If you must (S)wipe...

I've been sitting on this post for a while, for obvious reasons. When it comes to skincare, I'm a huge advocate of thorough cleansing and am not for one second suggesting that anyone replaces that with a quick (s)wipe. There are, however, certain circumstances when wipes are better than nothing - and in those, I suggest using some with decent ingredients that won't strip your skin.

I was completely ignorant to the downsides of wipes until I had babies with sensitive skin, which heavy fragrance and a shedload of harsh chemicals in big brand baby wipes would aggravate. Sadly, attaching 'baby' to a product name does not equal skin kind. When I discovered how great they are at removing carpet stains, that said it all really!

While I'm much more likely to use micellar water than reach for a wipe (Bioderma is a long term favourite though I've recently discovered the rather lovely Dolce & Gabbana Cleansing Water), I recognise that there are some circumstances where this is less than practical. Like travelling (in flight, you can obvs cleanse properly when you land!), camping, or when you've already fallen into bed after a big night and can't quite make it to the bathroom (not that this has EVER happened to me *cough*).

So lately I've been trying out some posh wipes, launched by skincare brands whose cleansers I'm already a fan of: Clinique Take the Day Off, Bioderma Sensibio H20 and Pixi Moisturising Cleansing Cloths. They all work in terms of removing most of my makeup... I needed 2-3 wipes per cleanse (and yes I did go in with a second cleanser each time).

I find the original Bioderma Micellar Water (£7 for 25) more effective than the wipes in terms of makeup removal - it really is hard to beat - but when carrying liquids is impractical, Bioderma Sensibio H20 wipes come in a close second. The packaging is the most compact (there's less of them) and the wipes are scented.

Pixi Moisturising Cleansing Cloths (£10 for 40) with aloe vera and camelia oil have very little scent and a long, narrow shape, so you can kind of work along them, moving onto a clean bit if you know what I mean. They are stretchy, durable and not too wet.

Clinique Take the Day Off cleansing oil is one of the best makeup removers I've tried, so I had high expectations for the Micellar Cleansing Towelettes (£16 for 50) and they don't disappoint. These were the most effective at removing stubborn eye makeup, whereas all three did a fairly even job at face makeup removal. They are slightly smaller (by a couple of cm) but the biggest pack.

If you don't feel like forking out so much, Yes to Cucumber Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes are my top budget option.

Just to emphasise, I do not recommend using face wipes regularly or long term - your face will thank you for a proper, thorough cleanse. Making this one change has made a bigger improvement to my skin than any single product.

I may have to follow this with a post on my favourite proper cleansers, just to balance things out!

So would you use wipes, do you already, never in a million? Leave me a note below... 


Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.

Escentric 02: we've got Chemistry.

My taste in perfumes has changed quite a bit in the last few years... I've evolved from an intense smokey, leathery lover into a fan of much brighter scents; the kind that make me feel good each time I apply them. 

I'd include Diptyque Philosykos and Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay (review of both) in this category, but in the past couple of months, have rarely strayed from my newest discovery, Escentric 02. Escentric Molecules perfumes are based on the art of chemistry - and this one has it in bags. I've owned the much hyped Molecule 01 for a few years and while I do like it, it doesn't make my heart sing like this one does. I guess that's where the chemistry comes in... these are perfumes that every individual will make a connection with - and like any chemistry, it can't be forced; it's either there or it isn't. 

Escentric 02 is described as fresh and sensual with a gin & tonic accord and hint of Austrian lemonade, which as you can imagine, make this the perfect Summer fragrance. It's designed around the aroma chemical, Ambroxan, with vetiver, hedione (green jasmine bud), muscone and orris incense. 

On first spritz, I was quite taken aback - and not in a particularly good way, more of an oh good lord what is this about kind of way. I think I was thrown a little as this is unlike any fragrance I've tried before - and yet after that initial moment, I was completely smitten. I've literally had to remind myself to give something else an occasional go ever since, mainly to avoid neglecting a fairly substantial perfume collection. 

I know, I'm supposed to be telling you about this rather than just how much I love it, so will try to summarise...

To me this is a green, outdoorsy, unisex scent with herbal and citrus notes; the vetiver and gin & tonic elements are all there. It's energetic in a feel like I could take on the world way, rather than a manic, caffeine overload way - and very joyful. If you're after a Monday blues blitzer, this is it, though I'll take that feel good-ness any day of the week. It also has a subtle sensual side, thanks to the musk and green jasmine bud. Chemistry: we've got it. 

Obviously other people do wear this (if you love it as much as I do, I'd love to know in the comments), but it's not one I've smelt on anyone else and is unlike anything you'll find in your average department store. Which always adds to the appeal for me. 

Escentric 02 is available in 30/100ml and the most economical way to try it (as I did with Molecule 01) is to buy the 30ml travel size refill with no case.  Find all sizes at Liberty, Harvey Nichols and Cult Beauty. 

Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.

Stop and Smell the Roses

A beauty routine is as much about pleasure as functionality in my book... it's good to savour those few moments of me time each day. Or in this case, stop and smell the roses...

If you like quite a full-on rose scent, Argan+ Moroccan Rose Age Protect Day Cream with aloe vera, peach kernal oil and vitamin E, is well priced with a lovely texture and quality ingredients, currently on offer here.

My latest spritz to refresh and tone tired, dull skin is Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist. I love the sculpted white opaque bottle which I like to store in the fridge for an early morning (or afternoon slump) rose-scented wake up call. A great alternative to the much pricier Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist.

Although lightweight on the skin, Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum is deeply hydrating and adds radiance. Made with jojoba, glycerin and rose flower extract, this is delicately scented and leaves my skin looking and feeling extra dewy.

I've been a closet fan of Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist for many moons and keep a bottle of Liquid Nude boxed in a dark cupboard for special occasions. (Not that I'm trying to hide it - this is just a great way to keep perfume fresh for as long as possible!). If you love sensual, delicate skin scents, this line is really worth checking out. Limited edition Liquid Cashmere Blush is really special - soft, musky and clean all at once, with mandarin, muguet, jasmine sambac and Turkish rose petals. Find it at Harrods or Donna Karan (ships internationally).

Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.

The Glamour Spring Edit: Latest in Beauty

I try a lot of beauty boxes and rarely think they're worth sharing with my readers, but the Latest in Beauty Glamour Spring Edit is a real gem. Collated by Glamour magazine Beauty Ed, Alessandra Steinherr (worth a stalk on Instagram), it features 7 hero products including makeup, skincare and fragrance. Worth almost £80, you can get your hands on this lot for just £14.99.

Inside...

MAKEUP & FRAGRANCE

Rosie for Autograph Nuit Parfum EDP - the perfect handbag-sized rose and jasmine fragrance.

MUA Luxe Eye Shadow Palette (available in two shades) - star of the show and worth of swooning (it's coming)

Bare Minerals Bare Skin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF20 - this gives an inperceptible skinlike finish with a light to medium coverage and I'm hooked. Why have I not tried this before? Totally picking up the full size.

Illamasqua Precision Ink Eyeliner - I'm not great at liquid liner but this one is the most user friendly I've tried. Not sure that I really suit the look, but even I thought my flicks were on fleek!

 SWATCHES

I couldn't not show you how these shadows look on the skin as I still can't get over them. Mine is Paradise: Plush Plum & Copper (the alternative is Utopia, which looks more neutral; don't think you get a choice). The colours look a little softer here as I photographed them in sunlight to give you an idea of the shimmer and hadn't used any primer. On the eyes they have even better colour payoff (with primer): think 2-3 times the pigmentation you see here. I know MUA is not an expensive brand, but I think the whole box is worth it for this palette alone... copper and bronze eyes for days. 

HAIR & SKINCARE 

Three brands that I really believe in - and these are generous travel sizes rather than throw away samples.

Moroccanoil Treatment Light - treats dryness and adds gloss without weighing down my hair (and smells gorgeous).

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser - designed for use 2-3 times a week, this helps skin look brighter and feel more hydrated. I've used this before and I like. The box includes a £10 gift card for Murad (no minimum spend).

Malin & Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer - oil-free and vitamin packed, this is great for sensitive skin and has a light, silky texture. A great way to try this lovely brand at a fraction of the price.

Not a single dud in the Latest in Beauty Glamour Spring Edit Box, a great way to try new brands or sort your holiday beauty bits in one go. 

* EDIT: This box is no longer available - check out the current Latest in Beauty Collections here. * 



Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.

KIKO Limited Edition Trend Collection with Lovegrove

KIKO's new limited edition Trend Summer Collection for Summer 2016 comes encased in striking textured rose gold, the creation of futuristic designer, Ross Lovegrove. Reassuringly weighty with magnetic clasps, built-in mirrors and great attention to detail, this collection could easily pass for high end luxury makeup. Prices start at just £8.90.

The blush and bronzer compacts are particularly pretty, but my top pick is the Mirage Lip Stylo. Of all the lipsticks I own, KIKO are among my most used - I'm such a fan of both the creamy and matte formulas. The only downside to falling for them is that they're often limited edition and sell out quickly. 

I have three of the new shades and they don't disappoint. Creamy, well pigmented and very comfortable on the lips, these are designed to offer 3 benefits in 1 product: the colour payoff of lipstick, shine of gloss and comfort of a balm. The ergonomically designed rose gold packaging has that oh so satisfying magnetic closure and lasting power on the lips is pretty good. 



This is a single layer of the KIKO Mirage Lip Stylo lipsticks in 11, 8 & 10 (from top). They look opaque in two swipes. 11 is fuchsia that leans more purple than pink, 8 a deep red and 10 is my favourite - mauve brown with a hint of berry. 

KIKO Trend Collection: Summer 2016

The full KIKO Limited Edition Trend Collection for Summer 2016 is available now here. (Not sure I can resist that rose gold pochette!)

Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.

The Spring Nail Edit

My taste in nail polish fluctuates so much with the seasons... I literally can't abide corals, hot pinks and pastels in Winter, yet adore them in Spring when I suddenly yearn to inject pops of colour into my wardrobe, home, lips, nails - you name it. 

Spring colours are all about the feel good factor when we glance down at a bright glossy mani. I've edited my nail picks down to six, with two brights, two pastels and a metallic. If you're not a fan of bright fingernails, these look equally good on toes. 

That perfect powder blue on my thumb is Royal Ascot by True Brit London, beautifully packaged luxe polishes made with elderflower & white rose, vitamin E and natural flower oils. These are 9-free (no nasties so they're nail-kind) and this grown up pastel will look gorgeous with a tan. 

I'm a big fan of Topshop nail polishes and Nails in Hayden, a dark teal blue, is part of a collection inspired by Topshop's SS16 denim. I absolutely love this shade and know I'll be wearing it lots this Spring/Summer... I have it on in this pic. (Love the look of the actual matching jeans too, esp the metallic ones!) 

Barry M's new Molten Metal collection is basically liquid metal in nail polish form... Bronze Bae is my top pick, with Copper Mine coming in a close second. See me wearing Bronze Bae on all of my nails here. The application and finish of these is dreamy.

If you love mega brights then Vinyle by Kure Bazaar is the one. The intensity of this shade verges on neon coral while remaining classy... I've been wearing it on my toes the past month and as always, the eco-natural Kure formula is gorgeous. 

I've been reaching for Nails Inc Gel Effect in Soho Gardens when I want a quiet-yet-not-nude mani. This mauve toned pastel pink is enriched with hydrating coconut water, but best of all, it's really pretty and sophisticated.

Sorry that I ran out of fingers to swatch Rosie Fortescue for Nailed London in Citron-Ella, but trust me, this is the best pastel lemon I've tried and the smooth, glossy formula is excellent... I'll definitely be trying more from this line. 

So I know I said my edit was down to six, but I was scrolling through instagram just now and spied a few more beauts I've been wearing that deserve a mention here... Dolce & Gabbana Turquoise (insta swatch), coralicious Essie Tart Deco (insta), China Glaze EverGlaze What's the Coral-ation (insta) and the divine Barry M Lolly Gloss (insta).

Which nail colours do you like in Spring?

Underwear for the Face

 

I'm a big believer in what lies beneath when it comes to makeup. I've touched on primers and dewy glow givers before, but today I want to mix things up a bit. While I often go straight from moisturiser to foundation, there are days when my face needs a little something extra to bolster it.

This line-up includes gems that help even out my skin tone, add a little colour, smooth things over and add radiance.

Kinda like spanx for makeup. Underwear for the face. A base for my base...

RADIANCE: Pixi Glowtion Day Dew is an illuminating lightweight moisturiser. I might use this on its own in a rush, but usually add it to moisturiser or apply over a hydrating serum. It has a pearly pink gleam which adds radiance through foundation... I sometimes pat a little extra as a final step for a pretty cheekbone highlight.

EVEN SKIN TONE: Paul & Joe Protective Foundation Primer does a lot more than your average primer. It's slightly tinted to instantly even skin tone, has a subtle glow (much more subtle than Pixi, but it's there), moisturises and protects with SPF30. Oh and it helps foundation stay put for longer. I use shade 02, which is just enough to make my skin look slightly perfected, like a light tinted moisturiser with built in glow.

COLOUR: This Works Energy Bank Sun Flash contains vitamins, hyaluronic acid and natural caramel for a moisture boosting golden glow. I use this under foundation to match my face to a self tanned body or mix a drop to deepen a pale Winter shade. I've also applied it on cheekbones as a cream bronzer, with fingers or a brush. It looks quite deep in the swatch but is very natural looking when blended on the skin... you could even use it to make your own tinted moisturiser.

SMOOTH: Hylamide HA Blur simultaneously hydrates and blurs the appearance of skin using hyaluronic acid powders rather than the traditional silicones, making it suitable for all skin types and compatible with all makeup. I'd describe the texture as a cross between a primer and balm, which evens the skin's surface, blurring the appearance of pores and fine lines. It can be applied under/over or mixed with foundation (I go for under). This genuinely does make my skin look smoother and foundation looks extra WOW on top. It's the latest release from The Abnormal Beauty Company aka Deciem, who you've heard me rave about before; the science behind their products is second to none. 

I know it's odd to show swatches of non makeup products, but I felt it was the only way I could illustrate the texture and how they look on the skin. Not easy to capture but hopefully gives you some idea of what to expect if you're thinking of trying one of these.


Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.

Aveeno #InsideAndOat - An Update

Today I'm reporting back on my #InsideandOat challenge after a week of using Aveeno skincare and following a healthy eating and lifestyle plan. I like to think I'm fairly healthy most of the time, but it's been good to have access to expert advice and take a more holistic approach.

HEALTHY EATING

Natasha Corrett, alkaline chef and Honestly Healthy founder, provided recipes for this challenge, which I incorporated into my diet. My top picks were Beetroot, Fennel & Goats Cheese Salad, Wild Rocket Pesto Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad and Chickpea Oat Burgers. I've really enjoyed fuelling my body with such healthy and delicious food... I did have a few treats too (I'm only human!) but it's all about balance. Eating well most of the time definitely shows both on my skin and in my energy levels.

EXERCISE

I've reintroduced exercise with a mix of cardio, yoga and walking after a year off due to carpal tunnel syndrome. If you're new to exercising, I found some great YouTube videos with clear, easy to follow instructions, such as Yoga with Adriene's beginner's class  and FitnessBlender Cardio for beginners. I've enjoyed the feel good factor from this part of the challenge - the workouts have set me up for the day and boosted my metabolism.

SKINCARE

Aveeno skincare is made with oats to gently cleanse and moisturise dry, sensitive and irritated skin. The moisturising products are fast absorbing, non greasy and hydrate for 24 hours.

I've been using the rich, creamy Aveeno Body Wash every day in the shower to cleanse without drying... this leaves my skin feeling comfortable and doesn't strip it at all. I follow this with Aveeno Moisturising Creamy Oil, which feels like an extra silky body moisturiser thanks to the Sweet Almond Oil content, which also smells great. It sinks in as quickly as lotion but provides the extra nourishment of an oil and leaves a lovely sheen on my skin. This has made a definite improvement to my post-Winter dry shins and ankles, just in time for the sunshine!

Daily Moisturising Lotion also comes in a pump bottle, which I love for quick and easy use. I keep this one in my bedroom as a spare (no excuse not to moisturise) and think normal or sensitive skins will enjoy this, though my dry limbs benefit most from the Moisturising Creamy Oil.

Aveeno Hand Cream has stayed on my desk so that I remember to reapply regularly. For me, this is key to actually using hand cream... storing it in a cupboard or drawer means it just doesn't get used! My hands and cuticles are very prone to dryness and I find this cream helps keep them soft and smooth. My daughter keeps a tube next to her bed and has been using it since long before I began this challenge - Aveeno is one of the few products she trusts not to sting.

A more disciplined and holistic approach to healthy eating and exercising has helped me feel good and had a positive effect on my energy and concentration levels. I'm a firm believer that a healthy diet helps boost healthy skin as much as skincare - and this challenge has been a reminder to pay as much attention to the skin on my body as I do my face - on a daily basis. My skin feels smoother with less dry patches (I also exfoliated) and it was great to feel well prepped for this week's eek I need to self tan moment on the first warm sunny day of the year!

As I said in last week's post, my family and I have been using Aveeno body products for 8 years and won't be stopping any time soon. Our regulars are the Bath & Shower Oil and Aveeno Cream (suitable from 3 months old), though the Moisturising Creamy Oil is a firm new favourite. I recommend them for any skin type, particularly if you're prone to dryness or sensitivity.

Find out more about the full range of Aveeno products at aveeno.co.uk (there are lots!) and follow them on Facebook here. 

* This post was sponsored by Aveeno *

Bobbi Brown Beach Nudes: Sunkissed Pink Review & Swatches

Bobbi Brown Beach Nudes Collection

The Bobbi Brown Beach Nudes Collection is all about enhancing a sunkissed glow. It includes 3 limited edition Eye Palettes in Pink, Nude and Gold and Sheer Lip Colours in Peach Sorbet, Pink Gold and Boho Breeze.

Stone Street bronzer, (above) is a bit deep for my colouring, but if you like very natural looking 100% matte bronzer, I'd urge you to try Bobbi Brown as theirs is the best I've tried and comes in 8 shades (I like Golden Light).

I struggle to find a really good peach lipstick that doesn't look too young or sickly sweet and Peach Sorbet is perfect... a very pretty, semi-sheer shade with a moisturising formula.

Bobbi Brown Beach Nudes Sunkissed Pink Eye Palette

Sunkissed Pink Eye Palette (check that rose gold packaging) includes four versatile shades that work from day to evening. If you're a little timid about pink eye shadow, this is a great place to start as the pink is very soft and looks barely deeper than my skin tone.

Bobbi Brown Sunkissed Pink Swatches

The metallic bronze shade is gorgeous and can be applied with a fluffy brush for a light wash of colour, packed on for more intensity (my swatch shows two passes of colour) or used wet for a foil like finish. I like to use Smashbox Primer Water for extra staying power, though regular water works too. 

The cream and dark bitter chocolate (almost a charcoal brown) are matte and the pink gives a soft wash of colour with fine shimmer. I like to start with a wash of cream, add the pink all over my lid, then bronze on the outer 2/3 and finish with the dark brown as smoked out liner. 

While the above swatches are on bare skin, on my eyes I've been wearing these colours over MAC Prep & Prime, which does a great job at keeping shadow crease free and in place all day.  

I'm wearing the eye and lip colours in this pic. 

Bobbi Brown Beach Nudes Collection is available now in the UK and the US.

Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.

Top 6 Face Makeup Brushes

I have a real weakness for makeup brushes and own a ridiculous number, most of which I'm very attached to. I made myself narrow things down to five for this post, which turned into six as I slipped one in that's so small you'd hardly notice it. I could have included many more, but thought you'd be most interested in those that actually live in my makeup bag and are used daily. Others come and go, but all of these have been in continual use for at least six months, some for several years.

There was a time when I didn't use makeup brushes at all (lord knows what I looked like) and a long time when I only had three, all by ELF: a flat topped kabuki, blush brush and eye shadow brush. They cost about £1.50 each, opened up a whole new world to me and cut my morning makeup routine by at least half. (I still own that blush brush btw... it's ace.)

I once won a huge set of brushes that sat in a box for months because there were no labels on them and I literally didn't know where to begin. Moral of the story: it doesn't matter what the label on a brush says it's for - use it however works for you.

Aaaannnd back to my Top Six...

1. PIN POINT CONCEALING: Real Techniques Fine Liner - this teensy brush may not look like much but its super skinny, firm-ish tip is ace for helping achieve a flawless base. I'm prone to lots of tiny imperfections rather than a few big ones (not sure which is more annoying) and using this makes a huge difference to how well my skin looks. NB I only do this when I really want to look my best (that'd be every day but who has the time?). 

To use: Pop a little concealer on back of hand, dip the tip of brush into it and tap onto blemish until covered. Dab with finger tip to remove any excess & pat until blended, or finish with a small fluffy brush. Set with powder to hold in place. 

2. FOUNDATION: Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face & Touch Up - this double ended brush was a limited edition and I'm over the moon that both ends are now available as individual brushes. If you only buy one makeup brush and love a polished base, treat yourself to Full Coverage Face. 

Full Coverage Face is your answer to the perfected complexion of dreams. It buffs liquid foundation (or BB, tinted moisturiser etc) into the skin more smoothly and seamlessly than any other brush I've tried, is perfectly curved to fit the face's contours, just the right density and velvety soft. 

To use: Buff foundation in small circular movements until all product is blended into the skin. 

Full Coverage Touch Up essentially does the exact same thing with concealer... allowing you to reach the inner corners of eyes, up to the lower lash line and around the curves of your nose, both to apply and buff in concealer with an invisible finish. 

To use: Pat concealer into skin where needed with a tapping movement, then use tiny circular movements to buff the product in.

3. FOUNDATION (£ option): Real Techniques Buffing Brush - a kinda budget option as it works out cheaper than the Bobbi Brown one, but you do have to buy an entire set of Real Techniques brushes (Core Collection) to get your hands on it. I've owned this brush since it launched a few years ago and used it almost daily. I bought another last year to rotate with and still alternate these with Bobbi Brown Full Coverage. It essentially does a similar (almost as good) job and comes a very close second. My sister bought one last week and finally gets it! 

4. BLUSH: Studio 10 Cheek brush - I'm very fussy when it comes to blush brushes... I find that most are too big (apply colour over too large an area) or too dense (apply too much product). I was so happy to find this one with a smallish brush and loose bristles that pick up just the right amount of colour, are angled to fit cheekbones and 'splay out' just enough to blend. The other end is a bit bigger, rounder and a little looser again, perfect for small amounts of powder or softening the edges of blusher for a really natural finish. 

To use: tap product with tips of bristles and swirl blush onto cheekbones/apples/however you like it!

5. POWDER: EcoTools Bamboo Powder Brush - I've raved about this one multiple times as I've used it for years and like it for a lot of the same reasons I love the Studio 10 blush brush. It's not too big and is super soft and fluffy/floppy so it doesn't pick up too much too much powder. I hate heavy powder, so am always looking for the most natural finish I can get - and this delivers. Works equally well on loose powder (fave) or pressed ones like my Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette. This is the cheapest brush of the lot at just £9.99 and washes up beautifully.

To use: dip into loose or swirl in pressed powder, press product onto skin then swirl to spread evenly and remove any excess. 

6. BRONZER: Real Techniques Duo Fibre Face Brush - Dense at the core with long wispy tips that prevent over application of bronzer and blend beautifully. This works well for both powder and bronzer. It comes in a set of 3 (in new colours) that includes a great blush brush, so essentially you have powder, bronzer and blush covered for £19.99. Bargain.

To use: dip tips into product and stroke across skin, swirling outwards to blend any harsh edges. 

Well that turned out to be a bit of a mammoth post but I felt it was important to explain why I like each brush and how I use it, as I know that a lot of people find makeup brushes overwhelming, especially those just starting a collection. 

If you fancy getting into the real nitty gritty of makeup brushes, I can recommend the Ultimate Guide to Makeup Brushes and Tools by Anna Hunter of Get the Gloss (one of my fave beauty reads), who believes the right tools 'can help you to achieve the kind of airbrushed finish that graces the covers of glossy magazines'. 

PS I've finally got mobile comments fixed *YAY* and would love to hear from you... please tell me about your personal favourites (and why you love them).

Products featured on Strawberry Blonde Beauty include press samples. See my full disclaimer here.