Overnight Travel Kit

I went on an overnight trip to Monaco earlier this week - more of which to come at a later date.

I snapped off this pic very quickly as I was packing up to come home as it was probably the best overnight kit I've managed to put together for some time.

As I was going on my own and didn't have to make room for seven billion items belonging to my children that normally fill all of my cases - I didn't worry too much about travel sizes.

Included above is:

• balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm cleanser - full review to follow - but lovely!
• Serge Normant Volumizer, Shampoo and Conditioner (Hairspray out of shot) - the only range to use if you have long hair
• L'Oreal Tecni Art Volume Architect - when you want ridiculous OOMPH
• Aesop Petitgrain Hydrating Gel - reviewed earlier this week - lovely
• Alpha-H Liquid Gold travel size - obviously
• Frederic Malle Lys Mediterranee - obsessed
• Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist travel size and Illuminating Moisturiser - loving at the moment 
• Kate Somerville Deep Tissue Repair - brilliant for glow and travel due to the packaging
• Hampton Sun After Sun Moisturiser - as a body moisturiser - not aftersun...
• Oral B Pro Expert - I remain completely obsessed with this toothpaste and now have the entire family addicted also - go get your free sample via the link

That's it. Stood me in good stead. Anyone have any good suggestions for travel sizes for the future?

* the above are a mixture of PR samples, purchases and product from clients (Serge, Hampton) but are all equally amazing.  No affiliate links. Just being helpful.

Toners - Which ones??

Following yesterdays post about toners - here's a quick guide to a few of my current faves and some trusty reliables.

Starting from affordable 'cheap as chips' up to middle priced - I won't spend £££ on a toner. A treatment lotion - absolutely - but a toner. No.

L'Oreal Age Perfect - Mature Skin

This toner retails for around £4.69 for 200ml and being in the 'mass' category you can sometimes find it on offer in the big chemists. And it does what is says on the bottle. Very refreshing and leaves the skin soft and smooth. I have some of this decanted into a mini-spray bottle on my desk - for hot weather AND hot flushes?

If you're on a budget - this is for you. *The Mouth Recommends

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic retails for £11.50 for 200ml.  In a world where toners are being forgotten and discarded (not MY world you understand!) this is bucking the trend. Sales are up and continue to grow.
It contains organic aloe vera, natural vitamin E and rose geranium - but if you are a 'natural' freak - it is not completely natural - and claims otherwise are misleading. Check your inci's. Does absolutely leave the skin refreshed, plumped and hydrated. Also available as a spritzer - very handy.

Clarins Lotion Tonique - Camomile

Clarins Lotion Tonique comes in two flavours - Camomile and Iris and retails for £16.00 approx - you can buy it as a kit with the suitable cleanser and it comes up a bit cheaper. The Camomile is for a dryer skin and the Iris is for combination. But they are much of a muchness in my opinion. I should probably use Camomile but I prefer the smell of the Iris. Both toners contain alpine herbs and really do soften, plump and in my opinion - nourish. NOM.

Lancome Tonique Douceur

This retails at £20.00 for 200ml and is here for my mum. She has used this for over 20 years and swears by it.  Again alcohol-free, it contains pineapple as an anti-inflammatory and papaya extracts to hydrate. She is a woman 'of a certain age' and her skin is a marvel. This obviously contributes to that.

Gatineau Nasturtium

Gatineau's Nasturtium retails at £21.00 for 250ml - but if you are a fan you can get salon sizes cheaper on QVC.  This is aimed at a more combination skin as the nasturtium flower extract rebalances the skin. Leaves skin plump and fresh.

Darphin Intral Toner

Darphin Intral Toner retails at £26.00 for 200ml. I love a bit of Darphin and I love this toner.  If
like me you suffer from sporadic outbreaks of redness, or basically any inflamation whatsoever - this is the toner for you. It instantly calms, takes away redness and really does leave the skin soft, smooth and nourished. Lush.  *The Mouth Recommends

What about you? Have I missed any of your favourites? Let me know!

Make-Up Artist on Monday - Michelle George

I'm starting a new regular posting this week (saints preserve us -I KNOW I know - it's a miracle) - but nonetheless - I am.

I've been fortunate enough to work with some of the best MUA's in the industry - and the majority of them are relatively unknown.  These are the people that are out there everyday - earning a living doing what they love - and they are fonts of wisdom in all things regarding make-up. If you have any questions you would like added for next week please do let me know!  contact@beautymouth.com

First up is Michelle George - a jobbing MUA  who has worked across all aspects of the industry.

Michelle and her favourite little man

How long have you been working in the industry?
12 years periodically. I've worked as a journalist and teacher in between.

When did you get your ‘big break’?
I studied art at college and did a painting for my friend's wedding. His wife was a top make up artist in New York called Alexandra Byrne (more here), she liked my painting so asked me to assist her as a make-up artist. From there I have made numerous contacts within the TV and fashion industry.

What advice do you have for aspiring MUA’s trying to get into the industry?
Get a job working on a make-up counter to help build your kit through allocation. As building your kit can be very expensive and you will not get much paid work as a freelancer to start with.
Always have a business card to hand. Making contacts happens in the strangest places. I have been minding my own business in the ladies, and had the owner of a modeling agency start talking to me....

Who has been your best client so far?
Ray Liotta - it's safest just to call him 'entertaining'!

And your favourite job so far?
Hermes Spring/Summer show: Paris

How many brushes do you own?
Maybe 50?

What is your favourite brand and why?
I have sooo many... M.A.C are good for brushes, as they are reasonably priced. But I don't like their foundation.
I do love Chantecaille foundation though it is very expensive.
I like Cover FX foundation too and it is more reasonably priced and L'Oreal's Colour Match is pretty impressive for a low end brand.
Nars is fantastic for pigment!!!

Your top tip?
Go easy on the foundation and cover necessary parts with a concealer.
NEVER go darker with your foundation; always add colour with blush or bronzer!

What is your speciality?
I'm told it's eyes - and blending. (I can confirm Michelle does a KILLER smokey eye)
I also have a good intuition of what looks good on the individual - I do a lot of 'real women' who say that previous MUA's have always gone OTT on them for wedding trials etc..

Your kit is on fire – and you can only save 5 things. What are they?
Plumful M.A.C lipstick - doubles up great as a blush and lip colour and suits most skin tones
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage SC5 - the two shades can be blended to match most skin tones
YSL Mascara
Cover FX Translucent Powder - a must for all T.V/film/editorial work
Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream -multi-purpose...

What are you working on at the moment?
I am now running exclusive make-up parties across London in which I educate women on how to look a million dollars without spending as much!

If you are interested in attending or hosting a party, or have any other questions, you can contact Michelle at the link to her group below:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=60826938257&v=info&ref=ts