As a beauty editor, you better believe that if there’s a new foundation, mascara or blusher in town, I’ll be queuing up to try it, but even I get moments where I want to play it natural. In my book nothing beats that no makeup glow and like most beauty experts the world over, I’d gladly trade in my well stocked make-up bag for a sprinkling of supermodel genetics. Wishful thinking aside, I’ve come to rely on a handful of ‘cheatments’ that allow me to go totally make-up free and feel totally confident doing so. All it takes is a little bit of beauty magic…
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1 Brow threading & tinting
I cannot stress enough the importance of good brows. The right brow shape will make your eyes look more awake, your cheekbones higher and even balance a strong jaw or a wide forehead. Despite being something of a late starter to the brow game, I'm now a complete convert and never cease to be amazed at the diffence between my face pre and post brows. I always take my brows to see Suman Brows for her signature threading and tinting treatment, not only do my brows looks far better but my enitre face appears lifted. If my naturally sparse brows can be taken to such levels then imagine what it could do for you…
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2 A galvanic wonder facial
Regular extractions are vital if i'm to keep my naturally oily skin blemish free and under control. The Face Place’s signature facial is the only extraction facial i've tried that doesn't irritate my skin or cause further breakouts. And it's all down to the magic of galvanic. With the extraction portion of the facial over quickly and painlessly, my skin is treated to a hydrating and rejuvinating solution of vitamin C and Zinc which, when turbocharged with a galvanic current is pushed deep into my skin to improve skin tone and texture. After an hour in the chair, my skin is brighter, firmer and noticeably smoother. The next morning an extra five minutes in bed wins over foundation hands down.
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3 Baby balayage
Let’s face it – who doesn’t feel brighter with freshly coloured hair? I spent years having highlights only to discover the skin-flattering, glowy, golden tones of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Gisele were in fact down to the beauty of balayage. Best described as a free-painting colouring technique, the aim is to look holiday-fresh all year round. And i'm all about that. I personally love a spot of 'baby balayage' (soft, subtle lifting around the hairline and front of my face) a couple of times a year to boost my complexion.
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4 Seasonal microdermabrasion
Twice a year I like to freshen up my complexion with a rejuvenating Microdermabrasion treatment. Not half as scary as it sounds, Microdermabrasion involves buffing away dead skin cells with oxygen and tiny crystal particles to reveal a healthier version of your complexion. I have it at the end of the summer when sun-damage is starting to rear its ugly head and also in March when winter has taken my skin to a very dull, sluggish place. As soon as I find myself reaching for foundation, I know it's time to book in. Does it hurt? No, it's an odd sensation but you'll feel no pain. Is there any downtime? Not really, you'll be flushed post treatment and need to wear a high SPF to protect your skin, that's all.
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5 LVL lash lift
LVL (that’s length-volume-lashes) are my beauty secret weapon. After wearing mascara nearly every day for the last ten years, this cunning little treatment has seen me chuck out my lash curlers and wave bye-bye to the mascara wand for good. Using a two-part perming and tinting process, LVL will give your lashes a semi-permanent curl and long-lasting colour from root to tip. It’s especially good for anyone with very fair eyelashes, as the dye will coat blonde lashes in a way mascara can’t. You’ll wake up every morning with fluffy, full lashes for up to six weeks.
FAQs
What are the benefits of brow threading and tinting?
Brow threading and tinting can make your eyes look more awake and define your facial features. The right brow shape helps balance a strong jaw or wide forehead, creating a lifted appearance for your entire face. Even people with naturally sparse brows can see a significant transformation.
How does a galvanic facial improve your skin?
A galvanic facial uses a gentle current to push hydrating solutions deep into your skin, improving tone and texture. This treatment combines quick, painless extraction for oily or blemish-prone skin with vitamin C and Zinc, leaving skin noticeably brighter, firmer, and smoother after just one hour.
What is baby balayage and how often should you get it?
Baby balayage is a subtle hair colouring technique that adds soft, glowy highlights mainly around the hairline and front of your face. This gentle lift enhances your complexion and gives a natural holiday-fresh look. Many choose to refresh baby balayage a couple of times a year.
Does microdermabrasion hurt and is there any downtime?
Microdermabrasion is generally not painful and feels more like an unusual sensation. After treatment, you might be flushed and must wear a high SPF, but there is no real downtime. It’s a popular choice to brighten and renew your complexion at the end of summer or winter.
How long does the LVL lash lift effect last?
The results of an LVL lash lift last for up to six weeks. This treatment uses a two-part perming and tinting process to give you curled, tinted lashes from root to tip, making it especially ideal for people with very fair eyelashes who want a natural, mascara-free look.