'Get Set for Summer' with Venus

We have finally transitioned to Spring in London! The air smells different and days have lost their crisp coat-requiring edge- I even found myself with a brie baguette in Hyde Park for a work luncheon one day last week!

However, the clammy air has reminded me of the essential physical transformations induced by summer, from swapping boots for sandals to switching the make-up routine, this warmer requires far more body awareness than winter.

I will be undertaking the Venus 'Get Set for Summer' challenge, blowing away the winter dust to hopefully reveal a glowing goddess! Well, at least be able to bare my legs in the park this summer would be a great help. I was very kindly sent the above: Satin Care shave gel, Venus Embrace razor, Venus bikini trimmer, Paul & Joe blot paper, MaxFactor Sheer Gloss Balm and some oversized ASOS sunnies, all in a woven beach bag. I adore Venus products, after years of a pound a pack multi-coloured plastic razors from Boots, it was a most pleasant change to try the smooth shaving, non-nicking Venus razor. Shave gel is not totally necessary, but very much a luxury- legs are left deeply moisturised with a healthy sheen.

Has anyone else started any summer prep?

A 60s Face for Spring

The 60s is probably my favourite beauty era with it's dark flicked eyes, powder pale lips and spiky lashes. My everyday makeup look isn't too different to the above, but I added a few extremities to step out into the London night.

Face
Perhaps go a shade lighter than usual if your foundation library allows you the liberty? I used my usual colour but made sure to pat the skin with power to get a fully Matte finish.

I actually also applied a very light peach blusher (can't really detect in the above image) to give my chubby cheeks a little definition.

Eyes
I used YSL liquid liner. Start half way down the eyelid and paint slowly along the lash line before letting the brush flick out at the corner. Once you have the basic line you can build up it to achieve a bolder look.

Lashes were generally extreme in the 60s, long, thick and fluttery. I didn't have the time or patience to fiddle around with falsies, so instead dug out my old YSL false lash mascara. This is one of my favourite products, so this particular tube on its last legs. In fact a slightly dried up gloopy mascara is perfect for achieving a clumped lash, so don't throw yours away if they are less than 4 months old! I layered it on the top lashes and then dragged the brush left to right on my bottom lid to define and group the lashes.

Lip
I have a wide selection of nude lippies, but went with Rimmel 001 Nude Attitude. Top tip is to rub foundation over your lips before applying to intensify the colour and staying power.

Voila

Ready for the pub! Sadly 2 red wines later the nude lip was not looking quite so good- makes me wonder if I should make drink choices based on lipstick colour?

Review: MAC Wonder Woman Penultimate Eye Liner felt tip

Hurrah! I received this primary coloured package from my sis for my birthday. My one and only piece from the Mac Wonder Woman collection, and well chosen too, as dark eyeliner flicks are my signature make-up look. So how does it compare to my usual YSL liquid liner?

Shade: This only comes in one shade, black. The shade is perhaps not as dark as a liquid liner, I needed to go over the line twice to get it jet black.

Initial Impressions: Like my Max Factor lip pen, it looks exactly like a felt tip! No scent but super packaging, both box and product.

Application: I usually go for a streamlined liquid flick, and on seeing the chunkiness of the pen nib I instantly predicted thick, inaccurate application. This was not the case. The pen has been cut with a slim, precise point, meaning the line you draw onto the lid is very directional. It can be built into a chunky bold line, or alternatively tamed in to a gentle curve (see picture below). Easy to hold, the pen is much more manageable that other liquid eyeliners, and the user has better control over the result. A good one for beginners.

My one problem with the pen is that you don't get the natural tapered swish of liquid liner, you literally must draw sketch the flick yourself. Saying that, the look was still fairly simple to achieve with a steady hand.

Longevity: Whilst the eyeliner was still present at the end of the day, it was somewhat duller and would have required the refresh of a second coat had I been venturing out after work.

Verdict: A lovely alternative to liquid liner that I will use on lazy days , or to maximise and revamp my liner before evenings out. Precise and easy to use, this product will create bold liner looks with less fuss and mess than liquids or crayons; a great one for eyeliner novices.