A few months ago I was hired to do a photo shoot for a book cover little did I know that it was for Trisha Lewis instagram sensation with over 100 thousand followers.

Trisha was unbelievably energetic, enthusiastic and her laugh is infectious. Her friend Dan Sweeney was with her in the studio too and the laughs we had that day with photographer Marc O’Sullivan when he was getting Trisha to do all sorts of high kicks, jumping jacks and hold tea cups and fruit to get the perfect shot.

The book is essentially Trisha’s weightloss and life changing story along with recipes as Trisha is a chef in Cork restaurant Jacob’s on The Mall. The book is filled with emotion of a woman on a massive journey and her followers on Instagram are her “Transformers” whom she inspires to “Beat The Bulge”.

The look and brief was for natural make up and with Trisha’s guidance we built it up to “Cork Natural” which envolved more of everything.

I’m delighted to be part of the number one best seller book and love how the book has been recieved.

The book from Gill Books is available in all good book shops and Easons.com

The origin of the name Shiseido

Arinobu Fukuhara was working as chief pharmacist in a naval hospital at the meager age of 23 years old when he and his colleagues, also in their early 20’s, founded the first Western-style pharmacy in Japan.

Their motivation came from displeasure with medicine available on the market at the time, while their inspiration was “to take everything and anything good in this world and use it to create new things”.

The name “Shiseido” was chosen by the young pharmacist, with the words taken from a passage in I Ching meaning, Do (堂): “house of”, Shi Sei (資生): “where everything is born.” The whole passage reads “Praise the virtues of the earth, that is where anything and everything is born from”. Text taken from Shiseido.ie

I was so delighted to attend the presntation launch party for Shiseido Spring/Summer 19 last week in The Royal Hibernian Academy.

The Friends Room was decorated like we had just walked into Tokyo and we were sureounded by the latest make up and skin care innovations and collections.

Here are some pics I took on the night.

INNOVATION: SHISEIDO invented a weightless, Triple Gel Technology featuring a revolutionary combo of agar, clay, and copolymer gels that allow high levels of pigment to converge with water for a cushion-y, comfortable feel that stays put for hours. “It’s a whole new way of looking at lipstick,” explains GailBoyé,

SVP of Global Product Development for SHISEIDO Makeup. “These elements are normally incompatible, so this balance of pigment, water, and unparalleled glide is a true breakthrough.” In addition to the Triple Gel Technology, this formula is made of 15% water to provide a cooling burst upon coming into contact with lips and intense, lasting hydration. The result: vivid, high-coverage pigment. To keep this revolutionary lipstick as fresh as possible, the tube comes sealed in an air- tight silver wrapper to preserve its longevity and integrity.

BEAUTY MADE WITH SOUL: Designers and developers looked to theSHISEIDO archives when devising this this slender bullet that provides the ultimate level of precision straight from the tube. They were inspired by Inouï, a sleek collection created for the Japanese “career woman” in 1977.

COLOUR INSPIRATION: The shade names in the VisionAiry Gel Lipstick range are based on the bustling urban metropolis that is modern Tokyo.

J-BEAUTY TIP: Ginza Red (222) was inspired by the upscale, fashionable neighborhood in Tokyo, where, in 1916, SHISEIDO opened its first cosmetics shop. “It’s a timeless, universal colour that flatters every skin tone,” says James Boehmer, Global Director of Artistry for SHISEIDO Makeup.

INNOVATION: This flexible formula boasts a superior refractive index that boosts colour vibrancy when worn as a top coat and creates the illusion of fuller lips. Unlike most glosses, this crystalline fluid is infused with high-shine polymers that provide a Lucite-like finish that looks wet. In addition to high shine, lips are also wrapped with moisture. Free of shimmer that can compromise clarity, this crystal-clear varnish is contained in a sleek tube with an integrated applicator that helps prevent contamination after the gloss is layered over pigmented products.

J-BEAUTY TIP: Apply directly to bare lips or use as a top coat to add instant sheen to any product underneath. Pat this ultra-smooth gloss across the tops of cheekbones for a dewy effect, or layer it over Minimalist WhippedPowder Blush for a radiant flush. Mix directly with Aura Dew Face, Eyes, Lip for multi-dimensional sparkle. Or, lend lips major shine and create the illusion of volume by swathing

it across VisionAiry Gel Lipstick or ModernMatte Powder Lipstick.

INNOVATION: Developed exclusively for SHISEIDO, these weightless powder shadows are made using a breakthrough Cream Powder Matrix Technology comprised of an emollient blend of oils and esters. A transparent base eliminates any chalkiness and lends lids pure colour that lasts 12hours without creasing, while spherical powders offer a smooth, rollerball effect with zero drag. The four coordinating colours—available in satin, matte, and shimmer finishes to create a multitude of looks—come contained in a super sleek compact developed by the brand’s premiere packaging design architect.

BEAUTY MADE WITH SOUL: Known for its vibrant, inventive, and often quirky street style, these palettes draw inspiration from Tokyo’s bustling neighborhoods. Named after iconic streets— like Hanatsubaki Street—a historic neighborhood known for

its mamasan bars and jazz clubs—offers up a sultry range of smoky purples. these ultra-sleek compacts contain colours that convey the unique energy of each district.

1.Miyuki Street Nudes (matte ivory, matte taupe, matte sand, shimmer copper)

2.Platinum Street Metals (shimmer white gold, shimmer silver, shimmer pewter, shimmer bronze) 03 Namiki Street Nature (shimmer gold, shimmer antique gold, shimmer moss green, matte brown) 04 Kaigan Street Waters (shimmer white, shimmer gunmetal, matte navy, matte black)

05 Kotto Street Vintage (matte beige, matte ash brown, shimmer neutral brown, shimmer graphite) 06 Hanatsubaki Street Nightlife (matte mauve, shimmer taupe, matte plum, chocolate brown with red pearl)

07 Cat Street Pops (shimmer baby pink, shimmer lilac, matte magenta, grape with gold pearl)

08 Jizoh Street Reds (shimmer rose gold, shimmer copper, matte muted red, matte espresso)

Professional and contemporary, the Shiseido beauty tools aim to recreate multiple beauty experiences at home and delight your senses. “The brush is easy to control. You can pick up as much product as you want with it and vary the coverage, whether you’re going for a more opaque finish or a sheer look. I think this brush will enable the costumer to achieve her ideal foundation.” Dick Page, Shiseido Makeup Artistic Director

VISIBLE FEELS INVISIBLE

Always an innovator and pioneer in the powder category, SHISEIDO created 7 Colours Powder in 1917, a groundbreaking product Jill Scalamandre, President of SHISEIDO Global Makeup Center of Excellence, describes as the world’s first “non-digital filters.” Developed specifically for geishas, these tinted powders were designed to play off different lighting conditions. Now, the brand is breaking

new ground via unexpected textures and unconventional forms that feel weightless but provide intense colour payoff.

INNOVATION: Thanks to breakthrough AirFusion Technology, this fluffy, meringue-esque blush blends effortlessly across skin like a mousse, but transforms into an ultra-thin, featherweight powder with a soft matte finish that lasts eight hours. These vivid shades never feel dense or dry and can be washed across skin for a natural flush or layered for more intensity.

BEAUTY MADE WITH SOUL: Whether you desire a kabuki-style cheek draped with dramatic colour or a subtle glow, this blush delivers and melds seamlessly with the complexion much like SHISEIDO’s world-renowned skincare. The colour palette isinspired by the brand’s many muses throughout the years.

COLOUR INSPIRATION: Shades are named after SHISEIDO’s brand muses and collaborators from the company’s inception to the current day.

J-BEAUTY TIP: Apply with fingertips or stipple into cheeks using the silicone side of the DAIYA FUDE Face Duo brush. For a lit- from-within effect, layer a light veil of Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation overtop.

INNOVATION: This blush and highlighter hybrid is the future of cheek colour thanks to a Cream Powder Matrix Technology that helps this texture stay put for eight hours. Refined mica provides a lit-from-within glow, a transparent base allows for true colour payoff, and a blend of spherical powders, silicone oils, and emollient esters offers superior glide. Use the various shades to lend the face an instant, illuminating flush or sculpt cheekbones for a subtle contour.

BEAUTY MADE WITH SOUL: Similar to a delicate silk kimonothat skims effortlessly across the body, this innovative formula floats over cheekbones for a naturally radiant flush.

COLOUR INSPIRATION: Ethereal shade names play on the ideaof lightness and the diaphanous nature of the cheek colour itself.

BENEFIANCE WrinkleResist24 intensively addresses lines and wrinkles before they become more serious. Offers visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, and helps promote silky smooth skin condition.

BENEFIANCE NutriPerfect fortifies skin affected by hormonal changes, prompts skin to recall its youthful ways. Fragile, fatigued skin finds new energy to fight dullness, roughness, wrinkles, and decreased density. Ultimate age-defying solutions in privileged care for mature skin, with unique, high-tech formulas.

Ultimune is a product that embodies Shiseido skincare. It strengthens the skin’s natural powers of defense, enabling it to build its own beauty.
It enhances the benefits of skincare routines that follow. Smooth, supple, and with less fine lines – skin radiates with a healthy look.

Ultimune Complex– Comprising of superior, originally-developed and naturally occurring ingredients, Ultimune Complex nourishes and shields your skin, and defends against the harmful effects and external hazards.

French make up artist Amelie Moutia giving me the low down on the blush she applied and the beautiful brush she used, it was honestly the softest brush I have ever felt. The Shiseido make up brushes are absolutely beautiful and scream of quality ❤️

Shiseido is available from

Sam Mc Cauley

Debenhams.ie

Arnotts

“LONG-WEAR AND LIGHTWEIGHT IS NOW POSSIBLE”

So a couple of weeks ago I was invited to the unveiling of the newest foundation from Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude in the Ice Bar, Intercontinental Hotel,Dublin.

Designed for the woman who wants a “no makeup” look and needs an effective formula that works hard from dawn to dusk.

Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude boasts a wide range of shades (40), with light matte coverage for up to 24 hours and a result that looks like your own skin

The lovely Lorraine Lynch, Lancôme Make up Artist demonstrated a natural make up look on model Audrey

I have been trialing Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude for the last couple of weeks since The launch in the shade 03 and have loved the light coverage and although the finish is matte, it’s by no means cakey or flaky and I was surprised it even suits my dry skin and it doesn’t look heavy at all.

I have put it through it’s paces and I loved how it looked at the end of the day as much as I did when I first applied it.

Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude RRP: €40 and is available from Lancôme retailers now.

XO 😘

Shiseido is a Japanese make up brand which exudes style,simplicity and pride.

This beautiful Modern Matte Powder lipstick arrived a while ago in the post and I forgot all about it until yesterday when I had a play with it.

The texture is so light yet creamy and moisturising, you’d forget you were wearing lipstick at all and that is what the Shiseido creators want you to feel!

You wear the lipstick colour instead of the colour wearing you.

The colour I’m wearing is 501 Night Life it’s RRP €31 for the Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick and you can get it in Arnotts or in Pharmacies nationwide.

STAY YOU. STAY NAKED.

We’re totally over “Your skin, but better” products and the idea that looking flawless requires covering up who you really are. Meet Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation, our new real-skin matte, waterproof, and vegan formula that lasts up to 24 hours and rejects the idea of a one-foundation-fits all solution. Let’s be real-no two skin tones are identical; consider all the different shades you’ll even find on a single face. It’s subtle undertones that make each of us unique, so our 50 precisely calibrated shades reflect your skin’s actual color. It’s time to find your exact match.

 

MADE FOR REAL LIFE

Stay Naked feels like a second skin, thanks to a breathable, flexible formula that moves with you. This longwear liquid foundation not only feels better on your skin, it even looks better with its stay-true color, which minimizes the appearance of pores. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, containing zero animal-derived by-products or ingredients.

 

FIND YOUR NAKED TRUTH

Our innovative, buildable medium-coverage formula reflects the true hue of your skin, down to its mastertone and subtle undertones. Our 50 shades break it down by 9 shade intensities, 3 mastertones, and 7 undertones. After you select your shade intensity, we’ll help you determine whether you’re a cool, neutral, or warm mastertone. From there, we’ll zone in on your undertones: pink (rosy), green (olive), blue (plum), neutral, yellow (golden), orange (peachy), and red (rich). Find your Naked truth with our online shade fi nder or ask any in-store Urban Decay Beauty Artist for guidance.

 

BUILD IT UP, BABY

We created the Build + Blend Sponge to give you everything you need to customize your Stay Naked look. Use the silicone center to build up product and max out your coverage, then blend and di_ use with the super-soft sponge. Dampen the sponge and watch it double in size for all-over buffng. Its tapered tip makes those hard-to-reach spots a breeze.

Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation (RRP €36)

STAY NAKED CONCEALER

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

Drumroll, please…With Stay Naked Correcting Concealer, we’ve solved the problem of finding your true skin tone. Enter the mastertone—our key element when it comes to dialing in your exact shade. We’ve got this thing down to an exact science by factoring in shade intensities, mastertones, and undertones to reveal your naked truth (a.k.a. your true skin shade). With an expanded range of 25 vegan shades, there’s enough coverage to go around.

A FORMULA THAT FORMS TO YOU

Craving maximum coverage for up to 24 hours, but not the cakey feel? Good news—we’ve packed 25% more pigment into Stay Naked Correcting Concealer in a lightweight, breathable, and waterproof formula with a barely-there feel. With a lineup of 9 shade intensities, 3 mastertones, and 5 undertones, you’ll easily craft your best complexion yet. Plus, you can use it for just about anything—from covering an imperfection to highlighting a cheekbone. The demi-matte, flexible formula is made to last all day and all night so you can get on with yo’ bad self (no touch-ups required).

CURVES IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

Even when it comes to just the tip, we like to take it one step further—which is why we put a little extra work into creating a doe-foot applicator in a curvier-than-ever shape. Just use the flat side for precise, light application or lean into the curve for a heavier dose of product when you need extra coverage. Correct, cover, conceal…repeat!

 

Stay Naked Correcting Concealer (RRP €24)

Stay Naked Foundation and Concealer will exclusively launch at the Urban Decay Boutique, 50 Grafton Street on Thursday, 18th July.

Customers who would like to try out the formula will be able to get a 7-day sample of their matched shade from all Debenhams doors, House of Fraser and Arnotts also from Thursday, 18 July.

Stay Naked Foundation and Concealer will launch nationally on August 1.

 

RRPS:

Foundation: €36

Concealer: €24

 

 

I have looked at Phibrows for a long time, thinking this could be the answer to my prayers as I have very few eyebrow hairs left after manic plucking sessions in the 90’s!

I had saved up to have the procedure done last year but my little car Lola needed work so my eyebrow money was spent on that.

Recently I won a competition to have Phibrows done with Phi Master Kim O’Sullivan and I was so happy I actually cried.

So, on Wednesday this week I had my appointment and it’s safe to say I was nervous and excited at the prospect of having proper brows again.

As you can see by my before photo, I had very few eyebrow hairs!!!

Kim went through the formalities and forms, measurements and shapes to suit my bone structure etc. and the procedure began with numbing cream and the first cuts ( Scraping, weird sensation) It was uncomfortable but I kept thinking of the end result, BROWS!

Anyway, I could go on and on but I’ll keep it brief!

Here’s a pic of me about 30 mins later in my car with my new pals (BROWS)

Yon-Ka Paris Skincare is a creative brand that draws its inspiration from the botanical kingdom, its properties and benefits. The properties of essential oils act on the body and mind and have been an integral part of the Yon-Ka brand research for over 60 years. Yon-Ka believes that essential oils and well-being are inseparable. With this all natural harmonious approach, Yon-Ka has developed a smoothing exfoliating cream and a hydrating revitalizing body body milk which contain beautiful essential oils; to unveil properties that magically use their balancing action to restore wellness to the mind and body.    

Yon-Ka Gommage Doux, €36.00/£31.50 is a cream scrub that combines the exfoliating action of Bamboo and Apricot kernel powder with the hydrating and restructuring properties of Mango butter, Sesame oil and vegetable Glycerin. Infused with the essential oils of Cedar, Cypress and Rosemary, it removes dead skin cells, leaving a light hydrating film on the skin. A gentle action for perfect skin.  


Yon-Ka Lait Hydratant, €35.00/£31.00 is a fragrant body milk that combines vegetable Glycerin, Grape seed and Sweet Almond oil, leaving the skin hydrated and replenished, complete with Ginseng extract for a re-energizing effect. Apply a thin layer of body milk to the whole body in the morning/ and or evening after bath or shower to hydrate, soften and repair your skin. Boost your vitality and balance with this vibrant body milk enriched with essential oils of Mandarin and Sweet Orange.

Yon-Ka Lait Hydratant and Gommage Doux provide sensory experiences that will transport you to iconic regions of France and its territories. Take a breath of fresh air with A WALK IN THE FOREST with its fresh and woody fragrances. Indulge in the vibrant and tangy citrus notes of the CORSICAN DELIGHT. With its aromatic concentrates, Yon-Ka breaks the predictability of the daily routine, adding joy, positivity and wellness to the day. 

Yon-Ka Lait Hydrant and Gommage are now available in Yon-Ka destinations nationwide or online at Renaissance Skincare

©Alexi Lubomirski for Lancôme

22nd February 2019, Lancôme is pleased to announce the appointment of American actress, singer, and fashion authority Zendaya Coleman as the new face of the brand.

At age 22, Zendaya becomes part of the stellar cast of Lancôme ambassadors, adding her unique and diverse vision to the esteemed French luxury house of beauty. “It’s a huge honour to be able to represent a brand like Lancôme and join such an incredible line-up of iconic women,” says Zendaya.

Françoise Lehmann, Lancôme International President adds: “We look forward to a joyous future with Zendaya, whose charisma, influence in film, music and fashion is undoubted.  Zendaya brings a youthful and a unique approach to beauty that perfectly complements Lancôme’s vision and creativity.”

A Perfect Partnership

With a social media following of more than 54 million, Zendaya has become one of the most influential and prominent names in the industry.

She is a role model for her generation and she uses her voice to promote education and positivity.

At the same time, Zendaya’s involvement with charitable causes ties in with Lancome’s philanthropic commitment as well.

Joining the Lancôme stellar group of ambassadors of Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Isabella Rossellini, Penelope Cruz, Lupita Nyong’o, Lily Collins and Taylor Hill, Zendaya’s irresistible appeal and strong identity – attributes she shares with the other ambassadors – is indicative of a happy, bright and shining future within the Lancôme family. 

 

Pantone, the colour mixing company have announced the colour for the year 2019 as “Living Coral”

The Gorgeous people at The Publicity Loft have shared their top picks of Coral/Peachy tones we can add to our make up bags.

Personally I always have Coral/Peachy tones in my kit to warm up cooler complexions, even the dullest of skins can benefit from a warm hue of the wonder that is coral!

Even if you’re not a fan of peach or Coral you’d be quickly converted but a little coral blush lightly applied to the top of your cheekbones giving you a pop of colour and a youthful glow to your skin.

Still not a fan, pop some Coral/Peach lipliner,Lipstick or Lipgloss on to get the look in a more subtle way.

Wet n Wild Megaglo Hello Halo Liquid Highlighter €5.95

Fuschia Blush singles €15.95

E.L.F. Cosmetics Blush Palette €10.75

KISS Gel fantasy range €9

CND VINYLUX in the shade Tropix €11.95

NOTE Cosmetics Long wearing Lipgloss in the shade “Coral” €7.97

PS…Beauty Lip Kit in the shade Hustle €4

Fuschia Eye Shimmer in the shade Peach Puff €14.50

Thanks for Images and prices supplied by The Publicity Loft.