The one where Belle gives me a makeover

I think it would be fair to say that Belle and I approach make-up and skin care from totally opposite ends of the spectrum.

For me, it’s all about protecting my skin, moisturising, using sun protection and generally keeping it healthy. For Belle, who turns 15 in a few months, it’s all about contouring, Kylie Jenner lip kits and getting the perfect winged eyeliner. (None of which I understand.) Sometimes I worry that I’ve neglected my parental duties by not teaching her how to apply make-up, but to be honest, she already knows way more than me.

One of her very favourite things is to do other people’s make-up. She loves creating different looks and experimenting with different colours and products. She spends most of her pocket money on make-up palettes and is very particular about who gets to use her make-up collection.

Because I really am a lovely mummy, even if I don’t know much about mascara, I let Belle do my make-up this week, and took the opportunity, while she couldn’t walk away, to talk to her about taking care of your skin.

Whatever your age, whether you’re 14 like Belle or 21 *ahem* like me, looking after your skin is really important. Whatever you want to do make-up wise is kind of irrelevant – the need for healthy skin is something that applies to us all, whatever your age.

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

The conversation was prompted by the arrival in the post of a collection of facial serums from No7, as part of a campaign showcasing their latest innovation – the No7 Restore & Renew face and neck multi action serum, specially developed for the needs of mature skin. It’s the first multi-action serum delivering clinically proven anti-ageing results for both the face and neck and can make you look younger is as little as two weeks!

It’s 10 years since that BBC documentary reported that a No7 Serum was independently proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles, and No7 have been working hard ever since to understand the process by which skin ages. I can remember quite clearly all the fuss over it – everyone going mad to get their hands on the serum – and it feels like only a couple of years ago. (A clear sign that I am getting old and do need to take care of my skin.)

Each of the No7 serums work via ‘building block’ technology: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Serum has technology to address fine lines & wrinkles, No7 Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION Serum addresses fine lines and wrinkles PLUS firmness and pigmentation and No7 Restore & Renew FACE & NECK MULTI ACTION Serum targets wrinkles, firmness, pigmentation in the face PLUS neck.

Fancy.

I’ve been using the No7 Lift & Luminate serum for a while now, ever since this review, and I love it. The other serums in the range are equally as lovely. They go on so smoothly and you feel like your skin is just soaking up the goodness, right there and then.

The full No7 serum range is available from Boots, in store and online, so do check them out.

No7 serums

I have to say that Belle didn’t look blown away by my skin care pearls of wisdom. She seemed more interested in painting red eyeshadow under my eyes – creating a kind of ‘over-tired zombie mother’ look – or hitting me with make-up brushes until I looked in the right direction.

She also kept getting me to sniff things. Apparently it’s not enough for make-up to look good nowadays, it also has to smell of peaches or mint chocolate. (I swear they all just smelt like eyeshadow.)

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

I think you’ll agree that even by this stage I look ready for anything…

Actually, to be fair, although it felt a bit weird to start with because I normally wear no make-up, this look did grow on me. Evening out my skin tone a little, taking away the shine and adding some drama to my eyes did give me a little bit more of a spring in my step.

Knowing that your skin is being taken good care of underneath the make-up makes a difference too. When you know that you’re putting in the effort on the skincare front you do feel that little bit better about yourself – slightly more ready to take on the world.

Win No7 goodies

If you’d like the chance to win one of ten No7 skincare goodie bags, then make sure you join in the Twitter chat hosted by We Are Thirty Plus and No7 on Thursday April 13th from 8-9pm. I’ll be there, talking all things skincare, and it’s your chance to ask questions, share tips, and generally have a bit of fun. More information is available here.

Do you have a skincare or make-up routine that makes you feel ready for anything? Is there one product or one skincare ritual that you couldn’t do without? Please leave a comment and let me know!

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

Boots No7 serum

 

This post has been produced in a paid collaboration with No7.

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8 Comments

  1. 13 April, 2017 / 10:58 am

    If it makes you feel any better, it seems to me that the No 7 Serum was out just yesterday!

    Belle is brilliant. Can she come over and teach me how to contour, please?!

  2. 13 April, 2017 / 4:29 pm

    I remember all the fuss about the serum too! I also remember doing my mum’s make-up like this, must be a rite of passage. P.S. I don’t understand the deal with the Kylie Lip Kits either, are we just too old?

  3. 13 April, 2017 / 8:33 pm

    She did a brilliant job! I have no idea about contouring – I need a Belle to teach me!

  4. 15 April, 2017 / 3:01 pm

    You look ACE – nice one Belle! Can’t believe it’s 10 years since that serum came out though!!

  5. 18 April, 2017 / 4:48 pm

    Such a lovely post, sounds like you had fun working on this together too. Elsie loves sitting with me when I’m doing my make up so as typically girly as it sounds I really hope it’s something we always have an interest in together. Also I think you get to catch up on other life things when you’re doing make up and skin care stuff. I hadn’t really thought about No7 skincare, just relate them more to make up so will definitely check these out- my eyes are going to need some extra love soon! x

  6. 19 April, 2017 / 1:53 pm

    Sounds like you had good fun together. I have basically abandoned all make up except red lipstick since baby 2.. maybe I need Belle to come and give me a lesson too!

  7. 23 June, 2017 / 1:48 pm

    How cute are you two! Belle definitely knows what she’s doing; you look great all made up! How do you feel that the No.7 serum compares to the Vitner’s Daughter serum? I’m eager to try both but don’t know which one to choose first.

  8. 17 September, 2017 / 3:37 am

    Nice review. brilliant job. I need Belle to come and give me a lesson too!

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