heat of the burn.

Your Other, Basic Options:  

Ibuprofen - Pop one or two after you realise what you've done (this usually happens after we get out of the shower following a day in the sun, but can also happen right there on the beach), to bring down inflammation and ease your discomfort. Those weary of swallowing pills can grind one up and add a bit of water to form a paste, which you can apply directly onto affected areas.

Water - Drink, drink, and drink some more. Your burn can leave you dehydrated, so on top of the eight glasses of water you are drinking daily (we all listen to our doctors, yes), keep on chugging.

And, as always, if you have any other remedies up your sleeve, share away!

Holiday Ready!

Be holiday ready this summer.

Keeping your skin looking nourished, soft and alive can be quite tricky on holiday especially when the sun is beaming down on your face all day resulting in your skin becoming dry and dull, which is something no-one wants. Using the perfect face products is a must to keep your skin in the best condition, even better one the product is an ‘all in one’.

The Cleansing Balm is the perfect product to be beach ready. Not only is it a facial cleanser it includes Shea Butter which will leave your skin incredibly soft and smooth. Using this product will leave your skin looking radiant and refreshed perfect before hitting the beach. 

Of course apply a layer of sun cream to protect yourself from any skin damage. And now you're ready to hit the beach.

Party eye make-up from Dior

A golden smoky eye by Dior by Stylist Magazine

Fancy experimenting with your eye make-up this party season? We asked Dior's make-up designer Violette to share her step-by-step tips for recreating this 'Baroque' eye make-up look. A glamorous, metallic update on the classic smoky eye, the warm golden tones are perfect for the festive season.

PARTY EYE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL: STEP 1

Create a cat's eye base by drawing a thick, dense smoky line across the eyelid with a matte black pencil

PARTY EYE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL: STEP 2 

Apply the darkest eye shadow over the entire eyelid, all the way up to the brows. Emphasize your pencil line to make it "shimmer".

PARTY EYE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL: STEP 3 

Blend outwards.

PARTY EYE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL: STEP 4 

Now apply the lightest eye shadow to the area defined from the eyebrow down to the middle of the eyelid.

PARTY EYE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL: STEP 5 Highlight the inner corner of the eye and the brow bone with a touch of gold shadow.

PARTY EYE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL: STEP 6 

Coat the upper lashes with a black mascara such as Diorshow New Look.

PARTY EYE MAKE-UP TUTORIAL: STEP 7 To finish, use a brush to apply mascara to the roots of the lower lashes, without taking it through to the ends. This intensifies the eye without weight.

Love this look - so stunning! Definitely going to work it next Friday. Just remember to set that beautiful make up, ladies! I would recommend a tiny bit of our Collagen Spritz and you'll look glamorous all night. 

The Trick of Shaving

Received this wonderful message recently from one of our male fans. And since the advice on shaving is so useful, thought I'd share it with you:

"Hi Sally

I am really impressed with your Face Matters products when used as a shaving regime.

I use the cleansing balm before applying shaving foam, then shave.

After shaving, I spay the collagen spritz, then rub in one pump of the elixir.

Since using this regime, I have had no problems with shaving rash - a first for me!

Great products. I will be defiantly continue using."

- James 

Any other boys want to share their advice, I'd love to hear? Are you ladies willing to share your Face Matters products with your man?

Your face does matter

Check out this wonderful review on the Face Matters range by renowned beauty journalist, Alice Hart-Davis.

Bobbi Brown’s ‘HOW-TO: CLASSIC EYE MAKEUP’

There's really nothing more aspirational in beauty than the “me, but better” approach to makeup. But, as we all know, it can take a lot to look this good. Well, isn’t it our lucky day, then, because the master of makeup simplicity Bobbi Brown has segued from those at-home cosmetic tomes we devoured in grade school (Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty) to online tutorials.    

In my favourite video, Bobbi tackles a classic eye “that always works.” This chic, simple, and clean lesson showcases the brand's hyper-natural aesthetics with demonstrations and offers up some trade tips that you really can’t screw up at home. What a classy babe. Check out the video here and be prepared to dive down her less-is-more rabbit hole.

Summer Beauty Guide for Lazy Girls

gregsorensenphoto.com

I can admit, summer brings out a case of the beauty laziness in me. Who wants to spend countless hours blow drying their hair and applying a full face of makeup?

Summer is supposed to be carefree, fun and somewhat wild. You shouldn’t feel imprisoned each morning or night with hours of getting ready to do.  Here are some absolutely great summer beauty products for those of you who are like me and want to spend less hours getting ready and more hours poolside!

Hair

Okay, first things first, dry shampoo - you just got to have it! Whether you’re looking to make your style last another day or you’re simply trying to avoid the whole washing process, dry shampoo is your answer! Spray this little gem at the roots of your hair to absorb access oils and to give your hair a fresh scent. (There is nothing worse than dirty smelling hair!)

A salt spray is another lazy girl beauty must for the summer! Simply spray B&B’s Surf Spray into your hair while wet and let it dry naturally.  Can it get any easier than that? I’ve found the seaweed extract in this spray makes it less drying for your hair than most other salt sprays. This one also gives really beautiful waves and has great hold. With this spray it’s safe to say you can put away the blow dryer until fall!

Eyes

Just a coat or two of mascara can make your eyes pop enough to make you look presentable even when you’re not really trying. The brilliant thing about this Lash Accelerator Mascara by Rimmel is that it doubles as a mascara and a lash treatment in one.

These 'chubby' eye pencils are perfect to add a touch of color to your eyelids without the fuss of using eye shadows and brushes. Just a swipe or two of the pencil over your lid and you’re set. Try the Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint - it glides on so effortlessly and makes getting ready so much quicker!

Face

A beauty elixir cream is perfect for the laziest of girls. You can literally put our Face Matters Anti-Ageing Elixir on your face in the morning and be done for the day. Simple as that! You would be moisturised enough to hit the beach until sunset, it would even out skin tone and make your complexion glow. (and you can win one on Twitter too!)

What are your Lazy Girl beauty secrets? Share in the comments.

Wonderful World of Braids

It’s summer (or will be in t-minus one day)! Your neck is getting a bit sweaty when walking down the street/waiting for the tube. Bars are getting a bit too stuffy for beautiful, long, free-flowing hair cascading down your back. The summer may offer the opportunity to show off the perfect beach hair, but if it’s really humid and you just can’t deal with strands sticking to your skin, why not venture off into the wonderful world of braiding?

When it comes to crafted hairstyles, there are few things more beautiful than an artful braid. You may be thinking, “Well, there’s the normal braid, and then there’s the French braid, and that’s about it, right?” Wrong! Technically, sure, every type of braid is really a variation on a theme (take a few strands of hair, cross them over some others, and then keep going until your fingers bleed, you lose feeling in your arms, or you run out of hair), but there are seemingly endless versions: the standard braid, the single French braid (not just for girls heading off to play tennis), the French-braided pigtail, cornrows pulled back into an updo, cornrows braided all the way down (add some beads at the end to really get the party started), the twisted braid, the knotted braid, the inside-out braid, the milkmaid braid, what we’ve deemed the "Reverse Heidi" Braid, and oh-so-many more. Keep it simple, á la a very young Kate Moss and her face-framing twists or go crazy. (Check out the complete gallery for inspiration on Into The Gloss)

Team your braids with a natural, glowing skin and which also happens to be the top trend for Summer 2013. Apply a light layer of Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat Foundation on moisturised skin (use our Anti-Ageing Excellent Elixir for the ultimate moistire boost), team with rose pink cheeks, best achieved with Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks (use as lip colour too!) and neutral eye-shadow (try Estée Lauder Pure Color Duo palette) - perfection!

So why not take a few moments, find some inspiration above, watch a YouTube tutorial or two, and braid like there’s no tomorrow (and when tomorrow comes, test out something new)! Show me the results, I'd love to see.