Face of the Month

Hello beauties. I've been really switching up my makeup base lately between mineral foundations and mixing my own tinted moisturisers but I think I've finally settled on my everyday face for this time of year.

I wanted to keep things as sheer as possible because the sun has been out and the 'melted cake face look' isn't a good one! No matter what base I've worn, my trusty Lily Lolo Mineral Concealer is the perfect partner in crime. (read my review of the concealer here) 

Step 1 // Moisturise
To create a dewy base I've been moisturising with Jojaba Oil, this was too heavy for my skin at first and made me oily but using a couple of drops, rubbing it in my hands then gently patting it on seems to do the trick.

Step 2 // Prime
Priming with Aloe Vera Gel is so easy, it minimises pores and absorbs into the skin so quickly which makes a perfect smooth base.

Step 3 // Base
I've fallen back in love with my Body Shop Tea Tree BB Cream. The coverage is better than most and it benefits the skin whilst it's on.

Step 4 // Conceal
A mineral concealer gives great coverage and lasts all day, it saves having to use powder to set makeup and is great for a 'soft focus' look, especially under the eyes. I find Lily Lolo has slightly more coverage and better shade choices than Bare Minerals, it's also much cheaper! I apply it with the Eco Tools Concealer Brush.

Step 5 // Minimal eye makeup
For my spring/summer eyes I have been saving a lot of time by just using my FAVOURITE ever mascara, Maybeline The Great Lash in Very Black on the top lashes only, with a clear mascara on the bottom to separate. Sometimes I leave it at that but might add a small line of eyeliner on the outer corner to create the illusion of thicker lashes. The Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Liner is my current favourite.

Step 6 // Bold lips 
Because there is no colour on the eyes or cheeks this is the perfect time to whip out those bold lippies. Although Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 08 is quite safe I am totally in love with it. I wanted a Kylie Jenner colour without going to Mac (as they test on animals.) The lipstick really does last and seems to leave a slight stain on my lips without wearing off completely until I take my makeup off.

The look is so quick and simple, just what I need in the mornings before a full day in the office. All the products are fairly natural and allow my skin to breath during the day.

A selfie of the finished look

Leave a comment with your favourite look.

Little Lottie

XO

DIY Foundation

As most of you know I don't wear foundation, it's just the feeling of having an unnatural layer over my skin that I don't like and I haven't yet found a foundation that I'm in love with, so, I made my own. 

It's hard to find a foundation free of nasty chemicals that's also in a pale shade for an "English Rose" like me. Parabens are one chemical that is now banned in several countries but works as a preservative for liquids cosmetics to stop them growing bacteria. A natural alternative would be lavender oil but the beauty industry hasn't caught on yet. 

Using mineral makeup means that the products don't need to contain preservatives as they are mostly dry. A lot of people therefore use mineral makeup and it is great however doesn't always provide very full coverage and often clings to dry patches so the alternative is to mix it! 

Combining a natural/organic moisturiser that doesn't contain a load of unnecessary rubbish with a mineral powder/concealer makes a lovely foundation! 

All you need is a little pot to mix it and store it in, like these. You can pick these up online and in most drugstores. 

To make the mix I used my favourite moisturiser by Faith in Nature with a bit of Lily Lolo concealer in Blondie. This was a little too pale for me so I added some Bare Minerals Multi Tasking Concealer in Bisque to warm it up. The beauty of making your own foundation is that you can keep going until you reach your perfect shade! None of the tester rubbish needed. 

Then simply apply with a makeup brush. Voila! A lovely, dewy foundation is right at your fingertips. 

Comment with your favourite DIY recipe and don't forget to follow for more from me. 

Little Lottie

XO

Lottie tries: Lily Lolo Mineral concealer

I've briefly tried mineral foundation in the past as an attempt to cover scars and blemishes. My skin isn't flawless but doesn't get along with many products due to sensitivity so I was stuck in a rut. On a day to day basis I stick to concealer where I need it but I never thought about trying MINERAL CONCEALER. Somebody recommended I try it out as it is gentle and lets skin breathe. The favourite mineral brand is well known as Bare Minerals however their products can be costly, with the concealer alone coming in at £24.99 I wanted to find an alternative, I soon came across Lily Lolo who make organic, mineral makeup. PERFECT.

I ordered the Mineral Concealer in Blondie for £7.99, much better price wise! I was really happy with the overall experience as Lily Lolo is a website it’s not like I can try out the make up before buying but they sent a really useful catalog with the concealer and the order came within 24 hours, amazing! I was skeptical at first as powdered products can often clog skin and look cakey, also the concealer was so loose I couldn't see how it could last all day so I documented my progress with the concealer to give you an idea on mineral products.

8.00 am

I used a fluffy concealer brush to apply the product and first of all the application is brilliant, you only need a sprinkle to cover the imperfection and it blended in so easily, no cake, not too sheer and really natural looking. Blondie is too light for me so I can also use the product to highlight.  FYI the packaging is also slightly gorgeous.

8.30 am

I noticed that my nose was slightly dry and the product was sticking so I spritzed some of my Botanicals Toning Water over my face and took a cotton pad to soak up some product.

8.45 am

I left home to walk to work feeling slightly self-conscious as the colour Blondie is too pale for me but nobody would be close enough to notice, I told myself.

9.00 am

Arrived at work to do an immediate toilet check thinking the wind surely would have blown the powder off my face but the colour looked like it had blended and my skin looked lovely and dewy. I felt pleased with the results and excited to see how it would stand other tests.

10.30 am

I had a meeting and received compliments on my skin and how clear it looked. Result! It was still early days for the concealer so I took this with a pinch of salt.

12.30 pm

Half way through the day I went out for lunch, it was a sunny day for a change and the concealer didn’t budge in the heat or humidity despite my frantic walking round town to get back to work in time.

5.15pm

Hours have gone by since I checked the concealer and now I’m home I have a proper inspection. The pale colour has definitely blended well with my skin throughout the day and the concealer hasn't made my skin look oily or cakey. As expected it has stuck to any dry patches on my face and on removal I have noticed my skin looking red a blotchy underneath.

Overall I’m really impressed with the coverage of mineral concealer and thrilled that Lily Lolo offer it at such a good price, it also appears so natural considering the full coverage it gives.

As I feared my skin didn't enjoy the concealer as much as I did, I've expressed my relationship with foundation and how anything too high coverage such as the amazing Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer breaks me out and gives me a red complexion unfortunately the mineral concealer has the same affect. I will definitely keep trying it in case it was just a bad skin day but it may have to be put back for special occasions.

If you have any recommendations or similar reactions leave a comment.

Don’t forget to follow for more, Little Lottie XO