James Webster at Laura Mercier – Harvey Nichols Edinburgh*

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So I’m not sure that there are better ways to begin a Friday evening than getting primed and preened at the Harvey Nichols’ Laura Mercier counter by makeup artist James Webster. Fresh from beautifying celebrities at the Brit Awards and BAFTAs, James spent the weekend in Edinburgh.

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So, after settling on an amped-up neutrals look, James got to work whilst I quizzed him over everything from serums to lipgloss. As well as being the loveliest of chaps, he is ridiculously knowledgeable. Getting the chance to play with everything from skincare to mascaras really gives you the opportunity to find out which products are going to work best for you, and I guarantee, if you pop into the store you’re going to come away with the  longest wish list you can imagine!

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As James created the most beautiful, effortless smoky eye (with the most lust-worthy selection of shadows and brushes) I quizzed him on the best ways to apply foundation (worked into the skin with a sponge) as well as on his favourite Laura Mercier products. The hour absolutely flew by, and I found a whole slew of products I need in my arsenal (namely a hydrating skin spray, the rose skin serum and cream, a new tube of Radiance Primer and a rather delightful lipstick).

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If you’re in the mood for a bit of a Spring re-do of your makeup bag, I would seriously recommend hitting up your nearest Harvey Nichols’ Laura Mercier!

Harvey Nichols Edinburgh – Laura Mercier Masterclass with Trevor O’Keeffe*

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When I got the chance to spend a Friday afternoon at Harvey Nichols, learning all about Laura Mercier with elite makeup artist Trevor O’Keeffe, you can imagine how fast I accepted the offer!

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Laura Mercier has to be one of my favourite brands! I just love how beautiful the products are, the brand’s ethos of enhancing your features is something I can really get behind.

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The masterclass was held in the Edinburgh store, and ten of us tucked ourselves away in a corner of the first floor, surrounded by the plushest of winter fashions as we oohed over the newest releases from the brand.

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Even before getting the chance to sit down, my Laura Mercier wish list had grown by about a dozen items – the most beautiful makeup sets and kits were laid out for us to play with, and I have to say, they are incredible! I got rather carried away taking photographs, but I thought you’d want to make notes for Christmas!

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So, after lusting after everything on offer, the ten of us, plied with a selection macarons and Harvey Nichols prosecco (which is absolutely delicious) were seated so the class could begin.

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Trevor started the class by asking Helen to model for him and even without makeup on, she had the most enviable skin and brows! Following the Laura Mercier method of creating a beautifully natural look, Trevor explained that he would create a subtle smokey eye with radiant skin. Since this is the look I aim for most regularly, I couldn’t wait to see the master at work!

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After cleansing the skin with the Perfecting Water Moisture Mist and Infusion De Rose Nourishing Creme Helen was then prepped with the Radiance Primer then she was ready for the makeup lesson to begin.

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Since the lesson was so intimate, we got to ask Trevor questions as the hours progressed, and when he asked whether to use Laura Mercier’s iconic Tinted Moisturiser or something new, we opted for the latter. Getting to see him apply the Silk Creme foundation, which has the brand’s highest level of coverage was mesmerising. Rather than using a handful of tools, Trevor simply pressed the formula into the skin, keeping it looking light and supremely natural.

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Then, a little of the Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer were applied, to eradicate any shadows or little imperfections. I can’t even tell you how natural the makeup looked – instead of looking made-up, Helen’s skin looked perfect and completely bare! Pro tip – don’t apply your concealers or bases directly around the eyes or around the mouth. Thanks to your skin being thinner, coupled with the amount of movement in the area, formulas can crease, so he recommended just pressing the left overs of your sponge or fingers there for a soft, natural way of covering redness.

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It was at this point Trevor shared another one of his tips – press the tiniest amount of translucent powder onto the face to really set the makeup. I have to admit, on a day-to-day basis, I don’t tend to wear loose powders. It’s a combination of keeping my makeup bag as streamlined as possible, and not really having the time, but after yesterday, I’m getting mine back out. Instead of applying the powder with a large fluffy brush, Trevor instead, using a puff, pressed the tiniest amount of it onto the face, first focusing on the oiliest areas, then onto the cheeks and chin. If you find you need to set your eye makeup, Laura Mercier also have a powder which is specifically designed for that!

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Then, after perfecting the base, Trevor moved onto adding a flush with one of the brands blush. He had a customised palette of colours, which were all as pretty as each other, and then he moved onto a subtle wash of bronzer. Since we’re rather swiftly moving into Autumn, Trevor discussed matching your makeup to the seasons, so using bronzer at the moment should just give skin a warmth, rather than a full-on tan.

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It was at this point there was a break, where we could ask questions, try out new techniques, chat to the lovely Harvey Nichols’ Laura Mercier experts and top up our glasses. After all, all this learning was thirsty work!

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Next we moved on to creating the smoky eye. Trevor used a technique which is unique to Laura Mercier, called ‘the sunrise.’ It’s a genius idea. Rather than spending hours drawing and blending, you simply start at the waterline of the eye, using a dark Tightline Cake Eyeliner. Then you blend a softer shadow over the lid (Trevor opted for Caviar Sticks in Khaki and Cocoa, although there’s an awesome set of minis available here). It creates a seriously pretty effect which suits all eye shapes, and I love that you can tweak the intensity to suit where you’re off to!

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To balance out the heavier eye, Trevor applied one of the gorgeous lipsticks in an amplified nude shade. I’m such a fan of Laura Mercier lipsticks – the colour selections are insane, and their formulas are perfectly creamy and long lasting. The Lip Glaces are also an awesome option if you’re after some shine!

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Getting to sit and listen to Trevor, watch him at work, and discuss techniques, colours and tips with his was a real thrill! Not only is he insanely talented, but he was so lovely, and his enthusiasm was infectious! Both he and his team in the Edinburgh store are incredibly knowledgeable about not only their products, but what will suit your skin tone, type and even the occasion you’re off to! After Helen was suitably glammed up, I chatted with Trevor about upcoming winter trends, and lips are a big thing! In the next month or so, Laura Mercier will be releasing a Velvet Lip product which will be matte, and highly pigmented. They sound divine, and are the perfect way to achieve a rich lip all autumn and winter.

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As if the afternoon wasn’t heavenly enough, we were all treated to the most fabulous of goody bags. Tucked inside a Laura Mercier makeup bag was a mini Lip Glace, Caviar Stick, Cheek Colour, and Body Butter. It was a fabulous surprise and such a great way to end a really wonderful couple of hours!

Thank you so much to Harvey Nichols Edinburgh, Laura Mercier and Trevor O’Keeffe for a wonderful afternoon!

Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color – Pink Petal*

Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color Pink Petal

Over the past few weeks I’ve been insanely busy – in the office from about 7.30-6 and still trying to fit a social life around it, it’s fair to say I didn’t have much time for makeup touch-ups! Thankfully, Laura Mercier’s new Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color has been an absolute life saver!

Packaged in a gorgeously sleek tube, the new Paint Wash Lipsticks are a fabulous option if you like to apply your makeup in the morning, then forget about it. It’s easy to apply the colour thanks to the doe foot applicator, and Pink Petal is the most gorgeous pinky-peach! The shade is a perfect choice if you want a colour that feels like it’s your lips, but a little amplified, and I’ve been wearing pink petal with a wash of sheer pinky-brown eyeshadow and a slick of bronzer.

The wear-time of the Lip Color is amazing – you can wear them as both a lip colour, or a more subtle stain. In the mornings, I’ve been wearing a thickish layer in the morning, and as the colour fades a little, I have a flattering stain by the end of the day. The Paint Wash feels incredibly hydrating to wear, and I’ve already got my eye on a few of the different shades!

Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Color is priced at £22.00 and is available here (UK) and here (US).

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Color – Lychee Parfait*

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Color Lychee Parfait

Laura Mercier lipsticks are always amongst my most-reached for in my makeup stash. I think there is something special about their creamy formulations, stunning neutral shades and longevity which keep me reaching for them on a super regular basis.

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Thankfully, Laura Mercier’s new Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Lychee Parfait has all of these awesome qualities, and is one of 8 new shade releases from the brand

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Packed in the brand’s slick packaging, the lipstick is a stunning warm toned mauve-y pink which is a definite your lips but better shade. Weirdly, I find shades like this can be more flattering for my colouring than straight pinks and nudes.

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As well as being a stunning colour, Lychee Parfait’s formula is something special – all the lipsticks in the range contain pure olive oil and vitamin E to nourish and moisturise the lips, plus hyaluronic filling spheres to plump fine lines and repair delicate skin. Finally, Rose Seed extract works to improve elasticity, so using the lippie will make your lips feel as good as they look! When I apply the lipstick, it feels super nourishing, and gives great colour pay-off – I can easily get 3-4 hours of wear before I feel the need for a touch up!

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Color in Lychee Parfait is priced at £21.00 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

What’s in my makeup bag?

 What's In My Makeup Bag?

I thought it would be fun to start adding a few more ‘personalized’ posts here. Just to share the things I’m loving at the moment. My little daily makeup bag is the one I carry around the most. The little bag itself is Louis Vuitton, and I’ve been using it constantly since I was 16, so it’s definitely seen better days! It came as part of a limited edition bucket bag which was decorated with cherries, and on the other side there are two smiling cherries. Unfortunately, since I’ve battered it about so much, they’re looking a little worn, but I’m still in love with it. You can just see the red stitching which was also limited edition.

Inside is where is gets interesting though! Recently I’ve tried to pare down what I carry around with me – I usually have a few other lip glosses secreted in my bag, car, and wherever else, but I’ve been trying to keep everything neat and tidy!

First up is my Laura Mercier colour-to-go compact* in the brown colour-way. I’ve featured it before here, and it’s a work of genius. The top layer has a great size mirror, three shadows, an eye liner, and lipgloss and underneath there is a blush and bronzer. There isn’t a thing in the palette I don’t use daily, and I love how tidy it is.

Then I have my MAC Proenza Schouler 129 SE Brush. Again, this is a little gem, and I’m more than obsessed with the kind of petrol-look handle. The bristles are so soft, and it fits perfectly in the blush and bronzer pans of the compact.

Next up is my NARS concealer, which is just the creamiest, densest concealer I own. It’s one of the rare ones which covers up blemishes completely but doesn’t look cakey or chalky.

My lipgloss is by Laura Mercier and is called ‘Pout.’ I got this as a little extra as a Net-a-Porter order, and I love it. It’s a creamy pink and it’s a great choice for days I want to look natural, or if I’m wearing a smokey eye it doesn’t compete. Like all Mercier glosses, it has a gorgeous vanilla scent and flavor, and there isn’t a hint of stickiness.

Last up is NARS Creamy Concealer in Vanilla. This is one of my holy grail products. I use this under my eyes, over blemishes and to even skintone. It’s packaged like a lipgloss, and the wand makes application super easy. I had previously been scraping out my tubes I bought in New York as nowhere in the UK seemed to have it in stock. Thankfully a SpaceNK now have it online, so I’ve stocked up again! A tube lasts me a good few months, and I’m so glad I have replenished my stock!

So that’s what’s in my makeup bag this week! What do you always keep in yours?

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