Beauty With Bettina - A Lasting Look - Makeup That Lasts!

July's issue of iN Mag is a special Duke Of Essex Polo bumper edition. 

With Summer heralding plenty of event invitations, many of them being outdoors taking full advantage of the glorious weather (yes we are having some! Heatwave anyone?), you will be wanting to keep your make up in place.This month I have handpicked some great products to ensure you will remain looking fresh from morning till night, whatever the weather :-)

Click here to read my beauty page in this month's magazine.

http://issuu.com/in-magazine.com/docs/inmagessexjuly_augdigi/28

March 2012 GlossyBox - The Harrods Edition

I was so excited when the postman knocked on my door with this month's GlossyBox. The March box was to be a collaboration with Harrods no less! There were a few hints of what might appear in the boxes from GlossyBox Ambassador's but the products could have been any combination of 5 products from a selection of 15..

Inside 

I have to say when I opened this box up it probably elicited the most favourable response since the first box I received and admittedly it was all down to the tiny box at the top of the photo... The Burberry Lipstick. Now I don't really ever squeal but this made me happy, very happy indeed. I have been wanting to try Burberry makeup for so long now but not yet managed to get to Harrods. The inclusion of the Lip Cover was a perfect representation of the GlossyBox and Harrods Special Edition and just oozed luxury to me.

The products 


Narciso Rodriguez - For Her Eau De Parfum 1ml - I LOVE this perfume, smells incredibly grown up and sensuous, just a real shame it was so tiny!

Molton Brown - Heavenly Ginger-Lily Moisture Bath & Shower 50ml - I have been using Molton Brown for many years now, this is not my favourite scent of theirs but it will get used and it is a nice generous sized sample.

YSL - Forever Youth Liberator Serum 5ml - I am at the age when I am using serums as well as facial moisturisers and I am really looking forward to trying this particular one from YSL. The sample comes with a dropper lid. With promises of improved radiance, plumping and anti-wrinkle lift, I will let you know how I get on with it.

Clarins - Extra-Firming Body Cream 30ml - This is a beautiful, instantly absorbing cream. This smells gorgeous and refreshing, like watermelon. I like the inclusion of Clarins products, they are not overly expensive but neither are they that cheap. I for one, definitely like to try before I buy and this is a perfect way to do so with a good sized tube.

The Piece de Resistance 

Burberry Beauty - Miniature Lip Cover Rosewood No4


An object of beauty doesn't quite cover it, this is one of the cutest miniatures I have ever owned, a perfect replica of the actual item. It is really funny actually as my hands are quite small, the lip cover doesn't look that small in the photo above but placed against the perfume sample and you get an idea of the actual size.

Soft, with a satin sheen this feels so moist on the lips. Rosewood is a very wearable warm shade.

The Burberry Lip Cover warrants a lips of the day post so keep reading!

To sum up, I was immensely happy with the GlossyBox sent out to me this month. No, there wasn't a full size product in there but all of the products I would use.

*PR Sample

New Clarins Ever Matte Skin Balancing Foundation - A Review

A sachet sample of the new Clarins Ever Matte Foundation was included in the March edition of Red Magazine which I have just taken out a subscription to. I must admit I don't naturally veer towards anything that says matte - I love to have the 'glow' but I was curious enough to try it out.

Clarins describe Ever Matte Foundation as 'The perfect shine-control, balancing foundation for women looking for matte skin in any circumstance. Its plant-based "Skin Detox" complex regulates production of sebum and tightens pores. The fluid, lightweight texture perfectly melts into the skin, allowing it to breathe without any drying effect. The complexion is enhanced with an imperceptible matte veil which remains flawless from morning to night.'

This is a liquid foundation, it is really light in texture and light enough for you to feel that your skin is bare. Years ago I bought an oil free foundation designed to keep shine at bay that made my skin feel so dry when I was wearing it, this is lovely though as the skin remains feeling comfortable.

My skin is normal/combination and the sachet shade was Wheat 109 which was quite a good match to my yellow toned skin tone which is usually one or two up from the lightest shades.

Ever Matte provides medium coverage, which in reality means that if you have any redness or blemishes you will need concealer to cover it. My moles and freckles still came through which you can see in the last photo

Ever Matte Foundation shade 109 Wheat

Ever Matte is barely visible on the skin

Pleasingly, Ever Matte has that familiar fresh cucumber scent which I love (it is present in another of my favourite foundations - Skin Illusion).

As to its claims to keep you matte all day long, I can confirm that it works. I normally get a shiny nose a couple of hours after applying foundation but I wore this a whole day walking round a hot exhibition hall, navigated the transport system in rush hour, walked home from the station and then checked the mirror.. to find my makeup perfectly in place  and not a hint of shine. Now that is what I call fabulous!

In fact I was amazed at how fresh I still looked at the end of the day and made me realise matte does not always equal dull. Ever Matte with a highlighter (you may not need a highlighter, I just love them) works so well to leave the skin looking bright and radiant all day whilst keeping shine at bay.

If you are looking for a foundation to keep you matte then this may very well be one to try.

Clarins Ever Matte SPF15 Oil Free Skin Balancing Foundation comes in 11 shades and costs £24 for 30ml

January 2012 GlossyBox - The Valentine's Edition

Yesterday the postman knocked on the door to deliver the latest Glossybox. This one was delayed a little as it was billed as the Valentine's Edition...

The box this month is a cute hot pink.

As always GlossyBox pays attention to the detail - 

Of course this all means nothing if the content's don't live up to expectation, however I am more than happy with the content's of my box.

A closer look and swatch of the Eye Liner 

What Is Inside -

Clarins - Extra Firming Day Cream - This is a rather generous 15ml sample and is apparently suitable for all skin types. I have already used this cream and it has left my skin feeling super soft. It is nice and rich but be aware it is heavily scented. This didn't have a little seal over the opening.

Clarins - Extra Firming Night Cream - Again, a generous 15ml sample (the type you would get in bonus gift packs when you make multiple purchases). This has a lighter, fresher scent and also leaves the skin feeling beautifully moistured. I think it is great that the day and night cream were in the box, brands often develop products to work in conjunction with each other and you get a good idea of how they would suit your skin with each other. This came sealed.

Clarins is an excellent inclusion in the box, I am going through a little love affair with the brand so was delighted to be able to try these.

Murad - Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer - Dewy Finish (5ml)

Murad is a brand that I have heard of but never tried any of their products. I am a big fan of using a primer under my foundation so look forward to giving this oil free primer a whirl.

FAB (First Aid Beauty) - Gentle Body Wash

This body wash is fragrance free, has a creamy texture and is free of Parabens and harsh chemicals. 

I haven't tried anything from FAB before so I think it is great that in this GlossyBox there are two brands that I am able to try for the very first time and both are generic enough to be suitable for my skin type.

Eyeko - Skinny Eyeliner in Emerald Green (other shades were sent out)

I have been really impressed with the products that I have tried from Eyeko previously,  although I haven't purchased anything since their relaunch and redesign. This item is full size and worth £9.50. I have green eyes and think this shade will make an excellent addition to my makeup bag. It is a really pretty metallic green shade, brighter than the Stila liner that was included in the October box.

I will use all of these products and as a box I think it is really rather fab,  fulfilling the brief of what it set out to do, the only thing I would say is that I cannot see what the link between Valentine's and this month's GlossyBox is apart from a heart sticker and a heart sweet! :-)

*PR Sample

Clarins Colour Breeze Collection - Spring 2012

I love this time of year, all the makeup counters are bringing out their new Spring collections. Whilst out shopping  last Friday the Clarins Colour Breeze Collection was one that that I was particularly drawn to.

Think flawless complexions with washes of colour that enhance and illuminate in shades of delicate candy. This collection just oozes effortless beauty.

Colour Breeze Face & Blush Palette - £30 Limited Edition


A compact that leaves the skin matte with 3 shades of blush embossed into the powder to provide a touch of radiance.

Eye Quartet Mineral Palette - £30 Limited Edition

Four satin smooth, wet and dry formula mineral eye shadows in shades of turquoise and grey green, a soft flannel grey to define the eyes and a white for highlighting. Presented in the Clarins signature pale gold compact with mirror and two foam tipped applicators; one for defining, the other for shading and blending.

Vitamin Pink (shown) & Coral Tonic (not pictured) Instant Light Blush - £19 Limited Edition


I am most excited by the Instant Light Blush, available in two shades - Vitamin Pink and Coral Tonic which are both equally gorgeous. Instant Light Blush is a super-light liquid cheek colour that glides on to create high definition radiant, yet natural colour. Presented in a handy glass bottle with sculpted foam tipped applicator that looks just like nail polish. Love them.

Also new but not limited edition - Gloss Prodige Intense Colour & Shine Lip Gloss - £15.50 in 8 shades. Additions to the existing range include two shades of Joli Rouge Lipstick - Poppy Red & Baby Pink - £16.50.  Lastly, new shades of Joli Rouge Sheer Lipstick - Pink Magnolia & Pink Coral - £16.50.


Clarins Colour Breeze Collection is out now

Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation SPF10 - Review

If you follow me on twitter you will know that I have not been feeling too well the past couple of weeks, so to cheer myself up I did what any makeup lover would do - I hit the beauty counters! 

The Clarins counter is not one that I usually head to but as I love Beauty Flash Balm I thought I should probably find out more about this brand and its products. Reading the reviews on BeautySwot you will know that I am lured by products that have names that promise great things.. Now who would turn down the opportunity to have skin that has natural radiance?

The claims -

'At the heart of the formula are mineral and plant extracts chosen for their sheerness and affinity with the skin. The result: an incredibly beautiful, radiant and even complexion with a translucent finish that leaves skin feeling moisturized and super-comfortable.'

The reality -

The counter assistant offered to give me a few sachets in different shades of the foundation to try out but said that I would probably match to Shade 108 Sand.

I tried this one day when I was looking so tired, my eyes were so puffy and had huge bags and wrinkles under them from being so ill, my skin was dull and felt horrid to the touch. I wanted to try this out to perk me up.

What an instant transformation!

Sand was indeed the perfect shade for me, good thing really as I opened that sachet first. Skin Illusion Foundation has a wonderfully fresh cucumber scent which I absolutely love. The texture is incredibly light and almost gel like in consistency. The foundation provides medium coverage (although you will probably need to use a concealer if you have a bad blemish day) and feels weightless on the skin. I cannot feel it at all and yet my skin looks incredible, flawless and brighter. This foundation has a really nice semi matte finish, I do like my dewy foundations (Chanel Vitalumiere) and heavier coverage ( Estee Lauder Double Wear) but this finish was a revelation. My face feels soft and hydrated and looks super smooth.

My skin embraced Skin Illusion, it almost felt like it was crying out for it. That day it was just the tonic I needed. I had two compliments on my skin when I was wearing this foundation and I always find that this a great indication of whether a foundation is doing its job.

Skin Illusion has good staying power (on my skin it would last a good 7 hours) and fades evenly but I always use a primer underneath so cannot say how long it will last without it. I did get a bit of a shiny nose wearing it yesterday but it was nearly 30 degrees and I had been out in the heat for over six hours at this point.

If you are after a foundation that is your skin but better than look no further. My skin looks radiant but without the dewiness that a lot of radiant finish foundations leave and is perfect for my combination skin.

Here I am wearing Skin Illusion on that first day I tried it. If I didn't have so many foundations to get through I would definitely be purchasing it as I absolutely love it and rave about it to anyone who will listen.

What do you think? Have you tried Skin Illusion?


Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation SPF10 is available in 10 shades and costs £24 for 30ml.

New Hair And Face Of The Day

Yesterday I went to the Fabulous Hair Company to get my hair highlighted and trimmed. I have been going to Fabulous since I was 19 years old. I met Kiri when he came to purchase a mobile phone from where I was working, my hair was needing a cut so I paid him a visit and never looked back. I really do think that Kiri (the owner) does the best hair cuts. I am quite fussy but have always come out of Fabulous feeling wonderful, like a new woman, and I feel that this is so important!

The team at Fabulous are friendly and attentive - regularly asking if you would like a tea or coffee and bringing with it a nice biscuit too. The magazines are all the latest and they stock and use Paul Mitchell products.

Readers will know that my roots were crying out for attention, I have been guilty of neglecting my colour. I was concerned that having left it so long it would cause problems but Kiri assured me he could sort it. He is one of those rare hairdressers, that listens to what you have in mind but also makes suggestions.  I had 3 shades put into my hair, the highlights are lovely and natural and exactly what I was imagining when I went in.  I think that he did an incredible job and you would never know that I had two tone hair (major dark roots) when I entered his premises at 9am!

 I promised Kiri I would not leave it so long next time and this time I meant it.

Fabulous are in North London, for more details visit the website by clicking here http://www.fabuloushaircompany.com/

Here is a picture of me in the Salon, unfortunately I was suffering really badly from hay fever all morning so by the time this was taken I was feeling really quite ill, my eyes were puffy and my makeup virtually wiped off!

I usually have my hair blow dried straight but this time I went for something a little different.

Face Of The Day

My hair still looks great today so I thought I would share with you a FOTD of how I looked when I went  in to London this morning.

Clarins - Beauty Flash Balm
Estee Lauder - Double Wear Foundation in 2C1 Pale Almond
New CID - i-Bronzer in Rio 
Nars Blush - Deep Throat
Clinique - Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Strawberry Fudge
Max Factor - Xperience Volume Mascara in Black/Brown
Clinique - Cream Shaper for Eyes in Chocolate Lustre
L'Oreal Paris - Glamshine Reflexion in Sheer Watermelon 

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Yesterday my post was all about radiance achieved with Hocus Focus from Soap & Glory today the theme continues. If you prefer to look bright and radiant without a hint of shimmer then today's post is for you.

I absolutely love Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.This is a truly fantastic product and one that is going to be added to my Beauty Essentials page. As such an iconic product I quite simply had to try it to see what all the fuss was about. Yes, I am now a convert.

Beauty Flash Balm claims - To brighten and tighten. Suitable for ALL skin types.

To use - Apply after cleansing and toning ( you can use with a moisturiser but you don't have to) using a pea size amount apply a thin layer to your face without massaging in. Apply makeup immediately. Beauty Flash Balm can also be used as a facial mask 2 or 3 times a week.

This product comes in a squeezable tube, easy to get the right amount out.

In this picture the bottom half of my hand has Beauty Flash Balm applied

Apparently when you use this product you will literally feel it tighten your features..I am going to admit I have used this quite a few times now, with and without moisturiser to see if it makes a difference and I have yet to get that tightening feeling ..most unusual. However, my appearance does look like I have had a mini facelift, and I look wide awake, whether it is because I expect to look great I don't know, I just look in the mirror and feel that I do!

Beauty Flash Balm is considered to be an amazing primer and is used and rated by many make up artists. When I use it my skin feels silky soft on application, the effect really is instant brilliance and a more radiant appearance. It doesn't hide pores but it provides an excellent, smooth and long lasting base for makeup, keeping it in place for hours.

I wouldn't use this every day (it is quite expensive) but I used it when I was feeling under the weather recently and was complimented on how well I looked! I use this particularly when I feel like my skin is dull and I need a boost. I think Beauty Flash Balm works really well as a day product as opposed to Hocus Focus which I prefer to use in the evenings.

I cannot rave about this product enough and can definitely recommend this as a must have in your make-up bag.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - Price can vary from £20-£27 depending on outlet so it is worth shopping around.

Have you tried Beauty Flash Balm?

BeautySwot's Best Christmas Gift Guide for under £50

I have trawled the shops, browsed online and magazines to bring to you my top picks of the most fabulous gifts to suit all budgets!


Lush Secret Santa - £5

Lush really have Christmas all wrapped up.  This is fantastic value and a great little gift for Lush fans or those who are looking for a 'Secret Santa' present. This  present is already wrapped and contains a Snowcake Star Soap and a Satsumo Santa Bath Ballistic. I love it!

This present and others to suit all budgets are available to purchase from Lush stores or online at www.lush.co.uk

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Limited Edition 150ml - £17.50

The multi award-winning Cleanse and Polish comes in a beautifully embossed metallic shell and includes a muslin cloth. Every woman should put this on their list or buy it as a gift.

Available from www.lizearle.com and selected John Lewis stores.

Lancome Juicy Tubes Gift Set - £16

Lancome's Juicy Tubes were my first lip gloss collection and I think this is a pretty gift featuring 4 cute miniatures (7ml) in great shades of Fraise, Lychee Toffee R&B and Marshmallow Electro.

Available from Lancome Counters nationwide

Sanctuary Skin Brightening Kit  - £16

Ideal for those who want to treat someone to a Spa experience. This is a 30 minute facial in a box containing everything you need for a radiant glow!

Available from Boots stores or online at www.boots.com

Frontcover To Go Eye Collection -  Usually £35 (currently on offer with a 1/3 off so now just -  £23.33!)

Beauty lovers will simple adore this amazing palette!
Featuring:

• Tips and Advice On How To Create Different Looks
• 10 removable domed baked powder eye shadows
• 3 removable domed baked twinkle powder eye shadows
• 5 removable fine line pressed powder eye shadow duos
• 2 removable pressed powder eye shadows
• Shadowline Liquid (turns shadow to eyeliner)
• Double ended applicator and an interchangeable compact.

Clarins Limited Edition Beauty Flash Balm  50ml - £26.50

This beauty booster instantly eliminates all signs of fatigue, promoting a radiant complexion.  This Christmas it comes with a gorgeous Swarovski crystal embellished cap. A real treat!

Available from Clarins Counters

Models Own Christmas Gift Set - £20 

Fans of Nail Polish will love this fabulous set of 6 Glitter Nail Polishes. Colours featured are Scarlet Sparkle, Mixed Up, Bluebelle, Magenta Devine, Emerald City and Disco Mix.

Available from www.modelsownit.com and Boots stores

Benefit Some Beauty To Love - £29.50

Benefit have come up trumps this year with some amazing gift sets, fun packaging and perfect products to boot! This one includes: CORALista coral–pink cheek powder with brush, 12g, Eye Bright instant eye brightener 1.4g, BADgal lash mascara deluxe mini 4g, ‘That Gal’ brightening face primer deluxe mini 7.5ml. You better be quick though as these sets are selling out fast!

Available from Benefit stores and counters.

L'Occitane Nourishing Shea Butter Collection - Currently £39! (Usually £55)

For a full body pamper pack this is wonderful. Shea Butter is perfect for dry or dehydrated skin.

Also worth checking out, one I particularly love the scent of, is the Cherry Blossom Collection £46

Both are available from www.uk.loccitane.com

And finally,

Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Collection - £49.50

This indulgent miniature Bath and Shower Oil Collection contains 9 bottles, providing an effective and memorable aromatherapy experience

Available from www.aromatherapyassociates.com

Happy Shopping!