Make-Up

I have just come back from a couple of months in New Zealand, and even a sporty, chilled out town like Queenstown, the buzz word is BB or CC creams.
If you’ve set foot in Sephora, a drugstore or anywhere near a cosmetics counter lately, chances are you’ve been bombarded by a bewildering array of flesh coloured fluids. The alphabet formulations–like BB cream, CC cream, and soon DD creams–have joined tinted moisturisers and standard foundation on the shelves as potential skin-perfecting options. But what do they do? What’s the difference between them? And most importantly: Which should you use?


Tinted moisturiser
The explanation is in the name: The product gives you a sheer colour with a moisturising benefit. My sense is that they may be headed for extinction, or at least hibernation. While tinted moisturisers are still on the market and probably still have many fans, I haven’t seen a new launch for one in quite a while–alphabet creams are all the rage now.

BB creams otherwise known as Beauty Balm, Beauty Benefit, Blemish Base, or Blemish Balm
 Are an Asian import that have become super popular in the last two years sweeping across the world. BB creams provide coverage with added skin care benefits like SPF and anti-oxidants–the list goes on depending on what brand you choose. They’re lighter than foundation but heavier than tinted moisturisers. While the additives in BB creams can have the same efficacy as they would in stand-alone serums, be careful about counting on BB creams for adequate sun protection. Many skin doctors are concerned that women are suing it as there sun screen, which results in inadequate protection.
You still need to wear an SPF.

CC cream
The difference between BB and CC creams is subtle–CC stands for "color correcting" and the products are meant to address issues like redness or sallowness (usually with light-diffusing particles), whereas BB creams are like lighter foundation with a few skin care benefits thrown in.
CC cream is a colour corrector and will be lighter on the skin, than a BB cream. I have only tried a couple, but they have more of a whipped, light, soft finish. A new and improved version  BB.
While BB and CC creams are marketed for separate issues, and are theoretically different, I can say from the few I have tried, BBs and  CCs, are almost the same.
Where it gets most confusing, is that BB/CC benefits and coverage vary greatly among different brands. For example, Clinique’s CC cream is definitely more opaque than some BB creams I’ve tried from other brands. So go figure. You have to be diligent in reading ingredients and most importantly, trying them out,  to figure out what you want and need.  Maybe start at your favourite brand of make up and take it from there.

Last week, I was told of a new contender, just to add more confusion...

DD cream
A brand called, Julep  has released what it’s calling a "Dynamic Do-All".  It sounds like a BB/CC hybrid. From what I have heard, the cosmetics industry was predicting something completely different for DD creams. Back in November of 2012, a cosmetics industry analyst (Vivienne Rudd)  told the Cosmetic Mintel,  that a number of DD creams, called Daily Defence creams were poised to launch, but they aren’t for your face–rather they are heavy duty body and foot creams." So it will be interesting to see if Julep can single-handedly changed the category with its launch.

Here in the Cayman Islands I think it is time to put the foundations away and choose a letter that suites your skin and life style.

Zena
www.lamercayman.com

La Mer welcomes a new stylist to our team!

La Mer spa and Salon is thrilled to welcome the brilliant Kirsty Martin to our team of hairstylists. Kirsty has over 30 years of experience in the hair and fashion world, and has been passionate about her talent from a young age. Kirsty has worked for top London salon groups and was part of the Loreal color I.D artistic team back in the UK. In addition to holding a color specialist degree, she has also worked in London for fashion week, and styled hair for various videos and photo shoots. Kirsty has taught hairdressing across Europe as well as having a successful career and clientele in Southern England. Kirsty believes " you never stop learning, and strives to offer my clients new ideas through new techniques and trends. Evolving their style tailored uniquely to their needs." We are so excited that she felt the pull to come to Cayman and we welcome her as a part of our team.

 Kirsty is offering 15% OFF to first time clients on cut, wash and blow dry; full color or highlights. For a free consultation call the Marriott to book your appointment today! 949-2892 or visit our website to make an online booking www.lamercayman.com

Here are some fabulous photos of Kirsty's work in London's fashion week.

Make up tips

A quick tip, for that fresh glow.
Think about how the sun hits your face...its from above.
So for a natural fresh Bronzed look, you should do the same. It should be applied with a large soft brush in a downward motion. Starting at the forehead and taking it down under the chin towards the decollete.
Blush should be used in a different colour, to the bronzer.

Have a great weekend

Zena

Make-Up Tip

I get asked a lot of questions regarding make up tips, one of the most common is always about eyelids and eyebrows.
Eye shadow and eyeliners tend to often move through out the day, creating a crease on the upper lid. There are 2 products that I would recommend to prevent this, Laura Mercier, Eye Basics and NARS Eye shadow base.
Laura Mercier comes in a variety of colours and can be found on line or at big department stores, off-island.
NARS, can be found in, Kirk Freeport, Cardinal Street, George Town. The Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is $24 (US).

Apply a dot to the eyelid and blend with your ring finger. DO NOT over apply, as this will make the eyelid look heavy and cause an uneven texture to the eye shadow/eyeliner.

Don't forget to include an eye product in your day and night skin care regime. At La Mer Spa, we have four different product's available to you in our spas from Yonka and Hydro Peptide product lines.

If you are looking for event / wedding make-up on Grand Cayman, stop by La Mer Spa at the Grand Cayman Marriott and speak to our trained beauty therapists.

Zena