Today I would like to focus on some lesser known and some better known brands born in the U.S.A. and now I am moving on to face and body.
As I mentioned in my Born in the U.S.A. – Nails post, I have recently fallen in love with the Vegan brand SpaRitual. https://www.sparitual.co.uk/
In addition to nails, SpaRitual also makes an absolutely delightful sugary body scrub. I use it to thoroughly exfoliate my skin before self-tanning and the smell of it is heavenly. The formula is thick and sugary-just the way I like it. It leaves my skin feeling super soft and the scent is of Chinese Jasmine.
Another speciality of SpaRituals is their soy candles. I have the Infinitely Loving Chinese Jasmine Soy Candle. The candles are hand poured and blended with pure essential oils and carefully selected plant essences. They burn for up to 50 hours which packs a punch for the size of the candle. The candle holder is made with recycled glass and the wicks are 100% hemp. There is something very calming and soothing about a burning candle and this one brought a sense of serenity to my room and to my own mental state. Perfect to burn after a stressful day.
Now we move on to face. I have been using a recently discovered brand called Artistry and their range of Ideal Radiance products.
I needed something for dark spots and discoloration which led me to the Artistry Ideal Radiance collection by Amway https://www.amway.co.uk. This collection targets the 3 layers of the skin’s surface to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration. I have discoloration on my cheeks from old acne marks that seem to never fade (mind you they are light ones but annoying all the same). Therefore I have been looking for a product that specifically targets these annoying little spots.
I started with Artistry’s Ideal Radiance Spot Corrector which I smooth over dark spots before applying the Ideal Radiance moisturiser.
I did notice a slight lightening of dark spots on my cheeks after using this for two weeks and would like to continue using the collection to further brighten those spots and even my skin tone.
The products contain selected botanical extracts that work to add shimmer and glow to the top layer of skin. Pearl Protein works with carefully selected natural ingredients, such as Red Algae, Pea Extract and European Geranium, below the outermost layer of the surface to effectively make the skin look more radiant and even out skin tone.
Talking about products for the face I have also started to use Urban Decay’s Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray. This can either be used as a spray on toner which will save you a cotton pad and saves time or you can use it as a refresher throughout the day to refresh makeup. I love spray on refreshers and as my skin starts to get oily in the afternoon I like to use these to freshen up my face.
Let’s carry on to lips. I love Boston brand Fresh for luscious lip tints such as the Sugar Lip Treatment, Sugar Berry Lip Treatment and Sugar Cherry Lip Treatment (below). These are the perfect travel size and also with the screw on tops, they won’t come off in your bag and melt/smear all over the interior. They contain SPF 15 so are great for layering over your regular lipstick for added protection as well.
Let’s talk about cosmetics next. Amazing Cosmetics that is (www.amazingcosmetics.com). This is actually one of the very best concealers I have ever used and no wonder it has such a huge celebrity following because it delivers amazing coverage. I attended an event where I was able to be matched to my perfect colour (which was darker than I would have originally thought).
This turned out to be perfect however because what I have tended to do in the past is buy super light concealer that then draws even more attention to the spot because instead of a red spot, I have a white patch! I’ve learned that with concealers and foundations it really is better to visit a makeup counter and get matched to the perfect colour, otherwise you will end up having an orange line along your jawline because you didn’t pick the right colour. Unless you know your colour and brand very well and don’t tend to switch between brands like a maniac like I do, then it is best to leave the colour matching to the professionals at the make-up counter. Amazing Concealer’s mantra is dot, blend, repeat. Simple but effective.
While we are talking colours I absolutely love Fashion Fair, a lipstick brand from America aimed at African-American women. The lipstick colours, of course, can compliment any skin colour and I have fallen in love with the Ole Orange (second in the picture below). This is an understated orange-red lipstick that seriously delivers luxe colour. The formula is creamy and is infused with Vitamin E so it is also hydrating.
The lipsticks are availabe in the UK from Boots (£12.00) and Debenhams (£14.00). (http://www.boots.com/en/Fashion-Fair-Lipstick_1040720/)
