Kim Gray Stylist Fashion Decor Lifestyle Cape Town South Africa

I thought I’d do BEAUTY FEATURE FRIDAY a bit differently this week and talk about a lifestyle rather than a specific brand etc…

I chatted to make-up artist and spokes person for Loreal S.A, Sylvie Hurford on being French. There is a very cool, kind of relaxed and yet very polished and manicured look about French Women, and I wondered how to ‘Get that look’.

As Sylvie explains,French women always look groomed and polished without looking made up. They can be wearing something very casual (as seen below) but yet look like they’ve stepped out of the glossiest of magazines.

With most of the beauty technology these days coming from France, French women are educated on looking after their skin. So when wearing any sort of foundation, keep it light and sheer and don’t plaster on heavy foundations. Sexy skin is dewy and touchable. Try Ahava Mineral Make Up, deadsea algae loose powder. It’s ultra sheer, age-defying and hydrating. (in stores soon)

Sylvie’s 3 key tips to looking French:

1.) lips: A beautiful red lip is the key item and most popular amongs sexy french women. Syvlie recommends Loreal Colour Riche with it’s new hydrating formula for a sumptuous pout.

2.) Nails: Sylvie says to keep nails short and square with lashings of colour. Always keep hands moisturized and soft. Hands are a dead give away to whether you’re groomed or not. I’m loving Essie Mid Night Cami. Navy is such a classic French Colour.

3.) Eyes: Sylvie stresses the importance of a well defined eye and recommends using a thin black liquid liner or grey pencil for a Smokey look. NB! Keep eyebrows neat and well shaped.

Thanks to Sylvie for all her tips and knowledge! Happy French Friday ladies… Now go be sexy! You’ve got the tips!

Clothing Credits: Striped Cardigan, Essie, Jeans, Sunglasses, Striped Long-sleeve Tee, White Plimsolls, scarf

This week I chat to 2 friends in the beauty business and ask them what their 5 Best Beauty Products are and Why:

Make-up Artist Jade Leggat tells us about her top 5:

*Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant- It helps get rid of surface dead skin cells, giving you that ‘glow’

*Joico K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor (treatment) – It really works at softening, moisturising and strengthening your hair.

*YSL Touche Eclat, Radiant Touch – A ’miracle worker’ this concealer is brilliant at hiding signs of fatigue and banishing dark circles.

*Estee Lauder MagnaScopic Mascara in black – I don’t leave the house with out mascara and I find this one gives your lashes serious lift off.

*Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for lips and cheeks- This stain is sheer and natural but can be built up in intensity taking you from day to night.’

See more of Jades beautiful work here.

Next Beauty Editor Juana Parathyras shares her top 5:

* DiorShow Mascara - I love a mascara with a big, wide brush and a intense black pigment. DiorShow has both and will transform your lashes. Get the brush as close to your lash line as possible and wiggle it through the lashes. Two coats is all you need.

* Clarins Everlasting Foundation SPF 15- I’m a huge Clarins fan and get very excited when they launch new products. This new foundation blends easily, melting into your skin. It’s hard working and has some serious staying power. I think what makes it great is the fact that you get the cover without looking like you’re wearing anything.

*Clinique Moisture Surge Moisturiser Extended Thirst Relief - I am addicted to this moisturiser. It’s super lightweight, non greasy, not sticky and it really hydrates while leaving your skin matte. And because it hydrates so well it plumps and prepares the skin for make-up, making your foundation application easier for a smoother result.

Thanks to these two lovely ladies for taking the time to share their top picks with us! Happy Friday!

L’Oréal South Africa officially welcomed Yves Saint Laurent into its portfolio of luxury brands on 10 February 2010.Well timed with the Launch of Parisienne.

Parisienne was one of the top fragrance launches in Europe in 2009, launching at no. 1 in France, and as such, L’Oréal South Africa has high expectations for the product in South Africa. “This is the first step towards engaging our younger customers, who are captivated by the YSL brand, but perhaps prefer something a little more floral than existing iconic YSL fragrances like Opium. Parisienne is ultra feminine, floral and it lasts long on the skin – three elements that resonate with our younger consumers. We’re sure Parisienne will hit the mark within this market,” le Roux-Marais adds.

Parisienne is available in stores from 22 February 2010, retailing at R545* for 30ml, R695* for 50ml and R895* for 90ml

I was given some of the Essie Fall Colours to try, I’m loving the (grey) Chin Chilly below.

The Essie Autumn Collection is available at select stores (Foschini, Wellness Warehouse)  for R89.95. Go play!

Did you know that dehydrated skin is more prone to aging? Here are some hydration saving products that I’m using and loving.

Estee Lauder Hydrationist delivers immediate moisture to the skin, lasting 24 hours. A rich cream texture softens and hydrates,leaving a smooth, soft texture to the skin. I’m loving this!

Lauder says:

* Our exclusive Bio-Mimetic Water is ’structured,’ so it is easily absorbed deep within skin’s surface. You can feel the replenishing benefits immediately.

* With continued use, our exclusive Sustainable Moisture Complex™ with Revival Plant Extract helps boost, balance and maintain skin’s optimum moisture levels.

*Encourages skin’s natural ‘barrier building’ abilities so it holds on to more moisture-and fights signs of premature aging more effectively.

Hydrationist will be available in March 2010.

Another Lauder Product that fits into the ‘H20′ category is the Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara. Now I don’t use make-up remover. I always use my face wash to remove mascara,make-up etc..

I can vouch this product works! I had to rummage in my cupboard for some make-up remover.. this is waterproof mascara at it’s best. Come tears, sweat, rain or swim, Sumptuous Waterproof Mascara will leave your lashes looking plump, gorgeous and smudge free. It comes in black and brown and comes with a double bristle brush that coats and combs out clumps at the same time!

For those those days when skin is looking dull and needs a hydration boost, try Clarins Hydra Quench Mask . Skin is instantly relieved, comforted and hydrated. A rich cream texture soothes the skin and leaves it feeling soft and plumped. I absolutely love this.

A hand and nail must have. Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment cream hydrates hands and strengthens nails with ingredients like shea butter and sesame oil. Skin texture is immediately softened and brighter.

Labello Hydro Care is a lifesaver, instantly moisturizing and softening chapped lips, leaving them soft and kissable – perfect for Valentines day!