SOS Save Our Skin

There are a range of skin types; normal, oily, dry, sensitive and combination skin which is merely a 'combination' of all. (for the greedy ones out there). Which one are you?

A good skin care regime is essential to making your skin feel fresh, look youthful and appear flawless. Here are some of the products I am using at the moment.

A face wash for when I shower, face wipes to remove make-up, refreshing pads for every morning and a good moisturiser for after all three! 

GARNIER FACE WASH- Garnier PureActive, fruit energy, daily energising gel scrub. I love this one as the grapefruit and pomegranate scent is truly revitalizing. (fresh and zingy). I always go for a face wash which contains little beads in which I feel really work to scrub off that unwanted dirt!

FACEWIPES- As you can see at the moment I have 'dirty works' facewipes which they describe as good clean fun, (catchy) but I was swayed into the marketing of this product and ofcourse it's retail price of only £2! But do you see the resemblance to Soap and Glory!? I was definitely fooled, clever, and it worked. 

 

The almost duplication is sneaky, yet ingenious! Being a solid lover of Soap and Glory's body and bath products I felt a slight annoyance due to my loyalty to the 'original', but look, I bought the face-wipes, I fell for the trap, so really, a big well done to them. I wouldn't buy these face wipes again though as they are really dry and tag on the skin when removing make up. 

CLEARASIL REFRESHING PADS- Clearasil daily clear Superfruits Refreshing Pads with raspberry and cranberry extracts are my favourite part of my skin care routine. I use them every morning and sometimes in the evenings after using a facewipe, (when you feel the face wipe didn't quite get the 10 thick layers of grub off your face). You'll know these pads work when you look down to see that they are no longer white but black in colour! Yuck! but impressive.... They exfoliate and cleanse your skin with the rigid texture of the pad and they are extremely moist which is a luxury!

Not my dirt...I promise

Lastly, a brilliant moisturiser. I chop and change. I used to use Johnsons but at the moment I have..

GARNIER FACE MOISTURISER- Garnier essentials hydrating day care cream. It has a velvety smooth texture and slides on wonderfully. (I hate that tight, feel like you've just gone through lots of botox, kind of feel) so I use moisturiser after washing my face no matter what. 

So whatever products you use, make sure you stick to your skin care regime, you'll only have yourself to answer for when you're old and wrinkly. (hey, that's mean)..but it is true. A moisturiser is a God send and you only get given one face, protect it wisely. :)

Love, confessions of a beauty-holic x

What's in YOUR make up bag?

A look inside my make up bag

My make up bag is small. I fit everything I could possibly need into a 20cm by 12cm gold zip up case. (except the eye shadow box set, that's an added, vital requirement).

CLINIQUE FOUNDATION- Clinique's superbalanced foundation, glass bottle, in shade 27, Alabaster. This is actually the lightest shade and I couldn't believe when this was the right tone for my olive, tanned complexion. As an oil-free, 100% fragrance free foundation, this is a perfect choice for my oily prone skin. I also love the fact that it doesn't have a potent smell. Much preferred to previous foundations such as the Mac products, which to me, resemble the scent of wet clay. (and it's applied to your face, there's no running away from the scent of your foundation!).

MAC CONCEALER- Mac's studio finish concealer, in shade NC20. This is my absolute favourite beauty product and I could not live without it. It comes in a petite, plastic tub, making it especially easy to carry. (perfect for holidays, weekend getaways and that occasional over-night stay). The one huge problem I suffer with is those dreaded black bags under my eyes and with the smallest amount, (less is really more) the bruised looking areas are miraculously disguised. Now, where's that tired bunny gone? I was told by a very helpful beauty artist at the Mac counter that for my complexion, which apparently holds yellow undertones, to go for a 'C' shade, unlike the red under-toned concealer which is better for paler skin and is defined with a 'W'. A further benefit of this concealer is its built in sun protection, SPF 35! (to stop those enemy rays from ageing skin faster than life intends it to).


COLLECTION SHEER LOOSE POWDER- Collection's sheer loose powder in shade 2, translucent. Now, this, I am a religious and very loyal customer of. There is literally no swaying me into the expensive, alternative brands. If a cheap loose powder does the job, then why budge!? At a retail price of under a fiver, to me, this powder shouts out 'bargain beauty must have'! If setting your foundation and creating that matte look is what your after, head to Superdrug now. It's perfection in the Summer when you try to hide that sweaty sheen, which you can sometimes just about get away with calling a 'dewy glow', but not always the look you had in mind. I would recommend this product as it does everything a loose powder claims to do and at a very good price!

MAC BLUSHER- Mac sheer tone shimmer blush in sunbasque. With an impeccable range of shades to choose from, this is the one that takes my fancy at the moment. The deeper shade of pink (almost leaning towards the brown, bronzed scale of the spectrum) makes for a desired merge between bronzer and blusher. But I'm open to lots of the shades, mix it up, why not.

BRUSHES: Body shop blusher brush. All you need to do is head into your nearest body shop and have a feel of those brushes to know the quality of them. (Not to look like a weirdo or anything, but test them all on your face, its surprisingly satisfying). Try not to buy the whole shop though, I know its tempting. All I have is my one trusted blusher brush which I use for bronzer, blusher and my loose powder!
My miniature brush. This one, ladies, was a freebie! Yes, that's right. Head to Bare Essentials, they give you testers and they come with a small brush. They are bloody brilliant! I use mine to apply my loose powder under my eyes, on top of my concealer. (the hard to reach places). Although, at this moment in time, my make up bag doesn't contain anything from Bare Essentials, I am definitely a fan. (next time I won't rush out that door so quickly with my freebies so I can maybe, actually find my next make up bag necessity).

LIPSTICKS- Revlon super lustrious lipstick in shade 477, black cherry. (Everyone needs that slightly gothic hue, a sultry pop of colour. Mac lipstick in A33, lustre syrup, a truly subtle tinge, suitable for daytime and work! Rimmel lasting finish lipstick in rouge 214 firecracker (this beauty really is a fire cracker, show stoppingly gorgeous coral red, devil lips to die for), I am just very careful to tone down any other make up. I stick to eyes or lips. I never do both. Collection lasting colour lipstick in shade 8, sweet tart, my latest buy (in actual fact I bought it today and I'm excited to try this bright, barbie doll, pink colour).

MASCARA- Soap and Glory's thick and fast mascara. Not a fan, I'm sad to say. As an award winning mascara and of a brand I am in awe with, I was excited to purchase my first mascara, only to find I had to apply a copious amount of layers to get my desired look. I'll stick to Rimmel or Bourjois next time! Soap & Glory will forever be one of my favourite beauty brands (I love the moisturisers and body washes but perhaps this mascara was just not the one for me).

HIGHLIGHTERS & EYE SHADOWS- I just love my little sets. Benefit's world famous neutrals eye-shadow kit, with the most glamorous nudes ever. Nude eyes with black mascara and black eyeliner is my favoured look. Benefit's posie tint, sun beam and cha cha tint make up set is what Benefit calls the cheeky treats for a pop of colour and a gorgeous glow. (They certainly make you glow, I'll have you know). Benefit watts up soft focus highlighter. A great essential for that wanted glisten but press softly as I found it takes a lot of blending to look oh so natural.

EYEBROW PENCIL & EYELINER- L'Oreal super liner brow pencil in 03 brunette. (A great brow shapes the entire face).
Kiko vibrant eye liner crayon in jet black. I'm open to most eyeliners but I adore the way this slides on rather than some that have that chalky, jaggered effect. (You know, the ones that pull on your delicate eye lids and ouch!...we don't want that happening).

What's in YOUR make up bag?

Yours truly...

Domestic Violence

In contrast with a world, which is continuously progressing, domestic violence in Great Britain remains a constant presence. Figures reveal that in 2012 ‘13,500 people, 80% of them women – reported domestic violence to Citizens Advice’ (Topping, A, 2012). It is clear that domestic violence cases are disturbingly high. The findings show a significant proportion of society affected and this demands attention. The Government are acknowledging that domestic abuse is not so simplistic. Modifying the law for domestic abuse will “help expose the true face of domestic violence, which is much more complex and much more widespread than people often realise” (Clegg in Barrett, Johnson, 2012). This suggests that people are unaware of its true magnitude. Domestic violence is wide reaching, therefore support is crucial for its victims. This blog post will explore whether ‘more support for domestic violence will encourage victims to come forward’.

The Government defines domestic violence as

"any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality"

 (NHS Barking, I and Dagenham, 2013)

As the definition derives from a governing body, it can be seen as valuable. Collating facts and statistics on a variety of areas and utilising expertise to make informed decisions could prove government agencies to be a valued source of information.

In contradiction, the Home Offices’ expansion of the definition of domestic violence, implemented from March 2013, illustrates the definition to be one which is flawed. The Home Office concluded that the definition should ‘be widened to include psychological intimidation, controlling behaviour and victims under 18 (Branch, 2012). This change shows dedication to responding to the issue of domestic violence. By expanding the definition to include victims under 18, it indicates that cases are existent in this age group, further demonstrating how wide reaching the problem is. The definition change shows the government have reacted and taken necessary action.

A pilot scheme, Clare’s Law, has also been instigated following the murder of Clare Wood, killed at the hands of her former partner. Starting in September 2012 ‘a year -long trial will commence, giving the public the "right to ask" for information in Greater Manchester, Nottinghamshire, Wiltshire and Gwent’ (Home Office in BBC News, 2012).

This law gives the right to request information from the police about a partner’s past. Consequently it could reveal a domestic violence history and the regulations under this scheme stipulate that police provide these details. The scheme indicates a critical turning point; a key to combatting domestic violence and preventing cases which could result in tragedy. Clare’s Law however, was not deemed an entirely successful proposal, bringing uncertainty and criticism to the scene as well. Domestic violence campaign group Refuge attacked the scheme saying ‘it will do little to protect victims’ (BBC News, 2012), declaring it to be ‘unnecessary and warned the costs of setting it up could outweigh the benefits’ (Millard, 2012). This suggests that Refuge believe the investment could be used alternatively to tackle domestic violence, potentially resulting in a more successful outcome. As with all changes to law, controversy is only to be expected but it can be beneficial to form a basis for discussion. It could ultimately result in finding alternative methods to reduce domestic violence.

Clare's Law- Youtube (2012)

As Refuge is an established and reputable support group which ‘has grown to become the country’s largest single provider of specialist domestic violence services’, (Refuge, 2009) their opinion is significantly trusted. An impact assessment shows that ‘at best the scheme will only result in an annual reduction of a half per cent in domestic violence" (Government Impact assessment in The Telegraph, 2012). Such an insignificant change to statistical figures indicates that the scheme holds a lack of significant purpose. However half a per cent is still a decrease and although it illustrates that the scheme will have little effect, any effect is a positive outcome. On the other hand the scheme is very new therefore its future impact will be hard to determine. Furthermore as an assessment is merely a prediction, the statistics could prove incorrect.  Additionally “the reality is that most perpetrators are not known to the police” (Horley in BBC News, 2012). It is questionable then, why introduce a scheme, which can be criticised to such great extent? As reflected earlier, it was established from a domestic violence murder case. As the perpetrator had a recorded violent history, it can be argued that if the scheme was in place at the time and the victim suspected this, it could have prevented such a tragic ending. “I believe that if my daughter had known of the past of her partner she would have dropped him like a hot brick and scampered out of there” (Brown in BBC News, 2012). 
The scheme would enable suspicion of a partner’s violent past to be revealed and crucially prevent victims from potential danger. This scheme relies essentially on police officers to take appropriate actions in order to protect victims and record complaints. The problem with this is placing the burden on officers; it could result in the risk of victims receiving unreliable details as not all cases of violence are recorded.  The extent of disapproval regarding Clare’s Law suggests it is not the support victims fundamentally require. A better approach to supporting domestic violence victims could be through the use of the media, which could prove effective.

Justin Lee Collins- Celebrity case

The media has the power to bring undetected issues to the spotlight.  When Anna Larke reported her partner and television presenter Justin Lee Collins for abuse last October, this conveyed a new perception of domestic violence (Hoyle, 2013, p69). ‘Larke told the court that she felt that she had been "brainwashed" by Collins’ (Westcott, 2012). The issue of emotional domestic violence was brought to the public eye. This new perception of domestic violence proved that abuse is not merely physical as conventionally believed.

Anna Larke's domestic abuse recording- LISTEN!

             
This case was a powerful and influential instigator, giving reason for a change to the definition of abuse (Westcott, 2012).  Figures which support this were published in the British crime survey. ‘Of the six per cent of women who were victims of domestic abuse, 57 per cent suffered emotional abuse compared to 27 per cent who sustained physical injuries’ (Hoyle, 2013, p. 69). This identifies the extreme presence of emotional abuse and challenges the conventional view that domestic violence is purely physical. This article highlights whether without such a high profile court case; would the effects of verbal domestic abuse have been brought to the public’s attention? It certainly illustrates the power of celebrity status.

This article has one single purpose; to show that people can now prosecute perpetrators for emotional abuse.

 “Emotional abuse is difficult to spot and can be more harmful than the physical kind. The victim often feels that because there is no visible evidence nobody will believe her, so it can go undetected for longer”

(Williamson in Hoyle, 2013, p.69) 

This illustrates the challenge victims of emotional abuse face.  Dr Williamson from Bristol University’s Centre for Gender and Violence Research specialises in domestic abuse therefore qualifying her knowledge on the subject. However her statement is stereotypical; immediately suggesting that the victim will be female. With use of the noun ‘her’, it is noticeable that this statement places emphasis on women being victims of abuse and presents a biased opinion. This results in the subjective message that only women experience abuse. The effect of this could counteract the purpose of the article by proposing that only women should report cases of emotional abuse or portraying the idea that men perhaps do not experience it.  Domestic abuse affects men too and this can be supported by statistics, which state that ‘one in six men and one in four women will suffer “domestic abuse” in their lifetime,’ (Mankind Initiative in Esteem Men, 2012).

An important aspect raised by Hoyle to consider is the claim that a new legislation has been introduced. This source deems untrustworthy where it states that ‘a new legislation and a high profile court case is hoped to encourage more victims to come forward’ (Hoyle, 2013, p. 69). The legislation for domestic abuse has not in fact changed; it is the definition of domestic abuse, which has been expanded. In an interview (Hough March 2013) it is discovered that ‘there is no change to the legislation, there has only been a change to the definition of abuse’ therefore the article is misleading and provides a deceptive influence.

              This article makes it apparent that emotional abuse is domestic violence and although it challenges certain assumptions, it proves that representations of domestic violence in the media can inform the public of the truth. In a similar way, same-sex domestic abuse has not always been at the forefront of the media but bringing the concept to the spotlight could influence public awareness of the scope of the problem. This could effectively provide an enhanced understanding and result in further cases being reported. 

A continuous story line in soap opera Hollyoaks where character Brendan Brady physically and emotionally abuses partner Steven Hay challenges a widely accepted perception that domestic abuse is inflicted on a woman by a man. Abuse present within a same sex relationship presents the public with a new dimension of domestic abuse.  ‘Same-sex domestic violence also challenges our highly gendered and heteronormative understanding of domestic violence because it cannot be explained by reference to gender difference, the historical suppression of women, or the private nature of family violence’ (Knauer, 1999, pp. 325-350). Domestic violence has been correlated with causalities such as gender difference; therefore domestic violence in same-sex relationships cannot be explained. Contradiction of this theory results in ambiguity and challenges general attitudes towards abuse.                  
Nevertheless challenging general attitudes positively teaches society and reinforces how deeply rooted domestic violence really is.  However, a soap opera is a fictional source and although a useful approach to illustrate public issues, how effective is it? It proves effective as Hollyoaks reaches a very large target audience, with ‘the show attracting an average of 3 million viewers per week’ (Tv.com, 2013), revealing its message to millions. Conversely Hollyoaks’ main target audience is ‘young teens and early twenties’ (Internet Movie Database, 2013) which could affect the value of the storyline as older generations are not likely to see such a message.  On the other hand, it is warning young viewers of the effects of domestic violence and an understanding at an early age could prevent future cases.

             Necessary action must be taken as domestic abuse is increasing at a distressing rate. This can be supported by statistics which show that ‘cases of domestic violence have risen by 35 per cent in a year’ (British Crime Survey, 2011). However these figures may not signify a true representation of domestic abuse, as many victims do not report it. Potentially the figures are much higher. Research shows that ‘65% of women who experience domestic violence keep it hidden’ (Harris, 2012) proving the former statistics to be deceitful.

Popular blogger and makeup artist Lauren Luke features in a tutorial video ‘Don’t cover it up’ (Refuge in YouTube 2012) demonstrating how women conceal their abuse when they are too ashamed to come forward. The campaign video by Refuge is a powerful format for influencing and targeting teenage girls and young women, where ‘domestic violence is alarmingly common’ (Refuge, 2013).  Lauren can be credited for her ability to promote Refuge successfully. This can be reflected through the impact of the video, which shows that it was ‘viewed by over 1 million people in the weeks following its launch in July 2012,’ (Refuge, 2013). The impact shows that power and popularity in the media can be an influential tool in portraying an important message. Although tactical, it has been proven effective and successful. ‘In the first 48 hours following the launch, the Refuge website received the same number of unique visitors as it usually receives in two weeks’ (Refuge, 2013).

A beauty obsessed world

The word makeup in itself suggests that wearing it will 'make you up'. Cosmetics in the Oxford dictionaries defines it as preparation applied to the body, especially the face, to improve its appearance and therefore it has remained that a girl's best friend (other than diamonds of course) is her make up set.

Beauty is a controversial topic, a mind boggling debate about whether the world is becoming purely materialistic and how the celebs in the magazines reflect the ideal image of beauty. Consumers are faced with these ideals daily and look up to these celebrities as role models but even the models in the magazines don't look like the models in the magazines.
Photoshop is a BITCH and distorts reality ladies.

Don't we all wish we could have our photos airbrushed before posting them onto social media. Magic. Instantly hiding that massive pimple that literally just appeared over night or camouflaging those black bags (actual bin liners) under our eyes. But we don't, we have make up, hallelujah! (I'm also a massive fan and religious user of instagram filters, absolute last-minute lifesaver!)

Even Katy Perry doesn't naturally look like herself.

Since the average women spends 55 minutes per day 'playing with her face', (that's equivalent to two whole weeks out of a year), I proposed to write about the journey of cosmetics and how it helped us reach this absolute fascination with enhancing one's natural beauty and expressing one's youth, an even and flawless complexion is a young and youthful appearance. Every woman's dream.

So let's take a look back in history. A virtual time machine.

Have you ever wondered why a rose tint applied to the flesh of your cheek is something of a trend? one that simply does not grow out...

Around 3000 BCE, Greek women started applying red berries to their faces. Why, you ask? Studies have shown that women's faces are more attractive around ovulation, in their most fertile state. The hormonal change actually enhances blood flow under the skins surface and voila, results in that rosey flushed look. The increased blood flow leads to pinker cheeks and redder lips (hence lippy). Men see this as attractive and a natural sign of fertility, but since when did we start listening to what men wanted ey?!

Words of Gretchen Weiner- Mean Girls

Blusher: So fetch, stop trying to make it happen, it's not going to happen. But it did and it stayed.

Of course there are contradictions which imply that no make up is prettier but would you dare to go bare?  I'm sure the majority of you have heard your parents, grandparents, boyfriends, husbands, say you look better without makeup. My theory is that there is a huge fat line between enhancing your features and plastering a mask and attaching five sets of lashes to your eyes. Minimal is the key.

I remember about almost ten years ago when foundation lips were a thing and I have to admit I was extremely loyal to this trend. (even to the point of obsession). After eating and drinking i'd adjust my patchy pale lips which had worn off. Vanity at its finest.

You wouldn't think that society's obsession with tanning began in the 1920's. Many tanning products were invented by the 1930's to darken one's skin without use of the sun and to us now, a sun kissed glow inevitably represents beauty and health! (Oompa loompa shades are another story but I'm sure we've all experienced an accidental tanning over dose. I know I have!).

Oops

However centuries back, paler skin symbolised beauty, status and social rank. Japanese Geishas painted their skin white and the Chinese ground pearls from seashells and swallowed them to lighten their skin. Lighter skin also represented social hierarchy in England where the working class were tanned due to working in the sun. How time changes everything! (I honestly wouldn't step foot outside on the first day of summer without my trusty St Moriz on).

Japanese Geisha

The beauty industry is forever growing and no matter where it began and the trends that have brought us to today, we will always be sucked into this vacuum of what 'true beauty' is claimed to be. The beauty industry has sculpted the perfect woman as if she were clay. 'A thin physique, a flawless complexion and a symmetrical face'. What poses these ideals are the airbrushed models and celebrities that pitch the latest and best beauty products. It's got to be said though, would you buy a product exhibited by a spotty faced, greasy haired, missing toothed, un-plucked eyebrowed  lady who proposes that this particular product will make you beautiful? You wouldn't, would you?

So there you have it. The beauty industry makes billions, thriving on public perception and what their audience visualizes as perfect.