A Space NK Makeover, Expert Tips and a Goodie Bag To Boot

Popping along to Space NK’s latest gift with purchase event last week was a given. For a £100 spend (often it’s £150) you got a stunning Mercy Delta makeup bag, filled with cult products, plus a free in-store makeover.

I’ve never previously taken up a makeover option, but something stirred inside this time around, and I just felt up for it – perhaps it was the thought of Spring fast approaching that made me want to freshen things up a bit.

Plus when I went to book, Raquel Le Bron, manager of my local Space NK in Tunbridge Wells and someone I’ve got to know well over the years, offered me a triple makeover - skincare, makeup and nails – with a glass of Prosecco on the side. That sealed the deal!

The beauty of an in-store makeover is that you always pick up great tips and ideas. Plus you get to try out products and brands you undoubtedly don’t have at home, as well as experience the hand of artists skilled at recreating the latest runway looks – Space NK’s had just returned from training on the looks hitting  LFW this month. 

Skincare Makeover – Aurelia Probiotic Skincare

Samples I'll shortly be testing

One brand fairly new to Space NK stores and one that has previously fallen under my radar is Aurelia Probiotic Skincare. It’s a UK-based premium bio-organic range focused on treating inflammation, a major cause of skin ageing. 

I chose to sample the cleansing balm (rich and gorgeously scented), both the eye serum and cream (because I’m greedy! No seriously, because the dryness of the skin around my eyes drives me insane), followed by the revitalising serum and day moisturiser. If you like richly textured and beautifully scented natural formulations, this is definitely a brand to explore.

Make-Up Makeover – Becca, By Terry, Chantecaille, Hourglass and Zelens

I’m not particularly adventurous when it comes to make-up. I haven’t worn that much of it in recent years (not since the kids came along). But the blog has reignited my passion for it and I love seeing my face in technicolour again!

Saying that, as I’m older now, I’m going for a more wearable natural look. That’s fortunate – nudes and naturals are a big trend for 2015. And I’m happy to embrace the 70s vibe that has also been seen on the catwalks of late – clearly there’s still a kid in me somewhere!

Make-Up artist Amy-Alice Thomas created a LFW-inspired natural look for me. Eye lids were lightly shaded with some subtle depth in the crease, and she applied a most beautiful shade of teal in the waterline (the 70s accent).

Here’s the look illustrated…

And here it is on ‘the model’...

(confession: after shot taken at home – too shy for such close up snaps in public - and sadly it hasn't picked up the teal in the waterline)

Here’s what Amy-Alice used:

Face - By Terry CC Brightening Serum No 3, By Terry CC Cream No 3, By Terry Densiliss Concealer No3, Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Power in Radiant Light
Eyes – Chantecaille ‘s The Glacier Eye Shadow Trio, Chantecaille 24 Hour Waterproof Eye Liner in Teal, Zelens Flirt Mascara
Lips – Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Artic Rose 

Expert tip: Apply concealer in a V shape from the inner eye corner. You want to put as little product on the smile lines as possible to avoid product settling into them and making them look deeper.

Nails Makeover

 

Back to Raquel for my final treat -  though it wasn’t just about the nails! First she exfoliated my hands (Green & Spring Indulging Exfoliating Body Balm) and then gave me an invigorating hand massage. Finally, nails were filed, and polished in Rococo Jaded Crème. She used NARS to top and bottom coat – Raquel swears by the NARS top coat.

Expert tip: Apply a little nail oil after top coating – it will help protect the polish from smudging should you knock your nail

I spent a fabulous two hours at the makeover. A big thank you to the Tunbridge Wells team, who definitely left me wanting more!

My Space NK Shop

The Goodie Bag

All products featured, available at Space NK.