Alpha-H Liquid Gold

Late on the bandwagon? Perhaps. But at £30 odd a bottle I wanted to be sure that this wouldn't be a let down. After raves all over the blogging world I finally caved when CultBeauty were having a 25% off sale and bought the fabulous Alpha-H Liquid Gold.

INGREDIENTS: AQUA, ALCOHOL DENAT, GLYCOLIC ACID, HYDROLYZED SILK, LICORICE ROOT EXTRACT, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL

This night treatment boasts only a small ingredients list, but one with mighty powers. Glycolic acid and potent licorice root extract allow this chemical resurfacing liquid to leave the skin literally glowing come morning time. Although you wont catch me ditching exfoliating scrubs altogether, there's something about a chemical exfoliant that really ticks the right boxes for me. Dead skin cells are released from the skin without the need for any harsh scratching of the skin's surface.

Those concerned about dullness of the skin, scarring and pigmentation NEED this in their lives! With one use you notice a brighter complexion - something almost unheard of with skincare products - and after sticking with it for a few more uses you will truly see an overall improvement in the skintone.

HOW TO USE: I use this 2-3 times a week before bed. Cleanse the skin and then sweep some of the Liquid Gold across the face with a cotton pad. Voila! If you are anything like me and associate bed time with slathering a thick cream all over your face, this will take a bit of getting used to. Worry not, though, my darlings as this wont be doing any harm! In fact, quite the opposite. (Note: If you are very sensitive I would definitely use with caution as this, like any exfoliator, may irritate.)

Origins Plantscription Foundation

Again with the Origins loving! I want to share my absolute adoration for their new Plantscription foundation.

I am a Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum girl through and through, but this has quickly scooted up the ranks and sits on a par! The foundation is a light to medium coverage, but buildable and leaves the skin looking very natural and light. The finish I would call satin. It's not so dewy as to make oily-skinned babes shriek in horror, and not matt and cakey. I would say all skin types except perhaps the very dry can wear it and for me the wear looks fantastic all day long.

Working in artificial lighting really puts foundation to the test for me (you can see EVERY imperfection.) This looks lovely and natural and definitely gets two thumbs up. I also adore that the formula features anti-aging superhero Anogeissus extract.

With about 11 or 12 shades to choose from, the range is pretty average. I am lucky in that shade 05 Light/Medium (Warm) matches perfectly, but very fair or dark skin may struggle. At £28 for your standard 30ml sized tube it is definitely on the pricey side, but considering how lovely the finish is and how great the ingredients are, I would say it is worth it. I truly believe if there is one make-up item spending money on, it is your base!

Can be found here.

The No Makeup Makeup Look

I don't know about you, but I sure as hell don't wake up looking every bit of perfection in the morning! There are many mornings, however, that I would like to look as though I'm not wearing much makeup and have a natural glow to the skin. It takes a good few products, but the end result is something natural and absolutely suitable for everyday wear. It is quick and easy and leaves you looking put together and fabulous.

 The Products

1. Blend a small amount of your favourite foundation from the centre of the face outwards. This is the area that requires the most coverage generally...I find my cheeks and forehead hardly need anything. I use the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum and Real Techniques Buffing Brush. 

2. Blend some concealer under the eyes, across eyelids and onto any blemishes. My weapon of choice is the Collection Lasting Perfection in Medium. 

3. Fill in eyebrows. I use a mix of MAC's Corduroy and Copperplate. Seal with a gel if you've got unruly brows like me! I use Miss Sporty Clear Mascara.

4. Blend a cream blush across the cheeks. I use MAC's Blushcreme in Ladyblush with a Real Techniques Contour Brush. 

5. Blend a cream highlighter across the cheekbones, down the nose and on cupid's bow. My choice is MAC's Cream Colour Base in Pearl. I apply this with an Ecotools Shadow Brush. 

6. Curl eyelashes and apply mascara of choice. I use my Tweezerman curlers and No7 Exceptional Definition. This mascara focuses on seperation and length rather than clumpy volume - great for a more natural look.

7. Apply a little powder across the T-zone if you feel you need it. I use Sleek MakeUP's ONE Finishing Powder and any small fluffy powder brush.
8. I use whatever lipbalm I've got to hand for the final touch.