On Beauty

Keep it simple. Hell would freeze over before I took that advice sartorially but, in the case of skincare, its my mantra.

Tee shirt (20p, jumble sale), Flower power crimplene skirt (hand-made by me using fabric from Linda), Fake Litas (£5, local market), Age 10-11 opaque tights (3 for £1, off the market)

No sooner did I hit 30 than I became plagued with terrible skin, constant breakouts and dry, scaly patches. I wanted to cry every time I caught sight of myself in a mirror. I tried every high-end, over-priced and hyped-up skincare range on the market to no avail. Yes, the packaging looked lovely and the sales assistants were attentive & kind but the spots remained and all the products did were drain my bank account. In the end I chucked the lot away bought a basic range from Superdrug and, I swear, my skin cleared up almost overnight.

I'm no product junkie. This is my bathroom shelf. Own brand body butter, moisturiser, eye make-up remover, eye cream and facial wash  - I don't bother with a scrub, I just wash my face with a flannel. The crystal deodorant lasts a couple of years and the Lush Karma solid shampoo and Jungle conditioner only need replacing every six months. 

Here's where I keep (and apply) my make-up.

Linda made me the Vix card and the patchwork hoop. I owe my child-free state to this little chap.

I've never worn foundation. The thought of applying a layer of brown gunk to my face makes me feel a bit queasy. This radiance cream gives my face a golden shimmer and detracts from the flaws.

The shimmery streak on the right is the radiance cream. 

Once I find make-up I like I stick with it. I'm not interested in trends, miracle creams or celebrity endorsements although I splashed out on a tube of BB cream from Poundland, which I've yet to try! 

I've worn Barry M since it launched in 1982. Its cheap, cruelty free and the colours rock.

These pots of Barry M Dazzle Dust last for years. Tania bought me the liquid eye liner for my birthday. So many strangers have stopped me to ask the brand that I reckon Boots owe me commission.

Subtle colour? Not on your life! Since I went over to the dark side and become a raven-headed bird, vibrant eye shadow has become like crack - I can't live without it. These Sleek palettes are fantastic; cheap, cruelty free and they last for ages. La Dama (my make-up hero) gave me the one on the left.

That No7 shadow was the one I wore on Friday's blog post, it came free with a Boots voucher about three years ago. The cruelty-free Saffron shadows are 99p from an Asian beauty shop in town. I only ever wear crème blusher, never powder. 

I always apply my eye shadow with the applicator provided. Brushes are too messy.

I normally use real hair lashes from the Asian beauty shop, which last about a month. These Eylure ones were on offer last time I went shopping so I gave them a whirl. They're not bad but feel quite heavy compared to my usual brand. I don't bother with mascara, I dye my blonde lashes once a month.

This is the only perfume I use, Karma by Lush.

My nails are almost always by Barry M. I'm wearing Mint Green today.

Here's the skirt I'm wearing - as art. I made it on Saturday afternoon and wore it to the pub in the evening. The joy of dressmaking!

This isn't an advertisement for Barry M, Lush or Superdrug! I bought it all myself!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend.

See you soon.