BARE IT ALL..

Some girls cant stand the texture and 'look' of foundation,yet would still like some form of coverage!Light weight moisturisers that have coverage in it are just the thing you freckly gals need!Okay,so i have LOADS of tinted moisturisers (summer-time i bare it all),and found it hard choosing my favourite!But the winner that ticks all the boxes is Laura Merciers 'Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20'-its a light-weight,sheer foundation that oozes radiance!Pop it on your skin at weekends/work days to give that natural glow!You can SO get away with saying  'im not wearing any make-up!' with this gem on your skins!Rachelx

 

FLAWLESS IN A FLASH!

Shes the definition of beauty & brains with her dazzling smile & flawless complexion & now shes opted to share her secrets with the world!Anne Hathaway,and a whole list of celebs have a beauty secret in common!Her Beautiful skin,Hathaway says,is down to Chanel's super moisturising 'Vitalumière foundation' .The hydrating formula gives a young,radiant look as lines,wrinkles & imperfections seem to be erased.It gives a dewy finish & sexy sheen to the skin too! For a red carpet look,use a sponge when applying as it will give that airbrushed look,but i say a busy bee like Ann uses her fingertips to blend this foundation into her skin for a super natural look!Rachel Cleary x

6 TIPS TO MAKE YOU DAZZLE...

1. A tip for using bronzer is to make sure you dont just stop at the face,get a large powder brush and blend to the neck,shoulders etc. to even out any areas your tan didn't cover!(Rimmel do fab bronzers!).
2.By using a pop of pink blush over your bronzer it will avoid the dreaded 'over monochromatic bronzer' look and instead,create a fresh looking ,more subtle glow!

3.When choosing a red lip color,look for blue undertones in the product as this will give the illusion that your teeth are whiter than they actually are!

4.For a fresh face that looks radiant-invest in your skin!Take regular facials,have a proper diet & take regular excercise as make-up is an accessory,but your skin is your canvas girls ;)

5.If you have small lips,try to steer away from dark reds/brown lippies,as these colors will make them shrink!Instead,slick on a shimmering gloss in a more nude/paler shade for fuller,sexier lips!(Rimmel do a fab range of lippies @ reasonable prices!).

6.A good eye lash curler will open the eyes,multiply the appearances of your lashes& bring emphasis to your eyes.So do invest as youll have it for years!I love Shu Emueras ones,pricey, but loved by celebs & us make-up artists!Rachel Cleary x

I @DORE SUGAR BOMB!

The thing i love about Benefit products is,primarily,they work.Apart from their pretty packaging,their products do wonders for us gals complexions!One of Benefits top sellers is 'Sugar Bomb'-sugar rush flush face powder!Swirl the 4 shades of peach,plum,& FABULOUS shimmering pink & rose powders together and sweep all over your desired cheek areas(It also comes with a cute brush too!)For a sweet rush of gorgeousness-apply over colar bones and shoulders to give that healthy shimmer!Rachel Cleary x

DISH THE PALE & PASTY LOOK!

Okay,lets be realistic-its VERY hard to get a tan in Ireland!But,we as a nation,successfully fake it!Practically everyone has had a few tan disasters at some point-But i have found the most easiest tan to apply!I've always been mad about this tan AND it being an irish product is a big plus!This tan comes in liquid form,so you can use as little or as much as u want!Its a really fab product and it gives that 'just back from Marbella' look!Directions:Moisturise the night before,Then apply into dry,clean skin on a daily basis to keep your skin bronzed(i also use a mitt as it saves the Shrek hands!!)So girls,get your mitts on and release your inner bronze goddess!Price ranges from 15-30 eur!Rachel Clearyx

JANUARY DELIGHT

Had a BLAST doing this shoot with Hannah Healy!Such a bubbly,nice girl & her natural beauty gave me a pretty easy job when it came to her hair & make-up!Beat the January blues by getting a bit of fresh air down by the canal!For her lips i used 'Rouge pur Couture' by Yves Saint Laurent in no.1!For her visage,i used Vichy primer as it leaves a beautifully velvet sheen to the skin,Followed by Christion Dior foundation 'Extremer wear Flawless' which gives the skin a flawlessly smooth look,it has a unique hydra-gel moisture-stabilizing system built in AND its waterproof,perfect for the irish yucky weather!Photographer-Richie Buttle,Hair & Make-up by myself!Rachelx

I HEART SECRET GARDEN 2011

D & G have shocked the world of us make-up lovers as their brand is usually all about muted shades,But 2011 has shown that  Dolce & Gabanna Make-up is here to stay!I adore their new collection 'Secret Garden'.Everything about this collection shouts spring,now all we need is our wedges and mojitos!!!I love their use of vibrant metallic colors without making them too outrageous!So wearable and i especially love the nail lacquers-theyre long lasting,and come in 17 (YES 17!!)vibrant colors!The shades range from nude to provocative!Release your inner godess!Rachelx

LIP SENSATION IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS!

Dont you just love when things are made easier in make-up life!?Trish McEvoy caters to our every need when it comes to this lip trio!She has launched the new 'PERFECT POUT LIP TRIO'.Now we can achieve that Angelina Jolie pout that will make our lips instantly irresistible!The trio includes full size 'Flawless Lippy','Essential Pencil' in sweet berry & a deluxe travel size 'Beauty Booster SPF 15 Lip Gloss' in sexy nude!This is set to leave your lips dazzing and sparkling,Now all we need is  her hottie Brad on our side ;) Rachelx

HEALTHY GRUAIG=HAPPY YOU!

Want hollywood hair that only needs a few strokes each day?Mason Pearson brushes originated in 1885 so theyre the Roles Royce of hairbrushes!'THE' brush-cleans the hair,stimulates the scalp(increasing the blood-flow to the roots).Sebum comes from a gland at the base of our hair,and brushing spreads this along the length of each hair resulting in strength,suppleness and of course a FABULOUSLY healthy shine!I heart 'Pocket Bristle' B4 so treat yourselves and get your Mason on!Rachelx

BUTTER ME UP

The Body Shop has been a loyal friend to us all  at one point!But their attention to detail in their ingrediants is top notch.They don't test any of their products on animals-WAHOO to all you animal devotees out there (including myself)!Their body butter range has been a topseller for years and im a BIG fan of their 'Cocoa Butter'!During the winter we can get dry skin so slather this all over your bodys to put back the moisture!It last for up to 24 hours AND since its scented,it doubles up as a  light perfume too-2 for the price of 1!

Rachelx

BLUSH THE BLUES AWAY

I have 3 colors that i constantly fall back on when it comes to blushers-Orange,Pinks & warm browns.So naturally when i saw this next product my face lit up-LITERALLY ;) Bobbi Browns beloved blushes (& shadows) are pure brilliance and their staying power is excellant.Check out Bobbis new blush in 'pale pink'.I love it cause it blends into my skintone and doesn't make you look like a clown!The hues in this illuminates the cheeks instantly AND it stays on all day.Team up with neutral lips and a few coats of mascara & liner,Rachelx

FIGHT THE BREAK-OUTS

Partying,alcohol,late nights,heavy make-up and smoking are just some of the factors that can cause break-outs.Poor Megan Fox along with us party girls can relate to a thing or too above!Exam stress can also play a big part !So heres a few simple steps to prevent this happening and make your skin sparkling clear!1.Go easy on your foundation-less is more!2.Start a skincare routine(cleanse,tone,moisturize) i LOVE cliniques 3 step program,their products  contain ingredients like benzol peroxide which kills the bacteria causing inflammation.3.Keep your mutts off your face-your hands can have all sorts of bacteria on them!Also,go easy on squeezing pimples as this can lead to redness and scaring-not a good look!And lastly 4.Drink the aul H2o-no calories either!!If your skin continues to be bugging the hell outta ya-consult a dermatologist-they will offer you another type of regime!

Rachelx

PEACE,LOVE?C'EST JUICY!

Juicy Couture perfume has always been a favourite of mine!It oozes sexiness and it stays on through hail and snow-BONUS!So when i heard they launched their new fragerence i had to give my verdict!The new scent -'Peace,Love,Juicy Couture' captures the free-spirited flower-child vibe of Malibu with notes of Meyer lemon blossom, wild hyacinth, sweet apple accord, black currant, jasmine absolute, star magnolia and sheer patchouli flower.YUM!!!The dreamy decorative bottles with bohemian baubles and girly tassels are certain to make any juicy-addict DROOL!Rachelx

SQUARE TO DARE A PERFECT COMPLEXION?

I'm OCD when it comes to a perfect complexion,so ill happily spend that extra 6 minutes making sure every bit of foundation is blended precisely ,Over the christmas i treated myself to the new MAC 191 square foundation brush-A large, flat, square-shaped synthetic-fibre brush with a fine firm edge for distribution/blending of products on the face & body!I usually go for the round type brush but this surprised me as the flatness of the brush gives light application and airbrush appeal!Va-Va-Voom!!Rachelx

OVERPLUCKED? THE BROW ANGEL IS HERE TO HELP

Over plucked?If so,let me share with you a few tricks using make-up to conceal the dreaded 'fine brows'! Make sure you have plucked the strays around your eyebrows and while you don't wanna over-pluck even more,strays outside the brow-line give an unpolished look girls!Brush your brows into the shape you desire, using a brow brush.This shape should form a clean line.Fill in blank spots with an eyebrow pencil. To do this, use light stokes to avoid that drag queen look!Dont try to make eyebrows longer using the pencil or it will look fake,try using an angled brow brush!.Apply light strokes around the brow to create thickness.Apply a brown shadow throughout the eyebrow to make brows appear thoroughly filled in and fabulous.Apply using a fine, angled eyeshadow brush.And there you have it-Kim Kardashians beautifully full brows in an instance!I love the benefit 'Brow zing' set,its a definite beauty must have!Rachelx

THE 2011 SUPERSIZED BUN

I ADORE this look!Its actually very similar to the high Japanese style except no curls.This is a super easy style to achieve,and can be every inch of glam at a wedding,a debs, a birthday-You name it!

1.Get every little tangle out of your luscious locks,then lightly back-comb hair in the opposite direction.2.With your hands,move hair to the centre of your head and tie in a high tight pony-tail.Wrap the hair around the base of the ponytail sponge. Place a bobby pin on each side,dont forget one in middle for extra hold!Spray some hairspray onto your comb (love Elnett by L'oreal), and smooth the front and sides to get rid of any fly aways/frizz. The tighter you make the super size bun, the more your eyes will stand out.Team up with either hot pink lips/a strong matt red with a slick of liner and mascara!Miss Bosworth looks HOT HOT HOT!Rachelx

KILLER HEELS,DARING LIPS

Us beauty junkies love lipstick.Us beauty junkies also love killer heels.Now imagine the two combined.Is anyone else seeing fireworks..??!Look at the masterpiece Alberto Guardiani came up with!So..want to wear your lipstick on your heels ladies?PROBLEM SOLVED!i love love love!Yves Saint Laurent have launched a new lipstick range-'Rouge Pur Couture',i dare you to pick shade no.1!Wear these two together and your guarenteed to stop traffic!.Rachel x

ROLL OVER CHERYL-TRIED & TESTED.

So she was voted sexiest woman in the world,best dressed & given the hottest female award.We could all take a tip or two from the only gorgeous CHERYL COLE!So when i saw her fronting the L'oreal beauty campaign i just HAD to check out what she was promoting-'L'oreals true match roller foundation'.Sceptical me just had to give it ago!The tiny roller glides over every nook of your face and gives GREAT coverage,its pretty easy to use too (no foundation brush so saves you the penneys!) The formula isnt cakey and feels relatively light. Im happy to say that it gave my skin that airbrused effect look!Its cheap,availably in most pharmacies and stores,and lets face it-L'oreals been around for years so its a very trusted beauty brand!Deffo one of my fav foundations!Rachelx

FAB FROM TIP 2 TOE

A good pedicure is more than just painted toenails,Its one of the best ways to relax and feel fab especially in these down times!Im all about maintaining and grooming!We show off our pampered toes in the summer yet us girlies seem to neglect our little toes in the colder months!Feet get ignored compared to our faces and even hands so this treatment really makes a huge difference.When its cold outside it can be hard to be motivated to exercise.Indoor exercise such as swimming, Bikram Yoga and Pilates benefits us gals greatly from having beautifully manicured feet to distract you from the christmas bulge!!!So treat yourseleves,theyre relatively cheap compared to a massage and i love The Peacock Salons Pedicures @ Crunch Dunlaoghaire!

PS.a good polish should should last 2-3 weeks without chipping so treat your beautiful selves!Rachelx

Back to basics..

I have always been fascinated with ancient beauty recipes made from scatch and firmly believe that the following recipes have stood the test of time!Try it out for yourself!I'm all about saving money when it comes to beauty so you'll be looking fresh faced and you'll have a few extra coins in your pocket too-RECESSIONISTA?..i think so!

Avocado Mask-1/2 avocado mashed,2 tablespoons olive oil,Mash avocado.Mix in olive oil.Apply to face and leave on for 15-20 minutes,Rinse and pat dry.

Mayo and Egg Hair Treatment 1 egg,1/4 cup mayo,Mix ingredients.Apply to damp hair.Leave in for 15-20 minutesRinse and Wash hair with shampoo and conditioner!

Honey Facial Mask 1/4 cup honey,Place a warm cloth on face to open pores.Spread honey all over face and leave it on for 20-25 minutes.Rinse off with warm water.Pat dry.

BERRY BEAUTIFUL

For the Lips:Bold berry lip colors are very popular this year(check out the MAC ones,theyre matt and give moisture!). If you feel the berry lipstick is a bit OTT, opt for other shades such as red and deep pink. Even purple shades will work for bronze skin tones.I like to emphasise the brows with a dark choclate brown color using an angled brow brush to add definition and structure!

1. Line lips along lip line and fill in lips with the berry lip liner.
2. Using a lip brush, apply the deep berry lipstick. Blot once with a tissue paper and apply the color again.
3. To complete the look, apply the shimmery berry lip gloss

Your lips will be berrylicious!Rachelx

Beauty crisis-Banish the redness..

Having sensitive skin can be a nightmare at times,but there is hope!There are some really effective regimens that unfortunately cannot rid the problem-but can infact help it!Sensitive skin usually reacts quickly to
temperature changes from the cold or wind,so us irish girls need to nip this problem in the bud!Our skin requires extra gentle care along with the usage of mild products to soothe and calm our skin.

To help cover the redness,use concealers with a yellow/green tint which will immediately erase the redness
without needing to be applied cakily.A general rule for irish (sensitive) skin is less is more as we need to be gentle with our skin!
TOP TIP CHICAS-After applying your moisturiser(i <3 La Roche Posay),use mineral foundation/concealer as its proven to be effective on sensitive skin and isnt too heavy nor drying!Your complexion will change as well as your confidence!Rachel x

Show off your shimmer gals!!!

Oooh don't you just love when  Estée Lauder bring out yet another product to keep us gals happy?!They have just launched their 5 Tone Shimmer Powder for Eyes, Cheeks & Face.Heres how to show off your shimmer-You can wear Shimmer Powder alone or over foundation. For a flawless look with 15-hour staying power,Shimmer Powder is great for the eyes too!Use the lightest shade under brow & apply deeper shades all over lid..To brighten your blush-Apply Estée Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush over cheekbone from middle of ear to tip of nose. Then swirl Shimmer Powder on top of cheeks for extra radiance.It also comes in beautiful packaging and it will keep you looking like a shimmering goddess for years to come!Rachelx

Color Show Off!

I'm like a kid when it comes to new make-up products which makes this next item SO exciting!Rimmel have launched their newest lip campaign 'color show off' which is set to be one of their hottest products to date!Yay!Available in 12 FABULOUS shades which boasts high definition and full bodied colors!It has a velvet finish & cushion feel!The color are show stopping for day and night wear-SUPER bonus.I dont know about you gals but im already dreaming about them and cant wait till it hits the shelves in 2011!Cheap and chic!Rachel x

5 hair-styles guys LOVE

Okay,so we all know how much our beloved hair means to us,we also care what the boys think of it too.So i went out and asked a couple of guys what  they  most loved about our hair & what also made them not so keen!Heres a few of the answers!
1.Aaron from Galway:'When I see a woman with her hair up loosely, it reminds me of a scene in The Devil’s Advocate'. (I couldn't agree with him more,its that effortless chic look girlies)
2.John from Greystones:'I love the way my girlfriends straight hair flatters her face'.
(straight hair is always a winner me thinks!Only if it is smooth & sleek though with some body in it!)
3.Rory from Castleknock:'I love when girls hair look like the Victoria Secret models with the just outta bed look'(The look is intentional and is easy to create using heated rollers and heated wands,one of my fav looks)

THE NOT SO KEEN LOOKS!
1.Michael from Donnybrook:'I cannot stand the way some birds cut their hair really short,its so butch looking'.(I agree & disagree as some faces can actually pull it off but with the use of wrong color it CAN actually look disastrous!)
2.Paul from Tallaght:'I'm not into when girls have the whole fake blonde look,its so trashy looking!'
(The cheek!Although i'm biased as im a blonde!I see where hes coming from and i think he meant to say the fake white blonde extension look down to your derriere!Point taken Paul!)
3.Brendan from Killiney:'No offence to anyone,but i personally am not into the black hair,red lips look,its really scary and its not someone who i'd like to bring home to my mum!!!'
(Ha!I can see where he's coming from but i think the look can be achieved if the eyes are played down a small bit,so if you wanna achieve this look,opt for a strong red lip and a slicjk of mascara,or neutral lips and strong dramatic eyes!)

Hope that answers some questions girls!I certainly learned a few things!

Although she is beautifully flawless,i couldn't help but have a little giggle to myself when i saw recent photos of Heidi Klum.It just goes to show we can all wake up looking a little scraggedy around the edges from time to time!PHEW-shes actually human!One of my Favourite products to use in this scenario is the ever-trusted 'Touche eclat' By Yves Saint Laurent.Any make-up artists i have chatted to have all agreed that this is beauty in a flash!It comes in a (magic) pen form!You click the end of the pen to disperse the product!It has light refecting molecules so it bounces back the light of any dark cirlces under the eyes/pigmentation problems.I hate calling it 'concealer' as it melts into the skin whereas other concealers can leave a cake-like consistency which draws even more attention to the problem!This product brings light,luminosity & radience to the skin and is loved by all celebrities including Naoimi Cambell,Beyonce and Kate Middleton to name but a few!It comes in one universal color so it adapts to everyones skin tone.A few clicks,and your red carpet ready,you apply under they eye,above the brow to give the illusion that theres a lift,along the nose,along the jaw-line to add structure,and anywhere u want!Theres no rules to this gem!I have used it on some models back of their legs if they have any slight varicose veins!Apply over foundation & lightly pat with your fingertip!Pricy-BUT WORTH IT LADIES!invest to see the magic..!Rachelx

The treatment that will literally save your hair!

My sister has been using this for years and it was only a couple of months ago i start using it.As my hair is blonde,it can get really dry and snap with all the hair-dryers/straighteners/curlers.So-heres a product that will replenish your hairs despair in a flash!'Redken anti-snap' leave in treatment will save your day!It contains ceramides to reinforce the structure of the hair/help repair damaged areas,whilst proteins penetrate deep into the core helping build internal strength,& natural lipids help resurface leaving the cuticles shiny,smooth and protected. I promise you hair will be left shiny,healthy and FABULOUS!Go on,give it a try!Rachel x

Glow like a star

I get asked this question so often- where do you get that skin glow/what kind of camera do you use,and i am forever saying  its not my camera that they like, it's my makeup (and my photo shopping, but let's keep that our little secret ;).My secret to photo-finished PERFECTION is this little beaut! The Benefit High Beam Illuminator is my star product.Right before I go out I apply it to my cheek and brow bones,down the centre of my nose,along my collar bones,and along my legs to give a sexy sheen. It makes the flash of the camera hit you just right to make you look like your skin is literally glowing without the whole pregnancy/baby thing!I've been using it for years,it comes in a nail varnish-like package and once you see the differance i can assure you,it will be your top beauty product for years to come!Available in Brown Thomas,Arnotts,Clerys & all good stores.Rachelx

Pink2 make the boys wink ;)

Okay,so my friends will call me the biggest contradiction when i say this-BUT..i have a confession to make.I adore MACS lippy 'SNOB' ( how appropriate!!!).At first i was hesitant as i felt it wasnt the most flattering of lip colors,but i now am a snobaholic!I have seen this color on a variety of skin tones and it works on all!I recently was on a shoot and used this color teamed up with some  baby pink blush and i was so so happy with the end 'look'!With these dreary times we are facing,why not add a splash of colour to ones face!?
One caution with this color- If you pile it on too thick, and wear too much bronzer, you may end up looking like a girlfriend of Hugh Hefners- So keep it light girlies!! keep the rest of the makeup simple, and keep it classy. Rachel x

Smoky Daring eyes..Applying the smoky look to Shabby from Big Brother!

I haven't a clue why,but ever since i can remember i always adored the smoky look..To copy the bevy of celebs sporting smoldering, smoky eyes on the red carpet, stay away from blue hues - which can make you look like you have undereye circles.Instead, go for black, grey, or brown-Then, follow these simple steps to looking FAB!

1. Apply a cream concealer over your eyelid to create a smooth base for your eyeshadow (I love rimmels concealer which are relatively cheap,and also L'oreal do really long lasting ones also,so check them out!

2. Use a pencil liner (black or grey looks best) to trace your top lashline from the inner corner to the outer. Then, use the same pencil to dot between your lower lashes. Smudge both lashlines with a cotton bud or an eyeliner brush.

3. Sweep powder (brown, grey and dark green all work with black or gray liner) over your lid and into your crease, blending the color up and outwards!I recommend Dior for great palletes of color,Bobbi Brown also do fab colors that will work well with your eye color.

TOP TIP GIRLIES!: To prevent color from fading and give your lids a more shimmery finish, pat a cream shadow over the concealer on your lid first, wait five minutes, then top with a matching powder shadow ;)

4. Dust a lighter, neutral eyeshadow (such as ivory) over just your browbone.

5. Finish with two coats of black mascara.When applying mascara i always ask my clients to tilt their heads backwards to prevent  the smudging of mascara onto the shadow!

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT-SMOKY DARING EYES IN A FLASH ;)

What 3 make-up items can you just NOT live without!?

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? For me it would have to be Mascara!-It defines the eyes,gives length and volume to the lashes,and most of all-it gives them that sexy jet black effect!My favs are Yves Saint Laurent,Estee Lauder & Maybeline.After mascara i would opt for a chocolate brown shadow,as this has many many uses ladies!It can be used to define the brows,give a smoky look to below the eyes AND applied correctly to the inner sockets of the eyes it can give the illusion that your eyes are bigger than so!My final beauty item would be the aul trustworthy Vaseline!

It truly has stood the test of time!It has so many uses such as when applied to the brows,it gives that defined finish,over the eye lid to give a dewy fresh look, on the lips to gives sexy,sultry soft luscious lips and finally,mix a birra vaseline with some lippy and there you have it-a cheek color that will emphasise yet give a fresh happy feel to your cheeks.So there you have it-Mt personal beauty must haves!..