Debbie's Favourites

Name: Debbie Manulkin McGowan
From: USA
Age: Adult
Skin Type: Combination

Debbie got in touch with me via Facebook to tell me about her favourite products. Here is what she has to say:

'I'd done hair for almost 30 years when I discovered the benefits of Motives Liquid Mineral Foundation. My skin tone has always had a healthy glow but was a little dry here and a little oily there. I didn't like foundation because it was never exactly what I wanted or needed. If the color was right, perhaps the coverage was off. Maybe the coverage was ok but it felt too heavy or felt dry.

 All of my business associates where using Motives so one day I reluctantly gave it a try. Since this product is completely customizable, it was made in a beaker right in front of me, based on my specifications. My custom formulation has a combo of 2 bases, added sunscreen, an additive that sheers it out, mattifier that gives me a matt finish, toners (pink and yellow/red) that are in my skin naturally, anti-aging botanicals that address my oiliness and lack of hydration and last but not least, a botanical that gives a tightening effect and addresses aging. It's the perfect foundation and skincare in a bottle that treats all of my concerns at one time. I could go on and on. I also can't live without Motives Perfecting Face Primer and Ten Years Younger Makeup Setting spray'

Thank you very much Debbie! I think the idea of making your base so completely personal is an amazing idea; after all, foundation is meant to perfectly match your skin tone. The fact that it also addresses specific skin concerns is also an extremely important benefit, makeup should work with your skin, not against it.

 Here is a link to Motives website: http://motivescosmetics.marketamerica.com/.
 I believe the range is availiable in the USA and to mail order in the UK

A Few Of Your Favourite Things

Hello there,

I have decided to start a new feature on my blog, where readers write in to me with their own beauty heroes and I share them with everybody. Even self-confessed product whores like me can get stuck in a beauty rut sometimes, and I think its absolutely fascinating to find out what everybody else is using. The aim is to get all different ages, ethnicities and skin types on  here recommending their favourites, to make a handy collection of the best tried and tested beauty products out there.

Please message me on my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/RhiannonChalmersMakeUpArtistAndHairStylist if you would like to contribute.

Peace and love xx

Argan Oil

Hello there!

While I was in Morocco, I really wanted to get hold of some Argan Oil, an oil produced from the kernels of the Argan tree which is grown only in Morocco, making it one of the rarest oils in the world. The oil has been used for centuaries by Berber tribes who ground up the kernels to make oil which was then used for both cooking and cosmetic purposes.

Goats eating the Argan fruit containing the Argan kernels

Cosmetically, the oil has many uses. It is full of essential fatty acids and has antioxidising properties due to the presence of Vitamin E, meaning that it can fight the free radical chemicals in the skin that contribute towards premature aging. It therefore makes a fantastic moisturiser, not just for dry skin types but for all, as it is also found to help reduce juvenile acne. It is also a fantastic oil for the hair, repairing and conditioning.

I first heard of Argan Oil with the recent popularity of the Moroccanoil brand of hair products, which I fully intend on sampling in the near future due to rave reviews I have read regarding the success of the products.

The other product that brought it to my attention was Ro's Argan Body Conditioner from Lush, where I work. I love this as a multi-purpose hair/body/hand/foot moisturiser, and the scent is absolutle gorgeous.

I bought myself a bottle of pure Argan Oil while I was in Morocco and I think it's one of the most incredible beauty products I've ever tried. I use it as a night cream instead of the serum I usually use, as I like a fairly intense level of moisturising at night. My skin is usually quite dry, especially so recently, and the oil is extremely hydrating while at the same time being surprisingly quick to sink in, leaving my skin non-greasy.  I also have started using it in my hair post-shower in stead of John Frieda's Frizz Ease Serum and I think it does a much better job of smoothing my hair, giving it weight and shine. Not only that but I have been using it as an all over body oil and again, I am extremely pleased with the results, my skin feels moisturised and more toned.

My pure Argan Oil comes in a bottle similar to this, the pump is a great idea as it saves using too much product. For example, I would only use one or two squirts on my face. I always make sure I get an even layer on the palm of my hand first, to avoid overloading my skin and making it too oily.

If you can, I highly recommend getting your hands on some Agran Oil! As soon as I've finished mine I will definately find a retailer in the UK.