Bronzer 101 – By Jen Williams

Bronzer 101

I don’t wear bronzer, which may shock some of you. So I have asked my lovely friend Jen (@twopinkpeonies) to write a guest blog for me this week. I am trying to badger her into starting a beauty blog – go and tell her she should do it!!

Over to you Jen:

I’ve never met a bronzer I didn’t like: Light ones, dark ones, orange ones, brown ones, cheap ones, expensive ones, shimmery ones, matte ones; it doesn’t matter to me, just get it on my face; my ears; my neck; my décolletage; my shoulders; even my feet. Yes, even my feet, but that’s a story for another day.

Bronzer is one of those magical products that has the power to make me feel a foot taller and a stone slimmer. A little more the girl from Ipanema and a little less Jenny from Enfield. I like to use it to add some dimension to the round face my parents kindly bestowed upon me. It adds definition where I don’t have any and really lifts my complexion.

I started dabbling with bronzer at quite a young age, brushing it manically all over my face whilst of course forgetting to colour match my ears and neck; that look was all the rage in Southgate in the early noughties dontcha know! I wish someone would have told me how to apply bronzer “correctly” when I was a teen, dusting bronzer over the forehead, temples, cheeks and jawline in the shape of a number 3 each side, so I could have been a sophisticated teen rather than looking like I’d spent 8 weeks in the Costa del Sol. The only thing is, I know that now at the ripe old age of 27 and yet, some days my fingers still get possessed by the spirit of the Costa’s (mainly Anthony Costa) and I leave the house somewhat overly bronzed.

There is a bronzer to suit everybody, whether you’re an English Rose or a Scottish Thistle (that’s not really a thing, is it?). I would urge anyone taking their first steps into the wonderful world of bronze to purchase a light, matte bronzer as it will be far more forgiving as you practice and I urge anyone at any level of makeupdom knowledge to steer clear of using bronzers containing shimmer on your face because looking like you’ve fallen asleep head first in a strippers cleavage is never a good look.

Am I saying that you need to be tanned to be beautiful? Absolutely not! The author of this very blog, the lovely Lex, doesn’t wear bronzer and she is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen in real life. Bronzer isn’t for everyone, but give it a go and see what you think. What’s the worst that can happen?

I suppose I had better recommend some bronzers while I’m here, then, eh?

Rimmel Natural Bronzer £5.99 HERE

MAC Bronzing Powder £20 HERE

Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder £6.99 HERE

NARS Bronzing Powder £26 HERE

Go forth & bronze.

Jen x


Thank you so much for guesting on my blog, Jen. I loved your post! It has maybe tempted me into trying some bronzer. Next time I see you, bronze me up!

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Claire’s Accessories lipstick Baby Pink

Claires Accessories lipstick Baby Pink

Claire’s Accessories lipstick Baby Pink

Let it be known: I am a reformed make up snob. I would never have thought I would buy make up from Claire’s and be impressed but this lipstick has seriously won me over.

I threw away the packaging before I noted down the name (why don’t companies print the names on things?) so I’m saying that it’s ‘Baby Pink’ but who knows?

Anyway! This is a lipstick that is a bright baby pink, almost lilac colour. It’s very creamy and lasts quite well. It does have quite a strong smell, quite plastic-y. I don’t mind that so much but if you’re super sensitive to scents then maybe stay away.

I am in love with this colour and might keep an eye out in Claire’s for other shades…

Have you tried any Claire’s make up?

EDIT Feb 2016: It doesn’t look like this lipstick is available in this forma,t, but this lipstick looks pretty similar HERE.

Lex

Claire’s Accessories lipstick Baby Pink Claire’s Accessories lipstick Baby Pink Claire’s Accessories lipstick Baby Pink Claire’s Accessories lipstick Baby Pink

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Rebuy or Bye Bye #1

Rebuy or Bye Bye #1

Rebuy or Bye Bye #1: July/August

This is my first empties post. Empties posts are quite controversial in the bloggersphere: some hate them and see them as pointless and gross. I, on the other hand, find them fascinating. They are mini-reviews in the themselves plus, when you consider how many products us beautyphiles use, it’s pretty amazing to actually finish products!

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NSPA Beauty Rituals Range

NSPA Beauty Rituals Range

NSPA Beauty Rituals Range

Want to hear all about an affordable skincare range that’s available from a supermarket?

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5 Product Face Challenge

5 Product Face Challenge

5 Product Face Challenge

I’m not going to lie when I first contemplated the 5 Product Face Challenge it filled me with fear. I usually have an 8 or 9 (or 10 – 15…) product face so this was always going to be tough. Luckily I was working at home today so my panic was quite short-lived!

So, in order, my 5 product face is as follows:

  • Rimmel ‘Lasting Finish’ foundation.  Base was my obvious first choice as, due to my rosacea, I would never ever consider a make up look without foundation.
  • Collection ‘Lasting Perfection’ concealer. My under eye bags are dreadful and I think concealer under your eyes is one of the easiest way to brighten your whole face.
  • Soap & Glory ‘Archery’ eyebrow pencil. As a blonde with very fair eyebrows I *needed* brow products!
  • Sleek ‘Sweet Cheeks’ blush palette (I used ‘Cupcake’). After covering my rosacea redness, I needed something to put some life back into my cheeks.
  • Rimmel ‘Scandaleyes’ mascara. Again, blonde hair is a curse!

I don’t think this look is too bad for 5 products, but I definitely won’t be making the 5 product face a regular thing. I doubt this would last long without my primer and powder and I miss eyeshadow and lipstick!

What would you choose for your 5 product face?

Lex

(This was for the #supergorgeoussept challenge on instagram. If you want to see my other pictures or are doing it as well, come say hi – my name is talontedlex on instagram 🙂

5 Product Face Challenge

 

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Welcome to Talonted Lex, the go-to online destination for anyone seeking guidance and inspiration on managing rosacea.

From rosacea skincare tips and sensitive skin makeup tutorials to lifestyle adjustments for rosacea relief. Whether you’re looking for the best rosacea treatments, gentle skincare routines, or just a supportive community that understands your skin concerns, Talonted Lex is your ultimate guide.