Layla Loves - Purity Cosmetics

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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In my last post (cast your minds back a bit!) I gave a brief introduction to the wide and wonderful world of mineral makeup. Since then I have been trialing an independent makeup brand called Purity. They do a wide range of foundations, bronzers, blushers and some gorgeous nail varnishes. I had the opportunity to test out their mineral foundation. Here's a quick run down of their products for you lovely divas.

I have found it difficult to stick with mineral foundations in the past, but using Purity's mineral foundations was a doddle. With the lovely finger sponge applicator, the foundation went on fuss-free. It gives great coverage and still allows your face to breathe. I've never been a huge fan of powder foundations, but this one definitely gave me hope and with a promise of no artificial ingredients, these cosmetics really do put a smile on your face.

You can purchase Purity Cosmetics from their website. Its rare to find such a cute website to accompany such gorgeous products. The simple yet professional design really does these products justice. A rare find on most makeup websites, is a guide on how to apply mineral makeup, as many of us (including myself) have got it wrong in the past!

The prices are around what you would expect for mineral makeup, (£12.00 for a foundation) but it really is worth it. The amount of foundation you receive for that price is quite a bit more than most retailers.

Purity is a great brand for those who are 'dipping their toes' into the world of mineral foundation. The products are great and easy to apply.

This is a really gorgeous brand, with a personal touch. And as a bonus, the items that you order from their website come in this gorgeous packaging!

Layla Loves - Mineral make-up

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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As requested by Juu I thought I would give Mineral Make-up a run down. Large makeup brands have started bringin out mineral makeup, which claims to be much better for your skin. But what is mineral make-up? And is it worth it?

Photo: Bare Faced Beauty

Here is a quick list of the Pro’s & Con’s of Mineral Make-Up

Pro’s

• Mineral Foundations contain ingredients with Natural UV Protection, this is great for those a unexpected sunny days. With climate change being a real problem now, UV protection is SO important.
• Mineral Makeups have less ingrediants than normal cosmetics. This is great for those who really care for thier skin as there is hardley any “science lab” ingrediants. With Mineral Foundation is alot easier to learn about what you are putting on your face.
• For those of you with sensitive skin, Minerals are a great! With a low amount of ingredients its easy to decifer whether or not it will harm your skin.
• Mineral Makeup is Water Resistant, so for those common “rain at the train station” moments you wont look like The Joker!
• At the moment, its pretty easy to get Mineral Makeup! A few years ago you would have a fairly hard job to find them, but with large companies now seeing the huge demand for these cosmetics. Most high street brands have come out with a line of Mineral Makeup, so try it out!

Con’s

• Although it is a good point, the face that Mineral Makeup is water resistant, this makes it difficult to remove, which is time consuming when you want to go to bed!
• Most Mineral foundations are in powder form. This can be so messy when you are applying in a rush, or wearing dark clothes. The loose powder form is also difficult to travel with, no-one wants to open thier makeup bag after a long flight to find a £20 foundation everywhere!
• A huge issue with Mineral makeup is the price. If you mention Minerals to most people they will not use it as its expensive. Hopefully with larger brands making these make-up styles they will become a bit more affordable.
• Mineral Make-up, although is made with less ingredients – therefore slightly better, it can leave the skin very itchy when mixed with sweat. So try to wear it when its not so warm!
• In my use of Mineral Foundations, I’ve noticed that they really show off fine lines and wrinkles! This could be due to the loose powder format, but this is still a thought to consider.

Photo: MAC Mineralize

Top 3 Mineral Makeup Brands

1. Bare Faced Beauty
One of the first exclusive mineral only makeup brands. With lipsticks, foundations, eyeshadows and blushers. Check out their brush sets too.

2. MAC Mineralize
With a full range of shadows, foundations (both liquid AND powder) and blush these are not to be missed. MAC, as usual, have the best range of colours I’ve seen in mineral makeup.

3. Lily Lolo Mineral Cosmetics
These are another online site made specifically for mineral makeup. These are gorgeous subtle colours for everyday wear. These are gorgeous and affordable.

Layla Loves - Skincare

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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An item that popped up a few times in the questions I was asked, was skincare and skin types. I have compiled a list of products for different skins to give you that fresh faced glow! Even though make-up is fun, its still nice to give your face a ‘naked-day’. So lock the door and use these products and no-one will notice you aren’t wearing any makeup!

BLACKHEADS

We’ve all had them! And they can be one of the most persistant spots to get rid of! I’ve got some tried and tested products here for you to get rid of those pesky little blackheads!

Biore Facial Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
These pore strips will pull out and cleanse any blackheads or dirt from your chin or forehead in one simple sweep! And if you want to see if its really working, look at the strip and you can see the results on the strip… or you can just throw it in the bin! Biore are one of the original blackhead remover pads, and also have them specifically for noses.

Soap and Glory ‘Scrub Your Nose In It’ Face Scrub
I am always drawn to these products, not only do they look amazing, but they really do work. This scrub is designed for large pores, and can be doubled up as a face mask to use weekly. This has a zingy tea tree type smell and lasts a long time. Grab it while you can.

Mamas Special Recipe!
This is something that’s been passed down in my family as a good way to get rid of blackheads. When you read this, chances are you will think im crazy. But give me a chance! This is good if you have sensitive skin as its all natural ingredients.
- Boil up 500ml of water in a bowl. Add some basil leaves and an essential oil. I use tea tree oil to give my face a tingly feeling but it works with all oils. Cover your head in a cloth and lean over the water for approximately five minutes to open your pores.
- Make a paste out of Baking Soda and water and leave on the blackheads for five minutes. Once that has been left on scrub the mixture in and rinse off with cold water. Do this once a week and you will be blackhead free!

SPOTS

We only ever seem to get them when something important is about to happen! And as must as its difficult not to, do NOT squeeze them. This spreads the spot and you are likely to get them coming back. Another important thing is not to cake the spot in makeup – this can clog it up and lead to infection.

Toothpaste
I thought this was a myth, but I used it before and it works! But a dollop of toothpaste on your spot and leave it overnight. This dries out the spot and leaves it easier to get rid of.

Grace Your Face Spot Reducer Pads
These little pads are proven to reduce and prevent spot breakouts. They are easy to use, you apply a patch over the affected area and leave overnight. These will cleanse and help fight the breakout.

Montagne Jeunesse Blemish Mud Face Mask
Apply this mask once a week in order to prevent breakouts. With loads of natural ingredients it means that even sensitive skin can handle these masks. Invite a friend over and apply these mask and let them do their magic!

DRY SKIN

With this weather it’s hard to avoid dry skin. But here are some lotions and potions to help you combat this and give you a soft silky face.

Lush Gorgeous
Although this is pricey, it’s absolutely worth it. The moisturiser was originally made for Diana Princess of Wales. The smell of fruits is amazing and it leaves your face feeling amazingly soft and moisturised. Luckily, all of lush products have testers available and their staff are extremely knowledgeable of the products, so if you have any questions pop into your nearest store.

Bio-Oil
Although this is primarily used for stretch marks, its is amazing for giving an even skin tone. Apply lightly over your face and rub in for about five minutes. Dab with blotting paper if you need to. This should keep your face moisturised even in this harsh weather! Remember with this, less is definitely more.

Garnier Vita Restore Night Cream
This is designed for mature skin, which means its quite heavy duty. But apply thinly to a makeup free face before you go to bed and wake up feeling fab and moisturised! Start with applying the tiniest bit first and then upping the amount as you go on.. This can leave your face looking greasy if too much is applied.

OILY SKIN

Oh oily skin! Shiny faces in photographs, makeup never staying put. Well that’s all a thing of the past with these three tried and tested products.

Superdrug Clarity Shine Control Papers
Blotting papers are great for oily skin. These come in a handy little packet so you can pop them in your bag on a night out. When you are in the loo give your face a quick blot with them and that shine disappear!

Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Anti-Shine Lotion
This is a daily use lotion. Apply it before you go to bed or before you apply your makeup and allow it to settle. It will clear up oily skin in an instant and keep it at bay!
Its also great for sensitive skin.

No 7 Beautifully Balanced Purifying Toner for Oily Skin
Tone your skin without adding any oil to it. No 7 is a great brand anyway, but this toner is great. It tones your skin without it feeling oily like many toners do. Also – at the moment Boots are doing a great deal with No 7 brands, so get down to a Boots or online and get some!

SENSITIVE SKIN

Sensitive skin can be a nightmare, but with these product you need not worry. Also, for information on products you wish to use, ask someone in store. They are often able to help you.

Expert Baby Sensitive Moisturiser
A good tip for people with sensitive skin is to go for Baby products. It may seem strange, but baby lotions/oils are formulated for the most sensitive skin of all – babies! This moisturiser is heavy duty and should not irritate your skin. Give it a whirl!

Simple Soothing Skin Toner
Not only with this tone your face, but if left in the fridge it will completely sooth it of any itching. Simple are a generally great brand to use if you are new to cosmetics, they are affordable and designed for specialist skin. This was the first toner I ever bought and I still buy it now!

Pampers Sensitive Wipes
I use nappy wipes for removing make-up. It’s a lot cheaper than special make-up removers and is great on the skin. Sensitive wipes are scentless, so you wont smell like a baby's bum..

BRIGHTEN

In these winter months its hard to look bright eyed and bushy tailed. But with these three products you can. These are three of my favourite items to use when I just want to look a bit brighter!

Lush – Ocean Salt Face Scrub
Vodka based face scrub?! Get a bright face with what you had the night before with this face scrub. It smells like sun tan lotion and when you are scrubbing it in you can pretend you’re on a beach in Miami – only to be woken up by someone knocking on the bathroom door..

Garnier Nutrionionist Eye Caffiene Roll On
This enriches the eye with caffeine and tones the eye. Giving you wide awake eyes in the sweet of a pen! This is the number one eye product at the moment so try it out for less than £10!

Eyeko 3 in 1 Moisturiser/Toner/Highighter
This gives you that subtle ‘is she or isn’t she’ wearing makeup feel. Its light effortless and moisturises aswell as highlighter. Look out for other Eyeko products because they are absolutely amazing.

Layla Loves - Get the Look!

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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With a new film out, and an armful of Golden Globes, its almost impossible to see Kate Winslet at the moment! She recently posed for photos in Elle Magazine, and looked fantastic! Here I have put together a cheaper way to look this good!

FACE
Eyeko Moisturiser & Highlighter
Eyeko are a great brand for affordable cuteness! With a moisturiser and a highlighter in one this is perfect for when you are getting ready in a rush! Apply it along your cheek bones and below your eyebrow arch for light reflecting beauty just like Kate!

Yves Saint Laurent Touch Eclait
I only recently bought this, after not being sure whether I wanted to pay this much for 5ml of highlighter, but rest assure, this is an investment product! Apply it below your eyes and have the light reflect off your dark bits!

Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Liquid Foundation
I’m pretty sure Kate doesn’t get 10 hours sleep before every photo-shoot! But here is a great way to cheat that! This foundation smells gorgeous and really does make you look like you’ve just had the worlds longest beauty sleep! For just under £10 you really cant go wrong with this.

MAC Dame Edna HiLight in “What a Dame”
This is a new product from MAC, its got enough subtle colour in it to be worn as a blush. Apply this to your cheek bones lightly sweeping towards your face from your cheek bones and have that warm glow that Kate’s rocking!

LIPS
B Never Too Busy to B Beautiful Sweet Lips Brown Sugar Lip Scrub
To soften your lips use this just before you apply your lipstick. Rub on the solution until your lips tingle and brush off with your hands. I’ll warn you, you will use this once and never go without it again! It bans dry flaky lips leaving a Jojoba oil seal around your lips to keep them soft.

Too Faced Lip Injection Intensive Plumping Mask
For plump pouty lips slap a bit of this on!! This is a pre plumper for those of you who prefer to wear lipstick instead of lipglosses. Apply this with the spatula provided and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Avoid getting this on your skin as it may turn it a little bit red. Wash off with warm water and you will look just like Kate! This really is a great alternative to surgery!

Playboy Calendar Girls Lipstick in Miss November
The just off nude lipstick is perfect for recreating Kate’s Elle shoot. Apply without eyeliner for a rushed smoky look! This colour is a perfect every day colour as well as evening. This lipstick gives great coverage and keeps your lips moist! If its good enough for Hef’s girls its good enough for us!

EYES
Bourjois Shimmering Shine Eye Tint
Apply this into the corners of your eyes to accentuate them. This will automatically give you wide awake eyes no matter how long you have been awake for! This is a liquid eye shadow and is light enough to give you a frosty glimmer over your eyes.

MAC Fluid Line in Midnight
Although this is a traditional eyeliner. I tend to use it for dark dramatic eyes. To apply like Kate; stretch your eyelid out and apply from the outside in using a blender brush. Try not to go over your lower lid, so you don’t look overdone! Keep the liner darker on your outside of your eyes and eventually fade it to nothing. The flick is optional but in order to do that keep a straight sweep about 5mm from the end of your lashes.

Barry M Dazzle Dust
Barry M will have a colour for every occasion!! Kate has a tinge of metallic blue in these pictures. Apply lightly over the black eyeliner. But beware - this is a bit fiddly so put a square of toilet roll or cotton wool below your bottom lashes to stop the dust from falling onto your cheeks and ruining the whole look!

GOSH Black Ink Eyeliner
This is gorgeous strong wearing eyeliner. Apply this in the outside of your lower lids to get Kate’s heavy eyes. GOSH are a great brand to buy eyeliners from. They are virtually waterproof and are heavy enough to use instead of a dark eye shadow.

Loreal Telescopic Mascara
Sweep this onto the your lashes to finish this look. This is a brilliant mascara! Although its pricey its perfect for long thick lashes! Apply to the top of your top lashes and then your bottom lashes. Once that has dried sweep diagonally across your lashes for that fake look!

Layla Loves - Credit Crunch Cosmetics

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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Thank you so much everyone for your helpful comments in the Goodie Bag feature Marianne organised. My mind (and notebook) has been whizzing around full of ideas and new articles for everyone! I thought I would start with an idea which popped up from Abigail, which was to find good make-up on a budget. Just because the economy is in a state, doesn’t mean you have to be!

Thanks Again to everyone who replied I found it so helpful!

Collection 2000 Colour Match Foundation

This liquid foundation is great! It gives great coverage and isn’t too thick and gloopy! It comes in a range of shades and gives you a dewy look. Its good to have a range of 'back-up' foundations for when its too near pay day to splurge or when you have a gorgeous holiday tan. This is a great buy, and I definitely think it should be in everyone's make-up bag!

17 Solo Eyeshadows
Glam it up with these little beauties!! My favourite eyeshadow of all time is “Style Queen” which gives a gorgeous light glitter base! These have a fantastic range of shades which suit all skin types and colours. They are perfect for trying new looks as they are effective and cheap! Also, I try to mix them up a little bit to create a perfect look. They come in flat colour and with a glitter shimmer so have a look and see what you fancy!

Eyeko Fat Balm Lip and Cheek Tint
I first came across Eyeko when I saw the packaging! Its cute and kawaii and the products are GREAT! These lip and cheek tints come in 3 colours and flavours. The tint is subtle do you don’t have to worry about looking too flushed! The strawberry is perfect for that 50’s bombshell look!

Collection 2000 Fast Stroke Liquid Eye-liner
This is my everyday eye-liner. Its reliable and easy to apply. It has a sponge applicator which is so much easier than a brush. The waterproof version of this eye-liner really is the only eye-liner that doesn’t leave the dreaded double line!

17 Ultimate Volume Lip gloss
This lip glosses come in a huge range of colours and are not too gloopy! They don’t last a huge amount of time, but who cares! They have sheen colours to dark reds! These lip glosses are great to add over the top of a matte lipstick to give a bit of a shine! With these lip glosses you really can put a price on looking good ;)

Miss Sporty Mini Me Eyeliner
This eyeliner is a bargain! Its subtle enough to use on a fresh face for a bit of definition. Although the pencil is prone to break so be careful not to bash it around. There are lots of different colours in this range, but the black is definitely the best. This is very good for different looks as the harder you apply is the darker it comes out, meaning that this is good for both subtle and dramatic looks.

Barry M Lip Paint
These lipsticks are perfect. They have the quality of a designer lipstick for under £5! They come in a huge range of colours. A great one to buy, if you are going for a natural look is the A Touch of Magic lipstick which will go a pinkish colour, depending on the alkaline levels in your lips. Its jammed packed with Aloe Vera to keep your lips smooth!

Barry M Glitter Liquid Eye-liner
Going out but can only afford one make-up item? Look no further! These gorgeous eye-liners will sparkle up any make-up bag! Whether it’s a subtle line underneath your eyes to give a doe eyed look, or a full on glitter lid, you really cant go wrong! These come in a variety of colours to compliment all eye colours. Be sure to remove it before you go to bed, or you will wake up looking like David Bowie!

Natural Collection Lash Build Mascara
The whole Natural Collection is full of yummy make-up for sensitive skin. This mascara is one of their best product. Apply two or three times and get that false lash look, for less than a pack of false lashes! The packaging may be a bit boring, but for under £2 you really cant complain!

Simple Eye Make-up Remover Pads
This range is made specifically for sensitive skin so you don’t have to worry about blotchy marks! It removes most make-up and is in pad form so you don’t have to worry about spilling it when you’ve been on a big night out!

Layla Loves - Snap me up!

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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Every now and then I find a product that I just want to tell the world about! This week I've compiled three of the best new products available for you to share - or keep to yourself ;)

Dame Edna & MAC HiLight Powder

Don't let the spokesperson fool you, this highlighter is amazing! It gives that airbrushed look in a quick swipe, available in two shades. 'Spectacle' is a soft pink, while 'What a Dame' is a gorgeous peach colour. With this cute kitsch packaging these are a must. Unfortunately, as with most good things, this is a limited edition. So get down to you MAC Stores or the website above and get yourself glowing like the Dame herself!

Lush New Shampoo Bar

This cinammon scented Shampoo bar is perfect for stimulate the hair folicles. Its originally designed for use during pregnancy and stressfull times where hair can temporarily fall out. The shampoo bars from Lush are a great buy, with one bar lasting around 80 washes, it really does pay off to buy one of these. Dont worry if cinnamon isnt the smell for you, there are 14 different types of shampoo bar available from lush.

Jelly Belly Lip Gloss

These amazing flavoured lipglosses give you the taste of Cotton Candy, Very Cherry and Blueberry all for £3! With a taste just like the Gourmet Jelly Beans you can lip your lips without feeling guilty!

Goodie Bag - Your beauty questions answered

The Goodie Bag feature is where I host little contests and promotions, which give you a chance to bag yourself something nice and add some cheer to your day.



In this week's Goodie Bag are:

• Adorable Happy Time card and envelope from Lady Luck Rules OK
• Endearing kiss necklace from Punky Pins
  
• Cool star earrings from Punky Pins
  
• Cute Milk carton pin
  

Good morning! I hope you're all having a great start to the week!

If some of you haven't noticed, we have a new member at the DLB team - Layla - who will be dishing out all sorts of beauty and make-up tips on weekly basis. In light of that, this week's goodie bag contest is all about her! You can ask her what ever you wish about skincare and make-up, whether it be a specific problem, or just an idea for what you'd like her to cover in her column. She will then answer your questions in her future columns.

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry with your questions or requests for Layla. As a bonus, if you link back to this entry, you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 30th January at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night, and will aim to announce it by Saturday.

Layla Loves - Cosmetic Bag Staples

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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Hello and welcome to my brand new DLB feature! Seeing as this is my first post, I thought I could post about the things we cant do without - the make-up staples! These are some of my favourite tried and tested everyday products. Obviously most peoples necessities are different, some people wouldn't be caught dead without eye-shadow, some couldn't live without lipstick, but there are products that everyone should have in their cosmetics bag! Here's a look at some good staple make-up products :)

1. Dainty Doll Foundation

This is a new product from Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts & Ultra cool JellyPongPong. Its specifically for pale skin and works with combination skin, so if you've got pale skin like me you will be pleased to know these do not leave you with the tell-tale orange lines!

2. MAC Studio Fix

This is the liquid version of the original Studio Fix powder foundation. With 26 shades of fabulous colours, this will give you great coverage and on a different note - smells amazing!

3. Benefit Boi-ing Concealer

Industrial strength concealer. This comes in just 3 shades but is easily blended to match most skin colours. Less is more with this product and its perfect for the morning after the night before.

4. Benefit High-Beam Highlighter

A highlighter that works so well you can immediately see the effects! This pearly pink highlighter will brighten up your face in an instant! Just dab a little bit on your cheek bones and below your brow and you will have that 'in love' look.

5. Boujoirs Paris 'Little Round Pot' Blusher

Sweep this blushers over your cheek bones for that peachy keen look! With a faint rose scent these little gems will make your day. For pale skin try Rose D'or and for slightly darker skin try Sienne 85.

6. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
You've all seen this little product before. It may only cost around £5 but its one of the best mascaras you'll find out there. For a more dramatic look try their Blackest Black range. This mascara has the qualities of a designer mascara at half the price!

7. Barry M Intense EyeLiners
These pencils are long lasting and come in the usual black and browns. However if one of your staples is a bit of colour, then look no further than the King of Colour Barry M. These pencils are affordable, which means you can buy lots of them! In the UK they can be found in large Boots and Superdrug stores.

8. Vaseline Lip Therapy

Perfect for braving the winter months, this will make your lips as soft as silk and keep you looking gorgeous! There are 4 different products in this range - Original, Aloe Vera, Rose and Sun Protection. All that for 99p! These can be found in chemists, small Boots stores and supermarkets.

9. Ultrabland by Lush

And how are you going to remove these fabulous products? With Lush's Ultrabland cleanser! This amazing cleanser will not only remove the stubbornness of make-up it will also keep your face moisturised.

Hot off the Press - Layla♥Loves

I've often been asked for a feature related to skincare and makeup, but as I don't feel like any sort of expert in that area, I've been a bit hesitant to write much on the subject myself. But now there's a new kid in town and she knows everything worth knowing about beauty.

Please give a very warm welcome to the newest member of the DLB team, Layla! Her new feature, Layla♥Loves, will be kicking off soon, and in it you will find advice on skincare and make-up. Plus you'll get to peek into Layla's make-up bag and hear all about the latest and most coveted products. I for one, can't wait!