Buyapowa Bargains

I have posted about individual offers on 'Buyapowa' before, but wanted to do another post about the site, as they have got some great beauty co-buys lined up over the next few weeks. If you haven't heard of 'Buyapowa' before, it is a web-site that invites the public to suggest items that they wish to purchase. The buying team then do their best to source the items and negotiate a discounted price. Once the items go live on the site, the price drops as more people opt in to the co-buy. A simple but perfect idea. I have made some great purchases from the site, all with really good discounts: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (£8 off); Benefit 'They're Real' Beyond Mascara (£7.50 off); Shu Uemura eyelash curlers (£6 off).

I really like the fact that the site lists forthcoming co-buys, so you can be notified as soon as particular items go live, thus minimising your chances of missing out on a great beauty bargain. Future co-buys include 'Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge and 'Liz Earle' Superskin Concentrate. Although saying that, the site isn't just limited to beauty buys. If you want it, you can suggest a co-buy for it. Recent items have included everything from HP printers to bike lights. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to 'Buyapowa'!

Bobbi Brown Beauty Masterclass

A few weeks ago I was invited to a Bobbi Brown 'Christmas Beauty' masterclass being led by the company's Head of Artistry in the U.K., Paul Herrington. The event took place in John Lewis' Cardiff store.

Paul and the other lovely ladies and gents from 'Bobbi Brown' had taken over the Espresso Bar, where we were invited to relax with a glass of something fizzy and a mince pie. Perfect to get us in the festive mood! There was a real range of ladies at the event, from teenagers to grandmothers, and that reflects the approach that the brand has.

Paul talked us through his 10 key products from Bobbi Brown, which he thinks are essentials. Unfortunately, I lost my notebook which had my notes from the evening, so I haven't got all the details of the products. But I have been really impressed with the products that I bought on the evening, so I still wanted to post about the event.

I really enjoyed the format of the evening. Firstly, Paul demonstrated the products on members of the group on stage and took questions from the floor. The second part of the evening was where we were invited to sit at tables named after Hollywood stars and to have small-group consultations with one of the makeup artists, where we could ask more individual questions and get our hands on the products to try them

Here are some of the key products that Paul talked about over the course of the evening:

• Hydrating Face Cream - Bobbi believes that the most important skincare step is ensuring hydration, and this product is designed to provide hydration throughout the day. 

• Foundation Stick - this is one of Bobbi Brown's most well-known and award-winning products, which is designed for all skin types except really oily skin. This is great for giving easy coverage on the go.

• Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner - this is another one of Bobbi's products which has won many awards, including an 'InStyle Best Beauty Buys' award. This long-lasting and water-resistant product gives the look of a liquid liner, but with a gel feel. This is definitely going on my 'to-buy' list.

• Long-Wear Cream Eye Shadow

• Metallic Long-Wear Cream Eye Shadow - this still gives the long-lasting coverage of the original cream eyeshadow, but with an added sparkle

• Pastel Sugar Sparkle Eye Quad - this is part of the brand's Christmas Collection. The sparkly, sheer texture of these shadows means that they are great for layering over neutral shades such as 'Long-Wear Cream Eye Shadow' in 'Bone', to take you from a day to an evening look.

• Shimmer Brick - This is perhaps one of Bobbi's most iconic products, and it is fair to say that there were more than a few fans of the product in the room. The shimmer bricks have 5 different bars of colour, which work together to give the skin a glow. The product can be used as a highlighter and shimmer eye shadow. There are 5 options: the original Bronze Shimmer; Pink Quartz Shimmer; Nectar Shimmer; Rose Shimmer and Beige Shimmer. 

• Pot Rouge - This fantastic cream-based blush comes in five different shades. Paul recommended 'Powder Pink' as being suitable for my colouring, so I added it to my shopping list. I have been using this nearly everyday since, and I love it! It gives a really natural flush to the skin, and can also be used on the lips. It also transpires that it is the blush used by my good friend Liz, whose blusher I always love. It was obviously meant to be!

I also purchased one of Bobbi's new high shimmer lipglosses in 'Bellini' (a nude pink and silver pearl). I really like this product as it gives a subtle shimmer effect, and without the sticky finish that so many glosses can leave. 

Have you tried any of the products on the list? How did you find them?

Lou Lou Chats: Q & A with Makeup Artist Jinty Day

At my recent photo shoot for 'Red' magazine, my makeup was done by the lovely Jinty Day, who is a makeup artist who bases herself in Cardiff and Swansea. After the shoot I decided to do a quick Q & A with Jinty to find out a bit more about her work.

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Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a professional make up artist with a wealth of experience in the industry. Having lived and worked in London for five years doing catwalk shows, fashion shoots etc. I returned to South Wales. As a freelance makeup  artist I travel all over doing different types of make up, from weddings to photo shoots. I am also in the process of opening up an academy of makeup, which will be up and running by January.

An example of Jinty's work

What's the one product you can't live without?

I would say the product I can't live without would be Mac 'Face and Body', as it is so important to get the base right. I also love the Bobbi Brown long lasting gel eye-liners and the Dior Addict lip gloss

What's your number 1 beauty tip?

My number 1 beauty tip would be fresh, clean-looking skin. Once the skin is perfected, everything else falls into place.

Have you got any style/beauty inspirations?

I would say there are many style/ beauty inspirations. One in particular would be a makeup artist called Rae Morris. Her work is out of this world.

An example of Rae Morris' work from her website. Source - www.raemorris.com

Do you have a signature look that you do?

I don't have one signature look in particular, as I think it is good to be quite versatile. But I do try to focus especially on perfecting the skin and giving the brows a good strong shape.

What's your makeup motto?

My makeup motto would be "Practise makes perfect."

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love the variety of my job, and I get to meet lots of great people. One day I can be teaching a private lesson or doing a wedding, then I could be doing a fabulous photo shoot. Every day is different.

Another example of Jinty's work

What's been your most memorable moment as a makeup artist?

My most memorable moment? This one is hard, as there are so many. It would probably have to be London Fashion Week. There is always such an amazing atmosphere - a buzz in the air.

Have you got any beauty pet peeves?

I would say it has to be when people get the wrong colour and texture of foundation. Foundation shouldn't be used to give you a tan. It should match your skin tone.

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If you want to find out more about Jinty, then check out her website www.jintyday.co.uk