Sunday 25 March 2012

All in a days work...

Fortunately for me, I get to work with some incredibly talented fellow make up artists, photographers and models. 


Recently, I was kindly asked by my friend Chip to do her make up for a photo shoot. In the industry, this is known as a test shoot where rather then getting paid to attend the shoot, you get paid in prints. This is handy for someone like me who is trying to build my portfolio and also really great for getting to meet photographers. It also gives you a 'behind the scenes look' at what goes on behind the camera. (FYI, you spend more time finding the right lighting then you do taking photos!)


Chip has a great 'pin up' type look and this was great for me as 'pin up', is one of my all time favourite looks. It mixes sexiness, glamour but also a very ladylike vibe. We shot on location at The Waterfront, Norwich, which is a local venue for gigs and themed nights and has housed many fantastic musicians etc. 
The photographer was Al Pulford (http://www.rockphotography.co.uk/) who is an exceptionally talented photographer based in Norwich. He is also the official photographer for The Waterfront so we were able to use the venue during one Saturday.


I've attached a few of the photos, but I would definitely recommend checking out Al's work. The other photos from the shoot should be with me shortly and I will update this post once I have them.


Love Marissa







Saturday 10 March 2012

Boots No 7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator

As I mentioned at the very beginning of this blog, my new years resolution of 2012 is to find a skincare routine that works. I've been fortunate as my skin is pretty low maintenance however, that doesn't mean I don't suffer with the typical skin issues that everyone else does. Blemishes, blocked pores, dry patches, oily patches and so on. 

Generally, I have combination skin. Which means that it's dry in some areas and oily in others. This means that when looking for a product for my skin, I need to make sure it ticks all the boxes for me.

I've managed to find a cleanser that I love (Liz Earle Hot cloth cleanser) however, my skin still has moments where it needs to be scrubbed and scrubbed until it's smooth. One product that has been recommend over and over (namely by my good friend Amanda Branford) is Boots No 7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator.


RRP £11.00


It's sold exclusively in Boots and retails at £11. Now, Amanda has always had amazingly radiant skin so of course I was going to try this product. 

Before reviewing the product in depth, I wanted to go into a little detail about what Micro-dermabrasion actually means and why it is so beneficial to the skin.

Micro-dermabrasion


Dermabrasion basically means 'controlled abrasion of the upper layers of skin.' In previous years, this involved a surgical procedure in which layers of the skin were 'worn away' using mechanical devices or more commonly, chemicals. This would require local anaesthetic and left the skin red and raw. The skin would then take a few months to re-produce the new skins cells.  However, companies have since realised that not such a dramatic procedure is required to remove those upper skin layers. 

Micro-dermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure and not as invasive as dermabrasion. Its a combination of a deep cleansers and small crystal like particles that you literally massage into your skin. This then removes the upper layers of the skin  This in turn then allows skin care products to penetrate deeper into the skins surface and as a result, skin appears smooth, shiny and healthy.

As a make up artist, I know that skin that has had some kind of micro-dermabrasion treatment to it, is a lot easier to apply base make up to (such as foundation.) 

It creates a flawless finish and skin will immediately appear more radiant. 

Boots No 7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator



So, back to the actual product itself. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be re-purchasing this product again & again. It's absolutely fantastic. I use it twice a week and it always gives me fantastic results. My skin feels smooth, refreshed and my make up always looks better. For £11, it's a bargain and one I would recommend you checking out. 


Here's how you use it;

  1. Thoroughly remove all make up from your skin.
  2. Cleanse until any remaining make up or dirt has been removed. 
  3. Ensure your skin is wet and apply about a 50p sized amount of the product all over your skin. 
  4. Massage it in really well. I find that 4 or 5 minutes is long enough. 
  5. Then carefully wash the product off you skin. Please make sure you don't get any in your eyes or mouth! 
  6. I then cleanse again, use toner on my skin and finish with a moisturiser. (I'm currently using Liz Earle cleanser, toner and moisturiser.
  7. Voila. You're all done.

You will immediately notice the difference and your skin will feel very smooth. I probably wouldn't recommend this for sensitive skin as it may cause some harsh redness. My skin does tend to quite red just after but the toner and moisturiser helps calms this down.


I hope you enjoyed this blog, happy scrubbing! 

Love Marissa xoxo

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Primark Haul

Although technically not make up or beauty related, I wanted to share with you my mini Primark haul!

I tend to go through phases with Primark. Sometimes me and my friends can go in there and find soooo many things that we have to re-evaluate our potential purchases before we go and pay. However, lately I've been finding it a little rubbish. The dresses have been super tacky and not really English weather appropriate! So I can honestly say I hadn't bought anything from there in months...Until I strolled in there today with my Mum!

I managed to spend under £40 and bought the most beautiful items that I'm now going to share with you!







Pastel pink blazer - £15

Chiffon navy top - £10

Satin bow pumps - £6

Metal statement necklace - £4

Mint green feather earrings - £1.50


Hope you liked my random post! See you soon!

Love Marissa xoxo

MDR Make Up